$219 million project meant to improve reliability of power supply 

American Transmission Co. has energized the completed 32-mile, 345-kilovolt Rockdale-West Middleton Transmission Line.

Brian Fischer, Rockdale-West Middleton project manager, said in a news release that the company’s coordinated performance on multiple fronts during the past four years of planning, design and construction were evidence of the project’s success.

The line can carry 1,267 megawatts of electricity, enough to power 239,000 homes and connects through Monona, Blooming Grove, City and Town of Madison, Pleasant Springs and Middleton.

Area businesses collaborate for 'Wish on a Website'

A Monona woman together with three area businesses are offering their services to a lucky Dane County non-profit through a contest.

Maggie Baum of Maggie B. Communications partnered with Waterfront Graphic Design, Beth Skogen Photography and StoryFirst Media to create the "Wish on a Website" promotion, offering the opportunity of a variety of services to help out a community organization.

In a news release on her website, Baum said the idea behind the contest is to give back to the community.

"In this economic climate organizations are really fighting for resources and fundraising dollars and this is one small way we can help make their efforts go a little farther," Baum wrote.

The winner will receive a website design, a photography session with free images, a 2-minute documentary video and copywriting to help the chosen organization better reach the community.

Olbrich Gardens to host redevelopment meetings

Olbrich Botanical Gardens will host a series of meetings for public input on a development plan for new buildings.

Olbrich is working with HGA, an architectural firm, to evaluate building needs. Final recommendations may include additions and renovations, a news release said.

An upcoming meeting on Thursday at 6:30 p.m. on pre-design planning is the second in a series of planning forums.

Three more meetings will be held through May 20.

The planning process will begin with a declaration of guiding principles. Schematic design input forums will follow.

Olbrich said it will maintain up-to-date information on meeting notes on its website.