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- January 5, 2023
January 5, 2023
Administration
Sun Prairie to Host Community Celebration for Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day
Sun Prairie will be honoring the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. by welcoming the community to a free event that will feature local Black and African American leaders speaking on what this day means to them. The event will take place on Monday, January 16 from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. at Prairie Phoenix Academy - 220 Kroncke Dr Suite 100.
Black and African American leaders specific to Sun Prairie will share their experience as community leaders and how the teachings of Dr. Martin Luther King have influenced them. A variety of speakers have been invited to reflect on their leadership style in the different facets they serve in such as politics, education, and social change throughout the community. A variety of commemorative activities will take place in addition to the speaker series.
Prairie Phoenix Academy’s Black Student Union will have a presence at the event as well as poetry readings from students and music from DJ Ree Manic. Dania Canon, local caterer, will provide soul food appetizers.
This event has been planned and sponsored by representatives from Sunshine Place, Sun Prairie Community Schools, Boys and Girls Club of Dane County, Sun Prairie Schools Department of Systemic Equity and Inclusion, and the City of Sun Prairie.
“It is very inspiring to be in a community where members are willing to come together and plan for how we can honor the impact of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.,” said Charlotte Kuchan, Program Specialist at Sunshine Place.
For event updates, please follow the Facebook event page at https://www.facebook.com/events/538365424835822?ref=newsfeed.
CONGRATULATIONS SANDY!
Assessing
2023 Revaluations
2023 will be a revaluation year for all properties in the City of Sun Prairie and the Assessors Office will be changing all assessments to reflect market value on all properties as of January 1. Market value is determined using the arms-length sales that have occurred in Sun Prairie.
The Assessors Office will be reviewing descriptions on all properties. We will NOT be doing interior and exterior inspections on all properties. Right now, we anticipate the 2023 values to be sent out in June/July. Please note that increasing the assessed values does not mean everyone will have higher taxes.
Did you know?
Here are some facts and sources to help better understand assessing in the area:
- Last update of values in Sun Prairie was 2020.
- Values will be updated in 2023 to reflect market value as of January 2023
- Average increase in residential property in Dane County in 2020 was 6% (Wisconsin Realtors Association)
- Average increase in residential property in Dane Co in 2021 and 2022 (thus far) was 11.2% and 10.1% (Wisconsin Realtors Association)
- Your assessment is determined by the sales of similar properties
Property Information
Clerk's Office
City of Sun Prairie Receives Successful Post-Election Audit Results
Residents in the City of Sun Prairie can be confident that votes were counted accurately in the November 2022 election following the completion of a post-election audit of voting equipment.
On Wednesday, November 30, staff and election workers completed an audit of voting equipment in Ward 11, which was randomly selected for audit by the Wisconsin Elections Commission (WEC) during an event open to the public. The audit provides an additional way to ensure that voting machines worked properly, and that the election was conducted accurately.
Wisconsin statutes require a post-election audit of voting systems used in Wisconsin after each General Election. During the post-election audit, election officials check to make sure the vote totals compiled by the voting equipment on Election Night are accurate. During this process, elections workers conduct an independent hand count of paper ballots and tally the results of the selected contests. The final hand-count tally total is compared to the election night voting system results.
Audit materials are submitted to the WEC for review. The WEC analyzes the audit results and investigates any discrepancies and can request a voting machine vendor investigate and provide explanation for any unexplained discrepancies. Once this work is complete, WEC staff will prepare a public report for review by the six Commissioners during the Feb. 2, 2023 Commission meeting.
Post-election audits, conducted in a record 10% of reporting units across Wisconsin for the November 2022 election, serve as a triple check on the election results. While not every reporting unit or municipality is selected for post-election audit, state election officials ensured that the 2022 sample of 358 reporting units includes at least one reporting unit per county, and at least five reporting units for each type of equipment used.
The Sun Prairie Clerk’s Office reported 22,382 registered voters on Election Day with a total participation of 17,126, which is a turnout of 76.5%. The City is proud to report that the results of the audit showed that election equipment was working as it was supposed to and there were no discrepancies.
