Traffic signals fine-tuned along Riverview Expressway
 
Friday, December 14, 2018 - The City of Wisconsin Rapids Engineering Department has benefited from extensive feedback from area motorists, regarding the re-timing of traffic signals along Riverview Expressway in August. These communications have helped City staff to evaluate and fine-tune logjams in the signal timing, in order to further improve operations along the Riverview Expressway corridor.
 
Adjustments include lengthier green light signals for left turns along the Expressway at 8th Street, 2nd Avenue South and West Grand Avenue. In addition, a review of visibility, accident history and current guidance documents led to the recent decision to remove the “No Turn on Red” signs at two intersections: the East Riverview Expressway and Plover Road (State Highway 54 and County Highway W) intersection near Home Depot; and the intersection of West Riverview Expressway and 2nd Avenue South. (Motorists are reminded that a red light at these right-turn lanes still requires they bring their vehicle to a stop to assess traffic and determine that it is safe to make the turn.)
 
The Engineering Department welcomes and thanks area residents for their continual feedback and wishes everyone safe travels this holiday season.

Friday, September 7 – Due to a recently created vacancy, the City of Wisconsin Rapids is seeking applicants for the position of an elected City Clerk to serve the remainder of the term, which expires in 2022, unless a special election is called. Per Wisconsin Statutes governing such vacancy, and from a qualified pool of applicants, Wisconsin Rapids Mayor Zachary Vruwink will select a candidate for an official appointment, which will be submitted to the City Council for consideration and confirmation. Candidates must be a city resident upon the time of application for consideration.
 
The successful candidate will demonstrate strong organizational and communication skills. This individual must be available for evening Council and Committee meetings. The City Clerk's Office is responsible for: administering election laws and procedures; maintaining voter registration; issuing various licenses and permits; keeping and maintaining agendas and minutes, and preparing publication of legal notices; attending the meetings of the Common Council and keeping a record of its proceedings; updating the municipal code book; administering oaths and affirmations; maintaining commission, board and committee appointments; maintaining all public records; and care and custody of the corporate seal. The salary is $65,315.
 
Individuals wishing to be considered for appointment by the Mayor may submit their resume and application via email to Recruitment@wirapids.org by September 28th, 2018. Applications can be found on line at the City website: wirapids.org/job-opportunities.html For more information, applicants can call: 715-421-8215.
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​Wisconsin Rapids Mayor’s Youth Council highlighted at workshop
 
Monday, August 20 – The League of Wisconsin Municipalities has recognized the Wisconsin Rapids Mayor’s Youth Council as a unique force that engages young people and inspires solutions that enhance a community’s quality of life.
 
Wisconsin Rapids Mayor Zach Vruwink, who formed the Youth Council in 2014, detailed its history and activities during the League’s 2018 Chief Executives Workshop, held August 16-17. Almost 100 State of Wisconsin city and village chief executives gathered to share ideas and tactics that lead to positive outcomes.
 
During a panel discussion, Mayor Vruwink cited the Youth Council’s role in: fund-raising for City  projects like the proposed Aquatic Park at Witter Field, youth-led design of the splash pad at Mead  Field and the annual 4th of July fireworks show; taking the lead in developing recreational events and proposals such as Kids to Parks Day and the Municipal Zoo Master Plan; and pitching in on neighborhood beautification programs such as community cleanups and tree plantings. Informational videos featuring Youth Council members describing their efforts accompanied the mayor’s  presentation.
 
“It was my honor to bring the valuable work of the Mayor’s Youth Council to the attention of my fellow chief executives,” said Mayor Vruwink. “As one of just a bare handful of such formally organized  groups in the entire state, our Youth Council garnered a lot of admiration as a model for tapping the intelligence and enthusiasm of future community leaders.”
 
The Mayor’s Youth Council gives local high school students a space in which they actively contribute   to policy, service and recreation Initiatives. Guided by a Youth Council Advisory Team and chaired by the Mayor, the Youth Council reports to the Common Council. The Youth Council presents its recommendations and findings to Common Council committees and the public, administers surveys  and produces content for broadcast and online media. High School students from are eligible to apply for membership. For more information, visit www.wirapids.org/mayors-youth-council.
 
The League of Wisconsin Municipalities was created in 1898 to help Wisconsin cities and villages share ideas and learn from one another; to train and provide information to elected and appointed public officials who help govern those cities and villages; and to advocate on their behalf with the Wisconsin legislature, governor and state agencies.

City of Wisconsin Rapids NR_Youth Council Spotlighted_082018[2]

​July 13, 2018
 
Contact: Wastewater Superintendent Ryan Giefer
E-mail:rgiefer@wirapids.org
Phone: 715-252-5123

City of Wisconsin Rapids Wastewater Department and A1 Excavating will begin Lift Station Force Main Connection Monday
 
Friday, July 13 – The City of Wisconsin Rapids Wastewater Department and A1 Excavating will begin excavation and connection to the Wisconsin River Crossing force main beginning Monday, July 16. As a result, the intersection of Ridgewood Trail and Golf Course Road will be closed. Residents and motorists will need to follow the directions stated below until the work is competed, which is expected to be finished by Thursday, July 19.

• Residents on Ridgewood Trail will need to use Airport Avenue.
• Residents on Golf Course Road will need to travel south on Golf Course Road.
• Residents on Country Lane and Blue Heron Lane will need to use Pepper Avenue.

 
During this time crews will be working 24-hours a day, until the work for this component portion of the project is complete, so be alert for high volume of truck traffic along 2nd Avenue South from Gaynor to State Highway 54/Riverview Expressway Bridge and areas surrounding the Wastewater Treatment Plant. The City encourages everyone to minimize local traffic in the construction area as much as possible.
 
The Wisconsin River Crossing force main carries water, sewage and other materials from the wastewater west-side lift station. The new overall infrastructure will result in life expectancies of 80-100 years for the river crossing force main, 50-80 years for the lift station structure and 20-40 years for lift station equipment. This ensures safe and reliable transport and processing of wastewater for generations to come.
 
Please contact Wastewater Superintendent Ryan Giefer with any questions or concerns.

071318_NR_WIRAPIDS Lift Station Force Main Connection Final