🌱 Olbrich Botanical Gardens' Corpse Flowers + East Dean Basement Fire

Hello again, Madison! Important update: You all, as readers, have made the Madison Daily so successful that it is my honor to announce the next stage of the newsletter. Patch is looking for a local writer and entrepreneur to take the helm of the Madison Daily. Although I have loved getting to know this community, we want to pass the torch to someone truly local to write about Madison long term. So if you’re interested in earning extra income while making this newsletter a more valuable resource for your neighbors, learn more and apply here.

First, today's weather:

Cold; a shower in the p.m.. High: 47 Low: 43.

Here are the top three stories in Madison today:

1. The Dane County Sheriff's Office reminds the community to practice safe driving around farm equipment. The office is asking drivers to be patient when encountering equipment that is hindering traffic. It is currently illegal to pass farm equipment in a no-passing zone. The office is also asking farmers to attempt to make their equipment more visible with lights and flashers. (WMTV – NBC15)
2. It has been nearly 12 years since one of Olbrich Botanical Gardens' corpse flowers last bloomed, but it will likely open up this season. These unique and rare plants bloom only a handful of times throughout their 40-year lifespan. The plant gets its name due to the rotting flesh smell that it emits to attract pollinators. (Channel3000.com - WISC-TV3)
3. A basement fire on the city's east side has displaced a family and killed their pet cat. The Madison Fire Department responded to the blaze in the 300 block of East Dean Avenue after a neighbor reported smoke emitting from the residence. No human was injured during the incident. (Channel3000.com - WISC-TV3)

Today in Madison:

• Chamber Coffee Chat At The Waunakee Area Chamber Of Commerce (8:30 AM)
• Red Cross Blood Drive At The Madison Public Library (9:30 AM)

From my notebook:

• The Madison Children's Museum offers a First Time Parent Membership. Click to learn more about this popular free membership opportunity. (Facebook)
• The Dane County Humane Society is asking for bug donations. A large number of patients need to eat bugs as part of their diet. Click to learn more. (Facebook)
• Are you looking for a gift for your favorite co-worker? The Dane County Farmers' Market has plenty of flowers and baked goods that would make perfect gifts for Administrative Professionals Day. (Facebook)

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Events:

• Shop for Mom Craft & Vendor Show (April 30)
• Hire A Pro To Tackle Mom's To-Do List (May 8)
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Thanks for following along and staying informed! See you tomorrow for your next update.

— Sean Peek

About me: Sean Peek is a writer and entrepreneur with a degree in English Literature from Weber State University. Over the years, he has worked as a copywriter, editor, SEO specialist, and marketing director for various digital media companies. He currently co-owns and operates content creation agency Lightning Media Partners.