Will Cioci
United States
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Articles by Will Cioci
Election officials and courts push back on drawdowns
Given the disenfranchising effect of drawdowns, courts and the Wisconsin Elections Commission have sometimes hesitated to encourage or allow them. In 2019, a Wisconsin appeals court reversed a drawdown that could have flipped the results of a St. Croix County board race after the commission cautioned against using the practice. The initial count showed a tie between candidates Ryan Sherley and Scottie Ard, resulting in a board official drawing a name — Ard's — to break it.
Under Wisconsin's 'drawdown' election law, legitimate votes get tossed
Consider this scenario: An absentee ballot in Wisconsin gets returned with an error, like the voter failing to sign the envelope, but it mistakenly gets counted anyway, because a municipal election worker initially didn't catch the error when taking the ballot out of the envelope. Later, perhaps during a recount, a worker catches the error and has to mark that voter as invalid. And now the number of ballots in the counting pile is one greater than the number of valid voters. The solution?
Election officials and courts push back on drawdowns
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Cottage Grove approves $245 million developer agreement for Amazon site
COTTAGE GROVE — Plans for a massive Amazon facility stepped forward for the first time in over a year on Monday, as the Cottage Grove Village Board approved a long-negotiated developer’s agreement with the nation’s second largest corporation. Under the deal, Amazon would guarantee that the project adds at least $245 million in property value in the village of Cottage Grove. In turn, the village would provide up to $48 million in tax refunds throughout the construction process.
Cottage Grove approves $245 million developer agreement for Amazon site
COTTAGE GROVE – Plans for a massive Amazon facility stepped forward for the first time in over a year on Monday, as the Cottage Grove Village Board approved a long-negotiated developer’s agreement with the nation’s second largest corporation. Under the deal, Amazon would guarantee that the project adds at least $245 million in property value in the village of Cottage Grove. In turn, the village would provide up to $48 million in tax refunds throughout the construction process.
Cottage Grove approves $245 million developer agreement for Amazon site
Progress towards a massive Amazon facility in Cottage Grove took its first step forward in over a year on Monday, as the village board approved a long-negotiated developer’s agreement with the nation’s second largest corporation. Under the deal, Amazon would guarantee that the project adds at least $245 million in property value to Cottage Grove. In turn, the village would provide up to $48 million in tax refunds throughout the construction process.
Lake Mills seeks options for Rock Lake water level, creates Mill Pond committee
The Lake Mills City Council is taking steps to secure the future of Rock Lake — as an environmental and recreational treasure in the region — as drought conditions this spring have left water levels below average. In a June meeting, the council voted unanimously to seek the Joint Rock Lake Committee’s assistance in working with the state Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to make analysis and recommendations about the city’s policy towards the lake’s water level.
Lake Mills seeks options for Rock Lake water level, creates Mill Pond committee
The Lake Mills City Council is taking steps to secure the future of Rock Lake — as an environmental and recreational treasure in the region — as drought conditions this spring have left water levels below average. In a June meeting, the council voted unanimously to seek the Joint Rock Lake Committee’s assistance in working with the state Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to make analysis and recommendations about the city’s policy towards the lake’s water level.
Dane County Fair runs through Sunday
Families, farmers, entertainers and animals are converging in Madison through Sunday as the Dane County Fair takes place at the Alliant Energy Center. The fair began Thursday, July 20, and will run through Sunday, July 23, with gates opening at 8 a.m. each day. Visitors can take in nightly concerts, agricultural showcases, a carnival and other fun. kAmuC:52J H:== 762EFC6 E96 C233:E[ DH:?6 2?5 42E D9@HD[ 2 “H:=5=:76 :? ?665” 65F42E:@?2= 6I9:3:E[ 2?5 E96 <:55:6 EC24E@C A652= AF==] r@>65:2?
Dane County Fair is July 20-23
Families, farmers, entertainers and animals will all converge in Madison next week as the Dane County Fair takes place at the Alliant Energy Center. The fair will run from Thursday, July 20, through Sunday, July 23, with gates opening at 8 a.m. each day. Visitors can take in nightly concerts, agricultural showcases, a carnival and other fun. kAm%9:?8D <:4< @77 @? %9FCD52J H:E9 w@>6E@H? w6C@ s2J[ H96?
