Community Corner

🌱 Patch AM: How a Madison school is honoring lives lost one year later

Also, don't miss Madison Area Concert Handbells presents: Snowed In! - A Christmas Concert on the Madison Patch calendar

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Saturday December 13th Patch AM
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Good morning to you Madison! Catch up on our news and events right here. Keep reading to stay in the know. ☀️

In today's newsletter:

  • How a Madison school is honoring lives lost one year later
  • Why are Madison school taxes spiking now—and can your bill change?
  • How will Madison now choose interim alders for vacant council seats?

Also on today's calendar: Madison Area Concert Handbells presents: Snowed In! - A Christmas Concert and 9 more events.

Find out what's happening in Madisonfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Today's riddle: What did the boat dock say when it was arrested? 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

Find out what's happening in Madisonfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

  • Saturday: Frigid with a little snow, with a high of 6 and low of -11 degrees. ⛄️ Brr!
  • Sunday: Some sun, then clouds; frigid, temps: high: 6, low: 0.
  • Monday: Not as cold, with a high of 26 and low of 10 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. ALCS leadership shares message ahead of one-year mark of school shooting (wkow.com) — Abundant Life Christian School in Madison is marking one year since the Dec. 16, 2024 school shooting with a Day of Honor and Service while classes remain in session. School leaders are thanking Madison and Dane County for their support and asking residents to keep students, staff, and families in their thoughts and prayers as healing continues.
   

2. MMSD property tax hike: What you can do about it and what realtors, districts want you to (fox47.com) — Many Madison and Fitchburg homeowners are seeing higher property tax bills this year after voters approved two Madison Metropolitan School District referendums, though officials say the increases are slightly lower than projected. Local realtors explain limited options for reducing bills, while MMSD leaders defend the funding as necessary for upcoming school projects on the city’s northeast side.
   

3. Madison City Council changes how it will fill vacant seats (captimes.com) — Madison’s City Council has standardized how it fills vacant alder seats, shifting initial application review to the Executive Committee and setting a clear minimum 10-business-day window for applicants. The full council will still choose replacements, with supporters saying the new process improves transparency and public input, especially for districts near UW–Madison.
   

4. Winter Free Fishing Weekend Opens Doors To The Outdoors Jan. 17-18 (wisconsin.gov) — Madison-based state officials are inviting residents to try ice fishing for free during Wisconsin’s Winter Free Fishing Weekend on Jan. 17-18, 2026. Anyone can fish most state waters without a license, though normal regulations still apply, and the DNR offers loaner gear and safety guidance to help newcomers get started.
   

📸 Around Madison

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🗓 Upcoming Events in Madison

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📣 Madison Shout Outs!

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • All are invited to come and enjoy an evening of beautiful music presented by Glenwood Moravian Trombone Choir and Choral Choir, Sunday at 7pm!
    Cookie reception to follow. If you would like to attend virtually, you may enjoy the concert on YouTube through Glenwood's link. Either way, we hope… (Nextdoor Dudgeon Monroe)
  • All are invited to come and enjoy an evening of beautiful music presented by Glenwood Moravian Trombone Choir and Choral Choir, Sunday at 7pm!
    Cookie reception to follow. If you would like to attend virtually, you may enjoy the concert on YouTube through Glenwood's link. Either way, we hope… (Nextdoor Dudgeon Monroe)
  • Starting today, the @wistatepatrol and law enforcement agencies across the state are working extra patrols watching for impaired drivers. The holiday... (X: WisconsinDOT)
  • Many thanks to the Cameroonian Assocation of Madison for inviting myself and Dane County Executive Agard as guests of honor at their End of Year... (X: MayorOfMadison)
  • Ross Stores, Inc posted a job opening for Early Morning Stock Associate in Madison. Apply here.
  • IICRC posted a job opening for Commercial Cleaner in Madison. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Madison here.

Ok Madison! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!

-- The Patch AM Team

P.S. The answer to today's riddle: I demand a jury of my piers.
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Send it to us!

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