Loss of Governor Lee Sherman Dreyfus

President, Chancellor, and Governor Lee Sherman Dreyfus touched the City of Stevens Point and the greater Central Wisconsin area in a tremendous way. What he did for our University and city will be felt way into the future; and is best captured by the naming of the Dreyfus University Center in his honor.

Leadership was at the center of who Lee Sherman Dreyfus was; and in projecting that leadership, Lee was able to cultivate a group of leaders from UWSP that have made an impact in every corner of the State of Wisconsin and the world. The City of Stevens Point, UWSP, and the State of Wisconsin have lost a great statesman in Lee Sherman Dreyfus.

He will be greatly missed by the city he helped shape by his presence and leadership.


Andrew Halverson, Mayor of Stevens Point

Budget Recommendations Reflect Fiscal Realities
A Message from Mayor Andrew Halverson

At the November 6 Special Finance Committee meeting, I introduced a budget proposal for the upcoming year, one that I believe offers a responsible plan for our city in 2008. There were a number of very difficult decisions made, but in the end we have a budget plan that keeps taxes low and funds vital programs like police and fire, while making a sound investment in our community's infrastructure and long term well being.

When the Comptroller and I began putting a budget proposal together, we started the process facing a $798,000 deficit between expenditure restraints and levy restrictions. The cause of this shortfall, as stated at the meeting, was a combination of increased costs, the state-imposed levy restraints, and the use of one-time spending sources in the last couple of budgets. In other words, increasing taxes was not allowed and one time transfers were not going to be enough - we needed to offset that deficit almost entirely by reducing or eliminating services.

The first thing that we looked at to address this was increased efficiencies within city government. We reclassified and consolidated a number of positions, changing and combining job duties, moving some positions and responsibilities to other departments, and cutting a number of current and planned positions. All of these moves were made in an effort to capture savings and increase efficiency in both the short and the long term. In the Mayor's office alone, we were able to cut $27,000, or 20% of that office's overall budget. Any increase in the Mayor's office budget is still calculated into that $27,000 savings.

After all of these moves, the city was still facing a hole. Instead of making cuts or in some ways furthering cuts to critical needs like police, fire, and road maintenance, we focused on programs that, while very important, are not as vital as those dealing with public safety or infrastructure. This led to the proposed cuts in recreational programming, which we now hope to keep in place with higher fees. We made these proposed reductions to find $70,000 that would go into the recreation budget over and above any fee that was collected.

Budgets should be about setting your community's priorities. But more and more, they are about picking the lesser of two evils. Instead of creating new programs aimed at economic development or public health and well-being, we are working under a state system that leaves us only with the choice of cutting either important programs or vital services. That was what we were left with, and considering the fiscal realities we are facing, we did what I think is the responsible thing for our community.

Every part of our community is affected by this budget, and with that in mind, I encourage any City of Stevens Point resident with questions or concerns about it to please let me know. I can be reached by E-mail or by phone at 346-1570.

Sincerely,

Andrew Halverson, Mayor of Stevens Point

Make Time to Talk to your U.S. Senator

U.S. Senator Russ Feingold will hold a listening session in Portage County on Tuesday, January 8. Senator Feingold has pledged to hold listening sessions in all of Wisconsin's 72 counties each year of his six-year term and this will be the Senator's 16th year of holding listening sessions. If you need special accommodations at the listening session, contact Senator Feingold's Middleton office at (608) 828-1200.

His Portage County listening session will be held at 7:30 a.m. at the Stockton Town Hall, 7252 6th Street, in Custer. The meeting will last up to an hour.

"I again look forward to meeting with constituents in Portage County," Senator Feingold said. "These listening sessions are an excellent opportunity for me to hear directly from constituents about any issues or concerns they may have, and I appreciate the effort people make to attend these meetings and let their voices be heard. Their ideas and advice continue to enable me to serve the people of Wisconsin to the best of my ability."

Contact Governor Doyle about the "Video Competition Act"

A bill in Madison, AB207/SB107, will take away cable TV franchising authority from cities and give statewide franchises to cable companies like Charter Communications, and to phone companies like AT&T, when it is signed into law. The bill was voted on and passed by the Wisconsin Senate on Thursday, November 8, and by the Assembly on December 11.

Governor Doyle has not yet signed this bill into law, and he has the power to either change it or veto it completely!

Illinois, like many other states, recently passed similar legislation that does everything to promote competition that the Wisconsin bill is supposed to do, but also provides a permanent 1% support fee for all Community TV channels, requires those channels to be carried at full quality, requires better customer support standards, better provisions for management of city rights-of-way, and includes buildout requirements that will promote competition in more areas.

Wisconsin's bill ends all Community TV support fees in 3 years, does not allow cities to use advertising on the channels to recoup that lost income, allows those channels to be carried at low quality, does not require customer service standards that are better than the minimal federal standards, does not allow cities as much control over rights-of-way, and does not require companies like AT&T to offer service to all areas but instead allows them to cherry-pick just the most profitable ones.

Wisconsin residents may contact Governor Doyle, to encourage him to change the bill before signing it or to veto it and ask lawmakers to re-draft it so that it protects and benefits Wisconsin communities and consumers, via a form on his web site, or by calling his office at (608) 266-1212.

Smongeski Health Fund Assists Children

The Smongeski Health Fund provides free toothbrushes every 6 months and free vitamins every 3 months to children living within the City of Stevens Point. The Fund also provides assistance for eye care and dental sealants.

If you have any questions or would like to take advantage of the services provided by the Fund, please call 346-1569 or stop by the City Clerk's office located at 1515 Strongs Avenue. The office is open from 7:30 A.M. to 4:00 P.M. Monday through Friday.

Read more about the Smongeski Health Fund.

Man Responsible for up to 41 Burglaries is in Police Custody

On November 27, 2007 at 4:02 AM, Stevens Point Police Officers Raasoch, Stanislawski and Mueller responded to Fill's Bar at 3301 Patch St. Officer Mueller checked the doors to the establishment while Officer Raasoch checked the area. Mueller noted there was a sign of forced entry to the establishment and broadcast this information to Officer Raasoch, who was checking adjacent businesses in the area and observed an individual running away from the direction of the bar with what appeared to be a hammer in his hand. After a short chase, Officer Raasoch was able to apprehend Frank J. Stallings, Age 35. Subsequent investigation determined that Fill's Bar appeared to have been burglarized. Entry was made via a broken east side door, and inside several video poker machines had been broken into. A subsequent investigation recovered over $1,200 from Mr. Stallings.

