Official Site of the Government of Stevens Point, Wisconsin

 

Archive of StevensPoint.com's
2008 Home Page News Stories

Notice of Open Book and Board of Review
April, 2008

The Board of Review for the City of Stevens Point will meet May 29, 2008 at 9:00 a.m. in the City Conference Room, 1515 Strongs Ave. for the purpose of reviewing and examining the assessment roll of real and personal property in said city, and all sworn statements and valuations of real and personal property therein, and of correcting all errors in said roll, whether in description of property or otherwise, and to perform such other duties imposed by law.

The Open Book was held from Monday, May 5, 2008, to Friday, May 9, 2008. Open Book is an informational session with the Assessor's Office where you will learn how your assessment was made, what factors were considered, and what type of records are kept regarding your property.

Read the Complete Public Notice and Requirements 10 KB pdf File Requires Acrobat or Free Acrobat Reader.

City Meeting Videos Available Online
April, 2008

In order to provide you with even better access to records of public meetings, the City of Stevens Point is now making its meeting videos available here on this web site.

For many years, Stevens Point has cablecast government meetings such as Plan Commission, Common Council, Finance and Personnel Committees, Board of Public Works, Park Board, and others on Community Television, Channel 3. Now those same videos are also available here at StevensPoint.com.

If you are interested in a particular agenda item of any given meeting, you don't have to watch the rest of the meeting leading up to that item. The meeting videos are indexed so that, by clicking a text link underneath the video, you can cause the video player to jump to the specific agenda item you wish to see.

As soon as they are available, each meeting's minutes are displayed alongside the video player so you can read them while you watch or listen to the video. Until the minutes of the meeting are available, the agenda will be displayed in the same location.

In addition to playing our meetings several times each on
Community Television, Channel 3, and making agendas and minutes available here on our Web site, we hope that integrating those videos, agendas, and minutes and making them available here will help you stay informed about how your city government is working for you.

Visit the City of Stevens Point Meeting Video Archive.

Reconstruction of Fourth Ave.
April, 2008

The City of Stevens Point will be reconstructing Fourth Avenue between Second Street and Lee Street. This project will involve sanitary sewer and water main replacement and reconstruction of the street. Portions of Fourth Avenue will be closed to traffic during construction and access to your property or driveway will be restricted or unavailable during portions of the construction.

The City of Stevens Point will be holding an informational meeting on May 6, 2008 at 6:00 P.M. in the St. Peter's School Auditorium. The public is welcome to come and hear what will be taking place. Those property owners that have clay sanitary sewer services and or galvanized water services will be required to upgrade to new materials in the street (the area between sidewalks). The cost to upgrade is assessed to the property.

Please direct your telephone inquiries to the Engineering Department at 346-1561 or you may e-mail questions or comments to
dpw@stevenspoint.com. Our department hours are 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Water Mains Being Cleaned
April, 2008

The Water Department plans to clean all water mains each evening, starting at approximately 10:00 p.m., from Sunday, April 27 through Thursday, May 1.

During cleaning times, water pressure might be low but your water will not be shut off. You might see some discolored water at any time throughout the process.

Thank you for your patience during this necessary process.

Spend some Time in the Mayor's Office
April, 2008

Residents of the City of Stevens Point can now get an inside look at the workings of Stevens Point's municipal government by watching "The Mayor's Office," a brand new regularly-scheduled program on
Community Television, channel 3.

Mayor Andrew Halverson hosts the program and provides a wealth of information about the biggest issues facing the city. People who already stay in tune with their local government by watching municipal board, committee, and common council meetings on Community TV regularly can gain additional insight about the subjects discussed at those meetings by watching "The Mayor's Office." In the premiere episode, Stevens Point Comptroller/Treasurer John Schlice joins Mayor Halverson in his office to discuss city financial issues including the budget, restrictions put on the city by the state, and Tax Incremental Finance Districts and how they work.

"The Mayor's Office" can be seen weekly on Community TV at the following times: Mondays at 6:30 p.m., Tuesdays at 4:30 p.m., Wednesdays at 7:00 a.m., Thursdays at 7:00 p.m., Fridays at 5:30 p.m., and Saturdays at 1:00 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.

City Newsletter Available
April, 2008

The Mayor's Office has just published a new issue of "City News," which contains a message from the mayor and articles about various city departments, the services they provide, and how the city budget is allocated to them.

