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- July 21, 2022
July 21, 2022
Administration
2022 Multicultural Fair
The City of Sun Prairie will hold its annual Multicultural Fair on Saturday, September 17 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Sheehan Park. The purpose of this event is to honor and celebrate the different cultures that live in Sun Prairie by bringing the community together for an experience of unique foods, performances, activities, and more.
The inaugural event took place in 2019 from the City’s desire to increase community programming that would bring Sun Prairie’s cultural identities together in celebration. The City collaborated with community members, leaders, and other partnering agencies for planning and development of the event. It is estimated that about 1000 persons attended the fair throughout the day.
In 2020, the cultural celebration was converted into virtual programming due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The “Multicultural Fair Radio Reboot” replaced the in-person program with an hour-long radio show that celebrates a region of the world each month accompanied by an interview of a community leader sharing about that region. The Radio Reboot has now transformed into “Sun Prairie Stories”, a podcast that provides participants an opportunity to record important parts of their lived story.
Similar to last year, the section of Linnerud Drive between the Sun Prairie Public Library and Sheehan Park will be temporarily shut down to create a street fair style event. Attendees can expect to see favorited performers, vendors and exhibitors from previous years as well as new ones representing different cultures. Planning for the 2022 event will continue for the next couple of months.
“This event is about providing a celebratory space for the community to come together and honor Sun Prairie’s diverse identity,” said Mayor Esser.
If individuals or organizations are interested becoming a sponsor and/or have questions about sponsorship levels, they can email Jake King at jking@cityofsunprairie.com. Vendors and exhibitors with any interest or questions can contact Sandy Xiong at sxiong@cityofsunprairie.com. For more information about the event, please visit www.cityofsunprairie.com/2022MulticulturalFair. A schedule of events and a list of participating vendors, exhibitors and performers will be shared closer to the event on the event website and on Facebook at https://facebook.com/spmulticulturalfair.
Clerk's Office
Absentee Ballot Information
The Clerk’s Office would like all voters to know how to request an absentee ballot. The fastest method for requesting an absentee ballot is using MyVote.WI.Gov. Other methods for requesting an absentee ballot can found here: https://cityofsunprairie.com/232/Absentee-Voting
Please note that absentee requests CANNOT be made over the phone.
Information on photo ID requirements for absentee voters can be found below.
Regular Voters (including Temporary Overseas Voters)
Regular absentee voters, including those temporarily overseas, are required to provide acceptable photo ID before being sent an absentee ballot. However, once photo ID is provided, an absentee voter does not need to resubmit photo ID when requesting an absentee ballot by mail for future elections, as long as they have not moved or changed their name.
Military and Permanent Overseas Voters
Military and permanent overseas voters are exempt from the photo ID requirement. If you are a military voter or are registered to vote as a permanent overseas voter, you are not required to provide photo ID.
Indefinitely Confined Voters
Indefinitely confined voters are persons who, because of age, physical illness, infirmity, or disability, are eligible to receive ballots automatically for all future elections. If you requested absentee ballots as an indefinitely confined voter, you are not required to provide photo ID.
Confidential Voters
Confidential Voters are exempt from the photo ID requirement. If you are currently qualified for a confidential listing, you are not required to provide photo ID.
As a reminder, the City of Sun Prairie will be utilizing 8 polling places for the 2022 Partisan Primary, which will be held on August 9, 2022.
- District 1a (Wards 1-3) - Colonial Club, 301 Blankenheim Ln
- District 1b (Wards 4-7) – City Hall, 300 E Main St
- District 2a (Wards 8-10, 28-29) - Heartland Church, 800 Wilburn Rd
- District 2b (Wards 11-13) – United Methodist Church, 702 North St
- District 3a (Wards 14-17) - Sun Prairie Public Library, 1350 Linnerud Dr
- District 3b (Wards 18-21) – Living Water Church, 3075 Prospect Dr
- District 4a (Wards 22-24) - Westside Community Service Building, 2598 W Main St
- District 4b (Wards 25-27) – Focus Church, 411 N Thompson Rd
Visit MyVote.WI.Gov to find your polling place.
