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CLERKS OFFICE
Election Updates:
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Absentee Ballots Are in the Mail: The City of Ripon Clerk's Office has begun mailing absentee ballots to registered voters for the November 3rd, 2026, election. If you plan to vote by mail, you can request your ballot through the MyVote WI website.
- If you are not registered or your name or address has changed, you will need to register or update your registration before requesting an absentee ballot.
- Ripon Residents: In Person Absentee Voting for the November General Election starts October 20th.This is a great option if you prefer to vote early and in person ahead of Election Day.
- Hours of Operation October 20th - October 30th at Ripon City Hall, 100 E Jackson:
- Tuesday, Oct 20; 7:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
- Wednesday, Oct 21; 7:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
- Thursday, Oct 22; 7:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
- Friday, Oct 23; 7:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
- Monday, Oct 26; 7:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
- Tuesday, Oct 27; 7:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
- Wednesday, Oct 28; 7:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
- Thursday, Oct 29; 7:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
- Friday, Oct 30; 7:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
- What to Bring: A valid photo ID.
- Why Vote Early? It helps avoid lines on Election Day and gives you flexibility with your schedule.
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Learn more on our Voting Information Page.
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Have questions about hours, or ID requirements?
Visit MyVote.wi.gov or contact Ripon City Hall directly for details.
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CITY ADMINISTRATOR - WRPN NEWS UPDATES
Adam Sonntag is the Ripon City Administrator. He discussed the city’s 2026 Energy Plan, a comprehensive rewrite of the City’s zoning code, and a major grant the city is receiving to replace the Pacific Street Bridge.
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| NEW HISTORIC PRESERVATION GRANT PROGRAM - NOW AVAILABLE! | | |
The City of Ripon Historic Preservation Commission is excited to announce the launch of the Ripon Historic Preservation Grant Program to help preserve the unique character and history of our downtown.
Property owners within the Watson Street Historic District may now apply for reimbursement grants of up to $2,500 for eligible historic preservation projects.
Funding is available for projects such as:
- Restoration or replacement of historic archtop windows
- Historic masonry tuckpointing and repairs
- Appropriate chemical cleaning and preservation of historic building materials
Applications are accepted on a rolling basis and will be reviewed in the order they are received, subject to available funding. Projects must receive a Certificate of Appropriateness and comply with the Ripon Historic Downtown Design Manual before work begins. Grants are awarded as reimbursements after project completion.
The Historic Preservation Commission hopes this program encourages continued investment in the preservation of Ripon's historic downtown while helping property owners restore the architectural features that make our community unique.
For more information, program guidelines, and application materials, visit:
www.cityofripon.com/rhpc
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OTHER UPDATES AND REMINDERS
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City Hall Selfie Day was celebrated in August, a chance to recognize the people behind the work we do every day to make the City of Ripon a place we’re proud to call home. Behind every service, project, and community connection are dedicated employees who care about the people and community we serve.
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Payment Service Network: Did you know, you can make your utility payments online? Click here to access the PSN Portal, or call 877-885-7968.
- If you have any specific questions on your utility bill, or planning to move in/move out, you can contact our Utility Clerk at 920-745-4744 during our city hall business hours.
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Building Inspector Hours: Our Building Inspector hours at City Hall are held every Monday from 9:00-11:00am, or by appointment. Contact Building Inspector, Steve Federwisch, at 920-226-1030 or email sfederwisch@msa-ps.com. Learn more here.
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City-Wide Trick-or-Treating: The City of Ripon traditionally celebrates city-wide trick-or-treating on the Sunday before Halloween from 3:00pm – 5:00pm. This year, it will take place on Sunday, October 25th. Enjoy the afternoon, have fun, and most importantly, stay safe!
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City Hall Resumes Regular Business Hours: Monday - Friday 7:30am - 4:00pm
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Upcoming City Office Holiday Closures
- Thanksgiving: November 26th
- Day after Thanksgiving: November 27th
- Christmas Eve: December 24th
- Christmas Day: December 25th
- New Year's Eve: December 31st
- New Year's Day: January 1st
| | Have a question about city services, projects, or how local government works? Submit your questions to asonntag@cityofripon.com and our City Administrator will respond. You ask, we answer! | | |
Q: What is the City’s strategy when applying for grants?
A: The City’s grant strategy starts with identifying our needs and priorities and not simply chasing available grant money. We evaluate streets and infrastructure, parks, facilities, utilities, and major equipment, along with economic development opportunities, private investment, housing and business growth, and other community needs.
From there, we look for funding programs that align with those priorities. An important part of being competitive for grants is also being able to tell the story of the project—why it is needed, what problem it solves, and how it connects to larger community goals. The strongest grant opportunities are generally those where an identified City priority and a funding program naturally fit together.
Since 2020, the City has received and/or managed approximately $11.5 million in outside funding, including several substantial state and federal grants. These awards have allowed us to more aggressively address streets and infrastructure, leverage private investment, and complete projects that otherwise would have fallen more heavily on local financial resources.
