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1 hour ago

Commission amends zoning code to define data centers, adds conditional-use review and supplemental standards The commission voted 7–0 to amend Chapter 11 to define data centers and accessory data centers, making them conditional uses in appropriate manufacturing districts and adding supplemental standards on setbacks, screening, noise study authority and utility considerations.

The Planning Commission has taken a bold step by redefining data centers as conditional uses in heavy manufacturing districts, paving the way for new standards on noise and utility impacts.

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#WisconsinRapidsWoodCounty #WI #ZoningReform #CitizenPortal #CommunityDevelopment

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3 days ago

Local officials press lawmakers on school funding formula and voucher impacts School board members and lawmakers at the breakfast pressed for changes to the state funding formula, cited declining enrollment and special-education shortfalls, and discussed voucher impacts and potential decoupling as a remedy.

Local school officials are demanding urgent changes to a funding formula they say leaves many districts struggling and reliant on referendums, raising questions about the future of education financing.

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#WisconsinRapidsWoodCounty #WI #CommunityEngagement #AccountabilityMeasures

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3 days ago

Lawmakers tout $42 million state investment tied to mill upgrades as jobs safeguard for Central Wisconsin Legislators at a Wisconsin Rapids legislative breakfast highlighted a recent $42 million state allocation intended to unlock roughly $100 million in private upgrades at regional paper mills, calling it a key step to preserve local manufacturing jobs and downtown infrastructure.

A $42 million state investment in Wisconsin is set to unleash $100 million in private upgrades, creating real jobs and revitalizing the region’s economy—find out how this funding will transform Central Wisconsin!

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3 days ago

Central Wisconsin lawmakers debate data-center guardrails as residents warn of energy and water impacts At the legislative breakfast, lawmakers described bills to set guardrails on data-center energy and water use while local officials and IT veterans warned about the strain such facilities could place on municipal utilities and the limited local tax benefit.

Wisconsin lawmakers are divided over the future of data centers, weighing potential economic benefits against the heavy toll on local resources and utilities.

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#WisconsinRapidsWoodCounty #WI #EconomicBalance #EnergyRegulation #CitizenPortal #WaterUsage

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3 weeks ago

Auburndale gets a permanent school resource officer; sheriff highlights traffic concerns on Highway 10 Wood County and the Auburndale School District jointly funded a new school resource officer position filled by Deputy Jesse Nels; Sheriff Sean Becker said the county and school share salary costs, the SRO has a therapy dog, and the department is conducting extra patrols as it awaits DOT changes at a dangerous Highway 10 intersection.

Auburndale School District now has a dedicated school resource officer, complete with a therapy dog, to ensure student safety all year round!

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#WisconsinRapidsWoodCounty #WI #EducationSupport #CitizenPortal #PublicSafety #CommunityOutreach

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3 weeks ago

Wood County sheriff marks anniversary of Deputy Michael Shannon's death, highlights joint training On the anniversary of Deputy Michael Shannon's 2003 line-of-duty death, Sheriff Sean Becker recounted the incident, the tactical response and subsequent conviction; he said joint interagency training and shared equipment have improved response and officer safety.

Sheriff Sean Becker reflects on the heartbreaking legacy of Deputy Michael Shannon's death, revealing the intense multi-agency response that followed and the vital lessons learned in officer safety.

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3 weeks ago

Wood County sheriff recounts seizing kiosk cash as he urges passage of crypto-ATM rules Wood County Sheriff Sean Becker told lawmakers he and local investigators used search warrants to seize cash from cryptocurrency kiosks, returned money to victims and shared warrant templates statewide as Assembly Bill 968 passed; Becker said the Senate was expected to act soon.

Sheriff Sean Becker reveals how local investigators seized cash from unregulated cryptocurrency kiosks to protect scam victims, urging lawmakers to step up regulations before more lives are ruined.

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#WisconsinRapidsWoodCounty #WI #CitizenPortal #ConsumerProtection

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1 month ago

Finance committee debates funding for three firefighter‑paramedic positions; motion fails Committee discussion centered on a $194,298 requisition to hire three firefighter‑paramedic positions funded through a regional EMS cooperative; Alderman Tim moved to approve funding pending HR approval but the motion failed for lack of a second. The item will go to HR and the common council for final consideration.

The Wisconsin Rapids Finance Committee faced a heated debate over funding three crucial firefighter-paramedic positions, but a motion to approve funding fell flat—what's next for the city's emergency services?

