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Weekly Blast!: This week we note the passing of former Chairman Alden Pedersen who died in Fond du Lac on Friday July 31st. Alden was the chairman for the Town of Grant from 1997-2002.  Our thanks are extended to Supervisor Scott Provost who secured a Wisconsin Department of Transportation Local Small Structures Improvement Program grant. The grant, for $22,500, will pay 90% of the $25,000 cost to replace a culvert on Griffith Avenue between County Highway F and 110th Street South. We are in the process of discontinuing a section of this road, but public access and safety must be retained through this process. Wisconsin DNR land abuts a portion of this road section and replacement of the culvert will maintain proper water flow through this area.  And thanks are also greatly extended to Clerk Stefanie Schlapa who compiled all the costs related to the severe snow and wind events in mid-March. She carefully documented the damages and recovery costs. Recently, the Wisconsin Disaster Fund (WDF) verified the cost of recovery totaling $14,095.44 of which the Town was sent $9,866.81 from the WDF. Treasurer Greg Hakala noted just today that this amount was automatically deposited in the Local Government Investment Pool to begin accruing interest through this valuable state program.  Have a great weekend. Stay cool, if possible, Sharon

Posted on , by Flor Faustino

Weekly Blast!

Happy May Day! Funny because you’ll have to cover your sensitive outside plants the next few nights, otherwise they will FREEZE! I remain optimistic that spring will decide to stay sometime soon…

Many of you may have read or watched local news regarding a proposed Data Center in Wisconsin Rapids. The following news release was published today:

WISCONSIN RAPIDS – The City of Wisconsin Rapids public hearing for a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) for a data center, scheduled for May 4 at 4:00 p.m. within the Council Chambers at City Hall, has been deferred. Due to the project’s specific industry (data centers), size, and location, as well as the importance of conscientious planning for City growth and development, the City has decided to postpone any action on the data center CUP request. To support meaningful communication between the City and the community, and shared understanding of the project’s scope, the City will schedule a listening session to provide project information and respond to questions. The date and time have not yet been determined. Details will be posted on the City’s website: www.wirapids.gov

The CUP request may be considered at a future Planning Commission meeting, which would include a public hearing, and will be noticed appropriately.

Mayor Matt Zacher said, “In a democratic, market-based system, it’s essential that all potential businesses have access to a transparent and equitable review process. We also have an obligation to maintain ordinances that safeguard residents’ quality of life and to thoughtfully address the concerns they share with us. Taking additional time to distribute and review information regarding the CUP, as well as to facilitate a public listening session, allows us to meet that obligation.”

View the CUP application materials (please note that this application may be updated or revised before it is reviewed at a Planning Commission meeting): www.wirapids.gov/DocumentCenter/View/2708/CUP-Application-for-Data-Center-2026-04-24

View the adopted City ordinance regarding data centers: www.wirapids.gov/DocumentCenter/View/2706/MC-1415-Ordinance-Amendment—Data-Centers-PDF

Subscribe to City of Wisconsin Rapids meeting notifications: www.wirapids.gov/list.asp

Questions regarding the CUP process can be directed to:

Kyle Kearns
Community Development Director
715-421-8225

Last week I told you that the Town of Grant Plan Commission is already working on an ordinance to address these large industrial developments because we might be a community that data center companies are looking at. The Commission’s next meeting is Wednesday May 20 beginning at 6:30pm. If this is topic of interest to you, please attend and lend your ideas to this important discussion.

Enjoy the weekend (with your winter coat)! Sharon