“It is our highest value to ensure elections are safe for voters,” said Elena Hilby, City Clerk. “We strive to ensure that every part of the voting process is secure and creates trusts among voters.” More information about the 2022 post-election audit can be found here: https://elections.wi.gov/2022-voting-equipment-audit
Community Spotlight
Black Professionals & Career Exploration Fair
B.E.A.M. Awards
For more information on the B.E.A.M. Awards, follow us on Facebook to stay connected!
Parks, Recreation and Forestry
Sun Prairie Parks, Recreation, and Forestry Department Awarded WDNR 2023 Urban Forestry Grant
The City of Sun Prairie Parks, Recreation, and Forestry Department (SPPRF) is proud to announce that it has been awarded a 2023 Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Urban Forestry Grant in the amount of $25,000. This is the third year in a row that SPPRF has been awarded this grant, which serves as a critical funding source for effectively managing Sun Prairie’s urban forest. These funds will be utilized to create a comprehensive Urban Forestry Management Plan (UFMP) using Geographic Information System (GIS) mapping.
Two cornerstones of any successful and effective urban forestry program are an accurate GIS tree inventory and a comprehensive UFMP. In 2022, the City utilized the DNR’s Urban Forestry grant to complete a GIS inventory of all publicly managed trees. An accurate and spatially-explicit dataset is essential for staff to monitor and manage tree species diversity, tree diseases and pathogens, climate change resiliency, forest enhancements, restoration, and reforestation activities. With that information, a UFMP can be developed for a strategic and long-term investment in the community’s tree canopy.
In 2023, the City anticipates requesting proposals from qualified firms for assistance in the development of the UFMP. This plan will seek resident input to better understand the community’s needs and wants regarding the urban forest. The finalized plan will allow the City to update and establish ordinances regarding public trees, create a protocol for the response to major storm events, outline a standardized procedure for planting practices, and much more.
“Receiving this grant is exciting news for the forestry division as this plan will be a vital tool for us to effectively manage our community’s growing urban forest,” said Cindy Burtley, Parks and Forestry Division Manager.
For more information on the Wisconsin DNR Urban Forestry Grant Program, please visit: https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/urbanforests/grants.
To learn more about the Sun Prairie Parks, Recreation and Forestry Department, please visit https://rec.cityofsunprairie.com/.
2023 Events & Sponsorships Guide
Our 2023 Sponsorship Guide is available! Check out partnership opportunities we have coming up next year. We would love to work with your business or organization! Click here to access it.
Winter/Spring Rec Connection Guide available!
Winter/Spring Rec Connection guide is now out for viewing! Registration begins on Tuesday, December 6th at 9:00 a.m. To view the guide on online, visit rec.cityofsunprairie.com.
1. View the Winter/Spring Guide at rec.cityofsunprairie.com!
2. Log in to our website to make sure you know your password and that your account is up to date, including street address and email address.
3. If you don’t already have an account, create your account. If you think you have an account, but cannot find yourself on the website, please do not add yourself again. Call the Recreation Department office at 608/837-3449 and we will assist you.
4. If you do not have a Sun Prairie address, but live in the Sun Prairie School District, the system will not know that and will charge you Non-Resident rates. If you continue your registration and pay Non-Resident rates, the difference is non-refundable. Please contact our office prior to your registration so that we may adjust your account to reflect the proper designation.
5. If you accidentally register for the wrong program, do not immediately register for the correct program. Call us (608-837-3449) and we can make the transfer for you.
Frozen Fest
Hibernation Hustle!
Puzzle Contest!
Upcoming Programs Not to Be Missed:
January 6th – February 3rd
5:00 – 6:15 p.m.
Registration Deadline: 12/30/2022
Learn the European style of Foil Fencing under the direction of former European World-Class Fencer, Krystyna Kostecka. Instructor, Nate Aeilts, will guide you through the basics of technique, tactics and independent strategy using group challenges and games.
Thursday, January 12th
6:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Registration Deadline: 1/5/2023
Few things say home better than a handmade quilt, but you don’t need a sewing machine to
bring this folk art to life. Painted barn quilts add a warm personal touch to your
barnyard, garage, shed, porch or deck!
