See With Me

Wisconsin Love

2011-09-27T00:05:00.000-05:00

Kissing cow salt and pepper shakers, held together magnetically, on display in the store area at Cedar Grove Cheese in Plain, Wis., Tuesday, Sept. 20, 2011.

Les Thimmig

2011-09-18T23:46:00.000-05:00

Les Thimmig, professor of saxophone at University of Wisconsin-Madison's School of Music, at the Mosse Humanities Building in Madison, Wis., Thursday, Sept. 8, 2011.

Wisconsin 49, Northern Illinois 7

2011-09-18T00:03:00.000-05:00

Bucky high-fives the University of Wisconsin Marching Band before the start of a football game against Northern Illinois at Soldier Field in Chicago, Saturday, Sept. 17, 2011.

Wisconsin Badgers defensive tackle Patrick Butrym (95), safety Aaron Henry (7), quarterback Russell Wilson (16) and running back Bradie Ewing (34) stand in the tunnel, preparing to take the field against Northern Illinois.

Wisconsin Badgers quarterback Russell Wilson (16) rushes past Northern Illinois Huskies linebacker Jordan Delegal (29) for a first down in the first quarter.

Wisconsin Badgers linebacker Chris Borland (44), linebacker Ethan Armstrong (36) and defensive back Antonio Fenelus (26) celebrate Armstrong's sack of Northern Illinois Huskies quarterback Chandler Harnish (12) in the fourth quarter.

Wisconsin Badgers running back Jeffrey Lewis (22) runs the ball towards Northern Illinois Huskies defensive back Jimmie Ward (15) in the fourth quarter.

Wisconsin Badgers quarterback Joe Brennan (11) crosses the goal line on a scramble play in the fourth quarter.

Wisconsin Badgers head coach Bret Bielema and Northern Illinois Huskies head coach (and former Wisconsin defensive coordinator) Dave Doeren meet at midfield after Wisconsin defeated Northern Illinois.

Library sale

2011-09-15T23:57:00.000-05:00

Dennis Trudell of Madison pores through hundreds upon hundreds of VHS tapes on sale at the Madison Public Library's Central Library in Madison, Wis., Wednesday afternoon, Sept. 14, 2011. Trudell, who bought five tapes, said he collects them and has a couple thousand at home. "My basement's like a video store," Trudell said.

Wisconsin 35, Oregon State 0

2011-09-11T23:56:00.000-05:00

Wisconsin Badgers linebacker Ethan Armstrong (36) flattens Oregon State Beavers wide receiver Brandin Cooks in the first quarter forcing a incomplete pass at Camp Randall Stadium in Madison, Wis., Saturday, Sept. 10, 2011.

Wisconsin Badgers wide receiver Nick Toon (1) catches a pass in the endzone for a touchdown over Oregon State Beavers cornerback Rashaad Reynolds (16) in the second quarter. The touchdown brought the score to 13-0.

Wisconsin Badgers defensive tackle Patrick Butrym (95) disrupts the throw of Oregon State Beavers quarterback Sean Mannion (4) late in the second quarter.

Wisconsin Badgers running back Montee Ball (28) and running back Bradie Ewing (34) celebrate Ball's touchdown in the third quarter. The touchdown and extra point made the score 28-0.

Wisconsin Badgers defensive end David Gilbert (11) puts pressure from the blind side of Oregon State Beavers quarterback Sean Mannion (4) in the third quarter.

Wisconsin Badgers defensive tackle Beau Allen (96) sacks Oregon State Beavers quarterback Sean Mannion (4) in the fourth quarter.

City Slickers

2011-09-08T23:43:00.000-05:00

Mike and Linda Hellenbrand left New York City (and their successful careers there) after the 9/11 terrorist attacks and relocated to nearby Cross Plains to start a high-genetic-value cattle breeding business.

City Slickers Farm's sign shows a scene of the New York City skyline in Cross Plains, Wis., Wednesday afternoon, Sept. 7, 2011.

Month- to two-month-old calves at City Slickers Farm in Cross Plains.

Veterinarian Dr. Mike Keiler prepares to perform ultrasounds on surrogates to determine the sex of the calves they're carrying.

Norm, a cat at City Slickers Farm known for being friendly with the cows, gets sniffed.

Linda and Mike Hellenbrand.

City Slickers Farm raises a variety of cattle breeds.

A newborn guernsey calf is transported to a nursery area by Mike Hellenbrand, center, and Daniel Brunner.

A Wisconsin family business

2011-09-06T17:47:00.000-05:00

When you hear the word, "start-up" these days, it's usually in the context of technology.

But you better start thinking, "butter."

Al Bekkum is a world class cheesemaker who found that butter would be his niche. He and his family just started a butter-making – and butter-making only – operation on their family farm in the heart of Wisconsin's "dairyland" near Westby. It's the first of its kind in the state.

For a couple years, Bekkum – on a weekly basis – drove two-hours east to Columbus to make 50-75 pound batches of butter at Sassy Cow Creamery. No longer. His new production center and store on the farm will keep him home more. That means more time with his wife and their six children. It will let them raise their own herd of cows.

Spend a little time with the Bekkums and you'll sense something special brewing: a true family business. It would be great to get out to the farm in the winter to continue documenting the family doing their first milking.

A family photograph of the Bekkum family sits in a windowsill of their store during a grand opening at Nordic Creamery near Westby, Wis., Friday, Aug. 19, 2011.

Torger, left, and Dusty Bekkum, 13 and 11, respectively, sons of Al and Sarah Bekkum, handle Rose, a pony, during the grand opening of Nordic Creamery's store. In the background is the family border collie, Biscuit.

Workers behind the counter wore novelty t-shirts during the opening.

Al Bekkum wraps up an interview with a local television station in his butter production area.

A selection of artisan butters made by Nordic Creamery: clockwise from left, garlic and basil butter, summer butter, maple syrup butter, and cinnamon sugar butter.

The opening.

Al Bekkum and his wife, Sarah, share a laugh after being presented with a special recognition from the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture during the grand opening celebration.

Wisconsin 51, UNLV 17

2011-09-02T23:30:00.000-05:00

Wisconsin wide receiver Manasseh Garner (19) and teammates run onto the field before their season-opening game against UNLV at Camp Randall Stadium in Madison, Wis., Thursday evening, Sept. 1, 2011.

The UW student section cheers before opening kickoff.

Wisconsin's Jared Abbrederis (4) breaks the tackle of UNLV's Chase Lansford (39) on a punt return in the first quarter.

Wisconsin wide receiver Nick Toon (1) is brought down by UNLV defensive back Sidney Hodge (23) after catching a 39-yard pass in the first quarter. Hodge was called for pass interference on the play.

Wisconsin running back Montee Ball (28) breaks a tackle in the first quarter for touchdown.

UNLV quarterback Caleb Herring (8) eyes a bobbled snap in the second quarter.

Wisconsin defensive end Louis Nzegwu (93) celebrates his tackle of UNLV quarterback Caleb Herring (8) for a loss in the second quarter.

Wisconsin quarterback Russell Wilson (16) rushes for a touchdown in the second quarter.

Wisconsin defensive end Louis Nzegwu (93) gets a hand on UNLV quarterback Caleb Herring (8) before sacking him in the third quarter near the goal line.

Wisconsin running back Montee Ball (28) rushes for a touchdown in the second quarter as quarterback Russell Wilson (16) signals the score.

The 'geese guardian'

2011-08-26T23:18:00.000-05:00

From our story by Doug Erickson: "Under a large white oak tree, William Watson feeds a flock of domestic geese — and other waterfowl — at Babcock County Park in McFarland. He has fed the geese daily for 26 years, but a new Dane County ordinance will prohibit him from continuing."

Mid-Continent Railroad Museum - A restoration

2011-08-23T16:26:00.000-05:00

From our story by Barry Adams:

"The '1385' has seen better days. The 104-year-old steam engine has traversed the country pulling freight and passengers, been in movies and shuttled colorful wagons from Circus World Museum in Baraboo to Milwaukee for the Great Circus Parade.

Led by a $250,000 matching grant from the Wagner Foundation, a fundraising campaign is under way to cover the costs of a restoration for the 1385 that is expected to cost an estimated $1.2 million. If completed, it would be the largest restoration project in the museum's history but less than the estimated $2 million it is taking to restore the museum following the floods of 2008.

"When I look at it, I know what (it) can be and that's the drive to keep it going," said Don Meyer, [above] project director of the 1385 restoration effort. "I know the impact that it has on the general public."

The builder's plate of Chicago & North Western No. 1385, a steam engine under restoration at the Mid-Continent Railway Museum in North Freedom, Wis.

Children mill-around Copper Range No. 29, a locomotive on display at the Mid-Continent Railway Museum in North Freedom, Wis., Wednesday, Aug. 17, 2011. Children and other visitors to the museum may someday be able to ride the rails driven by the old steam technology if the Chicago & North Western No. 1385 is successfully restored.

Wisconsin Badgers Media Day

2011-08-08T10:56:00.000-05:00

Media day was – for the most part – all about Russell Wilson, the new quarterback at Wisconsin. Assignment: make a few nice portraits of Wilson for our season preview tab insert, and get a photo showing the media pack constantly surrounding the poor guy.

Wisconsin football season begins... so does Russell Wilson mania

2011-08-06T10:50:00.000-05:00

It's time to get the Wisconsin Badgers football season underway. The Badgers landed Russell Wilson, a highly coveted quarterback from N.C. State with one year of eligibility remaining. The hype is really something else.

We start with the first practice of the season.

On-field manager Jake Risse drags out equipment for Wisconsin football team's first practice of the season at Camp Randall Stadium in Madison, Wis., Friday afternoon, Aug. 5, 2011.

Wisconsin quarterback Russell Wilson, gets settled into practice with quarterbacks coach Paul Chryst, right, at Camp Randall Stadium in Madison, Wis., Friday afternoon, Aug. 5, 2011.

