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- September 7, 2023
September 7, 2023
Administration
Sustainability Update!
The City of Sun Prairie has recently endorsed the revised efficiency standards for residential water heaters, as proposed by the U.S. Department of Energy in July. If approved, these new standards will go into effect in 2029 and are anticipated to yield some of the most significant energy bill savings and greenhouse gas reductions in the history of appliance standards. The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has unveiled proposed energy efficiency standards aimed at saving consumers a total of $11.4 billion annually on their energy and water bills. These proposed standards for residential water heaters, mandated by Congress, are in alignment with recommendations from key stakeholders, including two major water heater manufacturers and the Consumer Federation of America.
The proposal necessitates electric water heaters of the most common size to attain improved efficiency through heat pump technology, while gas-fired instantaneous water heaters are expected to achieve efficiency gains through condensing technology. If finalized, these standards, effective in 2029, are projected to save Americans an estimated $198 billion and collectively reduce harmful carbon dioxide emissions by 501 million metric tons over 30 years. To put this in perspective, that reduction is roughly equivalent to the annual emissions of 63 million homes, or roughly 50 percent of all homes in the United States.
Additional details can be found here.
Thank you MCF SPONSORS!
Volunteer Opportunity!
Assessing
Understanding the 2023 Property Revaluation and Your Assessment
The 2023 revaluation represents market value estimates as of January 1, 2023. Wisconsin law requires that assessments be based on the property conditions as of January 1 each year. Staff will be available for any questions August 28 to September 27 from 8 am – 4:30 pm either via phone (608-825-1186), email (assessor@cityofsunprairie.com), or at City Hall located at 300 E. Main Street.
What is a City-wide revaluation?
It is a thorough review of property characteristics and adjustment of assessed values to current market values. Doing this ensures that real estate taxes are distributed fairly and equitably across all classes and types of property. The last revaluation for the City of Sun Prairie was conducted in 2020.
How does the Assessor value property?
Wisconsin law requires that property assessments be based on fair market value, which is the price a typical buyer would pay for a property in its present condition. The Assessor uses data to identify properties similar to yours that have sold recently. That sales data is used to estimate the market value of your property.
Do all property values change at the same rate?
No. Appreciation in home prices varies among individual properties and different neighborhoods. Price appreciation in the housing market has occurred since 2020, which affects your current market value even if your home has not been renovated or improved.
Does a higher assessed value automatically mean I will pay more in property taxes?
No. Taxes may change if a property value increases or decreases more or less than the average increase city-wide, which is 38%. This does not mean your taxes will increase 38%. For properties that increased around 38%, the revaluation should have minimal effect on the city portion of taxes. The exact amount of your property tax bill will not be known until December. Tax bills are based upon the tax levies established by the City, County, School District, and Madison College.
Where can I go for further information? The Assessors page of the City website (www.cityofsunprairie.com) has the assessment roll, sales, neighborhood map, and property record cards. The assessment rolls are also available to view at the Sun Prairie Public Library at 1350 Linnerud Drive and City Hall at 300 E Main Street.
What if I disagree with my new assessment?
Call or email the Assessor to discuss the 2023 assessment. During the discussion, you can present information related to your home, share market data you collected, and ask questions to help you understand how your assessment was determined. Staff will determine if an inspection or further evidence is needed and guide you to the best next step. This informal discussion can often resolve a problem without need for a formal hearing at the Board of Review. If after this discussion you still feel a formal hearing is necessary, you can file an intent to appeal with the City Clerk before 10 am on October 2, 2023. The City website (www.cityofsunprairie.com) also has information related to the revaluation.
If you have further questions, please contact the Assessor’s Office: Phone: 608-825-1186 Email: assessor@cityofsunprairie.com
BOARD OF REVIEW APPEAL DEADLINE: MONDAY OCTOBER 2, 2023 at 10 AM
Community Development
Sun Prairie Farmers’ Market Wins Awards in Best of Sun Prairie
The Sun Prairie Farmers’ Market has proven its commitment to excellence by securing notoriety in the "Best of Sun Prairie" 2023 awards. The market, a year-round, full-service hub located at Cannery Square and Market Street in downtown Sun Prairie, has been recognized as the leader in both the "Best Produce Selection" and "Best Area Event" categories.
