🌱 COVID Drops Among All Ages + Library Offers Tax Assistance

Happy Saturday, Madison! Let's get you all caught up to start today off on an informed note.

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First, today's weather:

Partly sunny and very cold. High: 15 Low: 6.

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Here are the top 3 stories in Madison today:

1. A new report released by Public Health Madison & Dane County revealed a drop in COVID-19 cases across all age groups over last month. The average number of people hospitalized with the virus over the last four weeks has also dropped to 132 people. Health officials say strong vaccination rates across Dane County have resulted in lower recorded death rates than the rest of the state. (Channel3000.com - WISC-TV3)
2. The Madison Public Library is partnering with the IRS and AARP to help residents file their taxes. Anyone in need of assistance with their taxes can make an appointment at either the Central branch location or the Sequoya branch location beginning next week. The deadline to file taxes this year is April 18. (97 Seven Country WGLR)
3. Madison's all-city spelling bee will return next Saturday, Feb. 19, at Madison College's Mitby Theater. A total of 34 students will compete in the city-wide bee, and the top three finishers will go on to compete in the Badger State Spelling Bee on Mar. 26. The event will be held in person this year, though masks and social distancing will still be required. (97 Seven Country WGLR)

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Today in Madison:

• Serendipity Saturday At Central Library (1:00 PM)
• Cooking With Chef Lily At Lakeview Branch Library (1:30 PM)
• A Valentine's Affair At The Brink Lounge (7:00 PM)

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From my notebook:

• Attention all bird lovers: the Great Backyard Bird Count is coming up next week! Learn more about this awesome data collection effort and how to join with Madison Audobon. (Facebook)
• Olbrich Botanical Gardens will be at the PBS Wisconsin Garden & Landscape Expo at Alliant Energy Center this weekend offering half-price memberships to new members. There will also be used gardening books available from the Schumacher Library. (Facebook)

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Events:

• Sweethearts of February Craft & Vendor Show (February 12)
• The New Retirement Saving Webinar (February 14)
• New Retirement Savings Webinar (February 22)
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Now you're in the loop and ready to start this Saturday. I'll see you soon!

— 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.