Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin
Encyclopedia
Wisconsin Rapids is a city in and the county seat
of Wood County, Wisconsin
, United States
. The population was 18,435 at the 2000 census.
According to the 2010 census, the Wisconsin Rapids micropolitan
area was home to 54,362 people. The city also forms one of the core areas of the United States Census Bureau
's Marshfield-Wisconsin Rapids Micropolitan Statistical Area, which includes all of Wood County (2000 population: 75,555).
According to the United States Census Bureau
, the city has a total area of 14.1 square miles (36.5 km²), of which, 13.3 square miles (34.3 km²) is land and 0.9 square miles (2.2 km²) (6.02%) is water.
, with the west side incorporated as Centralia and the east side as Grand Rapids. The two cities merged in 1900, with the entire community taking the name Grand Rapids. The name was changed in 1920 to avoid mail and other goods from being misdirected to the much better known Grand Rapids
, Michigan
.
of 2000, there were 18,435 people, 7,970 households, and 4,782 families residing in the city. The population density
was 1,390 people per square mile (536.8/km²). There were 8,426 housing units at an average density of 635.3 per square mile (245.3/km²). The racial makeup of the city was 94.04% White, 0.34% African American, 0.80% Native American, 3.46% Asian, 0.02% Pacific Islander, 0.37% from other races
, and 0.97% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.31% of the population.
There were 7,970 households out of which 28.0% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 46.0% were married couples
living together, 10.6% had a female householder with no husband present, and 40.0% were non-families. 34.8% of all households were made up of individuals and 16.0% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.26 and the average family size was 2.93.
In the city the population was spread out with 24.7% under the age of 18, 8.5% from 18 to 24, 27.5% from 25 to 44, 19.8% from 45 to 64, and 19.4% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 38 years. For every 100 females there were 90.1 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 86.2 males.
The median income for a household in the city was $34,956, and the median income for a family was $43,594. Males had a median income of $36,098 versus $22,466 for females. The per capita income
for the city was $17,723. About 7.0% of families and 9.1% of the population were below the poverty line, including 12.5% of those under age 18 and 7.2% of those age 65 or over.
manufacturing history, Wisconsin Rapids is also an important locale for the cranberry
industry. Wisconsin Rapids is the corporate home of the international educational software company, Renaissance Learning
, Inc. as well as other national and global companies.
In the past, Rapids was home to the corporate headquarters for Consolidated Papers, now owned by NewPage Corporation
. The company continues its presence in the area with a Paper Mill
that houses two Paper Machines and a Kraft
Pulp Mill
.
, which has a campus in the city, offers multiple vocational diplomas, and Lakeland College is also based there.
sanctuary at the Buena Vista Wildlife Reservation, and every year the Prairie Chicken Festival is held. The Betty Boop
Festival is held annually since the inaugural event in 2010. The Cranberry Blossom Festival takes place in July and the Grand Affair Arts Festival in September of each year. In summer of 2010, the Wisconsin Rapids Rafters
of the collegiate summer Northwoods League
, played their first season at Witter Field
.
AM Radio stations
FM Radio stations
County seat
A county seat is an administrative center, or seat of government, for a county or civil parish. The term is primarily used in the United States....
of Wood County, Wisconsin
Wisconsin
Wisconsin is a U.S. state located in the north-central United States and is part of the Midwest. It is bordered by Minnesota to the west, Iowa to the southwest, Illinois to the south, Lake Michigan to the east, Michigan to the northeast, and Lake Superior to the north. Wisconsin's capital is...
, United States
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
. The population was 18,435 at the 2000 census.
According to the 2010 census, the Wisconsin Rapids micropolitan
United States micropolitan area
United States Micropolitan Statistical Areas , as defined by the United States Office of Management and Budget, are urban areas in the United States based around a core city or town with a population of 10,000 to 49,999. The micropolitan area designation was created in 2003...
area was home to 54,362 people. The city also forms one of the core areas of the United States Census Bureau
United States Census Bureau
The United States Census Bureau is the government agency that is responsible for the United States Census. It also gathers other national demographic and economic data...
's Marshfield-Wisconsin Rapids Micropolitan Statistical Area, which includes all of Wood County (2000 population: 75,555).
Geography
Wisconsin Rapids is located at 44°23′12"N 89°49′23"W (44.386805, -89.823078).According to the United States Census Bureau
United States Census Bureau
The United States Census Bureau is the government agency that is responsible for the United States Census. It also gathers other national demographic and economic data...
, the city has a total area of 14.1 square miles (36.5 km²), of which, 13.3 square miles (34.3 km²) is land and 0.9 square miles (2.2 km²) (6.02%) is water.
