Washing Machine Sparks Fire on Baldwin Street

Smoke streams from the second floor apartment of 420 south Baldwin Street. No one was hurt in the fire which was started by a washing machine.

Smoke streams from the second floor apartment of 420 South Baldwin Street. No one was hurt in the fire which was started by a washing machine.

Six residents and their three pets are safe after a washing machine caught fire in a second floor laundry room at 420 South Baldwin Street Saturday night. Units from fire stations 1, 3 and 4 were called to the property on the corner of Baldwin and Jenifer just before 10 p.m which caused $125,000 in damage.

Smoke was observed pouring from a second-floor window on the Jenifer street side of the house but firefighters had the fire under control quickly and no flames were observed from the street level. Venting of the residence with fans began soon after as smoke from the fire could be smelled as far away as Jolly Bob’s.  Continue reading

Thornton Endorsed By Feingold for District 6 Alder

Scott Thornton. Courtesy Scott Thornton for District 6

Scott Thornton

Former Wisconsin Senator Russ Feingold has endorsed Scott B. Thornton in his race for Alder of Madison’s District 6.

“I am honored to have the endorsement of one of the most progressive voices in Wisconsin,” Thornton said. “Senator Feingold knows that District 6 deserves an alderperson who works hard for the community, is an experienced leader, and will be a true progressive voice on the city council. I am that candidate and am honored by his endorsement.” said Thornton in a campaign press release.

Thornton is challenging two-time incumbent Marsha Rummel who has also announced some endorsements recently including Alder Scott Resnick. The two will participate in a candidate forum on March 25 at St. Bernard’s Catholic Church.

Heenan Shooting Report Released

Paul Heenan. Courtesy: Cress Funeral Home

Paul Heenan. Courtesy: Cress Funeral Home

A report following the Madison Police Investigation into the officer-involved shooting of Paul  Heenan on South Baldwin Street on November 9, 2012 has been released. Officer Stephen Heimsness, while responding to a 911 burglary in-progress call, shot Heenan three times after they had briefly struggled.

The details of that night have been somewhat in dispute leaving some neighborhood residents uneasy about police policies and transparency. The Dane County District Attorney’s office cleared Officer Heimsness of any criminal culpability, and the police department said he did not violate any policies in the process of executing his duties.  Continue reading