This event has consistently served as a high point of community engagement, offering an exceptional platform for local vendors to showcase an array of goods, ranging from farm-fresh vegetables, premium beef, succulent pork, and farm-to-table eggs, to exquisite honey, nurturing plants, and much more. With a dedication to supporting local producers, the market has applied the principle of "know your farmer, know your food" into its fabric, allowing patrons to connect directly with the passionate individuals behind the products.
“It is an immense honor to have our efforts acknowledged with these awards,” said Sarah Wells, Farmers Market Manager. “We remain committed to elevating the market experience, fostering relationships within our community, and providing a platform for sustainable, locally sourced products."
The outdoor farmers market will run until October 28 from 7 a.m. to 12 p.m.
To learn more about the Sun Prairie Farmers’ Market and its range of offerings, please visit the webpage: https://cityofsunprairie.com/1318/Sun-Prairie-Farmers-Markets. Stay updated on market news, events, and vendor highlights by following the market on Facebook.
Community Spotlight
Join us for three great bluegrass bands: Cork n Bottle String Band, Soggy Prairie, and Barbaro! Delicious food from local restaurants and a special brew from Working Draft Beer Company will be available for purchase. Lawn games and fun for the whole family, bring picnic blankets.
Capital Land Music Festival
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:
Fall Rec Guide Registration Open!
Fall Rec Guide is now available and registration is open! View online at rec.cityofsunprairie.com.
Upcoming Programs Not to Be Missed:
Classes available Tuesday and Thursday
September 19th – October 26th
Registration Deadline: 9/12/2023
ZUMBA is a fusion of Latin and International music/dance themes that create a dynamic and exciting environment. Based on the principle that a workout should be "FUN AND EASY TO DO", the routines feature aerobic/fitness interval training with a combination of fast and slow rhythms that tone and sculpt the body.
September 19th – October 26th
6:30 – 7:15 p.m.
Registration Deadline: 9/12/2023
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.
September 23rd – October 28th
9:00 – 9:45 a.m.
Registration Deadline: 9/17/2023
WERQ is the fiercely-fun dance fitness class based on trending pop, rock and hip-hop music. The signature WERQ warm-up previews the moves throughout class, while the signature WERQ cool-down incorporates balance and yoga-inspired stretches. Everything in between is pure fun! Are you ready to WERQ?
September 24th – October 29th
3:30 – 4:30 p.m.
Registration Deadline: 9/17/2023
A Fun class where you learn classical Indian Dance and let your stress melt away. Learn hand-gestures, rhythmic postures and fun movements!
Requirements:
• Open to everyone over the age of 5
• Participants will be asked to dance barefoot (Socks might be allowed on special request)
• Participants are requested to pre-register
No prior knowledge needed.
Thursday Early Release Afterschool Programming (TAP)
Thursdays, 1:30-5:00 p.m.
Elementary School Site Locations:
Meadowview
Northside
Token Springs
Creekside - NEW
Join us every early-release day for an afternoon of action-packed activities. Each session will feature a healthy balance of academic, social and recreation activities that support educational achievement and personal growth. Typically, program participants will follow a semi structured schedule of age-appropriate games, activities and crafts. Participants will have time available to get outside and play and to complete any homework or silently read. A light after-school snack will be provided. This program is supported by community partners who will provide supplemental programing to our students. More sites will be available as we are able to open them, please refer to our website, rec.cityofsunprairie.com for the most up-to-date list. This program is open to any Sun Prairie Area School District student, regardless of which school they attend. However, no transportation is currently available.
Please contact Emily Rebarchek, erebarchek@cityofsunprairie.com, or call 608-837-3449 with any questions.
Sun Prairie Historical Library and Museum
Sun Prairie Historical Library and Museum
The Museum is open to the public Wednesdays-Saturdays 11:00am-4:00pm and by appointment for research and special events.
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:
New Exhibit Now Open! 70 Years of Corn Fest: Roots of a Tradition
To celebrate the 70th anniversary of the Sun Prairie Sweet Corn Festival, the Sun Prairie Historical Library & Museum is displaying a selection of highlights from the festival’s history including the Teenie Weenie Queen contest, Colonel Corn’s Costume, as well as a peek behind the scenes of earlier festivals. This exhibit will run through October 2023.