Wisconsin quarterback Russell Wilson, throws a pass during practice.

From left, Wisconsin redshirt freshman wide receiver Connor Cummins (31), redshirt freshman tight end Sherard Cadogan (86), and redshirt sophomore wide receiver Jeff Duckworth (15) go through warm up drills at the start of practice.

Wisconsin running backs Montee Ball (28), left, and James White (20) check their gloves during warmup drills.

Wisconsin head coach Bret Bielema watches over warmups during practice.

High school football is back

2011-08-04T09:25:00.000-05:00

The Waunakee High School Warriors football team practices at the school's practice field in Waunakee, Wis., Wednesday morning, Aug. 3, 2011.

A day at All-City Diving

2011-07-26T09:22:00.000-05:00

The dive of Keefe Mitman, Hill Farm Swim Club, is watched by judges, foreground, during the 13-14 boys event at the Madison All-City Dive Meet at Shorewood Hills Pool in Madison, Wis., Monday, July 25, 2011.

Justin Temprano, Parkcrest Swim and Tennis Club, 13-14 boys/11-12 girls Madison All-City Dive Meet at Shorewood Hills Pool in Madison, Wis., Monday, July 25, 2011.

LaVonne Cornell-Swanson of Madison, mother of 13-14 boys Parkcrest Swim and Tennis Club diver Nate Swanson, watches the Madison All-City Dive Meet from the stands at Shorewood Hills Pool in Madison, Wis., Monday, July 25, 2011.

Judges hold up their scores after a dive in the 13-14 boys event at the Madison All-City Dive Meet at Shorewood Hills Pool in Madison, Wis., Monday, July 25, 2011.

2011-07-25T20:27:00.000-05:00

A few tables at windows offer a view of North Hamilton Street at The Blue Marlin in Madison, Wis., Thursday, July 14, 2011.

Grilled Ahi Tuna served with couscous, mushrooms, roasted onion, spinach, roasted beet butter and tarragon yogurt.

Talking "corn"

2011-07-24T20:24:00.000-05:00

Garden manager Dan Johnson, left, talks "corn" with service camp participants in Middleton Outreach Ministry's garden in Middleton, Wis., Thursday morning, July 14, 2011.

Mooney caravan to EAA

2011-07-23T09:15:00.000-05:00

EAA AirVenture is the largest American gathering of aviation enthusiasts and it's held right here in Wisconsin. Although it's only in Oshkosh, it affects the entire state, dramatically increasing its air traffic and tourism for a couple weeks every July.

Mooney aircraft involved with the 2011 Mooney Caravan to the EAA AirVenture event in Oshkosh, sit parked on a ramp at Wisconsin Aviation in Madison, Wis., Friday, July 22, 2011. Mooney's are known for their signature reversed vertical stabilizers.

Larry Brennan, standing, of Burbank, Calif., leads a briefing for Mooney pilots at Wisconsin Aviation. The pilots discussed formation flying practice flights they would take later Friday to prepare for a caravan to the EAA AirVenture event in Oshkosh.

Maj. David Marten, an Air Force experimental test pilot, prepares for taxi and takeoff at Wisconsin Aviation. Marten, in his Mooney airplane, readied for a formation flying practice flight with two other Mooneys in preparation for tomorrow's 2011 Mooney Caravan to the EAA AirVenture event in Oshkosh.

David Piehler of Wausau, Wis., pilots his Mooney M20J ("Mooney 201") in the vicinity of the Madison airport during a formation flying practice flight.

Two Mooney M20J ("Mooney 201") airplanes fly over the vicinity of the Madison airport during a formation flying practice flight.

Mooney aircraft with their unique tail sections sit parked on a ramp at Wisconsin Aviation.

Mooney pilots Chris Shopperly of Calgary, Alberta, Canada, left, and Bret Lowell of Denver, Colo., talk about their formation practice flight at Wisconsin Aviation.

Hottest day of summer

2011-07-20T20:30:00.000-05:00

August Nelson, 6, of the Town of Middleton plays on a hot day at the Walter R. Bauman Aquatic Center in Middleton, Wis., Tuesday, July 19, 2011.

Remembering the geese

2011-07-14T20:22:00.000-05:00

Emily Smith, director of The PAWS Institute in Edgerton, arranges flowers around a makeshift memorial in front of the City-County Building in Madison, Wis., Wednesday, July 13, 2011, in remembrance of the geese the Madison Parks Division is having killed this summer at four area parks to reduce health and environmental problems stemming from their droppings.

Fake shooting

2011-07-13T20:20:00.000-05:00

A police officer searches a vehicle in the vicinity of 1126 and 1125 Catalpa Circle in Madison, Wis., Tuesday afternoon, July 12, 2011, after police received reports of a shooting via an untraceable cell phone call. No evidence of a shooting was found after the buildings and a nearby vehicle were searched.

A nearby resident watches City and Town of Madison police search the area.

Summer school

2011-07-13T20:13:00.000-05:00

For a story on the expansion of Madison Public Schools' summer school program.

Jovana Aguilar listens to teacher Erich Eifler in a summer science class at Hawthorne Elementary School in Madison, Wis., Friday morning, July 8, 2011.

Eifler works with his summer science class at Hawthorne Elementary School.

Eifler plays "Simon Says" with his summer school students during a break outside.

Henna

2011-07-12T20:18:00.000-05:00

Madison Aubey, 12, visiting from New York, draws henna on the hand of her younger cousin, Julia Aubey, 9, of Madison, during a henna tattoo workshop at the Meadowridge Branch of the Madison Public Library in Madison, Wis., Monday afternoon, July 11, 2011. About two dozen people, variety of ages, participated. Plant-based ink is used to draw on the skin. The temporary tattoo lasts about 3-4 weeks.

Landjaeger

2011-07-10T18:16:00.000-05:00

Jerry "Flapp" Plantenberg packages freshly-smoked landjaeger sausage sticks at Zuber's Sausage Kitchen in Monroe, Wis., Tuesday, June 28, 2011. The small company makes about 5,600 pair of landjaeger per week, distributed by nine companies and available at hundreds of convenience stores throughout the state.

Still ticking...

2011-07-09T18:24:00.000-05:00

I'm always amazed at the places this job takes me. The other week, it was high up into the clock tower at the Green County Courthouse. The clock was purchased from a Boston manufacturer for $500 and installed in 1892. It is still working today. The only modification is, instead of being powered by weights and cables, they've converted it to run on electricity.

County clerk Mike Doyle looks at writings on the walls of a shed housing clock mechanisms in the clock tower of the Green County Courthouse in Monroe, Wis., Tuesday, June 28, 2011.

The original directions for care and use of the tower clock still hang.

Some vandalism has occurred to windows in the gear house.

A small shed houses the clock gears and mechanisms in the middle of the clock tower.

Alleged assassination plot

2011-07-08T20:09:00.000-05:00

James McVay appears for an initial appearance before Court Commissioner Todd Meurer at the Dane County Public Safety Building in Madison, Wis., Thursday afternoon, July 7, 2011. Meurer ordered a competency examination but later cancelled it, setting an extradition hearing for August. McVay is charged with murder in South Dakota, and told police here that he was plotting to kill President Barack Obama and other people along the way.

James McVay, left, appears with a public defender during the initial appearance.

Rhythm and Booms

2011-07-05T20:05:00.000-05:00


Fireworks fans stake out their piece of grass hours before the display at Rhythm & Booms at Warner Park in Madison, Wis., Saturday afternoon, July 2, 2011.

"Ali Baba" provides a wild ride for youths in the carnival area.

A Swinging Good Time: Kenny Janisch of Beloit swings family friend Tyler Daniels, 4, around and around while waiting for the fireworks display.

People look to the skies to spot the Golden Knights U.S. Army Parachute Team descend into Warner Park several hours before the fireworks.

Wonder Bar

2011-07-03T18:05:00.000-05:00

I love getting restaurant shoots assigned to me. I find it a lot of fun to explore the ambiance visually and then try to get some nice pictures of unique dishes.

A 9 oz "petite" filet mignon, oscar style

The Loaded Wedge salad

New bulletproof vest for a K9 officer

2011-06-24T18:00:00.000-05:00

K9 officer Odin plays with a toy with handler Sgt. Brent Plisch, left, as Tanya Mordecai, center, and Donna Morgan, right, both of Janesville, watch before a press conference at the University of Wisconsin-Madison Police Department in Madison, Wis., Thursday, June 23, 2011. Odin received a bullet- and stab-resistant vest thanks to the efforts of Morgan's Wisconsin Vest-A-Dog organization and Project Aluminum, an initiative headed by Mordecai. Mordecai estimated it took between 800 and 900 pounds of collected aluminum to raise the funds needed to purchase Odin's vest.

K9 officers Odin, left, and Rex, right, focus on a dog toy while posing for pictures with, from left, University of Wisconsin-Madison Police Sgt. Brent Plisch, Tanya Mordecai of Project Aluminum, Donna Morgan of Wisconsin Vest-A-Dog and Det. Shane Driscoll after a press conference.

What I Do: Auctioneer

2011-06-20T21:27:00.001-05:00

Tom Fiese, auctioneer at Fiese's Auction Services, makes an announcement from his truck before the start of an auction on Orchard Drive in Madison, Wis., Saturday morning, June 18, 2011.

2011 World Naked Bike Ride in Madison

2011-06-19T21:21:00.000-05:00

A few participants in the 2011 World Naked Bike Ride bring up the rear of the group while riding northwest on South Broom Street in Madison, Wis., Saturday, June 18, 2011.

Welcome home, Soldier

2011-06-18T21:22:00.002-05:00

Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker greets Wisconsin Army National Guard soldiers from Madison-based 1st Battalion, 147th Aviation Regiment after they landed at Dane County Regional Airport in Madison, Wis., Friday afternoon, June 17, 2011. The return marked the end of their tour of duty in Iraq in support of Operations Iraqi Freedom and New Dawn. They were mobilized in June 2010.

