97.5 W F H R and 105.5 W I R I. Your Wisconsin Rapids Home for locally grown radio. Here's
your Daily News Roundup.
There are at least 47 data centers in Wisconsin and plans for more as demand explodes. Data
centers use loads of electricity and that's driving up costs. One municipal electric company
is hoping to offset the increase in electricity costs in the future by generating some of
their own power. Great Lakes Utilities provides electricity to 13 municipalities, including
Wisconsin Rapids. The City Utility Company Water Works and Lighting Commission, or WWLC,
is considering a proposal by Great Lakes Utilities and one energy to build a 25 acre solar
power plant to help offset predicted soaring energy costs. WWLC General Manager Pat Weiler
says these increases are unprecedented. This is a very scary forecast. We've never seen
this before in the history of the United States. The Pew Research Center found that U.S.
data centers consumed 183 terawatt hours of electricity in 2024. By 2030, that figure
is predicted to grow by 133% to 426 terawatt hours. Wisconsin Rapids doesn't generate
any of its own power. Consolidated water power company owns the five dams on the Wisconsin
River and they use that power for the area paper mills still in operation. Weiler says
these proposed solar power plants wouldn't reduce current prices but could keep prices
from climbing as fast as other areas of the state.
If Great Lakes Utilities could actually build its own generation at today's prices,
then we could lock in those prices for the future.
Around 60 people came out for the public hearing on Monday to speak for and against the solar
power plant. Many were residents who lived close to the proposed site on Whiprock in
2 Mile Avenue. Now the Finance and Property Committee will meet in close session today
to discuss the contract before any action is taken on the project.
Large gas prices fell 8.8 cents per gallon over the past week. The average across the
state is 264 as of Monday. This is almost 11 cents per gallon lower than a month ago and
12.5 cents lower than this time last year. Officials at gas buddies say downward pressure
on gas prices should continue in the weeks ahead. Refinery maintenance is nearing completion
and OPEC is increasing oil production in December. A few dozen gas stations across the
country are already offering gas under $2 per gallon and officials say that number could
grow as the holiday season continues.
December is here and so is the snow. This means snowplow drivers are working day and
night to keep roads clear and safe. Governor Tony Evers, along with the Wisconsin County Highway
Association and the Wisconsin Department of Transportation, recognized December 1 as
snowplow driver appreciation day. It's a chance to remind drivers to slow down and give
snowplow drivers the space they need to do their job safely. You should stay at least
200 feet behind a working snowplow. If you can't see their mirrors, they can't see you.
If you have to pass a snowplow, be careful and remember that conditions ahead of the
plow are likely worse. We're also into the shop small Wisconsin season. For the fifth consecutive
year, Governor Evers designates now through December 31 as a time to shop local and support
Wisconsin's main streets and small businesses. According to the U.S. Small Business Administration
in 2025, small businesses comprised more than 99% of businesses in Wisconsin. They employ
1.2 million people in the state and two-thirds of every dollar that you spend at a small
business stays in the local community.
Under-athletes will be wearing under-armor for years to come after Wisconsin agreed to
a 10-year extension with the sportswear brand. The contract covers everything from uniforms
and shoes to training gear for all 23 Division 1 teams and it commits new support to the University's
name, image and likeness efforts. Part of the plan includes one-off custom jerseys for
the next Shamrock series showdown against Notre Dame at Lambo Field. Wisconsin originally
signed on with under-armor in 2015, switching over from its previous apparel deal with the
DEDIS.
Mid-state technical college is launching a night option for the early childhood professional
program. The new format is designed to support working adults, parents and others who need
flexibility while pursuing their education. Students will gain hands-on training and acquire
knowledge in childcare centers, preschools, headstart programs and other childhood settings.
State options begin in late January for the 2026 spring semester. Classes meet Wednesday
evenings from 5.30 to 7.30 at the Wisconsin Rapids campus, with some courses offered online.
You can find out more and register at mstc.edu.
Fundraising can begin for the safe haven baby box in Wisconsin Rapids. The proposal has
been approved by the Common Council. Organizer Linda Casper is working with local groups
to provide several ways to donate.
I'm hoping that we can get the funds raised through the winter months and into the spring
and then hopefully have it raised by early spring so that we can work on it then.
She said there'll be an online option hopefully set up by next week. People will have a couple
of different options to contribute if they choose so.
Casper said their goal of $30,000 will pay for the box installation and maintenance.
I'm Melissa K for WFHR and WIRI News.
The wizard stunned the box.
Hi, I'm Mike Clemens with Sports NBA. The box losing to the worst team in basketball
last night. 129 to 126 in Washington. This despite the fact that Janice and Kevin Porter
Jr. both played in the game, although scoot as they call him, had to exit with a back spasm
after leading the team with 30 points.
To tighten up on an offensive rebound, about five minutes left and I tried to play through
it a little bit, but then I tried again on offensive rebound and just caught it.
Head coach Doc Rivers, I didn't think we played right most of the night personally.
They had 18 more shots than us.
The bucks have now lost eight of their last nine.
College hoops tonight, Marquette hosts, Val Pariso. The Golden Eagles have lost three of
their last four. They're at 500 right now with four wins and four losses.
NFL, the Packers getting ready to host the first place Chicago Bears on Sunday.
The team confirming the defensive tackled Ivante Wyatt suffered a fractured ankle against
Detroit, ending his season with sports. I'm Mike Clemens.
It is going to be mostly cloudy today with a high in the low to mid-twetties here this
afternoon. Tonight, a little light snow possible, generally just a dusting. We're going to drop
into the low to mid-teens tomorrow. Partly cloudy and cold once again with a high in the
low to mid-twetties. I'm meteorologist Sean Cable.
That's your Wisconsin Rapids News Roundup from WIRI and WFHR, locally grown radio. Find
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