May 2025
May Recognized as Affordable Housing Month
The City of Sun Prairie is excited to announce the variety of opportunities available for community members to get involved and support Affordable Housing Month. Activities planned during this time are offered in partnership with the Sun Prairie Housing Coalition, Sunshine Place, the Sun Prairie Area School District, Tenant Resource Center and the Colonial Club.
- Film Screening: The Pruitt-Igoe Myth - examines the rise and fall of the Pruitt-Igoe housing development in St. Louis, reflecting on the transformation of American cities post-World War II. | Sun Prairie Historical Museum on Tuesday, May 13, from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.
- Tenant Rights: Evictions / Derechos de los Inquilinos: Desalojos - The presentation will focus on explaining the different types of eviction notices, the eviction process and tenant rights. Attendees will have the opportunity to ask questions and presenters can clarify misconceptions surrounding this topic. | Thursday, May 15 at Sunshine Place in the Enterprise Building, located at 1610 W. Main St., beginning at 5:30 p.m.
- Senior Yard Cleanup - Assist in cleaning up yards for seniors in the area! Cleanup will include raking leaves, pulling weeds and picking up sticks. | Saturday, May 17, from 8:30 a.m. to noon at the Sun Prairie Colonial Club. Register here.
- Donation Drive – Sun Prairie Area School District - Community members can contribute to a donation drive benefiting students and families facing homelessness or transitioning out of homelessness within the Sun Prairie Area School District. Donations will help provide essential items like air mattresses, sheets, pillows, blankets, towel sets, kitchenware and more. | Drop-off locations include the Sun Prairie Area School District (501 S. Bird Street), Sun Prairie Public Library (1350 Linnerud Drive), Sun Prairie City Hall (300 E. Main St.) and the West Side Community Services Building (2598 W. Main St.).
For more information, please click here.
Interview with Becky Binz, Housing & Equitable Development Planner
City of Sun Prairie Receives USDA grant to Pilot Compost Program
The City of Sun Prairie is excited to announce the launch of the Food Residential, Event, and School Compost Undertaking (RESCU) pilot program. This program is made possible through a grant awarded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Composting and Food Waste Reduction Cooperative Agreement.
In 2024, the USDA invested $7.5 million in 26 cooperative agreement awards, which included $109,000 to the City to launch the pilot program. The program’s mission is to divert food waste from landfills and raise community awareness about the benefits of composting. The food waste collected through the program will be processed into finished compost and distributed throughout the community. To achieve this, the City will partner with Green Box Compost, Sun Prairie Area School District, Sustain Dane, Sun Prairie Community Garden Organization, Sun Prairie Park Friends, Rooted, Neighborhood Food Solutions and Madison Area Food Pantry Garden.
Beginning in July 2025 and ending in December 2026, 150 households can opt-in to a subsidized curbside composting program at the cost of $10 per month. Participants will receive a biweekly compost pickup and periodic distribution of finished compost. Additionally, three Sun Prairie schools will be selected to pilot this program throughout the 2025-2026 school year.
Schools selected to participate will have the opportunity to implement lunchroom food waste diversion practices such as lunchroom composting options, food waste reduction competitions, compost for school gardens, tours of the Green Box composting facility and much more. Beyond participating households and schools, this pilot will create an impact that ripples across the community.
Based on community data, this project is anticipated to reach 12,000 community members while diverting 65,000 pounds of food from the landfill and producing 43,000 pounds of compost. The projected impact is expected to create a 27 metric ton reduction of carbon dioxide equivalent greenhouse gas emissions.
Community members can get involved by sorting waste at community events with composting receptacles, attending future educational events and signing up to participate in the residential pilot at www.withgreenbox.com/residential.
For more information about the program, please visit: www.cityofsunprairie.com/CompostPilot
Interview with Dr. Rose Daily, Sustainability and Resilience Manager.
Sun Prairie Neighborhood Selected for Underrepresented Communities Historical Markers Program
The Vandenburg Heights/Capehart Neighborhood has been selected as one of the top six sites for the Underrepresented Communities Historical Markers program.
The program, initiated by the Dane County Board of Supervisors, provides opportunities to highlight the diversity of peoples and their cultures throughout the county.
Under the federal Capehart Act, construction was initiated on 280 housing units in the Vandenburg Heights neighborhood of Sun Prairie. These specific units were reserved for African American airmen and their families stationed at the Truax Field, who endured housing discrimination due to restrictive subdivision covenants. To recognize this, a historical marker will be installed in the neighborhood to inform visitors and residents about the location's history.
For more detail about the program process and neighborhood's history, check out the interview below!
