🌱 Body Found 2 Months After Death + County Mandate Challenged

Welcome back, Madison! It's Tuesday, so let's get you started with everything you need to know going on today in town.

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First, today's weather:

Periods of sun. High: 32 Low: 14.

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Here are the top stories in Madison today:

1. A Madison man, Gregg G. Raether, has been charged with first-degree reckless homicide after police in September found the decomposed body of his former girlfriend at the Far East Side home where they had lived, then listened to jail calls between him and his current girlfriend as the two settled on a story to tell the police, according to a criminal complaint. (Madison.com)
2. The Wisconsin Supreme Court has agreed to take up a case that challenges Dane County's COVID-19 mask mandate. According to a court order, the state's highest court will hear the case brought against Dane County, Public Health Madison, Dane County, and public health director Janel Heinrich by two county residents and a business. (Channel3000.com - WISC-TV3)
3. During a news conference Monday, Dane County Sheriff Kalvin Barrett stressed that while the holidays are a time of celebration and fun-filled gatherings, they can be dangerous if someone decides to drive drunk. The sheriff's office is encouraging people to designate a sober driver before heading out or to take a bus or taxi. (Channel3000.com - WISC-TV3)

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Today in Madison:

• Brighten The First Day Of Winter With 15 Percent Off FTD's Sunniest Blooms (9:00 PM)
• Policy Committee Meeting At Monona Grove Charter (8:15 AM)
• Sequoya All Ages Chess Club At Sequoya Branch Library (6:00 PM)
• Community Development Authority At Village of Wauanakee Meetings (6:00 PM)

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From my notebook:

• This week's Featured Artist at the Museum of Wisconsin Art, in honor of MOWA's 60th Anniversary, is Deanna Clayton. Door County glass artist Deanna Clayton creates sculptural glass vessels and figurative works using a copper electroplating technique pâte de verre to give each work its "soul." (Instagram)
• The Dane County face mask mandate was extended. The best strategy we have to tackle this virus is by creating layers of protection. The City of Madison, Wisconsin Government encourages citizens to get boosted or vaccinated, wear a mask indoors, wash hands, and keep their distance. More layers are better. (Facebook)
• This time last year, as we were all hunkered down for a long winter, Madison Opera invited Will Liverman to share a little holiday cheer. A lot has happened since then, including Will starring in the lead role of the Metropolitan Opera's return to live performance. (Facebook)

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You're all caught up for today! See you tomorrow morning for your next update.

— Sean Peek

About me: Sean Peek is a writer and entrepreneur with a degree in English Literature from Weber State University. Over the years, he has worked as a copywriter, editor, SEO specialist, and marketing director for various digital media companies. He currently co-owns and operates content creation agency Lightning Media Partners.