Choose from three designs: Dresden Barn Quilt, Star Barn Quilt, and Patchwork Barn Quilt. Then, customize your project in the workshop with your choice of stain & paint. These barn quilts are framed and measure 12” by 12”. Your creativity coach will walk you through this project step by step, and you will go home with a beautiful piece of art.
Saturday, January 14th
9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Registration Deadline: 1/7/2023
This course will prepare you to recognize and care for a variety of first aid, breathing, and cardiac emergencies involving adults, children, and infants and meets OSHA/workplace requirements. This is a blended learning course including an online portion and an instructor-led classroom skill session. The online portion must be completed prior to attending the in-class portion and must be taken on a PC or tablet with a high-speed internet connection. Allow approximately 2 hours, 30 minutes to complete the online portion. Upon successful completion of this course you will receive a digital certificate for Adult and Pediatric First Aid/CPR/AED valid for two years.
Monday, January 16th
9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
Registration Deadline: 1/9/2023
Join Ms. Jessica from Jessica’s Art Studio on these days off of school for hours of creativity! You will also learn about famous artists and popular art methods such as drawing, painting, sculpture, clay
exploration and more. This day's theme is Banksy, students will create art inspired by this artist.
Wear “Art Clothes” and be prepared to get messy. It is recommended to bring an Art Bag with you to take your projects home at the end of the day. Each day will explore entirely new projects than the day before, so signing up for the whole week means TONS of new unique art projects.
Foundations of Athletic Development
January 16th – February 6th
5:30 – 6:30 p.m.
Registration Deadline: 1/9/2023
Foundations of Athletic Development is a 60-minute training session designed for 9-12 year olds with the focus of learning and developing fundamental athletic skills and movements that translate directly to their sports. Learning these quality skills and movement patterns can set each child up for a successful path in sports or an active lifestyle, while also decreasing bad habits from forming that could lead to injuries. Sessions will incorporate skills such as body weight strength, core stability, coordination, body control/awareness, and fundamental positions/skills used in athletics and training.
Thursday Early Release Afterschool Programming (previously TGIT)
Thursdays, 1:30-5:00 p.m.
Elementary School Site Locations:
Meadowview
Northside
Token Springs - NEW
Beginning in the 2022 – 2023 school year, Sun Prairie Area School District Elementary Schools will be dismissing students at 1:30 pm on Thursday afternoons to accommodate professional staff development. In an effort to provide high quality afterschool childcare to our growing community, Sun Prairie Parks, Recreation & Forestry, the Sun Prairie Area School District and Community Schools are putting forth a collaborative effort to provide a community partner-based afterschool program. This program will aim to provide families with safe, affordable and engaging childcare on Thursday afternoons for students in kindergarten through 5th grade.
Childcare will be available from dismissal at 1:30 pm until 5:00 pm. We will pilot this program, starting in September, at three elementary school locations and will have programming at all nine elementary schools starting in January 2023. Program partners will be brought in monthly to provide fun and exciting programming ranging from chess to sports to ukulele lessons.
If this program isn’t offered at your school initially you do have the option to attend any site, but transportation will not be provided at this time. Registration will be by month for September -December. Please click “register” to be added to our interest list to be notified when enrollment begins and when new sites are added to this program.
For more information visit rec.cityofsunprairie.com and the digital version of the Rec Connection which will be updated prior to the start of the school year. Please contact Emily Rebarchek, erebarchek@cityofsunprairie.com, or call 608-837-3449 with any questions.
Fitness Classes
Public Safety
Join PD for coffee!
Come join us for our first Coffee With a Cop of 2023! The mission of Coffee With a Cop is to break down barriers between police officers and the citizens they serve by removing agendas and allowing opportunities to ask questions, voice concerns, and get to know officers in your neighborhood.
Our next one will be Monday, January 23 from 8:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. at MOKA in Sun Prairie (900 Windsor Street).
Public Works
Just a reminder...
This is just a reminder of what CAN AND CAN NOT as move into the new year and weekly recycling begins! Here is a simple guide with information pulled from our service provider Pellitteri Waste Systems.
