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- May 19, 2022
May 19, 2022
Administration: Make Music Sun Prairie is joining the global celebration of music, Make Music Day.
Parks, Recreation and Forestry: Registration now open for all summer programs and swimming lessons. To view the guide or to register, visit rec.cityofsunprairie.com
Public Safety: Sun Prairie Fire & Rescue worked with the Red Cross and local volunteers to Sound the Alarm.
Public Works: We want to give a big CONGRATS to Adam Schleicher, Director of Public Works, and Lauren Freeman, Public Services Management Analyst, for recently completing their Masters in Public Administration!
Sun Prairie Media Center: The Wisconsin Broadcasters Association recently handed out their annual awards for broadcasting excellence and Sun Prairie’s own 103.5 FM The Sun Community Radio scored with four awards, including the heavily coveted Station of the Year trophy.
Sun Prairie Public Library: Join us at The Loft @ 132 on May 20th for a fun night with live music from Underground Sound Jazz, delicious food by Salvatore's, Buck and Honey's and Beans 'n Cream. Check out our section to purchase tickets!
Sun Prairie Utilities: As you gear up to participate in Sun Prairie Energy Challenge follow these spring cleaning tips to maximize energy efficiency!
Administration
Make Music Sun Prairie
Make Music Sun Prairie is joining the global celebration of music, Make Music Day. Originating in France as the Fête de la Musique in 1982, Make Music Day occurs on June 21st every year all over the globe. Over 1,000 cities across the world will gather to celebrate the joys of music through performances, activities, and parades. Sun Prairie is proud to be joining in on the summer solstice fun in 2022.
All across Sun Prairie will be an array of musical activities from student performances and educational drum circles, to open mics and music-making crafts. The day will kick off at 10:00 am with a children’s music area at Vandenberg park and end with a Concerts in the Park performance featuring Soggy Prairie at Wetmore Park at 6:00 pm. Come out and hear the musical sounds of our city!
Completely different from a typical music festival, Make Music is open to anyone who wants to take part. Every kind of musician — young and old, amateur and professional, of every musical persuasion — pours onto streets, parks, plazas, and porches to share their music with friends, neighbors, and strangers. All of it is free and open to the public. Performance areas will be located at parks and community spaces throughout Sun Prairie.
Visit the event website for more information.
Curbside Recycling 
Do you have questions about residential curbside recycling? Check out these short videos full of best practices created by our recycling program contractor Pellitteri Waste Systems. Pellitteri Waste Systems - About Us | Madison Wisconsin. A few quick tips from these videos:
- Aluminum cans – empty, but don’t crush or flatten. The system will identify a crushed two-dimensional can as paper, which contaminates the paper stream.
- Bagging Recycling – Consider not bagging, but if you do use a clear bag. If a black bag is used, the sorters have to assume it contains trash and it will be thrown into the waste stream.
- Food & Liquids –when in doubt, throw it out. If food or liquid can’t be removed from a container, throw it into the trash. Pizza boxes can be recycled, but sections with grease should be separated and thrown away.
StigmaFree!
The City of Sun Prairie has committed to being an organization that is StigmaFree for individuals impacted by mental health issues. Organizations can take the pledge offered by the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) and commit to addressing the stigma surrounding mental health issues through different events, practices, and programming.
StigmaFree
NAMI’s StigmaFree initiative encourages organizations to consider the well-being of employees and create changes that have a lasting impact. Although every organization is different in how it operates, NAMI recommends embedding the following best practices into regular operations and workplace culture:
- Create company policies regarding mental health.
- Show support to employees experiencing mental health challenges.
- Provide management training.
- Decrease stigma in the workplace.
As a StigmaFree partner, organizations have access to NAMI’s advisors, experts, and educational content. The City is taking advantage of these resources and offering mental health programming for city staff and the community as well as reviewing policies to ensure they are more inclusive for individuals impacted by mental health issues.
Mental Health Awareness Month
On Tuesday, May 3, Mayor Esser proclaimed the month of May as Mental Health Awareness Month in Sun Prairie. To recognize the significance of this time, the City will be offering programming for city staff and the community on this topic.
Juanona Brewster from Join In Action will be spending time with city staff to teach on topics such as chronic stress, ACE (Adverse Childhood Experiences), and other common mental health challenges. She will also be coaching participants on how to deal with these challenges in practical ways.