Officer Dean, who is assigned to the same patrol shift as Officers Mueller, Raasoch, and Stanislawski, came to the SPPD police station the night of the incident to assist with processing this investigation. Officer Dean saw the suspect, Mr. Stallings, while he was walking away from her in the company of other officers. Officer Dean noted that Mr. Stallings' manner of walking and the clothing he wore were very similar to those of a suspect described in a series of burglaries she was involved in investigating during the summer of 2006. She showed great initiative in securing the clothing, shoes and other items that Mr. Stallings was wearing at the time he was apprehended. She followed through by ensuring that Detective Lepak of the Department's Detective Division was fully briefed on the situation, including her belief that this person might be responsible for many more burglaries in our area.

Detective Lepak, assisted by Detectives Bean, Lawrynk, and Kussow, began an extensive search of Stevens Point Police Department files for burglaries with patterns similar to that found at Fill's Bar, notably those where money was taken, and there was forced entry. While Detective Lepak was initiating his research, Mr. Stallings, who had been released from custody on bond, appeared at the Police Department on the day after his arrest, and asked to speak to Detective Lepak. Subsequent discussions and investigation are leading the Stevens Point Police Department to request additional charges against Mr. Stallings for burglarizing up to 16 other establishments in Stevens Point. Additionally, he is believed responsible for burglarizing as many as a total of 41 businesses in Stevens Point, Plover and rural Portage County. The total value of property damaged and taken is in excess of $14,000. The investigation is still ongoing, as the Stevens Point Police, Plover Police, and Portage County Sheriff's Departments attempt to determine if Mr. Stallings was responsible for other incidents in our area.

Parks Department Wins Design Award

On November 8, 2007, the Wisconsin Park and Recreation Association (WPRA) awarded the City of Stevens Point Parks, Recreation and Forestry Department the Park Section Facility Design Award of Merit.

The Park Design Award Program was established to recognize outstanding park and recreation construction projects in the State of Wisconsin by WPRA members.

The mission of WPRA is to increase the effectiveness of professionals in parks, recreation, therapeutic recreation and related leisure services through a variety of forums which encourage and enhance professional education and networking among the leisure industry, and to advocate and promote the benefits of parks and leisure services to the general public.

The award was presented to Stevens Point for its KASH Playground project.

Congratulations to the residents and the Stevens Point Parks, Recreation and Forestry Department!

Beware of Check Cashing Scam

Portage County Crimestoppers has recently been experiencing increasing numbers of complaints about citizens receiving letters and checks saying they have either won or have been awarded money. All they have to do to claim the rest of their prize, the letter says, is cash the check and send a portion of the money to Canada via Western Union, and they will then receive the remainder of their winnings. Several days later, their bank notifies them that the check was fraudulent and instead of having extra money, these victims can be out several thousand dollars.

If you receive one of these scam checks, we encourage you to contact the Federal Trade Commission at either ftc.gov or by phone at 877-FTC-HELP. They are working with authorities in Canada to track down these thieves. Please do not fall victim to these scam artists.

If you have any information about a crime that has occurred in Portage County, call Portage County Crime Stoppers at 1-888-346-6600. You can remain anonymous and still be eligible for a cash reward. Crime doesn't pay, but Crime Stoppers does.

East Avenue Closed in front of Jefferson School

The 1800 block of East Avenue is closed, on a temporary basis, from October 1, 2007 through March 14, 2008. During this period, the city of Stevens Point and the Stevens Point Area Public School District will collaborate on a study of traffic conditions and student safety. Upon completion of the study in March, 2008, a recommendation will be made to the Stevens Point City Council and the School Board of Stevens Point Area Public School District to continue the closure on an indefinite basis or to reopen this portion of East Avenue.

The study will include unannounced police department traffic and safety checks, and a survey that will be available from November 1, 2007 to February 28, 2008.

You may take the survey online or pick up a paper copy at the Police Department, Jefferson School, or Bliss Educational Services Center. Interim reports of the study will be made available at those three sites.

More information is available on the Jefferson School for the Arts Web site.

Christmas Parade on Community TV Channel 3

The 19th Annual Historic Downtown Stevens Point Christmas Parade, recorded November 15, was scheduled to play on Community Television Channel 3 at the following times:

Thursday, November 22 at 1:30 p.m.; Friday, November 23 at 10:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m.; and Saturday, November 24 at 3:00 p.m. and 8:30 p.m.

Christmas Parade Thursday

The 19th Annual Historic Downtown Stevens Point Christmas Parade will be held Thursday, November 15. The theme of this year's parade is "My Christmas Wish."

Caroling around the Community Christmas Tree will begin at 5:30. The Official Downtown Lighting will be performed by Mayor Halverson at 6:00 p.m. The parade will begin at 6:00.

Cookies, Cider, and Holiday Cheer will be served in the Center Court of CenterPoint MarketPlace when Santa arrives there after the parade.

City and County Budget Meetings on TV

Meetings held by the City's Finance Committee and the County Board of Supervisors on Tuesday, November 6 were videotaped and were scheduled to play, in their entirety, on Community TV Channel 3.

The Special City Finance Committee meeting, with a presentation by Comptroller/Treasurer John Schlice and Mayor Andrew Halverson on the proposed 2008 city budget, is scheduled to be shown at the following times: Thursday, November 8 at 12:30 p.m.; Friday, November 9 at 9:00 p.m.; and Saturday, November 10 at 3:00 p.m. The meeting is one hour and 35 minutes long.

The County Board of Supervisors meeting will follow the city meeting on those same days: Thursday, November 8 at 2:05 p.m.; Friday, November 9 at 10:35 p.m.; and Saturday, November 10 at 4:35 p.m. The county meeting is one hour and 45 minutes long.