Sun Prairie Media Center
SPMC UNVEILS NEW “KSUN LIFE” CHANNEL; “KSUN” REBRANDING
The Sun Prairie Media Center (SPMC) is currently unveiling an exciting new video channel that is set to launch on TDS and all of SPMC's streaming platforms. This channel, named "KSUN Life," focuses on non-live original programming crafted by SPMC's diverse community of producers. The lineup for this channel includes popular shows such as "Talk of the Town," "Reel Reviews," "Weekly Chat," "Marc Carstens Sports," "Roundabout Sun Prairie," and more.
While "KSUN Life" is not exclusively centered on sports, its inception can be traced back to when the SPASD announced the introduction of a new high school and athletic teams. SPMC director Jeff Robbins recalled, "The immediate concern was how we were going to air two live football games happening simultaneously. That's when the idea of adding a second channel was born."
For the 2022-2023 school year, SPMC divided the football games, broadcasting the home team's game on KSUN and the away game on KIDS-4. However, SPMC recognized that this was not a sustainable solution. Robbins explained, "We don't want to use KIDS-4 for non-KIDS-4 programming. KIDS-4 is a unique channel dedicated to content created by kids, and we don't want to compromise the purpose it has served for over forty years."
With member-generated content featured on "KSUN Life," the current "KSUN" channel will be rebranded as "KSUN Now." It will predominantly focus on live programming (or reruns of originally live content) and regularly updated news and information programs that are non-opinionated, such as "Sun Prairie News" and "Inside Your City." Live programming will encompass sports events, city meetings, and school board meetings. Coverage of church services, which has been popular on KSUN, will continue to be a Sunday staple on "KSUN Now."
"KSUN Life" will be accessible in HD on TDS channel 985 and can also be streamed via sunprariemediacenter.com, as well as on the SPMC Roku, Apple TV, and Amazon Fire TV channels. Additionally, "KSUN Life" will be accessible through the SPMC's mobile app, which is currently undergoing an upgrade scheduled to launch in mid-September. Access to on-demand programming will remain unchanged and will continue to be available online, on the app, and across all of SPMC's streaming platforms.
Effective September 1st, in situations with conflicting football games, the game featuring the Sun Prairie team at home will be broadcast on "KSUN Now," while the away team's game will be featured on "KSUN Life." Viewers are encouraged to consult schedules on sunprairiemediacenter.com or in the Sun Prairie Star.
"We are genuinely enthusiastic about the launch of this new channel," stated Robbins. "This expansion mirrors the growth of Sun Prairie and its school district, as well as the substantial volume of original programming created both at and for the Sun Prairie Media Center."
Those interested in supporting the Sun Prairie Media Center financially or by contributing original programming are encouraged to contact the SPMC at staff@sunprairiemediacenter.com or by calling 608-837-4193.
SPHS FOOTBALL COVERAGE SET TO KICK OFF
The Sun Prairie Media Center is pleased to announce that in partnership with the SPEHS Boys Soccer Booster Club it will present video coverage for nine home games of the Sun Prairie East Cardinals Boys’ Soccer team.
The broadcast schedule is:
Tuesday, 9/5 – vs. Janesville Parker at BOSP Stadium (5 PM)
Tuesday, 9/12 – vs. Madison Memorial at BOSP Stadium (7 PM)
Thursday, 9/14 – vs. Madison East at SP East (7 PM)
Tuesday, 9/19 – vs. Madison LaFollette at BOSP Stadium (7 PM)
Saturday, 9/23 – vs. McFarland at BOSP Stadium (1 PM)
Tuesday, 10/3 – vs. Verona at BOSP Stadium (7 PM)
Thursday, 10/5 – vs. Monona Grove at SP East (7 PM)
Saturday, 10/7 – vs. Oak Creek at BOSP Stadium (1 PM)
Thursday, 10/12 – vs. DeForest at SP East (7 PM)
Most of the games will be on KSUN Life, with the two Saturday games and October 5 game scheduled for KSUN Now.
“KSUN Life” is available on TDS channel 985 and also available to stream on sunprariemediacenter.com, and on the SPMC Roku, Apple TV, and Amazon Fire TV channels. “KSUN Life” is also available on the SPMC’s mobile app.
“We are always thrilled to get more live programming and live sports on our air,” said SPMC director Jeff Robbins. “We want to thank the SPEHS Boys Soccer Booster Club for allowing us to make this happen.”
