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City Cast Madison

Following the U.S. Supreme Court's decision to overturn its landmark 1973 Roe v. Wade ruling protecting abortion rights, nearly 1,000 people gathered at the Wisconsin State Capitol Building in protest.

The rally was organized by Madison's Socialist Feminist Collective and featured speakers from Freedom Action Now, local politicians, and civil rights activists.

Here's a look at scenes from Friday's protest.

There’s something truly special about strolling through an orchard with a cup of cider and a basket of freshly picked apples. If you’re itching for that fresh fall flavor, you won’t have to venture too far out of the city to find it.

Here are some choice stops for you to get your apple fix.

⏰ Hours: Wednesday-Friday 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Saturday-Sunday 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

Door Creek Orchard grows dozens of varieties of apples. And if the breed you’re looking for isn’t in season yet, the orchard has a box where you can drop a note with your name and email, and they’ll let you know when it’s time to collect the goods. Aside from apples, the orchard also has grapes.

🧭 175 Drammen Valley Road, Mount Horeb

⏰ Hours: Wednesday-Sunday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

Munchkey Apples in Mount Horeb has plenty of apple varieties and, as an added bonus, its farm store is also fully stocked with Hook’s cheese products. If you stop by, be sure to say “Hello” to the cows and dogs that work on the farm.

⏰ Hours: Tuesday-Thursday 9 a.m.-1 p.m., Friday-Sunday 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

This farm is unique because it’s one of the few dog-friendly locations around town. In addition to a variety of apple offerings, Appleberry Farm also has a Chocolate Shoppe ice cream store and a wagon full of pumpkins and pies for sale.

⏰ Hours: Tuesday-Thursday 9 a.m.-1p.m., Friday-Sunday 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

Eplegaarden in Fitchburg offers apple and raspberry picking! The farm has red and yellow raspberry varieties that will continue to ripen throughout the fall. Eplegaarden also offers big bags of “seconds” apples, otherwise known as the apples that aren’t as pretty as the rest, but will still taste good as a cider or sauce.

For even more apple orchards and fun, tune into 

 with Cap Times Food Editor Lindsay Christians. Happy picking!

It’s Apple Picking Season

Madison's Best

Angie Treinen didn’t set out to build a corn maze empire when she first entered the world of farming. But after two decades of designing unique and intricate mazes, 

 has solidified itself among the nation’s corn maze royalty.

Treinen Farm in Lodi has been in the Treinen family for nearly a century. The farm produces hay, soybeans, corn, and pumpkins, and is known for its Belgian and Percheron draft horses.

The farm is currently run by husband and wife duo Angie and Alan, who built the farm’s first corn maze in 2001. Since then, Angie has taken on the role of maze master and Alan builds and maintains the attraction.

Angie designs the mazes with themes like 

“Schrödinger’s Cat and Other Thought Experiments”

“Rainbows, Kittens, and Killer Baby Unicorns”

 (but be sure to leave yours at home because dogs aren’t allowed).

Upon arrival, you’ll receive a partial map of the maze showing its entrances and the location of the first mailbox inside the maze. Once you reach the mailbox, inside it you’ll find the next piece of your map. Repeat these steps until you have a finished map and successfully navigate the maze.

If your group is reasonably motivated, Angie says the whole process should take 45 minutes to an hour. If you’re up for a bigger challenge, there are 10 secret locations throughout the maze and if you find them all, you’ll win a prize!

For all the novices out there, Angie says not to freak out because you’re never too far from an exit. But she also suggests bringing a flashlight if you plan to navigate in the evening.

In addition to the corn maze, you’ll also find a petting zoo, pumpkin patch, horses, an enchanted woods, and much more at Treinen Farm. Additionally, outside food is allowed and picnics are encouraged.

, roughly 20 miles north of Madison and the perfect amount of time to listen to 

Crop Circle or Corn Maze? Either Way, You Need To See It.

Wisconsin is full of scenic routes for hikers, bicyclists, and motorists to take in the state’s beauty. In fact, there are 

124 state-designated official Rustic Roads

 spanning 750 miles through 61 counties that make for beautiful adventures during all of Wisconsin’s seasons.

Here are some standout routes you can take to see the sights of autumn. Don’t forget your binoculars!

