Sun Prairie puts a hold on data centers (SUN PRAIRIE)
Another Madison suburb puts a hold on data centers. Sun Prairie’s city council last week approved a 12 month hold on data center development. The moratorium specifies this is for projects larger than 10-thousand square feet. No developers have come to the city looking to place a data center, but city officials explain they want time to properly develop zoning plans for large data facilities. Sun Prairie also does not have access to the electricity large centers require.
Plans for Bay Beach Park restoration change after bids come in over budget (GREEN BAY)
Plans to restore a beloved Green Bay park have shifted due to costs. A proposal to add a wildlife viewing platform at Bay Beach Amusement Park is off the table after bids on a restoration project came in far over the cost of available grant funding. The city is working with a 2 point 4 million dollar federal grant for shoreline improvement. The original plan called for the viewing platform, along with a new walking trail along the shore. The changes will expand the length of the trail to a mile, and drop the platform. City officials say the changes will allow further expansion of the trail to either the city marina or the Wildlife Sanctuary.
Seniors being warned about property tax scam (UNDATED)
Senior homeowners are being warned about a fake property tax relief scam spreading online. The Wisconsin Department of Revenue is warning homeowners about an AI-generated video falsely claiming the federal government is offering property tax breaks for seniors. The video tells viewers to request a so-called “Senior Homeowner Tax Review Request” or “IRS Form 1098-SR,” but state officials say neither exists. Revenue Secretary David Casey says the scam is designed to steal Social Security numbers, banking information, or fees for bogus filing services. Officials say property taxes are handled by state and local governments, not the federal government.
Hunters being encouraged to hunt on private land during upcoming seasons (UNDATED)
A new federal grant is helping the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources expand public hunting opportunities across the state. The agency has received three million dollars for its Voluntary Public Access Program, which pays private landowners to open their property to hunters. Program coordinator Gabriella LeFevre says it’s the largest investment the program has ever received and will allow the DNR to offer stronger incentives to landowners. Officials say participating landowners see value in sharing their land with the public. Hunters can find participating properties and access maps through the DNR website.
New data shows homelessness is on the rise in Dane County (DANE COUNTY)
According to the 2026 Point-in-Time Count, which is put out by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, 880 people were experiencing homelessness, the highest total in Dane County since 2009. About 93% were staying in emergency shelters or transitional housing, while 7% were unsheltered. This comes as Madison’s new men’s shelter opened last week with 250 beds. However, nearly 325 people were being served nightly at the previous shelter. There is no overflow shelter in place, so that leaves around 100 people potentially without a place to sleep.