2022 Elections
The City Clerk’s Office is busy getting ready for the remaining 2022 Elections! The 2022 Partisan Primary will be held on August 9, 2022 and the 2022 General Election will be held on November 8, 2022.
The City of Sun Prairie will again be utilizing all 8 polling places for the August and November Elections. These locations are ONLY to be utilized on election day, not for absentee voting before.
The City’s 8 polling locations are as follows:
- District 1a (Wards 1-3) - Colonial Club, 301 Blankenheim Ln
- District 1b (Wards 4-7) – City Hall, 300 E Main St
- District 2a (Wards 8-10, 28-29) - Heartland Church, 800 Wilburn Rd
- District 2b (Wards 11-13) – United Methodist Church, 702 North St
- District 3a (Wards 14-17) - Sun Prairie Public Library, 1350 Linnerud Dr
- District 3b (Wards 18-21) – Living Water Church, 3075 Prospect Dr
- District 4a (Wards 22-24) - Westside Community Service Building, 2598 W Main St
- District 4b (Wards 25-27) – Focus Church, 411 N Thompson Rd
In-Person Absentee Voting will be available at the following locations before the August Election:
City Hall, 300 E Main St
July 26 – July 29, 2022: 8:00am – 6:00pm
July 30, 2022: 8:00am – 12:00pm
August 1 – August 4, 2022: 8:00am – 6:00pm
August 5, 2022: 8:00am – 5:00pm
August 6, 2022: 8:00am – 12:00pm
Sun Prairie Public Library, 1350 Linnerud Dr
July 26 – July 28, 2022: 9:30am – 6:00pm
July 29, 2022: 9:30am – 5:00pm
July 30, 2022: 9:30am – 11:30am
August 1 – August 4, 2022: 9:30am – 6:00pm
August 5, 2022: 9:30am – 5:00pm
August 6, 2022: 9:30am – 11:30am
The first day to vote an absentee ballot in the Clerk’s Office is 8:00 am on Tuesday, July 26, 2022.
The last day to vote an absentee ballot in the Clerk’s Office is 12:00 pm on Saturday, August 6, 2022.
ARE YOU A REGISTERED VOTER?
Wisconsin requires 28 days to establish residency at a new address. When registering, you must present Proof of Residence, a document showing your current name at your current address. You cannot register to vote at a post office box. Time spent away from your residence still counts toward the 28 days. The last day to acquire residence for the Partisan Primary is Tuesday, July 12, 2022.
Online
Visit myvote.wi.gov to register online. If you have a valid, unexpired Wisconsin driver license or Wisconsin ID, and your address on file with the DMV matches the address at which you are registering to vote, your registration will take effect immediately. If the DMV does not have your current address on file, either update your address on the DOT’s website (wisconsindot.gov) before updating your registration, or submit Proof of Residence along with your registration form to the City Clerk’s Office.
In person
Registration can take place up until the Friday before any election at the City Clerk’s Office. When registering, you must present Proof of Residence, a document showing your current name at your current address. View acceptable forms of Proof of Residence on the Wisconsin Elections Commission website (elections.wi.gov).
By Mail
Registration applications need to be postmarked 20 days before an election. That makes the deadline for the August 9 Partisan Primary Wednesday, July 20, 2022. (Applications submitted within the 20 days must be received In person ONLY). When registering, you must submit Proof of Residence, a document showing your current name at your current address. To register to vote by mail, visit the Wisconsin Elections Commission website (elections.wi.gov) and print the Voter Registration Application. Complete the form and mail it along with Proof of Residence to the City Clerk’s Office.
