New Steeple Set at Historic Holy Redeemer Catholic Church

Rebuilt steeple reclaims its place in Madison’s skyline

Madison, WI — Vogel Bros. Building Co. has reached a significant milestone in the restoration of Holy Redeemer Catholic Church with the successful placement of the church’s newly rebuilt steeple on November 17. Located at 120 W Johnson St. in downtown Madison, Holy Redeemer is the city’s oldest Catholic church, originally constructed between 1865 and 1869.

The original steeple suffered severe damage in May 2024 when the church was struck by lightning, resulting in a fire that compromised the structure. Vogel Bros., serving as the general contractor, has been leading the effort to rebuild and restore the steeple in partnership with a team of specialized subcontractors.

The new steeple, a 48-foot-tall, 16,000-pound structure topped with a 10-foot cross, was built on site before being lifted into place with a crane. Its installation marks a major step forward in the multi-phase restoration project.

“Our team and partners have been working diligently to bring this historic landmark back to its full presence in the Madison skyline,” said Matt Schultz, Vice President of Vogel Bros. Building Co.

“Reaching this milestone is a testament to the craftsmanship and coordination of everyone involved.”
Restoration work on the church will continue into next year. The full project is expected to be
completed in early 2026.

Vogel Bros. Building Co. (www.vogelbldg.com) is a fifth-generation construction services company
with offices in Madison, WI and Lakeland, FL. As an award-winning company, Vogel Bros. has earned
recognition for completing large-scale complex projects, encouraging innovation, embracing new
technologies, and making a difference in our communities. We owe our success and longevity to the
values established by the Vogel family that have been shared through the generations and are
embodied in our employees. Vogel Bros. mission is to continually improve our services to enhance the
lives of the people in the communities we serve.

StartingBlock Wins $75,000 from SBA to Advance Entrepreneurship in Wisconsin

StartingBlock Madison has been selected as a 2025 recipient of the U.S. Small Business Administration’s Growth Accelerator Fund Competition, receiving $75,000 to expand our support for entrepreneurs across south central Wisconsin.

National Recognition for Regional Impact

This marks our second SBA Growth Accelerator award, following our 2023 win. Being selected from a competitive national field – just 76 organizations were chosen – validates both the quality of our programming and the strength of the ecosystem partnerships we’ve built together.

As I reflect on this recognition, I can’t help but think about what it represents: federal acknowledgment that south central Wisconsin is building something special. We are thrilled that our federal partners understand and value the work that StartingBlock is doing in the Madison ecosystem. We are looking forward to partnering with regional government, industry and university partners to further entrepreneurship in south central Wisconsin.

Building on Proven Success

This award comes as we build on strong performance metrics from our 2024-2025 WEDC Entrepreneurial Partnership Grant, where we served 85 entrepreneurs.

The $75,000 will enable us to enhance support for entrepreneurs across key regional sectors – advanced manufacturing, agricultural technology, clean energy, health technology, and information technology – while serving businesses at every stage from concept validation through scaling.

An Invitation to Partner

This momentum creates exciting opportunities for collaboration. As we expand our programming and pursue additional funding opportunities we’re seeking partners who share our vision of establishing south central Wisconsin as a nationally recognized innovation hub.

Whether you’re interested in providing mentorship, exploring pilot projects with emerging companies, connecting students to real-world entrepreneurship, or simply learning more about what we’re building together, I’d welcome the conversation.

Let’s Connect

Visit startingblockmadison.org to learn more about our programming and partnership opportunities.

2025 AmFam Champ raises more than $2 million for charity

MADISON, Wis. (Nov. 18, 2025) – The 2025 PGA Tour Champions American Family Insurance Championship was held at a new location, TPC Wisconsin and featured a new team format. However, the tournament’s primary purpose – raising money for deserving nonprofits – remained the same. The 2025 event raised $2,035,000, it was announced today, to bring the total raised to $21.78 million since the inaugural event in 2016.

Approximately half of the 2025 proceeds will be distributed to the American Family Children’s Hospital in Madison, Wisconsin, and 161 primarily local charities will share the rest in varying amounts. A lifetime total of 1,171 grants have been distributed to charitable organizations.

