Positive News, Stories, & Janesville Buzz Polls

Hey Janesville! Welcome to my new public art blog series! I’m sure you’re all familiar with the numerous murals and sculptures around town, but do you know the history and artists behind them? If you’re curious, stick around! I’ll be covering different pieces for each article in this series…so, let’s get into it!This week we’re talking about Ronald Perry Wick’s 2010 vinyl printed “Heart of the City Outdoor Art Mural: Janesville Women’s History.” You can find this mural on the Rock County Courthouse on 51 S Main St. Four murals were created for the “Heart of the City Outdoor Campaign” to feature a time and industry that was important in the history of Janesville. This specific mural was focused on 1860-1890, a time when women’s contributions to the town started to become impactful and acknowledged. There are 6 key components to this piece that we’re going to dive into next.First up we have a woman and her daughter in the center of the mural representing early suffragists urging others to vote yes to votes for women.To the right is the Oaklawn Hospital representing Nellie Tallman. She’s remembered for making Janesville’s first hospital possible and successful through her work with the Janesville Associated Charities.Above the hospital is Rhoda Lavinia Goodell. In 1874 she became the very first woman lawyer in Wisconsin.Next to her is Angie King, the first woman popular election victor in Wisconsin and the third woman attorney in Wisconsin.On the bottom right are books representing the Janesville’s first public library that was established by…guess who…women! The Ladies afternoon club came together to establish this free public library.Lastly, The Janesville Cotton Manufacturing Company is depicted on the left side the mural along with 2 of their mill workers. Did you know two-thirds of the mill workers were women? Now you do!That’s all folks! If you want to learn more about Janesville’s rich art history, be sure to stay tuned for my upcoming pieces! Also, be sure to take some time to appreciate the foundational women of our town and go check out this mural at the Rock County Courthouse!Source: Janesville Area Convention & Visitors Bureau

Hello Janesville! I hope you’re hungry because we’re about to dive into a local gastropub, Drafthouse, located downtown at 101 E Milwaukee St Suite 101. Drafthouse emphasizes American culture through their food and spirits, as well as a strong sense of community both for their city and state.They have a selection of 24 beers on tap ALL from Wisconsin breweries as well as several community tables and an incredible view of downtown Janesville through their plethora of huge windows. Even better, you can sit at their patio and be right there in Janesville’s historical downtown. They even have special events such as wine tastings and live music!We visited Drafthouse this past week to check out some of their menu options so we could report back to you! We got the Seared Tuna Bowl and the Farmhouse Flatbread as our entrees – and they did not disappoint. The tuna bowl had sesame crusted ahi tuna, mango, cucumber, avocado, cilantro jasmine rice and sriracha aioli. The tuna was very fresh and the sear was perfect. The mix of sweet with the mango pieces, crunch from the cucumber, and spice of the aioli was a perfect combination. If you're looking for something that is filling, but doesn't leave you feeling heavy, this is certainly a dish to try.Next up, the flatbread was a flavorful experience with unique pizza toppings such as a parmesan cream sauce, five cheese blend, goat cheese, caramelized onions, sauteed spinach and some crispy bacon. I’ve certainly never had a pizza like this before – it felt decadent while still maintaining thefeel of an American classic.The service was friendly and efficient and don’t even get me started on atmosphere! They have a full wall covered in black and white prohibition era photography, modern yet homey furnishings, tons of windows and natural light, and a full, aesthetically set up bar. I also appreciated the price variation, ranging from super affordable entrees for a quick lunch, to some more upscale options for a fancy night out so everyone has an opportunity to dine on different budgets.Overall, we had a great time at this local pub, we hope to see you at Drafthouse soon!

It's still summer out there, and so that means it's still burger season. We want to know your favorite locally owned restaurant to grab a burger. Cast your vote and let us know below!

You’d think there wouldn’t be that big of a different, both dairy products, both frozen, and both delicious, and truly there isn’t but I most definitely have a preference….. depending on the day! When I’m feeling a little particular about my snack, I go for frozen yogurt, typically because at most frozen yogurt spots you get to build your own bowls of what goes into it. Of course, it’s a bit healthier because of the less sugar content and the base being yogurt, but let’s be honest we just add all that back with the toppings we put on it! 😅 there is a slight down to Frozen yogurt and that is that it melts in a hurry, so it’s something you can’t savor with time because you’re trying to devour that sucker before it’s dripping down your hand. Now as for ice cream, it’s convenient because you can find it on every corner and at any grocery store! Also they do the thinking for you the delicious flavors are already created and mixed for you! So it’s great option for being quick and a hurry, and sometimes just want a treat with all the sugars! 😅So I guess the answer is, it depends on the today? How about for you? 

Okay, let’s talk about it. Is it boba tea or bubble tea? And what is it Well okay, technically it’s both. Bubble tea is just another name for boba tea. However, when you visit a shop and order a drink with boba you are typically going to get the same flavor of boba which is going to be the tapioca pearls. These have more of a chewy texture, and a bit of a brown sugar and vanilla taste to them (in my opinion) I typically get this if I’m wanting more of a snack! Now bubble tea on the other hand, are little bubbles of flavor that will burst in your mouth with little pressure applied! The thing about these bubbles is you get to pick your flavor. They come in strawberry, mango, and blueberry at some places! This form of bubble tea is what I get when I want a cool refreshing summer drink! Now the bubbles and boba sit at the bottom, as far as what’s on top of them well that’s entirely up to you, you can do tea , milk tea, lemonade or a frozen blended option! It’s fun to try different flavors and combinations, my recommendation is to never get the same flavor twice! 

We take our ice cream a little more seriously in the Midwest because we only get to truly enjoy it 3-4 months out of the year, so where are you getting your summer Sundaes, shakes, and cones? Vote for you favorite ice cream place this summer? 

I took advantage of the perfect Saturday and went on a hike, it as a 20/10 experience! I’ve always loved a cute little walk around the neighborhood or through the park, but hiking is just a horse of a different color in the best way possible! This hike in particular I took The Devil’s Staircase trail it came with beautiful views, not too many scary bugs or animals (this is always a plus in my book), and it was a great length for a quick but efficient hike to get a good Saturday morning workout in! I didn’t want to spend more than the morning in the trail, so this was a great one to enjoy nature but not be forced to enjoy nature 😅

There’s so many different ways to enjoy your pizza! But there’s always that one place that gets it right, which is your pizza place?

Who’s your favorite Riley on the block?! Whether your sitting for grub, hosting events, or want to perfect your swing; these Riley’s have your back!But today you must choose where your allegiance lies!