Community Corner

🌱 Patch AM: How will Monona Grove’s school consolidation change your child’s early grades?

Be sure to catch Wednesday SWING Night with Jumptown on the Madison Patch calendar

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Hello Madison! Stay connected with the latest updates from around town. Let's dive in! ☕️️

In today's newsletter:

  • How will Monona Grove’s school consolidation change your child’s early grades?
  • How falling ice forced a gas leak shutdown on Femrite Drive
  • How Wisconsin’s state parks are changing for your 2026 adventures

Also on today's calendar: Wednesday SWING Night with Jumptown and 9 more events.

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

Today's riddle: My brother swallowed a box of firecrackers. - Is he all right now? 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

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

  • Thursday: Rain and drizzle in the a.m., with a high of 44 and low of 9 degrees. ⛄️ Brr!
  • Friday: Some sun, then clouds; colder, temps: high: 24, low: 17.
  • Saturday: Mostly cloudy and not as cold, with a high of 35 and low of 8 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. Monona Grove School Board to consolidate Taylor Prairie, Cottage Grove School into single site (nbc15.com) — Families in the Monona Grove School District will see Taylor Prairie School and Cottage Grove School consolidated into a single 4K–2 site starting in the 2026–27 school year, following a board decision announced in Madison. District leaders say the move reflects enrollment trends and fiscal responsibility, and they’re also exploring selling Maywood and district office properties while planning a smooth transition for students and staff.
   

2. Madison Fire Department: Gas leak caused by falling ice (wmtv15news.com) — Madison firefighters shut down part of Femrite Drive on the south side Tuesday after falling roof ice damaged a gas meter and caused a leak, but no injuries were reported. Crews cut off the gas supply, checked for dangerous gas levels, and turned the scene over to MGE once the area was confirmed safe.
   

3. Storied Past, Bright Future: What's To Come For The Wisconsin State Park System (wisconsin.gov) — State park lovers in and around Madison can look forward to more flexible 12‑month admission passes, new universal kayak launches, and accessibility upgrades across Wisconsin’s 120-plus recreation properties. Mark your calendar for 2026 favorites like First Day Hikes, candlelight events, and Free Fun Weekend, as the DNR leans on volunteers and community partners to shape the next chapter of the state park system.
   

4. Texas AG sues Epic Systems, alleges illegal monopoly and restrictions for parents accessing child medical records (nbc15.com) — From Madison, reporters detail how Texas’ attorney general is suing Verona-based Epic Systems, accusing the health-records giant of holding an illegal monopoly and limiting parents’ access to some children’s medical information. Epic strongly denies the claims, saying doctors and health systems, not the company, control parental access and that its software actually improves information sharing nationwide.
   

📸 Around Madison

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • I paid my property tax bill today and I had to call the treasurer’s office a few times.
    Thought I’d pass on some info so you don’t have to go through hoops. 1. Over the phone they will ask for your invoice number. Nowhere does their… (Nextdoor Walnut Grove)
  • This is a warning for all dog owners.
    Our dog died recently from a bad reaction to a pain reliever/anti-inflammatory drug called Rimadyl (Carprofen). Although this drug is commonly… (Nextdoor Orchard Ridge)
  • Each quarter, we take a moment to honor our UWPD staff for their heroic, lifesaving actions over the past few months. Today, we were honored to... (X: UWMadisonPolice)
  • The Village of DeForest is engaging with residents about the proposed QTS data center.... (X: WKOW)
  • Kroger Family of Companies posted a job opening for Online Grocery Pick-Up Clerk in Madison. Apply here.
  • The Madison Metropolitan School District posted a job opening for 25-26 - Huegel - Building Custodian I - 1.0 FTE 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 don’t know. I haven’t heard the last report.
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Send it to us!

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