Madison Area Technical College was among more than 1,000 schools throughout the country that participated in an exciting new educational initiative to help reduce global warming. Called Focus the Nation, its being called the largest teach-in and action on climate change in U.S. history.

As part of the kick-off, MATC hosted speakers and presentations from Sate Representative Spencer Black, UW Madison Professor Jonathon Foley and Dane County Executive Kathleen Falk, each addressing the issue of global climate change.

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Steve Zimmerman, Chief Engineer for WKOW TV, spoke to local residents at the Sequoya Branch Library in Madison on January 31, 2008 about the digital TV switchover scheduled for February of 2009. He covered the options people have for switching to digital, and some of the possibilities of digital TV.

Freshmen legislators Rep. Phil Garthwaite, D-Dickeyville, and Rep. Bill Kramer, R-Waukesha, discussed their expectations prior to taking office as state Representatives and how their first year actually played out with host Steve Walters, Madison Bureau Chief for the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. The discussion took place at WisconsinEye Studios in Madison on January 31.

Members of various agricultural groups were among the nearly 400 farmers who attended this year’s Ag Day at the Capitol Conference at the Monona Terrace in Madison. Issues pertaining to the Great Lakes Water Compact, the state’s renewable fuels standard, health care and the lawsuit impacting the state’s Right to Farm law, were topics of discussion. Assembly Speaker Mike Huebsch (R-West Salem), Senator Kathleen Vinehout (D-Alma), Agriculture Secretary Rod Nilsestuen, and State Rep. Eugene Hahn (R-Cambria) spoke to farmers about key initiatives under the capitol dome.

Conservationists from around the state gathered at the Inn on the Park in Madison on January 30, 2008 for the annual Conservation Lobby Day. Guest speakers including Lieutenant Governor Barbara Lawton and Jennifer Giegrich of the League of Conservation Voters spoke to participants about the state of conservation in Wisconsin and advice for lobbying representatives. After the presentation, many participants went to the capitol building to speak with their representatives about conservation issues. Also, Sen. Rob Cowles, R-Green Bay, Rep. Anne Hraychuck, D-Balsam Lake, and Sen. John Lehman, D-Racine spoke to Conservation Lobby Day participants at the Inn on the Park in Madison on January 30, 2008 about current conservation legislation such as the Great Lakes Compact, invasive species, and the Stewardship Fund.

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Attorney General J.B. Van Hollen introduced a new initiative to fight crime in Wisconsin. Known as the Wisconsin Crime Alert Network, this initiative would electronically link the business community and local law enforcement in order to fight crime by issuing immediate alerts to businesses and certain geographical areas. The Attorney General held a press conference introducing this initiative. Attorney General Van Hollen will be joined at the press conference by Senator Jeff Plale and Representative Garey Bies, who are co-sponsoring legislation supporting this initiative. Various representatives of the law enforcement and business communities will also join the Attorney General and lawmakers.

Senate Democrats unveiled economic development package on January 30, 2008 at 10:30 am.

Milwaukee Police Department's newly appointed Chief, Ed Flynn, spoke to the Milwaukee Rotary Club on Tuesday January 29, at the Milwaukee County War Memorial Center. Chief Flynn discussed his philosophies on law enforcement and the challenges ahead for the Milwaukee Police Department. Rotary Club members engaged in Q&A with the Chief asking about specific Milwaukee incidents as well as Chief Flynn's past experiences in other cities where he held the same position.

The Wisconsin Broadcasters Association (WBA) held a press conference at the state capitol to focus media attention on the nations 2009 conversion to Digital TV (DTV). On hand were Michelle Vetterkind, WBA President, Doug Kiel, WBA Chairman of the Board and Leonard Charles of Wisconsin Television Inc. Each took time to illustrate the pending change from the current analogue signal transmission to the digital standard slated for adoption by all US television broadcasters on February 17th, 2009.

The Badger State Games has been a tradition in Wisconsin for the last 23 years. Formed to give Wisconsin's amateur athletes an opportunity to stay competitive, the Badger State games holds both winter games and summer games across 35 communities in the state. The winter archery event has been a part of the winter games for the last five years and is hosted by the Rib Mountain Bowmen Club.

The Badger State Games has been a tradition in Wisconsin for the last 23 years. Formed to give Wisconsin's amateur athletes an opportunity to stay competitive, the Badger State games holds both winter games and summer games across 35 communities in the state. The skeet competition is in its inaugural year as a winter sport in the games. It is held at the Wausau Skeet and Trap blub.

