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Weekly News Blast: Have you ever wondered what a town clerk does? Well, in a word, “LOTS”! Our town clerk, Stefanie Schlapa, does a great deal, juggling town work among a busy family and other work life. Here’s just a sample of the work she has done in the past few weeks…Hang on! 2026 Budget completed; Tax Statements mailed; Statement of Taxes completed; Processed W2 tax forms; WT-7 tax forms completed; Filed Quarterly reports including the 941, Wage Reports (e.g. Unemployment); Wisconsin Retirement System (WRS) Annual Reconciliation; Fire Dues Certification; Attended two Election Trainings; Completed required Badger Books Training (for elections); [Note: will be installing required Badger Book update Saturday Jan 17]; Dispersed tax payments to Wisconsin Rapids, Tri-County and Stevens Point school districts and Portage County; WRS Remittance % update; Instituted new federal mileage rate; Confirmed Election Plans for 2026 [Note: No February Primary]; Filed insurance claim for First Responder; Investigated issue with Waste Management regarding outstanding fees and worked on several discrepancies with other vendors; and queried town insurer regarding proposed recreational use for town land. WHEW! This coming week she’ll be working on entering the 2026 budget, payroll and outstanding bills, filing safety and recycling reports, and much more. It's often been said that a “good clerk runs a town”. It’s true. It’s an enormous job that requires true commitment, honesty, and responsibility. Please be sure to thank Stefanie when you see her. And, if you are interested in helping Stefanie in her role, please contact her at clerk@townofgrant-portage.wi.gov or call her at the town hall 715-423-9193 or town cell 715-213-7370. As you can read, there’s a LOT to do! Thank you, Sharon

Posted on by clerk

Rapidly Changing Weather Brings Unsafe Ice Conditions Statewide

Rapidly Changing Weather Brings Unsafe Ice Conditions Statewide

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) urges the public to practice ice safety on all of Wisconsin’s waterbodies and remember that no ice is safe ice.

Temperature swings, mixed precipitation and other factors are making ice unsafe to walk or drive on across much of the state, despite recent snowfall and subzero temperatures.

Get Ice Status From Local Sources

The DNR does not monitor ice conditions. If your plans include access to or use of an ice-covered waterbody, contact your local fishing clubs, bait shops or outfitters for ice conditions.

These places routinely check ice conditions and can give you the best and most current conditions. If you can plan your outing without any travel over ice, do it. 

Conditions Vary On Waterbodies

Each waterbody can have its own characteristics. Check if the lake has inlets, outlets, narrows that have currents or is spring-fed, all of which can thin the ice. Some smaller lakes can have aerators that are run throughout the winter, either covering a large area towards the center of the lake or may have smaller aerators placed by private property landowners adjacent to their shore and piers.

It is equally as important to stay alert for pressure ridges or ice heaves. These can be dangerous due to thin ice and resulting open water. They are often created, move or grow with changes in temperatures and high winds. Pressure ridges and ice heaves can happen on Wisconsin’s largest inland lake, Lake Winnebago, a popular home to sturgeon spearers, and the Bay of Green Bay, among other places.

Ice Safety Basics

Here are a few basic ice safety tips to remember:

  • Carry a cell phone, and let people know where you are going and when you’ll return home.
  • Wear proper clothing and equipment, including a life jacket or a float coat, to help you stay afloat and to help maintain body heat.
  • Wear ice creepers attached to boots to prevent slipping on clear ice.
  • Carry a spud bar to check the ice while walking to new areas.
  • Carry a few spikes and a length of light rope in an easily accessible pocket to help pull yourself – or others – out of the ice.
  • If you fall in, remain as calm as possible. While attempting to get out of the water, call for help. Anyone who attempts to rescue you should use a rope or something similar to avoid falling through themselves.
  • Do not travel in unfamiliar areas or at night.

Have a plan in place noting where you will be and when you plan to return. Along with leaving a written note of your plans, keeping a charged cell phone is also recommended.

Check out the DNR’s Ice Safety webpage for more information on staying safe on the ice, including tips for creating ice claws and what to do if you fall through ice.