Mail application to:
City Clerk’s Office
Attn: Elections
300 E Main Street
Sun Prairie, WI 53590
Community Spotlight
Sun Prairie Corn Fest
Come celebrate at the Sun Prairie Corn Fest, our largest community gathering from August 17th – 21st. This is the 69th annual festival which pays tribute to our agricultural history by serving 80 tons of fresh Wisconsin-grown Sweet Corn! Each ear, is steamed, rolled in butter and lightly salted to your desire. The festival also multiple live bands, La Movida broadcasts live, food carts, Corn Hole tournament, carnival, kid’s activity center, family entertainment stage, beer shelter, meet Alice in Dairyland and more! This year, the festival kicks-off with a parade down historic downtown immediately followed by music by The Dirty Birds. Come dine, dance, shop downtown and celebrate the opening of Corn Fest. A detailed agenda is at www.sunprairiecornfest.com If you have guests coming to town, the Sun Prairie hotels are offering a special discount when you call and mention Corn Fest! Corn Fest proceeds are shared by several non-profits which supports our youth, Veterans and the community year around. Come join in our community celebration!
Join in the fun!
Engingeering
Did You Know This About The Adopt-A-Storm Drain Program...?
Since the launch of the program in November 2021...
· 195 storm drains adopted
· 84 adopters across Fitchburg, Stoughton, McFarland, Sun Prairie and Cottage Grove
· More than 340 gallons of trash, leaves, dirt, snow and other debris were cleared from storm drains by volunteers
The program will be expanding to other Dane County communities and will be adding the City of Middleton and the Village of Cross Plains this summer. For more information, click here.
Interested in getting involved?
Participating in the Dane County Adopt-A-Storm Drain Program is a simple act that can help prevent localized flooding and keeps our lakes, rivers and streams clean. Storm drains help transport runoff from roofs, driveways, streets and other hard surfaces to underground pipes or storm sewers that eventually make their way to our lakes, rivers and streams. Unfortunately, that runoff also carries pollutants to our waters. Keeping storm drains clean can help protect our waters!
It’s easy! Here’s how it works.
- Adopt a nearby storm drain using the Dane County Adopt-A-Storm Drain App.
- Commit to safely cleaning the area on and around the adopted storm drain at least once a month, but preferably before every large rain event.
- Report the amount and type of debris after each cleaning using the Adopt- A-Storm Drain App.
- Report any spills/discharges washing down the storm drain.
All volunteers will be provided Storm Drain Cleaning Kit that includes: a safety vest, storm drain decal to place on their adopted storm drain, dust pan and broom, collection bucket and an Adopt-A-Storm Drain sticker to proudly display. Volunteers will also be included on our Adopt-A-Storm Drain e-Newsletter, which comes out 3-4 times/year. Adopt a local storm drain and have a Ripple Effect on area waters!
To Adopt a Storm Drain near you or for more information visit: https://ripple-effects.com/adopt-a-storm-drain
Parks, Recreation and Forestry
Recreation Department
The Sun Prairie Parks, Recreation & Forestry office is open: Monday – Friday 8:00am-4:30pm, or by phone at (608) 837-3449 or by email at rec@cityofsunprairie.com.
Announcements:
Fun Prairie
Fun Prairie is a place where all are welcome, and everybody is encouraged to take advantage of all of the FUN to be had in our community! On June 21, 2022, through proclamation, Mayor Paul Esser changed the name of the City of Sun Prairie to the City of FUN Prairie for the month of July. Visit the Fun Prairie Website to check out all the activities planned for the month of July and where to buy Fun Prairie T-Shirts.
Summer Rec Guide out now!
Registration now open for all summer programs and swimming lessons. To view the guide or to register, visit rec.cityofsunprairie.com
Sun Prairie Family Aquatic Center Passes
Family Aquatic Center season passes, and discount punch cards are now available to purchase. To purchase, visit Purchase Season Passes
WPRA Discount Tickets On Sale Now!
Tickets must be purchased in person and payment with cash or check only.