Read and/or print the City Newsletter. (423 kb pdf File Requires Free Adobe Acrobat Reader)

"Math in Motion" Paintings and Sculptures
On display through April 27 at the Riverfront Arts Center.

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Arbor Day: 150 White Pines for 150 Years
April, 2008

Stevens Point will hold its Arbor Day celebration on Friday, April 25, behind Fire Station #2 in the 4400 block of Industrial Park Road at 10:00 a.m. A third-grade class from Madison School will help Mayor Andrew Halverson plant a ceremonial Arbor Day tree and 150 white pine seedlings in commemoration of
Stevens Point's 150th birthday. The white pine was selected because much of Stevens Point's history revolves around it.

The City of Stevens Point thanks the students from Midstate Technical College's Urban Forestry Program, the Golden Sands Homebuilders Association, and Zblewski Brothers LLC Wood Waste Recyclers for their cooperation in this event.
Visit our Urban Forestry Department.

Share your Green Thoughts on Eco-Municipality Logo
April, 2008

Students with an artistic flair and concern for the environment might get to see their ideas represent the Stevens Point Eco-Municipality through the city's logo design contest. Becoming an environmentally sustainable community means getting everyone involved, and a logo contest is a great way for younger citizens to share their creative ideas, according to the eco-municipality's community involvement and education subcommittee.

The contest ends April 22 (Earth Day). The winner will receive a $50 Portage County gift certificate, redeemable for merchandise at any Portage County business that accepts checks. The winner will be announced at the city's Birthday Bash at Pfiffner Pioneer Park May 17. The contest is open to students in grades 7-12. Complete rules are available at
SustainablePoint.org (on the "Logo Contest" link), or at local middle schools and Pacelli and SPASH high schools.

Stevens Point is working to become an eco-municipality. In eco-municipalities, city officials and community members work together to protect the environment while creating family-supporting jobs and a healthy community. More information on the effort is also available at the Web site. Contestants with questions also may contact Bobbi Kubish at
Bobbi.Kubish@uwsp.edu.

City Seeks Bids for Public Works Projects
April, 2008

The City of Stevens Point is seeking bids for the Willett Arena Lighting Project. Deadline is 11:00 a.m. April 3, 2008. Read the Notice 22 kB File Requires Free Acrobat Reader

The City is also seeking bids for a Bituminous Patching Project. Deadline is 11:00 a.m. April 3, 2008. Read the Notice 20 kB File Requires Free Acrobat Reader

Thank you for Voting.
April, 2008

Polls closed in the City of Stevens Point at 8:00 p.m. on Tuesday, April 1, 2008.

Results in District 2: Walther 72, Write-In 4
Results in District 4: Wiza 137, Write-In 4
Results in District 6: Slowinski 232, Write-In 2
Results in District 8: Molski 246, Write-In 3
Results in District 10: Brooks 142, Write-in 1

County-Wide Election results, when available, will be posted on the
Portage County Web Site.

Sixth District Listening Session April 3
April, 2008

Mayor Andrew Halverson and Alderperson Jeremy Slowinski will hold a listening session at McKinley School's IMC (Room B110) from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on April 3, to listen to concerns and comments from residents of the city's
Sixth District.

City Clerk's Office Hours Extended for Absentee Voting
March, 2008

City residents who will not be able to go to their
polling place on April 1 may vote by absentee ballot. The City Clerk's office, located at 1515 Strongs Avenue, will extend its hours for those who wish to register or vote absentee. Use the Strongs Avenue or north-west Arlington Place entrances.

Thursday, March 27: 7:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Friday, March 28: 7:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Monday, March 31: 7:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Eco-Municipality Task Force Hosts Listening Sessions
Task Force Looks for Feedback on Goals and Recommendations
March, 2008

The Stevens Point Eco-Municipality Task Force is set to share their progress at several listening sessions this spring. The Task Force has been working to develop goals for Stevens Point to become a sustainable community. The Task Force will use the meetings to gather feedback and make a formal presentation to the Stevens Point City Council this spring.

The public is invited to any of the following public listening sessions:
1) Wednesday, March 26, Portage County Public Library, Pineries Rm., 7 p.m.
2) Wednesday, March 26, UW-SP, University Ctr. Laird Rm., 7 p.m.
3) Wednesday, April 2, McKinley School Cafeteria, Rm. B103, 7 p.m.
4) Wednesday, April 2, Washington School, Cafeteria, Rm. 112, 7 p.m.

