By A. David Dahmer Dane County officials announce new Community Court Introduce Community Restorative Court Coordinator Ron Johnson   by A. David Dahmer        Newly hired Community Restorative Court Coordinator Ron Johnson said his goal is to strengthen communities and empower neighborhoods to help turn the tide on crime and violence as he […]

By A. David Dahmer Interview with Mariela Quesada Centeno: New director of adult programs helping Centro to continue to grow   by A. David Dahmer     “I like to see Centro as an empowerment hub in this community — a place where we can really empower people,” says Mariela Quesada Centeno. “We’re trying to […]

By Jeff Golden MADISON —  Lead poisoning is an extremely serious problem that can have life-long health effects on children.  Some people might think that lead poisoning is a problem that we've already solved. Unfortunately, it is still an ongoing health challenge for many communities.  Long term exposure to lead, even at very low levels, […]

Friends of Sabeel of North America (FOSNA) conference   In a year when enduring images have been burned into our collective memories of the great loss of life and indescribable destruction that occurred in the Gaza a few short months ago, a landmark national conference is coming to Madison on Nov. 7-8 that seeks to […]

MADISON — The third Peacemakers Community Forum and Speak Out will take place at Darbo Community Center Wednesday, Oct. 29, 6:30-8 p.m. Retired Detective Pia Kinney-James will facilitate.  Among the issues that this forum will address include school and police relations, the role of officer liaisons, locker searches, and contacts of parents/guardians. Questions of home contacts […]

Genesis Social Services Corporation (GSSC) turns 15 Social service activities lead to community success stories   by A. David Dahmer   It started in the basement of Mt. Zion Church in 1998 as a dream to meet the social, economic, and employment needs of primarily Black, Latino, and Southeast Asian residents in the South Madison […]

 Interview with Mario Garcia Sierra Bringing energy efficiency and sustainability to diverse communities   by A. David Dahmer    If you go to a multicultural event in Madison, there’s a good chance you will see Mario Garcia Sierra there. That’s because he is well known in Madison’s minority communities. And that makes his job as […]

By Melanie Conklin MADISON — The following statement is from Dane County Executive Joe Parisi:  “At my direction, Dane County Corporation Counsel today filed a Notice of Claim with the Town of Madison regarding illegal conditions the Town is trying to impose upon the operation of a proposed day resource center for the homeless.  The […]

MADISON — Keetra Burnette, senior director of community impact for the United Way of Dane County, her daughter Kiana Burnette, and six enlisted friends will co-host the 3rd Annual Madison Black Women Rock Awards Celebration on Saturday, Nov. 8 at the newly constructed Gateway Entrance of the Madison College Truax Campus.  Hosted in tandem with […]