Mayor’s Column October 10, 2026
Rohn Bishop, Mayor of Waupun
Hello Waupun,
Moving through October, it seems to get busier now through the holiday season. Some upcoming October activities include the 11th Annual Forest Mound Cemetery Walk hosted by the Waupun Historical Society on Saturday, October 24, from 4:30 to 7 pm. The Discover Waupun downtown Hallowine Walk on October 30 from 5:00 to 8:00. And because Halloween landed on a Saturday this year, Trick or Treating will take place on Saturday, October 31, from 4:00 to 6:00.
Starting Monday, October 12, Waupun Utilities will begin their annual hydrant flushing program throughout the community. Flushing is expected to take 2–3 days, between 7:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. This routine maintenance helps remove sediment and stagnant water from the water main system while ensuring our fire hydrants and water mains are operating properly. During flushing, you may notice yellow, brown, or cloudy water. If this happens, simply run your cold water for a few minutes until it clears. We also recommend holding off on the laundry until your water returns to normal. If you have any questions, please contact Waupun Utilities; Madi and Emily will be happy to assist you!
On Wednesday, I had the privilege of being the guest speaker for the National Honors Society induction ceremony. It was truly an honor to have been asked to participate. I spoke about the challenges of leadership, and why it’s important to not give up. A phrase I often use is complaining is easy, leadership is hard, and it is hard. When you try to improve something, there will always be somebody willing to tell you why it won’t work. When you make decisions, people will criticize them. When you step forward, somebody will question why you did. People will complain. They’ll nitpick. Sometimes they’ll criticize from the sidelines while offering absolutely nothing better themselves.
That’s easy.
Leadership means stepping onto the field anyway. It means keeping your head up, staying true to your convictions, listening when you should listen, admitting when you are wrong, and having the courage to do what you believe is right. And you do not have to wait until you’re older to lead. Nearly 250 years ago, when our country was founded, many of the people helping build a new nation were remarkably young. They were in their twenties and thirties, taking on responsibilities that would shape the future of a country. They didn’t wait for someone to tell them they were old enough to make a difference; they made a difference.
The young people on that stage Wednesday night representing the National Honors Society, represent a bright future for Waupun. They embody the leadership, charter, integrity, and service that are the best in our students. Congratulations to all the new members of Waupun NHS!
Thank you.
Keep calm and Waup-on,
Mayor Rohn
