2020 Elections Update
Wisconsin voters are encouraged to vote in the Partisan Primary scheduled for Tuesday, August 11, 2020. Just a reminder from Debi Heisner, Fennimore City Clerk in regard to voting. If you haven’t requested an absentee ballot but would like to – go to www.myvote.wi.gov and you can request for August and or November. My vote will look a little different as well but they are changes that I think you’ll like. More information is now available as to the status of your ballot, when it’s sent, when it’s rec’d back and etc.
Voting an absentee ballot in person
You may also request and vote an absentee ballot in the clerk’s office or other specified location during the days and hours specified for casting an absentee ballot in person. City of Fennimore, Debi Heisner, City Clerk, Memorial Building, 860 Lincoln Avenue, Fennimore WI.
8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday (except Friday, August 7th – open till 5 p.m.)
The first day to vote an absentee ballot in the clerk’s office is:
Monday, July 27th, 2020
The last day to vote an absentee ballot in the clerk’s office:
Friday August 7th, 2020 @ 5 p.m.
Questions – 608-822-7271 or cityclerk@fennimore.com
No absentee voting may occur on the day before the election.
The municipal clerk will deliver voted ballots returned on or before Election Day to the proper polling place or counting location before the polls close on August 11th, 2020. Any ballots received after the polls close
Partisan Primary – Tuesday, August 11, 2020 and the General Election – Tuesday, November 3, 2020
Southwest Tech To Open In August – Facemasks Required On Campus
The faculty and staff at Southwest Tech are extremely excited to open their doors to students on August 17. Currently, they are sending students weekly updates informing them of any changes to the school year along with details of how to prepare for a successful first semester.
Southwest Tech has developed a list of frequently asked questions (FAQs) to share with students and interested parties it can be found on their website.
Southwest Tech Laptop Program – Southwest Wisconsin Technical College officials are excited to launch a new student laptop program this fall for eligible students. The three academic deans led this project in close collaboration with the college’s ITS department. The college issued a request for proposal recently with support from the Southwest Tech District Board and the Student Senate.
The deans all believe the laptop program will provide Southwest Tech students opportunities to be successful in achieving their academic goals. By giving students access to the technology they need, they will have a standard set of tools to complete their programs, and afford portability and technology required and used in business and industry today.
Progressive thinking and academic excellence make Southwest Tech a leader in technical education and continued academic excellence. “This will be another great resource for our students,” said Dr. Jason Wood, Southwest Tech president. “These laptops will not replace our traditional face-to-face, hands-on, learning model, however, it will enhance the curriculum as our instructors move forward with these new tools that are now more accessible.”
Who is eligible?
While these conversations are still evolving, the plan is to issue laptops to every student that meets these qualifications. Minimum of six credits, program declaration, good standing (no suspension or denial)
Information about the new program can be found at www.swtc.edu/laptop.
| Southwest Wisconsin Technical College is one of 16 institutions that comprise the Wisconsin Technical College System. Southwest Tech offers more than 60 programs in a wide variety of disciplines. Courses are offered on campus, online, and in a blended format. The college provides apprenticeship, certificate, technical diploma, and associate degree programs that respond to district workforce needs and prepare students for family-sustaining jobs and career advancement. |
Fennimore Museums Have Opened for 2020 Season
Both of Fennimore’s museums have opened for the season. Keep in mind both have adjusted their 2020 schedule and are only open four days a week; Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday for the remainder of the season. Both museums will continue to monitor the health and safety practices for their volunteers and visitors. Please note due to the pandemic the schedule could change at a moment’s notice so it’s always best to call ahead.