Oak Wilt Control along Green Circle Trail

Walking the Green Circle Trail between Iverson Park and Patch Street, one might notice many large dead oak trees. These trees have died from a disease called oak wilt. As part of the control plan for this disease, the oak trees are scheduled for removal later this fall/winter. Signage along the trail designates the section scheduled for tree removal. Get more information about oak wilt.

Applications Accepted for 2008 Special Events Funding

The Stevens Point Hotel/Motel Specials Events Committee accepted applications for funding of 2008 Special Events sponsored by nonprofit organizations. The committee and funds were established to help fund original and innovative Events, that are open to the public and will provide entertainment for the community, along with attracting visitors to the area. Applications and guidelines are available here, or may be picked up at the Recreation Office during normal office hours, Monday through Friday 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. The deadline for returning a completed Special Event Funding application was November 1, 2007.

Trick or treat! City Assessor Jim Siebers and his staff dressed as the Great Pumpkin and vines on Halloween.

Community Invited to Eco-Municipality Kick-Off

The public is invited to share their vision for a sustainable Stevens Point at the Eco-Municipality Kick Off event on Tuesday, October 30 from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. at Ben Franklin Jr. High School, 2000 Polk St. The Stevens Point Eco-Municipality Task Force is organizing the event. The Eco-Municipality Kick-Off will feature keynote speaker Mary Rehwald. Rehwald sits on the Ashland City Council and is an integral part Ashland's sustainability movement and their adoption of the eco-municipality resolution. From the Eco-Municipality Kick-Off, the Task Force will work to develop policy recommendations and community projects.

Read more about the Eco-Municipality Kick-Off.

Friday, October 19, city employees wore pink in honor of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

Applications being Accepted for Point 150 Funding

In 2008, the City of Stevens Point will be celebrating its 150th birthday. The "Point 150 Committee" is setting the framework for what we hope will be a year-long celebration. We would like to plan or see existing events/celebrations in 2008 highlight or remember our past 150 years of history in some way. The committee is looking to help organizations, clubs, and groups that will be hosting an event in the City of Stevens Point in 2008 by offering grant funds. These funds will be granted for events that will feature the city's history over the past 150 years in some way. Applications are available here, or may be picked up at the Recreation Office during normal office hours, Monday through Friday 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. The deadline for returning a completed Point 150 Event Funding application was October 26, 2007.

Stevens Point Water and Parks Departments Win Awards

The City of Stevens Point Water Department has been awarded the 2007 Water Utility Achievement Award, presented at the annual state Wisconsin Water Association Conference in Green Bay, Wisconsin. The award is presented to a utility that has done something special or unique to warrant recognition including a special event, ongoing excellence, or a response to a problem. The application for the award for Stevens Point included two of the three criteria, including having no deficiencies found in any of the operations or facilities and receiving an outstanding performance determination by the regional DNR representative, and for celebrating the Department's 120 years of quality water service to the community by having some of Stevens Point's water bottled with labels representing logos from the past. The award was accepted by Director Kim Halverson and is on display in the Water Department Administration Building.

The City of Stevens Point Parks Department has won the 2007 Park Section Design Award of Merit for the KASH Playground Project. The Award of Merit will be presented at the WPRA Annual Fall Conference in November.

Mayor Halverson and all city staff and officials extend their sincere thanks and congratulations to both departments!

Fifth District Listening Session to be Held

Mayor Andrew Halverson and Alderperson Amy Heart will hold a listening session at Jefferson School, 1800 East Ave., from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Tuesday, October 16, to listen to concerns and comments from residents of the city's Fifth District. Mayor Halverson plans to hold listening sessions in each of the city's 11 Districts during his first year in office.

County Budget and Justice Center Information on TV

Two special programs on Community Television, cable channel 3, will provide Stevens Point area residents with important information from their County government this weekend.

A special County Board of Supervisors meeting, recorded last week, will present information about the proposed 2008 County Government Budget at the following times: Friday evening at 9:00 p.m., Saturday morning at 9:00 a.m., and Saturday afternoon at 4:31 p.m.

Also, a recently-recorded listening session, held by County Officials, will present information about the Portage County Justice Center Project at the following times: Saturday at 3:00 p.m., Saturday at 8:30 p.m., and finally Monday, October 15 at 7:30 a.m.

See the Complete Community Television Schedule.

Airport Information Meeting to be Held October 13

A Stevens Point Municipal Airport Update Meeting will be held Saturday, October 13, from 9:00 until 10:00 a.m. in UWSP's College of Natural Resources Room #123. Detailed information about the remodeling of airport facilities, currently underway, will be presented. For more information, call (715) 252-3326.

October 7 - 13 is Fire Prevention Week

Fire can spread rapidly through your home, leaving you as little as two minutes to escape safely once the alarm sounds. Your ability to get out depends on advance warning from smoke alarms and advance planning - a home fire escape plan that everyone in your family is familiar with and has practiced.

Read more about Fire Escape Planning.

City approaches Stora Enso's Sale with Optimism

September 21, 2007 - Stora Enso has signed a definitive agreement to sell Stora Enso North America, Inc. (SENA), its North American subsidiary, to NewPage Holding Corporation (NewPage) a North American coated paper producer. The combined company, to be called NewPage, will be among the leading paper producers in the industry.

"I am optimistic about the sale. NewPage Corporation is a producer of coated papers and an industry leader. Their presence here could mean more opportunities for our community. We plan to be flexible and will work closely with the new management group to keep and grow jobs in the area," stated Mayor Andrew Halverson. "Although the city was not involved in the decision, nor alerted prior the final decision, at this time there is no reason to believe that this sale will have a negative impact on the community" Halverson said.

Read more about the sale of Stora Enso.

October 7 - 13 is Fire Prevention Week; Big Kick-Off Event Saturday, October 6

The Stevens Point Fire Department is joining forces with many local sponsors to host a Fire Safety Awareness Week Kick-Off event at the CenterPoint MarketPlace on Saturday, October 6, from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.

This free event will include many demonstrations, including: fire being put out by a fire sprinkler system; campfire, kitchen, and appliance safety; escaping from a smoke filled room; a virtual fire extinguisher; and much more!

At 12:30, two similar 8 x 8 rooms will be set aflame simultaneously. One room will be equipped with an automatic sprinkler system and the other will not. Spectators will be able to witness first hand how quickly fire spreads, and also the life-saving benefits of a sprinkler system.