The SPMC is seeking announcers who may be interested in helping broadcast these and other games. Anyone interested should e-mail staff@sunprairiemediacenter.com.
Sun Prairie Public Library
Featured Events*
Concert: Gaines & Wagoner with The Spine Stealers
Sunday, September 10 from 3-5 p.m., Community Room
A free performance by Sun Prairie-based artists Gaines and Wagoner with special guest The Spine Stealers! Part of the Singer/Songwriter Series.
Gaines and Wagoner - Chris Wagoner and Mary Gaines have been in-demand private instructors, session musicians and performers in the Midwest for over three decades with tours spanning the US and Europe.
The Spine Stealers - The Spine Stealers, is an acoustic duo from Sun Prairie that began writing songs together in 2020 and now plays regularly at venues all around south central Wisconsin. They won the 2023 Virtual Band Competition to appear at the Blue Ox Festival in Eau Claire and recently released the digital EP "River Teeth Tapes."
The event is generously funded by the Friends of the Sun Prairie Public Library.
Saturday, September 30 from 4-7:30pm
Join us on the library grounds for a fun night in support of the Sun Prairie Public Library Expansion Project! We'll have performances by three bluegrass bands: Cork n Bottle String Band, Soggy Prairie, and Barbaro! Delicious BBQ food and a special brew from Working Draft Beer Company will be available for purchase. Lawn games and fun for the whole family! Bring your picnic blankets. Tickets are $25, or $10 for kids 12 and under. Click here to purchase tickets.
Adult Services
Prairie Walk & Talk with Joe Chase
Thursday, September 7 6:30-7:15 p.m.
Monday, September 25 6:30-7:15 p.m.
Do you want to know more about the prairie that surrounds the Sun Prairie Library? Join Joe Chase, local naturalist, on a tour of the prairie and learn more about the prairie plants, and the birds and insects that inhabit this environment.
All ages are welcome (5+)! Please be aware that the terrain is not always level, so we encourage you to wear appropriate walking or hiking shoes. To join the tour, please meet us at the top of the prairie, near the library's drive-thru pickup window. Tour starts promptly at 6:30 p.m.
Please register for each session you plan to attend on our Events calendar at www.sunlib.org. Space is limited, registration required. In case of inclement weather, please check this page for tour updates.
Writing Workshop: You Want to be a Writer - How to Dive in Successfully
September 12 from 6-7 p.m., Community Room
Do you have a story to tell? Do you have questions about how to become published? Or, maybe you don’t know what questions to ask? Learn the secrets and process of writing your story, novel, or memoir from long-time writer, author, writing teacher and writing coach, Christine DeSmet. DeSmet has experienced a lot and helped thousands of writers take that first step to writing and publishing with pride. This workshop is geared to writers interested in all types of writing, all genres. Space is limited, registration is required. Please register on our Events calendar at www.sunlib.org.
Harvest Vegetables with Chef Jason
Wednesday, September 13 from 6-7:30 p.m., Community Room
Come learn new and delicious ways to prepare harvest vegetables with Chef Jason Dunn! Space is limited, registration is required. Please register on our Events calendar at www.sunlib.org.
Local Author Event: D.M. Swartwout
Thursday, September 21 from 6:30-8:30 p.m., Community Room
If you want to be immersed into a world of epic fantasy, brimming with intrigue and mystery, then join us for a book signing with local author D.M. Swartwout! Swartwout will discuss her debut novel “Queen of Ash and Ruin.”
Copies of “Queen of Ash and Ruin”, as well as other book-related trinkets created by the author, will be available for purchase at the event. Registration is not required, but please register on our Events calendar at www.sunlib.org if you would like an email reminder prior to the event.
Children’s & Teen Services
Storytime Resumes the week of September 25th! Click here for more information.
Tuesday, September 19 4:30-5:30 p.m., Community Room
New this fall! Creative writers, poets, songwriters, and new writers welcome! We'll work together to make our writing even better. Give input and receive tips on your own work. This program is for teens in 6th-12th grade.
Wednesday, September 20 4:00 p.m.
For those in 3rd-5th Grade. We each read our own book! After you’ve requested a book from the website, you’ll be invited to join an optional meeting on Zoom where we talk about the books!
Learn more here: https://www.sunprairiepubliclibrary.org/young_critics_book_club
Thursday, September 21 2:00-3:30 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. Please register on the Events Calendar at www.sunlib.org.