NAMI Dane County will be hosting two sessions at the Sun Prairie Public Library that spend some time presenting on the fundamentals of mental illness, supporting a loved one with a mental health challenge, and the Crisis Intervention Training (CIT) Sun Prairie Police Department officers go through. Additionally, there will be a lived experience panel made up of individuals sharing their recovery story of living with a mental illness. These sessions will take place in person on Wednesday, May 18 and Tuesday, May 31 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
“It is important to me that everyone in Sun Prairie feel they are safe and that they belong in this community regardless of their mental health status,” said Mayor Esser. “I encourage all in our community to increase awareness and understanding of mental health challenges, reduce stigma and discrimination, and promote accessible services for all.”
To register for the community programming opportunities, please go to https://sunprairie.librarymarket.com/events/month/2022/05 and select the preferred date to attend.
For specific questions about this initiative, please contact Jake King, Communications and Diversity Strategist, at jking@cityofsunprairie.com.
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.
Office will be closed on Monday, May 30th
Announcements:
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. Purchase your season pass by May 18 for an early bird discount and limited-edition key chain! To purchase, visit Purchase Season Passes
We’re Hiring – Join our Team!
Come have the BEST SUMMER EVER with team PRF.
Want to be a lifeguard? We will certify you and pay for the class! Join the Fun this summer by working one of the coolest jobs in town!
For a full list of our summer job openings visit: https://tinyurl.com/h6rsjskp
WPRA Discount Tickets On Sale Now!
Tickets must be purchased in person and payment with cash or check only.
Become A Volunteer!
The City of Sun Prairie Parks, Recreation and Forestry Department (SPPRF) has announced a new volunteer program and management system due to the growing community interest in volunteering for programs, services, and events.
The volunteer opportunity database will be updated regularly with new opportunities that provides interested individuals with details of each option. All new volunteers are required to apply online, and once approved, can manage their assignments and log hours online.
Current volunteer opportunities include a mix of one-time and ongoing assignments such as neighborhood park stewards, museum inventory volunteers, Lettuce Dream Garden ambassadors, Concerts in the Park volunteers, and more.
“We are excited to connect community members who are eager to serve with different opportunities in a way that’s organized and easy to follow,” said Kristin Grissom, Parks, Recreation, and Forestry Director.
Interested individuals and groups can view volunteer opportunities online at www.tinyurl.com/spprfvolunteer
To apply to become an SPPRF volunteer, fill out the application at: www.tinyurl.com/spprfvolunteerapp
Fitness Flex Pass
Not sure what fitness class is right for you? Enjoy the flexibility to try them all with our new Fit Flex Pass. Click here to purchase a 5 or 10 class pass, Fit Flex Pass - Sun Prairie Parks, Recreation & Forestry (cityofsunprairie.com), passes never expire!
Important Dates:
Wetmore Park Splash Pad
New in 2022 - Summer Kick-Off Event!
Come meet and mingle with Parks and Recreation summer staff, cool off at the splash pad, and battle your friends and family in a game of giant Connect Four and Jenga. Registration and information on summer programs as well as other community partners will be on site. Live music from the Sun Prairie Community Band from 6-7 p.m., refreshments and fun for the whole family.
Upcoming Programs Not to Be Missed:
Monday, June 6th – Thursday, June 16th
4:00 – 5:00 p.m.
Registration Ends: 05/30/2022
Participants will learn the game of volleyball and develop their skills through game play. This camp is suitable for beginners and intermediate players. You can take one or both weeks to improve your skills.
Monday, June 6th – Thursday, June 16th
5:15 – 6:15 p.m.
Registration Ends: 05/30/2022
Participants will learn the game of volleyball and develop their skills through game play. This camp is suitable for beginners and intermediate players. You can take one or both weeks to improve your skills.
Rec on the Go – Jump Into June
Registration Ends: 06/02/2022
Rec on the Go are theme-based exploration kits for kids ages 5 and up. Each bi-monthly kit will feature crafts, experiments and other fun activities for kids. Kits are available for pick up or delivery.
JUNE THEME - JUMP INTO JUNE
School’s out and time to jump into summer with activities and games
designed to get you moving.
Pick-up and delivery will be available June 9 & 10. Participants will be emailed when kits are ready, so make sure your email address is in your profile is correct.
Saturday, June 11th
10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Registration Ends: 06/05/2022
Get outside and enjoy the sunshine! SPPRF is pleased to offer a therapeutic recreation experience for children with disabilities aged 6 - 12 this summer. Enjoy three different adventure experiences.
