WTCS graduates earn high marks from employers, deliver strong workforce outcomes
Wisconsin employers continue to express overwhelming confidence in graduates of the Wisconsin Technical College System (WTCS), citing strong skills, workforce readiness and educational quality, according to the newly released 2026 WTCS Employer Satisfaction Report. Employers reported that statewide:97% were satisfied with technical college graduates' education96% would hire a WTCS graduate again92% would recommend a technical college graduate to other employers97% of employers said their local technical
Celebrate National Farmers Market Week: August 2-8, 2026
Wisconsin Rapids, WI – The Wisconsin Rapids Downtown Farmers Market invites the community to celebrate National Farmers Market Week, which takes place this week, August 2-8, 2026. This annual celebration highlights the vital role farmers markets play in supporting local agriculture, strengthening communities, and improving access to fresh, healthy food. Throughout the week, the market will feature fresh, locally grown produce, handmade goods, and family-friendly activities, offering residents a chance to
Your Voice Matters: Help Shape the Future of Wood County
Wood County, WI – Healthy People Wood County is excited to announce the launch of the 2026 Community Health Assessment (CHA) Survey. Community members who live and/or work in Wood County are invited to complete the survey to share their experiences, priorities, and concerns, helping identify local priorities and guide future health improvement efforts. Your participation is valuable and helps us understand what matters most to you and your neighbors. “The CHA survey is one of the most important tools we
Mid-State Technical College hosts inaugural Tactical Strength & Readiness Symposium
Mid-State Technical College, in partnership with Advanced Tactical Medicine, hosted the inaugural Tactical Strength & Readiness Symposium July 21–22, 2026, bringing together professionals from 25 public safety agencies representing law enforcement, fire, EMS, emergency management, corrections and other first responder disciplines. The two-day symposium was designed to strengthen the readiness, resilience and effectiveness of those who serve their communities by providing practical strategies, expert
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Mayor Proclaims August as National Breastfeeding Month in Wisconsin Rapids
Wisconsin Rapids, WI - Mayor Matt Zacher officially proclaims the month of August as National Breastfeeding Month in Wisconsin Rapids, recognizing the vital role breastfeeding plays in the health and well-being of children, mothers, and families across the community. The proclamation underscores the city's commitment to supporting and promoting breastfeeding- friendly policies, increasing access to breastfeeding education, and reducing stigma surrounding breastfeeding in public and in the workplace. It
Wood County Requesting Community Feedback on Public Transportation
Wood County, WI – Wood County is studying whether a public transportation system would benefit the community. The Public Transportation Feasibility Study will explore transportation options for residents, workers, students, and visitors. The study will help determine whether public transportation is a good fit for Wood County, what the service could look like, and how it could work. The community can inform the future of public transportation. The survey results will help shape the design, service hours,
Mid-State announces spring 2026 Dean’s List
Mid-State Technical College has announced its Dean’s List for the spring 2026 semester. This recognition is reserved for Mid-State students who have enrolled in six or more credits and have earned a minimum grade point average (GPA) of 3.75 during the semester. The list is sorted by student’s city of residence and last name. Cities are in Wisconsin unless otherwise indicated. Abbotsford: Cooper Henrickson. Adams: Jenna Austin, Laila Bork, Clairice Brown, Christina Cooper, Kayla Dedeyne, Cody
Families gather for fifth annual Mid-State, Rafters community event
Mid-State Technical College and the Wisconsin Rapids Rafters welcomed families to the College's Wisconsin Rapids Campus this week for the fifth annual Rafters Meet-and-Greet and Cuts 4 Kids event. The community tradition combined player meet-and-greets with free haircuts to help students get ready for the new school year. Nearly 120 haircuts were provided to local children, as well as Rafters players and staff. Families enjoyed a variety of interactive activities throughout the event, collecting autographs
Volunteering Time & Talents on Juneteenth
Juneteenth commemorates the end of slavery in the United States. In observance of the federal holiday, Prevail Bank offices were closed, but employees remained actively engaged in their communities, volunteering their time, talents, and expertise with local organizations. Marking the fourth consecutive year of participation, 110 employees volunteered at 18 locations statewide during Prevail’s Juneteenth Day of Service on June 19. Together with volunteer efforts from January through April 2026, employees
BRAT FRY - American Legion Post 9 Grill Masters!
A Brat Fry will be hosted by American Legion Post 9 members on 15 August 2026, in front of the Quality Foods grocery store located at 1811 Baker Dr., Wisconsin Rapids, WI. 54494. Sale time will run starting at 9am - 2am (or the brats sell out). Sodas and water will also be available.
Your Wisconsin Rapids Salon Is Profitable — But Is It Financially Healthy?
Effective financial management for beauty salons means doing more than filling the appointment calendar — it means controlling expenses, diversifying revenue, and planning for the months when business slows. According to 2025 industry research, the U.S. beauty salon industry reached $48.0 billion in revenue across 121,144 companies, with average sales of $0.3 million per location. For salon owners in Wisconsin Rapids, the gap between strong revenue and genuine financial stability is where most of the real
Safeguarding Your Small Business: Smart Legal Strategies That Build Trust and Prevent Risk
The Big Picture Every small business in Central Wisconsin faces a common truth — risk isn’t optional, but good preparation is. From contracts to insurance, proactive legal planning is not about paranoia; it’s about stability and credibility.TL;DR Use clear written contracts to define expectations and reduce disputes. Maintain the right insurance coverage — liability, property, cyber, and more. Create employee and operations policies that prevent legal missteps. Understand tools like hold
How Small Businesses Can Compete with Large Competitors: Strategies, Tools & Smart Tactics
In today’s digital economy, smaller companies face the same expectations as enterprise players — instant responses, professional systems, and seamless customer experiences. The good news? You don’t need corporate budgets to perform like one. The right combination of strategy, technology, and visibility can level the field faster than ever. TL;DR Small businesses can compete with larger competitors by focusing on speed, personalization, and professionalism.Key moves include: Automating repetitive
Shifts in the CTA, BOI and FinCEN: Guidance for Wisconsin Rapids, WI Businesses
The Corporate Transparency Act may require certain U.S. companies to disclose beneficial ownership information to FinCEN to combat financial crimes. While a Texas federal district court’s preliminary injunction puts this requirement on hold, many experts expect that to be overturned. In that event, failure to file could lead to fines of $500 per day, up to a maximum of $10,000, and possible criminal penalties. However, filing your Beneficial Ownership Information (BOI) report will help you avoid fines
Supercharge Your Startup’s Journey with Powerful Digital Marketing Solutions
Digital marketing has become essential for startups aiming to grow and establish themselves. Choosing the right strategies requires aligning marketing efforts with business goals to connect meaningfully with the target audience. Concentrating on a handful of effective tactics can strengthen market presence and lay the groundwork for long-term growth. Creative approaches can set a startup apart in the crowded digital landscape.Improve Local Visibility with Strategic SEO To stand out in local search
Wisconsin Rapids Rafters Rekindle ‘Hot Stove’ Event for a Return in 2024
WISCONSIN RAPIDS, Wi — The Wisconsin Rapids Rafters are delighted to announce the eagerly awaited “Hot Stove” event, slated to take place at the Hotel Mead & Conference Center’s Ballroom on January 20, 2024, from 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM. As the clock ticks towards the upcoming baseball season, the Rafters invite fans and community members to join them for an immersive experience, beginning with a lively Cocktail Hour at 6:00 PM with a cash bar. A buffet style dinner generously provided by Kellner Cafe, will
