News Flash

City Employees - Health Newsletter

The April, 2020 Health Newsletter has been published. This free resource is provided by Ascension Employer Solutions.

City Plan Commission Meeting to be Cablecast & Streamed LIVE

The Monday, April 6 City Plan Commission meeting will be streamed LIVE online & played LIVE on Spectrum Cable TV channel 984 at 6:00 pm. (Committee Members will participate via Zoom rather than in person.)

Anyone with Internet access can watch the LIVE video stream (with automated, live closed captions) on the City of Stevens Point Website at StevensPoint.com/LiveMeetings .

Or, you can watch the meetings LIVE on Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, Chromecast, or Roku ...

Community Spread and Being Safer at Home

Confirmed positive cases of COVID-19 continue to increase at a rapid rate across Wisconsin. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Wisconsin, along with many other states, has widespread community transmission of COVID-19.

There are not enough resources to do widespread testing for COVID-19, so there are likely unidentified positive cases in Wisconsin communities.  The term "community spread," or "community transmission," is defined by the CDC a...

April 7 is National Service Recognition Day

Mayor Wiza proclaims April 7, 2020 as National Service Recognition Day in Stevens Point, & encourages residents to recognize the positive impact of national service in our community, to thank those who serve, & to find ways to give back to the community.

Mayor Wiza is joined by the Corporation for National and Community Service, the National League of Cities,  the National Association of Counties, Cities of Service, and local leaders across the country who share a priority of engaging citizens, i...

Burning Permits Suspended Until Further Notice

The City of Stevens Point is not under the DNR's rules, but do we mirror their actions. All burning permits for Stevens Point are suspended until further notice, to limit contact with the public & reduce first responder exposure to COVID-19.

❌ Do not burn debris in barrels, containers, or on the ground.

❌ Do not burn grass or wooded areas.

❌ Campfires for warming or cooking discouraged.

Read More

City Employees - Dealing with Uncertainty During COVID-19

Many have had to adjust to new routines during this pandemic. ERC has some tips that can help you deal with this unique crisis. If you are still struggling, consider contacting ERC for your Employee Assistance Program (EAP).

For many, uncertainty around the pandemic is difficult to handle. Our communities, workplaces, and families are all being affected. With so much uncertainty and change, how do you cope with the challenges that accompany this situation? Many of us have had...

April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month in Stevens Point

Mayor Mike Wiza has joined CAP Services’ Family Crisis Center victim advocates & other communities across the country in taking action to prevent sexual violence by proclaiming the month of April 2020 as Sexual Assault Awareness Month in Stevens Point.

In the United States, April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM).  The goal of Sexual Assault Awareness Month is to raise public awareness about sexual violence and educate communities on how to prevent it.  SAAM calls attention to t...

Safer at Home: FAQs & Essential Businesses

There has been some confusion about what is or isn't an "essential business" under Wisconsin's Safer at Home order. Representative Shankland has been helpful in getting it more clearly defined, & the Governor's office has issued FAQs for clarification.

City Employees - Mental Health Impacts of COVID-19

In times of uncertainty, one of the best things you can do to calm fears and protect yourself and those around you is to arm yourself with accurate information from trustworthy organizations that provide details on the coronavirus and how to address it.

Some City Meetings to be Cablecast & Streamed LIVE

As of Monday, April 6, some City of Stevens Point Board, Committee, Commission, & Council meetings will be streamed LIVE online & played LIVE on Spectrum Cable TV channel 984. (Committee Members will participate via Zoom rather than in person.)

Anyone with Internet access can watch the LIVE video stream (with automated, live closed captions) on the City of Stevens Point Website at StevensPoint.com/LiveMeetings .

Or, you can watch the meetings LIVE on Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, Chromecast, or Roku ...

Some City Meetings to be Cablecast & Streamed LIVE

As of Monday, April 6, some City of Stevens Point Board, Committee, Commission, & Council meetings will be streamed LIVE online & played LIVE on Spectrum Cable TV channel 984. (Committee Members will participate via Zoom rather than in person.)

Anyone with Internet access can watch the LIVE video stream (with automated, live closed captions) on the City of Stevens Point Website at StevensPoint.com/LiveMeetings .

Or, you can watch the meetings LIVE on Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, Chromecast, or Roku ...