Read more about this event.

Read more about Fire Prevention Week.

Fire Station Repair pilots Eco-Municipality Task Force Goals

Repairing a fire station that was damaged has provided the City of Stevens Point and its Eco-Municipality Task Force an opportunity to demonstrate the environmental and economic benefits of sustainable design. Mayor Halverson has suggested the fire station project be a pilot to demonstrate the positive outcomes for the city by employing sustainable design principles. Several of the Task Force's objectives would be embodied in the repair, remodeling, and expansion of Fire Station No. 2. "It is critical for us to take full advantage of this opportunity in order to set an example for what can be done sustainably" Halverson said.

Supporting the Eco-Municipality Task Force, the integrated design will identify methods and specify materials that contribute to its goals. New building technologies and techniques will be applied to increase energy efficiency, improve the livable environment and reduce the cost of operating the building. Examples include application of geothermal heating and cooling, and solar and wind power.

Read More about Repairs and Improvements to Fire Station 2.

Tenth District Listening Session to be Held

Mayor Andrew Halverson and Alderperson Brian Brooks will hold a listening session at McKinley School, 2926 Blaine Street, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Tuesday, September 25, to listen to concerns and comments from residents of the city's Tenth District. Mayor Halverson plans to hold listening sessions in each of the city's 11 Districts during his first year in office.

West Whitney St. and West Cornell Ave. CLOSED for Construction

West Whitney Street (from West Clark Street to West Cornell Avenue) and West Cornell Avenue (from West Whitney Street to West River Drive) are closed for reconstruction. There will be no detour. The project is scheduled for completion in November.

This project is largely a water main and sanitary sewer replacement/upgrade project, but West Cornell and West Whitney will also be reconstructed as one-way streets between West Clark St. and West River Drive. When these streets open, traffic will only be able to travel on them from West Clark street toward West River drive, and not the other way around.

See Map showing One-Way Streets after Construction.

See W. Whitney and W. Cornell Construction Map.

More Frontenac Avenue Reconstruction

As of August 20, Frontenac Avenue is undergoing installation of curb and gutter and street reconstruction from Center Street to Oak Street, and from College Avenue to Prais Street.

This project is scheduled for completion in mid-October. Work on Frontenac from Algoma Street to Clark Street has been underway since July 16.

Work is proceeding under traffic with no detour. Please drive extra carefully in construction zones!

See Frontenac Ave. Construction Map.

Get more Road Construction Information.

Drive Safely and Responsibly in and around School Zones

The Stevens Point Police Department reminds everyone that a new school year has begun and motorists should re-familiarize themselves with school zones, school zone speed limits, student crossings, and play activity related to schools. School zones and school crossings are marked with either yellow colored or a high visibility yellow colored warning signs.

The speed limit in school zones is 15 miles per hour. Motorists must slow down to 15 miles per hour when passing a school at those times when children are going to or from school or are playing within the sidewalk area at or about the school. The speed limit is also 15 miles per hour when passing an intersection or other location properly marked with a School Crossing sign and any of these conditions exist:

• a child is present
• a school crossing guard is within a crosswalk at the intersection or other location or is no crosswalk exists, is in the roadway at the intersection or the other location
• a school crossing guard is placing in or removing from the roadway at or near the intersection or designated location, a temporary sign or device that guides, warns, or regulates traffic.

Adult crossing guards and school safety cadets will staff some intersections near schools. Their presence should be a clue for you to slow down and watch for children. Drive defensively - keep in mind that children don't always cross the street where and when they should.

Oak Wilt Control Demonstration

Oak wilt is a fungus that kills countless mature oak trees every year. Beetles carry the disease to fresh cuts or breaks on a tree. Once a tree is infected, the disease moves very readily from tree to tree through interconnected roots. By cutting the roots between trees, treating oaks with a fungicide to prevent infection, and properly disposing of infected trees, pockets of oak wilt can be contained.

As oak wilt continues to spread through area neighborhoods, basic knowledge and awareness of the disease will help residents, contractors, and developers preserve valuable landscape trees. On Saturday September 8, between 9:00 am and 11:00 am, the City of Stevens Point Forestry Department will be demonstrating methods of controlling oak wilt. The free demonstration will be held in Bukolt Park, just north of the baseball diamond. Trenching to sever roots around an oak wilt pocket, and injection treatments to prevent infection of adjacent oaks will be demonstrated.

Representatives from KLM Services, A+ Tree Service, and the Stevens Point Forestry Department will be on hand to provide information and answer questions. Residents with oaks on their property, residents planning to build on properties with oaks, and contractors working around oak trees are encouraged to attend.

Get more Forestry Information.

Eco-Municipality Task Force

The Stevens Point Eco-Municipality Task Force is looking for area residents to help fill its subcommittees. Over the course of the next year, the Task Force will develop specific recommendations to build a sustainable community. The Task Force identified eight main issues facing our community, and is organizing eight subcommittees to study these issues and help develop recommendations. The Task Force is looking for interested residents to serve on these subcommittees.

The Stevens Point Eco-Municipality Task Force was formed in June under the direction of Mayor Andrew Halverson, with the goal to develop a sustainable framework for our community's future. "We hope to build on past successes to strengthen our future," said Halverson. Alderperson Amy Heart, Vice-Chair of the Task Force, says, "We want area residents, our community experts, to identify priorities and develop concrete recommendations."

Get More Information about the Task Force.

Robin Hood on Community Television

This year's Summer Rec Program Prairie Fire Children's Theatre production of "Robin Hood" is scheduled to be seen on Community Television, Channel 3, on Saturday, August 25 at 3:00 p.m. and again at 8:30 p.m. The program is a little over an hour long and stars children from the Stevens Point area.

Stevens Point named one of Top 10 Places to Live

Relocate America, a Web site that assists individuals who plan to relocate, has announced their list of the "Top 100 Places to Live" for 2007. Throughout the calendar year, Relocate America accepts nominations for cities and towns throughout the country to be considered as a "great place to live." The nominating parties must include their own reasons why they feel their city should make the list. The nominations, along with key data regarding education, employment, economy, crime, parks, recreation, and housing are reviewed, rated, and judged by Relocate America's editorial team. Special consideration is taken on the Top 10 Cities as they are listed in a ranked order of America's Top 10 Places to Live.