History
The American Indians called the area "Ahdawagam", meaning "Two-sided Rapids". Although Europeans began to settle this area in the 1830s, Wisconsin Rapids has been known by this name only since 1920. Prior to that, the community was divided by the Wisconsin RiverWisconsin River
-External links:* * * , Wisconsin Historical Society* * * *...
, with the west side incorporated as Centralia and the east side as Grand Rapids. The two cities merged in 1900, with the entire community taking the name Grand Rapids. The name was changed in 1920 to avoid mail and other goods from being misdirected to the much better known Grand Rapids
Grand Rapids, Michigan
Grand Rapids is a city in the U.S. state of Michigan. The city is located on the Grand River about 40 miles east of Lake Michigan. As of the 2010 census, the city population was 188,040. In 2010, the Grand Rapids metropolitan area had a population of 774,160 and a combined statistical area, Grand...
, Michigan
Michigan
Michigan is a U.S. state located in the Great Lakes Region of the United States of America. The name Michigan is the French form of the Ojibwa word mishigamaa, meaning "large water" or "large lake"....
.
Demographics
As of the censusCensus
A census is the procedure of systematically acquiring and recording information about the members of a given population. It is a regularly occurring and official count of a particular population. The term is used mostly in connection with national population and housing censuses; other common...
of 2000, there were 18,435 people, 7,970 households, and 4,782 families residing in the city. The population density
Population density
Population density is a measurement of population per unit area or unit volume. It is frequently applied to living organisms, and particularly to humans...
was 1,390 people per square mile (536.8/km²). There were 8,426 housing units at an average density of 635.3 per square mile (245.3/km²). The racial makeup of the city was 94.04% White, 0.34% African American, 0.80% Native American, 3.46% Asian, 0.02% Pacific Islander, 0.37% from other races
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
, and 0.97% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.31% of the population.
There were 7,970 households out of which 28.0% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 46.0% were married couples
Marriage
Marriage is a social union or legal contract between people that creates kinship. It is an institution in which interpersonal relationships, usually intimate and sexual, are acknowledged in a variety of ways, depending on the culture or subculture in which it is found...
living together, 10.6% had a female householder with no husband present, and 40.0% were non-families. 34.8% of all households were made up of individuals and 16.0% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.26 and the average family size was 2.93.
In the city the population was spread out with 24.7% under the age of 18, 8.5% from 18 to 24, 27.5% from 25 to 44, 19.8% from 45 to 64, and 19.4% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 38 years. For every 100 females there were 90.1 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 86.2 males.
The median income for a household in the city was $34,956, and the median income for a family was $43,594. Males had a median income of $36,098 versus $22,466 for females. The per capita income
Per capita income
Per capita income or income per person is a measure of mean income within an economic aggregate, such as a country or city. It is calculated by taking a measure of all sources of income in the aggregate and dividing it by the total population...
for the city was $17,723. About 7.0% of families and 9.1% of the population were below the poverty line, including 12.5% of those under age 18 and 7.2% of those age 65 or over.
Economy
Known for its papermakingPulp and paper industry
The global pulp and paper industry is dominated by North American , northern European and East Asian countries...
manufacturing history, Wisconsin Rapids is also an important locale for the cranberry
Cranberry
Cranberries are a group of evergreen dwarf shrubs or trailing vines in the subgenus Oxycoccus of the genus Vaccinium. In some methods of classification, Oxycoccus is regarded as a genus in its own right...
industry. Wisconsin Rapids is the corporate home of the international educational software company, Renaissance Learning
Renaissance Learning
Renaissance Learning Inc. is an educational software and hardware company, publicly traded on the NASDAQ exchange under the ticker symbol RLRN. It is headquartered in Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin, USA, with offices in Canada, and the United Kingdom...
, Inc. as well as other national and global companies.
In the past, Rapids was home to the corporate headquarters for Consolidated Papers, now owned by NewPage Corporation
NewPage Corporation
NewPage Corporation, based in Miamisburg, Ohio, is a leading producer of coated paper in North America.The company produces coated papers in sheets and rolls with many finishes and weights to offer design flexibility for a wide array of end uses...
. The company continues its presence in the area with a Paper Mill
Paper mill
A paper mill is a factory devoted to making paper from vegetable fibres such as wood pulp, old rags and other ingredients using a Fourdrinier machine or other type of paper machine.- History :...
that houses two Paper Machines and a Kraft
Kraft process
The kraft process describes a technology for conversion of wood into wood pulp consisting of almost pure cellulose fibers...