On January 27, 2008, Mike Hittner, Alias “Robert Blakely,” his friends “Slim,” “The Dentist,” and many others from Historic Point Basse congregated for their Annual Ice Harvest. By using the tools of the past, Mike presents to the viewer the experience of a lost American art. From the frozen waters of Lake Nepco in Wisconsin Rapids, to the security of the ice house in Nekoosa, relive a time when ice harvesting was an important and lucrative American export.

The 15th Annuual Bald Eagle Days was held at Cassville's Wildlife Observation Deck overlooking the Mississippi River. WisconsinEye spoke with Bald Eagle Days volunteer Al Muller about the eagles, eagle watching, and the Cassville area.

As part of the Madison Civics Club luncheon program, Kathy Hughes, Vice Chair of the Oneida Nation in Wisconsin, gave a speech entitled "Beyond Gaming: Wisconsin Tribes in the 21st Century. Kathy's speech touches upon many aspects of the Oneida Nation including Indian history, culture, government, language, the 7th generation philosophy and their economic, social, and political priorities. Along with being the Vice-Chairwoman for the Oneida Tribe, Kathy Hughes previously served five terms on the Oneida Business Committee as treasurer. In carrying out her duties as an elected official of the Oneida Tribe, she has been involved in negotiations on the Gaming Compact, Land Claims Settlement, Municipal Service Agreement and numerous financial negotiations. Hughes has worked for the Oneida Tribe of Indians of Wisconsin for 22 years and is serving her 7th term on its Business Committee. She has a two-year associate degree in accounting from Fox Valley Technical College. She is also a Vietnam era veteran through enlistment with the Women's Army.

Professor Elwynn Taylor of Iowa State University addressed the attendees of the 2008 Corn / Soy Expo held at the Kalahari in Wisconsin Dell, WI. Taylor is a Professor of Ag Meteorology and his presentation was about our changing climate. Some of the issues and questions he addressed were; People are causing carbon dioxide levels to increase. Is carbon dioxide causing global warming, or is it something else? Is global warming good or bad? Is global warming doing anything to us right now?

Wayne Larrivee, voice of the Green Bay Packers, addressed the luncheon audience at the 2008 Corn / Soy Expo held at the Kalahari in Wisconsin Dells, WI. He shared many stories about the 2007 / 2008 Packers football season along with stories about the broadcasting industry, including how he came to use his trademark phrase, “The Dagger”. Before starting his Packers career during the 1999 season, Larrivee called the plays for the Chicago Bears for 14 seasons, most recently on WMAQ-AM, which secured the rights to the Bears radio broadcasts in 1997. Previously at WGN Radio, the then-Bears flagship station, Larrivee also called Chicago Cubs baseball and college basketball. Before that, Larrivee was the "Voice of the Kansas City Chiefs," broadcasting from KCMO Radio in Kansas City, Missouri from 1978 to 1984.

The Wisconsin Corn Growers Association sponsored an awards ceremony at the 2008 Corn / Soy Expo held at the Kalahari in Wisconsin Dells, WI. Among the honorees was State Representative Al Ott and State Senator Pat Kreitlow. After the awards ceremony, Secretary Rod Nilsestuen of the Department of Agriculture Trade and Consumer Protection addressed the audience, introducing Judy Ziewacz, Director of the Office of Energy Independence.

A public hearing was held on January 24th to take testimony regarding the Goals and Objectives, and Policies and Criteria developed by the Capital Regional Planning Commission. The CARPC has been working diligently in the past several months on reviewing the original goals and objectives of the former RPC used in evaluating urban service area requests. The CARPC used the original goals and objectives and the service area policies and criteria of the 1997 Dane County Land Use and Transportation Plan as a starting point and modified them through extensive discussions.

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The Wisconsin Broadcasters Association Luncheon and Legislative Briefing from January 24, 2008.

Rep. Brett Davis and Senator Lehman announce a compromise on Virtual School legislation.

Steve Walters (Madison Bureau Chief for Milwaukee Journal Sentinel) interviews Senator Ted Kanavas for Newsmakers series.