Since the list's introduction in 1997, the City of Stevens Point has been ranked in the top 100 two times, in 2002 and 2004. In 2007, Stevens Point has been listed in the TOP TEN, and is currently listed as the 8th Best Place to Live. Thank you to all who nominated Stevens Point for this honor!

See Relocate America's Top 100 Places to Live.

Frontenac Ave. Road Construction began July 16

Frontenac Avenue is being reconstructed from Algoma Street to Clark Street as of Monday, July 16, and continuing for 40-50 construction days. This is largely a water main and sanitary sewer replacement/upgrade project. Frontenac Ave. will be closed to traffic with no detour. See a Frontenac Ave. Construction Map. (opens in new window/tab)

Road Construction Season began with Patch St. Project

Patch Street is being reconstructed from Michigan Ave. to the Plover River bridge to make space for a 10 foot wide blacktop pedestrian and bike trail along its north side. On-street parking will be removed and bike lanes painted and signed on both sides. Get More Road Construction Information.

Summer Series of Free Outdoor Concerts is Underway

There are at least three opportunities for Stevens Point residents and visitors to enjoy free, live music every week this summer. The Stevens Point Parks and Recreation Department has begun its annual series of free music concerts at the bandshell in Pfiffner Pioneer Park. The "Party in the Park" concert series features different styles of music each Friday night from 7:00 to 10:00 p.m. through August 10. See the complete schedule.

The Stevens Point City Band performs at the bandshell every Wednesday night from 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. through August 8.

The "Eat to the Beat" series presents free, live music at the Transit Hub Plaza, corner of Strongs Ave. and Main St., Thursdays from 11:45 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. See the complete schedule.

Stevens Point Urban Deer Management

To fulfill some of her requirements for a Master's of Science in Natural Resources degree, Cortney Schaefer, Graduate Assistant at UWSP's Schmeeckle Reserve, created and developed an Urban Deer Management web site as part of a joint project between UWSP and the City of Stevens Point's Deer Management Committee.

The goal of the Web site is to help urban residents understand deer herd dynamics and the different methods of controlling urban deer herds, and what our the City of Stevens Point is planning for our own deer herd. In addition to deer management information, the site includes helpful information about deer biology, including useful information regarding what plants deer like to eat and what plants they dislike.

Visit the Urban Deer Management Web Site.

Curfew Violations in Portage County

Stevens Point recently changed their curfew ordinance to more closely mirror Portage County and Plover's curfew ordinances, and Police Officers and Deputies in Portage County will be paying more attention to under age children who are out past their curfew time.

Children under the age of 17 cannot be out away from home without a parent or adult supervision between 11:00 p.m. and 5:00 a.m. in these municipalities. Get more curfew enforcement information.

Riverfront Rendezvous

The biggest event of the summer, Riverfront Rendezvous, is this weekend, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday June 29, 30, and July 1! The festivities begin with the Community Walk Friday at 5:30 and wrap up Sunday night after the Fireworks and the last of many great music performances.

Riverfront Rendezvous features food, beverages, games for the kids, BINGO, activities for everyone, and plenty of fantastic FREE music on several different stages. There will be many different styles of music, including bluegrass, country, folk, funk, jazz, polka, rock, soul, and more!

For those who are not content to just sick back and enjoy listening to the music, there will be a Point Idol singing competition Saturday and Sunday.

Come down to Pfiffner Pioneer Park along the beautiful Wisconsin River and join us for the fun! See the complete schedule.

Water Mains to be Cleaned April 29 to May 3

The City of Stevens Point Water Department plans to thoroughly clean all water mains from Sunday, April 29 until Thursday, May 3. Cleaning will take place each night from approximately 10:00 p.m. until 6:00 a.m. the next morning until the project is completed. During these times, water pressure might be low, but water will not be shut off. Water might be discolored at any time during this process.

Contact the Stevens Point Water Department for more information.

Mayor Halverson Sworn in Tuesday, April 17 Andrew Halverson, the first new Mayor Stevens Point has had in 12 years, officially began his term on Tuesday, April 17. The public attended his swearing-in ceremony at 4:30 p.m. that day in the Police Department Conference Room. Mayor Halverson addressed the public, city staff, friends, and family, sharing some thoughts about the future of the city of Stevens Point under his administration, but said he'd save his complete "inaugural address" for his first Common Council meeting in May.

Community Television Threatened by Proposed Legislation
April 2007

A bill in the state legislature, AB207/SB107, while aimed at helping AT&T gain a foothold in competing against cable companies for the delivery of television service, threatens to significantly reduce funding for, and potentially deactivate, Community TV Channels 3, 10, and 99 in Stevens Point and similar local channels throughout the state.

The bill, if passed into law as written, will reduce the franchise fee paid to the City of Stevens Point by Charter Communications and competing video service provider AT&T. It will eliminate the PEG (Public, Educational, and Government Access) Channel Support Fee paid to the city, and it will allow video service providers to charge the city for certain PEG services which they currently provide at no cost.

Worse yet, the bill will put programming requirements on the local channels that, if not met, can result in their deactivation by the cable company or AT&T. The requirements, as written, are impossible for local channels to meet with their minimal resources.

The City of Stevens Point urges you to contact your state representative and senator immediately and ask them to support amendments to the bill that will protect Community Television (PEG) Channels.

Contact your Legislators regarding this issue via our e-mail form.

See Proposed Amendments to the Bill
93 KB File Requires Free Acrobat Reader added 4/2/2007

Read an article in the Stevens Point Journal.

Much more information is available at SaveAccessWisconsin.org.

Portage County Committee Finds Some Well Water Contaminated
March 2007

An informational piece aired on the news on March 21, 2007, regarding wells contaminated with nitrate nitrogen in Portage County.

The wells they are referring to are PRIVATE WELLS in the township of Buena Vista and the Town of Plover, and not the City of Stevens Point.

City customers do not have to worry about this contamination as the city supply has low levels of nitrates and samples for nitrates on a regular basis as required by the DNR.

