The Grassroots Gazette fosters community dialogue and participation throughout Southwest Wisconsin.

UPDATE: Senator Dale Schultz, R-Richland Center will listen to your concerns about the Mining bill on Sat., Feb. 18 from 10AM to 2PM at University of Wisconsin-Platteville in the University Rooms of the Markee Pioneer Student Center. Also, there will be Senators Tim Cullen, D-Janesville and Robert Jauch, D-Poplar to will discuss mining issues and answer audience questions.  Read more here.  CANCELLATION OF PLATTEVILLE HEARING ON CONTROVERSIAL MINING BILL Legislative leaders in Madison have cancelled the hearing in Platteville that was to have allowed public discussion of a controversial mining bill that weakens environmental and public safety protections. The move comes in an attempt to pass the bill before the end of the session. Sen. Dale Schultz is said to have serious reservations about this legislation. He needs to hear from you. Call Sen. Schultz’s office at (800) 978-8008. More on the What's Hot page.

Tues., Feb. 21 (Dodgeville) VOTE IN PRIMARY ELECTION FOR DODGEVILLE SCHOOL BOARD. Four people are running for the at-large seat on the Dodgeville School Board. The candidates are former board president Missy Hottman who wants to ensure that children receive the best education possible and is concerned about the state impact on finances, curriculum and staffing; John A Gardner II who believes the most pressing issues are “budget constraints, retaining/recruiting quality staff and overcrowding”; current board member Donald Kreul who thinks a major issue is “making our schools a safe place so no child gets hurt getting to and from school” and David Gollon who wants to provide quality education without creating too much of a financial burden on property taxes. Limited polling places will be open: City of Dodgeville, Town of Dodgeville, Village of Ridgeway, Town of Ridgeway and Town of Linden. Anyone living in another polling area will vote at the Dodgeville City Hall, 100 E. Fountain Street (basement of Dodgeville Library). Check out our Elections page.

Sat., Feb. 18, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (Mazomanie) FOURTH ANNUAL WISCONSIN PROGRESSIVE GRASSROOTS FESTIVAL Find out how to make a significant difference in your community at this all-day workshop which features Matt Rothschild and Mike McCabe as keynoters. You’ll also have a chance to meet candidates for Wisconsin Governor in the late afternoon. During morning and afternoon breakout sessions, you’ll roll up your sleeves and find out how to start a Grassroots group, how to stop election theft, what the progressive perspective on small business is, how to build a successful community think tank, how to run for office, how to effect change in the health care reform debate and what is the effect of weaponizing our communities, among other topics you can choose from. Registration (donation $14 including lunch) begins at 8:30 a.m. The Raging Grannies singing sensation will entertain at lunch. LOCATION: Wisconsin Heights High School 10173 State Hwy 14 Mazomanie WI 53560. For more information contact Nate Timm at nptimm@chorus.net or 220-0139. Sponsored by Wisconsin Grassroots Network. Help spread the word with this flyer and learn more of the detail by clicking here.

Tues., Feb. 21, 7 p.m. (Mineral Point) MEET THE 2nd CONGRESSIONAL CANDIDATES (to replace Rep. Tammy Baldwin) Because of redistricting, much of Iowa and Sauk Counties are now in the 2nd Congressional district (Tammy Baldwin’s district). With Baldwin running for the Senate, four of the declared candidates to replace her will be in Mineral Point to speak and answer your questions –- State Rep. Kelda Roys, Dave Warzala, Matt Silverman and State Rep. Mark Pocan. Come to meet and greet and enjoy coffee, dessert and a cash bar at the Gray Dog restaurant, 215 High Street in Mineral Point.

Fri., Feb. 17, 1pm (Dodgeville) "Miral" Book Discussion at the Dodgeville Library facilitated by Vincent Kavaloski.  The Windows into Gaza discussions continue with the community book read of "Miral" by Rula Jebreal.  Learn more on the Citizens for Peace page.

Wed., Feb. 29, 7 p.m. (Dodgeville) SO WHAT IS ACT 21? The Harry and Laura Nohr Chapter of Trout Unlimited will host a round table discussion of Act 21 at Stonefield Apartments, 407 E. Madison. People concerned about conservation and environmental issues will want to be there to understand the new rule, Act 21, signed into law by Gov. Walker which some fear may reduce public input and increase political influence in the decision-making process regarding conservation issues.  Find out more here.

Wed., Feb. 29, 5 p.m. (Madison) COMMUNITIES DARING TO LIVE THE FUTURE NOW Author Deborah Frieze will be in Madison to talk about her new book Walk Out, Walk On: A Learning Journey into Communities Daring to Live the Future Now. It chronicles diverse communities around the world that are self-organizing and using their ingenuity to create healthy and resilient communities. Location: Goodman Community Center, 149 Waubesa Street, Madison. For tickets go to http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/226612

INTERESTED IN BEING A HOST FAMILY? Mike Humke, one of our Grassroots members, brought this opportunity to our attention. He and his family have participated for several years in Project Self-Help and Awareness (PSA), which places children 8 to 18 from rural Mississippi with Wisconsin families every summer. Everyone benefits – the kids get a glimpse of life beyond their communities often leading to successful careers. The host families experience a culture they know little about. Great friendships are often the result. Contact Mike Humke at michael.humke@dot.state.wi.us to learn more about the local experience. Also check out www.psaprogram.org or contact Myron Geiser at 921-759-9923.