New Fennimore Website Launched
The Fennimore website has been upgraded with new photos and information and went live on December 8, 2015….just a little more than 20 years after the initial website was created.
Fennimore’s first website launched in October of 1995 thanks to John Wells, owner of WebWise Design and Marketing. John came into the Promotions Coordinator’s office offering to set up a website for Fennimore. John explained websites were the latest and greatest promotional tool out there….he was correct! Long story short Fennimore had a city website before Madison and many other communities much larger than Fennimore.
Several months ago the City of Fennimore/Fennimore Utilities, Fennimore Area Chamber of Commerce, and Fennimore Industrial and Economic Development Corporation hired WebWise Design and Marketing to do a major upgrade to the site in honor of the 20th Anniversary, there have also been other upgrades done throughout the years.
So take a look at www.fennimore.com. Fennimore residents will find the City municipal code and city ordinances, zoning codes and permits. City Council information and council meeting minutes are available. The Fennimore Police information is also located under City Government button.
The homepage has a listing of Upcoming events and meetings. The business directory has a whole new look and includes additional information about the businesses along with links to the business website. The business directory, calendar of events and other pages continue to be a work in progress so if businesses want additional information added to their pages please contact me.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank all of the staff at WebWise Design for all of their hard work and attention to detail on this project. This website is something we should all be proud of and, unlike print advertisements, new updates and changes can be made on a regular basis.
Santa Visits Fire Station Dec 19
The Fennimore Fire Department has received word that Santa will visit the Fennimore Fire Department this Saturday, Dec 19 between the hours of 10 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. Fennimore area youth and family members are asked to bring along their letters to Santa.
Shop Local – Help Support Jobs in Fennimore!
Thanks to everyone who supported local businesses Black Friday and Small Business Saturday as well as throughout the year. Money spent locally helps our community thrive. Businesses reported business was good through the entire weekend. Many of the craft show vendors reported this was the best craft show they exhibited at for the year!
Congratulations to the following winners from entries collected from 27 business locations during Fennimore Area Chamber of Commerce Small Business Saturday promotion. I’ve heard from many shoppers who participated in the extended “Small Business Saturday” promotion that were amazed at the variety of merchandise available right here in Fennimore.
All prizes are paid in Fennimore Bucks which may be used the same as cash at over 100 chamber member business locations. Grand prize winner of $300 Brian Mahr from Fennimore. Twenty $50 winners include: Pat Payson, Sue Chapman, Ingeborg Froiland, Dennis Govier, Diane Alm, Robin Rosemeyer, Kristy Wiest, Cindy Arndt, Roger Strack, Arlene Mulrooney, Sherry Swim, Pat Heberlein, Cindy Krantz, Laura Kirschbaum, Lenora Heilmann all of Fennimore. Along with $50 to Barb Reuter of Lancaster, Janice Withrow and Annie Fiedler both of Platteville, Joanne Gunderson of Boscobel and Angel Wagner of Buffalo, MN.
The prize money was made possible by the generous sponsors – Corporate Sponsors American Bank, Fennimore Times/Reminder, Fennimore Good Samaritan Society, Goodman Gutters, Gundersen Boscobel Area Hospital and Clinics, Immuno-Dynamics and Wood Law Firm, LLC. Gold sponsors Nelson Properties, Brechler-Lendosky Insurance, Hall Automotive, Kwik Trip and Clare Bank. Silver sponsors Barb Romberg Photography, Fennimore Utilities and Midwest Builders, Inc.
The Fennimore Area Chamber of Commerce continues to encourage shoppers to “Shop Local” and support area businesses during this time of holiday shopping and holiday celebrations. Just think, by shopping local you are helping to create jobs right here in our community!
Buy Fennimore Bucks for Holiday Gifts
Other shoppers have chosen to purchase Fennimore bucks and let the recipients choose what they would like to buy with their Fennimore bucks. In fact, it has been a great year for Fennimore bucks sales with sales nearing $30,000. That is money that continues to circulate in our community.
So if you still can’t decide on that perfect gift for a friend, relative, teacher, paper carrier or service provider may I suggest Fennimore bucks. Fennimore bucks may be spent the same as cash at more than 100 chamber members businesses. Fennimore bucks make a quick and easy gift while also supporting Fennimore Chamber members businesses. Fennimore Bucks are available starting at $5 and up; there is no processing fee added which are added to many of the gift cards. Fennimore Bucks order forms are available online or paper forms are available just outside of my office in the Fennimore Memorial building. Send or call in your order in advance and the bucks will be ready for you to pick up at the Promotions Coordinator’s office.
If it is more convenient, send a stamped self-addressed envelope and they will be sent to you. If you want Fennimore Bucks prior to Christmas, please order by noon on December 21, the office will be closed Dec 24 and 25. Anyone in need of Fennimore bucks between Christmas and Jan 4 are encouraged to order them early.
Fennimore Warm Holiday Welcome
The City of Fennimore is all decked out showing our pride and Christmas spirit this holiday season. Many City residents and businesses have decorated their properties along with the lovely street light decorations on Main Street installed by the City Utility crew to the beautiful Unity Tree adorning the grounds of Dwight Parker Library. Thanks to the efforts of everyone the City of Fennimore is like a Norman Rockwell painting.
