People

Living next door to bees: The pitfalls and perks

Submitted by Susan Endres, Madison Commons Reporter

Friday, April 19th, 2013, 5:26pm

Living next door to bees: The pitfalls and perks

Madison buzzed last year when urban beekeeping became legal, but not everyone loves living near a hive. While they are relatively few, the city has received some complaints about beekeepers over the last year.

According to zoning administrator Matt Tucker, there are 39 beekeeping licenses out in Madison, and only about three or four have had complaints lodged against them since the ordinance passed in February 2012. This is comparable to complaints about Madison's urban chicken raisers, Tucker said.

He noted the issues that most commonly come up with beekeepers have to do with the personal responsibility of keepers, like hives resting closer to lot lines than the ordinance allows.

Loni Broesch has filed multiple complaints about her neighbor and said she's miserable living next to a beekeeper.

Loni Broesch has been unhappy with bees from her neighbor's hive taking up residence in her backyard pool. (Photo courtesy of Loni Broesch)

View Comments | Post a Comment

At public forum, residents weigh in on possible Metro route changes

Submitted by Susan Endres, Madison Commons Reporter

Friday, April 12th, 2013, 12:52pm

At public forum, residents weigh in on possible Metro route changes

Adjustments proposed for Sheboygan Avenue, Allied Drive

Around 30 people attended a public hearing Wednesday evening to weigh in on possible changes to Madison bus routes.

The City of Madison Transit and Parking Commission listened to the comments and concerns of about 20 Madison residents. Most attendees focused on the proposed changes to bus routes 14 and 15 at Sheboygan Avenue on the west side, but others had suggestions for routes 9, 10 and 18, among others.

In the end, "30 percent will like [what's changed]; 30 percent will hate it; 30 percent won't care; 10 percent won't realize there was a change," said Transit Schedule Planner Colin Conn. "That’s just standard."

View Comments | Post a Comment

Work by deaf artists on display at DHS

Submitted by Tabatha Wethal, Channel3000.com Community Reporter

Wednesday, March 20th, 2013, 4:23pm

Art reflects 'unique abilities'

Paintings, photographs, sculptures, and other works of art created by Wisconsin residents who have varying degrees of hearing loss, plus artwork by sign language interpreters, is on display at the Department of Health Services building in downtown Madison to commemorate Deaf History Month, celebrated March 13-April 15.

Linda Huffer, director of the Office Deaf and Hard of Hearing at DHS, said the exhibit is meant to give attendees a sense of the challenges of hearing loss.

"These amazing works of art reflect the richness and diversity of people who have a hearing loss and those who work with them,” Huffer said in a news release.

Secretary-elect Kitty Rhoades invited everyone to come and view the artwork at the DHS headquarters this month.

View Comments | Post a Comment

Mayor proclaims Saturday ‘Bird Day’ in the city

Submitted by Tabatha Wethal, Channel3000.com Community Reporter

Friday, January 4th, 2013, 5:59pm

Mayor proclaims Saturday ‘Bird Day’ in the city

Local, national protection groups bringing awareness to pet birds

The City of Madison joins a national non-profit in celebrating the feathered kind on National Bird Day Saturday.

On Dec. 19, Mayor Paul Soglin signed a proclamation making Jan. 5 Bird Day in the city. Soglin wrote he “encourage[s] our citizens to conserve and protect the world’s birds from cruelty and extinction.”

The city’s Bird Day coincides with the same day it is celebrated nationwide through Born Free and the Avian Welfare Coalition.

Monica Engebretson, wildlife biologist with Born Free, said National Bird Day is about to protecting and appreciating birds.

“Birds are actually not domesticated animals like cats and dogs,” Engebretson said. “They belong in the wild and it is very challenging to meet their needs in a home environment.”

DCHS has three parakeets, or budgies, ready to be adopted. Larry is the green-feathered fowl and the blue birds are both named Daryl, Gayle Viney said.

View Comments | Post a Comment

Org: Lack of buses in snow emergencies unacceptable for Madison

Submitted by Tabatha Wethal, Channel3000.com Community Reporter

Wednesday, January 2nd, 2013, 2:22pm

Org: Lack of buses in snow emergencies unacceptable for Madison

Bus advocates group says Madison needs a snow emergency bus service

The Madison Area Bus Advocates, a non-profit group comprised of citizens who describe themselves as “pro-bus,” said Madison Metro’s service shutdown during a snowstorm Dec. 21 highlights the need for a busing plan in snow emergencies.

The president and vice president of the advocacy organization -- Susan De Vos and Michael Barrett -- shared their thoughts on the need for emergency service for bus patrons during Southern Wisconsin’s frequently travel-adverse winter weather.

De Vos and Barrett said Madison’s Metro Transit needs a skeletal snow emergency plan:

Our winters are harsh; we can have excessive snowfalls, and conditions are not always amenable to a "business as usual" format. So despite all our technology, there are simply times when we need a contingency plan, as during the recent blizzard of Thursday, Dec. 20.

UW Madison campus was operating after the heavy snowfall Dec. 20; the snow did not halt final exams that Friday. (Photo submitted)

View Comments | Post a Comment

Snowstorm closes much of Madison area - Continued news coverage

Submitted by Tabatha Wethal, Channel3000.com Community Reporter

Thursday, December 20th, 2012, 8:00pm

Snowstorm closes much of Madison area - Continued news coverage

CHANNEL3000.COM HAS YOUR COMMUNITY WINTER-WEATHER NEWS

Madison-area community closures, advisories will be updated
throughout the strong winter storm affecting much of Southern Wisconsin.

School closings: Search for your school by city
Madison-area neighborhood closings including business, churches and more
Live blizzard watch blog is updated by the minute. Check out local photos, videos, tweets, Facebook updates and more.
Viewer-submitted photos of scenic snow

View Comments | Post a Comment

Center offers help to senior citizens, ‘sandwich generation’ caregivers

Submitted by Tabatha Wethal, Channel3000.com Community Reporter

Wednesday, December 5th, 2012, 7:37pm

Center offers help to senior citizens, ‘sandwich generation’ caregivers

Northside Madison location open to assist
county residents with challenges associated with aging

A resource facility for the elderly and adults with disabilities is now open on the north side. The Aging and Disabilities Resource Center of Dane County opened Nov. 28 to help educate caregivers and the elderly about long-term care for older adults, regardless of income.

Dane County officials said the center will provide services needed by a variety of the community.

“As our population continues to age, the information … will be invaluable to … those in the ‘sandwich generation’ who are taking care of their children and their parents at the same time,” Dane County Supervisor Paul Rusk said in a news release.

View Comments | Post a Comment