Packwaukee
Packwaukee, WI · Municipal
GazetteXtra
Lahner says on national podcast that he left Janesville because of data center backlash
JANESVILLE — In a recent appearance on a national podcast, former Janesville City Manager Kevin Lahner said he left Janesville — and ended a quarter-century of work in local government — after he’d spent months shouldering a barrage of public backlash over the proposed data center at the GM/JATCO site. Lahner said that in the end, he’d felt waves of criticism from Janesville residents hit so hard, and so often, that it began to eat away at his self image. Lahner opened up to host Chris Mann on Mann’s popular local government podcast ”Gov360” earlier this month, saying that after the Viridian Partners’ data center proposal came before the city , he began receiving emails that said “you’re terrible,” and “you’re ruining the community.” The former city manager told Mann he’d always viewed himself as a person of integrity. But in Janesville, as months of strife began to pile up over a singular controversy, the GM/JATCO and a data center prospect, Lahner’s view of himself began to degrade. Mann’s Oct. 13 podcast episode featured Lahner , who reflected on his 25-year career in city management. He’d led many cities besides Janesville. Lahner’s exit from the city on May 29 marked
GazetteXtra
Veterans Field at Riverside Park undergoes much-needed renovation
An offensive secret for both the Janesville Craig and Janesville Parker high school baseball teams no longer exists. But so are the long days of work in the spring for Seo Hernandez. The renovation of Veterans Field at Riverside Park is to blame and to credit. The baseball field that has existed for 118 years recently underwent a 2½-week renovation. The existing infield grass was removed and replaced by new grass that resembles artificial turf. Six inches of the infield dirt was dug up and replaced. Lasers were used to ensure the new field sloped at an optimum level. The Janesville School District project also included similar work to the three softball and two baseball practice fields at both Craig and Parker. While Veterans Field won’t have any spikes on it for five months, the initial reviews are positive. “It’s beautiful,” said Brooks Graff, the Parker High baseball coach. “I had a guy tell me he went out there and didn’t believe it was real grass,” said Josh Shere, the Craig High coach. “It’s really nice.” The baseball field, which hosted its first game in 1908, has not been in ideal condition for several seasons. “It’s been a dying thing
UWBadgers.com
Wisconsin Athletics to launch Badger Fan Rewards
MADISON, Wis. — Wisconsin Athletics announced today the launch of Badger Fan Rewards, a free loyalty program that rewards fans for engagement and support. Available through the Wisconsin Badgers app, Badger Fan Rewards offers fans the opportunity to earn points for attending games, purchasing concessions, completing trivia and surveys, catching up on news and watching videos.
hoodline.com
Madison Mayor Rhodes-Conway Quits 2027 Race, Cites Threats and Sexism
Madison’s 2027 mayoral race is now an open contest: Mayor Satya Rhodes-Conway says she will not seek a third term, ending a reelection campaign she launched in July 2026. She cited threats directed at herself, city council members, staff and her family, a decision that reshapes a race in which several challengers had already announced.
The Post-Crescent
LETTER: Neenah reader favors Nichols for her belief in 'inherent dignity'
Over the years we’ve gotten to know Becky Nichols and her family as fellow parishioners at Congregational United Church of Christ. When Becky announced she was running for state Assembly we were overjoyed. Those of us who are lucky to know her understand that Becky is a caring, compassionate servant leader we could use more of in Madison. We deserve a state Representative like Becky who believes in the inherent dignity of every person, no matter their background or life circumstances. Too often in the halls of power, we see the needs and plight of society’s most vulnerable members overlooked. The sick, the poor, and the needy; our children; people with disabilities; elders living on fixed incomes – Becky will speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves. As the Trump administration and DC politicians try to sow division and fear, Becky will bring people together and find common ground for the common good. It’s what she’s done as a member of the Menasha City Council, Winnebago County Board, and as a parishioner at our church. While her opponent focuses on name-calling and fear mongering, Becky is running a positive campaign focused on the issues people care about most,
City of Madison Wisconsin
District 19 Private & Public Development Update
Major District 19 development projects are now open and new projects, both private and public, are moving forward. Here are some of the most significant. Trader's Way (open house this week) This 3-story building at 6624 Old Sauk Road has144 market-rate apartments and is now leasing. The project by Stone...
captimes.com
Letter | Rhodes-Conway put Madison on path for sustainability
Dear Editor: I am saddened although not surprised by Mayor Satya Rhodes-Conway’s decision to not run for reelection. It was the right decision for her personally, and perhaps for peace in the city, but a great loss nevertheless. Mayor Satya has a remarkable record of accomplishments in the face...
ibmadison.com
MISO sets new reliability rules for data centers
The companies, people and issues shaping business in Madison and the Capital Region. The Midcontinent Independent System Operator has proposed new rules for large data centers connecting to the power grid, including performance standards, according to a report in the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. MISO, power grid operator for Wisconsin and...
The Center Square
UW-Madison plans to add 1,700-bed dorm through private developer
(The Center Square) – The University of Wisconsin-Madison is looking to expand its dorm capacity through a privately owned dorm on state land on campus that would require nearly $30 million in annual rent. The costs will be part of comparable housing costs for new students to add nearly 1,700 student beds to campus starting in fall 2029. The nearly $338 million dorms will be build by developer PRG Badger Properties with an option for the state to buy the building after 10 years at fair-market value. The new dorms will be built after Merit Hall, a small dorm of 72 beds, is demolished. The proposal passed the State Building Commission after it passed the Board of Regents and also must be approved by the Legislature’s Joint Finance Committee. “Housing capacity has not kept up” associate vice chancellor for University Housing Jeff Novak said about the plan. Novak said that the last down to open was in 2013 and, since then, the university has added 2,000 freshmen and 8,000 total undergraduate students. He said that there would be no impact on tuition and no taxpayer funds would be used on the project. The university currently has 93% of its freshmen
royalpurplenews.com
60 years of opportunity at UW-W Rock County
What began as an effort to expand access to higher education in Rock County has grown into a campus that has served generations of students, offering an affordable path to a college degree and a community where students can find their place. UW-Whitewater at Rock County is celebrating its 60th...