The holiday season was kicked off on Dec 1 with the Unity Tree ceremony where city folks and country folks gathered to light the Annual Unity Tree. Following the lighting ceremony, refreshments and entertainment was held at the Fennimore Memorial building. We thank Cindy Arndt and her faithful crew for stepping forward to continue this community event. All proceeds from the Unity Tree are targeted to benefit the Dwight Parker Library for items not covered in the City budget.
Southwest Tech Gears Up For 2016 Semester
“An education from Southwest Tech can change your life. Attend Fast Track to get started,” encourages Southwest Tech President Jason Wood.
Southwest Tech classes begin on January 11. The College is offering a Fast Track Day January 6 for interested individuals to complete the entire admissions process in one day. Staff will help interested students complete an application, complete the assessment test, meet with advisers, and register for classes. College student ambassadors will also be available for tours.
Those planning to take advantage of the Fast Track Day must register at www.swtc.edu/fasttrack. Individuals are encouraged to bring any high school and college transcripts, along with questions about the FAFSA with them Jan 6.
GED Jump Start
Southwest Tech will be offering a week-long GED jump start on the Fennimore campus to individuals who need a quick, but intensive review prior to taking their GED tests. This class will include instruction and GED practice testing in each of the four required areas: Reasoning through Language Arts, Mathematical Reasoning, Social Studies, and Science.
The GED orientation and the 2016 GED Jump Start classes are free to Wisconsin residents who are at least 18½ years old or have proof that the class they entered 9th grade with has graduated. The 2016 Southwest Tech GED Jump Start is scheduled for January 11-14 from 8:30 am – 3:30 pm.
Southwest Tech agrees with the GED Testing Service that adult education has the power to transform the national economy and local family budgets. According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, the unemployment rate in 2013 for high school dropouts was 11%. That’s why we’re working together to bring innovative technologies and ideas to adult education to empower a generation of educated and employed adults.
To get started, contact the Basic Education Department at 608-822-2649 or ged@swtc.edu or contact Diane Bartels at 608-822-2632 to reserve a spot. Space is limited so call early.
Are You Interested in Serving Your Community?
Are you interested in serving in a leadership role for our community? If so, the nomination papers for the spring elections are due no later than 5 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan 5. In order to register as a candidate for the upcoming spring election stop by the Clerk’s Office and pick up the nomination papers. To qualify a candidate must have at least 20 signatures. The nomination papers/signatures must then be submitted by the close of the business day on January 5. The term of office is two years.
For additional information, please contact City Clerk, Margaret Sprague, 822-6119. Nomination papers are available at the City Clerk’s office during regular business hours which are Monday through Friday 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Please note the City Clerk’s office will be closed Thursday and Friday Dec 24 and 25, 2015 and Friday, January 1, 2016.
Give the Gift of Life This Holiday Season
Give a meaningful gift this holiday season. Donate blood at the Fennimore Blood drive scheduled for Friday, Dec 18 at the Fennimore Memorial building. The blood drive opens at 11:30 and runs to 5:30 p.m. Bring a friend and help save lives together. For an appointment call 1-800-RED-CROSS, 800-733-2767 or visit www.redcrossblood.org. Walk-ins are welcome.
“Creating a Healthier You” Wellness Fair
The Fennimore Area Chamber of Commerce is partnering with Southwest Tech to hold the “Creating a Healthier You” Wellness Fair on January 20 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on the campus of Southwest Tech.
The wellness fair is planned to showcase and introduce the wide assortment of “Wellness” resources available within the southwest Wisconsin region. As we planned the day’s break out sessions and workshops, committee members felt there are more aspects to wellness than just healthcare including Physical, mental, financial, nutritional and safety. Businesses and organizations interested in participating or serving as a sponsor of the wellness fair are asked to contact Krista Weber at Southwest Tech 608-822-2315 kweber@swtc.edu, or Jessica Helms 608-822-2411 jhelms@swtc.edu Space is limited, the deadline for reservations is Friday, Dec 4.
Southwest Tech students, staff, area residents and families are all encouraged to attend. Admission is free, many of the vendors will offer door prizes. I would also suggest all area businesses to consider using this as a “Wellness” event for your employees to attend. With increasing health insurance premiums, it is helpful to be proactive about wellness and avoid costly sick days.
Indoor Family Sports Activities
O’Cooch Mountain Broadheads archery league begins Dec 28, 29 and 30 open from 6 to 9 p.m. The shooting range is located above Creative Appeal, the building owned and operated by Beth and Rick Nelson. Entrance is on the east side of the building. For additional information contact Dale 608-485-0855 or follow them on Facebook.
Pickle Ball
Looking for a different type of exercise for you, your family and even grandparents? During spring, summer and fall, pickle ball is played at the tennis courts located in Marsden Park (Marsden Park Road). During winter the games move into the Fennimore Memorial building gym with games played from 6 to 8 p.m. Pickle ball is a great game for all ages so bring out the entire family. No experience necessary, equipment is provided. There is no fee to participate. If you have more questions contact Mary at 802-249-2572.
Alternate Side Parking
Just a reminder alternate side parking on all streets is in place through April 1, 2016. Vehicles are required to park on even numbered sides of the street on even numbered days and park on odd numbered sides of the street on odd numbered days. Keep in mind the day starts at midnight. For questions, please contact the Fennimore Police Department 608-822-3215.
Holiday Hours at Promotions Coordinator’s Office
The Promotions Coordinators office will be closed Dec 24 through Friday, January 1. The office will reopen on Monday, Jan 4 for normal hours of 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. I look forward to working with all of community organizations, businesses and residents in 2016.