🧀 The Wedge beer and cheese shop taps out

🏗️ UW Engineering Building Gets Back on Track

• Construction can start in April on a new engineering building for UW-Madison after the State Building Commission gave it a final go-ahead on Friday.
• The Phillip A. Levy Engineering Center, scheduled to open in 2028, is seen by advocates as a much-needed update to campus facilities and a way to meet a growing need for engineers in Wisconsin.
• But in December, the GOP-led commission denied a request to approve changes in funding and start construction. The commission reversed course last week. [Cap Times]

🧀 The Wedge Beer and Cheese Shop To Close

• The Wedge beer and cheese bar on Atwood Ave. will close Thursday, owner Jacob Guyette announced on the business’ Instagram account.
• “It is best for us to close our doors and allow new ownership to come in and help the space of 2001 Atwood Ave. to thrive,” Guyette wrote.
• The tavern and cheese shop opened last February in the space formerly occupied by One Barrel Brewing, specializing in Wisconsin made delicacies. [Instagram, City Cast Madison 🎧]

⚖️ Madison Lawyer and Democratic Strategist Bill Dixon Dies

• Bill Dixon, a longtime Madison civil rights attorney and an influential figure in national politics, died last week in Monona from prostate cancer at 81.
• Dixon’s colorful career included time as a television commentator, campaign manager for Colorado Gov. Gary Hart’s 1988 presidential campaign, and manager of the Democratic National Convention under the late President Jimmy Carter.
• In lieu of flowers, Dixon’s obituary urges “people are encouraged to donate to anyone involved in a good fight.” [Cap Times, 🔒 WSJ]

Martin Luther King Jr. Day is January 20, and Wisconsin is home to the oldest official state ceremony commemorating the slain civil rights leader and his legacy.

On the City Cast Madison podcast today, host Bianca Martin talks to two artists who are part of the Madison Public Library exhibit “I AM A Man: The Rehumanization of Black Men.” The exhibit, now on display at Goodman South Library, was inspired by curator Sharon Bjyrd’s experiences visiting the National Civil Rights Museum in Memphis.

Here are some other ways to honor King in Madison.

MLK Community Choir

Anyone, regardless of ability, can be part of the MLK Community Choir, under the direction of Leotha and Tamera Stanley, when they perform Jan. 20 at the 40th Annual Madison & Dane County MLK Day Observance at Overture Center.

Those interested will need to take part in two rehearsals beforehand on Jan. 14 and Jan. 18 at Mt. Zion Lutheran Church.

MLK Free Community Dinner

Celebrate King’s commitment to fellowship with a free buffet dinner on Jan. 18 at Gordon Dining & Event Center featuring chicken, mac ‘n’ cheese, sweet potato pie and more.

MLK Ecumenical Service

On Sunday morning, Jan. 19, this service at S.S. Morris AME Church brings together people of all backgrounds and faiths to honor King’s dream of equality and social justice.

Sun Prairie’s Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Ceremony

Sun Prairie will host this event at 10 a.m. on Jan. 20 at Mackenzie Family Boys and Girls Club, featuring local leaders, music, a free meal, and a documentary screening.

Meet Daisy! This 11-year-old Maltese mix was transferred to DCHS in late December 2024 from another shelter in Wisconsin that couldn’t meet her special medical needs. She had a chronic issue with her left eye that DCHS veterinarians decided to surgically remove in order to make her more comfortable. Daisy also needed several teeth removed. After recovering from her procedures, volunteers noted an extra pep in Daisy’s step. She’s a sweet dog who loves treats and receiving pets and she’s looking for a home where she can be the only pup so she can keep all the attention and love for herself.