Play at the Sun Prairie Dream Park, become inspired at Explore Children’s Museum and swim with friends at the Family Aquatic Center! Join us for these exciting adventures in our community
designed to give children opportunities to play, explore, and socialize. Enroll for one Saturday, or all three!
In the event of inclement weather, program may be canceled and rescheduled for the following Saturday.
This is an inclusive program, friends or siblings are encouraged to enroll as well! Parents and caregivers are not required to stay on site at program but are welcome to attend. There will be qualified staff at each Parker’s Pals session, meeting or exceeding a ratio of one staff to every two participants. We ask that all participants use the restroom independently while at this program unless a parent or caregiver will be present. Restrooms will be available at all program locations. No transportation will be provided for this program, our group will travel on paved pathways between locations, less than .5 miles of distance.
June Bedtime Buddies – The Jungle Run
Registration Ends: 06/09/2022
Bedtime Buddies is a theme-based stuffed animal kit for toddlers and preschoolers ages 2-4. Each kit will feature a theme-based unstuffed animal, stuffing, storybook, and snack. Bedtime Buddies is sure to make bedtime more fun! Kits are available for pick up or delivery.
JUNE – THE JUNGLE RUN!
Swing into summer with Cub in The Jungle Run by Tony Mitton! This kit includes an unstuffed lion cub and a story about confidence!
$25 for first child, $15 for each additional child.
Pickup/delivery is June 16 &17. Please make sure your email address is up to date as that is the way you will be contacted about pickup/delivery. Non-residents must pickup - No delivery available.
Public Safety
POLICE Department Awards & Badge Pinning
Sound the Alarm!
Sun Prairie Fire & Rescue worked with the Red Cross and local volunteers to Sound the Alarm. We helped get 83 alarms installed in 36 homes, directly affecting the lives and safety of 101 adults and children.
Public Works
City Awarded Funds from WisDOT Highway Safety Improvement Program
The City of Sun Prairie has received funds from the Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) Highway Safety Improvement Program (HSIP) to implement projects that improve the safety of the roadways in Sun Prairie. The City applied for these funds in March of this year.
The goal of this safety program is to fund highway safety projects at sites that have experienced high crash history. Specifically, it is to develop stand-alone highway safety projects engineered to reduce the number and severity of all streets and highways. A priority is placed on low-cost options that can be implemented in a timely manner.
Funds from this program will be allocated towards vehicle and pedestrian improvements at the intersection of O’Keeffe Avenue & McCoy Road/Sunfield Street. Specific improvements include the installation of traffic signals with signal heads over each lane and pedestrian count down timers. Additionally, turn lanes will be reconfigured along with increased street lighting. The total cost of these projects is $722,833 with $650,500 coming from the HSIP program. The federal funding ratio is typically 90% and requires a 10% match of state and/or local funds. Construction is anticipated to occur in 2025.
“Receiving these funds allows us to make significant vehicle and pedestrian improvements for our community,” said Adam Schleicher, Director of Public Works. For more information about HSIP, please go to https://wisconsindot.gov/pages/doing-bus/local-gov/astnce-pgms/highway/hsip.aspx.
For specific questions about the funds and upcoming projects, please contact Adam Schleicher at aschleicher@cityofsunprairie.com.
CONGRATULATIONS!
We want to give a big CONGRATS to Adam Schleicher, Director of Public Works, and Lauren Freeman, Public Services Management Analyst, for recently completing their Masters in Public Administration!
Lauren earned her MPA from the University of Kansas and Adam from Northern Illinois University.
Brush & Yard Waste Collections
Brush & yard waste collections start in the spring and go through fall. Collections are generally completed within one week but can take longer. If you have not been picked up within that time, please call Public Works to get an update and/or inform them of the missed collection. Items will only be considered missed and rescheduled if they were set out by the first day of collection, materials placed curbside after those dates are not guaranteed for pick up.
Visit the Brush and Yard Waste Information page for guidelines and acceptable materials.
Yard Waste Collections
Yard waste collections begin on Monday at 7 a.m. Residents who have yard waste to get collected must have it curbside by that time to ensure collection. Yard waste collection schedules are determined by your refuse/recycle collection days.
Collections will occur on the following weeks in 2022:
April 11
May 23
November 7
November 21
Yard waste can also be dropped off at the recycle center (permit required).
Brush Collections
The first brush collection of the 2022 season begins April 4. All routes will get collected starting that Monday. Residents who have brush to get collected must have it curbside by 7:00 AM on Monday. Collections could take all week or longer, please be patient.