Coronavirus Update Video from Mayor Mike Wiza

In the new episode of "Talking Point with Mayor Mike," Mayor Wiza delivers an update on Covid-19 and its impact on the City of Stevens Point. Recorded March 30, 2020.

Talking Point can be seen on Community TV, channel 984 on Charter Spectrum TV, at the following times:

• Mondays at 12:00 Noon
• Tuesdays at 4:30 pm and 10:00 pm
• Wednesdays at 7:00 am and 4:00 pm
• Thursdays at 4:30 pm and 8:30 pm
• Fridays at 7:00 am and 6:00 pm
• Satur...

New Talking Point with Mayor Wiza Online, on Radio, & TV

In the new episode of "Talking Point with Mayor Mike," Mayor Wiza delivers an update on Covid-19 and its impact on the City of Stevens Point. Recorded March 30, 2020.

Talking Point can be seen on Community TV, channel 984 on Charter Spectrum TV, at the following times:

• Mondays at 12:00 Noon
• Tuesdays at 4:30 pm and 10:00 pm
• Wednesdays at 7:00 am and 4:00 pm
• Thursdays at 4:30 pm and 8:30 pm
• Fridays at 7:00 am and 6:00 pm
• Satur...

City Streets Dept. Office & Drop-Off SIte Closed Until Further Notice

We will not be issuing new carts at this time. The bulk item, yard waste, and recycling drop-off site is temporarily closed. Garbage & recycling curbside collection will take place as usual with no changes until further notice.

Request for Proposal - Park Paddle Craft Rentals & Facility Leasing

The Parks, Recreation, & Forestry Dept. requests proposals for a service contract to provide paddle craft (kayak, canoe, tube, paddleboard, etc.) equipment rentals at Bukolt Park and Iverson Park and leasing the three vacant City-owned buildings.

Riverfront Rendezvous Still Planned for July 3, 4, 5

The Riverfront Rendezvous planning committee has been meeting & reviewing information from the CDC and Wis. Dept. of Health Services in relation to COVID-19, and is still planning to for the 2020 Riverfront Rendezvous to take place on July 3, 4, & 5.

The planning committee and organizers will be continually monitoring the COVID-19 situation and evaluating in real time as it continues to develop. As the festival dates near closer, additional announcements will be released with updates based on the info...

City Employees - Benefit Changes due to COVID-19

The City has made several changes to employee benefits in order to prevent or slow the spread of COVID-19 in our workforce and our community, and to make this difficult period of time a little easier for everyone.

Sick Leave Conversion and Bonus Day Programs

Until June 30, 2020, the use of sick time will not count against your ability to convert sick‐leave to vacation time, or to earn bonus days if otherwise eligible.  In other words, if you have not used s...

County Economic Leaders Form COVID-19 Economic Recovery Team

Regional economic leaders have formed the County-wide Economic Recovery Team to provide assistance to local businesses through the COVID-19 Pandemic and economic recession expected to occur as a result of the pandemic.

The team consists of members representing Portage County, the City of Stevens Point, Village of Plover, CAP Services, Small Business Development Center at UW-Stevens Point, CREATE Portage County, Plover Area Business Association, and the Portage County Bu...

Portage County Solid Waste to Reduce Services

The Portage County Solid Waste Department has taken actions to avoid the spread of COVID-19 virus to not only the public, but also to their staff who must remain healthy in order to provide waste and recycling disposal services.

The following services have been suspended until further notice:

• Saturday Hours
• All household hazardous waste and confidential shredding services 
• Recycling of the following items: 
  • bulbs, 
  • ballasts, 
  • batteries, 
  • appl...

Parks and Trails Open, Playgrounds Closed

City of Stevens Point parks and trail systems are open, but all playgrounds are CLOSED until further notice. The use of playgrounds is prohibited due to the spread of the coronavirus and Governor Tony Evers' “Safer at Home” order.

All City of Stevens Point playgrounds and play structures are currently closed to slow the spread of COVID-19. The CDC studies suggest the coronavirus may persist on surfaces for a few hours up to several days. 

If using the City park and trail sy...

Changes to Polling Places for April 7 Spring Election

In response to the Department of Health Services restriction of public access to nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and the University of Stevens Point campus, three polling locations have been moved for the April 7, 2020 Spring election.

District 1 - moved from Briggs Street High Rise, 1300 Briggs Court to Mid-State Technical College, 1001 Centerpoint Drive.