Dane County Fair is July 20-23
Families, farmers, entertainers and animals will all converge in Madison next week as the Dane County Fair takes place at the Alliant Energy Center. The fair will run from Thursday, July 20, through Sunday, July 23, with gates opening at 8 a.m. each day. Visitors can take in nightly concerts, agricultural showcases, a carnival and other fun. kAm%9:?8D <:4< @77 @? %9FCD52J H:E9 w@>6E@H? w6C@ s2J[ H96?
Historical Society weighs best use of former Deerfield village hall
DEERFIELD -- The Deerfield Historical Society on Thursday is hosting an open house in its new digs, the old village hall building. The village government’s move to its new village hall, opened last month, left the 140 year-old building on Main Street empty. The historical society is moving in and is currently planning how to best use the site. kAm%96 >66E:?8[ D6E 7@C e A]>] @? %9FCD52J[ yF=J `a[ H:== 2==@H C6D:56?ED E@ D66 E96 DA246 2?5 8:G6 E96:C :?AFE @?
Ambulance service transition takes effect in Lake Mills as LMEMS ceases coverage
After 49 years of service, Lake Mills EMS has ceased its coverage of the City of Lake Mills and four surrounding townships. The transition, which took effect as the clock struck midnight on July 1, marks the end of an era for the volunteer department and its communities.
Ambulance service transition takes effect in Lake Mills as LMEMS ceases coverage
After 49 years of service, Lake Mills EMS has ceased its coverage of the City of Lake Mills and four surrounding townships. The transition, which took effect as the clock struck midnight on July 1, marks the end of an era for the volunteer department and its communities.
Monona City Council amends short-term rental regulations
The Monona City Council last week passed changes to the city’s rules governing short-term rentals, establishing a $750 permit fee for rental properties and making the regulations easier to enforce. Alders voted unanimously to amend the short-term rental ordinance, which was passed in February in an attempt to curb the growth of services like Airbnb and VRBO in Monona.
Monona council weighing alternatives to racist street name
City council members are weighing two likely options as they look to rechristen a street whose name includes a slur against Native American women. The street, currently named Squaw Circle, is a dead-end road about 250 feet long with just three homes. It will likely be renamed Wiicawak Circle, after the Ho-Chunk word for muskrat. The other option is to rename it in honor of Alder Kathy Thomas, who died in March. kAmx?
Deer-Grove EMS future unclear as Cottage Grove looks at other ambulance services
DEERFIELD — As the Cottage Grove Village Board continues to eye contracted ambulance service providers, some local officials say the Deer-Grove EMS District’s future could be threatened if the village leaves. The village board last month filed requests for financial and operational information from three possible ambulance services: Deer-Grove EMS, which is its current provider, and the cities of Madison and Sun Prairie.
Legendary Lake Mills to hold ribbon-cutting for alley restoration
LAKE MILLS — Local community development group Legendary Lake Mills will host a ribbon-cutting on Friday for the opening of its Legendary Lane project on Main Street. The project, the revitalization of a Main Street alley into an inviting walkway, has been in the works for more than a year, and features stamped concrete, string lighting, floral baskets and wayfinding signage for visitors. kAm“(6 4@F=5 ?@E 36 >@C6 6I4:E65 E@ @77:4:2==J ‘4FE E96 C:33@?’ 2?5 @A6?
Deer-Grove EMS future unclear as Cottage Grove looks at other ambulance services
As the Cottage Grove Village Board continues to eye contracted ambulance service providers, some local officials say the Deer-Grove EMS District’s future could be threatened if the village leaves. The village board last month filed requests for financial and operational information from three possible ambulance services: Deer-Grove EMS, which is its current provider, and the cities of Madison and Sun Prairie.
In photos: Cottage Grove Firemen's Festival
This Father's Day weekend, Cottage Grove community members flocked to Fireman's Park for the annual Firemen's Festival. The festival, proceeds from which go to support the Cottage Grove Fire Department, hosted carnival games and rides as well as live music and events that ranged from baseball games to a kids' tractor pull. kAm{E] y2D@?