WisconsinEye joined national and international forest protection organizations along with Wisconsin state officials and conservation leaders to recognize Wisconsin‚s public-private cooperation in sustainable forestry. In 2007 Potlatch Corporation became one of Wisconsin‚s five largest private land owners in purchasing 76,000 acres of forest in Marathon, Lincoln, Forest, Oneida, Vilas and Iron Counties. A national leader in verified forest practices, Potlatch held a press conference in Madison celebrating the certification of its forests by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC). The press conference included comments by Paul DeLong, DNR Forestry Division Administrator, Michael J. Covey, President & CEO of Potlatch Corporation, Corey Brinkema, US President of the Forest Stewardship Council, David Bubser, USA Manager for the Rainforest Alliance‚s SmartWood Program, Patrick Henderson, DNR Deputy Secretary and George Meyer, President of Wisconsin Wildlife Federation.

Assembly Minority Leader Rep. James Kreuser, D-Kenosha, gave a Democratic Response to Governor Jim Doyle’s State of the State Address on January 23.

Assembly Speaker Rep. Michael Huebsch, R-West Salem, gave a Republican Response to Governor Jim Doyle’s State of the State Address on January 23.

Senate Minority Leader Sen. Scott Fitzgerald, R-Juneau, gave a Republican Response to Governor Jim Doyle’s State of the State Address on January 23.

Various state legislators shared their thoughts on Governor Jim Doyle’s State of the State Address on January 23.

Various state legislators shared their thoughts on Governor Jim Doyle’s State of the State Address on January 23.

The Wisconsin Innovation Network hosted a presentation by UW Madison developmental biologist James A. Thomson on January 22, 2008 in Madison. Thomson is well-known for his breakthroughs in stem cell research. He spoke about his history of studying genetics and stem cells, new findings, and the future potential of stem cell research.

Madison Bureau Chief for the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, Steve Walters, leads a panel of state Capitol reporters in a discussion of the week's major news stories in state politics. This week's show focuses on Governor Jim Doyle's upcoming State of the State Address on January 23. Special guest, Matt Canter, a spokesperson for the Governor gave the Roundtable a preview of the address on January 21.

Madison Bureau Chief for the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, Steve Walters, leads a panel of state Capitol reporters in a discussion of the week's major news stories in state politics. This week's show focuses on Governor Jim Doyle's upcoming State of the State Address on January 23. Special guest, Matt Canter, a spokesperson for the Governor gave the Roundtable a preview of the address on January 21.

The State of Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs (WDVA) was host to the 2008 Conference on Gulf War Veterans‚ Illnesses in conjunction with the 17th anniversary of the beginning of 1991 Persian Gulf War. Wisconsin remains the first state in the nation, through 2005 Wis. Act 37, to designate an annual Gulf War Illnesses Recognition Day in recognition of those who still suffer from post-deployment health issues. WDVA Secretary John A. Scocos, the opening speaker, presents a Proclamation from Governor Jim Doyle proclaiming Jan. 17, 2008 as Gulf War Illnesses Recognition Day in Wisconsin.

In conjunction with the 2008 Conference on Gulf War Veterans‚ Illness, Anthony Hardie, WDVA Executive Assistant who has testified before Congress and served in an advisory capacity on Gulf War veterans‚ health issues for numerous governmental bodies and non-profits, presents, Lost in the Shuffle: Veterans of the 1991 Persian Gulf War.

As part of the 2008 Conference on Gulf War Veterans‚ Illness, Dane B. Cook, Ph.D., William S. Middleton Memorial Veterans Hospital/ Exercise Psychology Laboratory, UW-Madison and Aaron Stegner, Ph.D., Exercise Psychology Laboratory, UW-Madison, present information on research they are conducting on the issue of Gulf Veterans and Pain.

On January 17 a forum was held to highlight important details in the 2008 Status of Wisconsin Agriculture Report and to provide updates on some of the opportunities and challenges facing the agriculture industry in the state. The event was held on the UW-Madison campus.

On January 17 a forum was held to highlight important details in the 2008 Status of Wisconsin Agriculture Report and to provide updates on some of the opportunities and challenges facing the agriculture industry in the state. The event was held on the UW-Madison campus.

On January 17 a forum was held to highlight important details in the 2008 Status of Wisconsin Agriculture Report and to provide updates on some of the opportunities and challenges facing the agriculture industry in the state. The event was held on the UW-Madison campus.

