More than 40 brands of spirits to be sampled   

Whiskey is on the menu Monday when a downtown eatery will host an evening of libations and gourmet eats.

The “Top Shelf Whiskey Taste” at Brickhouse BBQ will include nearly 40 brands of spirits featuring whiskey, of course, plus brandy, rum, vodka and tequila.

The night of good eats begins at 6 p.m. at 408 W. Gorham St. and costs $50 at the door or online.

On the menu is food from Brickhouse BBQ, Wonder Bar Steakhouse and HotelRED’s The Wise plus desserts from Cupcakes A-Go-Go, Gigi's Cupcakes, Gail Ambrosius Chocolatier and Calliope Ice Cream.

The event, hosted by Channel3000.com’s sister publication Madison Magazine, will also feature a giveaway from American TV and an 84-inch flatscreen TV will be on display.

Economist: Crop yield down, but price spike levels revenue 

Chad Myar grows corn and soybeans and houses 44,000 chickens on his farm 20 minutes north of Madison. In the wake of the severe 2012 drought, Myar said his farm was “doing all right.”

His yields of corn and soybeans declined by 30 to 40 percent because of the drought, yet his poultry and eggs generated consistent revenue.

Wisconsin farmers and residents are still exploring the widespread and lingering effects of last year’s drought. And yet, according to an estimate from the 2013 Status of Wisconsin Agriculture report, released by the Department of Agricultural & Applied Economics at UW-Madison in January, the state actually reached its second highest net farm income on record last year.

Olbrich Gardens to host redevelopment meetings

Olbrich Botanical Gardens will host a series of meetings for public input on a development plan for new buildings.

Olbrich is working with HGA, an architectural firm, to evaluate building needs. Final recommendations may include additions and renovations, a news release said.

An upcoming meeting on Thursday at 6:30 p.m. on pre-design planning is the second in a series of planning forums.

Three more meetings will be held through May 20.

The planning process will begin with a declaration of guiding principles. Schematic design input forums will follow.

Olbrich said it will maintain up-to-date information on meeting notes on its website.