Former McFarland village president charged with child sexual assault
The former village president of McFarland has been charged with first degree sexual assault of a child. Bradley Czebotar, 74, appeared in Dane County Circuit Court on Tuesday morning, facing one felony count of sexual contact with a person under the age of 13. kAm%96 2==6865 G:4E:>[ 2 7:G6\J62C\@=5[ C6A@CE65 36:?8 E@F4965 :?2AAC@AC:2E6=J 3J rK63@E2C @? E9C66 D6A2C2E6 @442D:@?D 36EH66? a_a` 2?5 a_aa[ 244@C5:?8 E@ 2 4@>A=2:?E 7:=65 3J E96 s2?6 r@F?EJ $96C:77’D ~77:46]k^Am kAmrK63@E2C D6CG65 @?
McFarland class of 2023 celebrates graduation
McFarland High School seniors took their first steps into a bright future on Sunday, as the class of 2023 celebrated its graduation June 11. The school’s 59th graduating class, made up of 191 students, was also its last to be overseen by Principal Jeffrey Finstad, who is retiring. kA 5:ClQ=ECQmr92C=:6 $E:6><6[ E96 DEF56?E DA62<6C 6=64E65 3J 9:D A66CD[ DA@<6 23@FE 492C24E6C 2?5 C67=64E65 9:D 4=2DD’ E:>6 :? 9:89 D49@@=[ :?4=F5:?8 E96 r~'xs\`h A2?56>:4] w6 6?4@FC2865 9:D 4=2DD>2E6D E@ C6G6= :?
Watertown artist Doug Hoffman opens “hot pop” gallery
WATERTOWN -- Ask Doug Hoffman how he got here, and you are in for a ride. Here, in this case, is in Watertown, surrounded by family and friends, telling stories and cracking jokes at the grand opening of his very own art gallery on Saturday. kAmw@E !@A !C@5F4E:@?D[ E96 ?2>6 @7 w@77>2?’D 4@>A2?J[ 4@>6D 7C@> 2 DEJ=6 @7 2CE E92E 96 A:@?66C65 2?5[ :? `hhe[ DF446DD7F==J 4@AJC:89E65[ >2<:?8 :E E96 7:CDE DF49 86?C6 @7 2CE :? E96 4@F?ECJ] w:D H@C< :D C:49 H:E9 >@E:@? 2?5 3C:89E 4@=@CD 2?5 @7E6?
'There’s no trust': As commission pushes joint chief, fire department pushes back
CAMBRIDGE — Despite vocal opposition from members of its volunteer fire department, the Cambridge Community Fire and EMS Commission is pushing ahead with plans to create a joint fire and EMS chief. The commission, which oversees Cambridge Area EMS and, to a lesser extent, the Cambridge Volunteer Fire Department, is hoping to increase its authority over the fire department’s operations and follow a regional trend in boosting collaboration between fire and EMS services.
'There’s no trust': As commission pushes joint chief, fire department pushes back
CAMBRIDGE -- Despite vocal opposition from members of its volunteer fire department, the Cambridge Community Fire and EMS Commission is pushing ahead with plans to create a joint fire and EMS chief. The commission, which oversees Cambridge Area EMS and, to a lesser extent, the Cambridge Volunteer Fire Department, is hoping to increase its authority over the fire department’s operations and follow a regional trend in boosting collaboration between fire and EMS services.
Town of Lake Mills to refine costs, try again on town hall project
LAKE MILLS -- After failing to earn support for a new town hall at an electors meeting, the Lake Mills Town Board is seeking a more accurate cost for the project and planning to bring it to an advisory referendum next year. The board voted unanimously at its May 9 meeting to instruct staff to seek a more “refined” estimate. Current planning estimates the project would cost $2.3 million, including $150,000 to purchase a plot for the building.
Piece by piece, townships’ EMS transition plans coming together
LAKE MILLS -- Less than two months away from when Lake Mills EMS ceases its service to four area townships, local leaders are slowly piecing together their plans for future ambulance coverage. The towns of Lake Mills, Milford, Waterloo and Aztalan, which alongside the city of Lake Mills have relied for decades on the volunteer department, will need new coverage beginning July 1.
Spectrum broadband expansions to begin in Deerfield township
DEERFIELD -- Installation will soon begin on a rural broadband expansion project in the Town of Deerfield. The project will see underground fiber optic trunk cables installed throughout the township, paving the way for homes and businesses to be connected to Spectrum’s broadband network. Work on the first two of six areas is expected to begin in June. The Deerfield Town Board approved permits for the required road work at its April meeting.