If you have questions or would like more information on this matter, please call the Water Department at 345-5260.

Candidate Forums and Debate on Community TV
March 2007

The Stevens Point Area League of Women Voters sponsored a Candidate Forum and Mayoral Debate on March 15 at Sentry Theater. The forum and debate are scheduled to be seen on Community Television, cable channel 3, at the following times: Friday, March 30, at 9:00 p.m. and Saturday, March 31, at 3:00 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. The program is 2 hours and 12 minutes long.

The League also held a forum for School Board Candidates at the Charles M. White Public Library on Thursday, March 29. That forum is scheduled to be seen on Community TV on Friday, March 30 at 11:15 p.m., and Saturday, March 31 at 7:30 a.m. and 10:45 p.m.

The City of Stevens Point and the League of Women Voters encourage you to watch these programs and learn about the candidates, and strongly encourage you to VOTE on April 3.

Consider Voting Absentee
March 2007

As the April 3 Spring Election approaches, voters may want to consider the option of voting early by using an absentee ballot. Residents do not need an excuse to vote absentee.

Residents of the city may vote absentee at the City Clerk's office or request a ballot be mailed to them. Residents can vote at the Clerk's office though Monday, April 2, the day before the election. The deadline for requesting an absentee ballot by mail is Thursday, March 29.

Absentee ballot applications are available here and in the Clerk's office.

City residents with questions about voting absentee or registering to vote can contact the Stevens Point City Clerk's Office at 346-1569.

Get more voting information. New! See a sample ballot for the April 3, 2007 Election.

Ambulance, EMS Meeting on Community TV
March 2007

The Portage County Ambulance Services Informational Meeting which was held on Wednesday, March 7 at the Elizabeth Inn & Convention Center in Plover is scheduled to be seen in its entirety on Community Television, channel 3, at the following times:

Friday, March 9 at 9:00 p.m., and Saturday, March 10 at 3:00 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. The meeting is approximately 2 hours and 10 minutes long.

The meeting includes a presentation made by the Amherst and Plover Fire Chiefs about their proposal for moving two ambulances to Amherst and Plover which would provide Basic Life Support service using EMTs from their Fire Departments. That presentation is followed by a statement from Stevens Point Mayor Gary Wescott regarding the proposal the city has made which would add another ambulance to the county's EMS system, to be placed wherever the county decides, which would provide Advanced Life Support service using Paramedics from the Stevens Point Fire Department. The meeting concludes with questions from the audience and statements from representatives of many towns and villages in the county who were in attendance.

Stevens Point is Jazzed about the Future
March 2007

Visit the City of Stevens Point's booth today, Tuesday, March 6, at the Portage County Business Council's Business Expo. The Expo, a Central Wisconsin "open house" of area businesses, offers the business community a unique opportunity to showcase their products and services.

The theme of this year's Expo is "Jazzed about the Future - Tune it Up." The Expo will be open from 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. at the Country Springs Hotel in Stevens Point.

Votes are Recounted, Election Results Stand
February 2007

After recounting all of the ballots, City Clerk, John Moe, reports that the results of the February 20 election have not changed. Mayoral Candidates Andrew Halverson and Mike Wiza will appear on the April 3 ballot.

The recount found 75 more votes for Halverson than were reported at the end of election night, but vote counts for the other four candidates remained the same.

Stevens Point to be featured in "Wisconsin Trails"
February 2007

After months of preparation, the Stevens Point Area Convention & Visitors Bureau (SPACVB) announces its inclusion in the March/April issue of Wisconsin Trails magazine. The Stevens Point area was showcased in a monthly feature story, titled "Gone for the Weekend: Stevens Point." The article was written by Carla Waldemar, a travel writer from Minneapolis, during a visit to the area last June which was coordinated by the Stevens Point Area Convention & Visitors Bureau.

The article highlights the points of interest, lodging, dining, shopping, and attractions visited while in the area. Many area businesses are mentioned in the five-page article, and a map and contact information are included.

The March/April issue of Wisconsin Trails should be on newsstands February 27.

"This is great exposure for our area, and it is a rare opportunity for our destination," said Tom Barrett, executive director of the SPACVB. "In the past, efforts like this have resulted in an increased interest in our area, generating a positive economic impact for our communities."

Wisconsin Trails is an award-winning magazine that has been chosen as one of the 50 Best Magazines worldwide by the Chicago Tribune. Wisconsin Trails has focused on the people, history, nature, travel, and culture in Wisconsin for more that 45 years.

The Stevens Point Area Convention and Visitors Bureau aggressively markets Portage County as a destination for leisure travelers, conventions, motorcoach tours, and sporting events, thereby contributing to the economic development of our community. To receive more information on the Stevens Point Area Convention and Visitors Bureau and their services, visit the SPACVB Web site or stop by the Visitor Information Center located at 340 N. Division Street, Stevens Point.

Snow Emergency Declared
February 2007

A Snow Emergency will be in effect in the City of Stevens Point beginning at 9:00 p.m. on Thursday, March 1, and shall remain in effect until 7:00 a.m. on Friday, March 2. The Snow Emergency will resume at 9:00 p.m. on Friday, March 2, and shall remain in effect until 7:00 a.m. on Saturday, March 3.

No person may park, stop, or leave any vehicle upon the streets, any portions of the streets, or any city-owned parking lot in the City of Stevens Point during the snow emergency. Any vehicles in violation will be ticketed and towed by the police department. The Police Department asks for your cooperation to allow the Street Department the opportunity to clear city streets of the recently fallen snow.

A snow emergency is also in effect in the Village of Plover, get more information on Plover's web site.

A Snow Emergency will be in effect in the City of Stevens Point beginning at 9:00 p.m. on Thursday, March 1, and shall remain in effect until 7:00 a.m. on Friday, March 2. The Snow Emergency will resume at 9:00 p.m. on Friday, March 2, and shall remain in effect until 7:00 a.m. on Saturday, March 3.

No person may park, stop, or leave any vehicle upon the streets, any portions of the streets, or any city-owned parking lot in the City of Stevens Point during the snow emergency. Any vehicles in violation will be ticketed and towed by the police department. The Police Department asks for your cooperation to allow the Street Department the opportunity to clear city streets of the recently fallen snow.