On January 17 a forum was held to highlight important details in the 2008 Status of Wisconsin Agriculture Report and to provide updates on some of the opportunities and challenges facing the agriculture industry in the state. The event was held on the UW-Madison campus.

The Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction (DPI) put on the Fourth Annual New Wisconsin Promise Conference at the Monona Terrace Convention Center in Madison on January 15-16. National and state education innovators, school leaders, and classroom teachers shared their knowledge and expertise in the following areas: content and learning; district and school improvement; professional learning; and race, equity, and school culture. The New Wisconsin Promise is DPI initiative to try to ensure a quality education for every child. The goal is to raising achievement for all students and closing the achievement gap between economically disadvantaged students, students of color, and their peers.

The Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction (DPI) put on the Fourth Annual New Wisconsin Promise Conference at the Monona Terrace Convention Center in Madison on January 15-16. National and state education innovators, school leaders, and classroom teachers shared their knowledge and expertise in the following areas: content and learning; district and school improvement; professional learning; and race, equity, and school culture. The New Wisconsin Promise is DPI initiative to try to ensure a quality education for every child. The goal is to raising achievement for all students and closing the achievement gap between economically disadvantaged students, students of color, and their peers.

The Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction (DPI) put on the Fourth Annual New Wisconsin Promise Conference at the Monona Terrace Convention Center in Madison on January 15-16. National and state education innovators, school leaders, and classroom teachers shared their knowledge and expertise in the following areas: content and learning; district and school improvement; professional learning; and race, equity, and school culture. The New Wisconsin Promise is DPI initiative to try to ensure a quality education for every child. The goal is to raising achievement for all students and closing the achievement gap between economically disadvantaged students, students of color, and their peers.

The Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction (DPI) put on the Fourth Annual New Wisconsin Promise Conference at the Monona Terrace Convention Center in Madison on January 15-16. National and state education innovators, school leaders, and classroom teachers shared their knowledge and expertise in the following areas: content and learning; district and school improvement; professional learning; and race, equity, and school culture. The New Wisconsin Promise is DPI initiative to try to ensure a quality education for every child. The goal is to raising achievement for all students and closing the achievement gap between economically disadvantaged students, students of color, and their peers.

Two state senior groups, the Coalition of Wisconsin Aging Groups and AARP Wisconsin, held a press conference in the state Capitol on January 15 with a number of state legislators to endorse campaign finance reform. Among the legislators in attendance were Sen. Mike Ellis, R-Neenah, Sen. Jon Erpenbach, D-Middleton, Sen. Pat Kreitlow, D-Chippewa Falls. Representatives from the Coalition and AARP also made comments.

Madison Bureau Chief for the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, Steve Walters, leads a panel of state Capitol reporters in a discussion of the week's major news stories in state politics.

The Wisconsin Alliance of Cities held a panel discussion on the Great Lakes Water Resources Compact, with panelist who serve on the Special Legislative Committee on the Great Lakes Water Resources Compact and other advisory groups. The panel was held at the Country Springs Hotel in Waukesha on January 11. The Alliance seeks to promote a sustainable urban environment by supporting results-oriented legislation that invests in and enhances local economies and infrastructure.

Firefighters and Emergency Medical Technicians (EMT's) from across the state joined Sen. Judy Robson, D-Beloit, and Rep. J.A. Hines, R-Oxford, in support of legislation that would mandate all cigarettes sold in Wisconsin be self-extinguishing. The Representative's said the Robson-Hines legislation is part of a movement to make fire-safe cigarettes the standard throughout the United States. The press conference on January 10 was held in the Senate Parlor in the state Capitol.

Assembly Speaker Rep. Michael Huebsch, R-West Salem, held a press conference with Capitol reporters January 9 to discuss upcoming legislation. The event was held in the Capitol.

Wisconsin State Journal Editor Ellen Foley discusses the redesign of the Madison-based newspaper. The new look debuted January 7.

A WisconsinEye interview with former Gov. Lee Dreyfus on February 7, 2006 is reproduced on the event of his death on January 2, 2008. Dreyfus discussed his political life and legacy. The interview was conducted by friend and former aide Bill Kraus.

The Jacksonport Polar Bear Club hosted its annual Polar Plunge on the shore of Lake Michigan. Each new year's day hundreds of people gather to brave the weather and swim in the partially frozen lake. Founder of the Jacksonport Polar Bear Club J.R. Jarosh spoke to Wisconsin Eye about the event on January 1.