Fennimore American Legion Sponsors Spaghetti Supper
Mark your calendar and make plans to attend the Annual Legion Spaghetti Supper on Thursday, May 11. The all you can eat spaghetti supper will be served in the Legion Annex from 4:30 to 7 p.m. Tickets are available at the door. This is the local Legions main fund raiser of the year; they invite everyone to come out and support them. They will also be selling 3 x 5 flags that night at a cost of just $20.
Reasons to buy American Flag from the American Legion
First, each flag purchased gives financial support to American Legion programs that give help to veterans and military families in need as well as youth programs. Second, save money. Shop and compare the price is right. Third, all materials and manufacturing of these flags are 100% certified made in the U.S.A. The flag quality exceeds government standards.
Volunteers Encouraged
With summer break just a month away I would like to encourage youth to become active in volunteer efforts in the community. Middle-school and High School age youth that are looking to help their community are encouraged to contact my office to see if we can match you up with some community projects. The experience is a great way to help identify the type of work you may be interested in as an adult. Not to mention when applying for scholarships involvement in volunteer work sets you apart from others not involved when scholarships are awarded.
Southwest Tech Celebrates their 50th Anniversary
Southwest Tech is celebrating 50 years of providing education and training opportunities responsive to students, employers, and communities. The goals of the anniversary are to reconnect alumni, show appreciation to those in the district and set the stage for growth as the college moves into the next 50 years.
Upcoming 50th Anniversary events include:
Thursday, May 11 – Ribbon Cutting for new Mobile Welding Lab and Student Housing Duplex. 4:00p.m. in front of Building 1700/ The Ag/Auto Building.
Friday, May 19 – Donor Appreciation and Alumni and Retiree Award Recognition. The inaugural awardees include Ms. Terri Slapek-Fugate, Mr. Kevin Raisbeck and Mr. Jerry Ward along with Ms. Mary Davis, Ms. Carol Needham, and Mr. Lowell Ahrens.
Saturday, May 20 – Southwest Tech Graduation
Thursday, June 8 – Seafood Cooking Class – If you love seafood but aren’t sure how to prepare it, this class is for you. Learn how to make crab cakes, tuna steaks and shrimp cocktails. Cost is $20 Contact Kim at 822.2379 to register.
Congratulations to Southwest Tech
Southwest Tech has recently received word they have once again been ranked #1 two year college in Wisconsin for the second straight year. The ranking methodology used by bestcolleges.com includes:
Academic Quality – 60% of total score
- Full-Time Retention Rate – 20%
- Part-Time Retention Rate-20%
- Graduation+Transfer Rate – 60% Affordability – 40% of Total Score
- Instate Tuition – 50%
- Percent of Students Taking Loans – 50%
Southwest Tech Ribbon Cutting for Welding Lab
Less than a year ago Southwest Tech pulled Economic Development, Chamber professionals and City government to brainstorm and create some strategic plans for the region. One of the ideas was a mobile welding lab that could go from town to town and school to school promoting the welding program at Southwest Tech.
On May 11 at 4 p.m. a ribbon cutting and open house will be held which will give tours of the mobile welding unit and also tours of the recently completed student housing project. The public is invited to come take part of the tours. Those planning to participate are asked to park at the Ag/Auto parking lot.
ATV/UTV Safety Course to be offered by UW-Extension
Anyone who operates an ATV/UTV on public riding areas – e.g. trails, frozen waters, routes, permitted county and/or forest lands – who is at least age 12 years of age and who was born on or after Jan. 1, 1988 must have completed a safety certification course. These ATV/UTV operators must carry their safety certification card and they must display it to law enforcement officers when requested.
Anyone is eligible to take the class and receive a safety education completion certificate. For children under 12 years of age, the certificate does not become valid until the child reaches age 12. Students with special needs must contact the instructor at least two weeks in advance of the course to request special accommodations.
All Wisconsin recreational safety students are required to obtain a Wisconsin DNR Customer ID Number when registering for a safety education class and must provide that number to their instructor. You can obtain a DNR Customer ID Number by calling the DNR customer service from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. at 1-888-936-7463 or visiting http://dnr.wi.gov
The ATV/UTV safety class will be offered at the UW-Platteville Farm, Agriculture Technology Center on Saturday, June 3, 2017 from 8 am to 3pm. Students must attend the entire class and pass the exam to become certified in ATV/UTV operation.
The cost of the course is $10 per student, payable at the door. Registration must be done online at http://dnr.wi.gov/education/outdoorskills/safetyeducation.html by clicking on “Enroll” and searching “ATV” and “Lafayette County”. Space is limited to the first 40 students to register. If you have questions about the ATV/UTV safety course, contact Kory Stalsberg, UW Extension Dairy and Livestock Agent, in Grant County at 608.723.2125, Lafayette County at 608.776.4820, or by email at kory.stalsberg@ces.uwex.edu
Planting Season In Full Swing
Just a reminder Spring planting season is just around the corner so give the farmers a break and be cautious of slow moving vehicles on the highways and back roads.
It’s also time to think about purchasing plants for yards and gardens. There have been some changes the last couple of years at the Fennimore Produce Auction Co-op. Their intention is to operate to serve regional wholesale buyers, including grocery stores, farm markets, roadside stands, and other retail establishments. They have told me to encourage individuals to purchase plants and flowers from local retailers, many of which purchase wholesale from the Produce Auction. I have not received a supply of the 2017 auction flyer.
