ScooterCabs, a local business created by three University of Wisconsin-Madison grads, aims to provide an affordable alternative to taking a taxi home or driving under the influence. 

The service was created as an extra option for patrons that drive out to a bar or restaurant and have a few too many drinks.  The concept is similar to a taxi, except for one fundamental difference; the taxi is now the patron’s own vehicle.  There is no longer a need for patrons to abandon their vehicle at the bar or restaurant to make it home safely.

"With Wisconsin’s high rates of drunk driving, Madison seemed to have a need for this type of service," said owner Justin Sisley, "but even for the majority of people who would make the responsible decision to call a cab, our service provides a much more convenient option for them.  No more waiting around for a friend or cab to take you back to your car in the morning."

The Clean Sweep Program for recycling household hazardous waste will be open with new winter hours. This is the first such seasonal expansion of the program, according to county officials.

In recognition of this, Dane County Executive Joe Parisi said that "Clean Sweep is a highly successful program that has kept unnecessary and hazardous waste out of the county landfill. We're excited to announce its expansion into the winter months and encourage people can take advantage of it."

Madison mayor Paul Soglin added, “Clearly the generation of hazardous waste is not restricted to one season. I am pleased that the Clean Sweep Program is expanding, as it will not only remove the hazardous materials from our homes but help maintain the integrity of our environment.”

Dane County is trying out a limited winter season during these hours:

2012 Winter Hours:

A leaking water pipe has caused the Prairie Phoenix Academy in Sun Prairie to cancel classes for high school students and move classes for middle- and elementary-school special education students.

The pipe problem has caused the building, which serves alternative high school students in Sun Prairie as well as elementary- and middle-school special education students, to be without heat.

That has forced the school district to move special education programs to the Cardinal Heights Upper Middle School for the day. However, school has been canceled for high school day programs.

District officials will determine what to do with evening high school programs at the school when they have more information on repair to the pipe.