Mayor’s Column March 18th, 2023
Rohn Bishop, Mayor of Waupun
Hello Waupun!
For this week’s column I want to take several quick hits on a bunch on things going on around Waupun. So, buckle up and here we go….
Spring yard clean up dates have been set for April 10th to May 1st. Get your yard waste to the curb (not in the street) and we’ll haul it away for you!
Get those mattresses ready!! Bulk pickup is right around the corner: April 3rd-5th.
I’m hosting a budget listening session on Wednesday, March 29th at 5:00 at city hall. This is our chance to talk with Senator Dan Feyen and Rep. Michael Schraa about the budget issues facing Waupun.
At the March Common Council meeting we had the privilege of honoring Roland Yohn on his retirement from the Waupun Fire Department after 37 years of service! Thank you, Rollie, for all your years serving the good people of Waupun. You never knew when the pager might go off, yet you were always there to help others in their time of need, and as a community we appreciate your service!
The Waupun Historical Society opened their new exhibit “A Bronze Age: The Life & Legacy of Clarence Shaler.” I encourage you to stop in and check it out! Zac, Kyle, Steve, and the gang have done an awesome job of cleaning up the museum, cataloging all the items, and putting together exhibits that tell our story, the story of Waupun!
Speaking of Mr. Shaler and the sculptures, I’m getting really excited for the Centennial Rededication for the Recording Angel, on October 7 at 10am. Former Mayor Kyle Clark, and Sue Hafemeyer from Waupun Fine Arts are doing a great job putting together an awesome event to celebrate the 100th anniversary of Waupun’s first sculpture. I think it’s super cool that the Waupun Historical Society, Fine Arts, Office of the Mayor, Waupun School District, Central Wisconsin Christian, the Community Players, and the City of Waupun, are all coming together to celebrate this milestone.
While each sculpture is unique and tells a different story, all the sculptures together tell the story of Mr. Shaler, and his remarkable gifts to our community. It’s important that we not forget his legacy or take it for granted. Thanks to Mr. Shaler, we are “Wisconsin’s Sculpture City” and I think we should be dang proud of it!
Waupun Fine Arts has released the schedule for this July’s Concerts in the Park. July 6 is the “Del Rays,” July 13 the Beaver Dam Community Band, July 20 “The Characters” and July 27, what appears to be the local favorite, “Acoustic Grove”. These concerts are an amazing way to enjoy a beautiful Thursday night in Waupun. With food, drinks, good music, and friends. I hope to see you there.
County Executive Sam Kaufman and I are putting together a walk through the county park, as the county is preparing to invest into the park. A beautiful park located on the river; the park is in need of a face lift. I’m thankful to Executive Kaufman, along with County Board Supervisors Mike Beer and Jon Venhuizen for committing to making the park great again!
As Mayor, I receive dozens of messages a day. From texts, calls, private messenger, to emails; some days I get as many as 20+. I tell you this because I know every once in a while, I’m slow to responding. I promise it’s nothing personal, and I do take your concern seriously, but I’m just one guy doing a part time job the best I can. I encourage you to always copy in your alderman, too. That way if I do miss it, someone else will see it.
Saturday March 25 is the annual Team Trivia Challenge in support of the Waupun Booster Club. With a homemade buffet style dinner, refreshments, desserts, basket raffle, and a 50/50, it’s a blast and a great way to support Waupun athletics! For more information, please contact the super awesome Marla Stilwill at mstilwill@waupun.k12.wi.us.
Is your daughter interested in playing softball? Registration is now open until March 31st. You can resister at www.waupunsoftball.com or text Jason Westphal. He’s friendly, I promise!
City hall will be closed on April 7th in honor of the Good Friday holiday.
Thank you and God Bless,
Mayor Rohn
