Community Corner

🌱 Patch AM: One Wisconsin High School Topped Every Other For National Merit Semifinalists

Happening soon: Free Bra Fittings to Support Breast Cancer Awareness on the Madison Patch calendar

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Thursday September 10th Patch AM
Thursday September 10th Patch AM (Patch graphic)

Hey hey Madison! Your one-stop source for local news is here. Continue reading for all the updates. ☀️

In today's newsletter:

  • Madison West tops Wisconsin for National Merit semifinalists this year
  • What the DNR's downtown Madison office closure means for you
  • How a union fight at St. Mary's could affect Madison patients.

Also on today's calendar: Free Bra Fittings to Support Breast Cancer Awareness and 9 more events.

Today's riddle: What do you get when you cross an angry cow with an angry sheep? 🤔 (Answer below!)

From our Partner
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Weather forecast:

  • Thursday: Sunny, nice and less humid, with a high of 78 and low of 56 degrees.
  • Friday: Sunny and pleasant, temps: high: 78, low: 64.
  • Saturday: A t-storm around in the p.m., with a high of 78 and low of 56 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. One Wisconsin High School Topped Every Other For National Merit Semifinalists (patch.com) — Madison readers can celebrate a standout academic year as Madison West High School leads all Wisconsin schools with 25 National Merit semifinalists, with additional honorees from East, Edgewood, Vel Phillips Memorial, and other area schools. The statewide list highlights how many local students are among the top PSAT scorers nationally, now moving forward in a scholarship competition expected to award millions of dollars next spring.
   

2. DNR Downtown Madison Service Center Will Close Sept. 30 (wisconsin.gov) — Downtown Madison residents who use the DNR's GEF2 service center should plan ahead, as the office will close to the public on Sept. 30, 2026. Staff will relocate to Hill Farms as a field office by appointment, and the nearest in‑person licensing option will be the Fitchburg Service Center or one of many local sales agents and online services.
   

3. SSM St. Mary's nurses in Madison file federal labor complaint against health system (wpr.org) — Nurses at SSM Health St. Mary's Hospital in Madison have filed a federal labor complaint, alleging the health system interfered with their successful unionization vote and threatened pro-union staff. SSM denies violating labor law and is appealing the election results, delaying contract talks that nurses say are needed to address understaffing and protect patient care in Madison.
   

4. Milwaukee Street reconstruction leaves homeowners facing surprise bills (nbc15.com) — Homeowners along Milwaukee Street on Madison's east side could face surprise assessments of $7,000 to $10,000 as the city moves ahead with a $5.5 million reconstruction and utility replacement project slated for 2027. After residents raised concerns at a public hearing, the Board of Public Works agreed to explore extending the standard eight-year repayment plan for qualifying property owners before construction begins next spring.
   

5. Willy Street businesses warn recovery far from over after Madison council rejects relief (wmtv15news.com) — Williamson Street businesses in Madison are still struggling after a two-week encampment and are reeling from the Common Council's narrow rejection of $75,000 in proposed relief. Owners report lost customers, reduced hours, and lingering financial uncertainty, while supporters argue the city should help cover unexpected disruptions and business leaders urge neighbors to lean on the broader Madison business community during recovery.
   

📸 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

  • I was at the DMV earlier today to renew my driver's license.
    My appointment was for 10:20 and I walked in the building at 10:18. I had my picture taken, eyes tested, new license paid for and back in my car at… (Nextdoor Whitetail Ridge)
  • UPDATE: Found!
    Thank you for all of the advice and kind words. Thankfully when I got up this morning to go look she was waiting outside my building. Hello. My name… (Nextdoor Campus Dr)
  • WDI, LLC posted a job opening for Part Time Weekend Merchandiser (Beverages) in Madison. Apply here.
  • Dane County Wisconsin posted a job opening for Transfer List - Stock Clerk (G11) 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: An animal that's in a baaaaad mooood! (Thank you Lisa A. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!

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