Fennimore Doll and Toy Museum, 1135 6th Street season schedule will open Friday, Saturday, Sunday, and Monday with hours of operation from 1 to 4 p.m. They plan to close for the season on August 31, 2020 however they will try to accommodate group tours scheduled in advance call Connie 608-822-7920, Mary 608-822-3466, or the museums 608-822-4100. The admission fee is waived for this season; however, donations are appreciated to help cover operating expenses and maintenance of the museum. The Doll and Toy Museum is air-conditioned and handicap-accessible. For additional information call 608-822-4100 – www.dollandtoymuseum.com
Fennimore Historical Railroad Society Museum, 610 Lincoln Avenue. The 2020 schedule is open Friday, Saturday, Sunday, and Monday with hours of operation from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. thru Labor Day. There is no set admission fee to visit the museum. Donations are appreciated and used to help cover operating expenses and maintenance of the museum. Miniature train rides for the youth will be offered on Saturday and Sunday weather permitting (fee). For questions please contact board members at 608-822-3446 or 608-822-6858.
On weekends children will be sure to enjoy riding on the operational 15″ gauge rail with 700 feet of track that sits south of the railroad museum. Miniature train rides are available for a small fee weekends only – weather permitting. Tickets for train rides are $1 each and are available at the museum. Check the Fennimore website for additional information www.fennimore.com/railroad/
Fennimore Community Awards Update
I’ve received several questions with regard to the annual Community Awards. It’s the Chamber’s intention to have the community awards as part of their annual meeting planned for October. Nomination forms are available online www.fennimore.com/chamber we encourage the public to go ahead and nominate someone who has gone over and above to make a difference in Fennimore. We will recognize a citizen of the year, business of the year, family of the year, and organization of the year. A list of those who have been previously honored may be found online.
The deadline for nominations is September 18, 2020.
Please return nomination information to Steve Birkett c/o Birkett Chiropractic, P.O. Box 68, Fennimore. Nominations may also be emailed to sbirkett@tds.net. More details to follow 2020 Committee Member include: Steve Birkett, Steve Lendosky & Sheila Ruchti Past Recipients of Community Awards.
Fennimore is a Focus on Energy Community
FOE would like to share the following things you and your family can do to save energy especially during the hottest days of the year.
- Spend time on the lowest level of your house. Since hot air rises, you’ve probably noticed how much cooler the basement in your home is compared to first and second stories. To save energy and money, turn off your AC or set it to a high temperature and hang out on the lowest level of your house.
- Grill outside. Cooking indoors on the stove or oven produces more heat in your home that you don’t want in the summer. Save on cooling costs by using the grill to cook your meals outside.
- Take cold baths/showers. When it’s hot outside, a colder shower isn’t such a bad thing and often feels great! Reducing the amount of hot water you use for bathing will also save you energy and money.
- Go out during the hottest part of the day. One of the easiest ways to save money is by turning off your AC and leave the house during the day when the temperature is highest, around early afternoon. Head to a local cafe, the library, go for a swim or find another activity that will help you cool off ‒ often for free!
- Wash clothes in cold water. Just like taking a cold shower, washing your clothes in cold water reduces the energy used by your water heater to produce warm water.
- Use ceiling/portable fans. Turn off your AC or set it to a higher temperature and let ceiling fans and/or portable fans cool you down at home. This will save you money on your electric bill and help fend off the summer heat.
Are you in the market for new appliances or planning a remodeling project? Check out Focus on Energy fliers located at the Fennimore Utility office to see If you qualify for incentives.
Pickleball
Looking for a different type of exercise for you, your family, and even grandparents? Mary Benoit, a local Fennimore resident, would like to share her interest in pickleball with area residents. If you like paddle games; pickleball could be just what you are looking for. Even those who are just beginning can learn the fundamentals very quickly. Pickleball is a great social game and way to meet new people of all ages.
Mary will offer the opportunity to play pickleball Monday and Wednesday evenings from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. The game is played on the tennis courts located on the east side of Marsden Park. Again, pickleball is a great game for all ages so bring out the entire family. No experience necessary, equipment will be provided. There is no fee to participate. If you have more questions for Mary or would like to hold pickleball at another day or time contact Mary by her cell phone 802-249-2572.