The total proceeds raised, and charitable organizations supported, were revealed at an annual event today held at American Family Insurance corporate headquarters in Madison. The event featured tournament host/player and 2023 AmFam Champ winner Steve Stricker, his wife Nicki, American Family Insurance Chair and CEO Bill Westrate, President Telisa Yancy and representatives from community nonprofit grant recipients.

“We’re grateful to our fans, sponsors and volunteers for coming along with us to our new home at TPC Wisconsin and continuing to support this PGA TOUR Champions event that benefits our communities in so many ways,” said Steve and Nicki Stricker. “We’re happy about the positive feedback we’ve received about the new location and new format, and the best part is knowing with this year’s proceeds we’ve raised more than $21 million for charity.”

The ninth American Family Insurance Championship attracted thousands of fans and nearly 1,000 volunteers from 17 states, who took part in the three days of tournament play. Volunteers provided 18,500 hours to the event. The total local economic impact of the tournament from 2016-2025 is estimated to exceed $125 million.

“At American Family, our values include showing up in our communities and having an impact in meaningful ways, and we’re proud the AmFam Champ has been an important part of that commitment,” said Bill Westrate, American Family chair and CEO. “More than ten years ago, this tournament started out as just an idea and today has contributed nearly $22 million in the form of grants to organizations that build healthy children and families and strong, thriving communities. We join them in their efforts and support these nonprofits that create brighter futures.”

In addition to the American Family Children’s Hospital, here are just three of the recipient organizations and the various needs they’re addressing in our communities:

Madison Parks Foundation Inc.

The Madison Parks Foundation partners with the Madison Parks Division to help fund the K.N.O.W. (Kids Need Opportunities at Warner) program, serving 200+ underserved youth ages 11-21 weekly at the Warner Park Community Recreation Center. Their mission is to provide comprehensive support through sports-based youth development, mentorship and life skills programming for Madison’s northside communities.  The program operates six days weekly and includes basketball referee certification training that creates future employment opportunities, Family Fun Nights that engage entire families, and school-based programming that reaches an additional 200+ students. Through this innovative public-private partnership model, KNOW transforms individual lives while strengthening entire neighborhoods by providing safe spaces, skill development, and pathways to economic empowerment.

The Road Home Dane County

The Road Home Dane County provides opportunities for homeless families to achieve self-determined goals and affordable, stable housing. The Road Home Dane County operates 13 housing programs that serve an average of 250 families annually, including more than 550 children. Beyond simply providing a place to live, their programs are grounded in a holistic, strengths-based approach that surrounds families with the support, tools and relationships they need to thrive. This model emphasizes family-driven goal setting and trust-building as families move from the crisis of homelessness toward stability and long-term independence.

Vera Court Neighborhood Center, Inc.

Vera Court Neighborhood Center, Inc. is a nonprofit agency located in Madison, with two neighborhood centers, Vera Court Neighborhood Center on the northside, and Bridge Lake Point Waunona Neighborhood Center on the southeast side. Their agency’s mission is to stabilize and empower underserved communities by providing inclusive and innovative programming that supports youth, adults and families in achieving their full potential. The centers provide youth development programs, adult education, senior engagement, nutrition security and bilingual support. They are committed to stabilizing and empowering communities by fostering connection, building skills and providing the resources needed for long-term success.

“Since day one, the American Family Insurance Championship has delivered a best-in-class experience for our players, partners and fans,” said PGA TOUR Champions President Miller Brady. “That unwavering commitment to showcasing the tremendous city of Madison each year has also benefitted the greater Dane County area through incredible charitable efforts, ensuring the tournament’s impact is felt year-round. The dedication from American Family Insurance, Nicki and Steve Stricker, and the entire tournament team has set a foundation in place for long-term success. We are excited for a bright future ahead as we build on a great 2025 event which saw an exciting new team format, a great host in TPC Wisconsin, and amazing fan attendance.”

Next year’s event at TPC Wisconsin will be held June 1-7, 2026, with special events during the week and tournament play June 5-7. Stricker will host the tournament for the tenth time and play for the ninth time.

Those interested in volunteering for the 2026 event can learn more about the AmFam Champ volunteer program and register.