Fennimore Area Chamber of Commerce member businesses selling plants include: Hillside Greenhouse, Hometown Florist, Hummingbird Garden Green House and World of Variety. Let the planting begin!
Lincoln Avenue Planters
Time is quickly approaching to fill the planters on Lincoln Avenue. The Fennimore Area Chamber of Commerce has purchased the flowers from Humming Bird Greenhouse. Watch for some new plant varieties this season.
Here is a shout out to volunteers to help with planting which will take place in mid-afternoon sometime the week of May 22. If you would like to help with planting. No experience is needed, we encourage all ages to help, many hands will make this task quick and easy. Please contact the Promotions Coordinator’s office 608-822-3599.
Sponsor a Flag on Lincoln Avenue
American Flags on Lincoln Avenue welcome everyone who passes through Fennimore’s Main Street. The public is encouraged to make a $26 donation per flag in honor, memory or recognition of someone. The list of sponsors will be recognized in the Fennimore Times in June and will also be posted at the Fennimore Memorial Building and the Dwight Parker Public Library.
This is a great way to honor a loved one or to say “thanks” to those who served our country. Checks can be made payable to “City of Fennimore” and mailed or dropped off at the City Office. We thank you in advance for your support!
QueenB Radio Accepting Nominations Farm Family of the Year
Each year QueenB Radio recognized a Farm Family of the Year during the Grant County Dairy Breakfast. This year’s dairy breakfast will be held at a farm location on Sunday, June 11. Nominations are due to QueenB Radio by June 1. Nomination forms are available at Jim’s Building Center or www.wglr.com
Grant County Master Gardener Volunteers Plant Sale
The Master Gardeners of Grant County will be holding their annual plant sale at the Grant County Fairgrounds in Lancaster on Saturday, May 13, 8:00 a.m-11:00 a.m. The sale will be held in the Crops Building.
There will be a great selection of healthy perennials, shrubs, grasses, fruits and some vegetable bedding plants. The perennial plants come from local gardens of Master Gardeners and are adapted to our growing climate.
During the sale, there will be a hands-on children’s potting area where kids may plant their own pot of flowers. Coffee and refreshments will be offered and Master Gardener Volunteers will be available to answer any gardening questions.
All proceeds from the sale are used for scholarships given to horticulture students at UW- Platteville. Please stop by the sale Saturday, May 13, and pick up some great plants, get great gardening advice and support your community at the same time!
Fennimore Swimming Lessons Part of Summer School
There has been some changes to swim lessons in the City of Fennimore. The Fennimore School Board and Fennimore City Council have approved the Swimming Pool Use Agreement. This means that swim lessons will be provided through the School District as an optional Summer School class. The classes will be one hour long, four days a week for a period of three weeks. The terms of the agreement are available from the City Clerk’s office.
Registration forms for swim lessons were included in the summer school packet. The packet went home with all students grades 4K-7 this week and in the mailing for incoming 4K. If you have questions regarding summer school, please email Jenna Govier at govier@fennimore.k12.wi.us.
Students will still be expected to be dropped off at the pool for lessons as in years past.
Fennimore Fun Fest June 2 & 3
All registration forms, dates and times of activities are listed on the Fun Fest webpage.
Kickball begins Friday at 6 p.m. on the ball diamonds, those interested in putting a team together should contact Jim Alderson 608-485-2889. Space is limited so sign up your team today.
Those wishing to be part of the car show are encouraged to contact Red Kreyer – the show will be held from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. 608-379-1138. This year’s car show is sponsored by Krantz Auto Party of Fennimore. Cars are then encouraged to enjoy a car cruise of the area before returning to be part of Fun Day parade which begins at 5:30 p.m. The theme is “Flashback to the 80’s”
Businesses and organizations are encouraged to be part of the Fun Fest parade are encouraged to fill out and return the parade registration. This is extremely helpful for the parade announcers.
Following the parade Fennimore Area Foundation will hold an auction to benefit the new Fennimore pool. This will replace the tailgate party/auction generally held in September.
Little Miss & Mister Contest is back for Fun Fest. Contestants must have just finished 4K through 1st grade. To be eligible students must attend Fennimore Elementary or be home schooled with Fennimore address. Students must be available for interviews Saturday morning at 9:30 am. And the Saturday parade. Entries must be postmarked by May 25; only the first 15 entries (male & female) will be accepted. Contact Jessica Peterson 608-778-2625 or Shelly Winkers 608-822-5448.
The Fennimore Area Chamber of Commerce will sponsor a Flea Market on Friday evening June 2 and Saturday, June 3 in conjunction with Fun Fest. The fee to participate is $15 for Friday, $40 for both days or $35 for Saturday only. Vendor space is 12 ft x 20 ft., registration needed no later than May 31 ,2017. Space is limited and is filled on a first come basis. For more information contact Walker at Peoples State Bank or by calling 608-822-3248.
Application forms are available online www.fennimore.com/chamber-of-commerce/promotions/flea-market/. Vendors offering flea market items, antiques/collectibles, handmade craft items and direct sales distributors are all welcome.
Other activities include the Fun Run/Walk and a Kiddie Tractor Pull. Watch for additional Fun Fest information in future columns.
Concert at the Park July 25 – Tickets now on sale!
Several people have called about tickets for the Concert at the Park to be held at the ballpark on Tuesday July 25. Tickets are now on sale. Go to the DoIt4Derek website to order tickets online, read the bios of the bands, and see the complete information. Tickets are also available at Brechler-Lendosky Insurance office and several other locations in Fennimore.
