Read for updates on Sandburg Park, Imagination Center (Library) and more

Hello friends, 

Today's update includes the following: 

• Abundant Life Christian School Shooting FAQ page info
• Update on Sandburg Park
• Update on the Imagination Center (Library)
• Sidewalk and shoveling update
• Trash and recycling update
• Read, Play, Write, and Create at Madison Public Library this Winter Break
• How to schedule a meeting with me

Abundant Life Christian School Shooting: Facts and Questions Page

MADISON, Wis. -- The Madison Police Department is committed to transparency and will continue to release information that can be used to improve public safety. This must be balanced, however, with our commitment to the victims and survivors of the shooting at Abundant Life Christian School in Madison.

Two people died and six others were injured during this shooting. Additionally, evidence suggests the shooter died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.  

This incident has now entered the investigation phase, and the information we can release is limited. This phase takes time. We recognize people have questions, and we will answer them in due time. Until then we ask you keep the victims and survivors in mind and respect their right to privacy.

The Madison Police Department is dealing with a flux of ever-changing information. We thank journalists for recognizing this and working with our department to get accurate information out to our community.

We have put together a list of some questions we’ve been repeatedly asked regarding our criminal investigation. Here is what we can share.

1. What time were you dispatched to the scene? And when did officers enter the school?

   Officers were dispatched for a shooting at Abundant Life Christian School at 10:57 a.m. on Dec. 16. This call generated a multi-jurisdiction response. The first law enforcement officer entered the building at 11 a.m. Twenty-four seconds later, officers with the Madison Police Department entered the building at 11:01. These are times listed in the Computer Aided Dispatch Systems for both the Madison Police and Madison Fire departments. This is the timeline as of Wednesday morning. Given the ever-evolving investigation, this information is subject to change.

2. Has the shooter been identified?

   The shooter has been identified as 15-year-old Natalie L. Rupnow, who went by Samantha. She was a freshman student at Abundant Life Christian School and from Madison.  

3. How many people were injured and died during the shooting?

   A teenage student and a substitute teacher, who was employed part time by the school, were shot and killed on Monday. According to the police investigation, Rupnow, the suspect, also died from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound. Two students were taken to the hospital with life-threatening injuries. A teacher and three other students were taken to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. 

Read the full news release with additional questions answered. 

Update: 2025 Sandburg Park Playground Improvements

Mike Sturm from the City of Madison Parks Division shares: 

Image credit: Photo by Charles Parker

"I’m happy to report we had a successful first meeting for the Sandburg Park playground replacement project. During the workshop, neighborhood attendees selected the age range for the new play equipment, the preferred safety surfacing material, and the general character of the play features.

The second neighborhood meeting is scheduled for Thursday, February 6th @ 6pm. Parks staff will present two equipment options based on the information gathered during the workshop for attendees to consider. Meeting information is available on the project website, located here. We anticipate construction will occur in the fall of 2025, pending the results of public works bidding.

Update: Imagination Center at Reindahl Park (Library)

Library director Tana Elias shares on 12/18/24: "the Imagination Center project was approved to go to bid at Board of Public Works, heading next to Common Council for approval on 1/14/25. The RFP for construction is scheduled to go live on 1/16/25."

Keep sidewalks safe: Reminder of City of Madison sidewalk shoveling and salt use ordinances

With snow in the forecast, the City of Madison’s Building Inspection Division would like to remind everyone about the City’s ordinances for sidewalk clearing and salt usage.

Who is responsible for clearing sidewalks?

If you are a property owner with a walkway along your property, you are responsible for removing the snow and ice in a timely manner. You will usually have until Noon the day after the snow stops falling to clear your sidewalk (unless announced otherwise), but the best way to stay up-to-date is to sign up for the City of Madison’s Sidewalk Snow Removal Updates e-mail list.

If you are a renter, be sure to read your lease to check who is responsible for shoveling the sidewalk. The City of Madison does give extensions to older adults and people with disabilities in owner-occupied single-family homes if they need more time to shovel.

Read the full news release.

Trash & Recycling Collection Schedule for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day 2024

There will be no Streets Division collections performed on both Tuesday, December 24, 2024 and Wednesday, December 25, 2024 in observance of the Christmas Eve and Christmas Day holidays.

The drop-off sites will also be closed on these two days.

Below are the directions residents should follow in order to have their trash and recycling collected during the upcoming two-day holiday.

Collection schedules are available on the Streets Division's website, www.cityofmadison.com/Streets. 

Read the full update.

Read, Play, Write, and Create at Madison Public Library this Winter Break with WE READ

MADISON, WI – Beginning Monday, December 16, kids and families can visit any Madison Public Library location and find new play materials, reading buddies, scavenger hunts, and more thanks to the Winter WE READ campaign designed to keep kids reading, playing, writing and creating all winter long.

"During the winter, we know many families are looking for warm indoor environments where learning, growth, and engagement continue to happen," said Madison Public Library Youth Services Manager Tammy Ocampo. "Our libraries are that space within the community where kids and families can come together to enjoy books and reading, art and making, play and exploration, and so much more! The winter WE READ program is built to help each family find something that works for where they're at right now."

The WE READ program involves many different elements for all ages, and encourages families and kids to explore the joy of reading and build their literacy skills. 

Read the full update.

Image credit: Photo by Mikhail Nilov

You're welcome to add a time on my calendar for us to meet regarding district 17 related matters, or other concerns/questions about the City in general. We can meet by phone, virtual, or in person. 

Take a look at my availability or send me an email at district17@cityofmadison.com to let me know when you're most available. 

In community, 

Alder Sabrina Madison

District 17