Excited family members and friends of the Wisconsin Army National Guard soldiers watch their loved ones approach on foot after landing.

Wisconsin Army National Guard soldiers from Madison-based 1st Battalion, 147th Aviation Regiment disembark their airplane.

From left, Maj. Kurt Southworth of Reedsburg, Maj. Matt Strub of Hubertus and Sgt. 1st Class Miles McChesney of Waunakee, all Wisconsin Army National Guard soldiers from Madison-based 1st Battalion, 147th Aviation Regiment walk on the tarmac towards their families.

Sgt. Emily Cash, a Cross Plains native now in Oshkosh, reunites with her daughter Isabel, 3.

Corpse Flower

2011-06-17T21:20:00.000-05:00

"It's like petting a hairless animal," says Kandis Elliot, botany illustrator with UW-Madison's Department of Botany, as she checks the tip of the Titan Arum plant's spadix for temperature in the greenhouse of Birge Hall on campus in Madison, Wis., Thursday afternoon, June 16, 2011. Also known as the Corpse Flower, the plant's spadix periodically warms (at times to around 100 degrees Fahrenheit), releasing strong, aromatic oils – similar in process to perfume, but similar in scent to rotting fish and burnt sugar – according to the department's website. Elliot says she has worked at the department for 22 years, and says it's the "best job on campus."

Wisconsin Budget Protests: Day 3

2011-06-17T21:15:00.004-05:00

Clouds roll over a small protest rally at the state Capitol, as seen from a nearby condo building in Madison, Wis., early Thursday evening, June 16, 2011.

Ben Perreth of Madison blows a horn during a protest rally at the state Capitol in Madison, Wis., Thursday, June 16, 2011.

Wisconsin State Patrol and Capitol Police officers surround protesters banging on a window outside the state Senate at the state Capitol, Thursday evening.

Capitol Police officers drag away a protester outside of the state Senate Thursday evening.

A protester screams at Wisconsin State Patrol officers guarding the state Senate chamber Thursday evening.

State Sen. Jon Erpenbach (D-Middleton) wipes his face during debate on Senate Amendment 8 to the state budget, as a session of the body continues into the night in the state Senate chamber at the state Capitol in Madison, Wis., Thursday evening, June 16, 2011. In the background is state Sen. Scott Fitzgerald (R-Juneau), Majority Leader.

Wisconsin Budget Protests: Day 2

2011-06-16T21:13:00.000-05:00

A protester is removed from the state Assembly gallery by Wisconsin State Patrol officers after she interrupted state Rep. Robin Vos (R-Rochester) as he gave opening remarks to begin debate on the state budget at the state Capitol in Madison, Wis., Wednesday, June 15, 2011.

Protester Jeremy Ryan is removed from the state Assembly gallery by Wisconsin State Patrol officers during debate on the state budget.

Wisconsin Budget Protests: Day 1

2011-06-15T20:55:00.001-05:00

No we're not back to square one again (although sometimes it feels like it). The state's biennial budget is working its way through the legislature, and guess what. Protesters aren't happy with what's in it.

They're coming back to the Capitol to speak out against just about everything happening within.

In the morning, I tried to focus on the – cuter – moments in the protest scene. The day wrapped up with a rally on the State Street steps, but not before a bombshell of breaking news: the state Supreme Court reversed a Dane County judge's ruling, ordering that Wisconsin Act 10 (the collective bargaining bill) go into effect.

Even dogs carried signs of protest at the state Capitol in Madison, Wis., Tuesday, June 14, 2011.

Protesters hula-hooped in an area they called "Hoop for Justice" Tuesday.

Yep, that's a guy in a friar's outfit smoking a cigarette and talking on a mobile phone. Unsure if he is actually a cleric or not.

Protesters Ray Nashold and Caroline Greenwald find shade near the entrance to the Wisconsin Historical Society as protests continue across the street.

Henry Kempen, almost 1, rides on the back of his father, Madison East High School teacher Jason Kempen, during a protest march around the state Capitol, Tuesday.

State Senate President Michael Ellis (R-Neenah) listens to debate in the Senate chamber at the state Capitol in Madison, Wis., Tuesday, June 14, 2011.

State Sen. Jon Erpenbach (D-Middleton), right, speaks privately with state Sen. Tim Carpenter (D-Milwaukee) on the floor of the Senate chamber during debate on concealed carry legislation Tuesday.

Mahlon Mitchell, president of the Professional Fire Fighters of Wisconsin, tells protesters of a Wisconsin Supreme Court decision during a rally at the state Capitol in Madison, Wis., Tuesday afternoon, June 14, 2011. The decision overturned a Dane County judge's rulings that voided a state law limiting collective bargaining rights of public workers, finding that the judge overstepped her authority in making her decision.

Josh Reed, a teacher from Williams Bay, Wis., holds an American flag during a rally at the state Capitol in Madison, Wis., Tuesday afternoon, June 14, 2011.

Mitchell continues his speech.

Gene DeFelice of Northwest Indiana holds a sign during the rally.

Wisconsin's First Lady

2011-06-14T16:41:00.000-05:00

Had an enjoyable time photographing Wisconsin's First Lady Tonette Walker at the Executive Residence last month for a profile story on the Governor's wife by WSJ reporter Clay Barbour. Would like to thank Clay, especially, for his reflector-holding skills!

I began scouting the first floor of the residence for locations immediately upon arrival. A small sunroom with some delicate, nearly pastel decor was an easy choice, followed by the dining room. I don't consider myself a strong portrait photographer, but I feel like I escaped from this assignment with some decent shots.

This was also my first time giving my new Lastolite Professional TriGrip Difflector as a shoot-thru strobe modifier. I won it last month at the Wisconsin News Photographers Association convention. I can definitely see a lot of use ahead for this thing! Very pleased.

Home and Garden Tour

2011-06-13T19:33:00.000-05:00

Every once in a while you get sent on a home and garden assignment that just makes your jaw drop.

Front view of the home of Karen Christianson, a 1903 Queen Anne/Gothic style home extensively renovated with Feng Shui principles, in Madison, Wis., Wednesday, June 1, 2011.

Garages

Round table between the kitchen and great room.

Great room

Secret Places: Henry Vilas Zoo

2011-06-13T19:24:00.001-05:00

For our periodic series "Secret Places," uncovering locations not accessible to the general public, out of the way, hidden or off-limits.

Deputy zoo director Ronda Schwetz feeds Shaggy, a giraffe, a cracker at the Henry Vilas Zoo in Madison, Wis., Wednesday, June 1, 2011.

Betty, 41, the oldest harbor seal in the United States according to Schwetz, swims around in a small pool behind her exhibit at the zoo.

A great day for soccer

2011-06-12T20:51:00.001-05:00

Madison Memorial's Ruth Lenzen (20), right, and Waunakee's Samantha Murray (5) collide in the first half in Middleton, Wis., Saturday, June 11, 2011.

Madison Memorial's McKenna Meuer (8) and Ingrid Greene (17) celebrate the game-winning goal in the second half.

Madison Memorial players celebrate after the game.

Another great day for softball

2011-06-11T20:42:00.004-05:00

This sectional final is going into extra innings, folks!

Sun Prairie's Sam Kanak (13), left, tries to outrun a throw from Madison La Follette third baseman Tessa Lewis (23), center, in the third inning of a WIAA sectional final in Waunakee, Wis., Friday, June 10, 2011. La Follette pitcher Nicole Newman, right, follows the play.

Sun Prairie third baseman Katelyn Huemmer (3) acknowledges pitcher Kristen Hoppman on a double play in the fifth inning, throwing out Madison La Follette baserunner Haley Coulthart (5), bottom. Reacting, far left, is La Follette head coach/third base coach Heather Fish.

Madison La Follette third baseman Tessa Lewis (23) prepares to throw to home from the dirt in the eighth inning. Lewis' throw made it in time to throw out Sun Prairie's Ali Lee (8), preventing a run.

The umpire calls out Sun Prairie's Ali Lee (8) at home plate with Madison La Follette catcher Megan Tuohy (30) on the tag and throw coming from third baseman Tessa Lewis (not pictured) in the eighth inning.

Sun Prairie shortstop Chelsey Rodenkirch (1) makes a running throw to first base in the ninth inning.

Sun Prairie left fielder Taylor Lenz (11) chases down the game-winning hit by Madison La Follette's Tessa Lewis in the tenth inning.

Sun Prairie catcher Maggie Scott (4) is stunned as Madison La Follette players, left to right, Brianna Sohrweide (4), Clare Gloede (21), and Haley Coulthart (5) run onto the field to celebrate their win. Knocking in the game-winning hit was Madison La Follette's Tessa Lewis (not pictured).

It's like covering a congressional hearing...

2011-06-09T20:33:00.003-05:00

...only in a much smaller, less beautiful room.

The political madness in Wisconsin continues as we shift some of our attention to the impending recalls of several state Senators. The nonpartisan Government Accountability Board is in the middle of a mess of a fight over signatures, petitions and affidavits for the recalls. They held an open session with lawyers and GAB staff to help determine how to handle the situation.

Jonathan Becker, division administrator of Wisconsin's Government Accountability Board's ethics division, looks at a projection of an affidavit in question during an open session meeting in the agency's board room in Madison, Wis., Wednesday, June 8, 2011.

Wisconsin's Government Accountability Board's staff counsel Shane Falk, left, and elections specialist David Buerger, right, make a presentation to the GAB board members in the open session meeting.

Judge Gordon Myse on Wisconsin's Government Accountability Board asks questions of GAB staff during the meeting.

Jeremy Levinson, an attorney for Democrat state senators being recalled, offers a rebuttal presentation.