"Part of developing an eco-municipality involves as much community participation as possible," said Alderperson Amy Heart, co-chair of the Task Force. "The ideas and solutions for a sustainable community will not be strictly for city government, but it will be a community-wide effort."

The Task Force will bring forward, and ask for adoption of a resolution to the Stevens Point City Council this spring, officially making Stevens Point an eco-municipality. For details on the Task Force, visit
www.SustainablePoint.org or contact the mayor's office at 346-1570.

Election to be Held April 1 - Absentee Ballots Now Available
March, 2008

City residents who will not be able to go to their
polling place on April 1 may vote by absentee ballot. Voters have two options for voting absentee. They can come and vote at the City Clerk's office through March 31, or they can request an absentee ballot be mailed to them.

Requests for an absentee ballot by mail must be received by the Clerk's office by 5:00 p.m. on Thursday, March 27. The completed ballot must be received by the Clerk's office no later than the day of the election so that it can be delivered to the polling location by 8:00 p.m.

If you are not already registered to vote, you will need to register before an absentee ballot can be sent to you. Applications for an absentee ballot and to register to vote are available below.

Print an Application for Absentee Ballot. (198 kb pdf File Requires Free Adobe Acrobat Reader)

Please note that there are exceptions for military voters. Please contact the Clerk's office for more information.

Holiday Garbage and Recycling Pickup
March, 2008

In observation of Good Friday, garbage and recycling will not be collected in the City of Stevens Point on Friday, March 21. Garbage and recycling that is normally picked up on Fridays will be picked up Monday, March 24.

Easter Egg Hunt Saturday, March 22
March, 2008

Snow Site: Shopko Parking Lot

The Hunt
- The Easter Bunny will be busy hiding 16,000 candy-filled eggs, many with prize slips inside. Watch your little ones age 8 and under gather them up. No bags or baskets, please. Lucky finders of one of the several "special" eggs will receive a new bicycle!

Ages 0-3
will hunt at 10:30 a.m., ages 4-6 at 10:35 a.m., and ages 7-8 at 10:40 a.m.

The Hop - Follow the Easter Bunny for a hop over to CenterPoint MarketPlace where families can have their photo taken with the Easter Bunny and visit the Central Wisconsin Children's Museum FREE until 4 p.m. Enjoy the Museum's hands-on exhibits and fully-stocked art room where special Easter crafts will be available.

Sponsored by the Stevens Point/Plover Area Breakfast Optimists Club and CenterPoint MarketPlace.

A Parade to Remember
February, 2008

Saturday, May 17, 2008 marks Stevens Point's 150th birthday! To celebrate, we intend to produce the biggest parade our community has ever seen. It will be a Parade to Remember!

This once-in-a-lifetime event provides an opportunity for all businesses/organizations to promote their importance to the community with the theme, "The Contributions We Have Made." The parade will line up in reverse order of each business/organization's founding, our newest first and our oldest last - a civics and history lesson on wheels!

Then, at the end of the parade, we will all gather on the riverfront for birthday cake as we celebrate ourselves and our home.

Parade units will be judged on adherence to theme, historical connection, originality and quality. Winners in each of the four categories will win $150! There is no entry fee, but participants must submit a registration form by Friday May 9, 2008.

Print a Registration Form. 59 KB pdf File Requires Free Acrobat Reader.

Grants Available for Independent Arts Organizations
February, 2008

The Organization Support Grant is a program of the Stevens Point Arts Council and will allow local independent arts organizations in Stevens Point to make the case for general support for their program. The groups eligible for consideration are approved local arts groups with 501(c)(3) status or who have a 501(c)(3) fiscal agent.

The purpose of the grant program is to give these organizations an opportunity to identify what they think are their most important needs - those that will advance their overall mission or plans for the future.

For example, grant support could include but is not limited to such possibilities as:

Applications may be picked up from the Riverfront Arts Center or the City of Stevens Point Department of Parks and Recreation office. Deadline for applications is Friday, April 11, 2008.

Print a Support Grant Application Form. 32 kB pdf File Requires Free Acrobat Reader

Downtown Restoration Continues to Move Forward
February, 2008

Although original target dates for the start of the Stevens Point Downtown restoration initiative may have been aggressive, the City is continuing to move forward.