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1 month ago

Committee approves revisions to lead service line replacement ordinance to secure grants, add flexibility for residents After detailed discussion, the committee approved revisions to the city's lead service line ordinance to clarify notice timelines, permit documented good-faith coordination instead of mandatory coordination, extend customer-side replacement timing in some cases, add seasonal weather protections, and preserve grant eligibility (motion passed, recorded as 3-0).

The city's committee just approved crucial revisions to the lead service line replacement ordinance, paving the way for more flexibility for homeowners and securing vital funding for future projects!

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#WisconsinRapidsWoodCounty #WI #PublicHealth #CitizenPortal #CommunityFunding

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1 month ago

K–12 report: Mid State sees rise in dual credit, 20% high-school transition rate and expanding youth apprenticeships Board heard that Mid State’s K–12 initiatives increased dual-credit participation by 25% (2022–2025), achieved a 20% high-school transition rate (up 3 points), generated over $2 million in tuition savings for high school students, and served 90 youth apprentices across seven high schools.

Mid State College has achieved a remarkable 20% high-school transition rate while boosting dual-credit participation by 25%, saving students over $2 million in tuition!

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#WisconsinRapidsWoodCounty #WI #CitizenPortal #DualCreditPrograms #EducationReform #YouthApprenticeships

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1 month ago

Mid State reports strong midyear finances; board flags forecast risk Board members heard that Mid State’s revenues are pacing ahead of expectations through January 2026 ($35.2M YTD, 60.6% of budget) with expenditures lagging; the finance committee said reserves remain strong but noted concern about future financial forecasts to be addressed during budget work.

Mid State Technical College is thriving with revenues at $35.2 million, but concerns loom over future financial forecasts.

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#WisconsinRapidsWoodCounty #WI #FinancialStability #CitizenPortal #EducationFinance #BudgetForecasting

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1 month ago

Mid State Board approves Fire Medic associate degree program The Mid State Technical College Board approved a 65-credit Fire Medic associate degree that combines existing fire services and paramedic coursework. The program requires no new staffing or equipment and will be submitted to the WTCS for system approval; enrollment could begin this fall.

Mid State Technical College is set to launch a new Fire Medic associate degree that combines existing fire services and paramedic training, paving the way for future heroes in the field!

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#WisconsinRapidsWoodCounty #WI #EmergencyMedicalServices #CitizenPortal #FireSafety

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1 month ago

President highlights accreditation progress, AI articulation and national awards College president Dr. Shelley reported a positive site review of the Wisconsin Rapids dental hygiene lab with initial accreditation expected, an articulation agreement with Waukesha County Technical College for an AI associate degree, an employee giving campaign, and national recognitions including Aspen notification and AACC finalist status.

Exciting news for Mid State College: the dental hygiene lab is on track for accreditation, and a groundbreaking AI degree partnership is set to elevate local education!

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#WisconsinRapidsWoodCounty #WI #CitizenPortal #StudentSuccess #AIEducation #AccreditationProgress

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1 month ago

Wisconsin Rapids to use downtown TID funds for river-wall rehabilitation estimated at about $1 million Mayor Matt Zacker said the city will use downtown TID/TIF funds—about $1,000,000—to finance a major river-wall rehabilitation involving industrial tuckpointing and a new lower concrete wall to protect against erosion and high water pressure.

Wisconsin Rapids is set to invest over $1 million in a vital river-wall rehabilitation to safeguard the downtown area from erosion and high water pressure, paving the way for future redevelopment.

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#WisconsinRapidsWoodCounty #WI #UrbanDevelopment #CitizenPortal #FloodProtection

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1 month ago

County-city Jackson Street project to reconfigure downtown roads; council weighs roundabout vs. stop controls and street vacating Mayor Matt Zacker said the long-planned Jackson Street project will reconfigure Market Street to connect 2nd Street and an existing roundabout, vacate Marcus Street and possibly 1st Street to create developable parcels, and the council discussed traffic control options including a roundabout versus a four-way stop.

Mayor Matt Zacker reveals ambitious plans to transform the Jackson Street corridor by reconfiguring roads and creating new development opportunities in downtown Wisconsin Rapids.

