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Weekly Blast!: Last week the Town of Grant hosted the Portage County unit meeting of the Wisconsin Towns Association (WTA). This week I attended the WTA Annual Convention in Stevens Point. Town and village officers from all over the State of Wisconsin were present; hundreds of them. Each year this event helps to educate officers about state statutes, current legislation, road maintenance and construction, budgeting, ambulance and fire protection, and so much more. No one officer can attend all the sessions available (we need the entire board to do that!) but these are the ones I attended: 1) Cypersecurity Attacks; 2) Fire Protection Service Fees; 3) Legal “Cracker Barrel” (where officers can ask the WTA attorneys ANYTHING); 4) Large-Scale Wind & Solar; and 5) Industrial Development. Each session was extremely interesting and educational. Of particular interest was the session on Fire Protection Service Fees. Currently we pay for fire protection services from our general fund to the Town of Grand Rapids and the Village of Plainfield. The first uses equalized value to determine what we pay whereas the second uses a formula that is proportional to each contracted municipality. The former does not and so unfortunately, we pay a disproportional amount to T. Grand Rapids. In this WTA session they recommended two options if we don’t want to continue pulling from our general fund: 1) referendum to increase our levy; or 2) using a formula based on square footage of homes/businesses/land size, etc. to have landowners pay proportionally based on the anticipated expense of a fire to their parcel. It’s a very interesting option and several towns are working with their assessors to create a fair formula for landowners. For example, an agricultural field would pay far less than a large commercial building, or a small home would pay less than a large one with several accessory buildings, etc. Moving forward the Town of Grant will be looking at options as the price of fire protection increases every year. We need to find ways to make it fair with the greatest protection for all our residents, their homes, businesses, and land. Enjoy the anticipated stunning weather, 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.