Collections will occur on the following weeks in 2022:
April 4
May 2
June 6
July 5 (Holiday week, collections begin at 7:00 AM on Tuesday
August 1
September 6 (Holiday week, collections begin at 7:00 AM on Tuesday
October 3
November 7
Sun Prairie Media Center
The Wisconsin Broadcasters Association
The Wisconsin Broadcasters Association recently handed out their annual awards for broadcasting excellence and Sun Prairie’s own 103.5 FM The Sun Community Radio scored with four awards, including the heavily coveted Station of the Year trophy.
Entering in the Large Market Radio category specializing in a music format, this was the first year that 103.5 FM (WLSP-LP) won for Station of the Year.
“This was completely unexpected, but of course completely deserved,” joked Sun Prairie Media Center director Jeff Robbins. “I think that what we have to offer on 103.5 FM, with community-produced programming, high school sports coverage, and loads of news and information specifically tailored to Sun Prairie residents, is something really unique and special. We thank the WBA for acknowledging that with this award. And of course I want to thank all of our wonderful producers, our staff, our Media Center Commission, our Friends group, and our elected officials for all of their support. We couldn’t do what we do without everyone pitching in.”
Outside of the Station of the Year award (which WLSP actually won in a tie alongside WLUM-FM out of Milwaukee), Greg Bump won Best Radio Show for “Greg’s List,” Dan Presser won Best Newscast for “Sun Prairie News,” and Sara Milewski and Sandy Xiong won Best Significant Community Impact Programming for their “Multicultural Fair Radio Reboot.”
Also recognized were Mark Gonwa’s “Song Archaeology,” which took second place in “Best Radio Show,” Christine Bright’s “Parenting Game,” which took third place in “Best Specialty Programming,” and 103.5 FM’s coverage of last year’s WIAA Division 1 Championship Football Game between Sun Prairie and Franklin, which finished third in “Best Sports Coverage.” Calling that game were Mike Powers, Jamison Rabbitt, and Bill Baker.
SPMC director Jeff Robbins clarified one additional point about the WBA awards: “Our TV stations are not considered broadcast because cable is the main means of distributing them. So we don’t enter in the television side of the WBA awards. But our radio station is considered broadcast, so we are eligible in WBA’s radio categories.”
Want to be part of this award-winning team? The Sun Prairie Media Center is currently looking for radio and podcast producers to take advantage of its awesome studio facilities and excellent staff. Anyone interested should call 608-837-4193, email 103.5 FM Production Manager Colin Lessig at clessig@cityofsunprairie.com, or check out sunprairiemediacenter.com, where program ideas can be submitted directly to SPMC staff.
Episodes of 103.5 FM’s award-winning programs can be accessed for on-demand listening by downloading the Sun Prairie Media Center app, available for free from the App Store or Google Play.
LIMITED SPOTS REMAIN IN MEDIA CENTER’S SUMMER WORKSHOPS
You’re in luck . . . there is still room in the Sun Prairie Media Center summer workshops!
Some workshops have filled, but there are plenty of great opportunities left to get your kids involved in the Media Center this summer!
If you know of someone aged 9-14 who loves to make videos, movies, or even podcasts and wants help taking their creativity to the next level, then you need to sign them up for these workshops!
Online registration is open now and will close on June 10. But hurry – these classes are filling fast! More information and online registration is available at kids4.tv. Available workshops include:
- Adventures in Sports Production, June 20-23
- Adventures in Movie Making, June 20-23
- Adventures in Animation, July 18-21
- Adventures in Reporting, July 18-21
- Adventures in Podcasting, July 25-26
- Adventures in Live Television, July 27-28
These workshops are designed for budding journalists, filmmakers, actors, and social media influencers who want a fun and creative way to express themselves. Participants will be introduced to media production in a fun, hands-on learning environment that is conveniently located – the Media Center is in the same building as the public library!
“The summer workshops are great for families who want to get involved in KIDS-4 but want to sample before signing up for the school year program,” said SPMC director Jeff Robbins “And some workshops, like sports production, are completely unique and not covered during KIDS-4.”
Discounted rates for SPMC members are available. More information on memberships is available at sunprairiemediacenter.com/memberships. Scholarships are also available.
Please contact Mara Trusty at mtrusty@cityofsunprairie.com with any questions.
SPMC BROADCASTING SPHS GRADUATION SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES AVAILABLE / COPIES AVAILABLE FOR SALE
The Sun Prairie Media Center is happy to announce that it will once again provide live coverage of this year’s Sun Prairie High School graduation ceremony.
