In light of the Safer-At-Home Order we invite businesses to a second briefing and Q/A

(March 26, 2020 - WISCONSIN RAPIDS-- For Immediate Release)

Last week, local businesses were invited to a joint COVID-19 briefing with Mayor Zachary Vruwink, along with Chamber and County Health officials. This briefing served to inform over 115 local businesses on important developments stemming from the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic and its impact on the community.

Once again, local businesses and organizations are invited to a joint COVID-19 briefing with Mayor Zachary Vruwink, Wisconsin Rapids Area Chamber, and Wood County Health Department officials. The call will take place Friday, March 27, 2020 at 2:15pm. Registration is required and available at wirapids.org/coronavirus.

“The ongoing public health crisis continues to impact businesses both essential and non-essential,” said Mayor Zach Vruwink. “We want to share resources, provide an update and answer questions,” he added.

The Mayor’s Office, Chamber of Commerce and County Health Department remain resources for businesses concerned for their employees’ health and all who work to adapt and survive. Questions can be asked during the briefing via a Chat feature or relayed in advance to [email protected].

“The Heart of Wisconsin is here to assist all local businesses - large and small." Said Angel Whitehead, President for the Heart of Wisconsin Chamber of Commerce. “We want to ensure that Central Wisconsin’s business community can navigate through this challenging time.”

Call-in registration is available here: wirapids.org/coronavirus or at wisconsinrapidschamber.org/COVID-19 

WISCONSIN RAPIDS – (March 25, 2020) Effective Wednesday, March 25, 2020, non-essential businesses have been ordered to close to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 in accordance with Governor Evers’ Safer At Home order.

Due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, Gov. Tony Evers ordered Wisconsin residents to stay at home except for conducting essential business, and ordered all non-essential businesses closed. The Governor’s order can be found here. While essential businesses and places of employment are still open, you must continue to observe the recommended six feet of social distancing at all times. This is essential in successfully limiting the spread of COVID-19 in our community and ‘flattening the curve’ of outbreaks that may overwhelm our medical services.

Mayor Vruwink urges all City residents to abide by the Governor’s order, while nurturing your wellbeing.

“While observing social distancing requirements, our fine recreational trails remain open for exercise and outdoor activity. City Ordinances do allow for leashed dogs to be walked in these areas.”

City Buildings and Playgrounds in Parks are closed to the public. The majority of City of Wisconsin Rapids government services are deemed essential and will continue. However, the Lowell Senior Center and McMillan Memorial Library remain closed.

Other essential businesses which will remain open include grocery stores, restaurants for carry-out/curbside pickup, medical facilities, hardware and home improvement stores, and gas station/convenience stores. Travel should be limited to essential purposes- purchasing supplies, providing care for another, and reporting to work at essential businesses.

As a reminder, City Hall and other city facilities have limited access to the public. However, the City Clerk’s office and the Municipal Court office window, located on the first floor, will remain open at this time.

​The City Clerk encourages voting Absentee by mail by requesting a ballot at vote.wi.gov. Alternatively, in-person absentee voting is available Monday – Friday 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the City Clerk’s office inside City Hall.

“Abiding by this order doesn’t mean we cannot stay in contact with family and neighbors”, said Mayor Zach Vruwink. Consider a phone call or video chat to keep in contact. Support our small businesses and follow the City and Wood County Health on Facebook. We all have a great individual responsibility to keep ourselves and community healthy.”

We are working with the Wood County Health Department regarding Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) donations so that our public safety employees are safe, and can render safe aid and assistance to the public.

​Mayor Vruwink has implemented telework requirements for some City employees, as well as other measures such as requiring the practice of social distancing and staggered scheduling to ensure the safety and health of employees who cannot work remotely.

​For a full listing of city department closings and details, please visit: wirapids.org/coronavirus. Call 211 with any questions.

The following has been advised for residents paying their property taxes in cash: 

You will need the exact amount to make a payment. Any excess will be applied to your next installment payment. Directions for cash payment are as follows: 

​Please put cash payment into an envelope and place it in the brown dropbox outside. If you would like a receipt for your property tax payment, please fill out the Request for Information Form. This can also be placed inside the brown dropbox, or given to the City Clerk. 

Your request will be processed the next business day. You can also access your property information through the Wood County Website. 
propertytax.co.wood.wi.us

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During this time of unprecedented challenge, we invite businesses to a briefing and Q/A

March 19, 2020- WISCONSIN RAPIDS-- For Immediate Release

As a result of the ongoing coronavirus pandemic and subsequent orders limiting public gatherings, our local businesses face an unprecedented situation. As such, local businesses and organizations are invited to a joint COVID-19 briefing with Mayor Zachary Vruwink, Wisconsin Rapids Area Chamber, and Wood County Health Department officials.

The call will take place Friday, March 20, 2020 at 2:15pm. Registration is required and available at wirapids.org/coronavirus.

“Amid restrictions that will ultimately save lives, our businesses and their employees are suffering,” said Mayor Zach Vruwink. “As we continue to navigate unchartered waters, we are listening and considering every resource at our disposal to help,” he added.

From promoting take-out and delivery services, to remote streaming of programming and activities, businesses are looking for ways to adapt and survive. This briefing will give local businesses an opportunity to be updated on emerging resources, discuss concerns and ask questions.

“The Chamber of Commerce is ready to assist all our local businesses – large and small during this unprecedented time.” Said Angel Whitehead, President, Wisconsin Rapids area Chamber of Commerce.

​Call-in registration is available here: www.wirapids.org/coronavirus

Departments will remain staffed as they shift to alternative public interaction via phone, email and mail.

WISCONSIN RAPIDS – (March 18, 2020) Effective immediately, Wisconsin Rapids City Hall and other City buildings experience limited public access, with a few exceptions.

Due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, Gov. Tony Evers recently ordered that all public schools be closed, and limited public gatherings to 10 people or less. In response to the growing pandemic, the city will limit public interaction with public offices. As a result, all departments other than the Clerk’s Office and two service windows will be closed to the public.

The City Clerk’s office on the first floor of City Hall will remain open to accept absentee voting ballots, as well as other functional duties. The Municipal Court Clerk’s office window on the first floor will also remain open to take fine payments and answer questions. However, municipal trials and initial appearances are being postponed. The Police Department service counter window on the first floor will be open. If you need to speak to an officer, the intercom system will be available for use inside the city hall foyer.

Additionally, City Fire Stations, the City Garage, Lowell Senior Center, Wisconsin Rapids Community Media, and McMillan Memorial Library are closed to the public.

City staff continues to conduct City business, with an emphasis on public interaction via phone, email, and mail.
City services such as garbage and recycling pick up continue uninterrupted.

“While business continues to get conducted, these measures have been enacted out of an abundance of caution to protect interactions between city employees and the public” said Mayor Zach Vruwink.

​For a full listing of city department closings and how to do business with those departments while public access is limited, please visit: wirapids.org/coronavirus.