Interview with Becky Binz, Housing & Equitable Development Planner; Ria Hull, Planner; Sunshine Anderson, Museum Programming & Design Coordinator
Bicycling in Sun Prairie
2025 has some great opportunities for bicycling in Sun Prairie! With fun events, new paths, and improved bike lanes, riders will have a variety of ways to explore Sun Prairie!
Upcoming Events
Bike to the Market - May 17
Be sure to mark your calendar for Bike to the Market on Saturday, May 17! Take advantage of this opportunity to practice sustainable ridership by riding your bike to the Sun Prairie Farmers' Market between the hours of 7 a.m. to 12 p.m. in Downtown Sun Prairie. Sun Prairie Moves will be generously providing extra bike racks for this occasion.
The Wisconsin Bike Fed will be on site to provide balance bikes for young children along with Metro Transit to feature one of its buses and teach attendees how to appropriately load their bike onto the bus. City staff will be present at the event to engage with community members regarding local bus service and to share tips for walking and biking safely around the city.
Walk, Bike, or Ride to the Farmers' Market
Planning on commuting to the Farmers' Market in a more sustainable way? If so, now you can enter into a giveaway for doing so! Attendees who walk, bike, or ride the bus to the Farmers' Market will be entered into a monthly giveaway to win $5 in market bucks. It is required to register at the market.
Madison Bike Week Events - June 1 - 8
Mark your calendars for Madison Bike Week 2025 and all of the activities taking place around the area to promote bike ridership. Click here for the full schedule.
Bikes & Brews Pop-Up Biergarten – June 18, 5-8 PM
Plan on heading over to Liberty Park for an exciting evening the Bike & Brews pop-up biergarten! Enjoy the bike-friendly atmosphere with cold beverages.
Infrastructure Improvements
New Shared Use Paths
- Saint Albert the Great Drive (from CTH C to Dynes Way) – Set to be completed in early summer.
- N Bird Street (from Stonehaven to Heyday Development) – Completion date to be announced.
- N Bird Street (from USH 151 to Windsor Street) – Completion date to be announced.
- Tancho Drive Path (from Northeast Regional Park) – Completion date to be announced.
- Business Park Paths (Columbus Street and Wilburn Drive) – Paths are expected to be resurfaced this year.
- Recreational Loop – New wayfinding signs will be installed to help with navigation!
New Bike Lanes
- Saint Albert the Great Drive (from Dolan Drive to Broadway Drive)
- Linnerud Drive (from Bird Street to Walker Way)
Interview with David Salmon, Transportation Coordinator
Solar Tree Youth Design Contest
Solar Trees
In 2025/2026, the City of Sun Prairie Family Aquatic Center (FAC) will undergo a major renovation to improve facility energy usage, remodel the bathhouse, and increase its offerings. Unique trees that produce solar energy will be installed on the pool deck as part of the renovation project. These 25' clean energy trees will provide over 700 sq ft of shade to pool users and serve as Sun Prairie's first public-facing solar PV system. Each solar tree will be outfitted with colorful LED lights for night swims, outlets for charging phones and laptops, and a QR code linking to real-time solar energy production. The solar trees are expected to offset 35% of the FAC's annual energy usage. During the off-season, the clean energy produced by the trees will be sold back to the grid.
Design Program
To celebrate the connection between art and science, local youth will be invited to participate in an art competition to design custom graphic wraps for the solar trees. Sponsors who provide $10,000+ will be invited to serve on the judging panel for the graphic wrap design competition.
Submissions will be accepted from May 1st-September 30th, 2025. Three winning designs will be selected by vote to be printed on the trunks of the new solar trees!
For more information, please visit: https://cityofsunprairie.com/2009/Solar-Tree-Youth-Design-Contest
Interview with Hannah Best, Sustainability Program Coordinator
Administration
Options Assessment
During a Special Committee of the Whole meeting on April 22, the Sun Prairie City Council reviewed an options assessment report detailing the need for additional funding to maintain services and continue investing in service improvements. The report also identifies potential options for raising additional funds, including through a referendum to increase the property tax levy.
No decisions have been made about whether the city will pursue a referendum. The community will play a significant role in defining the city’s path forward, which is likely to be determined in late 2025 or early 2026.
In the months ahead, the City will continue engaging the community. In September, all households in Sun Prairie will receive a survey to gather input on preferred investments and approaches to funding local services.
To watch a recording of the meeting, please click here.
Learn more about what’s ahead and how we’re planning for Sun Prairie’s future by clicking here.
THANK YOU!
We want to thank Team Anjani for recognizing the City as a partner during their volunteer appreciation event!
