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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

Snowmobilers: Sled Safe This Season

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) reminds snowmobilers to stay sober on the trails this season and be aware of unsafe ice.

Make a plan to get home safely by riding sober. Wisconsin saw several alcohol-related deaths in 2025. Not only is it illegal to operate under the influence of drugs or alcohol, but it also puts you, your passengers and other recreators at risk.

The DNR also urges snowmobilers to be careful when driving on ice. Ice conditions can be unpredictable, and several factors determine ice quality.  If your winter outing involves travel over a waterbody, remember that every waterbody has its own characteristics. Check if the lake has inlets, outlets or narrows, is spring-fed or has currents, which can thin the ice.

The DNR does not monitor ice conditions, but they are monitored locally. Local fishing clubs, outfitters and bait shops are the best sources for local current ice conditions. However, the best idea for safe winter fun is to enjoy outings without traveling over ice.

Here are more safety tips:

  • Remember that ice is never completely safe under any conditions.
  • Wear proper clothing and equipment, including a life jacket or float coat, should you fall through the ice and to help retain body heat.
  • Do not travel in unfamiliar areas.
  • Slow down when traveling at night.
  • Know if the lake has inlets, outlets or narrows that have currents that can thin the ice.
  • Watch for pressure ridges or ice buckling. These can be dangerous due to thin ice and open water.

In addition to these ice safety tips, the DNR reminds riders to check trail conditions ahead of time by contacting your county forestry and/or parks department or local snowmobile clubs or checking Travel Wisconsin’s Snow Report.

Remember – operating a snowmobile off a designated trail is considered trespassing and can damage private property.

Visit the DNR’s snowmobiling webpage for additional information on snowmobile safety classes, regulations, safety tips and registering your snowmobile.