La Follette Students Earn Honors and Support Community Through Career and Technical Student Organizations

MADISON, Wis.—Students at the Madison Metropolitan School District’s (MMSD) Robert M. La Follette High School are celebrating a strong semester of achievement in Career and Technical Student Organizations (CTSOs), highlighting the growing impact of career and technical education (CTE) programs across the district.

Senior Ethan Powell earned first place in the Automotive Service Technology competition at the school’s first SkillsUSA event of the year. Powell has been active in CTE courses throughout his time at La Follette and plans to continue competing in the months ahead. 

“Ethan has grown tremendously over the past several years,” said Ben Charles, La Follette CTE teacher. “His work ethic, curiosity and commitment to improving his craft stand out. We are proud of the leader he has become and excited to see how far he will go.”

Beyond individual competition, La Follette students also channel their skills and dedication into service and leadership through DECA, the school’s business and marketing CTSO. This October, the chapter celebrated the school’s annual service month with two major community initiatives:

• Color a Smile: With participation from the entire school community, students created more than 1,500 coloring sheets for Color a Smile, a nonprofit that delivers artwork to individuals in hospice care, memory care, military service and anyone in need of a morale boost. Though final results will not be announced until February, La Follette completed more than 1,500 sheets, besting its 1,100 last year, which was second-most statewide.
• Trick-or-Can: In response to increased need and reduced federal food assistance, La Follette DECA collected more than 500 food items to help stock the school’s City Center Pantry. This effort will support students and families directly within the building.

“We could not be more proud of the hard work, generosity and leadership our DECA students show,” Kurtis Nelsen, La Follette marketing and business education teacher and DECA advisor, said. “They compete academically, they give back and they grow into thoughtful, community-minded young adults. Their dedication reflects what it means to be a Lancer.”

Across MMSD, students participate in a variety of CTSOs, including DECA, SkillsUSA, HOSA, FFA, FBLA and others. These organizations provide hands-on learning opportunities that build real-world skills in areas such as business, healthcare, engineering, agriculture and skilled trades.

“CTE and CTSOs give students the chance to explore their interests, gain confidence and prepare for life after high school,” Meg Filkins, MMSD director of pathways and CTE, said. “We are proud of the success at La Follette and across the district, and we are committed to expanding high-quality career pathways for all students.”

La Follette’s recent achievements come as MMSD continues to strengthen its career and technical education offerings through expanded coursework, stronger industry partnerships and increased opportunities for students to earn professional experience and recognition.

For more information about CTE programs and CTSO opportunities across MMSD, visit the district’s website. For questions and partnership opportunities/inquiries, please reach out via Let’s Talk.

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About the Madison Metropolitan School District

The Madison Metropolitan School District (MMSD) is the second-largest school district in Wisconsin, serving more than 25,000 students across 52 schools. The district’s vision is that every school will be a thriving school that prepares every student to graduate ready for college, career and community. With more than 6,000 teachers and staff, MMSD is committed to ensuring the district’s goals and core values are held at the center of its efforts, so students can learn, belong and thrive. For more information, visit mmsd.org.

State Report Cards Highlight Continued Growth in MMSD Schools

MADISON, Wis.—Today, the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction (DPI) released its annual report cards for the 2024–25 school year. The Madison Metropolitan School District (MMSD) earned an overall rating of three stars, with a score of 69.8. 

MMSD is, by far, the largest and most diverse district in Dane County, serving more than 25,000 students (16,559 more than the second-largest Dane County district, Sun Prairie Area). Of those students, 46.1% are identified as economically disadvantaged (compared to 9.3% in Waunakee Area Community and 17.2% in Middleton-Cross Plains Area school districts) and 21.4% are English learners (compared to 14.1% in Verona Area and 2.6% in Oregon school districts). For a complete listing of ratings/scores and demographic information for all Dane County districts, please click here.

The majority of MMSD schools met, exceeded, or significantly exceeded expectations. Notably, all four of MMSD’s comprehensive high schools earned ratings of four stars (“Exceeds Expectations”), with East, Robert M. La Follette, Vel Phillips Memorial and West achieving overall scores of 82.0, 72.0, 78.8 and 78.1, respectively.

