Mayor Shane Blaser has made a proclamation for United Way's 2-1-1- Day, recognized annually on Feb. 11.
211 is the most complete source of information giving residents across Wisconsin access to resources and services in their county. Run by local experts, 2-1-1 associates are available to help, 24/7. Calls made to to 211 are confidential and can be anonymous. Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin – The City of Wisconsin Rapids awarded their five-year Shared Ride Taxi service contract to Running Inc., effective January 1, 2024, pending Common Council approval.
To ensure a smooth transition, Running Inc. will publish a local phone number in mid-December for scheduling rides beginning January 1. They will provide door-to-door service within Wisconsin Rapids and surrounding communities, with priority given to passengers within the Wisconsin Rapids city limits. At this time, taxi service hours and fares are expected to remain unchanged. Running Inc. will operate out of an office in Wisconsin Rapids and will hire locally. To learn more about Running, Inc. or to apply for a job, visit: runninginc.net The Shared Ride Taxi service is largely funded by State and Federal grant money. The State of Wisconsin requires a Request for Proposal and evaluation process to be held by participating agencies every five years for the opportunity to secure the grant funding. The process is administered by the State of Wisconsin, in partnership with the City of Wisconsin Rapids Finance Department, and includes an evaluation committee of four local elected officials. To learn more about the Shared Ride Taxi service, visit: wisconsindot.gov If you have questions, please contact: Karen Timm, Assistant Finance Director 715-421-8233 Mayor Shane Blaser has made a proclamation for Small Business Saturday. This celebrates local businesses and the contributions they make to our community. Founded in 2010, this year's Small Business Saturday will be recognized on Nov. 25, 2023.
Friday, Oct. 20th is Community Media Day, and is celebrated annually. This day recognizes the importance of free speech and accessible media for all communities.
To visit your local community media page, check out: wr-cm.org Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin – City of Wisconsin Rapids Mayor Shane Blaser announced today that he will not seek a third term in the Spring Election to be held on April 2, 2024.
“After nearly four years in office, I have made the decision not to seek re-election. It is time for me to find a better work-life balance and contribute to the city in other ways. It has been an honor and a privilege to serve the City of Wisconsin Rapids as mayor,” said Mayor Blaser. Since becoming mayor in 2020, Mayor Blaser has: • Encouraged and supported the elimination of Special Assessments, in favor of a more equitable and fiscally manageable solution: a transportation utility. • Drove the creation of a large municipal dog park, funded fully by room tax dollars. • Worked with the American Legion Post 9 to create the annual Veterans Honor Walk, celebrating veterans with banners hung on light poles along Grand Ave. • Evaluated and reorganized some departments to create greater efficiency. • Focused on high-impact infrastructure improvements, such as streets and Fire Station renovations. • Supported No Mow May in Wisconsin Rapids, to promote and educate the community about the critical period of pollinator emergence. • Proactively responded to the COVID-19 pandemic, balancing staff and resident safety with accessibility of City resources. Before being elected mayor in 2020, Blaser started and grew several small businesses in Wisconsin Rapids. He served as a City of Wisconsin Rapids police officer for seven years and as City Clerk for eight years. Blaser was elected District 8 Alderperson on the City of Wisconsin Rapids Common Council and served one term. Mayor Blaser encourages interested residents to consider running for mayor, or another elected position. “I have enjoyed the privilege of using my skills and experiences to help position our city for success. I look forward to passing the torch to a new mayor and watching how their unique perspective will help the city continue to grow, innovate, and progress into a bright future. This is a great time for another person to lead the City of Wisconsin Rapids and I encourage interested residents to look into the many resources available to learn how to run for local office. I hope a candidate emerges who I could support through their campaign,” said Mayor Blaser. To learn how to get on the ballot, visit: elections.wi.gov/candidates/getting-ballot Questions about the Spring Election or running for public office can be directed to the Wisconsin Rapids Clerk’s Office at 715-421-8200. Mayor Blaser plans to spend more time with family and friends, and more time doing outdoor activities. While he hasn’t planned his next career move, he feels confident he’ll be back to work soon. Media Contact: City of Wisconsin Rapids Mayor’s Office Emily Kent, Executive Coordinator to the Mayor 715-421-8216 ekent@wirapids.org |
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