Government
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July 16, 2025
The Ripon Common Council in has approved a plan to install a digital information kiosk in downtown Ripon, Wisconsin, splitting the cost with Ripon Main Street. The electronic kiosk, a 50/50 shared expense, is slated for placement in the green space near Soul Patina in the 100 block of Watson Street, according to a Ripon Press report.
The initiative aims to modernize how the downtown area promotes businesses and events. Unlike the current static signs that require manual updates, the digital kiosk will offer a dynamic platform for directories, activities and general community information.
«We feel that this is a more modern and professional way to promote downtown, the community, through a kiosk that allows for events, activities, a directory, just tons of information,» Adam Sonntag, city administrator, told the news outlet.
However, the decision was not unanimous. Alderman David Gallops opposed the measure, arguing that a modern digital screen would detract from Ripon’s established historic downtown aesthetic and was an unnecessary expense in an era of ubiquitous cell phone use. Mayor Ted Grant countered this, noting the new kiosk would replace hardware currently in place, providing far more comprehensive and up-to-date information.
The city will acquire the kiosk from Alive Promo, Inc. out of Minnesota for $24,550. The measure passed with a 6-2 vote.