This year's ceremony is scheduled to take place Friday, May 27, beginning at 5:30 PM. The ceremony will be held in Madison at the Kohl Center.
SPMC’s coverage will be seen live on KSUN Charter channel 983 or TDS channels 13 or 1013. The ceremony will also be streamed at sunprairiemediacenter.com/ksun as well as available on KSUN’s Roku and Apple TV channels and on the SPMC app, available to download for free from the App Store or Google Play.
“We are always happy to partner with the school district in providing the broadcast of the high school graduation,” said SPMC director Jeff Robbins. “Last year at the new stadium was fun, but it’s nice to not have to worry about the weather! The district always hosts a wonderful commencement ceremony and we look forward to joining the teachers, administrators, school board, families, and most importantly the graduates in sharing the excitement of graduation day!”
Business sponsorship opportunities are available for the broadcast. Participating businesses will be recognized at the outset of every broadcast (live and replays), every on-demand viewing, and every USB or DVD sold.
Speaking of USBs and DVDs, the SPMC is offering DVD and USB copies of the graduation ceremony for sale. DVDs and USBs make great gifts for grads and their families, whether they were able to attend the live ceremony or not! 2022 (and past) graduation DVDs & USBs can be ordered by going to sunprairiemediacenter.com/sphsgraduation.
The SPMC will also be broadcasting live the Prairie Phoenix Academy graduation ceremony happening on Thursday, May 26 at 1 PM. DVDs and USBs for the PPA ceremony will also be made available for purchase.
For more information on the broadcasts, sponorships, or DVD/USB sales, please contact the Sun Prairie Media Center at 608-837-4193 or via e-mail at staff@sunprairiemediacenter.com.
Congratulations to the Class of 2021!
Sun Prairie Public Library
Friday, May 20th 6-8:30 p.m.
The Loft at 132
Join us at The Loft @ 132 on May 20th for a fun night with live music from Underground Sound Jazz, delicious food by Salvatore's, Buck and Honey's and Beans 'n Cream. To learn more about this event and to purchase your tickets, visit: https://www.sunlibfoundation.org/gala-2022.
Children’s & Teen Services
Coming Soon: Summer 2022 Reading Program
There’s a reading program for everyone – babies through teens! (And there’s even a program for adults!) Register for the Summer Reading Program in person or online anytime between June 1st 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!
Adult Services
Thursday, May 19 6:30-7:30pm, Library Community Room.
Take a mental road trip - and perhaps plan a few delicious real ones! Wisconsin based travel and food writer, Kristine Hansen, will discuss her book, Wisconsin Farms and Farmer's Markets: Tours, Trails, and Attractions. A celebrated journalist, she is also the author of the Wisconsin Cheese Cookbook: Creamy, Cheesy, Sweet, and Savory Recipes from the State's Best Creameries. Books will be available for sale and signing after the program.
Registration is not required. However, if you would like to receive a reminder email the day before the program, please fill out the registration form here. Please Note: This presentation will be filmed by the Sun Prairie Media Center for later broadcasting and streaming.
Monday, May 23 6-7 p.m., Library Community Room
Having a detailed LinkedIn profile has the potential to create some exciting job opportunities. A LinkedIn profile is a great way to ensure that you can be found by the right people at the right time. It’s also an excellent way to find job opportunities and connect with recruiters. Once you’ve completed your profile, you’ll be more equipped to find jobs on LinkedIn.
Nina Schultz, Lead Career and Employment Services Advisor from Madison Area Technical College, will be joining us at the library to present on creating profiles, networking, and job searching in LinkedIn! Registration is recommended not required. Register here. Wearing a mask is not required but is strongly recommended.
Wednesday, May 25 6:30-7:30pm, Library Community Room
There's more than meets the eye when it comes to women and cocktails! Alcohol is not only a means of celebration and relaxation for women, women played a unique role in the history of liquor, were incredibly active during prohibition, and made a huge contribution to the industry - some legal and some not! Hear all about it from self-described "author & spirited guide to all things culinary and drink," Wisconsin writer, Jeanette Hurt. Jeanette has given TED Talks, contributes to various publications, and has written twelve cookbooks. A mocktail making demonstration will conclude the program, followed by a book sale and signing. Please Note: This presentation will be filmed by the Sun Prairie Media Center for later broadcasting and streaming.
To register for the program, please register here. Space is limited.