Team Anjani is heavily involved throughout Sun Prairie and pursues many volunteer opportunities to serve the community. Annually, the group assist staff and other volunteers with the cleanup of the Multicultural Fair.
We are grateful for your commitment to service and value of the community!
Save the Date for the Sun Prairie Sustainability Fair!
Mark your calendars for the City of Sun Prairie's first annual Sustainability Fair on Saturday, August 2nd, 2025 from 10am-4pm at Wetmore Park!
This carbon neutral event will feature:
- An Electric Vehicle Showcase
- Food Trucks & Live Music
- Unveiling of the Wetmore Park Mural (painted by community members during Earth Month!)
- Hands-on Activities and Demos & Prizes!
Stay tuned for sponsor, vendor & exhibitor details to come!
Clerk's Office
Welcome to Sun Prairie City Council!
We are excited to highlight new and returning faces on the Sun Prairie City Council!
To watch a recording of the ceremonial oath of office captured by the Sun Prairie Media Center, please click go to: https://www.sunprairiemediacenter.com/ksun-on-demand/
New Elected Officials
On Tuesday, April 15, the following individuals were sworn in to serve on City Council:
- Steve Stocker was elected to serve as Mayor
- Casey Drengler was elected to serve as Alderperson for District 1
- Bill Baker was elected to serve as Alderperson for District 2
- Emily Comstock was elected to serve as Alderperson for District 4
- Mike Jacobs was re-elected to serve as Alderperson for District 3
Vacant Seat
The City of Sun Prairie Common Council is soliciting applications for appointment to fill a vacancy, representing residents located in the 1st District, Wards 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7. The appointment will be for the time period from appointment until the next scheduled spring election. It is expected that the individual appointed will seek candidacy for the elected office being held in a spring election on April 7, 2026. The successful candidate elected will complete the term ending April 20, 2026.
To seek appointment, please complete the “Letter of Intent to Serve on Common Council” available online at www.cityofsunprairie.com/CandidateInformation or from the City Clerk and submit to the City Clerk by no later than 12 p.m. on Wednesday, April 30, 2025.
Thank You!
Thank you to all community members who attended this council meeting to show their support for the newly elected and re-elected officials.
We want to express our gratitude for the attendance of Governor Tony Evers and First Lady Kathy Evers, @State Representative Andrew Hysell, and @Wisconsin State Senator Melissa Ratcliff!
Public Safety
Give Us Your Feedback!
In 2024, the City of Sun Prairie Fire and EMS Department began the accreditation process through the Center for Public Safety Excellence (CPSE). This process yields significant benefits to a department and the community it serves by identifying areas of strength and weakness, providing greater community alignment, and utilizing data to make informed decisions.
As part of this effort, the City’s Fire and EMS Department would appreciate your feedback in identifying areas of strength, while also pursuing opportunities for growth. This online survey provides an opportunity for you to share your perception of the department and its services with the goal of improvement.
Please take a few minutes to answer the following questions. Your answers will remain anonymous and will support the continuous improvement of the department.
Take the survey here: https://form.jotform.com/251064129223044
To learn more about Sun Prairie's Fire & EMS Department, please visit:
Fire - https://www.cityofsunprairie.com/331/Fire
Sun Prairie Fire & EMS - Fire Division
Welcome, Kevin Warych!
The City of Sun Prairie is excited to announce that Kevin Warych has been selected by the Police and Fire Commission (PFC) to serve as the next chief of police. He will be stepping into this new role with over 20 years of progressively responsible experience in law enforcement and strong leadership capabilities.
Warych currently serves as the operations commander for the Green Bay Police Department and has held the position since 2018. In this role, he is responsible for the supervision and coordination of patrol operations, which included leading 100 officers on all five patrol shifts and oversight of the department’s $32 million operating budget.
From 2015 to 2018, Warych served as the community policing captain where he led a team of officers and lieutenants to implement community policing strategies for a total of 42 neighborhoods throughout Green Bay. This effort centered on establishing relationships with community members of various backgrounds through initiatives such as Amigos en Azul, Coffee with a Cop, Badges Giving Baskets and more. Warych has also held leadership roles in professional standards and served as the department’s chief of staff.
“I’m truly honored and grateful to be selected as the next chief of police for the Sun Prairie Police Department,” said Warych. “I want to sincerely thank the Police and Fire Commission for their trust in me, and I’m incredibly appreciative of the warm welcome my wife Melissa, our three children, and I have received from city staff.”