"There are many important projects in the works for Stevens Point and all deserve appropriate attention. Although we had hoped to release a final plan for the restoration of the downtown area in January, time has not been on our side. Undertaking a major re-work of the downtown area involves many individuals and many organizations. Similar to doing a remodel on a home, you never know what you are going to find until you 'pull up the old carpet,'" stated Mayor Halverson.

On January 15, 2008, the City of Stevens Point and Planning and Design Institute, Inc. (PDI), a firm specializing in developing comprehensive land use plans, met with a variety of local business owners, building owners, architects, and the Association of Downtown Businesses (ADB) Board of Directors to review initial development and restructuring plans for the downtown area. The various groups provided input and suggestions to the City and PDI. When the final draft is complete, the City will provide an open session to the public for review of the plan.

"Changing the face of the downtown and riverfront should not be taken lightly and should not be rushed. Doing something right the first time makes sense and is fiscally responsible. I was pleased that so many individuals were brought on board to review and challenge the initial plans," stated Carolyn Weiland, ADB Board President. "The ADB is supportive of the Mayor's efforts. We realize that projects of this magnitude don't happen overnight and appreciate regular updates to the ADB and community," said Weiland.

Major changes will take time; however, the City can expect to see landscaping and other aesthetic enhancements to the downtown and market square in the Summer of 2008.


Seventh District Listening Session March 13

February, 2008

Mayor Andrew Halverson and Alderperson Roger Trzebiatowski will hold a listening session at the National Guard Armory, 3116 Jefferson St., from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Thursday, March 13, to listen to concerns and comments from residents of the city's
Seventh District.

Community Show Honors Polish Heritage
February, 2008

The 12th Annual Community Show, sponsored by the Arts Alliance of Portage County, celebrates Polish heritage and influence in Stevens Point among other significant milestones for the community.

This year's community show titled "Point to the Future" not only celebrates the city's
150th Birthday, but also incorporates familiar significant pieces of history. Songs and scenes portraying Polish immigrants, weddings, ponczkas (paczki), and family bibles offer a taste of history for native Stevens Pointers and transplants alike. Other milestone markers within the show include the first school teacher in Stevens Point, the arrival of the railroad, winning the vote for UWSP, World War II, and the Sisters of the Sorrowful Mother opening Saint Michael's Hospital.

Local celebrities including Mayor Halverson, County Executive Mark Maslowski, State Senator Julie Lassa, Saint Michael's Hospital President Brad Neet, and others are slated to join the cast making cameo appearances. Show times are February 29, March 1 at 7:30 p.m. and March 2 at 2:00 p.m. at Sentry Theater in Stevens Point. Tickets for "Point to the Future" are available at the door or call 346-4100.

Portage County Flood Risk Information Open House February 28
General public invited to review preliminary floodplain maps and learn about risk in their community
February, 2008

Mayor Andrew Halverson and Alderperson Marge Molski will hold a listening session in the Washington School Cafeteria, 3500 Prais St., from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. on Tuesday, February 26, to listen to concerns and comments from residents of the city's
Eighth District.

Please Remove Snow from Fire Hydrants
February, 2008

The Stevens Point Water Department and the Stevens Point / Plover Metro Area Fire Chiefs ask you to take some time to clear all the snow away from the fire hydrants in your neighborhood. With warmer weather here and more snow predicted for next week, this is a great time to do this incredibly important work.

Having immediate access to fire hydrants can help firefighters save houses and lives.

There are over 2,000 fire hydrants in the City of Stevens Point alone, and Fire and Water Department personnel in the area have worked very hard to get them cleared of snow, but they could really use your help.

The house you save could be your own. Thank you!

Ninth District Listening Session February 21
February, 2008

Mayor Andrew Halverson and Alderperson Randy Stroik will hold a listening session at the Lincoln Center, 1519 Water St., from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Thursday, February 21, to listen to concerns and comments from residents of the city's
Ninth District.

Thank you for Voting

Presidential Primary and County Board Election February 19

February, 2008

A Primary Election was held Tuesday, February 19. Voters in all city districts cast their vote for presidential preference, and
First District voters chose Tom Mallison and Judy Bablitch to move on to the next election for County Board Supervisor.

Democratic Presidential Candidate Barack Obama and Republican Presidential Candidate Mike Huckabee got the most votes in Portage County. Obama also won the most votes for a Democrat in the State of Wisconsin, but John McCain received the most Republican votes statewide.