Eric McLeod, an attorney representing committees trying to recall Democrat state senators, offers a rebuttal presentation.

Till death do us part – tomorrow or years from now

2011-06-09T20:09:00.003-05:00

Don Slick and his girlfriend, Lisa Threlkeld, had been together for 17 years. Their normal day-to-day life together was abruptly interrupted by a diagnosis: Don's heart valves were infected. He has been hospitalized for nearly a month at Meriter Hospital in Madison.

Facing a high-risk surgery to replace the valves, Don proposed. The couple arranged a ceremony in the hospital courtyard scheduled for the day before the procedure. There, he stood up out of his wheelchair for the entire ceremony.

It was truly a blessing to witness and photograph this special day for them and our readers.

UPDATE: I'm happy to say that Don made it through surgery and is recovering.

Don Slick and Lisa Threlkeld, his long-time partner, stand before the Rev. Jason Hill, chaplain resident, during a wedding in the Meriter Hospital courtyard in Madison, Wis., Wednesday morning, June 8, 2011. Slick faces high-risk cardiac surgery on June 9.

Don and Lisa exchange their vows.

Deedra Atkinson, a United Way colleague, comforts Don as he and Lisa walk as husband and wife for the first time after the ceremony.

Don Slick gets a hug from United Way colleague Amber Buchmann after the ceremony.

Don is wheeled into a small hospital reception by his new wife, Lisa, after their wedding ceremony at Meriter Hospital.

Don and Lisa toast each other with a glass of champagne during the small reception.

Don and Lisa cut their wedding cake.

Where's the ball?

2011-06-08T20:07:00.000-05:00

Coaches and players search for a lost ball in deep rough along the 18th fairway at the WIAA state golf tournament at University Ridge golf course in Madison, Wis., Tuesday, June 7, 2011.

Weather warning for the workplace

2011-06-06T19:29:00.003-05:00

Paul Shain, CEO and president of Singlewire Software, poses for a portrait with telephones in a testing room at the company's headquarters in Madison, Wis., Wednesday, June 1, 2011. The company is developing an IP-based notification system for weather and other types of emergencies for applications in the business environment.

An example message on a telephone at Singlewire Software's headquarters.

A darn hot weekend for State Track and Field

2011-06-05T19:50:00.001-05:00

Boy did I get one heckuva sunburn this weekend covering this year's WIAA State Track and Field meet in La Crosse. But it's always worth it.

From left, Marinette's Erin Perkins, Random Lake's Alexia Horstmeier, Stanley-Boyd's Marissa Mahr, and West Salem's CJ Bina clear a set of hurdles in heat 1 of the division 2 girls 100 meter high hurdles at the WIAA state track and field meet in La Crosse, Wis., Friday, June 3, 2011.

Belmont's Kailee Kamps competes in the shot put event Friday.

Pole vaulter Malachi Romportl of Rice Lake finds some shade between turns Friday.

Fans watch the girls 300 meter low hurdles event Friday.

Girls, including Monroe's Jaclyn Ditter (lane 4) compete in the first heat of the division 2 300 meter low hurdles race Friday.

Track and field fans take a rest in the green area in front of Veterans Memorial Field Sports Complex, Friday.

Starter Loren Homb of Monroe starts a section of the girls 800 meter run Friday.

Aquinas' Michael Christianson looks back to check his lead over Edgewood's Joe McKenna in the home stretch of the boys 3200 meter run Friday.

Madison East's Tyrone Galvin lands in the pit while competing in the long jump Friday.

Sun Prairie's Liz Berkholtz, right, closes in on Brookfield Central's Hannah Trasser on the home stretch to win the 1600 meter run Friday.

Waunakee's Ross Maly hits the bar at 6'6" in the high jump Friday. Maly eventually cleared 6'6" and later 6'8" but nevertheless was unable to beat Green Bay East's Mike Fisher.

The Platteville 3200 meter relay team celebrates their win at the WIAA state track and field meet in La Crosse, Wis., Saturday, June 4, 2011.

Madison East's Travis Turnquist falls after crossing the finish line in the boys 400 meter dash Saturday.

A lane number tag becomes dislodged from the right leg of Monroe's Jaclyn Ditter just as she crosses the finish line in the 400 meter relay Saturday.

Tournament volunteers prepare to walk-out the championship and runner-up hardware Saturday.

Back to the Capitol

2011-06-03T19:44:00.001-05:00

Just when I think activity at the Capitol will cool down, it heats back up again.

On my drive home from work yesterday, I was "rerouted" back to the Capitol where I was told protesters were disrupting a meeting of the Joint Committee on Finance. By the time I got parked, into the building, and all the way upstairs, things had settled down a bit, but emotions were still high.

A handful of protesters with Voces de la Frontera, a grassroots immigrant rights group, wept during debate at a meeting of the Joint Committee on Finance at the state Capitol in Madison, Wis., Thursday night, June 2, 2011.

Protesters disrupt and walk out of the Joint Committee on Finance meeting.

A great day for softball

2011-06-03T19:39:00.003-05:00

Coaches and players with Madison La Follette, left, and DeForest, right meet with officials before the start of a game at Madison Memorial in Madison, Wis., Thursday, June 2, 2011.

The ball gets by DeForest shortstop Jenny Berry (22) and second baseman Amber Dorman (23) as Madison La Follette's Clare Gloede(21) slides safely into second for a stolen base in the first inning.

A base hit gets by DeForest third baseman Taylor Legried (26) in the first inning allowing a run.

Madison La Follette baserunner Michelle Farino (24) is called out for interference as DeForest shortstop Jenny Berry (22) fields a ground ball in the third inning.

Madison La Follette teammates prepare to welcome Nicole Newman (40) to home plate after she hit a two-run home run in the fourth inning.

Elated Madison La Follette teammates welcome Nicole Newman (40) to home plate after she hit a two-run home run in the fourth inning.

Welcome to Schubert's

2011-06-01T18:59:00.000-05:00

Mike Alioto of Madison, left, meets Walter Krumdick of Mt. Horeb for lunch at Schubert's Old Fashioned Cafe & Bakery in Mt. Horeb, Wis., Tuesday, May 31, 2011. Above them on the wall are historic photographs of the place: top, an April 1, 1960 picture of then-Presidential primary candidate John F. Kennedy, who visited Mt. Horeb and spoke in a hotel upstairs; bottom, a 1940s street view of the building, then called Olson's; right, a 1939 interior view.

Julie Zander, far right, serves a cold drink at Schubert's.

A map with push-pins showing where customers have traveled from is displayed in the front window of Schubert's.

Major Warner Park renovations

2011-05-28T16:54:00.000-05:00

Fans walk around between innings during a baseball game between Madison East and Madison La Follette at Warner Park in Madison, Wis., Friday, May 27, 2011. It was the first game played after major renovations to the stadium.

Scott West of Madison with his sons Adam, 7, center, and Brevan, 10, right, take in the sights, sounds and tastes of the game. Some seats were reclaimed from the Baltimore's Oriole Park at Camden Yards.

Madison East's Tony Ciufo (15) takes a few practice swings between innings.

Soggy weather

2011-05-26T16:54:00.000-05:00

Ian Marsden walks northwest on North Carroll Street with his daughter Isabel, 4, as she plays with her umbrella in rainy weather near the state Capitol in Madison, Wis., Wednesday, May 25, 2011.

Voter ID bill-signing

2011-05-26T16:51:00.000-05:00

Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker lightheartedly explains to children in the audience why he has multiple pens during a signing ceremony for the Voter ID Bill (AB-7) at the state Capitol in Madison, Wis., Wednesday, May 25, 2011. Such pens are often given as keepsakes to sponsoring legislators or other key supporters of legislation.

"Madison Bcycle"

2011-05-24T16:39:00.000-05:00

Joleen Nelson of Lodi and Angie Craugh of Mineral Point take a look at the new "Madison Bcycle" station at East Mifflin Street and Wisconsin Avenue near the Capitol on their lunch break in Madison, Wis., Tuesday, May 24, 2011. The station, one of many in the downtown area, allows customers to rent a bicycle for short trips and short periods of time.

Storybook Gardens

2011-05-22T16:27:00.002-05:00

Storybook Gardens closes without a storybook ending. Storybook Gardens, a staple theme park in the Wisconsin Dells since 1956, will not reopen this summer. The park has succumbed to the wear, tear, and a diminishing interest in fairy tales.

Rock-a-bye Baby at Storybook Gardens in Wisconsin Dells, Wis., Wednesday, May 18, 2011.

An undated photo on a picture card envelope shows the Storybook Gardens of years past.

Paint has aged on the fairytale characters at Storybook Gardens, like on the face of Jack from Jack and the Beanstalk shown here.

The three bears, worn and soiled, still haven't left the kitchen table.

Storybook Gardens' sign is falling into disrepair along the main drag in Wisconsin Dells.

Ugly venue for tennis

2011-05-20T16:36:00.000-05:00

It might just be the darkest place with the least number of shooting locations that I've ever shot in. Managed to get a couple frames I was okay with.

Madison East's Jake Rodgers serves to Middleton's Bennett Hogendorn at Nielsen Tennis Stadium in Madison, Wis., Thursday, May 19, 2011.

Middleton's Ben Luskin tosses his racket in the air after a poor shot against Verona's Ryan McLean.

Solidarity Singalong

2011-05-15T16:05:00.002-05:00

From our story by Mary Spicuzza:

"Nobody at the gatherings, known as the “Solidarity Singalong,” uses a microphone, but the majestic marble floors and walls amplify their voices, carrying them through every corridor.
On some days only about two dozen people show up to sing, a shadow of the thousands of protesters who regularly filled the Capitol during the height of the demonstrations against Gov. Scott Walker’s plan to dramatically limit public sector collective bargaining in February and March.

But for the last nine weeks, the devoted group has come together from noon to about 1 p.m. on Mondays through Fridays to sing out its message."