In addition to his professional experience, Warych’s educational background positions him as strong leader to handle the complex challenges of leading a police department. In 2006, he earned his Master of Business Administration in Organizational Leadership and Quality from Marion College. He also holds a Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice with a minor in Spanish from the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh. He has completed significant supervisory training programs, such as Leadership in Police Organizations (LPO) from the International Association of Chiefs of Police and the Senior Management Institute for Police from the Police Executive Research Forum.
As police chief, Warych will lead the department’s strategic direction in line with its mission, vision and values while ensuring department goals and objective are accomplished. He will also be responsible for planning, overseeing and administering the department’s budget
"We are excited to become part of the SNPD family and this vibrant, growing community,” said Warych. “As your new chief, I’m deeply committed to community policing and to building strong, meaningful relationships.”
Warych will begin his time with the City on May 12. He was selected after three rounds of interviews, which included a comprehensive two-day assessment center, a community forum, and final interview with the Police and Fire Commission.
“The Police and Fire Commission is excited about Warych and the talent he will bring to the Sun Prairie Police Department,” stated Commissioner Scott Faust. “We look forward to working with him and are confident he was the right choice to lead our law enforcement professionals.”
“Commander Warych is clearly passionate about serving Sun Prairie and demonstrates a strong capability to solve problems in our community while creating a culture that will retain our talented law enforcement professionals.”
A ceremony to swear in the new police chief is scheduled for May 12. The City invites community members to attend this event to welcome the new chief into his role. Further details about the event will be shared closer to the ceremony.
Public Services
Electronic Recycling - E-CYCLE WISCONSIN
New in 2025 – the City will take electronic waste items for recycling. Disposal requires the items to be dropped off at the Recycle Center (1798 South Bird Street) – See hours of operation below. You must have a permit/sticker to use the facility. There is no charge for this service.
Spring/Summer Hours*
Following the last Saturday in March through the third Saturday in October
Monday, Wednesday, Friday: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Saturday: 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Fall Hours*
Following the third Saturday in October through the first Saturday in December
Monday, Wednesday, Friday: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Saturday: 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Winter Hours*
Following the first Saturday in December through the last Saturday in March
Monday: 3 to 5 p.m.
Saturday: 9 a.m. to Noon
*Holiday Closures
Please note: The Recycle Center observes the same holiday closures as other city facilities. Click here to see a list of all holiday closures.
Electronics eligible under E-Cycle WI
- Cellphones, other phones with a video display, and battery-operated phone accessories
- Computers (desktop, laptop, and netbook computers)
- Desktop printers, 3D printers, and fax machines
- Computer monitors
- Other computer accessories (e.g., keyboards, mice, speakers, external hard drives)
- Tablets and e-readers
- TVs
- DVD players, VCRs, and other video players
- Other TV/monitor accessories
- Video game consoles
- Battery-operated video game components and portable handheld gaming devices
Sun Prairie Historical Library & Museum
Sun Prairie Historical Library and 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:
Summer Historical Speaker Series
The Sun Prairie Historical Library & Museum invites you to three public talks free to the public by experts in their fields.
- Saturday, June 14th at 10:00am “Georgia O’Keeffe’s Final Paintings” by Dr. Ann Daly (Virtual)
- Thursday, July 10th at 6:00pm “The 1924 Presidential Election” by Dr. Mike Jacobs (In-Person)
- Friday, August 22nd at 6:00pm “Sun Prairie Scandals” by Museum Staff & Volunteers (In-Person)
All talks are free to the public and require advanced registration due to limited seating. Please reserve your seat(s) at: https://form.jotform.com/SPPRF/sphlm2025speakers
Arbor Day Seedling Giveaway Wrap-Up
The 2025 Arbor Day Seedling Giveaway event was a huge success with over 160 individuals taking home 300 seedlings! Thank you to everyone who planted a tree or shrub this year to support Sun Prairie’s sustainable future. The event was presented by the City’s Museum and Forestry Divisions with generous grant funds from the National Wildlife Federation.
Sun Prairie Public Library
Starting June 9 the library will begin the next phase of our Expansion and Renovation Project. The library will close June 9* and reopen on Tuesday, June 24* to allow for moving of collections and workspaces. Phase 2 will be June 9 – November 2025, and many familiar areas of the library will be inaccessible.
- Materials can not be returned to SPPL June 9-23.
- No items will be due June 9-23.
- The last day to pick up holds before we are closed is June 8.
- We recommend suspending holds or selecting a different library to pick them up at while we are closed.
Additionally, our Conference Room, Community Room, and Discussion Rooms will close starting May 19, until project completion, Spring 2026. The Read Before Book Store will close May 25, subject to inventory availability. The drive-thru book drops will close June 9, until November 2025. Starting June 24, patrons will return items inside the library, to temporary bins.