No Mow May no magic bullet, but a first step: Monona sustainability chair
Throughout the month of May, residents of Monona and dozens of other Wisconsin communities might notice local greenspaces shedding the neatly manicured look they are accustomed to. No, the longer grass and blooming dandelions are not the result of lazy homeowners or parks employees on sabbatical, but part of an intentional campaign called “No Mow May” that aims to bolster pollinator populations by letting native flowers and grasses bloom.
Cambridge appoints new trustee, hires deputy administrator
CAMBRIDGE -- The Cambridge Village Board voted unanimously last week to appoint Bill Crist to a vacant seat left after the April elections. Crist was one of two residents who submitted information to the board, which announced last month that it would accept applications and conduct interviews to determine the new trustee. The seat was left open when former trustee Ted Kumbier opted not to seek re-election, and no one else ran for the seat.
Town of Lake Mills to “refine” costs, try again on town hall project
After failing to earn support for a new town hall at an electors meeting, the Lake Mills Town Board is seeking a more accurate cost for the project and planning to bring it to an advisory referendum next year. The board voted unanimously at its May 9 meeting to instruct staff to seek a more “refined” estimate. Current planning estimates the project would cost $2.3 million, including $150,000 to purchase a plot for the building.
‘Stigma Free SP’ kicks off with live music, local author in Sun Prairie
The Sun Prairie Wellness Coalition on Saturday kicked off its celebration of Mental Health Awareness Month with an event featuring a live band, keynote speaker and art from local students. Stigma Free SP, the coalition’s new campaign that will last through May, encourages residents to have open and positive conversations about mental health.
Spectrum broadband expansions to begin in Deerfield township
Installation will soon begin on a rural broadband expansion project in the Town of Deerfield. The project will see underground fiber optic trunk cables installed throughout the township, paving the way for homes and businesses to be connected to Spectrum’s broadband network. Work on the first two of six areas is expected to begin in June. The Deerfield Town Board approved permits for the required road work at its April meeting.
Fort Atkinson Farmers Market returns
The Fort Atkinson Farmers Market opened Saturday for a drizzly but upbeat first market of the year. Shoppers, undeterred by the weather, took to the Milwaukee Avenue space to enjoy live music and browse the crafts and crops of local vendors—from first-timers to veterans of the market stalls. “It’s really nice to be back outside,” said Haley Kessler, the market’s manager. This year’s run is the 21st since the Fort Atkinson Chamber of Commerce began running the market.
Two weeks remain to take San Damiano concept survey
Monona residents have until May 22 to complete a survey that will help guide future development to San Damiano. The survey opened following a public meeting hosted last month by the city’s San Damiano Steering Committee, where committee members presented three conceptual plans for the site. In the survey, residents will have the opportunity to indicate the elements of each concept they support or could do without.
Fort Atkinson Farmers Market returns
The Fort Atkinson Farmers Market opened Saturday for a drizzly but upbeat first market of the year. Shoppers, undeterred by the weather, took to the Milwaukee Avenue space to enjoy live music and browse the crafts and crops of local vendors—from first-timers to veterans of the market stalls. “It’s really nice to be back outside,” said Haley Kessler, the market’s manager. This year’s run is the 21st since the Fort Atkinson Chamber of Commerce began running the market.
Monona market kicks off 20th year
Brian Schmidt has lost count of how many Monona Farmers Markets he’s been to. Better known to his customers as “The Salsa Man,” his stand selling hot sauces, fermented vegetables, pig ears has been a staple of the market for years and a way for Schmidt to make longtime friends of his return customers. “I love this market. It’s very well-supported, people come out in droves. It’s like everybody’s part of a family,” Schmidt said. “I see their kids grow up.
Keeping the history of a village and a family
In 2017, when Ron Larson was preparing a history of the McFarland Lutheran Church for its 150th anniversary, he realized a rather important detail had been lost to time: where, exactly, the church first stood. The current building is the fourth to house McFarland’s oldest congregation. The first, established in 1867, was destroyed by a windstorm. The second burned down on Christmas Eve, 1895, in a blaze that took many of the church’s historical documents with it.