February 20 Public Meeting on Closure of East Avenue
February, 2008

The public is invited to a hearing on the potential permanent closure of East Avenue, near Jefferson Elementary School. The public hearing is set for Wednesday, February 20 at 5:00 p.m. at Jefferson Elementary School, 1800 East Avenue.

The hearing is designed to gather feedback from parents, neighbors and residents on the proposal closure of East Avenue in front of Jefferson School. Representatives from the Stevens Point Area Public School District will unveil initial drawings of some potential future uses for the space, including parking areas and green space, and will provide the preliminary results of the East Avenue Closure Survey.

Input is still being collected on the survey. To provide feedback on how you think the East Avenue closure has worked, take the survey before February 28. To get access to the survey visit the Stevens Point Area
School District Web site or call the District Office at 345-5456.

Amy Heart, Stevens Point Alderperson, whose
5th District encompasses the school, said the input from neighbors and residents is important. "This is an opportunity to not only address safety concerns for Jefferson school students, but to develop a project that will benefit the entire neighborhood," said Heart.

If you have questions or concerns, contact Jefferson Elementary School Principal Dave Lockett at 345-5418, or Alderperson Amy Heart at 345-2739.

City Clerk's Office Hours Extended for Registration and Absentee Voting
February, 2008

City residents who will not be able to go to their polling place on February 19 may vote by absentee ballot. Voters can come and vote at the City Clerk's office through February 18.

The City Clerk's office, located at 1515 Strongs Avenue, will extend its office hours for those who wish to register or vote absentee. Use the Strongs Avenue or north-west Arlington Place entrances.

Saturday, February 16: 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Monday, February 18: 7:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Register to Vote
February, 2008

Residents of Stevens Point must register to vote if they have never registered before, if they have moved, or if they have not voted during the previous four years. Voters may register at the City Clerk's office before election day, or at the polls on the day of the election, by presenting identification which includes a current and complete name, and a current and complete residential address. For forms of ID considered acceptable, please contact the
City Clerk's office.

Voter Registration Application Read Instructions Carefully. (198 kb pdf File Requires Free Adobe Acrobat Reader)

"Winter's Garden" Floral Art with Live Orchids in Bloom
Available For Sale through February 17 at the Riverfront Arts Center

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The particular items in these photos might or might not still be available for sale.


Presidential Primary and County Board Election February 19

February, 2008

A Primary Election will be held Tuesday, February 19. Voters in all city districts will cast their vote for presidential preference, and
First District voters will chose one of three candidates to be their new County Board Supervisor.

See a Sample Ballot for the February 19 Primary.

City residents who will not be able to go to their
polling place on February 19 may vote by absentee ballot. Voters have two options for voting absentee. They can come and vote at the City Clerk's office through February 18, or they can request an absentee ballot be mailed to them.

Requests for an absentee ballot by mail must be received by the Clerk's office by Thursday, February 14. The completed ballot must be received by the Clerk's office no later than the day of the election so that it can be delivered to the polling location by 8:00 p.m.

If you are not already registered to vote, you will need to register before an absentee ballot can be sent to you. Applications for an absentee ballot and to register to vote are available below.

Application for Absentee Ballot Read Instructions Carefully. (149 kb pdf File Requires Free Adobe Acrobat Reader) You can fill out and save this form on your computer, then print it.

Residents of Stevens Point must register to vote if they have never registered before, if they have moved, or if they have not voted during the previous four years. Voters may register at the City Clerk's office before election day, or at the polls on the day of the election, by presenting identification which includes a current and complete name, and a current and complete residential address. For forms of ID considered acceptable, please contact the City Clerk's office.

Voter Registration Application Read Instructions Carefully. (198 kb pdf File Requires Free Adobe Acrobat Reader)

Housing Recession? Stevens Point Bucks Trend - Home Prices have Posted Gains Here
February, 2008

There was a 5.62% increase in the average price of a valid house sale last year in the City of Stevens Point. The median sale price also increased by 6.67%. Median is the value that ½ of all home sales were greater and ½ home sales were less.

The number of valid home sales also rose slightly last year as well. There were 379 valid home sales in 2007. This compares to 375 in 2006 and a record 383 in 2005.

According to Mayor Andrew Halverson, "It is my opinion, based on this factual information, that if the slowing economy and difficult credit conditions caused by the meltdown in the subprime mortgage market hurt home sales, it is having less effect on Stevens Point home values than in other areas."