The University of Wisconsin-Madison Arboretum has more than 17 miles of trails conveniently located on the west side of town. This trip is great for anyone who wants to take in the sights without worrying about filling up the tank.

The Arboretum hosts many free classes and hikes that are perfect opportunities for families and groups.

 1207 Seminole Highway, Madison, WI 53711

Parfrey’s Glen is Wisconsin’s first State Natural Area and one of the most-visited natural areas in the state. Located roughly four miles east of Devil’s Lake State Park, the glen is home to a variety of threatened plants and insects, and at its uppermost part, it reaches a depth of nearly 100 feet.

Visitors are allowed to hike the stream up to the pool below the waterfall but are not allowed beyond the falls. Also, pets aren’t allowed.

The Wisconsin Great River Road is a 250-mile journey along the Mississippi River that’s part of a national scenic route that travels through 10 other states and stretches 3,000 miles. This is a great trip for anyone looking for a longer getaway.

 that has incredible views of where the Wisconsin River meets the Mississippi.

Highway 33 is one of Wisconsin’s  "Coast to Coast" routes, stretching from Lake Michigan to the Mississippi River. With plenty of state parks, bike trails, and local attractions, this route makes for a great weekend getaway.

The Kettle Moraine Scenic Drive stretches 115 miles through six Wisconsin counties. There are numerous places to picnic, hike, camp, and bike along the way.

For even more hidden gems, check out this 

Where to See Wisconsin’s Fall Colors

Urban Almanac

If you’ve paid any attention to local news in recent years — and since you’re reading this newsletter, I’d say those odds are pretty high — you’ve likely encountered the term “Vision Zero” on several occasions.

data-informed strategy with the lofty goal

 of eliminating all traffic fatalities and severe injuries that occur on city streets by 2035. Vision Zero was 

 in the 1990s and quickly proved successful across Europe. These days, there are 

 with their own Vision Zero projects, including Minneapolis, Chicago, Denver, and Los Angeles. Madison is the 

 launched in 2020 and has been the driving force behind many transportation-related changes like speed limit reductions and street re-designs. Have you noticed the speed limits dropping to 25 mph on a number of Madison streets? That’s because the city believes that lowering the speed limit will save lives. The project is led by a steering team whose members come from the mayor’s office, Madison Police Department, Public Health, Metro Transit, and 

Some Vision Zero construction-related projects around town include the 

More than just traffic adjustments, Vision Zero relies on community engagement for success. The city has 

 since the project’s launch, with more to come.

Vision Zero relies heavily on data for its success — so, what do the numbers say?

We’re still a ways from meeting Vision Zero’s ambitious but admiral goal. So far, its results have 

. In its first year, total crashes decreased significantly but since then have plateaued.

According to the city, 44 people died in crashes on Madison streets between 2015 and 2019, and hundreds more were injured. In 2020, there were 15 

, 17 in 2021, and 14 in 2022. The estimated economic loss to the city from crashes totaled more than $103 million in 2021.

You can dig into the full action plan here

Vision Zero, Explained

Madison, Explained

Madison is a city that loves art. From big names like the 

 to the corner coffee shops, there’s art all around us on the isthmus.

This year, there’s a new arts celebration in town. The first annual 

The event is put on by Emerson Eken Arts, a neighborhood arts association whose mission is to support the local arts community. Planning for the event started last year when organizers were looking for a way to better connect artists with their neighbors.

More than 50 artists will showcase their work at dozens of locations throughout the east side neighborhoods.

Most of the artists are local to the area and will display their work in homes and driveways. Several area businesses are also playing the role of galleries for the day, including Eli’s Art Supplies, The Bubbling Teapot, Dexter’s Pub, Megan’s Custom Framing, and more.

Attendees can expect to see all kinds of art — from pottery and sculptures to photo prints and paintings, homemade cards, stained glass, and much more.

The event runs from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., rain or shine. Here’s a 

Madison’s Newest Art Walk is Here

Neighborhood Guides

The air is crisp, trees are changing colors, and pumpkin spice lattes are on the menu — it’s officially fall on Saturday. And while there are plenty of things to enjoy about this time of year, the season also brings an unwelcome guest to our lakes and streams: phosphorus.

