January 2025

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration

Join us in celebrating the life, legacy, and teachings of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. at a special community event featuring local speakers, a free meal, a documentary screening, and music provided by a DJ.

Event Details:

Date: Monday, January 20
Time: 10 a.m.–12 p.m.
Location: Mackenzie Family Boys & Girls Club, 232 Windsor St., Sun Prairie, WI 53590

This collaborative event is brought to you by the Neighborhood Navigators, City of Sun Prairie, Sunshine Place, Community Schools, and Boys & Girls Club of Dane County.

The program is free and open to all community members.

Interview: Jake King | Communications & Diversity Strategist

Mayors' Monarch Pledge

The City of Sun Prairie has earned recognition in the Mayors' Monarch Pledge Leadership Circle, a National Wildlife Federation initiative dedicated to conserving monarch butterflies and other pollinators, highlighting the City's commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship.

In 2024, Sun Prairie committed undertaking the following actions:

Issue a proclamation to raise awareness about monarch conservation.
Collaborate with city departments to enhance mowing and planting programs for milkweed and native nectar plants.
Host or support native plant initiatives, including seed giveaways and sales.
Establish and maintain monarch-friendly demonstration gardens.
Expand invasive species removal programs to restore native habitats.
Update city ordinances to support native prairie and plant habitats.
Integrate monarch conservation into city plans and reduce harmful chemical use.

To learn more about the Mayor's Monarch Pledge, please visit https://mayorsmonarchportal.nwf.org/Community?CommunityId=283&ProgramYearId=5

Interview: Cindy Burtley | Parks & Forestry Division Manager

New Solar-Powered Information Kiosk

City of Sun Prairie is excited to announce that a new solar-powered information kiosk has been installed at the southwest corner of City Hall, located at 300 E Main Street. This addition is part of the City’s efforts to improve wayfinding and communication for community members and visitors.

The kiosk’s front side features an electronic display capable of providing real-time updates, including public meeting notices, City and Downtown event promotions, parking availability, road closures, construction updates, bus transit schedules, and the City’s social media feed. The back side includes a detailed City and Downtown Sun Prairie map, both equipped with QR codes for easy access to digital versions. Currently, the kiosk will display only City-related information, and advertising is not allowed.

As part of this initiative, the City has also installed new banners across Downtown to enhance its visual identity and sense of place. Additional improvements, such as other wayfinding elements, are planned for implementation following the completion of the Downtown Main Street Pedestrian Safety Improvement Project.

Interview: Colleen Burke | Economic Development Specialist

City of Sun Prairie Continues to Make Significant Investments in Downtown

On Tuesday, November 19, the Sun Prairie City Council approved the 2025 budget, which includes a 7.7% tax levy increase. For the average single-family home, this translates to an additional $183 annually.

The City of Sun Prairie is pleased to announce key developments in downtown revitalization:

JCAP Mixed-Use Redevelopment: Approved by City Council on December 3, this $41.4 million project at Bristol and Main will include 100 apartments, a Cobblestone Hotel with 63 rooms, and an on-site Wissota Chophouse. Completion is expected in 2026 (hotel) and 2027 (apartments). A memorial honoring those impacted by the 2018 gas explosion will be featured.
Main Street Pedestrian Safety Improvements: Starting in 2025, this project includes wider sidewalks, upgraded crosswalks, decorative paving, landscaping, and improved ADA accessibility to create a safer, more vibrant East Main Street.
Monarch on Main: Recently completed, this first-phase development on the southwest corner of Bristol and Main includes 92 luxury apartments and 9,000 square feet of commercial space.

For more information, contact Community Development at business@cityofsunprairie.com or 608-825-0806.

Interview: Scott Kugler | Community Development Director

Sun Prairie Named a Green Tier Legacy Community

The City of Sun Prairie has been honored by the Wisconsin DNR as a Green Tier Legacy Community for its leadership in sustainability, including waste reduction, renewable energy adoption, and initial steps toward a climate action plan.