A snow emergency is also in effect in the Village of Plover, get more information on Plover's web site.

Snow Emergency Declared
February 2007

A Snow Emergency will be in effect in the City of Stevens Point beginning at 9:00 a.m. on Sunday, February 25, and shall remain in effect until 12:00 p.m. on Monday, February 26.

No person may park, stop, or leave any vehicle upon the streets or any portions of the streets in the city during the snow emergency. Any vehicles in violation will be ticketed and towed by the police department.

The Police Department asks for your cooperation to allow the Street Department the opportunity to clear city streets of the recently fallen snow.

Farewell Comments from Assessor Carol Kuehn
February 2007

City Assessor Carol Kuehn, who is retiring in March after serving as Stevens Point's Assessor since 1979, addressed the Stevens Point Common Council and the people of Stevens Point at the Council meeting held February 19.

"I am very grateful to have been surrounded by a truly dedicated and hard-working staff, and am very proud of what we have accomplished over the years," she said. "I am also very grateful to my peers who have honored me on many occasions and in many ways over my entire career."

"Stevens Point is very fortunate to have as its employees a group of people who are extremely knowledgeable, experienced, and dedicated to public service. I encourage everyone to treat them with the respect that they deserve. I will truly miss my contact with city employees and wish them all the very best."

Mayor Wescott and the staff and officials of the City of Stevens Point thank Ms. Kuehn for her years of dedicated, excellent service to the people of this community, and wish her well.

Read Carol Kuehn's complete address to the Common Council.

Goerke Field Named Football Field of the Year
January 2007

The Wisconsin Sports Turf Managers Association (WSTMA) named Goerke Football Field as Football Field of the Year for 2006. The City of Stevens Point Department of Parks, Recreation and Forestry is responsible for the field and stadium.

To try to win this award, field managers who felt their sports field was worthy of the designation submitted descriptions and photographs of their field and maintenance programs. A panel of three members from the University of Wisconsin then sifted through all the entries and information. The judges took many criteria into consideration, and the winners had to be dedicated to meet the specifications for submission. The award was presented at the annual WSTMA meeting at the Wisconsin Turfgrass and Greenscape EXPO held in Madison on January 9, 2007.

The Department of Parks, Recreation, and Forestry employees put a lot of time and effort into keeping the field in the best shape as possible, which means not only looking good, but more importantly being in the safest playing condition. Most of the time, Mother Nature plays the biggest role in the field's durability during a football season. If there is an extended period of cool wet weather, and a couple of games are scheduled during that time, the field can get torn up in a hurry, and not much can be done to protect it.

The employees, athletes, and our community can take pride in this designation. See a Photo of Goerke Field.

Forum for Mayoral Candidates on Community TV
January 2007

All five candidates on the ballot for the February 20 primary election for the office of Mayor of the City of Stevens Point attended a forum sponsored by the League of Women Voters of the Stevens Point Area on Thursday, February 1 at Sentry Theatre. The candidates were asked questions prepared by the League and submitted by the audience.

The forum is scheduled to be seen on Community Television, cable channel 3, at the following times:

Fridays, February 2, 9, and 16 at 9:00 p.m.

Saturdays, February 3, 10, and 17 at 3:00 p.m. and 8:30 p.m.

Sled Hills, Toboggan Run, Ice Rinks Open
January 2007

A fourth sledding hill, one toboggan run, and the ice skating rink in Iverson Park opened Friday, January 19, at 6:00 p.m. The warming house is now staffed during regular hours.

The Goerke Park skating rink and outdoor hockey rink also opened Friday. The warming house is open during regular hours and the lights will be on from dusk until 9:00 p.m.

Get More Information about the Winter Sports Areas.

UWSP Transportation Forum to be Held February 5
January 2007

Stevens Point Transit will hold a UWSP Transportation Forum on Monday, February 5 from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. in Room 213 of the Collins Classroom Center. Discussion Topics will include Late Night Bus Service (Safe Ride Program) and Expansion of University Campus Connection Routes.

Forum for Mayoral Candidates to be held February 1
January 2007

All five candidates on the ballot for the February 20 primary election for the office of Mayor of the City of Stevens Point have stated they will attend a forum sponsored by the League of Women Voters of the Stevens Point Area.

At the forum, the candidates will be asked questions prepared by the League. The candidates' written responses to questions previously asked of them by the League will be available at the forum.

The forum is scheduled to be held Thursday, February 1, from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at Sentry Theatre, 1800 NorthPoint Drive, Stevens Point.

City of Stevens Point residents and other interested parties are strongly encouraged to attend.

See a Sample Ballot.

City Assessor Announces Retirement
January 2007

Long time City Assessor Carol Kuehn has announced her plans to retire in early March. Ms. Kuehn began her employment with the city as its assessor in 1979. Before coming here, she worked for six years in Madison at the Wisconsin Department of Revenue in the Property Tax Bureau, and held the position of Assistant Equalization Chief in the Property Tax Bureau when she left there.

Ms. Kuehn has lead the city through three successful city-wide revaluations and has made significant improvements to the procedures and processes of her department. During her 34 years working in the assessment profession, she has received numerous honors from her peers. She was elected by fellow assessment professionals to serve as President of the International Association of Assessing Officers, was appointed by the Governor to serve two terms as a member of the Governor's Advisory Council on Assessor Education, served in leadership roles with the Wisconsin Association of Assessing Officers, chaired the Wisconsin League of Municipalities Assessor Section, and was President of the North Central Regional Association of Assessing Officers. She received a commendation from the Governor in 1996 for bringing proficiency and expertise to the assessment profession and for her commitment to excellence.

Mayor Wescott and the staff and officials of the City of Stevens Point thank Ms. Kuehn for her years of dedicated, excellent service to the people of this community, and wish her well.

Stevens Point Wastewater Treatment Plant Nominated for Award
January 2007

Roger Larson, Deputy Director of the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources Bureau of Watershed Management, has nominated the City of Stevens Point's Wastewater Treatment Facility for a 2007 EPA Operation and Maintenance Award.

