Mayor’s Column April 3, 2026
Rohn Bishop, Mayor of Waupun
Hello Waupun,
This past Monday we had a roundtable discussion with Republican Gubernatorial Candidate Congressman Tom Tiffany at the Waupun Library about the importance of corrections, especially WCI to Waupun. The discussion included several business leaders, hospital leadership, Representative Mark Born, County Executive Sam Kaufman, me and Administrator Schlieve. We had a very good discussion, and the congressman appreciated the community’s partnerships with the prison, especially Waupun Memorial Hospital. Our hospital is one of only two in Wisconsin with a secure wing, and the state is investing into Waupun with new 4k cameras and of course the new water plant.
Representative Born made an interesting point that they’ve been looking around Wisconsin for a place to build a new prison, and nobody wants it, yet Waupun is different. Waupun embraces being “Prison City” so why build new when Waupun already has the infrastructure, and the community knows what it’s doing. The mayor, police chief, fire chief, and county officials meet regularly and know how to safely run prisons while keeping the community safe. We also stressed our heritage of making Wisconsin’s license plates for over 100 years. I pointed out that I’m aware of a lobbying effort by 3M to make the plates, and that there’s an inside push to move plates elsewhere, but that there’s no reason to.
I’m thankful that the congressman took the time to come to Waupun and learn so much about corrections and its heritage to Waupun. I’ll happily make the same offer to whomever the Democrat nominee for governor will be. I also want to thank the current DOC Secretary Hoy, who has been very responsive. We have each other’s numbers and communicate often and have met a few times. Having a good open line of communication with the state, regardless of political parties, is important for Waupun, and something I’ve worked hard to do.
Speaking of corrections, my monthly listening session was on Tuesday, and my guest was WCI Warden Kenya Mason. It was a great discussion, and she was very engaged and answered several questions. Next week, Congressman Grothman’s DC staff will be visiting Waupun, and we’re meeting with Secretary Hoy, Warden Mason, and touring WCI. His staff is interested in WCI and its historic connection with Waupun.
In other news, the park bathrooms are back open. Let’s hope we have a good year without vandalism.
There was a poop spill in town. A farm vehicle that was overloaded was spilling cow poop as it traveled though the city. Our DPW crew had to power wash it off the streets, and Tuesday’s rains sure helped us clean it up. The farm will be billed for our time to clean it up.
This weekend’s Easter egg hunt has been moved to the ice arena due to weather concerns.
And finally, I want to wish you all a blessed Easter.
Thank you and God Bless,
Mayor Rohn
