Big Joe Donates Custom Walkie Stacker to University of Wisconsin-Madison’s College of Engineering

Madison, WI (August 19, 2025) – When a 1960s-era Big Joe walkie stacker was discovered still in use at the University of Wisconsin-Madison’s College of Engineering, the team at Big Joe Forklifts knew they had to do something special. In honor of the decades-old workhorse still serving the university’s engineering department, Big Joe donated a brand new IBH stacker, branded with the University of Wisconsin’s signature red and white, to support and empower the next generation of engineers.

Big Joe’s New Product Development Engineer and former intern and alumni at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, Zach Skelton noted, “I was walking through the basement of the engineering building and did a double take. I thought, ‘Wait a minute…that’s a Big Joe!’ At that moment, I knew there was an opportunity not just to celebrate this equipment standing the test of time, but to help the university modernize its processes. I’m glad to be a part of making this a reality and providing new resources to students and faculty alike.”

The new Big Joe stacker will be used in instructional and operational settings within the College of Engineering, giving students hands-on experience with modern material handling equipment.

“We are truly excited to not only help the University of Wisconsin at Madison continue on its mission to train future engineers, but to see the full life cycle of Big Joe products in action,” said Big Joe’s VP of Engineering, Mat McEachern. “We look forward to working with our dealer partner Wolter as well as university staff and students as a part of the Madison community.”

“As a Big Joe dealer, this opportunity to support UW Madison is a huge priority as Wolter is focused on supporting the future of Wisconsin industry and the community at large,” said Ross Jeremiah, president of Wolter Midwest. “We are happy to continue to support UW Madison as this new stacker provides support and dependability to the engineering department for years to come.”

Wisconsin-born and built, the Big Joe IBH is proudly manufactured about an hour northwest of the university, in the Wisconsin Dells. Staying true to its Wisconsin roots, the original forklift will be moved from the university to a new home at Big Joe’s Madison headquarters, where it will serve as a testament to the longevity of Big Joe equipment, the spirit of innovation, and partnership that powers progress.

About Big Joe

Established in 1951, Big Joe is a customer-centric, North American material handling solutions company, offering a variety of purpose-built integrated lithium-ion forklifts designed to replace internal combustion, innovative material handling equipment for warehouse and distribution centers, and market-leading autonomous solutions. Based in Madison, Wisconsin, we provide world-class market-driven solutions with a reputation for exceptional customer service through our nationwide dealership network.

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Capitol Bank Announces Ken Thompson’s Retirement

Madison, WI (August 15, 2025): After 29 years of distinguished service, Ken Thompson
will be retiring from Capitol Bank on October 9th. Ken will remain on the Capitol Bank
Board of Directors as Chairman.

“My journey with Capitol Bank has been nothing short of extraordinary,” said Ken. “Reflecting on
nearly three decades of growth, I am filled with pride. From humble beginnings, our Bank has
become a strong, stable, and respected community institution. This is all thanks to the trust of
our customers, the support of our shareholders, and the unwavering commitment of our
employees.”

Ken joined the Bank in 1996, helping lead the growth of the organization to $600 million
in assets and three Madison-area locations. After shepherding a thoughtful leadership
transition these past few years, Ken has positioned Capitol Bank for continued success
and growth. Ken’s commitment to the community is evident in the countless hours he
spent supporting numerous non-profit organizations and holding leadership roles within
the banking industry.

“Ken’s long-term commitment to Capitol Bank and his dedication to giving back are textbook
examples of what it means to be a community banker. While he won’t be going far, I’m excited for
Ken to take this well-earned retirement as we celebrate a banking career spanning four decades
of success,” said Justin Hart, CEO.

About Capitol Bank: Capitol Bank, a locally owned and operated community bank, is
committed to serving the communities in which we live, work, and do business. We are
proud of the partnerships we have established with organizations, businesses, and
individuals in the Greater Madison area. Our philosophy of community support is
demonstrated at the corporate level, as well as in the time and energy our employees
devote to our community each year. Capitol Bank is Member FDIC and an Equal Housing
Lender

MMSD Expands Full-Day 4K and Launches Pilot of Five-Day Programming for 2025–26 School Year

MADISON, Wis.—In time for the start of the 2025–26 school year, the Madison Metropolitan School District (MMSD) is expanding its tuition-free four-year-old kindergarten (4K) offerings to include new full-day options at Ray W. Huegel, Lapham, Midvale and John Muir elementary schools. The district is also introducing a pilot of five-day programming at Paul J. Olson Elementary School.

“We are committed to offering highly desired opportunities for families with school-aged children in MMSD,” said Dr. Joe Gothard, superintendent. “We’re seeing annual increases in our 4K enrollment, which speaks to the reputation we’ve built for high-quality, accessible early learning options. Expanding options for families and reducing transitions for our youngest learners helps strengthen our school communities from the very beginning.”

The pilot at Olson will be the district’s first full-day, five-days-a-week 4K section. It will operate alongside three existing half-day sections, giving families more flexibility while allowing MMSD to evaluate the feasibility of extending five-day programming to more sites in the future.

Enrollment in the Olson pilot will be determined by lottery. To be eligible, families must live in the Olson attendance area and be enrolled in MMSD by Tuesday, August 19. All eligible families will be automatically entered, and those selected will receive a phone call from the district’s Enrollment Department.

Prior to the announced expansion, Muir, Midvale and Olson did not offer a full-day option; both Muir and Midvale will continue to offer morning, half-day programming, in addition to the full-day option. For Huegel and Lapham, the move adds another full-day section, as well as morning programming, to both schools.