After its 2006 annual inspections, the City of Stevens Point Wastewater Treatment department received excellent reviews from the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. In their summary of the review, DNR staff said that the city does "an excellent job of running the plant and maintaining equipment and buildings," and that city staff are "very creative in coming up with ways to optimize treatment, reduce operating costs, and save energy."

Read more about the Wastewater Treatment Plant's review.

Stevens Point Receives Tree City USA And Growth Award
January 2007

The City of Stevens Point has received the Tree City USA designation for the 26th time, and has received the Growth Award for the eighth time (seven years in a row) from the National Arbor Day Foundation.

To qualify as a Tree City USA, municipalities must have a Tree Board, adopt a Community Tree Ordinance, have a Community Forestry Program, and have an Arbor Day Celebration. The Growth Award was created to recognize environmental improvements and higher levels of tree care in Tree City USA communities. Stevens Point is receiving the Growth Award for its efforts in the following areas: Having a Tree Care Workshop; Wildlife Habitat Improvement; and a Special Tree Planting Project.

Read more about the projects that earned us the Growth Award.

Mayor Wescott Endorses US Mayors Climate Protection Agreement
January 2007

On January 8, Mayor Wescott signed onto the US Mayors Climate Protection Agreement. Under the agreement headed by Mayor Nickels of Seattle, Washington, participating cities commit to take following three actions:

• Strive to meet or beat the Kyoto Protocol targets in their own communities, through actions ranging from anti-sprawl land-use policies to urban forest restoration projects to public information campaigns;
• Urge their state governments, and the federal government, to enact policies and programs to meet or beat the greenhouse gas emission reduction target suggested for the United States in the Kyoto Protocol - 7% reduction from 1990 levels by 2012; and
• Urge the U.S. Congress to pass the bipartisan greenhouse gas reduction legislation, which would establish a national emission trading system

Get More Information about the Climate Protection Agreement.

2007 Executive Budget Summary Released
January 2007

The Executive Budget Summary presents the city's budget information in a concise format combining financial, written, and graphical information, departmental profiles and budgets, major capital expenditures, and current and historical tax rates for various units of governments and state entities.

The budget serves as the operational and financial plan for the city. The Common Council approved the 2007 budget in November 2006 with a tax rate of $9.23 per $1,000.00, which is an increase of 4.65% over the 2006 rate of $8.82.

2007 Executive Budget Summary 508 KB File Requires Free Acrobat Reader

Applications for Room Tax Funding Available
January 2007

The City of Stevens Point Long Range Room Tax Committee is now accepting proposals for use of future room tax funds. Funds are usually granted to non-profit organizations exempt from Federal Taxation under Section (3) of the Internal Revenue code or service/civic/organizations. A priority will be given to projects/programs which will attract visitors to the community and serve area residents. Funds may not be used to offset general operating or funding of an organization.

The Committee encourages projects/programs developed in consultation with other planning groups, and those which promote coordination, cooperation, and sharing among organizations, which in turn may help eliminate duplication of projects/programs.

Guidelines and proposal forms may be picked up at the Stevens Point Parks, Recreation & Forestry office at 2442 Sims Ave., Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. or click the link below to view and print them now. All completed proposals must be returned by February 16, 2007 to be considered.

Room Tax Funding Guidelines and Proposal Forms 17 KB File Requires Free Acrobat Reader

Stevens Point Transit Maps Updated
January 2007

Stevens Point Transit is continually improving its service, including regular updates to bus routes. All of our routes have been updated recently, including the addition of daily trips to Crossroads Commons in Plover.

See all of our Updated Bus Route Maps.

Paper copies of all maps are also now available at County Market, Copps on Church St., Hometown Grocery, and on any city bus.

Forestry Department Receives Grant
January 2007

For the second year in a row, the Stevens Point Forestry Department will be receiving a matching Urban Forestry Grant from the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. The department will match the $25,000 grant with scheduled in-house labor. There were 102 applications for the grants this year, and 59 received funding.

The grant will help accomplish several of the department's goals for 2007:

1.) Chain saw safety training for forestry, parks, and street department personnel.
2.) Oak wilt trenching, tree removal, and other oak wilt control measures.
3.) Oak wilt control demonstration program for the public.
4.) Aerial lift truck rental to prune city street trees along Main and Clark Streets.
5.) Updating forestry personnel on emerald ash borer.

City Seeks Aldermanic Candidates
December 2006

Several City of Stevens Point aldermanic offices will be open in April, 2007, and candidates are still being sought for those offices. The deadline for getting the necessary paperwork filled out in order to get your name on the ballot is 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday, January 2, 2007.

The City Clerk has important information for all who are interested in being candidates, and links to the forms you need to fill out by 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday, January 2 are in the memo.

Read the Clerk's Memo and Print the Necessary Forms.

Personal Savings: Stevens Point Ranks 84th in Nation
December 2006

A.G. Edwards developed its Nest Egg Index to assess and compare the relative strength of the nation's cities and states in building and nurturing their nest eggs of financial and retirement assets. The 2006 A.G. Edwards Nest Egg Index ranks the top 500 performing markets based on their residents' personal savings and investing behavior.

The Nest Egg Index looks at the 934 core-based statistical areas defined by the U.S. Census Bureau. It examines 12 categories that influence personal savings categories, including savings and investing propensity; 401(k) and pension plan penetration; home ownership and home values; mortgage and personal debt levels; net worth; household incomes; cost of living; and employment rates.

Of 500 cities listed in the Index, Stevens Point ranked in the top 17 percentile at number 84.

Read about the Nest Egg Index at MSN Money.

Nominate Stevens Point as the Top Place to Live
December 2006

Relocate America, a Web site that assists individuals who plan to relocate, is once again accepting nominations for their list of "Top 100 Places to Live." The list is compiled from statistics and feedback from people who live, work, and play in these communities. The winners are determined by popular vote, with only the top 10 being ranked in chronological order.

Since the list's introduction in 1997, the City of Stevens Point has been ranked in the top 100 two times, in 2002 and 2004. To nominate our community for 2007, or to view the list for 2006, visit Relocate-America.

The nominating parties must include their own reasons why they feel their community should be considered as one of the top 100. We know Stevens Point is one of the top places to live, please help us share that with others. Nominate Stevens Point for 2007's Top 100 List.