We thank you for your patience and understanding during this time. Please visit our website for further information: https://www.sunprairiepubliclibrary.org/phase-2-library-expansion-and-renovation-project
We hope you are excited about our expansion as we are! When we reopen on June 24* you'll be able to see the fish, the new youth area, and more!
*Please note, dates are subject to change.
Adult Services
Thursday, May 1 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.
Tuesday, May 6 6-7 p.m., Conference Room
Confused about Medicare? Retirement specialist Jake Zimmermann can help! In this free, educational program, Mr. Zimmermann will discuss the different parts of Medicare (A, B, C and D) and how people can pay for health care after retirement. He will also cover:
• Making the most of your rights, options and entitlements
• How and when to enroll in Medicare
• What Medicare does and doesn't cover
• Medicare Advantage and Medicare Supplement insurance
• And much more!
To reserve a spot for this program, please register using the form on our events calendar at www.sunlib.org, or call 608-999-1000 to RSVP by phone.
Estate Planning: What, Why, and How with Hebl & Hebl, LLP
Wednesday, May 14 5:30-7 p.m., Community Room
Learn the key aspects of estate planning from experienced, local attorneys!
Thomas Lee Hebl, Gary Alan Hebl, and Avery Renk of Hebl & Hebl, LLP, will discuss crucial aspects of Estate Planning including Wills, Trusts, Financial and Health Care Powers of Attorney, and how to avoid probate. This program is rescheduled from Tuesday, April 29.
Library Closed Monday, May 26 for Memorial Day
The library will be closed Monday, May 26 for Memorial Day. The drive-thru book drops will remain open.
Sun Prairie Utilities
Mental Health Awareness LED Lightbulbs
Sun Prairie Utilities (SPU) is partnering with the Sun Prairie Wellness Coalition to bring attention to Mental Health Awareness Month this May by providing free green LED light bulbs so residents can place them where someone can see them from the street. Shine a green light on mental health and show your support! You can also enter to win a prize by sharing a photo of your green light bulb on social media with the hashtag #stigmafreesp Light bulbs can be picked up at our office during open hours in April and May, while supplies last. Make sure to pick one up before they’re gone!
Stigma Free SP is a campaign held during Mental Health Awareness Month, hosted by the Sun Prairie Wellness Coalition, that encourages residents to begin conversations about mental health, create safe spaces for those that are struggling, and provide support to one another as we remember that mental wellness is important for a healthy, thriving community. Through a series of educational messages, public events, and training opportunities, Stigma Free SP will challenge residents, local businesses, and organizations to open conversation about mental health in our community. Our goal is to normalize the conversation and raise awareness surrounding mental wellness.
Earth Day Cleanup Shout Out
We want to give a special thanks to the Sun Prairie Parks Friends for organizing a community-wide cleanup that included 150 volunteers across Sun Prairie's 45 parks! Thank you to all who showed up to support this effort.
May is Mental Health Awareness Month!
The Sun Prairie Wellness Coalition has a variety of events and activities planned for May to recognize Mental Health Awareness Month! Check them out below!
Sun Prairie Pride Fest
Sun Prairie's PrideFest will be taking place on Saturday, June 28 at Sun Prairie West High School, located at 2850 Ironwood Drive. The event schedule and map will be available soon. Parking is available for all guests in the main student parking lot at West High School. If interested in volunteering, please contact Leticia at leticia@sunshineplace.org. For information about having a table at our Resource Fair, contact Sunshine at sunshinec.anderson@gmail.com. More details will be shared as the event approaches!
To learn more, please visit: https://www.sunprairiepridefest.com/home
Sun Prairie Juneteenth Celebration
The Sun Prairie Juneteenth Planning Committee is excited to announce that the annual Juneteenth Celebration will be held on Wednesday, June 19 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Wetmore Park. This event is centered on celebrating the emancipation of the last enslaved Black and African American people in Galveston, Texas on June 19, 1865. This celebration will include a variety of family-friendly activities, performances, cultural vendors, and a free community meal.
The planning team continues to seek sponsorship for this event. Businesses and organizations interested in becoming sponsors are encouraged to reach out to Latoya Holiday at latoya.holiday@gmail.com
Organizations represented on the planning team include Sun Prairie Community Schools, Boys & Girls Club of Dane County, Sun Prairie Neighborhood Navigators, Sun Prairie Area School District, African American Parent Network, and the City of Sun Prairie.
Follow us on Facebook and LinkedIn to stay on top of the latest news about job postings, community events, special announcements and much more!