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Notice of Public Hearing: NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING PORTAGE COUNTY WELLHEAD PROTECTION ORDINANCE AMENDMENT   Notice is hereby given that on Tuesday, February 24, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. in Conference Room 5 of the County Annex, 1462 Strongs Avenue, Stevens Point, the Portage County Planning and Zoning Committee will hold a public hearing at which time and place all interested persons may appear and will be given an opportunity to be heard in support of or in opposition to T-2025-001. The proposal will amend the existing Portage County Wellhead Protection Ordinance text and make modifications to the Groundwater Protection District maps.   Materials and information related to this request will be available for viewing prior to the Hearing date online at www.co.portage.wi.gov by clicking on the agenda packet for the Planning and Zoning Committee meeting in the Agendas/Minutes Calendar. All interested persons are invited to attend said hearing and be heard, and accommodations have been made to do so remotely if you prefer. To attend this meeting by telephone dial 1-872-242-7813, after dialing the number you will then be asked to enter in a meeting number. Use the following meeting number: 595 131 207, then press #. To attend this meeting by video, go to www.co.portage.wi.gov and click on the link in the agenda for the Planning and Zoning Committee meeting in the Agendas/Minutes Calendar. If you are unable to attend the hearing, you may submit written comments on agenda items to the Planning and Zoning Department by mail at 1462 Strongs Avenue, Stevens Point, WI 54481, or by e-mail at (kunzet@co.portage.wi.gov). The deadline for sending comments in writing is 2 business days prior to the meeting. Comments will be delivered to supervisors and posted at least 24 hours prior to the start of the meeting. Wellhead Protection Ordinance Packet to Municipalities  

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.