Key achievements include:

Recycling Expansion: Weekly recycling pickup has significantly reduced landfill waste.
Electric Vehicle Infrastructure: Two Level 2 EV charging stations installed at City Hall support public and municipal use.
Renewable Energy Growth: The City’s largest solar array was added at the Wastewater Treatment Plant, cutting carbon emissions.

Looking ahead, Sun Prairie is on track to achieve 100% renewable electricity for municipal operations by early 2025 (up from 54% in 2022) and is developing a comprehensive climate action plan with a $76,000 DOE grant. The plan, to be finalized in late 2025, will establish emission reduction targets for 2030 and 2050, aligning with the Paris Climate Agreement.

To watch the meetings where the budget was most recently discussed and approved, please click here for the Committee of the Whole meeting and here for the Common Council meeting.

For more information on Sun Prairie’s sustainability initiatives, visit https://cityofsunprairie.com/1189/Sustainable-Sun-Prairie.

Interview: Dr. Rose Daily | Sustainability Coordinator

Administration: As part of Earth Month 2025, Sun Prairie will highlight sustainable technologies in the "Neighborhood Knowledge" series. Community members using solar panels, heat pumps, EVs, or similar innovations are invited to share their experiences.

Finance: The City of Sun Prairie collects tax payments in December and January each year and distributes portions of the collections to other jurisdictions. Check out our section for more information.

Parks, Recreation and Forestry: The City of Sun Prairie’s Parks, Recreation, & Forestry Department invites you to join the 4th Annual Frozen Fest, a celebration of winter packed with exciting activities from January 29 to February 2, 2025.

Public Safety: Winter is here, Sun Prairie! As snow and icy conditions set in, staying safe on the roads is a top priority. Follow the tips in our section to ensure you and your loved ones get to your destination safely.

Public Services: Winter weather can bring its challenges, and we’re here to keep you informed! Our Public Works crew will be working hard throughout the season to clear the roads. Remember to drive slowly and cautiously on roads that may still be snow-covered.

Sun Prairie Historical Library & Museum: The Museum is open to the public Wednesdays 11:00am - 4:00pm and by appointment for research and events through the winter months.

Sun Prairie Public Library: The library will be closed on Monday, 1/20 for Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day. The drive-thru book drops will remain open.

Sun Prairie Utilities: Sun Prairie Utilities invites children in grades K-12 to participate in a sticker design contest! Each participant may submit up to two designs reflecting the theme, “What Water Means to You.”

Administration

Sustainable Technology Series

As part of the City of Sun Prairie's annual Earth Month programming in April 2025, Sun Prairie plans to showcase the adoption of sustainable technologies within our community during the "Neighborhood Knowledge" presentation series. We want to hear from community members who have adopted sustainable technologies in their homes, such as solar panels, heat pumps, electric vehicles, and more.

We are interested in learning about your experiences with these technologies, including any challenges you faced and the benefits you've gained. Additionally, we want to understand if you’ve taken advantage of available tax credits and rebates at the local, state, and federal levels. Your responses will help us highlight the positive impacts of these technologies and inspire others in our community to embrace sustainability. Thank you for sharing your insights!

Complete the survey here: https://form.jotform.com/243364911534052

Finance

2024 Property Tax Information

The City of Sun Prairie collects tax payments in December and January each year and distributes portions of the collections to other jurisdictions. These include the City of Sun Prairie, Sun Prairie and DeForest School Districts, Dane County, Madison Area Technical College, and the State of Wisconsin.

PROPERTY TAX COMPARISON

City of Sun Prairie – 35%

Sun Prairie School District – 47%

Dane County – 15%

Madison College – 4%

VERIFYING PROPERTY TAX

Residents who are interested in verifying their property tax payment was made are encouraged to visit Dane County’s land records website www.accessdane.countyofdane.com. This website provides tax amounts due as well as payment dates.

PAYMENT

The City’s tax collection period ends on January 31, 2025. All real estate property tax payments after that date should be sent to:

Dane County Treasurer

P.O. Box 1299

Madison, WI. 53701-1299

E-checks and credit/debit card payments are accepted until 4:00 PM CST on Monday, January 27, 2025, both online and in-person. After this date, payments must be made via check or cash. Visit cityofsunprairie.com/319/Online-Payments to make an online payment.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

For additional information about property tax collection and a more detailed breakdown, please visit: https://cityofsunprairie.com/321/Property-Taxes

For questions, please email the City's Finance Division at taxes@cityofsunprairie.com or call 608-825-1192.

