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Air Quality Alert: Wildfire smoke from fires in southern Ontario, Canada and northeast Minnesota has moved into Wisconsin, creating unhealthy air quality conditions. The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources has issued an Air Quality Advisory through noon on Thursday. Air quality is expected to reach the Unhealthy to Very Unhealthy level, with the potential to reach the Hazardous Air Quality Index level. The advisory will be re-evaluated Thursday morning and may be extended based on conditions. According to the Department of Health Services, wildfire smoke can affect anyone, but people who may notice symptoms sooner include older adults, young children, people who are pregnant, outdoor workers, and individuals with heart or lung conditions such as asthma or COPD.

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