Voters approved the funding of a FAB LAB in Wabeno and school leaders are opening the facility to the public this Thursday. FAB LAB Director Tim Stolar says while approving an operating referendum about a year ago, voters also were asked whether they would like to fund the FAB LAB...
"....the difference was on that referendum which was a year ago, would the voters be willing to spend about $300,000 to start a FAB LAB. It actually garnered more support than the regular referendum did...."
Stolar says the community was promised access to the lab and this open house is an invitation for the public to check it out. Stolar agreed that FAB LABs have the potential to transform struggling rural economies...
"...the whole idea is to drive local entrepreneurship, especially when it comes down to the community. We have a student right now with a pretty interesting idea. I helped him come up with the design on it and we ended up printing these 3-D devices. He went to a number of different companies he knows in the area, specifically for fishing bait and tackle, regarding jig-rod holders for five gallon ice fishing buckets...."
" The first K-12 Fab Lab in Wisconsin began in Three Lakes schools and then moved across Northwoods school districts, and now across the state. It uses state-of-the-art software and a 3-D printer to manufacture goods.
The open house is Thursday(3/22) from 4:00-7:00 p.m. Stoler says the FAB LAB will be open to community access beginning in April.
