September 27, 2025

Two Rivers City Hall

1717 E. Park Street

Two Rivers, WI 54241

920-793-5523

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FROM THE CITY MANAGER'S DESK

Tightening the Belt:
Two Rivers Shops for Savings

Just like households across our community, the City of Two Rivers is taking a hard look at rising costs and making sure every dollar works hard for taxpayers. This fall, the City is moving forward on two major contracts—insurance and fleet fuel supply—both aimed at securing reliable service at the most competitive rates possible. Whether it’s insurance or fuel, Two Rivers is tightening its belt and pushing for competition, making sure taxpayers get maximum value from every contract and every dollar.

Insurance Costs Under Review

For the first time in decades, City Hall is actively shopping for municipal insurance carriers. Insurance costs have climbed an average of 8.5% per year over the past five years, with a 10% jump in the most recent year alone. To push back against these increases, the City is pursuing renewal quotes from Liberty Mutual, Travelers Insurance, the League of Wisconsin Municipalities, and Cities and Villages Mutual Insurance Company (CVMIC). The goal is to lock in more competitive rates for general liability and workers’ compensation coverage. A decision will be made in the coming weeks with any projected savings showing up in the 2026 budget.

Fuel Supply Back Out to Bid

At the same time, the City is preparing to bid out its gasoline fuel supply contract, something that hasn’t been done since 2006. The contract covers about 32,000 gallons per year for all City departments, with vendors required to provide 24/7 access within City limits to ensure emergency readiness. The new agreement will run from December 2025 through November 2027, with an option to extend. Staff will be reviewing proposals later this fall to secure dependable service at the best possible price.

-Kyle Kordell

City Manager

Powering Up:

Smarter Electric Meters for Two Rivers

Click here to visit the Two Rivers Utilities webpage

Riverside Park Investment
Planned for 2026

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (WI DNR) has notified the City of Two Rivers that it has been tentatively selected for a $324,500 grant to support improvements at Riverside Park in 2026. This award requires a 1-to-1 local match, bringing the Phase 1 project cost to $649,000.

To help meet the match, the City has submitted an additional $150,000 in pending grant applications with other entities.

Phase 1 Improvements

The initial phase of work next year will bring visible, community-supported upgrades to Riverside Park, including:

• A new restroom building

• Reconfigured pedestrian pathways

• ADA-compliant kayak launch

• Improved boat ramp

• Fishing overlook deck

• Upgraded lighting and security cameras

• A major reconfiguration of parking layout

These enhancements are directly aligned with the Riverside Park Master Plan, which was developed with extensive community input and adopted by the City in Summer 2024.

Looking Ahead: Phase 2 Riverside Upgrades

A new skatepark is anticipated as part of Phase 2. The City will coordinate a community fundraising campaign in 2026 to cover the cost of construction. In addition, planning meetings will be held with local residents and youth to help shape the final skatepark design.

Click here to view the full Riverside Park Master Plan and Community Feedback

Leaf Pick-Up Starting Soon

Lester Public Library
Play Center Now Open

Fall Play at the

Library Farmers Market

Step into the dramatic play center where imagination comes alive! Children can explore the bustle of a farmers market—shopping for pumpkins, tomatoes, and honey, or stepping into the role of farmer, beekeeper, or gardener. Maybe they’ll gather eggs from the coop, sell loaves of bread, or proudly display fresh-picked produce.

Dramatic play—good old-fashioned “pretend”—lights up nearly every part of a child’s growing brain. It’s more than fun; it builds the foundation for skills like reading, writing, and problem-solving. So come visit the library, dive into the joy of play, and create moments of laughter, learning, and connection together!

Click here to visit the Lester Public Library Website

Upcoming Events

Looking for something to do TODAY?

Brewed in Tradition: Beer, Industry and Heritage in Manitowoc County

FREE EVENT

Lester Public Library

Monday, September 29, 2025

6:00 PM

Step back in time to the 1840s, when German immigrants brought their skilled trades to Manitowoc County—crafting vinegar, yeast, pickles, and, most famously, beer. Discover how the Two Rivers Brewing Company helped fuel early economic growth as beer historian Bret Blizzard uncaps the stories, traditions, and legacies of local brewing.

CLICK HERE to check out other LPL events

41st Annual Applefest

Central Park West

Saturday, October 11, 2025

8:00 AM - 3:00 PM

Enjoy a Rotary Club pancake breakfast in the Community House's Koska Room starting at 8:00 AM.

All-you-can-eat pancakes for $8 (extra sausages will cost ya, though). Kids 0-3 eat free.

Craft and food vendors open up at 9:00 AM.

Live music on the Schmitt Brothers Stage:

Jerry Voelker & the Jolly Gents polka band performs 9:30 AM-12:30 PM

The Taxmen are onstage 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM

Find lots of activities for kids!

Hosted by the Rotary Club of Two Rivers.

Visit the Applefest website

Van der Brohe Arboretum will host its annual Garden Wine Walk starting at 3:00pm Saturday, October 11th. Stroll the scenic grounds and stop at nine Franciscan Garden stations to sample local wines and appetizers.

A peaceful, picturesque way to experience the arboretum in fall!

At 6:00pm, a bonfire will be lit.

Click here to get your Garden Wine Walk tickets