Mental Illness 101: Developing A General Understanding and Awareness
Tuesday, May 31st from 5:30-7:30pm, Library Community Room
NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) Dane County will be offering in-person programming throughout the month of May, which is recognized as Mental Health Awareness Month. Staff from NAMI will present on the fundamentals of mental illness and how to offer support to those experiencing challenges. In addition to the presentations, there will be a lived experience panel made up of individuals who share their stories of living with mental illness and a Sun Prairie Police Officer to teach the community about what it means to be a CIT (Crisis Intervention Trained) officer. Registration is required. For more details and to register to attend, please visit our Events Calendar at https://sunprairie.librarymarket.com. Snacks and refreshments will be provided for attendees.
COVID-19 Vaccine Clinics
Public Health Madison & Dane County will be holding walk-in vaccine clinics in the library’s Community Room on Fridays through May 27 from 3:00-5:30 p.m. (No clinic on 5/6). Everyone 5 and older is welcome. No ID or insurance required, but children 5-17 must have a parent or guardian present. First, second, and booster doses will be offered. Pfizer, Moderna, and Johnson and Johnson available while supplies last.
Library Closed on Monday, May 30 for Memorial Day
The library will be closed on Monday, May 30 for Memorial Day. The drive-thru book drops will remain open.
Sun Prairie Utilities
Spring Cleaning for Energy Savings
Spring Cleaning for Energy Savings
As you gear up to participate in Sun Prairie Energy Challenge follow these spring cleaning tips to maximize energy efficiency!
- Redirect Ceiling Fans. Flip the directional switch while you’re dusting to send your fan counterclockwise. That way you will not waste that much-needed A/C in the summer.
- Vacuum Refrigerator Coils. Have you looked behind your refrigerator lately? Make sure to remove the dust that builds up on refrigerator coils. The dust forces the refrigerator to work harder to keep things cold, so it’s worth a few minutes to wipe it down.
- Change Air Conditioning Filters. While you’re wiping down your vents, take a few extra minutes to check and if necessary, replace your filters. It will improve air quality and increase energy efficacy. Changing air filters bi-monthly is a good rule of thumb to save on energy costs.
- Clean Exhaust Fans. Bathroom exhaust fans can collect a buildup of dust. Cleaning them at least once a year can keep them running efficiently. Kitchen hood exhaust fans should also be cleaned at least once a year and can be a little more complex, so we recommend referring to the model-specific documentation whenever possible. If you don’t have your fan’s original manual, look for a label with a model number to help you look this information up online.
- Electronics. While you’re dusting your TV, computer, and other home electronics, look at how they’re plugged in. You can stop overpaying to power these big energy users by plugging them into an advanced power strip, which automatically cuts electricity to any idle equipment you choose.
- Outdoor vents. Inspect any accessible exterior vents, such as for a clothes dryer, heating system, water heater, kitchen fan exhaust, or bath fan exhaust. Clear them of any dust, cobwebs, leaves, and lint.
- Inspect Sliding Doors. If your home has a sliding glass door, take a few minutes to get all the grit and grime out of the track. The buildup can ruin the door’s seal and create gaps where heat or cold air can escape.
- Lights. You can really “clean up” by replacing incandescent light bulbs with ENERGY STAR® certified LEDs, which use about 80% less energy for lighting. Shop the Focus on Energy – Energy Saving Fair online at techniartpopup.com/focusonenergy_spu for discounted energy-efficient bulbs and products. The online store will be open through May 23, 2022.
If you haven’t enrolled yet there is still time to sign up for Sun Prairie Utilities’ Summer Energy Challenge! Participants in the energy-efficiency challenge commit to reducing their energy usage during peak summer months. Reducing energy usage by at least 5% from June through September will enter participants into a drawing for one of three great prizes. The winner will choose from an Energy Star-certified washing machine, an electric lawnmower, or a smart home energy kit.
Sign up for the Summer Energy Challenge through Sun Prairie Utilities’ MyAccount before June 1. To register:
- Log-in to MyAccount.
- Click on the “Property” tab.
- Select 5%, and click “lock it in!”
MyAccount helps you easily track your energy usage, spot trends, and receive timely alerts whenever your energy use reaches a pre-determined level.
Participants in the Summer Energy Challenge can feel twice as good about their commitment to energy savings. Sun Prairie Utilities will donate to the Sunshine Place an amount equal to the value of participating customers’ total savings (up to $2,500.) The more energy saved, the more Sunshine Place will received.