Vehicle Registration Fee

The City Council recently adopted an ordinance implementing a municipal vehicle registration fee in the amount of $30. The fee will be collected by the Department of Transportation along with the state’s annual vehicle registration. Fees collected will be placed in a designated fund for transportation-related projects.

Implementation of the fee will generate a consistent revenue stream for road maintenance, infrastructure improvements, and other transportation projects, reducing reliance on property tax revenue. It is set to take effect on February 1, 2025.

Specific information on the vehicle registration fee can be found by visiting https://cityofsunprairie.com/1925/Vehicle-Registration-Fee

Parks, Recreation and Forestry

4th Annual Frozen Fest

The City of Sun Prairie’s Parks, Recreation, & Forestry Department invites you to join the 4th Annual Frozen Fest, a celebration of winter packed with exciting activities from January 29 to February 2, 2025. The event culminates in the highly anticipated 77th Annual Groundhog Prognostication. Frozen Fest offers something for everyone, making it the perfect opportunity for locals and visitors to enjoy Sun Prairie’s winter charm!

Frozen Fest Schedule

Wednesday, January 29

• National Puzzle Day Puzzle Contest

Thursday, January 30

• Cabin Fever Kids Concert Series: Concert 1 featuring Ken Lonquist

Friday, January 31

• Make & Take Craft

• Winter Beer Garden & Night at the Ice Rink

Saturday, February 1

• Winter Wonders Craft Market

• Cardboard Sled Classic

• Groundhog Open Putt Putt Bar Crawl

• Ice Carvings

• Winter Beer Garden

• Night at the Museum with Jimmy the Groundhog

• Patrick Marsh Candlelit Hike & Bonfire

Sunday, February 2

• 77th Annual Groundhog Prognostication

• Hibernation Hustle 5K & Kids Dash

• Pancake TOSS Breakfast with Jimmy the Groundhog, hosted by the Sun Prairie Exchange Club

• Sled Dog Demonstrations

Thank You to Our Sponsors

Frozen Fest is made possible by the generous support of our sponsors: Bank of Sun Prairie, Visit Sun Prairie, Nowlan Personal Injury Law, Downtown Sun Prairie, American Family Insurance, West Prairie Dental, Working Partnerships LLC, Finish the List Home Repair & Maintenance, Tipsy Cow, Forever Home Real Estate, and Collector's Choice Coins.

For more information on Frozen Fest, visit www.cityofsunprairie.com/FrozenFest or contact the Parks, Recreation, & Forestry Department at (608) 837-3449. Don’t miss this week-long celebration of winter fun in Sun Prairie!

Public Safety

Winter Weather Driving Tips

Winter is here, Sun Prairie! As snow and icy conditions set in, staying safe on the roads is a top priority. Follow these tips to ensure you and your loved ones get to your destination safely:

Slow Down: Icy roads mean reduced traction. Drive at speeds appropriate for the conditions, and give yourself plenty of time to react to other vehicles.

Increase Following Distance: Maintain at least a 6-8 second gap between your vehicle and the one ahead. This extra space can help prevent accidents in case of sudden stops.

Check Your Vehicle: Ensure your tires have proper tread and are inflated to the recommended pressure. Keep your windshield wipers in good condition and your washer fluid topped off. Test your battery—cold weather can reduce its efficiency.

Clear All Windows: Fully remove snow and ice from your windows, mirrors, and lights for maximum visibility. Don’t forget your roof—it can slide onto your windshield while driving!

Pack a Winter Emergency Kit: Include essentials like a flashlight, blankets, water, snacks, jumper cables, and a small shovel.

Let’s work together to keep our roads safe this winter. A little extra caution can make a big difference!

Drive safely and stay warm, Sun Prairie!

Public Services

Winter Weather Safety Information

Winter weather can bring its challenges, and we’re here to keep you informed! Our Public Works crew will be working hard throughout the season to clear the roads. Remember to drive slowly and cautiously on roads that may still be snow-covered.