Singers gather in the Rotunda for the Solidarity Singalong at the state Capitol in Madison, Wis., Tuesday, May 10, 2011.

Eric Rambo of Madison, left, sings with others at the Solidarity Singalong at the state Capitol in Madison, Wis., Tuesday, May 10, 2011.

State Sen. Robert Wirch (D-Pleasant Prairie) shows his support of the Solidarity Singalong from a second floor balcony at the state Capitol in Madison, Wis., Tuesday, May 10, 2011.

Prentice Berge of Madison sings during the Solidarity Singalong.

Schoolchildren on a class visit to the state Capitol take in the sights and sounds of the Solidarity Singalong.

Capitol cleanup

2011-05-14T16:19:00.000-05:00

Ron Blair of the Division of State Facilities, right, and Charles Quagliana, a historic preservation architect, inspect stone walls in the basement of the state Capitol in Madison, Wis., Tuesday, May 10, 2011. The two were analyzing the effectiveness of various cleaning methods.

Beautiful day for baseball

2011-05-13T16:23:00.000-05:00

Barneveld's Jeremy Kitelinger (12) pitches in the first inning against Pecatonica in the first of a doubleheader in Barneveld, Wis., Thursday afternoon, May 12, 2011.

Barneveld second baseman Beau Thompson (2) can't make the tag at second base in time on Pecatonica's Ross Gilbertson (16) in the second inning.

Flanked by coaching staff, Pecatonica left fielder Tyler Francois (1) walks off the field bloodied after being hit in the face by a foul ball he attempted to catch in the second inning.

Barneveld's Brad Zander (18) rounds third base on a two-run home run in the sixth inning.

Barneveld centerfielder Jeremy Kitelinger (12) reaches for the ball after second baseman Beau Thompson (2) missed a shallow fly ball in the outfield in the seventh inning.

Capitol in Bloom

2011-05-11T16:04:00.000-05:00

Jorge Delgado waters tulips at the state Capitol in Madison, Wis., Tuesday, May 10, 2011.

Spotted at the Capitol

2011-05-10T16:20:00.000-05:00

Saw this while walking to the Capitol and thought it was awfully clever vanity license plate on a legislator's vehicle.

The car of State Sen. Glenn Grothman (R-West Bend) displays vanity license plates at the state Capitol in Madison, Wis., Tuesday, May 10, 2011.

Beautiful day for track

2011-05-07T16:03:00.000-05:00

Madison Memorial's Michael Salerno competes in the pole vault event during the Spartan Invitational boys track and field meet at Mansfield Stadium in Madison, Wis., Friday evening, May 6, 2011.

Tripped up

2011-05-06T16:01:00.000-05:00

Madison Memorial's McKenna Meuer (8) eyes the ball as Middleton's Kirstin Gunderson (21) gets tripped up in the first half of a game at Middleton Soccer Complex in Middleton, Wis., Thursday evening, May 5, 2011.

Prep Golf

2011-05-05T16:00:00.000-05:00

Verona's Tyler Reinecke, left, and Waunakee's Zach Gaugert, right, gauge their distance from the pin on the sixth hole during play at the Morgan Stanley Smith Barney Shoot-Out at University Ridge Golf Course in Madison, Wis., Wednesday, May 4, 2011.

Fuel prices on the rise

2011-05-03T15:59:00.000-05:00

Fuel prices started at $4.05 per gallon of gas at the Citgo station at West Beltline and Todd Drive in Madison, Wis., Friday afternoon, April 29, 2011.

Chainsaw carving

2011-05-03T15:57:00.000-05:00

With a chain grinder, Mark Stauffer carves a log into a tiki in his North Baldwin Street driveway in Madison, Wis., Friday morning, April 29, 2011. For fun, he calls his operation Stauffer East Side Tikis. Stauffer said he began carving with chainsaws, grinders, and steel wedges because he wanted a tiki and couldn't afford to buy one. It's mostly a hobby now for the east side man, sometimes selling his creations (tikis and bears) to family and friends.

Busy beavers

2011-05-03T15:53:00.001-05:00

Beavers have been illicitly harvesting trees around the lagoon in Tenney Park, as evidenced by this toppled tree Tuesday afternoon, April 26 near the bridge close to Sherman Avenue. Madison parks officials reported that in March more than $5,000 in damage was caused by beavers to landscape trees in the park. A contractor was hired to live-trap the flat-tailed rodents, but they remain busy. Beavers like Madison's many waterways, and damage is a constant problem in parks. Two years ago, the banks of Wingra Creek were hard hit by a possible colony of beavers leaving wood chips and pointy stumps in their wake.

(Special thanks to George Hesselberg for the engaging, well-researched/well-written cutline!)

Cassville Fire

2011-05-03T15:48:00.000-05:00

Cassville Police Chief Brent McDonald walks through rubble after helping investigators inspect damage at 111, 113 and 117 E. Amelia St. in Cassville, Wis., Thursday, April 21, 2011. Investigators are still looking into the cause of early Tuesday morning's blaze. One small area of the 111 E. Amelia St. structure continued to smolder Thursday.

Investigators inspect the damage in an upstairs room.

Bystanders from across the street view the damage.

Biomass

2011-05-03T15:41:00.000-05:00

Wood biomass sits in the yard under a system of conveyors at the E.J. Stoneman Electrical Station in Cassville, Wis., Thursday, April 21, 2011. The power plant has been converted to burn wood biomass instead of coal.

Plant manager Rich Nelson holds a handful of wood biomass that will be burned for energy at the plant.

A view of the yard at the E.J. Stoneman Electrical Station in Cassville, Wis.

Shift supervisor Mike Walsh, left, and boiler operator Nate Vogt, right, man the control room.

Wood biomass rushes through the power plant on conveyors.

Wood biomass burns.

Family racing

2011-05-03T15:35:00.000-05:00

A few snaps from a story on the Goldades, a Stoughton family with years of stock car racing in the books and motor oil for blood.

Ryan Goldade, right, pulls a wheel off his premier division limited late model race car in his family's shop near Stoughton, Wis., Wednesday evening, April 20, 2011.

TJ Goldade talks with racing fan Steve Wagner, right, in the Goldades' shop near Stoughton, Wis., Wednesday evening, April 20, 2011. Goldade is sitting in his sportsman division race car that was involved in a crash last season. Repairs are ongoing.

Ryan Goldade, left, and father Tod, right, work on Ryan's premier division limited late model race car.

Ryan Goldade peels out down a country road on a go-cart during a break from race car maintenance at the family's shop.

Out with the old, in with the older?

2011-05-02T16:34:00.000-05:00

Madison Mayor Dave Cieslewicz was recently ousted by former longtime Mayor Paul Soglin. Soglin was mayor for three terms, previously, from 1973-1979.

Outgoing Madison Mayor Dave Cieslewicz replaces his name card with that of mayor-elect Paul Soglin prior to Soglin being sworn in as Madison Mayor in the city council chambers at the City-County Building in Madison, Wis., Tuesday morning, April 19, 2011.

Paul Soglin cracks a smile as he is sworn in as Madison Mayor in the city council chambers at the City-County Building in Madison, Wis., Tuesday morning, April 19, 2011.

Hair Affair

2011-05-01T16:34:00.000-05:00

Hair architect Jekaterina Agaponova mounts a hairpiece to model Ashleigh CJ Nelson at William Jon Salon in Madison, Wis., Monday, April 18, 2011. Madison hair salons are preparing to participate in "A Hair Affair," a fundraiser for the Madison Museum of Contemporary Art on April 28.

Leo Pold

2011-05-01T16:32:00.000-05:00

Vilas, an African Lion, assumes a posture of protection in front of her young cub, Leo Pold, bottom, at the Henry Vilas Zoo in Madison, Wis., Monday, April 18, 2011. It was to be Leo Pold's first public appearance at the zoo since his Dec. 18, 2010, birth, but the lion family was far too skittish to greet the masses assembled for a brief ceremony. Zoo staff led media and some select visitors to a private area to see the lions.

Going out of business

2011-05-01T16:30:00.000-05:00

Owner Wayne Johnson, right, and his daughter Laura Rucks look through their store, Schenk-Huegel Co., 2005 Winnebago St., in Madison, Wis., while consolidating merchandise to fewer shelves Friday morning, April 8, 2011. Johnson is closing the store near the end of the month after about 27 years of business selling uniforms and equipment to police, sheriff's deputies, fire departments, and postal workers.

The Man Behind the Plan

2011-05-01T16:27:00.000-05:00

Wisconsin Department of Administration Secretary Mike Huebsch (the official deeply involved in crafting the state's controversial budget repair bill) works in his office at the Administration Building in Madison, Wis., Thursday afternoon, April 7, 2011. The office offers views of Lake Monona and Monona Terrace Community and Convention Center. A portrait of former U.S. President Ronald Reagan hangs on the wall.

Golf's opening day

2011-05-01T16:25:00.000-05:00

Leon Dandurand of Fitchburg, center, and John Tufts of Madison, right, walk around the water hazard on the fourth hole at Odana Hills Golf Course during a round of golf in Madison, Wis., Thursday, March 31, 2011. Thursday was opening day for three of the city's four golf courses.

All-area hoops

2011-05-01T16:22:00.000-05:00

All-Area basketball student athletes Madison East High School senior Nimrod Hilliard IV, top, and Middleton High School senior Kerry Gardner.

The Thaw

2011-05-01T16:18:00.000-05:00

As Lake Monona begins to thaw, cyclists make their way southwest on a bike path near Monona Terrace Community and Convention Center in Madison, Wis., Friday, March 18, 2011.

The Gourd Girl (and Guy)

2011-05-01T16:11:00.000-05:00

Terri Schmit, also known as "The Gourd Girl" works on a piece in her studio at home in Blue Mounds Township, Wis., Thursday, March 17, 2011.