District 3 - moved from Dreyfus University Center, 1015 Reserve Street to the Stevens Point Parks & Recreation ...

Bulk Item Pickups Canceled Until Further Notice

ALL bulk item pickups are canceled until further notice. Please do not put any bulk items on the curb for pickup until further notice. Garbage and recycling pickups are happening as regularly scheduled.

Peeps Show Canceled

The Stevens Point Parks, Recreation & Forestry Dept. is following Covid-19 information released by the CDC & the Wisconsin Dept. of Health Services as we make decisions about upcoming events and activities, and we have canceled several upcoming events.

The Stevens Point Parks, Recreation and Forestry Department has canceled the following events to keep our participants, spectators, and staff safe and to comply with the imposed restrictions on group sizes and social distancing recommendations:

The &ld...

Police Chief Skibba Suspended for 15 Days

The City of Stevens Point Police & Fire Commission has issued a 15-day suspension without pay to Police Chief Marty Skibba for violation of Department Rules. The suspension becomes effective immediately and will result in a significant loss of wages.

Chief Skibba will be required to comply with counseling services and provide a medical report of his suitability to return to work before resuming his duties as Police Chief.

The suspension was the result of an investigative report which indicated that Chi...

Stevens Point Parks, Recreation and Forestry Event Cancelations

The Stevens Point Parks, Recreation & Forestry Dept. is following Covid-19 information released by the CDC & the Wisconsin Dept. of Health Services as we make decisions about upcoming events and activities, and we have canceled several upcoming events.

The Stevens Point Parks, Recreation and Forestry Department has canceled the following events to keep our participants, spectators, and staff safe and to comply with the imposed restrictions on group sizes and social distancing recommendations:

The 2020 Ic...

Community Development Inspection Protocols Changed

Effective immediately, in an effort to further reduce the impact of COVID-19 within our community and to protect our inspection staff, the Community Development Department is adjusting all Community Development Department Site Inspections.

Assessor’s Office

• The office is closed to the public until further notice.
• All assessing site inspections have been suspended at this time. Staff retains the ability to adjust these inspections as deemed appropriate by the Director of Community De...

Request for Proposals - Redevelopment of Fox Theater

The City of Stevens Point offers a Request for Proposals (RFP) for the reuse and redevelopment of a culturally & historically significant building, the Fox Theatre, in beautiful Downtown Stevens Point, Wisconsin. Proposals are due by 4 pm, June 12, 2020.

2020 Ice Show Canceled, Ticket Refunds Available

The Stevens Point Parks, Recreation and Forestry Department has canceled the 2020 Ice Show, “Ice Circus,” that was originally scheduled for April 4 and 5, 2020. Refunds for pre-purchased tickets are available until May 15.

Because of information about COVID-19 from the Centers for Disease Control and the Wisconsin Department of Health Services for events, the K.B. Willett Ice Arena is closed to the public until further notice. 

Due to the closure, all Ice Show pract...

Assessor's Office Closed to the Public Until Further Notice

The office is closed to the public until further notice. All field work and assessing inspections have been canceled until further notice. Questions about assessments can still be fielded at 715-346-1553.

Central Transportation Services Continuing

Regular City bus routes & ADA Paratransit service are operating normally. Cleaning protocols have been enhanced to ensure all frequently-touched surfaces on vehicles and in our facility are disinfected daily. The office is closed until further notice.

To reduce the risk of community spread of COVID-19, these protocols are in place for the City Fixed Route bus service:

• Passenger fare collection has been suspended (rides are free) until further notice.
• Passengers must board and disembark the bus using the ...

Community Development Offices Closed Until Further Notice

Community Development, Building Inspection, City Planning, Zoning Administration, Neighborhood Improvement, and Economic Development offices are closed to the public. Many transactions can be completed online. Staff are available by phone and email.

Building Inspection 

• The office is closed to the public until further notice.
• Those who need to apply for permits are instructed to do so online at: https://cityview.stevenspoint.com/cityviewportal/ and are encouraged to pay online as well, followi...

Comptroller/Treasurer's Office Closed, Payments Can Still be Made

The City Treasurer’s Office is closed for face-to-face contact, but can be reached by phone at 715-346-1573 or 715-346-1557 or by email at treasurer@stevenspoint.com. There are several ways to make payments while the office is closed to the public.