Snow Removal

- Snow & Ice Removal: Sidewalks must be cleared within 24 hours after snowfall ends. Sidewalks used by school children should be cleared promptly.

- Standards: Clear sidewalks and curb ramps to at least 4 feet wide. Use sand/salt if ice cannot be removed.

- Bus Stops: Cleared by Public Works.

- Mailboxes & Fire Hydrants: Clearing is recommended but not required.

- Enforcement: One warning per season. Fines: $67.30 (1st violation), $92.50 (2nd), $155.50 (additional). Starting with the 2nd violation, City crews will clear sidewalks, and costs will be billed to the property owner.

If away from your home, please arrange for snow removal. Extensions can be requested by contacting Building Inspection at buildinginspection@cityofsunprairie.com or (608) 845-1184. To report violations, provide detailed location info.

Snow Emergency

Please note that there is no parking on the streets during a snow emergency. Please remove all vehicles from the street. Vehicles may be parked in municipal parking lots, park parking lots, and on Merchant Square in the City during the declared snow emergency. Use this interactive map to find a snow emergency parking lot: https://sunprairie.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=47b28c7ae56846c8b83182e75e989452&fbclid=IwY2xjawHmrv5leHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHSm1PGukLFW122ocN0o4PNs_JwgtMMTsbnftW-0jnynPsLhBCoW2kwofMA_aem_rRQlT9DXeTWA1XQzUDybPg

City Communications

All emergency services will be available for the community. If you are in need of emergency assistance, please call 911.

TextMyGov is a way to get a direct text message about upcoming events, city building closures, and more. To subscribe to general notifications the user can text SPNOTIFY to 91896.

Sun Prairie Police Department uses Nixle, which is a free service that gives the department the ability to communicate with subscribers via e-mail, text, and web messages with timely alerts on information important to them. You can subscribe here: https://local.nixle.com/signup/widget/m/999
For more detailed information on winter operations, please go to: https://winter-operations-outreach-sunprairie.hub.arcgis.com/?fbclid=IwY2xjawHmr1ZleHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHX9KxUjzBGSPwmmEnDORc5ZKrE-LzkyeKnseVNqi36kD475Hb9fcRT0lpA_aem_g035mR8_TrT_beEBLc0Tsg

Sun Prairie Historical Library & Museum

The Museum is open to the public Wednesdays 11:00am - 4:00pm and by appointment for research and events through the winter months. To learn more, visit www.cityofsunprairie.com/museum. 

Staff can be reached by phone at (608) 825-0837 or by email at museum@cityofsunprairie.com.

The Historical Library and Museum is located at 115 East Main St. Sun Prairie with parking behind the building. Admission is always free.

Announcements:

Night at the Museum with Jimmy the Groundhog

Visit Jimmy the Groundhog the night before the 77th Annual Groundhog Prognostication and learn more about the tradition of Groundhog Day in Sun Prairie! Drop into this free event between 5:00-7:00pm on Saturday, February 1st at the Sun Prairie Historical Library & Museum to join in on the fun.

Love on the Prairie Historical Letter Readings

Looking for a unique way to enjoy the Valentine’s season? Dive into the lives of yesteryear’s Sun Prairie residents through their letters to loved ones at this special event!

The Sun Prairie Historical Library & Museum is partnering with the Sun Prairie East and West High School Forensic Speech Teams to bring you an evening of letters brought to life on Friday, February 7th. Museum doors open at 5:30pm for light refreshments and readings will begin at 6:00pm. This event is free to the public and recommended for ages 12 and older.

Sun Prairie Public Library

Programs and Services

Stitching in Sun Prairie

Thursday, January 2 from 6-8 p.m., Community Room

Stitching in Sun Prairie is a community-based fiber crafts group that meets on the first Thursday of the month! Bring your knitting, crochet, or embroidery projects and craft and chat with fellow fiber art enthusiasts. This program is open to all skill levels. No registration required.

Local Author Series: Doug Haynes

Monday, January 13 6-7:30 p.m., Community Room

Learn history, color and meet the creator of the Wisconsin GOP History: A Coloring Book and the State Street Coloring Book!