Lake Mills ATV ordinance takes effect
As of last week, ATVs and UTVs are now allowed on all City of Lake Mills streets, after an ordinance passed by the council received final approval from the state and proper signage was posted. The ordinance, first passed last October and modified earlier this month at the Wisconsin Department of Transportation’s request, went into effect Friday, April 14th as final signage was installed.
Lake Mills ordinance change now allows ATVs
LAKE MILLS -- As of last week, ATVs and UTVs are now allowed on all City of Lake Mills streets, after an ordinance passed by the council received final approval from the state and proper signage was posted. The ordinance, first passed last October and modified earlier this month at the Wisconsin Department of Transportation’s request, went into effect Friday, April 14 as final signage was installed.
Lake Mills ATV ordinance takes effect
As of last week, ATVs and UTVs are now allowed on all City of Lake Mills streets, after an ordinance passed by the council received final approval from the state and proper signage was posted. The ordinance, first passed last October and modified earlier this month at the Wisconsin Department of Transportation’s request, went into effect Friday, April 14th as final signage was installed.
Lake Mills ATV ordinance takes effect
As of last week, ATVs and UTVs are now allowed on all City of Lake Mills streets, after an ordinance passed by the council received final approval from the state and proper signage was posted. The ordinance, first passed last October and modified earlier this month at the Wisconsin Department of Transportation’s request, went into effect Friday, April 14th as final signage was installed.
Fort Atkinson accepting applications to fill council seat
The Fort Atkinson city council is seeking applicants to fill an open seat left by councilmember Megan Hartwick’s resignation. The council will appoint someone to fill the first year of Hartwick’s two-year term, and the seat will be placed on next April’s ballots for the term’s second half. The application, and information on the appointment process and schedule, can be found at the city’s website, www.fortatkinsonwi.gov. Applications are due by 4 p.m. on Friday, May 5 to the city manager’s office.
Final Bakken Park improvements ordered, but price has risen
Cottage Grove trustees voted to approve the final round of additions to Bakken Park, though the project will cost about $680,000 more than the village had first anticipated.
Chasing Sunsets: a McFarland photographer captures the village in a golden light
Rick Hoefling probably thinks about the sunset more than anyone else in town. Throughout the day, he watches the sky and checks the weather, predicting cloud patterns and imagining the criss-crossing contrails left by flights in and out of the Dane County airport. He knows precisely what time the sun will dip behind the horizon and when the deepest colors will seep up from the treeline, like fireworks in slow motion.
Cambridge looks to fill board vacancy
Cambridge residents interested in serving on the Village Board can apply for a vacant position, left after a winning write-in candidate declined the seat. In the April election, the board had three open seats but only two registered candidates. Incumbent trustees Tim Phelps and Chuck Franklin won their re-elections, but the seat of Ted Kumbier, who did not run again, remains open.
Town of Lake Mills to allow chickens on residential properties
Residents of the Town of Lake Mills are now able to keep up to four chickens at their homes, after a new ordinance was passed by the Town Board last week. Supervisors passed the new rules at their April 11 meeting, allowing the keeping of hens in residential backyards in the township. The ordinance requires that chickens be provided with water and adequate feed as well as sanitary enclosures. Roosters and other fowl are not permitted.
Cambridge looks to fill board vacancy
Cambridge residents interested in serving on the Village Board can apply for a vacant position, left after a winning write-in candidate declined the seat. In the April election, the board had three open seats but only two registered candidates. Incumbent trustees Tim Phelps and Chuck Franklin won their re-elections, but the seat of Ted Kumbier, who did not run again, remains open.
Hartwick to resign after re-election to Fort Atkinson council Original
The Fort Atkinson City Council will be left with a vacant seat next week, as a council member who was re-elected despite attempting to drop out of the race is expected to resign. Although she had requested that residents not vote for her, Megan Hartwick received the third most votes in a four-candidate race for three council seats in the April 4 election.
Curtains to rise on “Alice vs. Wonderland” in Marshal
This weekend, Marshall High School Theater Productions will bring to the stage a well-known story with a “funny, quirky, teenager twist.” Those are the words of Sabrina Kliewer, assistant director in “Alice vs. Wonderland,” which the local troupe will put on three times in the coming days. Shows will be at 7 p.m. on Friday, April 14 and Saturday, April 15, with a matinee at 2 p.m. on Sunday, April 16. The play is being performed at Marshall Elementary School.
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