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March 27, 2026

Two Rivers City Hall

1717 E. Park Street

Two Rivers, WI 54241

920-793-5523

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Have a question about City services, projects, or what’s happening in Two Rivers?

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A Message from the City Manager

21 Inches of Snow. Zero Missed Calls.

The Public Safety Team Here is Top-Notch.

When a record-setting snowfall hits, it tests more than just our streets and sidewalks. It tests our government systems, our teamwork, and our commitment to serving the community.

A couple of week ago, Two Rivers received more than 21 inches of snow, and through it all, one thing remained constant: our public safety teams never missed a call.

Even in the most challenging conditions, the Two Rivers Fire Department remained fully operational and ready. Crews responded to 14 calls for service during this historic blizzard, including cardiac arrest, active labor, a motor vehicle crash, and other critical medical emergencies. At several points, multiple ambulances were deployed at the same time due to call volume.

Despite hazardous road conditions, our Police Department remained proactive. Officers made multiple arrests during the height of the storm, ensuring that public safety didn’t take a back seat to the weather.

All-Hands Teamwork Made the Difference

This level of service only happens through coordination and teamwork. Public Works crews plowed ahead of emergency vehicles to keep routes open. Police officers assisted on scene in difficult conditions. Fire/EMS crews maintained rapid response throughout the storm.

And in a true show of commitment, a Public Works snow crew even stayed overnight at the Fire Station to ensure ambulances and fire trucks could get out without delay.

It was a full team effort, around the clock.

The Real Cost of Keeping You Safe

There’s a real financial impact to a storm like this.

This single event cost the City General Fund approximately $40,000 in labor alone, including both regular wages and overtime. About half of that total was overtime dedicated to snow removal operations. That’s a significant investment that puts a strain on the General Fund but it reflects what it takes to keep streets passable and ensure police, fire, and EMS can operate without interruption.

Storms like this are exactly why we plan, budget, and staff the way we do. When conditions are at their worst, our community still expects {and deserves!} reliable service.

-City Manager Kyle Kordell

2026 Project Spotlight

Kozlowski Parking Lot Bike Trail Connection

By improving access to the trail network, we’re making it easier for residents and visitors to get outside, stay active, and enjoy everything Two Rivers has to offer.

At first glance, this project may seem like a simple trail extension. In reality, it’s about how people safely and easily access one of Two Rivers’ greatest assets: our trail system along Lake Michigan.

Right now, getting from the Kozlowski parking lot to the Mariners Trail and nearby routes isn’t as clear or as safe as it should be. We need to make it safer. Pedestrians and cyclists often have to navigate around vehicle traffic or find their own path to connect into the system.

This project changes that.

This year, the City will construct a new paved trail segment that creates a direct, clearly defined connection between the parking area and the existing trail network. That means safer access for families, more predictable movement for cyclists, and fewer conflicts between trail users and vehicles.

But this project is about more than just one connection.

It’s part of a broader effort to strengthen how everything in Two Rivers ties together. Our downtown, our parks, and our waterfront. Small gaps in trail connectivity can limit how people experience the community. Filling those gaps makes the entire system work better.

This improvement is being completed at a cost of approximately $22,000, funded as part of the City’s 2026 capital borrowing cycle for regular community investment, which this year is just over $2.2 million. This is the type of targeted, manageable project we plan for each year, making steady improvements without creating large financial spikes.

And like many projects in our Community Investment Plan, it reflects a simple principle: thoughtful, consistent investments that make every day experiences in Two Rivers better.

What's Happening with the Neshotah Beach Concession Stand?

Your Input. Real Costs. Informed Decisions.

Included in the 2026 Community Investment Plan is $255,000 for potential improvements to the Neshotah Beach concessions building. As a reminder, including this funding does not obligate the City to move forward. Rather, it ensures we are prepared if the project is supported by the community and approved by Council.

The project is now in a key information-gathering phase.

All hardcopy public surveys included in the March newsletter are being accepted through March 31 and we encourage anyone who hasn’t yet participated to take a few minutes to share their input. Once collected, survey results will be compiled and presented to City Council at the end of April.

At the same time, the City is advancing the project from a cost and feasibility standpoint.

All competitive construction bids are due by April 17, providing a clear understanding of exact project costs. To date, multiple contractors have already scheduled site visits in preparation for submitting bids, reflecting strong interest in the project.

The City is also actively pursuing outside funding to reduce the local cost. A $50,000 grant request has been submitted to the West Foundation, and we are awaiting a decision from the Wisconsin Department of Administration on a large state infrastructure grant application. If all pending grant funding is secured, combined with the contributions from the Two Rivers Room Tax Commission, the estimated City taxpayer contribution would be reduced to only about $105,000.

By the end of April, City Council will have the full picture needed to make a well-informed decision on how to proceed, including public input, competitive bids, and grant funding status.

Who's Stepping Up for Two Rivers this Spring?

If you take pride in our community, join us on April 25 at one of three rally sites by 1:00 PM and help keep our parks, streets, and public spaces clean.

We’ll have supplies ready. Just bring gloves, dress for the weather, and come ready to help your community.

A cleaner city starts with people who care. Are you in?

Rally Sites:

*Central Park West – Bandstand

*Lakeshore Park (Lester Public Library) – next to playground

*Riverside Park – Skatepark

Each site will have a volunteer Site Captain to provide instructions and coordinate the clean-up. We want families, students, community members, and service groups to join us!

In-Person Absentee Voting is Underway for the Spring Election

Participating in local elections is one of the most direct ways to help shape the future of the community.

In-person absentee voting for the upcoming Spring Election is now underway at City Hall and will continue through Friday, April 3.

For those who haven’t yet voted, the remaining opportunities to cast an in-person absentee ballot are:

Monday–Friday from March 30 to April 3 from 7:30 AM – 5:00 PM

Voting early is quick, convenient, and helps ensure your voice is heard ahead of Election Day.

Election Day will be held on Tuesday, April 7, with polls open from 7:00 AM to 8:00 PM. Voters should report to their designated polling location:

• Wards 1–5: St. Peter the Fisherman Catholic Parish

• Wards 6–8: Hamilton Wood Type & Printing Museum

Residents are encouraged to visit MyVote Wisconsin to register, verify their information, request an absentee ballot, find their polling location, and view a sample ballot in advance.

Additional election information is also available on the City’s website: CLICK HERE.

Attention Graduating Seniors

TRU's Scholarship Program is now accepting applications! Each year, TRU awards two $500 scholarships to area graduating high school seniors!

CLICK HERE for more information and to access the applications!

Deadline for all applications is April 3, 2026.

Note: To be eligible, the student, their parent, or their legal guardian must be a customer of Two Rivers Utilities.

Upcoming Events

For Your Information

Public Meetings for Next Week

Agendas are available for public meetings at least 24 hours prior to meeting times. Click Here