People have been hearing a lot of things about the economy, and there is a certain perception of where values are headed. But real estate values are not falling here in Stevens Point.

Last year even saw an increase in home sales over $200,000. In 2006, there were 35 sales greater than or equal to $200,000, and in 2007 there were 44 such home sales.

"It is very clear, based on the diversified economy we have in Stevens Point, that we tend to be a bit more insulated from major economic swings," stated Mayor Halverson.

See the Data:
Stevens Point Residential Sales Analysis 25 KB pdf File Requires Free Acrobat Reader

City of Stevens Point taking applications for Full-Time Positions
February, 2008

The City of Stevens Point is accepting applications for Senior Accountant, a challenging full-time position in the Comptroller-Treasurer's Office. The Senior Accountant performs complex accounting and financial work. 2008 Salary is $45,000 plus excellent benefits.
Get More Information about this Position.

The City of Stevens Point is also accepting applications for Assistant Superintendent of Streets / Fleet Maintenance Supervisor. Duties of this Full-Time position include the oversight of maintenance for City vehicle fleet and equipment, as well as coordination of vehicle and equipment replacement. Starting salary: $46,400 plus excellent benefits.
Get More Information about this Position.

Automated Garbage / Recycling Collection Information
January, 2008

City of Stevens Point residents will be receiving new rolling carts for refuse (garbage) and recycling when the automated refuse and recycling program begins later in 2008. The new automated collection program will allow the city to serve our growing community at a lower cost, and will provide better service to our customers while reducing the chance of worker injuries.

This is a citywide initiative focused on making city government more proactive and efficient, using innovation and technology to provide quality services to a growing community while controlling costs to taxpayers.

"Special assistance" waste collection service will be available to residents who are disabled or have a handicap and cannot move their cart.

See the Top 10 things everyone should know about the Automated Program.

$20 million AIG Project will bring Hundreds of New Jobs to Stevens Point
January, 2008

AIG, through the Noel Group and Travel Guard, has a long history in Stevens Point and it has played a huge role in our economy for many years. Today's announcement means that role will not only continue for another generation, but that it will expand to a level that I imagine is what John and Patty Noel knew was possible when they started the Noel Group so many years ago.

A project of this size and scope will have an incredible impact on our local and regional economy. A $20 million building project of over 125,000 expandable to 250,000 square feet, means good paying construction jobs, and that new building will need people, AIG Travel Guard already employs over 800 people with good paying jobs here in town, and they'll hire several hundred more over the months following the projects completion; due to growth averaging between 30-40% per year. The new AIG building will also give our business park a tremendous anchor and foundation, spurring further growth in and around the business park; supporting the City of Stevens Point and our region for years to come.

It's important to note that we made an aggressive incentive offer in order to make this happen. Attracting and keeping businesses is competitive, not just regionally but globally; but when you have a partner with a proven track record of success in your community, along with an economic impact of their proposal that could change the direction of our entire local economy; the incentives are well worth the cost. There is no doubt the City of Stevens Point, Village of Plover and Portage County are thrilled most importantly to have retained such a great company.

Many people deserve credit for this victory. I want to thank the numerous citizens who consistently voiced their support for keeping AIG in Stevens Point: Our Director of Community Development John Gardner worked tirelessly to help put this proposal together, as well as our City Comptroller/Treasurer John Schlice. I also need to thank Ministry Health Care for being as community oriented as they are in order to work with the City on a complicated land swap which was needed for us to be able to assemble a large enough parcel for AIG Travel Guard. I also want to thank members of the City Council for their strong steadfast support of economic development; and of course, AIG Travel Guard for making Stevens Point their permanent home, congratulations: we're proud to have you.

Mayor Halverson's Siugnature
Andrew Halverson, Mayor of Stevens Point

2007 Residential Housing Sales Figures Available
January, 2008

If you wonder what your house is worth, or you want to find out what the house down the street sold for, or if you wonder if your home's assessment is fair and equitable compared to recent sales, or you are an appraiser looking for comparables, the Assessor's Office has posted the 2007 Residential Sales spreadsheet that provides the information you need.

See the 2007 Residential Sales Spreadsheet (90 KB .xls Microsoft Excel File.)(To download and save the spreadsheet on your PC, right-click on the link and chose "save target as.")

Winter Tree Pruning in Progress
January, 2008

City of Stevens Point Forestry Department personnel are currently pruning street trees. The city maintains a four-year pruning cycle. That means that every tree in the right-of-way, usually trees located between the street and sidewalk, is pruned at least once every four years if needed.

