​Mayor Shane Blaser has made a proclamation for Wisconsin Rapids 2-1-1 Day, to be recognized on Saturday, February 11th. ​For more information please visit https://www.uwswac.org/2-1-1

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: December 09, 2022

WISCONSIN RAPIDS – The City of Wisconsin Rapids is recruiting for a new Historic Preservation Commission. City residents with experience as an architect, landscape architect, architectural historian, archeologist, historian, and those with an interest in landmarks, preservation, architecture and urban design should apply.

The mayor will appoint four residents as regular members and two residents as alternate members, each for a term of either two years or three years. One alderperson will also be appointed to the commission for the length of their aldermanic term. Appointments are subject to confirmation by the Common Council. The Historic Preservation Commission will work to identify and preserve historic structures, sites, and districts within the city.

Certain recommendations from the Commission will go to the Common Council for approval. Meetings of the Commission will occur every few months and could eventually occur once per month. There is no compensation for this appointment.

“Our community has tremendous history that if recognized, preserved and promoted can significantly improve our vitality and assist in defining our sense of place.” said Director of Community Development, Kyle Kearns.

To apply for an appointment to the Historic Preservation Commission, visit www.wirapids.org/appointments and follow the application instructions or pick up an application from the Mayor’s Office on the 3rd floor of City Hall at 444 West Grand Ave. Applications must be received by January 3rd, 2023, to be considered before the January 17th meeting of the Common Council.

If you have questions about the Historic Preservation Commission, please contact Kyle Kearns, Director of Community Development, at 715-421-8225 or kkearns@wirapids.org. If you have questions about applying for appointments, please contact Emily Kent, Executive Coordinator to the Mayor, at 715-421-8216 or ekent@wirapids.org. Shane E. Blaser, Mayor

​FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Nov. 28, 2022

WISCONSIN RAPIDS – The City of Wisconsin Rapids requests public feedback on a community rail traffic survey. The survey will be open until Dec. 30, 2022. The survey can be accessed online:
• By clicking the graphic on the front page of the City’s website at wirapids.org
• Directly at https://forms.gle/VMUkcrCUZjdBacip7

In response to concerns about vehicle delays at rail crossings, the City hired a consultant to conduct a feasibility study. Depending on the results of the study, the City may consider ways to address vehicle delays, and to reduce congestion, noise, pollution, and safety issues at rail crossings. This survey will help us choose the best solutions for our community.
“Since becoming mayor, I have regularly heard from residents with concerns about vehicle delays at rail crossings. I have experienced it myself! It’s time to have another look at the conditions and see what might be done to mitigate some of the challenges.” said Mayor Shane Blaser.

At their Aug. 4, 2022 meeting, the Public Works Committee accepted a combined proposal from Patrick Engineering and LinqThingz to do the feasibility study on alternatives for addressing vehicle delays and rail usage. The Common Council adopted the action of the Committee on Aug. 16, 2022.

If you have questions about the project, please reach out to City Engineer, Joe Eichsteadt, at 715-421-8251 or jeichsteadt@wirapids.org.

Mayor Shane Blaser has signed a proclamation for Community Media Day. The day celebrates all community media organizations, including our very own WRCM.

Community media organizations provide a means for diverse communities to tell their stories, hear each other's stories, and create new stories together. Community media remains a vital resource for participating in local democratic policy and processes.

Mayor Shane Blaser has announced a proclamation for Free Speech Week in Wisconsin Rapids.

'Free Speech Week' is honored every third week of October to raise awareness on the importance of free speech. This is an inclusive celebration for all Americans.
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The city encourages all citizens to participate in the celebration of this fundamental freedom.