The City of Waupaca is getting ready to host a managed deer hunt to help reduce the deer population within city limits. The purpose of this is to help mitigate damage to plants and deer/vehicle accidents within the city limits.

Here are the details of this managed hunt:

• Hunt Time Period – January 15, 2020 – March 31, 2020
• Hunt will occur on large tracts of public and private lands – City Airport, Recycling Center/Cemetery and Well 2 (Washington St.) (as examples).
• Hunters must have a valid bow license issued by the state of Wisconsin and may only hunt with the type of bow which they are permitted to use (i.e. compound vs crossbow).
• Hunters who are issued a tag must purchase a $10 bow discharge permit from the Police Department. This must be ready by January 15th. Permits are good for two years.
• An informational meeting will be held with the selected hunters to explain rules of the hunt such as hours and locations.
• Cost to process any deer taken will be at the hunter’s expense. If a hunter does not want the deer it will be donated to Bread Basket Inc. here in Waupaca.
• Background checks will be done on all hunters selected.

Hunters can sign-up below if you have interest in participating. Signing up expresses interest only and does not guarantee that a tag will be issued. Priority will be given to land owners and local residents.

The leading cause of house fires around Christmas time is unattended candles. The members of the Waupaca Area Fire District would like everyone to have a fire safe and joyous Christmas and ask everyone to never leave burning candles unattended. Also, real Christmas trees should be watered regularly and all Christmas lights, both indoor and outdoor, should be in good condition. We wish everyone a Very Merry and Fire Safe Christmas and a Happy & Healthy New Year.

City of Waupaca dog and cat licenses can be purchased at City Hall starting December 23rd, 2019. The cost of a license is $10.00 (not spayed or neutered) and $5.00 (spayed or neutered). You will need to bring updated rabies information and also proof that your pet was spayed or neutered since the last time you purchased your license. If you wish to renew your license through the mail you may do so by sending the correct information, license fee, and a self addressed stamped return envelope to: City of Waupaca, 111 S Main Street, Waupaca, WI 54981.

Prevent Freezing Pipes

Look for typical problem areas: Check unheated basements regularly. Look for pipes near broken or open windows. Look at pipes near foundation walls or near cracks in the foundation. Identify exposed pipes outside your home.

Freezing pipes can be detected by: Unusually cold water temps (less than 35° F). Unusually low water flow/pressure.
Discolored water at fixtures. Sputtering sound when first running water.

Frozen pipes can be thawed: It is safest to use hot air from a hair dryer, exhaust from a vacuum cleaner, or an appropriate space heater. Heat tape can also be used but be careful to follow manufacturer’s instructions. Never thaw with an open flame.

Other prevention tips include: Shutting off and draining outside faucets. Run small amounts of water from the highest faucet in the building. Insulate walls near exposed piping. Repair cold air leaks and reduce drafts.

Leaving home for a significant amount of time: Shut off water at the main shut off near the meter and drain your home
plumbing.

Be prepared for the worst: If pipes do freeze, be careful of cracked pipes that can spray water or bust. Ensure basement drains are clear. Know where the main shut-off valve is located to shut of water.

If you need additional information or assistance, please contact the City of Waupaca Water Utility at: (715) 258-4423.

Phosphorus is an essential element for plant life, but when there is too much of it in water, it causes a condition called eutrophication. A sign of eutrophication is excess algae in lakes and rivers. Excessive algae reduces oxygen in the water for fish and can be toxic to humans. Control the release of phosphorus by:

• Reducing the applications of lawn fertilizers
• Disposal of pet wastes
• Reduce laundry and dish washing detergent
• Wash your vehicle on your lawn or at a commercial car wash
• Look for product labels that do not include phosphorus or phosphates

Did you know you can pay your city utility bills (Water, Sewer, Internet) online?

It’s free, fast, easy and secure.

Click Here to get started.

Have questions or need help?  Call 715.258.4411.

The owner or person having immediate control of a cat or dog shall promptly remove and dispose of in a sanitary manner, any feces left or deposited by the cat or dog upon public or private property, not owned or possessed by such person.  It is unlawful for any person to permit a cat or dog to be on public or private property not owned or possessed by such person unless such person has in his immediate possession an appropriate means of removing animal feces. City of Waupaca Municipal Code Licenses and Permits Chapter 12.192(4)(e)(1-2).

The sirens in the City of Waupaca will activate when:

• The National Weather Service places Waupaca County/City of Waupaca under a TORNADO WARNING.
• A trained weather spotter observes an actual funnel cloud and the sighting has been confirmed.
• When there are straight-line winds or downbursts in excess of 90 mph.

Even if the sirens are not activated, you should not hesitate to take shelter if you feel the weather is dangerous. You are responsible for your own safety! OUTDOOR warning sirens are used to warn people who are OUTDOORS. Do not rely on hearing them in your home. Sirens can be damaged during a storm before a tornado develops and will not activate. If a storm approaches while you are sleeping with the windows closed, air conditioner running, television on, etc, you will likely not hear the OUTDOOR warning siren. 

To stay safe during severe weather you should use a variety of sources to include:
• Know what the weather forecast is for the day and monitor it for changes.
• Own a NOAA Alert Weather Radio. The radio will activate INDOORS for severe weather watches and warnings.
• If the skies indicate an approaching storm, take the initiative and turn on your television and radio. In addition, there is a wealth of internet and social media sites that can give you current weather information.
• Sign up for weather alerts on your cell phone.

There are many tools out there to give you information about severe weather. It is your responsibility to stay safe during a severe weather outbreak!

Learn more about the new emergency communication system the City of Waupaca and Waupaca County will be utilizing and get signed up.

• Sign Up for CodeRED

Waupaca County Contracts with CodeRED to Provide Emergency Notification Services to Community

Following an extensive and thorough evaluation and review of alerting systems, the County of Waupaca has implemented the CodeRED system, a high-speed emergency notification service provided by Ormond Beach, FL-based Emergency Communications Network.

The CodeRED system will serve as the backbone of the County’s emergency planning and communications outreach to both citizens and City personnel by using the system capabilities to send telephone calls, text messages, emails and social media in an effort to effectively inform residents to protect life and property. CodeRED, among other notification systems available, was selected for its unrivaled reliability and accuracy, as well as the system’s global use.

“CodeRED’s robust system will provide city/county officials with a reliable, easy-to-use interface to quickly disseminate critical information to our citizens during emergencies. We are very eager to use this technology to enhance our emergency preparedness plans,” said Sheriff Brad Hardel. The City’s and County anticipates using the system to notify residents in specific geographic locations of fires, floods, drinking water emergencies and missing children notices.

The County has been provided an initial database of residential and business telephone numbers, however all residents living within Waupaca County limits are encouraged to visit http://www.co.waupaca.wi.us/ and click on the CodeRED logo to enroll additional contact information including cell phone numbers, text and email addresses.

Public safety officials across the United States have credited CodeRED notifications for many successful events including locating missing children, apprehending wanted criminals and issuing timely evacuations.