Not every grant is the same. For example, the Hamburg/Hennie reconstruction received $1.19 million through CDBG and Safe Drinking Water funding and included federal requirements. The Library Renovation received $2.38 million through the federally funded Flexible Facilities Program and also carried federal requirements. By comparison, Houston Street received $639,185 through LRIP and Selfridge Park received $418,500 through the Stewardship Program, without the same federal requirements.
Grant funding also does not mean that a project immediately becomes substantially more expensive. City construction projects are still competitively bid, regardless of the funding source. Federal programs can add costs through additional engineering, administration, documentation, material sourcing, and other compliance requirements. Some also require prevailing wages, although that does not necessarily result in a major increase when contractors are already paying wages at or near those levels.
That is why we look at the entire picture: the community priority, grant amount, local match, additional requirements, timing, and overall benefit.
Ultimately, our strategy is to identify the need or opportunity first, build the project around our community priorities, and then pursue funding that fits. Grants are a way to leverage local dollars and accomplish more, but the project and community need is what is driving the funding—not the other way around.
Adam Sonntag
City Administrator, City of Ripon
| | PARKS & RECREATION / SENIOR CENTER | |
- July was Parks and Recreation Month
We celebrated by highlighting some of the dedicated members of our Public Works parks crew who help keep Ripon’s parks beautiful, welcoming, and ready for the community to enjoy.
Our parks give us places to gather with family and friends, enjoy the outdoors, stay active, or simply take a little time to slow down and recharge.
Watch our featured videos below to hear each crew member answer one question about Ripon’s parks, along with a special recap from Parks and Recreation Director, Ashton Zeien, on the value and importance of parks in our community!
| | Max, Public Works Park Lead | | Kai, Public Works Summer Seasonal Crew Member | | Jeehoon, Public Works Summer Seasonal Crew Member | | Christine, Senior Center/ Recreation Director | | Steve, Public Works Facilities and Maintenance | | Ashton, Parks and Recreation Director | | |
We installed an updated new slide this September, come check it out!
- 3rd Annual Touch-A-Truck Event
We had a fun-filled day with the community on Saturday, September 12, at our 3rd Annual Touch-A-Truck Event at Barlow Park! From 9:00–11:30 a.m., there was no shortage of activities for kids to explore and enjoy, including vehicle exploration, bottle rocket building, Romper Room reading, digging for gems, and, of course, snow cones and snacks!
A special thank-you to our Parks and Recreation Department for hosting the event in partnership with our Police Department, EMS, and Public Works. We are also grateful to all of our sponsors and volunteers who helped make this event possible.
Thank you to everyone who came out and made it such a great morning for our community!
| | Park Shelter and Bathrooms Reminder | | | |
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Celebrate the season with a spooky twist at Fall Into Fun!
Join us for a fun-filled fall event featuring activities for the whole family, including our Creepy Crawly experience this year.
Registration is required online on the Ripon Rec Desk page. We look forward to seeing you there!
Click here to REGISTER.
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Run Santa Run 5K - COMING SOON..
Lace up your sneakers as the Run Santa Run 5K during Dickens of a Christmas is back on December 5th. Open to runners and walkers of all ages, this fun and festive race invites participants to embrace the holiday spirit by dressing in their favorite seasonal outfits.
The event features a timed 5K course with top finisher and age group prizes. Come enjoy a spirited 5K that’s sure to get you in the holiday mood!
Packet pickup will begin the morning of inside City Hall (100 East Jackson Street) starting at 8:00am.
Holiday Fun Along the Course
- Can you beat the Grinch?? The first 15 people to outrace the Grinch will receive a gift card from a local area business!
- Arrive in your greatest holiday apparel and win best dressed!
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Look out for registration opening soon at ripon.recdesk.com
- Join the Facebook Event Page here.
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SENIOR ACTIVITY CENTER
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It's been a busy summer of activities and connection - The Senior Activity Center continued offering a mix of fitness, social, recreational and educational opportunities for area seniors, including exercise programs, games, social gatherings and community resources.
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Memory Café continued at the Center - The Center hosted monthly Memory Café gatherings in partnership with the Ripon Public Library, providing a welcoming space for seniors and caregivers to connect through games, music, crafts, snacks and conversation. Themes included Stars, Stripes & Smiles in July, State Fair in August, and Apples Galore in September, with Oktoberfest planned for October.
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Community partnerships brought additional programming - The Center served as a gathering place for programs and educational opportunities beyond its regular activities, including wellness, caregiving and resource-focused programming.
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Copper came to visit - Officer Lindsey Michels introduced the Ripon Police Department’s new Therapy Dog Program and Copper at the Senior Activity Center, giving attendees an opportunity to learn about the program, Copper’s training and how therapy dogs can support the community.