"Lily," a gourd artwork by Terri Schmit, also known as "The Gourd Girl", in Blue Mounds Township, Wis., Thursday, March 17, 2011.

"Zen Pyrography," a gourd artwork by Terri Schmit, also known as "The Gourd Girl", in Blue Mounds Township, Wis., Thursday, March 17, 2011.

Larry Haas, "The Gourd Guy," husband of Terri Schmit who is also known as "The Gourd Girl", stands with some of his gourds at his farm in Blue Mounds Township, Wis., Thursday, March 17, 2011.

Mold develops on curing gourds on the farm of Larry Haas and Terri Schmit, also known as "The Gourd Guy" and "The Gourd Girl", in Blue Mounds Township, Wis., Thursday, March 17, 2011. The mold, which develops as the gourd dries, contributes to the development of unique patterns on each gourd.

A curing gourd peels as it dries on the farm of Larry Haas and Terri Schmit, also known as "The Gourd Guy" and "The Gourd Girl", in Blue Mounds Township, Wis., Thursday, March 17, 2011.

Faces of the Budget Repair Bill

2011-05-01T16:07:00.000-05:00

Leah Lipska with her husband, Mickey, and their children Phoenix, 6, right, and Orion, 4, says it was two years ago that her Department of Corrections pay increased enough so she became ineligible for a federal nutrition program. She is pregnant with a third child. Photographed at the family's home in Mt. Horeb, Wis., Wednesday afternoon, March 16, 2011.

Leah Lipska holds a set of pins at her home in Mt. Horeb, Wis., Wednesday afternoon, March 16, 2011. Lipska, 29, is a Department of Corrections employee affected by the recently passed budget repair bill which ends public sector collective bargaining. She is also president of AFSCME Local 1.

The ice won't last forever

2011-04-29T16:06:00.000-05:00

Fishermen take advantage of remaining – but melting – ice on Monona Bay, despite more mild weather, to continue ice fishing in Madison, Wis., Friday, March 11, 2011.

Bedtime story?

2011-04-29T16:04:00.001-05:00

Audrey McMillan, 7, of McFarland, reads "Mythological Monsters" to Buddy, 9, a tired Golden Retriever, at the Monona Public Library in Monona, Wis., Tuesday afternoon, March 8, 2011. Since 2008 at the library, children have been afforded the opportunity once a month to read to dogs through the Reading Education Assistance Dogs program. Karen Wendt, the library's youth services coordinator says children sometimes feel like they'll be corrected when reading with an adult. When reading with a dog, she says, it helps the children "feel relaxed, comfortable, in a non-judgemental setting. Children who are relaxed and having fun while they're reading, read for longer...and they will read more often." Information about registering for the opportunity is available at: www.mononalibrary.org/youth/

Speed Cycling

2011-04-29T15:59:00.001-05:00

Speed Cycling is a new option for local cyclists looking to shift their participation in the sport into a higher gear, offering year-round a temperature-controlled environment for high-intensity, competitive indoor training.

Speed Cycling co-owner Petra Kilian-Gehring, center, instructs a class at the facility in Fitchburg, Wis., Monday, March 7, 2011.

CompuTrainer devices are used during workouts at Speed Cycling in Fitchburg, Wis., Monday, March 7, 2011.

Fitness class participants pedal quickly at Speed Cycling in Fitchburg, Wis., Monday, March 7, 2011.

Gary Gruenisen of Madison, and Jill Lundberg of Fitchburg give full effort during a fitness class at Speed Cycling in Fitchburg, Wis., Monday, March 7, 2011.

Homeless Health

2011-04-29T15:49:00.000-05:00

By health and medicine beat writer David Wahlberg:

As workers left Downtown Madison on a cold evening, homeless men filed into a Sunday school room on the third floor of Grace Episcopal Church.

It became their emergency room, as volunteer doctors and nurses listened to their medical needs...

...[Dr. Cate] Ranheim and her husband Erik, also a doctor, started a program that combines "street medicine" and social work to try to keep the homeless healthy and prevent expensive hospital bills the patients rarely can pay.

Dr. Erik Ranheim examines the tonsils and uvula of patient Thomas Hons after complaining of sleep apnea symptoms at a medical clinic at Grace Episcopal Church in Madison, Wis., Wednesday, Feb. 16, 2011.

Dr. Dave Deci uses a stethoscope on patient Robert Huffar at a medical clinic at Grace Episcopal Church in Madison, Wis., Wednesday, Feb. 16, 2011.

Wisconsin Budget: The Final Two Days

2011-04-29T15:12:00.010-05:00

... or maybe not.

Majority Republicans in both houses used rare procedural maneuvers to bypass roadblocks from minority Democrats, and pass the controversial Budget Repair Bill curtailing public employee collective bargaining rights. These photos follow the bill's final two days from it's passing through the Legislature to the Governor's desk.

State Rep. Peter Barca (D-Kenosha), right, continues to speak in objection while state Sen. Scott Fitzgerald (D-Juneau) bangs the gavel adjourning a meeting of the state Legislature's conference committee at the state Capitol in Madison, Wis., Wednesday evening, March 9, 2011.

The state Senate prepares to vote after a meeting of a state Legislature conference committee at the state Capitol in Madison, Wis., Wednesday evening, March 9, 2011.

State Sen. Dale Schultz (R-Richland Center) says "no" during a vote on the budget repair bill after a meeting of a state Legislature conference committee at the state Capitol in Madison, Wis., Wednesday evening, March 9, 2011. Schultz was the lone Republican voting against the bill.

Tears roll down the face of Liz Sanger of Madison after the state Senate passed the budget repair bill following a meeting of a state Legislature conference committee at the state Capitol in Madison, Wis., Wednesday evening, March 9, 2011.

After a protester outside threw a snowball hitting a window at the state Capitol, State Rep. Amy Sue Vruwink (D-Milladore) implores protesters to remain peaceful during a press conference of Democratic state Assembly members after the state Senate passed the budget repair bill following a meeting of a state Legislature conference committee at the state Capitol in Madison, Wis., Wednesday evening, March 9, 2011.

Wisconsin State Troopers confer during a tense moment as protesters rushed into the state Capitol in Madison, Wis., Wednesday evening, March 9, 2011.

The state Capitol in Madison, Wis., was reoccupied by protesters who rushed into the building after hours, Wednesday evening, March 9, 2011.

Capitol Police Chief Charles Tubbs pleads with protesters to leave the state Assembly antechamber voluntarily at the state Capitol in Madison, Wis., Thursday morning, March 10, 2011.

Wisconsin State Patrol officers drag a protester out of the state Assembly antechamber at the state Capitol in Madison, Wis., Thursday morning, March 10, 2011.

Wisconsin State Patrol officers drag a protester out of the state Assembly antechamber at the state Capitol in Madison, Wis., Thursday morning, March 10, 2011.

State Reps. Sondy Pope-Roberts (D-Middleton) and Jennifer Shilling (D-La Crosse), facing, embrace in tears as protesters are removed from the state Assembly antechamber by Wisconsin State Patrol officers at the state Capitol in Madison, Wis., Thursday morning, March 10, 2011.

The Rev. Jesse Jackson enters the state Assembly to lead the body in prayer at the state Capitol in Madison, Wis., Thursday, March 10, 2011.

State Reps. Peter Barca (D-Kenosha) and Daniel Knodl (R-Germantown) hold hands during prayer led by the Rev. Jesse Jackson in the state Assembly at the state Capitol in Madison, Wis., Thursday, March 10, 2011.

State Rep. Peter Barca (D-Kenosha) lights a lighter while holding the Assembly rulebook as he speaks on the motion to remove State Assembly Speaker Jeff Fitzgerald (R-Horicon) from his leadership position at the state Capitol in Madison, Wis., Thursday, March 10, 2011.

Assembly Speaker Jeff Fitzgerald (R-Horicon) reads from a death threat letter, in hand, addressed towards him and other Assembly Republicans while responding to Assembly Democrats' motion to remove Fitzgerald from his leadership position at the state Capitol in Madison, Wis., Thursday, March 10, 2011.

State Rep. Jennifer Shilling (D-La Crosse) shows signs of frustration in the Assembly chamber at the state Capitol in Madison, Wis., Thursday, March 10, 2011.

State Assembly Democrats seek to be recognized as Republicans move forward on a vote to pass the budget repair bill at the state Capitol in Madison, Wis., Thursday, March 10, 2011.

Protesters yell "Shame!" from the state Assembly gallery after the body passed the budget repair bill at the state Capitol in Madison, Wis., Thursday, March 10, 2011.

Dressed in all orange, down to her high-heeled shoes, to match her party's matching t-shirts, state Rep. Elizabeth Coggs (D-Milwaukee) stands in the Assembly chamber at the state Capitol in Madison, Wis., Thursday, March 10, 2011.

Capitol Police Chief Charles Tubbs tries again to persuade protesters to leave the building after the state Capitol closed in Madison, Wis., Thursday evening, March 10, 2011.

Pens sit ready to be used by Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker to sign a copy of the budget repair bill during a ceremonial bill signing at the state Capitol in Madison, Wis., Friday afternoon, March 11, 2011.

Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker shakes hands with state Senate Majority Leader Scott Fitzgerald after signing a copy of the budget repair bill during a ceremonial bill signing at the state Capitol in Madison, Wis., Friday afternoon, March 11, 2011.

Wisconsin Budget: Seen Around the Capitol

2011-04-29T14:58:00.002-05:00

A protester's note sticks to a sign notifiying visitors of operating hours at the state Capitol in Madison, Wis., Thursday, March 3, 2011.

A police officer guards the King Street entrance to the state Capitol in Madison, Wis., Monday, Feb. 28, 2011.