According to the city, fall accounts for 

As rain soaks the leaves that have drifted from their branches onto yards, sidewalks, and streets, it dissolves the phosphorus in them and carries it into our waterways. You can think of the leaves as tea bags brewing phosphorus as it steeps.

Too much phosphorus can lead to murky waters, toxic algae growth, and depletion of oxygen in water, which results in the death of aquatic animals.

To combat the problem, the city cleans leaves from the streets before storms and offers yard waste collection in the fall. Clearing streets of leaves can reduce harmful phosphorus concentrations in stormwater by 

, according to a joint study from the City of Madison and U.S. Geological Survey. And 

Rake leaves from the street before it rains. Dane County residents can 

 that will remind you when rain is on the way and it’s time to take action.

. Using a mulching lawn mower to grind up leaves that fall on your lawn will return nutrients to the soil, providing a source of organic fertilizer to your lawn. It’s a win-win!

. Yard waste includes items like leaves, weeds, grass and garden trimmings, pumpkins, and pine cones. It’s different from brush, which is typically woody material cut from a tree. The city prefers you use compostable leaf bags to collect yard waste.

Yard waste pickup dates are now available for 2023. You can find yours by 

How Leaf-Free Streets Lead to Cleaner Lakes

Madison is full of great biking opportunities. Whether you want to unwind with a short spin, take a long bike trip with friends, or make it an overnight adventure, here are the best bike trips around Madison.

If you have limited time or are just getting comfortable with riding a bike around the city, here are some great options.

Downtown Loop along State Street and around the Capitol: It’s two miles long and great for people watching.

: This three-mile ride is best paired with a picnic in the middle.

 through the UW Arboretum: A beautiful six-mile trip through some of the city’s flora.

If you’ve got an hour or two, these are the rides we recommend.

: One of the most iconic rides in Madison, featuring gorgeous prairies and lots of wildflowers. It clocks in at around 12 miles.

: Lake Farm Park to Seminole Hwy, through the Arboretum and back to Lake Farm via Wingra and Cap City paths. This one’s around 16 miles.

 connects several trails, making it a great rendezvous for a ride out of the city.

 south to Paoli and back: Make a day out of it with this 17-mile loop. Paoli’s home to the new 

 and back: Pack a tent and stay overnight. This ride is about 46 miles round-trip.

 and back: At 10 miles, this one’s for less riding and more camping.

Ready to hop on the saddle? Listen to our conversation with Madison Bikes board member Grant Foster for 

more trips and recommendations on how to prepare

More of Madison’s Best Bike Trips 🚲

Madison's Best Bike Trips

Nothing pairs better with a beer at a Madison bar than pull-tabs, the small cardboard game pieces ubiquitous across the state. We asked freelance author and journalist Tea Krulos to help us uncover the bizarre backstory of this unofficial — 

Feed a dollar into a machine and out comes a Wisconsin Souvenir Milkcap — that’s the full government name. Pull on the tabs to reveal a collection of slot-machine-like icons that could win you up to $250. Krulos says the most he’s won is $2.

“The story is really convoluted and strange, and kind of a rabbit hole,” says Krulos, who recently wrote about pull-tabs for Milwaukee Magazine and says he’s still unsure if he fully understands it.

The game was invented in 1955 by Walter Bohrer, who was in the business of providing bars with coin-operated machines like jukeboxes and pinball — it was his “retirement hobby business.”

The sale of gambling devices is illegal in Wisconsin, so how are pull-tabs allowed? 

, a gambling piece is legal if it is attached to an item of value in addition to a potential prize — like the fries you got with McDonald’s Monopoly game. Walter Bohrer remembered that when he was a child, delivered milk bottles had a tab underneath the cap that you could pull and potentially win a free dairy product. This gave him an idea.

Fellow 90s kids will remember Pogs, decorated 

circular cardboard pieces that you could collect

  — and collect, I did. Enter the Wisconsin Souvenir Milkcap, a collectible item that just so happens to come with the opportunity to win some money.

This might be my favorite instance of utilizing nostalgia to exploit a loophole.

You can click (not pull) the button below to hear more about pull-tabs.

Why Madison Bars Have Pull-tab Machines

WTF are Pull-Tabs?