High School	Enrollment	Overall Score	Rating (Stars/Performance vs. Expectations)
East	1,643	82.0	4 Stars/Exceeds
La Follette	1,541	72.0	4 Stars/Exceeds
Memorial	2,004	78.8	4 Stars/Exceeds
West	2,222	78.1	4 Stars/Exceeds
Belleville	275	70.2	3 Stars/Meets
De Forest	1,137	76.4	4 Stars/Exceeds
Marshall	281	67.2	3 Stars/Meets
McFarland	727	74.8	4 Stars/Exceeds
Middleton	2,303	86.8	5 Stars/Significantly Exceeds
Monona Grove	1,170	79.0	4 Stars/Exceeds
Mount Horeb	745	81.5	4 Stars/Exceeds
Oregon	1,339	85.1	5 Stars/Significantly Exceeds
Stoughton	834	73.0	4 Stars/Exceeds
Sun Prairie East	1,340	76.0	4 Stars/Exceeds
Sun Prairie West	1,325	78.7	4 Stars/Exceeds
Verona Area	1,820	80.3	4 Stars/Exceeds
Waunakee	1,335	80.5	4 Stars/Exceeds
Wisconsin Heights	238	88.6	5 Stars/Significantly Exceeds

“MMSD continues to make meaningful progress in our students’ academic growth,” said Superintendent Joe Gothard. “We are committed to finding ways to strengthen teaching and learning while supporting all of our scholars, so they can be successful at whatever they choose to do, whether it’s college or career.” 

Because DPI updated how scores are calculated this year, districts are asked to treat the overall scores in this year’s report cards as a new baseline, meaning that they should not be compared to previous years. An exception is the overall score for Growth, which measures student progress on statewide tests, and according to DPI, “uses a value-added model that seeks to control for circumstances beyond the influence of educators.” 

In this area, MMSD improved 1.9 percentage points, or 2.9%, scoring the same or better than 91.8% of other Wisconsin districts, showing that, per DPI, “on average students in the district are progressing more quickly than other, similar students.”

MMSD high school students also outpaced their statewide peers in terms of participation in: 

• Advanced Placement courses (30.8% vs. 20.3%)
• Art and design courses (32.8% vs. 27.0%) 
• Dance (1.2% vs. 0.4%) and theater courses (3.3, vs. 1.8%)

MMSD’s overall scores were as follows: 

• Achievement: 61.0
• Growth: 76.5
• Target Group Outcomes: 63.7
• On-Track to Graduation: 73.4 

Across Dane County, two school districts earned five stars, 11 earned four stars, and two (including MMSD) received three stars. Numerical scores ranged from 69.8 to 84.6. 

“We are encouraged by the demonstrated growth that this report shows, particularly as we move further past the pandemic and our scholars progress in fully readjusting to in-classroom learning,” said Dr. Carlettra Stanford, assistant superintendent of schools and learning. “With a strong educational foundation and support and guidance from our world-class educators, our Madison students will continue to learn, grow and thrive.”

In total, two MMSD schools achieved ratings of “Significantly Exceeds Expectations”; 19 “Exceeds Expectations”; 19 “Meets Expectations”; six “Meets Few Expectations”; and one “Fails to Meet Expectations.” Six schools participated in the Alternate Rating process, five of which scored “Satisfactory” progress, with one scoring “Needs Improvement.”

Report cards are released each fall under state law, as part of Wisconsin’s school accountability system. Schools and districts receive a star rating, from one to five stars, based on their overall score. Ratings are determined across four priority areas identified by the Department of Public Instruction: achievement, growth, target group outcomes, and on-track to graduation. 

All MMSD report cards are available to view on the MMSD website. 

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About the Madison Metropolitan School District

The Madison Metropolitan School District (MMSD) is the second-largest school district in Wisconsin, serving more than 25,000 students across 52 schools. The district’s vision is that every school will be a thriving school that prepares every student to graduate ready for college, career and community. With more than 6,000 teachers and staff, MMSD is committed to ensuring the district’s goals and core values are held at the center of its efforts, so students can learn, belong and thrive. For more information, visit mmsd.org.