A man promoting the legalization of the drug DMT and the taxation of it for revenue, a cause very separate from the state's budget issues, is pulled from a ledge by law enforcement above the King Street entrance to the state Capitol in Madison, Wis., Monday, Feb. 28, 2011.

Matt Blasinski of Madison walks around the state Capitol grounds with a palm tree, dressed as a flamingo in Madison, Wis., Friday, March 4, 2011. While the weather in Madison was more mild compared to recent days, Blasinski's acts were intended to poke fun at FOX News reports on recent protests over the budget repair bill. Some felt those reports misled viewers by showing video footage of physical altercations at protests that actually occurred outside of Wisconsin. Many cited palm trees in the background of the footage as evidence that the footage was not from the Wisconsin protests.

Wisconsin Budget: In the middle of the night

2011-04-28T15:39:00.008-05:00

I don't think I'll ever forget Feb. 24, 2011, and the early morning hours of the 25th. It was when any remaining feeling in my mind that "politics are boring" was completely washed away.

What I witnessed happen in the Wisconsin Capitol was pure, unadulterated drama. Like watching two base hits and a double happen in the bottom of a shutout game that went into extra innings, there were hours upon hours of nothing and then 10 minutes of everything.

Assembly Democrats held out on the floor for hours. They debated. They proposed amendments. They even tried to remove the Speaker Pro Tempore from his position.

Just after 1 a.m., Republicans (with a solid majority) ended debate, called the roll, and voted to pass the budget repair bill. This all happened so quickly that 28 state representatives (2 of them Republicans and the lone Independent) couldn't get their vote in. The measure passed 51-17. (You can watch it happen here)

Very unfortunately, I think, due to the timing of events that night (which I presume was calculated), most of these pictures never saw print because of deadlines and the news-cycle and will perhaps only serve the historical records.

Gov. Scott Walker speaks during a press conference at the state Capitol in Madison, Wis., Thursday, Feb. 24, 2011. Walker reiterated the possibility of layoffs of public employees if his budget repair bill did not pass.

State Rep. Amy Sue Vruwink watches the roll call board as votes come in on a motion by Assembly Republicans to table an amendment to the budget repair bill proposed by Assembly Democrats in the state Assembly at the state Capitol in Madison, Wis., Thursday, Feb. 24, 2011. The motion was tabled.

From left, Assembly Democrats state Rep. Kelda Helen Roys, state Rep. Jon Richards, state Rep. Gary Hebl, state Rep. Peter Barca and state Rep. Fred Clark discuss how they will proceed at the state Capitol in Madison, Wis., Thursday evening, Feb. 24, 2011.

State Rep. Peter Barca explodes in anger after Assembly Republicans voted to give, and gave, the budget repair bill its third reading, before recognizing Barca, in the state Assembly at the state Capitol in Madison, Wis., Thursday evening, Feb. 24, 2011.

State Rep. Bill Kramer, tries to calm tempers in the state Assembly at the state Capitol in Madison, Wis., Thursday evening, Feb. 24, 2011, after a motion was made to remove him from his position of Speaker Pro Tempore.

Protesters swarmed the West Gallery after Assembly Republicans gave the budget repair bill its third reading in the state Assembly at the state Capitol in Madison, Wis., Thursday evening, Feb. 24, 2011.

State Rep. Bill Kramer looks out over the state Assembly as members discuss a motion to remove him from his position as Speaker Pro Tempore at the state Capitol in Madison, Wis., Thursday evening, Feb. 24, 2011.

State Rep. Jon Richards (D-Milwaukee) holds a rule book for the state Assembly during debate in session at the state Capitol in Madison, Wis., early Friday morning, Feb. 25, 2011.

Assembly Democrats, from left, state Rep. Kelda Helen Roys (D-Madison), state Rep. Gary Hebl (D-Sun Prairie), background, and state Rep. Fred Clark (D-Baraboo) show the first signs of outrage as their Republican counterparts cut off debate and voted on the budget repair bill state Assembly at the state Capitol in Madison, Wis., early Friday morning, Feb. 25, 2011.

State Reps. Jon Richards (D-Milwaukee), left, and Kelda Helen Roys (D-Madison), right, shout while approaching the Speaker Pro Tempore in the state Assembly after Republicans cut off debate and voted on the budget repair bill at the state Capitol in Madison, Wis., early Friday morning, Feb. 25, 2011.

State Rep. Christine Sinicki (D-Milwaukee) and other Assembly Democrats approach the front of the chamber in outrage as their Republican counterparts cut off debate and voted on the budget repair bill in session at the state Capitol in Madison, Wis., early Friday morning, Feb. 25, 2011.

To jeers of "Shame!" yelled by the Assembly Democrats, Assembly Republicans, foreground, immediately walk out of the chamber after cutting off debate and voting to pass the budget repair bill at the state Capitol in Madison, Wis., early Friday morning, Feb. 25, 2011.

State Rep. Janet Bewley (D-Ashland) gestures at Assembly Republicans as they walk out of the chamber after cutting off debate and voting on the budget repair bill at the state Capitol in Madison, Wis., early Friday morning, Feb. 25, 2011.

Assembly Republicans walk out of the chamber into elevators escorted by law enforcement officers after cutting off debate and rapidly voting to pass a controversial budget repair bill in the state Assembly at the state Capitol in Madison, Wis., early Friday morning, Feb. 25, 2011.

Escorted by law enforcement officers, Assembly Republicans exit the state Capitol after cutting off debate and rapidly voting to pass a controversial budget repair bill in the state Assembly in Madison, Wis., early Friday morning, Feb. 25, 2011.

Wisconsin Budget: On Pins and Needles

2011-04-28T15:20:00.002-05:00

A multitude of Wisconsin law enforcement officers, including the Wisconsin State Patrol seemingly occupy every nook and cranny of the west wing outside of the state Assembly chamber at the state Capitol in Madison, Wis., Tuesday, Feb. 22, 2011. The area was closed to the public Tuesday.

State Rep. Peter Barca (D-Kenosha), the minority leader, addresses the state Assembly at the state Capitol in Madison, Wis., Tuesday, Feb. 22, 2011.

State Rep. Robin Vos (R-Rochester) talks across the aisle to state Rep. Mark Pocan (D-Madison) in the state Assembly chamber at the state Capitol in Madison, Wis., Tuesday, Feb. 22, 2011.

Protesters in the gallery of the state Assembly wear blue tape over their mouths before the chamber convenes at the state Capitol in Madison, Wis., Tuesday, Feb. 22, 2011.

Wisconsin Budget: Peaceful protests

2011-04-28T15:16:00.002-05:00

Protesters Alicia Wright, foreground right, and Andrea Russell, both of Madison, practice yoga on the floor of the rotunda at the state Capitol in Madison, Wis., Saturday, Feb. 19, 2011. The two are yoga teachers protesting in solidarity with unionized public workers.

Protesters walk around the state Capitol with an American flag in Madison, Wis., Saturday, Feb. 19, 2011.

The statue "Forward," on the steps of the state Capitol in Madison, Wis., is blindfolded with an American flag, Saturday, Feb. 19, 2011.

Tom Braun, Milwaukee, and Nathaniel Raghez, Milwaukee, spiritedly debate opposite sides of Wisconsin's proposed budget repair bill near the state Capitol in Madison, Wis., Saturday, Feb. 19, 2011. Nearby observers voiced their approval of the civil discussion between the two. Despite their disagreements, Braun and Raghez joked about carpooling back to Milwaukee together. "If we shut off the thread of conversation – the ability to dialogue – then we are shutting ourselves off as saying, 'I'm right, you're wrong,'" said Braun. Raghez added: "I don't feel an urge to rage. I feel that I am standing up for a good cause, a reasonable cause, and that if I can actually talk to somebody about what they believe, we may or may not agree but at least I can feel like I'm able to speak with somebody in a trustworthy, open and upfront fashion."

Wisconsin Budget: Jesse and the biggest crowds yet

2011-04-28T15:11:00.003-05:00

The Rev. Jesse Jackson, center, gestures to protesters who filled the state Capitol rotunda in Madison, Wis., Friday, Feb. 18, 2011.

As seen from the rotunda dome, protesters drum and cheer at the state Capitol in Madison, Wis., Friday, Feb. 18, 2011.

AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka addresses protesters at the state Capitol in Madison, Wis., Friday, Feb. 18, 2011.

The Rev. Jesse Jackson takes the stage amidst tens of thousands of protesters gathered at the state Capitol in Madison, Wis., Friday evening, Feb. 18, 2011.

Wisconsin Budget: En masse

2011-04-15T16:17:00.003-05:00

Protesters shout "Let us in!" at the doors of the Assembly chamber at the state Capitol in Madison, Wis., Thursday, Feb. 17, 2011.

A Wisconsin State Patrol grabs a protester trying to storm the Assembly chamber. The man was handcuffed and led away.

Jon-Erik Jepson of Green Bay leads a cheer with other protesters outside the Senate chamber.

Wisconsin Rep. Jon Richards (D-Milwaukee) and other state Assembly Democrats walk into the chamber together, for the first time wearing orange t-shirts in support of public workers, at the state Capitol in Madison, Wis., Thursday, Feb. 17, 2011.

Wisconsin Budget: Rallies begin

2011-04-15T16:15:00.000-05:00

Mary Bell, president of the Wisconsin Education Association Council, speaks on the King Street entrance steps of the Wisconsin Capitol building in Madison, Wis., Wednesday evening, Feb. 16, 2011.

Wisconsin Budget: School walkout

2011-04-15T16:13:00.001-05:00

Stoughton High School junior Taylor Franklin, makes a speech from the bed of a pickup truck at Stoughton United Methodist Church in front of other students who staged a walk-out in protest of Gov. Scott Walker's proposal to strip most state employees (including teachers) of their collective bargaining rights in Stoughton, Wis., Monday morning, Feb. 14, 2011. The church is across the street from the high school and students later returned to class voluntarily.