“Recreation is for Everyone” Scholarship form!
Come join us for fun and enriching programs available for the whole family! Requesting a scholarship is easier than ever with our NEW online form! This easy, streamlined form provides "no questions asked" financial access to SPPRF programs.
In order to request the Recreation is for Everyone Scholarship you must be a resident of Sun Prairie or enrolled in the Sun Prairie Area School District.
For questions or assistance contact us at 608-837-3449 or visit Recreation is for Everyone Scholarship Information
- Scholarships cover 50% of enrollment fees on most programs
- No formal documentation is required for approval of financial assistance
- Online submission with approvals within 2 business days
Important Dates:
Concerts in the Park
Upcoming Programs Not to Be Missed:
International Soccer Camp (Ages 2-3)
August 1st – August 5th
8:00 – 9:00 a.m.
Registration Ends: 07/25/2022
Challenger Sports, the leading soccer camp company in North America, has combined the most popular elements of their two existing industry-leading camp programs, British Soccer and TetraBrazil, integrating them into a collection of the most effective soccer practices used by youth teams around the world.
The Challenger International Soccer Camp reflects the truly global nature of the sport today and provides young players with a wide variety of coaching styles, practices, and influences that will help them develop a well-rounded skill set.
We have taken the best coaching methodologies and practices from England, Brazil, USA and France and have woven them together in a multi-faceted on and off-field coaching experience.
Registration fee includes a soccer ball, T-shirt, poster and certificate.
International Soccer Camp (Ages 4-5)
August 1st – August 5th
5:00 – 6:00 p.m.
Registration Ends: 07/25/2022
Challenger Sports, the leading soccer camp company in North America, has combined the most popular elements of their two existing industry-leading camp programs, British Soccer and TetraBrazil, integrating them into a collection of the most effective soccer practices used by youth teams around the world.
The Challenger International Soccer Camp reflects the truly global nature of the sport today and provides young players with a wide variety of coaching styles, practices, and influences that will help them develop a well-rounded skill set.
We have taken the best coaching methodologies and practices from England, Brazil, USA and France and have woven them together in a multi-faceted on and off-field coaching experience.
Registration fee includes a soccer ball, T-shirt, poster and certificate.
International Soccer Camp (Half-Day)
August 1st – August 5th
9:15 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.
Registration Ends: 07/25/2022
Challenger Sports, the leading soccer camp company in North America, has combined the most popular elements of their two existing industry-leading camp programs, British Soccer and TetraBrazil, integrating them into a collection of the most effective soccer practices used by youth teams around the world.
The Challenger International Soccer Camp reflects the truly global nature of the sport today and provides young players with a wide variety of coaching styles, practices, and influences that will help them develop a well-rounded skill set.
We have taken the best coaching methodologies and practices from England, Brazil, USA and France and have woven them together in a multi-faceted on and off-field coaching experience.
Registration fee includes a soccer ball, T-shirt, poster and certificate.
International Soccer Camp (Full Day)
August 1st – August 5th
9:15 a.m. – 4:15 p.m.
Registration Ends: 07/25/2022
Challenger Sports, the leading soccer camp company in North America, has combined the most popular elements of their two existing industry-leading camp programs, British Soccer and TetraBrazil, integrating them into a collection of the most effective soccer practices used by youth teams around the world.
The Challenger International Soccer Camp reflects the truly global nature of the sport today and provides young players with a wide variety of coaching styles, practices, and influences that will help them develop a well-rounded skill set.
We have taken the best coaching methodologies and practices from England, Brazil, USA and France and have woven them together in a multi-faceted on and off-field coaching experience.
Registration fee includes a soccer ball, T-shirt, poster and certificate.
August 1st – August 30th
5:30 – 6:00 p.m.
Registration Ends: 8/30/2022
Join Ryan Grimes Karate staff for this introduction to karate!