For real estate tax information, visit StevensPoint.com/Taxes

3 Ways to Make Real Estate Tax Payments

• Pay Online at StevensPoint.com/Taxes or by phone at 1-844-545-3229 (fees do apply).
• Mail in the Payment (enclose a self-addressed stamped envelope if you wa...

Fire Department Adjusts Operations at Fire Stations

Access to the Fire Stations by the public & City staff is limited to only essential workforce. The Dept. has suspended all Education events, Fire Inspections, & Blood Pressure Screenings. The Dept. is responding to all Emergent and Non-Emergent calls.

If you are in need of non-emergent items such as a burning permit, please call and we will assist you with getting the permit filled out by appointment only.

If you have any questions, please call us at Fire Headquarters (715) 344-1833.

Municipal Court Order: Emergency Temporary Measures

The Stevens Point / Plover Joint Municipal Court is making certain changes in operations that are temporary and only effective from March 16 - May 30, 2020, or upon further order of the Court.

• There will be no trials held on, or before, May 30, 2020. 
• All trials currently scheduled prior to May 30, 2020 will be rescheduled.
• All traffic, ordinance, and juvenile initial appearance dates are suspended until after May 30, 2020. 
• Any ...

Parks, Recreation, Forestry Offices Closed Until Further Notice

The Rec Center, K.B. Willett Arena, & the Riverfront Arts Center are closed to the public until further notice. Gym rentals, rec center meeting room rentals, Riverfront Art Center gallery hours, and KB Willett Arena ice and facility usage are suspended.

Parks, Recreation and Forestry

• The Rec Center, K.B. Willett Arena, and the Riverfront Arts Center are closed to the public until further notice. 
• Gymnasium rentals, rec center meeting room rentals, Riverfront Art Center gallery hours, and KB Willet...

Police Dept. Customer Service Counter Records Window Closed

The service counter window is closed to the public until further notice. If you need a copy of a police report, you can call our records department at 715-346-1506 and we will accommodate your request by fax, mail or email.

Police Department

• The service counter window is closed to the public until further notice. 
• If you need to pay a parking ticket, you can pay the ticket online or place the ticket with payment in the payment drop box in the foyer of the Police Depar...

Riverfront Arts Center Closed to the Public Until Further Notice

The Riverfront Arts Center is closed to the public until further notice. Forms for the Riverfront Art Center can be mailed, emailed, or dropped off in the after-hours mail slot at the Rec Center at 2442 Sims Ave.

Water & Sewerage Dept. Office Closed Until Further Notice

The office is closed to the public until further notice. All in-home appointments are suspended until further notice. Payments can be made through our website, by calling our office at 715-345-5260, or by using our night depository at 300 Bliss Ave.

Due to the proclamation declaring a health emergency, we have been directed to cease disconnecting water service to occupied dwellings for non-payment.

We also assure you that Stevens Point Municipal water is safe to drink and that there should be no conce...

City Bus North Point Green Route #1 Changes

This bus will now stop on Prentice Street for better access to the YMCA and UWSP. The stop near Sentry Insurance has been moved to Division Street south of the roundabout. You can expect consistent more times throughout the route thanks to these changes.

Easter Garbage & Recycling Schedule

There will be NO PICKUP on Friday, April 10. Friday's garbage & recycling route #7 will be collected on Monday, April 13. The drop-off will be open as usual Tuesday, April 7, Thursday, April 9, and Tuesday, April 14 but will be CLOSED Saturday, April 11.

Stevens Point City Bus Route Name Changes

No fooling - the City Bus route names will change on April 1. North Point = Route 1/ Green Route. Rice/Dixon = Route 2/Blue Route. Whiting/West Side = 3/Red. East Side/Crossroads = 4/Yellow. Campus Connections = 5/Purple. Campus Shopping = 6/Gold.

For more information, call 715-341-4490.

Iverson Winter Sports Area & Outdoor Ice Rinks CLOSED for the Season

The Iverson Winter Sports Area and all of the City of Stevens Point outdoor ice skating rinks are CLOSED for the season. We look forward to seeing you again when cold weather returns in a few months!

WPS Utility Work on Stanley St. throughout March

Stanley St. will undergo utility maintenance from Illinois Ave. to Wilshire Blvd. beginning Monday, March 2 for approx. 4-6 weeks. Expect traffic shifts & minor delays. Access restrictions to properties are not expected. Please slow down in the work zone.