Sun Prairie Public Library
Library Closed Monday, January 16
The library will be closed on Monday, January 16 for Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day. The drive-thru book drops will remain open.
Children’s & Teen Service
Tuesday, January 10 4:00-5:30 p.m., Storytime Room
Join Melissa for Teen Creativity Club! The project for our January 10 meeting will be book hedgehogs! Registration is required, please register on our Events Calendar at https://sunprairie.librarymarket.com. Teens in 6th - 12th grade are eligible to register. Questions, concerns, or if registration has already closed but the event has not yet happened, please email Melissa at mcarollo@sunlib.org.
Thursday, January 12 2:00 p.m., Community Room
Build with the library’s LEGO® collection! Bring your creativity, but leave your LEGO®s at home! For school-age children only (Kindergarten - 5th grade). Children can be left with the librarian as long as they are registered.
Register here: https://sunprairie.librarymarket.com/event/legor-club-3
Southern Wisconsin Sandhouse Crew Model Train Show
Saturday, January 14 9:30-4:45 p.m., Community Room
Sunday, January 15, 1:30-4:30 p.m., Community Room
A model train show for all ages! Sun Prairie Public Library is excited to host the Southern Wisconsin Sandhouse Crew Modular Model Railroad Club. The Southern Wisconsin Sandhouse Crew is an H.O. Scale model railroad club with membership based in the Madison area. The Crew will display their train layout, answer questions, and talk railroads all day!
Wednesday, January 18 4:30-5:15 p.m., Conference Room
Our Tween Book Club is intended for readers entering grades 6-9. We will discuss lighter topics than our Teen Book Club. For our January meeting we will discuss “Amari and the Great Game” by B.B. Alston. This is the second book of the series. We also recommend reading “Amari and the Night Brothers.” Copies of both books are available to check out at the Children's desk.
Registration is required, please register on our Events Calendar at https://sunprairie.librarymarket.com. Teens in 6th - 12th grade are eligible to register. Questions, concerns, or if registration has already closed but the event has not yet happened, please email Melissa at mcarollo@sunlib.org.
Saturday, January 21 10:30 a.m. or 2:30 p.m., Community Room
What happens when you invite T-Rex to a tea party? Let’s find out! A special storytime tea party with a unique visitor! All ages are welcome! A parent or other responsible adult must accompany child and participate in the program. No registration.
Adult Services
Wednesdays, January 4, 11, and 18, 9:30-10:30 a.m., Community Rom
A one-hour movement class where elements of mindfulness and movement intersect, led by Kyra Johnson, Founder & Executive Director of KLJ Movement! All identities, skill levels and capabilities are encouraged and welcomed. This is an invitation to get to know your community while learning more about dance, movement and mindfulness. A yoga mat is recommended but not required. Space is limited, registration required. Please register via the library’s Events Calendar at https://sunprairie.librarymarket.com for each session you plan to attend.
Tuesday, January 10, 6:00-7:30 p.m., Community Room
Understand your house as a system as we examine common sources of energy loss and how air sealing and insulation work together to improve energy efficiency and comfort. Also discuss simple upgrades you can take that are proven cost effective energy savers. This program is presented by Project Home, a local nonprofit that has been serving the community for more than 50 years, improving the quality and affordability of housing for low-to-moderate income residents in Dane and Green County, WI. Please register here.
Start the New Year off on a good note by joining a book club! The library has 4 book clubs for adults:
-Afternoon Book Club meets 2nd Wednesday of the month at 1:30 p.m. in the Conference Room
-Eclectic Book Club meets 3rd Monday of the month* at 7:00 p.m. in the Conference Room
*In January, Eclectic Book Club meets on the 4th Monday
-Evening Book Club meets 4th Tuesday of the month at 7:00 p.m. in the Conference Room
-Urban SUN: Black Voices Book Club meets 4th Sunday of the month at 4:00 p.m., via Zoom
All book clubs are open to new members. Please visit the library’s website at www.sunlib.org or call the Information Desk (608-825-0702) for book selections and more information about book clubs.