August 1st – August 30th
8:00 – 8:50 p.m.
Registration Ends: 8/30/2022
Join Ryan Grimes Karate staff for this introduction to karate!
Preschoolers in the Park: Nutty for Nature
August 3rd
6:30 – 7:15 p.m.
Registration Ends: 07/27/2022
Enjoy the sights, sounds and smells of nature. We will discover the wonders of nature through a nature walk, nature play and nature hunt. We will be creative by making a few projects with our nature collections.
August 9th – August 25th
7:15 – 8:00 p.m.
Registration Ends: 08/04/2022
Aqua Zumba blends the Zumba philosophy with water resistance, for one pool party you don't want to miss! There is less impact on your joints during an Aqua Zumba class so you can really let loose. Water creates natural resistance, which means every step is more challenging and helps tone your muscles.
This session is held outdoors.
Skateboard Lessons - Intermediate
August 22nd – August 25th
5:30 – 7:00 p.m.
Registration Ends: 08/15/2022
Build off of what was learned in the beginner session and take your skating to the next level! Learn more advanced tricks and develop a greater confidence on your board.
Note:
-Standard "Pill Shaped" skateboards only
-No penny boards or longboards (hard to maneuver and learn tricks)
-Metal trucks only
-58mm wheels or smaller
-Boards must have grip tape
American Red Cross Babysitter Training
August 27th
9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Registration Ends: 08/20/2022
This training provides kids, ages 11-15, with the information and skills necesary to provide safe and responsible care in the absence of parents/guardians. This training will also help participants develop skills in leadership, professionalism, basic care, safety, safe play and first aid.
All sessions cover the same material.
Please bring a sack lunch.
Public Safety
Summer Storm Season
Storms can spring up on us quickly, leaving us with little to no time to get to safety. It’s always a good idea to watch the weather and keep track of the storms in your area, but we know that is not always possible. Some people rely on the tornado sirens and some on their phones. While these are great options to have in your storm toolbox they should not be the only tool. With well-insulated homes, sirens are hard to hear, especially when sleeping, and they are not available in all areas. Phones can be set up to alert for storms in your vicinity too but it is possible that a message doesn’t go through. Families with mobility issues, several children, who live in rural areas, or those who don’t have basements may want to consider purchasing a weather radio to give themselves extra moments to get to shelter.
Prepare
With the understanding that time is of the essence in this matter, having a premade stored Emergency Kit ready and stored in your safe area is important. Some items to keep on hand include:
- Flashlights
- Batteries
- Battery Operated Radio
- Bottled Water
- Shelf Stable Food (pet food too)
- Shoes
- Charging cords
- Charged power bank
- Necessary Medications/Supplies
If the weather is questionable, there is no harm in heading to your safe area early. Some other items to keep on hand for an extended time there are, activities for children, comfort items, and chairs.
Practice
Practice going to your safe area with the entire family (including pets). This will make things less stressful for all in the event it is needed. Make sure everyone knows what to bring with and where to go so there is no need to leave the space until the weather has passed.
POLICE Kia & Hyundai Thefts
On 07/11/2022, Chief Steffes, some police department members, and several alderpersons attended a community meeting at Rebirth United Outreach Ministries to discuss vehicle thefts in the city. The police department presented data on stolen and recovered vehicles, the recent uptick in thefts of Kia and Hyundai vehicles, and the department's strategies for preventing thefts, along with preventative measures for the public. The meeting lasted approximately 75 minutes and there were questions and conversation with community members. If you see something suspicious in your neighborhood, please call the police department, and we will check it out. The police department appreciates everyone that came to the meeting.
NATIONAL NIGHT OUT 2022
Join the Sun Prairie Police Department and our community partners for the 2022 National Night Out in downtown Sun Prairie at Cannery Square. Come meet city staff, learn about our equipment, and connect with community organizations. This is a great event for people of all ages to learn more about our community.