Stoughton High School freshman Abi King, signs a petition during the walk-out.

Wisconsin Budget: It started with a press conference

2011-04-15T16:03:00.002-05:00

For the past two months, my colleagues and I have been on the front lines of media coverage of a major political battle. In Wisconsin, the proposed elimination of collective bargaining rights for state and local government employees has been a very hot issue. And to think it all started at a run of the mill press conference just a few days after the Green Bay Packers won the Super Bowl.

Whoever said politics were boring was dead wrong. This has been some of the most fascinating stuff to be witness to. It has been full of craziness, punctuated by some really poignant moments.

This post marks my return to the blog after a couple months of neglect.

"I don't have anything to negotiate. We are broke in this state," says Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker while discussing his proposed budget repair bill that would strip state and local public employee unions of their collective bargaining powers, during a press conference in the Governor's conference room at the state Capitol in Madison, Wis., Friday morning, Feb. 11, 2011.

What a day for the Green Bay Packers

2011-02-09T10:10:00.007-06:00

Day 2 of 2 in Green Bay covering a great celebration of the Green Bay Packers win at Super Bowl XLV. The Packers hosted a big shindig at Lambeau Field, but I had tons of time to shoot other stuff before it started.

The sun rises over Green Bay, Wis., the home of Super Bowl XLV champion Green Bay Packers, Tuesday morning, Feb. 8, 2011.

Green Bay Packers-styled formal wear sits in a display window at DuBois, a store on Military Avenue in Green Bay, Tuesday morning. (ed's note: You really can't make this stuff up. Only in Green Bay.)

Michael "Doc" Doyle, a tattoo artist with Doc's Tattoo in Medford, Wis., spray paints "Welcome to Mr. Rodgers Neighborhood" on a giant pile of plowed snow in front of Lambeau Field along South Oneida Street prior to "Return to Titletown," a celebration of the Green Bay Packers’ victory in Super Bowl XLV, in Green Bay, Tuesday afternoon.

A new flag flies above Lambeau Field, now.

Fans cheer as the Green Bay Packers are introduced at "Return to Titletown."

Green Bay Packers Brandon Jackson emerges from the tunnel.

Fans reach out to shake the hand of Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers at the start of "Return to Titletown."

Green Bay Packers coach Mike McCarthy and general manager Ted Thompson handle the Lombardi Trophy in the tunnel before being introduced at "Return to Titletown."

Green Bay Packers coach Mike McCarthy emerges from the tunnel with the Lombardi Trophy at "Return to Titletown."

Green Bay Packers coach Mike McCarthy addresses fans while interviewed by Wayne Larrivee during "Return to Titletown."

Green Bay Packers Charles Woodson touches the Lombardi trophy just one more time during "Return to Titletown."

From left, Green Bay Packers Nick Collins, co-emcee Larry McCarren, Charles Woodson, Dom Capers and Clay Matthews acknowledge the fans during "Return to Titletown."

Green Bay Packers Donald Driver, next to teammate Jordy Nelson, waves to fans.

Now begins the Aaron Rodgers show...

Green Bay Packers quarterback puts on the belt while speaking to the fans.

Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers waves to fans.

Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers hoists the Lombardi Trophy in the air after addressing the fans.

Green Bay Packers A.J. Hawk takes victory lap with his teammates at the conclusion of "Return to Titletown."

Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers, right, and cornerback Charles Woodson, left, shake hands with fans on their way out of Lambeau Field.

Victorious Green Bay Packers return to Wisconsin

2011-02-07T21:08:00.003-06:00

Welcome home, world champion Green Bay Packers! I'm in frigid Green Bay for two days covering the team's homecoming for the Wisconsin State Journal. It's fun being here. Even when you're a team that's won more than a dozen championships in its history, something like this doesn't happen that often.

Many are saying this is the story of the decade for Wisconsin. Exaggeration? Perhaps. Perhaps not.

Bill Gonzales of Green Bay, Wis., yells out a cheer while waiting for the Green Bay Packers to return home to Lambeau Field from their Super Bowl XLV win, in Green Bay, Wis., Monday, Feb. 7, 2011.

A Green Bay Packers fan runs east on Lombardi Avenue with a Lombardi Trophy replica before the team arrived.

Green Bay Packers Donald Driver takes pictures of the thousands of fans who turned out to Lambeau Field and lined streets to offer the team a warm welcome home.

Green Bay Packers' Daryn Colledge yells out to fans as the busses roll in.

Green Bay Packers safety Nick Collins hams it up with the fans after getting off his bus.

Green Bay Packers fans welcome back an injured Charles Woodson. Woodson broke his collarbone during the game.

Green Bay Packers fans sought higher ground on top of a CBS 58 live television truck in the Lambeau Field parking lot.

Green Bay Packers fans reach out to players as they disembark busses and walk into their Lambeau Field locker rooms.

Green Bay Packers players pumped up their fans while leaving Lambeau Field for their vehicles. An official celebration will take place tomorrow at Lambeau Field to celebrate the Packers' win.

Funeral of Sgt. Thomas J. Baitinger

2011-02-05T09:52:00.004-06:00

You never want to cover a funeral. But when you have to, you just pray for the clarity of mind to capture the images that will tell the story... to show your community how much people loved the deceased, and the incredible respects rendered by his or her colleagues.

Honestly, I expected to feel unwelcome yesterday... there are many funerals journalists cover where those attending don't understand why we are there. I think part of feeling unwelcome is knowing that you truly feel uncomfortable being there.. that you think others can smell it on you.. that they can read it on your face.. and that that will translate into how others consequently might treat you.

This time was different. After I had been at the church for a while before the funeral, one of Sgt. Baitinger's sisters approached me and asked me who I was with. We chatted for a little while, rather emotionally. Before leaving me to return to her family, she managed to say through tears, "Thank you for being here to tell the story."

Folks, if there's ever one thing you can say to a journalist that will stun them, even choke them up, and maybe make them feel okay... that's it.

Thank you, Baitingers and Wisconsin police community for letting me be with you. I hope I did your story justice.

Dep. Jason Brockway of the Sheboygan County Sheriff's Department Honor Guard approaches the front of church during visitation before a funeral Mass for Sgt. Thomas J. Baitinger at St. Bernard Catholic Parish in Middleton, Wis., Friday afternoon, Feb. 4, 2011. Baitinger, who worked for the St. Petersburg (Fla.) Police Department and was a Middleton, Wis., native, was killed in the line of duty on Monday, Jan. 24.

A black mourning band covers the badge of Middleton Police chief Brad Keil before the funeral Mass.

Madison Police Department patrol officer Alexandra Nieves consoles Madison Police Department detective Dave Miller during visitation hours prior to the funeral Mass. Miller said he knew Baitinger from when Baitinger worked for the Dane County Sheriff's Office and Miller for the Middleton Police Department.

Police from around the state of Wisconsin turned out by the dozen to attend Sgt. Baitinger's funeral.

Paige Baitinger, the wife of Sgt. Thomas J. Baitinger, is consoled by her brother Lorne Gayzagian as Msgr. Douglas Dushak incenses the remains of her husband.

Paige Baitinger holds a necklace close to her during the funeral Mass for her husband.

Police department honor guards from around the state of Wisconsin lined up to offer a final salute at the conclusion of the funeral Mass.

Snowpocalypse, Day 3

2011-02-03T11:04:00.000-06:00

A snow fight ensues between University of Wisconsin-Madison students gathered on Bascom Hill on the Madison, Wis., campus Wednesday afternoon, Feb. 2, 2011. Classes were canceled after close to a foot of snow blanketed much of southern Wisconsin.

Faced with fluffy snow that wouldn't pack well into snowballs, a partaker in the snow fight improvises by using a lunch tray to throw snow.

A semi-aerial view of the fight, looking down Bascom Hill towards downtown and the Capitol.

Rhys Paulson, a freshman at University of Wisconsin-Madison, recoils after being pelted with snow multiple times during the snow fight.

And here's a pretty cool video I produced from all of this:

Snowpocalypse, Day 2

2011-02-02T09:47:00.001-06:00

A motorist drives east through drifting snow on County Highway M, east of County Highway PB near Verona, Wis., Tuesday, Feb. 1, 2011.

A pedestrian walks west on University Avenue past the Best Western InnTowner hotel in Madison, Tuesday.

Lisa Kisling of Madison takes advantage of fresh snowfall to do some cross-country skiing in the University of Wisconsin-Madison Arboretum in Madison, Tuesday.

Snowpocalypse, Day 1

2011-02-01T21:41:00.003-06:00

Lots of snow on the way to the Midwest. To be sure, this will be a three-day media circus for all journalists this week.

Friends Kevin Breyne-Grace, 10, left, and Lou Squitieri, 10, center, watch friend Robert Saltzman, 11, sled down a luge-like track constructed over the past week in a backyard on North Baldwin Street in Madison, Wis., Monday afternoon, Jan. 31, 2011.

Breyne-Grace helps clear snow from a neighbor's driveway, Monday.

Ross McVey runs his snow thrower to clear his driveway on Woodgate Road in Middleton, Wis., Monday afternoon.

Glow Pack Glow

2011-02-01T21:38:00.002-06:00

Pretty creative headline from the copy desk on this one. Love it...

The dome of the Wisconsin Capitol building in Madison, Wis., was illuminated green and gold Monday evening, Jan. 31, 2011, in celebration of the Green Bay Packers playing in Super Bowl XLV next Sunday, Feb. 6, 2011, in Arlington, Texas.

Meet your county coroner

2011-01-31T21:20:00.000-06:00

From this report by State Journal reporter George Hesselberg, Dane County's new medical examiner from New York City says, "I expect I will have a lot fewer subway deaths.”

Dr. Vincent Tranchida, Dane County's new medical examiner, in his Public Safety Building office in Madison, Wis., Friday, Jan. 28, 2011.