$219 million project meant to improve reliability of power supply 

American Transmission Co. has energized the completed 32-mile, 345-kilovolt Rockdale-West Middleton Transmission Line.

Brian Fischer, Rockdale-West Middleton project manager, said in a news release that the company’s coordinated performance on multiple fronts during the past four years of planning, design and construction were evidence of the project’s success.

The line can carry 1,267 megawatts of electricity, enough to power 239,000 homes and connects through Monona, Blooming Grove, City and Town of Madison, Pleasant Springs and Middleton.

Hospital employees dance through Metcalfe's Wed.  

A local grocery store served a side of entertainment Wednesday afternoon.

At 2 p.m., shoppers at the Hilldale Metcalfe's Sentry Foods watched a variation on a smart mob in which St. Mary's dietitians and supporters danced throughout the store to celebrate Registered Dietitian Day (March 13) and National Nutrition Month, an Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics campaign that takes place annually in March.

A spokesman for St. Mary's said bystanders watched as more than 30 people including dieticians, St. Mary's employees, their kids and the St. Mary's heart mascot danced through the store to an original song.

The special tune, "5 a day," was written and recorded by hospital employees to share the health message of eating five portions of fruits and vegetables daily.

Shop offers apparel, jewelry, handbags  

A new retail shop opened on the near west side Monday offering women's apparel, one-of-a-kind handmade jewelry, handbags, unique accessories and gift items.

The boutique is owned by longtime friends Rhonda (Olson) Dittberner and Karen (Hemauer) Graeve, who are both from the Madison area.

Dittberner and Graeve said they are thrilled to finally have their dream of owning a boutique come true. The business partners said they each have a unique fashion sense that compliments the other, making for a fun and divergent mix when buying merchandise for the shop.

Velvet Button Boutique will celebrate with refreshments, treats and drawings at a grand opening party March 16 from 10 a.m.-7 p.m.