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#WisconsinRapidsWoodCounty #WI #UrbanDevelopment #CitizenPortal #TrafficManagement

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1 month ago

Wisconsin Rapids council approves Safe Haven baby box at Fire Station 2; Altman Construction donates funds The Common Council approved contracts to install a Safe Haven baby box at Fire Station 2 on West Grand Avenue and signed a contract with Altman Construction, which provided an in-kind donation of just over $6,000; organizers and local parish helped fundraise for the project.

Wisconsin Rapids is taking a giant leap toward infant safety with the installation of a Safe Haven baby box at Fire Station 2, thanks to community support and local construction donations!

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#WisconsinRapidsWoodCounty #WI #CitizenPortal #PublicSafety #InfantProtection

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1 month ago

Council directs staff to refine lead service line ordinance ahead of federal grant deadline The Wisconsin Rapids Common Council directed staff to revise a lead service line replacement ordinance and return it to Public Works, noting an estimated ~500 of the city’s 7,500 services may be lead-impacted and that an ordinance is needed to apply for Safe Drinking Water Act funds in June.

The Wisconsin Rapids Common Council has taken a crucial step towards safer drinking water by directing staff to refine an ordinance aimed at replacing lead-impacted service lines before a critical funding deadline.

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1 month ago

Wisconsin Rapids prepares ordinance, grant applications to replace lead service lines; city weighs private-side logistics Mayor Matt Zacker said the city passed an ordinance draft to meet a federal mandate to remove lead and galvanized service lines, estimated to affect about 500 homes in the city; state statute limits municipal work on private property, so the city is exploring contracting and coordinating replacements with street projects.

Wisconsin Rapids is tackling a significant challenge by updating its ordinance to remove lead service lines, affecting around 500 homes, in a bid to secure vital clean-water grants.

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#WisconsinRapidsWoodCounty #WI #InfrastructureImprovement #CitizenPortal #PublicHealth

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1 month ago

Council accepts $21,000 DNR planning grant to update phosphorus implementation plan The council accepted a $21,000 Wisconsin DNR Urban Nonpoint Source planning grant to develop a detailed phosphorus implementation plan tied to the Wisconsin River TMDL; city match is $10,500 paid from the stormwater utility.

The City Council just secured a $21,000 grant to enhance phosphorus management for the Wisconsin River, paving the way for a cleaner future!

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#WisconsinRapidsWoodCounty #WI #CitizenPortal #EnvironmentalPlanning #PhosphorusManagement #WaterQuality

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1 month ago

Zoning board approves 1‑foot variance for Wood Trust Bank parking lot despite staff recommendation to deny The Wisconsin Rapids Zoning Board of Appeals granted a one‑foot variance allowing Wood Trust Bank to repave an existing downtown parking lot with a 23‑foot drive aisle instead of the 24 feet required by Chapter 11; community development staff had recommended denial after finding no unique hardship. The vote was 4–1.

The Wisconsin Rapids Zoning Board has sparked controversy by approving a one-foot variance for Wood Trust Bank's parking lot, defying staff recommendations that highlighted a lack of unique hardship.

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1 month ago

Roundabout or all-way stop? Mayor and staff split over East Jackson Street layout; committee to discuss at council Committee reviewed East Jackson Street project layouts including a proposed roundabout at 2nd Street and options for 3rd Street; Mayor Zacker urged a roundabout at 3rd Street for smoother traffic flow, staff said both interchange types function similarly and the committee postponed final design pending council discussion.

The debate heats up over East Jackson Street's future layout: roundabout or all-way stop?

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#WisconsinRapidsWoodCounty #WI #CitizenPortal #UrbanDesign #TrafficManagement #CommunityInput

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2 months ago

Public works committee reviews draft lead-service-line ordinance, asks for funding and legal details before council consideration Committee discussed a draft ordinance to implement a federally driven 10-year lead service line replacement program; members urged clarity on resident notification windows, who will administer funds, and legal authority for city crews to perform private-side work before sending the ordinance to council.

Wisconsin Rapids is on the verge of a major overhaul in water safety with a new ordinance aimed at replacing lead service lines—will they get the funding in time?

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#WisconsinRapidsWoodCounty #WI #CommunityInvolvement #PublicHealth #CitizenPortal #InfrastructureReform

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2 months ago

Wood County adds grant-funded deflection specialist to divert low-level offenders into services Coordinated response specialist Charit DiFabio described a grant-funded Deflection Care Initiative that offers voluntary, confidential diversion for low-level charges, partnerships with public health and 3 Bridges, and about six months of case management to connect people to housing, treatment and job support.

