Billerud will continue to own and operate facility FOR CITY TIMES WISCONSIN RAPIDS – In a move that keeps more than 130 jobs in the community, Billerud announced March 21 that it has reached terms with the Capital Recovery Group, LLC (CRG, LLC) for the sale of the idled Wisconsin Rapids Mill and related assets. This decision follows the company’s extensive and exhaustive exploration of viable and sustainable alternatives for the mill since its idling in July 2020. The transaction is expected to close in April. “Billerud believes that this decision is the best alternative for all stakeholders ..read more

FOR CITY TIMES WISCONSIN RAPIDS — The Board of Education has accepted the resignation of Superintendent Craig Broeren, effective June 30. Broeren will be assuming the role of Superintendent in the St. Croix Falls School District beginning July 1. The District will be posting the Superintendent vacancy soon, and intends to offer opportunities for local stakeholders to provide their input and feedback about the qualities and characteristics they feel are important to seek when the Board hires the next WRPS Superintendent. Information about the search process will be posted on the District websit ..read more

FOR CITY TIMES PORT EDWARDS — The Port Edwards School District will put two referendum questions on the April 2, 2024 ballot. The first question is to approve a five-year operational referendum for $850,000 annually. The second question is for $7.3 million to address capital improvements and maintenance repairs. The funding formula for Wisconsin public schools has limited funding since 1993. As a result, many schools turn to operational referendums to keep up with day-to-day expenses. Port Edwards is no different. The District passed an operating referendum in 2019 to help pay staff salaries a ..read more

FOR CITY TIMES WISCONSIN RAPIDS — The Wisconsin Rapids Area Sports Commission (WRASC) is pleased to announce Bob Birkhauser as the recipient of the 2023 MVP Award. Bob was nominated both in 2021 and in 2023 for his many years of work and dedication towards the Assumption Catholic Schools athletic programs along with Nekoosa area basketball, softball and baseball. “One of the few times in my life I’m at a loss for words,” Birkhauser said, as he accepted the award. “I want to thank the CVB and the sports commission for sponsoring this event and hosting this event. I am […] The post Birkhauser na ..read more

FOR CITY TIMES WISCONSIN RAPIDS — Wisconsin Rapids Mayor Shane Blaser announced Oct. 18 he will not seek a third term in office, in the spring election to be held on April 2, 2024.  “After nearly four years in office, I have made the decision not to seek re-election,” Blaser said in a written statement. “It is time for me to find a better work-life balance and contribute to the city in other ways. It has been an honor and a privilege to serve the City of Wisconsin Rapids as mayor,” Blaser added.  Since becoming mayor in 2020, Blaser has:   • Encouraged and ..read more

FOR THE CITY TIMES WISCONSIN RAPIDS — The City of Wisconsin Rapids has released a survey to select a name for the new dog park, located on Saratoga Street, between 24th Street North and 25th Street North (the site does not yet have an address).   Now through 8 a.m. on Sept. 19, the public can respond to a survey of three names for the new dog park:   • Rapids Park and Bark Dog Park  • Rapids Barks and Rec Dog Park  • Rapids Room to Zoom Dog Park  The public may respond to the survey online at: wirapids.org/dog-park.  Additionally, the public […] The ..read more

For City Times NEKOOSA – The railroad crossing on WIS 173 (Market Street) in Nekoosa closed this week between Garrison Avenue and Alexander Avenue. A signed detour will be marked to take traffic around the closure. Traffic will be detoured via WIS 73 to WIS 54 to WIS 80. Crews will be resetting elevations of the ties and rails, installing new concrete panels, asphalt paving, completing sidewalk and curb ramp work. Work is anticipated to be complete and the road open by Sept. 29, 2023. Work is dependent upon favorable weather. The work is a continuation of a construction program […] The post WI ..read more

Bradley DeFilippis, left, and Jackson Stoflet work together in a cup stacking event. Submitted photo For City TimesDES MOINES, IOWA – Four Wisconsin Rapids elementary students traveled to Des Moine Iowa and the AAU Junior Olympic Games last week.Physical education teacher Justin Weinhold said the students, Maebel Strehlau, Tristan Cashin, Bradley DeFilippis and Jackson Stoflet competed in sport stacking and placed in various events. The students moved on to the Olympics after participating at a local competition in March. Maebel Strehlau (Woodside Elementary) competed in the age 9-10 female di ..read more

For City Times Wisconsin Rapids Community Theatre has appointed Gretchen Powers as its new executive director. Powers began her tenure this week. “We are thrilled to welcome Gretchen to our team,” said David Farmbrough, WRCT board president. “She has a wealth of experience in theatre and in our theatre specifically, and we are confident that she will lead the Theatre to even greater heights.” Powers brings over 20 years of experience in theatre to her new role. She previously worked for non-profit businesses in the area, including the Children’s Service Society of Wisconsin and Inclusa. On a v ..read more

The essence of a wealth management relationship BY LOUANN SCHULFER  AWMA®, AIF® I received a call from a client a few days ago:  he had a quick question.  That quick question turned into a significant discussion that drove home the value of our ongoing relationship. Our conversation eventually led to how stressed my client has been from his job.  Covid, understaffing and supply chain problems have made his work far more difficult, and he was set on retiring early.  Looking at the size of his portfolio and doing some math (he has a minor in finance) he had his plans ..read more