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• Floods hit interstates, DOT tells travelers driving to Chicago to take Highway 29 to Green Bay
• Band honoring Tom Petty is a different kind of tribute to hit Hudson
• Hudson to auction off unclaimed bicycles

For travelers heading to Chicago from the Twin Cities area the Wisconsin Department of Transportation is recommending motorists take Highway 29 to Green Bay and then take I-43 to I-94 in Milwaukee.

Heavy rains over the past week have caused flooding throughout southern Wisconsin.

Because of the flooding DOT officials report that the Wisconsin State Patrol has closed several parts of the Interstate in southern Wisconsin.

DOT and State Patrol officials have closed I-39 northbound, I-90/94 westbound at Highway 151 (Exit 135 - Madison) due to rising water at I-90/94 westbound at the Baraboo River (Highway 33).

Here is a list of other closings:

* I-90/94 eastbound at WIS 82 in Juneau County

* I-39 southbound at WIS 82 in Marquette County

* I-94 westbound at the Crawfish River Bridge west of Johnson Creek

Officials are strongly urging motorists not to travel in the south central part of Wisconsin due to many flooded state and local highways.

Free Fallin, which is billed as the country's premier tribute to Tom Petty, is scheduled to play at Dibbo's on June 14.

The band is viewed as something a bit different than the tribute bands that usually play Dibbo's. They normally play covers of musicians that do hard rock, such as Ozzy Osbourne, AC/DC, Motley Crue and Def Leppard.

Petty's music, which is more toward the pop end, reaches a wider audience, said Dibbo's manager Chuck McGee. The only touring tribute band he can think of that has a lighter tone such as Petty would be one for Bryan Adams, McGee said.

Free Fallin has put together a journey through the catalogue of Petty hits, from his recordings "Damn the Torpedoes" thru "Highway Companion," including hits from the Traveling Wilburys and the Byrds.

The band brings the full Petty experience, complete with the costumes and instrumentation to which his fans have become accustomed. The poster that hangs on the wall at Dibbo's shows the Free Fallin lead singer wearing Petty's trademark top hat.

The musicians in the band have played in such groups as Lamont Cranston, Hairball, Sonik Envy, Pearl Harbor, and Soul Foundation, to name a few.

A press release asked these questions: What were you doing the first time you heard "Breakdown"? Who were you dating when you were listening to "American Girl" for the 20th time on that old vinyl LP? Wasn't it great to see Petty perform at last year's Super Bowl halftime Show? This band will stir all of those memories, the release promises.

Music starts at about 9:30 p.m. For more information, visit www.freefallin.us.

The Hudson Police Department will hold its annual bicycle auction Saturday, June 21, beginning at 9 a.m., at the city West Garage.

The department has collected 44 abandoned bicycles since the last auction was held a year ago.

Melanie Herberg, police department administrative assistant, said a variety of types of bicycles - from children's to mountain, BMX and 10-speed bikes - will be sold to the highest bidders. Some of the bikes are in relatively good condition and some may need some work, she indicated.

The bikes will be on display at the West Garage from 5 to 6 p.m. Friday, June 20, so that potential buyers can look them over prior to the sale.

The West Garage is located off Second Street about a block south of Lake Mallalieu - turn west on Division Street to reach the garage.