Signs of Protest in Madison

Local Civics

A great first step to staying up to date is to get connected online. The City of Madison and its many departments maintain a number of email lists and social media accounts. From what side of the street to park on during a snow emergency to reminders to vote, the city’s social media accounts will keep you informed.

 during election season for helpful reminders and on point GIFs. The 

 Twitter account will keep you parking on the right side of the street during snow emergencies, and the 

 will let you know where all the construction street closures are.

The full collection of accounts can be found here.

To learn more about your neighborhood, subscribe to updates from your alder. Find out who represents you 

For a weekly overview of what happens in Madison’s local government, check out the 

. This system keeps track of agendas, meeting minutes, and legislation.

 while others meet in person. Virtual meetings can be viewed online or listened to over the phone. Details are posted on the meeting agenda as well as on the 

list of meetings that can be viewed live online.

Meetings that are broadcasted can also be livestreamed on the 

list of meetings that City Channel regularly covers

If you would like to voice your opinion on an issue raised during a city meeting, you can submit written comments or register to speak. Public comments for virtual meetings open when the meeting’s agenda is posted.

The top of meeting agendas will include directions for how to participate, whether that’s for a virtual or hybrid meeting. Written comments will be sent to a specified email address (it’s different for different groups). By registering, you can choose to speak, answer questions, or register in support or opposition to an agenda item without speaking. Meeting participants can 

During City Council meetings, for example, pay close attention at the very beginning when alders will vote on the consent agenda. This is when a number of items are acted on in one fell time-saving swoop rather than separate motions.

, will outline exceptions to the consent agenda, which include items that have registrants wishing to speak and items that alders have separated for discussion purposes, agenda items with recommendations different from the agenda, and items introduced from the floor.

There are plenty of ways to keep tabs on and get involved with local government. 

How to Find Out What’s Going On With Madison’s Local Government

Dane County has its own local government that is different from the City of Madison. Dane County is governed by a county executive and a 

 with 37 members representing an individual district in the county. Supervisors elect their peers to serve leadership roles, including chair, two vice-chairs and two sergeants-at-arms.

Supervisor districts are drawn every 10 years following the federal census. For the first time in 2021, Dane County used a 

Dane County-elected leaders oversee the jail, Henry Vilas Zoo, Dane County Regional Airport, Alliant Energy Center, and landfill and lake management, for example.

Similar to Madison’s local government, the full-time executive serves for a four-year term while part-time supervisors serve for two. The county executive currently earns $138,271 per year, which will increase to $142,420 on April 18. Board supervisors currently earn an annual salary of $11,227, which will increase to $11,423.47 on April 18.

Supervisors also earn $30 for attending certain meetings. Supervisors who serve as standing committee (with the exception of Executive Committee) chairs or on the Extension Committee and Land Conservation Committee may receive an additional $100 per month. The chair of the county board earns an annual salary of $53,045 in lieu of additional compensation, which will increase to $53,973.29 on April 18.

. Residents interested in getting involved by serving on a committee 

 includes calendars, agendas and meeting minutes. 

provides directions for how to use the system to access the platform’s functions while 

this one details how to attend hybrid meetings.

For more information on the legislative process, check out this 

Dane County has its own local government that is different from the City of Madison. 

Understanding Dane County Government

 that help guide legislation in the city. Boards and commissions have some independent power to make decisions on behalf of the city while committees are generally limited to making recommendations or reports to the mayor or City Council.

These groups also allow residents to get involved in local government without running for an elected position.

Madison’s collection of boards, committees, and commissions have varying levels of authority and oversee different subject areas. For example, the Urban Design Commission regulates the general appearance of buildings, structures, landscaping and open areas. The Finance Committee makes recommendations on changes to the city’s budget and other issues with fiscal implications, while the Transportation Commission makes decisions on issues affecting transit.

Serving on one of Madison’s many boards, committees, and commissions is a direct way residents can have a voice in city government. Interested residents can check out which groups have vacancies (

see furthest column to the right on this page

follow the application steps outlined here

All members of boards, committees, and commissions are appointed positions. Most members are appointed by the mayor and confirmed by the City Council.

