Wisconsin

Sun Prairie Superintendent's Wisconsin License Application Denied

Sun Prairie – November 07, 2026 -- Sun Prairie Superintendent Dr. Antoine Reed has no Wisconsin license after the state denied his application on Oct. 7, even though his contract requires him to hold one at all times.

State says Reed did not meet reciprocity requirements

The Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction (DPI) told WMTV's 15 Investigates that Reed applied on July 27, 2026, and that no application is currently pending. Reed started the job on July 1, after being hired in May. DPI said he did not meet the state's reciprocity requirements, and he is welcome to submit a new application.

District records include a text-message thread attributed to Reed asking whether to file a new application or appeal a "past decision."

Can Earlier Glaucoma Treatment Mean Fewer Daily Eye Drops?

Racine, Wis. – November 07, 2026 -- Glaucoma patients who struggle with daily eye drops may have another route to steadier eye pressure: minimally invasive glaucoma surgery, known as MIGS, which may reduce how many medications some patients need, according to a new HelloNation article.

The piece draws on insights from Dr. Singh and Dr. Sanka of the Eye Centers of Racine and Kenosha. It describes how glaucoma treatment has changed over the past few years, with newer approaches helping some patients address eye pressure earlier in the disease process.

Drops remain the first step, but they demand consistency

Glaucoma develops when increased eye pressure gradually damages the optic nerve. Without proper treatment, that damage can lead to permanent vision loss. For many patients, eye drops remain an important first step because they lower eye pressure and slow progression.

Fan's Vintage Brewing Shirt at World Series Wins Free Beer

Madison – November 04, 2026 -- A Brewers fan who wore a Vintage Brewing Company shirt to the World Series has won free beer for a year, plus a custom Vintage t-shirt.

A TV camera caught the shirt in the bottom of the 9th

During the bottom of the 9th inning of Game 5, the broadcast panned across nervous Brewers fans. One of them was wearing a shirt for Vintage Brewing Company, a Wisconsin brewery.

The owner turned to social media to find him

Soon after the Brewers took the title, Vintage owner Mike Bridges went looking for the mystery fan on social media. Bridges found him, and the fan was not publicly named.

The prize was handed over on Monday in Madison

The fan collected his reward at Vintage's westside location on Whitney Way in Madison. It consists of free beer for a year and the custom Vintage Brewing Company t-shirt.

Walk-In Shower or Tub? Aging-in-Place Remodeling Tips

Sherwood – October 30, 2026 -- For seniors weighing a walk-in shower against a tub, a HelloNation article says zero-threshold walk-in showers are often the safer and easier choice, especially for people who use walkers or chairs.

Bathrooms come first because wet surfaces and tight space raise the risk

The article, featuring Troy and Molly Mueller, remodeling experts in Sherwood, Wisconsin, says the most effective aging-in-place changes start with safety. Bathrooms are usually the first area addressed.

Tubs can still work, but they typically need extra safety measures such as grab bars or step-through inserts. The article says the right choice depends on each household's needs.

Slip-resistant flooring and grab bars in key spots add stability without changing the look of the room. Handheld showerheads and built-in seating add comfort and ease of use.

Brewers Fan Denied Refund on $400 of Gear: What to Check First

Platteville, Wis. – October 29, 2026 -- A Brewers fan says she spent nearly $400 at MLBshop.com on Christmas gifts for her family, then was offered only store credit when she tried to return the gear. The Better Business Bureau (BBB) says holiday rushes for team merchandise bring both scammers and return headaches.

The gear arrived, but the quality fell short for her

The longtime fan says the colors and fabric were not what she expected. She describes the gear as thin, with logos that looked like stickers. She says she is disabled, lives on very little income and saves all year for the one holiday she spends with relatives, who live in Iowa.

Her order confirmation email shows it came from the official site, so the problem was not a scam. It was the return.

Madison's Delta Beer Lab Will Close After Nearly 8 Years

Madison, Wisconsin – October 28, 2026 -- Delta Beer Lab, the Madison-area brewery at 167 E. Badger Road, will end regular operations on Sunday, Oct. 25, after nearly eight years in business.

Final week brings drag queen bingo, trivia and a makers market

The brewery will host several events in its last week of operations, including drag queen bingo, a trivia night and a makers market. Its final beer, Supernova West-Coast IPA, will serve as a tribute to the brewery's journey.

Owner blames post-pandemic costs for the closure

Owner Tim "Pio" Piotrowski said rising ingredient, supply and freight costs hit the business once the pandemic's initial effects began to subside. He also cited persistent inflation that has reduced consumer spending nationally and locally, while operating costs, including labor, kept climbing. "We have ultimately run out of resources," he said.

Why Fall Is the Best Time to Book HVAC Maintenance in Wisconsin

Baraboo – October 01, 2026 -- Homeowners in southern Wisconsin should schedule HVAC maintenance in early fall, before freezing temperatures arrive, according to HVAC expert Gary Kowalke of Terrytown Plumbing, Heating & Cooling in Baraboo.

Waiting until winter risks rushed repairs and system failure

Kowalke warns that delaying maintenance until cold weather sets in often leads to reduced furnace performance and emergency breakdowns during freezing conditions. Scheduling service early allows technicians to catch issues before the heating system is needed for daily use.

Furnace checks cover heat exchangers, burners, and ductwork

Standard fall maintenance includes inspecting heat exchangers, checking burners and pilot lights, and cleaning or replacing filters. Technicians also calibrate thermostats and examine ductwork for leaks or blockages that can restrict airflow and raise energy use.

How to Win a Madison Home Bid Without Overpaying

Sun Prairie – September 20, 2026 -- Homebuyers competing in the Madison, Wisconsin market can strengthen their offers without simply bidding higher, according to insights from real estate agent Ashley Jacobs of Ashley Jacobs Real Estate & Design, published in a HelloNation feature.

The article explains that sellers weigh more than price when reviewing offers -- financing strength, contingencies, and timing all factor into how likely a deal is to close smoothly.

Pre-approval documents need to match real purchasing limits

Securing a clear loan pre-approval demonstrates financial capability to sellers, particularly in a market where multiple buyers may pursue the same property. The article advises buyers to review pre-approval paperwork closely so the approved amount reflects what they can realistically afford, avoiding overextension while still appearing reliable to sellers.

Everlight Solar Named Madison's Favorite Solar Company for Third Straight Year

Verona, Wis. – September 16, 2026 -- Everlight Solar has been voted Madison's People's Choice Favorite Solar Company for 2026, marking the company's third consecutive year receiving the honor from the Wisconsin State Journal's People's Choice Awards.

Local homeowners cast the votes that decided the win

The People's Choice Awards recognize businesses across Dane County chosen directly by the public for their service and community impact. Everlight Solar's third straight title reflects its ongoing work providing solar installations, customer service, and access to renewable energy for area homeowners.

The CEO credits the community for the repeat honor

"Being recognized by the Madison community for a third year means so much to our entire team," said William Creech, President and CEO of Everlight Solar. "We're incredibly grateful for the homeowners, families, and neighbors who continue to support Everlight Solar."