Join this hands-on event led by author/illustrator Doug Haynes! Participants are welcome to color while learning little known details about the history of the Republican Party, which Haynes notes has moved from wonderful to weird over the years. Book sales and signing will follow the event. No registration required.

2^nd Annual All-Day Puzzle-a-Thon

Wednesday, January 29from 10am-8:30pm

We're hosting the 2^nd Annual All-Day Puzzle-a-Thon on National Puzzle Day! Stop by and help complete a puzzle, whether it be jigsaw, crossword or Sudoku. Last year we completed 114 puzzles, can we beat our record?! We'll have snacks and beverages on hand throughout the day.

This program is free and open to all. This program is generously funded by the Friends of the Sun Prairie Public Library and the Sun Prairie Public Library Foundation.

Holiday Closures

The library will be closed on Monday, 1/20 for Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day. The drive-thru book drops will remain open.

Sun Prairie Public Library Expansion & Renovation Project

The City of Sun Prairie will be receiving a $3.4 million loan from the Board of Commissioners of Public Lands (BCPL), chaired by Secretary of State Sarah Godlewski, for the expansion of the Sun Prairie Public Library.

To learn more about the expansion and different ways to support the project, please visit https://www.sunprairiepubliclibrary.org/library_expansion

Sun Prairie Utilities

Sticker Design Contest

Sun Prairie Utilities invites children in grades K-12 to participate in a sticker design contest! Each participant may submit up to two designs reflecting the theme, “What Water Means to You.”

Submission Guidelines:

Designs must be submitted as PNG, PDF, or JPG files.
Include a short paragraph explaining how the design reflects the theme.
Submissions are due by February 28, 2025, and should be emailed to communications@myspu.org.
Participants must be Sun Prairie Utilities customers.

Design Specifications:

Any design size is welcome but must be scalable to a 2-inch circular sticker.
Designs must be original and not created using A.I.
SPU reserves the right to modify designs as needed, including adding its logo or adjusting colors and text.
All colors must be flat and solid, with no shading, blending, or halftones.

Contest Details:
The winning design will be announced after the contest closes. It will be turned into a sticker, shared with the community, and featured on Sun Prairie Utilities promotional materials for a year.

Start creating and show us what water means to you! Click here to access the form.

Committee of the Whole

The Committee of the Whole, consisting of all 8 seated City Council members, addresses multi-committee issues, reviews the annual budget, manages real estate transactions, engages in long-term planning, has the authority to sanction Council members and officials, and handles matters not assigned to specific committees. Chaired by the Council President, it convenes on the first and third Tuesdays of each month at 5:30 p.m. in the Council Chambers at City Hall, 300 E. Main St., Downtown Sun Prairie, with meeting times occasionally subject to change (refer to the events calendar for specific times).

Check out the latest Committee of the Whole meeting (12/17/2024)

Check out the latest Common Council meeting (12/17/2024)

Sun Prairie Media Center

Sun Prairie Media Center consists of three main entities, each with its own individual mission:

KSUN: The mission of KSUN is to train and nurture Sun Prairie residents in providing original video programming designed to educate, inform, entertain, and enlighten the city of Sun Prairie. KSUN programming should appeal to a wide range of Sun Prairie residents and reflect the diverse nature of the Sun Prairie population.

KIDS-4: The mission of KIDS-4 is to promote media literacy to the youth population of Sun Prairie as well as to teach students all aspects of producing original video and audio content. Students enrolled in KIDS-4 become more discriminating consumers of media, better communicators, better collaborators, and receive vital hands-on experience on a wide range of media-making tools.

103.5 FM The Sun Community Radio: The mission of 103.5 FM The Sun Community Radio is to train and nurture Sun Prairie residents in providing original radio and podcast programming designed to educate, inform, entertain, and enlighten the city of Sun Prairie. 103.5 FM The Sun Community Radio programming should appeal to a wide range of Sun Prairie residents and reflect the diverse nature of the Sun Prairie population.

Check out the abundance of quality community programming at https://www.sunprairiemediacenter.com/