The appointments are voluntary, but some people are appointed due to another position they hold. For example, a position on the Joint Campus Area Committee is reserved for a representative from UW Housing, and the Madison Metropolitan School District Superintendent (or designee) sits on the Plan Commission.

Members of boards, commissions, and committees are typically unpaid, though there are some exceptions. For example, the Civilian Oversight Board members receive $100 per month. Members of the Board of Public Works and Board of Review receive a small annual stipend, which is outlined in state law.

Most boards, commissions, and committees are created by ordinance without an expiration date. The City Council president can establish ad hoc committees, task forces, or work groups, which typically have an end date outlined in a resolution or directive. This usually occurs when one of these groups delivers a report to the City Council.

In practice: Police Civilian Oversight Board

Formed in 2020, the Police Civilian Oversight Board is independent from the Madison Police Department, hires and supervises the independent police monitor, works with the monitor’s office and the community to review and make recommendations related to local police. 

 currently holds the independent police monitor role.

The Police Civilian Oversight Board and independent monitor were 

 from the Madison Police Department Policy Procedure and Review Ad Hoc Committee that formed after the police killing of Madison teenager 

The oversight board is different from the Public Safety Review Committee (PSRC) and the Police and Fire Commission (PFC). The PSRC advises the mayor and City Council on issues related to law enforcement budgets and recommends long-range department goals. The PFC appoints the police and fire chiefs, oversees promotions and hirings and holds hearings on disciplinary matters.

Madison has 83 boards, committees, and commissions that help guide legislation in the city.

The Groups That Help Form City Policies

The City of Madison has a mayor-council form of government in which residents elect a mayor and legislative council. The mayor and alders, who are members of the City Council (officially known as the Common Council), are nonpartisan positions.

Madison’s mayor is elected to a four-year term. As the city’s chief executive officer, they do the full-time job with a salary of $157,548.30. The mayor sets the direction for the city budget and big initiatives as well as making sure city ordinances and state laws are followed and that all city officers and employees fulfill their duties.

The mayor supervises and appoints city officers and heads of departments and makes appointments to various boards, committees, and commissions. The position presides at City Council meetings and has veto power. It takes a 2/3 vote of the council to override a mayoral veto.

, who each represent a different district in Madison. Alders are elected to two-year terms by city residents. Alders elect two of their peers to serve as president and vice president. From transportation policies to alcohol licensing, public safety, and how taxpayer dollars are spent, the City Council is responsible for many aspects of city living.

Alders are considered part-time positions, and the position earns $14,903.72 annually. The two leadership positions earn more, with the president’s position at $18,135 and vice president at $16,077.62 annually.

Alders represent the residents of their districts and work with the mayor, other city officials and city employees to address issues in the city. They serve on city committees, communicate with their constituents and participate in creating the city’s budget.

The city approves voting boundaries every 10 years following the federal census in a process called redistricting. In Madison, a 

established the new boundaries.
Who represents you? Find out by 

The City of Madison has a mayor-council form of government in which residents elect a mayor and legislative council.

Who Calls the Shots in Madison?

by Erin Gretzinger / Wisconsin Watch, Wisconsin Watch

When Ken Koeppler first heard the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources wanted to visit his property, he didn’t think he had anything to worry about.

A Madison resident is is being held liable for contamination beneath a building he owns, despite the fact he was never involved in the dry cleaning business that operated there in the 1950s and 1960s. 

He hopes new legislation will relieve him of financial liability once and for all.

Local Civics

Signs of Protest in Madison

Local Civics

How to Find Out What’s Going On With Madison’s Local Government

Understanding Dane County Government

The Groups That Help Form City Policies

Who Calls the Shots in Madison?

Bill Could Help ‘Innocent Purchasers’ Clean Up Contaminated Wisconsin Land

The Ins and Outs of Madison's Local Government

Your Fast Guide to Voting in Madison

Can formerly incarcerated people legally vote in Wisconsin? It depends.

The latest in Madison

It’s Apple Picking Season

Crop Circle or Corn Maze? Either Way, You Need To See It.

Where to See Wisconsin’s Fall Colors

Vision Zero, Explained

Madison’s Newest Art Walk is Here

How Leaf-Free Streets Lead to Cleaner Lakes

Madison's Best Bike Trips

WTF are Pull-Tabs?