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The Center continues to be a place to gather - Beyond scheduled programs, the Center remains an important community hub where seniors can stay active, meet others, participate in activities and connect with local services and resources.
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UTILITIES
- Ongoing Water Service Line Inventory Project
Reminder: We still need your help! Our goal is to complete a full Service Line Inventory to keep our community safe and informed. Watch these videos to understand how you can help.
Options how to report your service line:
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Annual Kindergarten Class Tour
Each year, the Ripon Police Department, City of Ripon Guardian Ambulance, and Ripon Area Fire District proudly host tours for incoming kindergarten classes.
These visits give students the opportunity to meet our first responders, explore their roles, and learn more about the important work they do to help keep our community safe.
Officer Michels and Copper, Officer Volz, and Sgt. Tipton enjoyed meeting some of our future kindergarteners and sharing a little about what they do.
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Cops at Culver’s Day
The City of Ripon Police Department (in partnership with Green Lake County Sheriff's Office and Ripon Guardian Ambulance) continues to support of Police Lights of Christmas through Cops at Culver’s Day. Special thanks to our officers who participated and for community members who came to support this event!
Missed out? Stay current on events, news and updates by following our City of Ripon - Police Department Facebook Page.
Proceeds from these events support Police Lights of Christmas, helping bring holiday support to local families in need. Ongoing donations are graciously accepted on Police Lights of Christmas website.
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Cops & Bobbers Event
We had an incredible day at Cops & Bobbers on August 29th at Selfridge Park!
This hands-on youth fishing event brought kids and local law enforcement officers together for a fun day at the pond. No fishing experience was needed — just curiosity, courage to give it a try, and a willingness to have fun!
This free event was limited to 100 kids and included lunch for registered participants, trophies, and a prize drawing.
A special thank-you to the officers who spent the day fishing and connecting with our young participants, our Parks & Recreation Director for hosting the event, and our generous sponsors, Whitetails Unlimited – Ripon Chapter and Ripon Early Bird Kiwanis, for helping make the day possible.
We’re grateful to everyone who helped create such a memorable day for our community’s kids!
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Have you met Copper yet?
Copper is the Ripon Police Department’s new Police Therapy Dog, assigned to Officer Lindsey Michels to launch the department’s new Therapy Dog Program. The program was made possible through a generous donation from the First We Live Foundation.
The program provides therapeutic support and mental health assistance to area residents, students, and employees, with Copper serving as a trained resource and connection point in our community.
Officer Michels recently introduced Copper and the program at the Senior Activity Center, sharing information about the program’s benefits, Copper’s training and care, and how it will serve the community. The program is supported through grants and donations.
Copper also made an appearance at the Homecoming Parade on October 2! We’re excited to see him out in the community and look forward to the positive impact he’ll make throughout Ripon.
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Welcome Officer Brandl!
Please join us in welcoming our newest officer, Noah Brandl, #567, who was sworn on July 6th.
Officer Brandl has recent experience with the Horicon Police Department and the Winneconne Police Department. Welcome to the City of Ripon, Officer Brandl!
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Cadet Program
The Police Department is starting a Public Safety Cadets program! The Cadets are motivated & responsible students ages 14-20. The Cadets train with law enforcement officers, attend conferences/competitions, ride along with officers on patrol, and learn the skills needed to be a police officer. Build that resume early. Interested students can contact Officer Shew at (920) 748-2888 or brandon.shew@riponpolice.com.
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RIPON PUBLIC LIBRARY
Check out our website to stay current on what's happening and discover ways you can get involved!
Did you know the library has a newsletter? Sign up here.
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Are you looking for a way to get more involved in what’s happening around the City? We have several committees that offer opportunities to serve and make an impact when openings are available.
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Explore our city departments to learn about current policies and programs, and stay up to date on what’s new in our community.
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| Share this LINK with your neighbors and friends of the community to sign up for our city newsletter to stay connected with what’s happening across the City of Ripon! From city policies and projects to highlights from Police, EMS, Public Works, Parks & Recreation, and the Senior Center, there’s always something new to discover. Learn how city employees serve the community, keep Ripon safe and thriving, and stay connected to local initiatives, events, and ways to get involved. | | Get City Updates in Real Time — Follow Us on Social Media! | | |
Our Mission Statement
The City of Ripon invites businesses, residents, and customers to be a part of our strong community networks. We are proud to provide exceptional community spaces, public safety, municipal services, and community programs to all Riponites.
Our Core Values
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Commitment - We work hard and give our best every day, providing dependable services, safe neighborhoods, and welcoming spaces that help Ripon thrive.
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Accountability - We take ownership of our actions and decisions, acting with honesty, fairness, and transparency to earn the community’s trust.
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Respect - We treat everyone with fairness, care, and professionalism, building trust through every interaction.
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Enrichment - We solve problems, encourage new ideas, and work together to create opportunities that help Ripon grow and thrive.
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