Sun Prairie Public Library
Children’s & Teen Services
Summer 2022 Reading Program!
There’s a reading program for everyone – babies through teens! Register for the Summer Reading Program in person or online anytime between now and August 6th.
Record your reading on a paper log or in the Beanstack app. Track by books (titles) or by minutes (time) – whatever works best for you. The more you read, the more prizes you earn. Complete 80 books or 12 hours to earn all the prizes, a pass to the Library Pool Party in August, and your “Library Champion” sign. Visit https://www.sunprairiepubliclibrary.org/summer-reading-program for more details.
Adult Services
June 1 - August 31, 2022
Log your reading time and complete activities to earn virtual badges. Every badge you receive earns you tickets to enter into prize drawings! Track your reading and other activities via Beanstack: https://sunprairiepubliclibrary.beanstack.com/reader365. As you log your reading and activities, you earn "badges" and enter to win prizes. Drawings for all prizes will be held at the end of the Summer Reading Program. Winners will be notified by telephone or email the week of September 5 and must pick up their prizes at the library. Not able to participate online? Stop by the Information Desk for a paper reading & activity log.
Thursday, July 21 6:30 p.m. Community Room
Hiker, biker, photographer, and traveler extraordinaire, John Lynn returns to share his National Parks adventure with us! Enjoy the scenery and general 'mayhem' that ensued during his 600-mile mountain bike and camping trip from Jackson Hole to West Glacier, Montana through Grand Teton, Yellowstone, and Glacier National Parks as well as a beautiful journey through Big Sky Country. The photos alone will be a feast for the eyes, and you'll leave with some useful adventure travel tips.
Monday, July 25, 6:30 p.m. Community Room
Sundance's triple award-winning film is a searing drama based on the true story of Fahrije, who, like many other women in her patriarchal village, has lived with fading hope and burgeoning grief since her husband went missing during the war in Kosovo. In order to provide for her family, she bands with other widows in the community to launch a business selling a local food product. Together they find solace in discovering a future without their husbands. Yet, their will to live independently is met with hostility by the men of their village, leading to a feud that threatens their sovereignty and financial future. This film is approximately 83 minutes and is not rated. In Albanian, with English subtitles.
Wednesday, July 27, 6:30 p.m. Community Room
Best-selling Wisconsin author, Lauren Fox, the brilliant mind behind this summer's second annual Big Summer Read, “Send for Me” will be here to discuss her novel, the inspiration behind the story, and the life of a writer residing in Milwaukee. If you've read the book (or plan to) you don't want to miss your chance to ask questions and learn more!
Books will be available for sale and signing courtesy of Madison's independent bookstore, Mystery to Me.
Thursday, July 28, 6:30 p.m., Community Room
Mark Louden is a linguist who received his training at Cornell University. A fluent speaker of Pennsylvania Dutch and author of “Pennsylvania Dutch: The Story of an American Language”, he has published extensively on the subject as well as other German-American languages and also on Yiddish. In addition to his position as the Alfred L. Shoemaker, J. William Frey, and Don Yoder Professor of Germanic Linguistics, he directs the Max Kade Institute for German-American Studies and is affiliated with the Religious Studies Program, the Mosse/Weinstein Center for Jewish Studies, and the Department of Linguistics. He also serves as an interpreter and cultural mediator for Amish in multiple settings. Dr. Louden will join us to discuss the history and culture of Wisconsin's Amish communities.
Dream Bus Bookmobile
Sign up for a library card, check out free books, music, and movies, access free Wi-Fi and resources, and more!
Fridays
The Element on Main Apartments - 102 Park Circle
11 – 11:45 a.m.
Rolling Prairie Apartments - 415 S. Bird Street
12 – 12:45 p.m.
Vandenburg Heights Park - 1020 Vandenburg Street
1- 1:45 p.m.
1st and 3rd Saturdays May-August
Downtown Sun Prairie Farmers' Market
8-10 am