The city is responsible for all work performed on the trees in the right-of-way. The pruning crew is trained in proper pruning techniques that follow industry standards. Trees are pruned when they are young to train them to maintain a strong central leader and sound branching structure. As trees grow, they are pruned to provide sixteen feet of clearance above the street, and eight feet above sidewalks. Dead, diseased, insect infested, crossing and rubbing limbs, and competing leaders are some of the things the crew is pruning out of the street trees.

Get more information about tree pruning.

Christmas Tree Disposal
January, 2008

City of Stevens Point residents may take their Christmas trees to the city's recycling and yard waste drop-off, which is open Tuesdays and Thursdays from 1:00 to 7:00 p.m. and Saturdays from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Residents who are physically unable to take their tree to the drop-off may leave it at their curb before the second week of January.

Polka Music returns to Channel 3
January, 2008

Although it only played on Community Television (channel 3) for a short time last year, a volunteer-produced program called "Musical Songfest" prompted more telephone calls to Channel 3's office than any program has in at least 15 years. Many of those calls came from people wondering why the show wasn't on any more after the producer asked channel 3 to stop playing it (because it is now being shown on a local broadcast channel that wanted exclusive rights to the program).

Beginning this week, Polka Music Lovers can tune to channel 3 and watch a new program, called "Polka Potpourri," which is also produced by a volunteer polka music fan from Central Wisconsin. A different episode can be seen every week at the following times: Thursdays at 12:30 p.m. and 5:30 p.m., Fridays at 7:30 p.m., and Saturdays at 11:30 a.m. and 8:30 p.m.

See the complete Channel 3 Program Schedule.

Vote for Top 10 Influential Events
January, 2008

The Point 150 Committee has put together a list of 26 memorable events that they feel were the most influential in shaping this great community over the past 150 years. Please vote for your Top 3. Deadline for voting wa 4:00 p.m. Friday, January 25.

Read Information about the 26 Events 66 KB File Requires Free Adobe Acrobat Reader

Vote for Top 10 Influential People
January, 2008

The Point 150 Committee has put together a list of 24 individuals and 2 groups of people who they feel were the most influential in shaping this great community over the past 150 years. Deadline for voting was 4:00 p.m. Friday, January 18.

Design a Commemorative Point Beer Can
January, 2008

The Point 150 Committee and the Stevens Point Brewery are offering a special promotional design contest to celebrate the City of Stevens Point's 150th birthday in 2008. Community members who have access to graphic design tools are invited to submit their artistic concepts for a commemorative Point 150 Can! Deadline for entries was 5:00 p.m. Tuesday, January 22.

See the Contest Rules 63 KB File Requires Free Adobe Acrobat Reader

Download the Can Template 371 KB File Requires Free Adobe Acrobat Reader

Celebrate Stevens Point's 150th Birthday
January, 2008

On Saturday, January 12, the city of Stevens Point kicked off a year-long celebration in honor of its 150th Anniversary.

With our city reaching this milestone, we are offered an opportunity to look back and cherish the moments that have been, appreciate them, and look forward to things to come. The 150th Anniversary of Stevens Point allows us to appreciate our heritage and celebrate the moments that molded our community. Join us in celebrating!

See a list of activities planned for 2008!

Snow Removal Reminder
January, 2008

For the safety of all in our community who use sidewalks in the Winter, home owners and building occupants are responsible for removing
snow and ice from the sidewalk in front of their house or building within 24 hours of the end of any snowfall, except in those areas where there is no boulevard, in which case snow must be removed within 48 hours. If it is not removed by you, the city may have it removed by a contractor and will add the bill to your property taxes.

Do NOT throw snow into the street
without specific permission from the Public Works Director. Throwing snow into the street can cause unsafe driving conditions, and city plows and other vehicles can push the snow right back onto your sidewalk when they pass, so throw the snow toward the side of the sidewalk that's away from the street.

If there is a
fire hydrant in front of your house, please keep it completely clear of snow all Winter - the home you save could be your own! The Police and Street Departments both ask that all residents help keep their neighborhoods safe by shoveling the wheelchair curb cuts at intersections, and pay particular attention to sidewalks and crosswalks in school zones.

See Complete Snow Removal Regulations.

       
 

2007 News Archive

2006 News Archive

 
       

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