The district is also introducing full-day options at the following early care and education sites: Big Oak Child Care Center, Bernie’s Place, Goodman Community Center, Red Caboose Childcare and The Playing Field. For each of these locations, the MMSD 4K portion of the day is provided at no cost; families are responsible for any additional wraparound care that extends beyond the school day. Additional full-day spaces will also be provided at local Head Start sites.

In recent years, and across the 2020 and 2024 operations referendums, MMSD has prioritized the continued growth of its 4K program, which provides free, high-quality early learning experiences to prepare students for success in kindergarten and beyond. This increased capacity reflects the district’s commitment to meeting the needs of working families, strengthening connections between young learners and their neighborhood schools, and increasing equitable access to early education.

This expansion also deepens the district’s commitment to ensuring children with the greatest needs have access to a well-rounded, developmentally appropriate early learning experience. By increasing the number of full-day and extended-week seats — both in neighborhood schools and through community partners — MMSD is working to remove barriers and open more pathways for all families to participate.

The changes are part of a broader, long-term strategy to embed 4K in every MMSD elementary school, while also expanding partnerships with early childhood education providers in areas where access to child care is limited. By offering more full-day and extended-week options, the district aims to give families greater choice and stability during a pivotal stage of child development.

“We’re doing more than adding classrooms,” said Culleen Witthuhn, director of early learning. “We’re reimagining how we serve our youngest learners. When children have more time to explore, create and build relationships in a consistent setting, it deepens their learning and sets the stage for long-term success.”

Spots in the new sections are open. Families can learn more about MMSD’s 4K program and enrollment process by visiting the district’s 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.

MMSD Advances Phase 1 Facilities Referendum Projects

MADISON, Wis.—The Madison Metropolitan School District (MMSD) has entered the next phase of planning and design for its first major capital projects funded by the 2024 facilities referendum, Samuel Gompers Elementary School/Black Hawk Middle School and Sherman Middle School/Malcolm Shabazz City High School.

The schematic design phase for both campuses wrapped this summer, defining building layout and programmatic elements based on deep engagement with school staff and district leadership. The projects have since moved into design development, which is expected to run through the fall and is where details related to materials, systems and finishes will be further refined.

“These schools represent not just bricks and mortar, but a deeper investment in the future of Madison’s students, families and communities,” said Scott Chehak, MMSD’s senior executive director of building services. “We are proud to be moving forward in close partnership with our educators, community members and design teams to deliver learning environments in line with our values and our vision.”

The developing designs include secure, flexible learning spaces equipped with mobile technology, outdoor learning areas, and layout improvements that promote collaboration, accessibility and community use. Both projects are on track to break ground in March 2026.

Following are updated renderings for each of the schools: 

• Samuel Gompers Elementary School
• Black Hawk Middle School
• Sherman Middle School
• Malcolm Shabazz City High School

Extensive staff, student and community engagement was critically important in helping to shape the designs. Over the past six months, the project team has held 149 meetings totaling more than 300 hours with students, families and school staff. This comprised 38 core team meetings, 46 design team sessions, 42 programming discussions, and 23 targeted user input gatherings.

“We would not be at this point in the process without the thoughtful and consistent feedback we’ve received from those who know these schools best: the people who learn and work in them every day,” Chehak said. “Their voices have been instrumental in helping us to define the form that these projects will ultimately take.”

Further community engagement opportunities are scheduled to take place in September at both Phase 1 sites. Phase 2 work is set to start in September, with staff input sessions for Cherokee Heights marking the official kickoff of this next step in the process.

For more information and project updates, please visit the 2024 Facilities Referendum page of 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.

Oakwood Village Prairie Ridge campus marks 25 years of meeting needs in Madison

State, county and local leaders gathered at Oakwood Village’s Prairie Ridge campus on Wednesday, July 30 to mark a quarter century for this community that serves older adults.

In 2000, longtime local nonprofit Oakwood Village responded to growing demand with the launch of a new continuing care community, on an 18-acre site 10 miles east of downtown Madison. Oakwood Village Prairie Ridge has expanded in the years since, and now offers nearly 300 apartments, multiple stages of assisted living support, memory care, and skilled nursing. Residents also enjoy a gym, salon, outdoor spaces, a volunteer-run store, and multiple restaurants.

Dane County Executive Melissa Agard, Congressman Mark Pocan, and Madison Deputy Mayor Katie Crawley joined Oakwood leadership and residents for a joyful celebration in the campus’ Tree of Life Chapel. A highlight was the multiple residents in attendance who have lived at Prairie Ridge since its founding.

“Over the past quarter century, this campus has served as a cornerstone for countless families across Dane County,” Agard said. “… As County Executive, I’m especially grateful for partners like Oakwood Village, who share in our mission of building a Dane County where everyone can thrive.”

President and CEO Jan Hamilton-Crawford emphasized that Prairie Ridge is more than just buildings: It’s a living community of laughter, friendships, dedicated caregivers, and peaceful surroundings, a place where dignity and independence take center stage. The ceremony was a chance not just to reflect on the past, she said, but to renew a commitment to a future that prioritizes well-being and happiness.

“I am grateful today that our community, this greater Madison area, gets to have such a beautiful facility that continues to understand the needs of our community and the needs of the residents who come here,” Joy Mortensen-Wiebe, bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America South Central Synod, said in a recorded message for those in attendance.

About Oakwood Village

Oakwood Village is a nonprofit, continuing care community with two campuses in Madison, Wisconsin. For over 75 years, this community has helped older adults lead lives of personal growth, happiness, health, and security.