🌱 Lake Mendota Freezes Over + Cab Driver Robbed On East Side

Rise and shine, Madison! It's Monday, so let's get you started with everything you need to know going on today in Madison.

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First, today's weather:

Mostly sunny and very cold. High: 7 Low: -7.

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Here are the top 3 stories in Madison today:

1. Dane County's largest lake, Lake Mendota, has officially frozen over for the season. The Wisconsin State Climatology Office marked the lake's official ice-on date as Jan. 7, just 23 days shy of the latest record date. Local safety officials warned that the ice is likely still thin and recommended waiting until there are at least four inches of ice cover before venturing out onto local lakes. (WMSN Fox 47 Madison)
2. Authorities are investigating after a cab driver was robbed at gunpoint. The incident occurred early Sunday morning on Madison's east side, where the driver picked up two male passengers. Police say one of the suspects in the back seat pulled a gun on the driver and told him to drive to the Thackeray Road area before demanding his money and phone. A Madison K9 Officer responded to the area and did a K9 track, but it did not lead to the suspects. (WKOW)
3. The Diocese of Madison has asked local congregations to continue or increase their ongoing COVID-19 precautions. Officials said some local parishes are scheduling extra mass times so that congregants can worship safely while practicing social distancing. The recommendation comes after the Wisconsin Council of Churches urged congregations statewide to return to remote worship. (Channel3000.com - WISC-TV3)

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Today in Madison:

• Red Cross Blood Drive At Madison Public Library (9:30 AM)
• Family Yoga At Middleton Public Library (6:00 PM)
• Chess At The Library At Lakeview Branch Library (6:00 PM)

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From my notebook:

• Sunday was a big day for Madison and Madison Fire as Medic 14 went into service. Having an ambulance in this part of the city will greatly improve response times for our community and raise the level of care our members provide. (Facebook)
• Got the deep winter blues? Enjoy dinner, conversation, and some in-depth history at the Wisconsin Veterans Museum's first Mess Night of 2022 on Jan. 20. (Instagram)
• 2021 was another incredible year for birding in Wisconsin. Check out the Madison Audubon eBird Year in Review to learn about some of the interesting avian visitors we had! (Facebook)

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Alrighty, you're all caught up for today! 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.