Wood County is launching a groundbreaking Deflection Care Initiative to help low-level offenders access treatment instead of facing prosecution.

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#WisconsinRapidsWoodCounty #WI #CitizenPortal #PublicHealth #CommunitySupport #CriminalJusticeReform

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2 months ago

Wood County sheriff's office backs Assembly Bill 968 to regulate cryptocurrency kiosks Chief Deputy Quentin Ellis told WFHR that Wood County supports Assembly Bill 968, which would cap daily kiosk transactions, require identity checks and a 30-day reporting window to help investigators recover funds from scams that have cost residents 'hundreds of thousands' of dollars.

Wood County is taking a stand against cryptocurrency scams with new legislation aimed at protecting residents and cracking down on fraud.

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#WisconsinRapidsWoodCounty #WI #CitizenPortal #ConsumerProtection #FinancialRegulation #ScamPrevention

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2 months ago

Mid State presentation: economic impact study estimates $180 million annual benefit to region A college-commissioned FY23–24 study presented to the board estimated Mid State generated about $180 million in added income for its three-county district, supported roughly 2,585 regional jobs, and showed strong alumni and taxpayer returns on investment.

A recent study reveals that Mid State Technical College generates an astounding $180 million annually and supports nearly 2,600 jobs across Portage, Adams, and Wood counties!

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#WisconsinRapidsWoodCounty #WI #EconomicImpact #JobCreation #CitizenPortal #EducationInvestment

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2 months ago

Council approves land lease for WWLC solar array after split vote The Wisconsin Rapids Common Council voted 5–3 to approve a land lease and solar easement with Great Lakes Distributing Energy to place a Water Works & Lighting (WWLC) before-the-meter solar facility, despite concerns about wellhead proximity and property values.

The Wisconsin Rapids Common Council narrowly approved a controversial solar project that promises significant energy savings but raises concerns about potential risks to the city's water supply.

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#WisconsinRapidsWoodCounty #WI #WaterQuality #RenewableEnergy #MunicipalSavings

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2 months ago

Mid State Board approves two 24-credit agriculture technical diplomas The Mid State Technical College District Board approved two standalone 24-credit technical diplomas — Agronomy Technician and Farm Operations — unembedded from existing associate-degree pathways after advisory-committee recommendations; both motions passed by roll call.

Mid State Technical College is making waves by transforming its agriculture programs into standalone diplomas, paving the way for more industry-focused education!

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#WisconsinRapidsWoodCounty #WI #IndustryAlignment #TechnicalTraining #EducationInnovation #CitizenPortal

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2 months ago

Mayor Matt Zager defends proposed WWLC solar array, citing long‑term savings and local benefits In a 'Neighbor to Neighbor' interview on Sun Up Wisconsin, Mayor Matt Zager discussed a proposed 25‑acre solar array tied to the WWLC distribution system, citing an estimated $100,000 hookup cost and project analysis projecting up to $17 million in savings over 30 years while acknowledging local opposition and environmental concerns.

Mayor Matt Zager reveals a groundbreaking solar project that could save Wisconsin Rapids residents an astonishing $17 million over 30 years, but local opposition raises critical concerns.

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#WisconsinRapidsWoodCounty #WI #CommunityEngagement #EconomicDevelopment #RenewableEnergy

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2 months ago

DOT presents two roundabout alternatives for Griffith/A Street intersection; committee hears cost and timing concerns City staff reported two roundabout alternatives for the Griffith Avenue and 8th Street intersection; DOT estimated about $800,000 for a standard intersection reconstruction and roughly double for a roundabout, with potential real‑estate impacts and possible schedule shifts from 2028 to 2029 if a roundabout is pursued.

The Wisconsin Department of Transportation has unveiled two costly roundabout options for the Griffith Avenue and 8th Street intersection, raising questions about real-estate impacts and timing delays.

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2 months ago

Committee approves land lease for 30-acre solar array after debate over wellhead risks The Finance & Property Committee approved a land lease and solar easement with Great Lakes Distributed Energy LLC for 30 acres of city-owned land after a lengthy debate over wellhead protection, lease length and long-term control; the item will go to the Common Council for final consideration.

After heated debates over environmental concerns and community opposition, the Finance & Property Committee has approved a controversial land lease for a solar array on city-owned land.

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#WisconsinRapidsWoodCounty #WI #WellheadProtection #RenewableEnergy #CommunityInput