Advertise on podcast: What Are We Building? Sun Prairie

The Lord works in mysterious ways, and sometimes God tellsyou to buy a wood chipper.  Drunk customers, training and education, and the beauty of a good night’s sleep - it’s all part of the “cycle of love” for Action Jackson of Jackson’s Yard Care.  We had a great conversation about his health struggles as kid, building a business, and giving back to the community through a workforce development program. Plus, some updates and reflections since launching SunPrairieRising.com.

Weekly recap & updates from Sun Prairie Rising for the week of April 6, 2026

Updates on latest stories, news and opinion pieces about crime, questions for City Council candidates, bakery grand opening and the No Kings rally! Plus, previews of stories coming out this week.

The first official episode of the Sun Prairie Rising podcast! A weekly summary of the past week's news, upcoming articles and general updates about Sun Prairie Rising.

It's the end of an era...and the start of a new one! For the last episode of "What Are We Building?" I welcomed Police Chief Kevin Warych to the show. Chief Warych was an open book, willing to discuss staffing challenges, and the impact of the referendum, as well as issues around immigration enforcement and Flock cameras. I also gave an update on my newest venture, Sun Prairie Rising (and the Sun Prairie Rising podcast), along with updates on new condos, Sonic, and the Derby District. Follow @sunprairierising on Facebook and sunprairierising.com for new episodes, news and info!

You get 2 Alders for the price of 1 on this one.  I spoke to both Casey Drengler from District 1 and Santiago Rosas from District 2 about a number of issues affecting the budget and the upcoming referendum, including TIDs, the use of Flock cameras, and how the city can communicate better with residents.I opened the show talking about 2 new locally-owned businesses that recently opened, as well as his thoughts on funding for the Neighborhood Navigators.

TWall, TIF, Traffic & Transparency...this is The Derby District in Terrence Wall's own words.  A massive development planned for 130+ acres on Sun Prairie's west side, the Derby District has the potential to dramatically reshape the area around Hwy C (Grand Ave) and Hwy 19.  Terrence Wall and Fernando Escobar describe the plans for the site and address some of the concerns that have been raised by local residents.     I also opened the show with some notes on construction projects around town.

TWall, TIF, Traffic & Transparency...this is the Derby District In Terrence Wall's own words.  A massive development planned for 130+ acres on Sun Prairie's west side, the Derby District has the potential to dramatically reshape the area around Hwy C (Grand Ave) and and Hwy 19.  Terrence Wall and Fernando Escobar describe the plans for the site and address some of the concerns that have been raised by local residents.

This one was a roller coaster, so strap in for the ride (and try not to throw up)!  Several big items have come up before the City Council and Plan Commission lately, and District 2 Alder Bill Baker is right in the middle of them.  I talked to Bill about sidewalks, the upcoming referendum & community survey, Sunshine Place, Derby District and the Communications committee.  Whew! In the show open, I shared what happened when I tried to attend the "town hall" for the Derby District, as well as my thoughts on the totally unnecessary can of worms we're opening up by revisiting the city sidewalk policy.

It's a jam-packed show this month on What Are We Building?  Starting off with some new businesses in town and a massive plan for the "Derby District" at the QBE site near Grand & Windsor St.  Then, I had a very candid conversation with Lisa Goldsberry about the school board, empathy, engagement, and Grey's Anatomy. We discussed how the board responds (or not) to citizen issues, the situation with Principal Coleman at SP East, and the ongoing handling of the allegations against former Dean Robert Gilkey-Meisegeier.

Really hope everyone has a chance to listen to this one...No guest on this episode of What Are We Building?, but I had plenty to talk about... Neighborhood resistance to a new condo development near East Changes to the Comprehensive Plan & Economic Development Indoor Pickleball?Questions about the investigation at Sun Prairie West(MOST IMPORTANTLY) Pending funding request for Sunshine PlaceIf you don't have time for the whole thing, cue it up to 43:30, listen for 6 minutes and (PLEASE) write an e-mail to: [email protected]

I started off with a bit of a rant after the latest round of Facebook whining about the possibility of new development at a location near QBE.  Then I had the great joy of talking with Sunshine Anderson  - They are the Museum Programming & Design Coordinator for Sun Prairie's Historical Library and Museum.  We had a great conversation about a bunch of great stuff, from their love of History to LGBTQ issues, including Sun Prairie's Pride Fest (coming up on Saturday June 28th) and Drag Shows!  Plus, updates on what's happening Downtown related to the arts (like the new Murals) and new businesses coming into the Monarch on Main building.

We're kicking off June with a new episode of "What Are We Building?" To start, I shared some thoughts and reflections around my handling of the interview and comments from City Council Alder Mike Jacobs, before giving an update on some new businesses coming to town.  Then, I had a lovely conversation with Alder Cassi Benedict where she shared her experience serving on City Council and working with city staff.  Among other things, we talked about the importance of respectful communication, how stop signs are more complicated than you might think, the upcoming referendum, and balancing the community's needs vs wants.

A native of Northwest Indiana and the Chicago area, Sun Prairie Alder Mike Jacobs has never been shy about speaking his mind.  We talked about the new newly elected mayor and alders, and some blowback to his recent comments related to the importance of experience on City Council.  We also got into his education and background as a historian and professor at UW Platteville Baraboo-Sauk County, being Catholic, and teaching about controversial subjects like the KKK and Uncle Tom's Cabin.  Plus, I open the show with some updates of ongoing projects being built in Sun Prairie and thoughts on how Trump's tariffs will affect the "little guy."

After a few month hiatus, What Are We Building is BACK! Coming out of the gate HOT with blistering commentary on how Trump/Musk/DOGE, Cash Money, USAID, and Christian Values. Then, Andy talks with former Sun Prairie Alder Faustina Bohling about her time on the City Council and why (contrary to what you may have heard) supporting Diversity, Equity and Inclusion is a GOOD thing.