Pulp Mill
Pulp mill
A pulp mill is a manufacturing facility that converts wood chips or other plant fibre source into a thick fibre board which can be shipped to a paper mill for further processing. Pulp can be manufactured using mechanical, semi-chemical or fully chemical methods...
.
Education
Mid-State Technical CollegeMid-State Technical College
Mid-State Technical College is a technical college in central Wisconsin. It has major campuses in the Marshfield, Stevens Point, Wisconsin Rapids communities. There is a learning center in Adams...
, which has a campus in the city, offers multiple vocational diplomas, and Lakeland College is also based there.
Recreation
Wisconsin Rapids has several local parks, including Robinson Park, Gaynor Park, and Lyon Park. There is also a recently built skate park. There are three museums, the South Wood County Historical Corporation Museum, the Alexander House, and the Paper Making Museum, all three of which are housed in large former family homes. There is a municipal zoo (free to enter), and two public swimming pools. There is a prairie chickenPrairie Chicken
Prairie Chicken refers to several birds in the genus Tympanuchus:*Greater Prairie Chicken **Attwater's Prairie Chicken **Heath Hen **Tympanuchus cupido pinnatus...
sanctuary at the Buena Vista Wildlife Reservation, and every year the Prairie Chicken Festival is held. The Betty Boop
Betty Boop
Betty Boop is an animated cartoon character created by Max Fleischer, with help from animators including Grim Natwick. She originally appeared in the Talkartoon and Betty Boop film series, which were produced by Fleischer Studios and released by Paramount Pictures. She has also been featured in...
Festival is held annually since the inaugural event in 2010. The Cranberry Blossom Festival takes place in July and the Grand Affair Arts Festival in September of each year. In summer of 2010, the Wisconsin Rapids Rafters
Wisconsin Rapids Rafters
The Wisconsin Rapids Rafters are a baseball team based in Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin that plays in the Northwoods League, a collegiate summer baseball league. With their inaugural season in 2010, the Rafters will play their home games at Witter Field, previously home to the Wisconsin Rapids Twins...
of the collegiate summer Northwoods League
Northwoods League
The Northwoods League is a collegiate summer baseball league comprising teams of the top college players from North America and beyond. All players in the league must have NCAA eligibility remaining in order to participate...
, played their first season at Witter Field
Witter Field
Witter Field is a baseball ballpark located in Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin, USA. It was built in 1928.It served as the home park for multiple minor league teams: the Wisconsin Rapids White Sox, Wisconsin Rapids Senators and Wisconsin Rapids Twins. It is currently the home to Wisconsin Rapids Legion...
.
Print media
- Daily Tribune Website, Daily NewspaperNewspaperA newspaper is a scheduled publication containing news of current events, informative articles, diverse features and advertising. It usually is printed on relatively inexpensive, low-grade paper such as newsprint. By 2007, there were 6580 daily newspapers in the world selling 395 million copies a...
. Founded 1920 from merger of Grand Rapids Leader (est. 1914) and Grand Rapids Tribune. Circulation: 10,766 according to Mondo Newspapers - The VOICE Of Wisconsin Rapids Website , Weekly Newspaper. Independently owned, founded 2009.
- Buyers' Guide, Website Weekly Ad sheet with some editorial content
Television
- RCCA: Website River Cities Public, educational, and government accessPublic, educational, and government accessPublic, educational, and government access television, refers to three different cable television specialty channels...
(PEG) broadcast on cable tv.
Radio
Although this is a list of radio stations based in the Wisconsin Rapids area, the signals of radio stations from much of Central Wisconsin are commonly received in the city.AM Radio stations
- WFHRWFHRWFHR is a radio station broadcasting a News Talk Information format. Licensed to Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin, US, the station serves the Wausau-Stevens Point area...
1320 Khz, News/Sports Talk Radio - Established November 1940
FM Radio stations
- Kool Gold 105.5Mhz WRCWWRCWWRCW is a radio station broadcasting an oldies format. Licensed to Nekoosa, Wisconsin, USA, the station serves the Central Wisconsin area. The station is currently owned by Seehafer Broadcasting Corp.-History:...
- Oldies/Sport Established as KZZA in 2003 - Mix 96.7 96.7Mhz WLJYWLJYWLJY is a radio station broadcasting a Hot AC format. WLJY was formally an Adult Contemporary station, but tweaked to Hot AC at midnight on April 14, 2010. Licensed to Whiting, Wisconsin, USA, the station serves the Wausau-Stevens Point area...
Hot AC - Established as WYTE in 1985 - WIFCWIFCWIFC is a Top 40 radio station located in Wausau, Wisconsin. The station is owned and operated locally by Midwest Communications, previously owned by [Journal Communications], Dave Raven and originally owned by Forward Communications, where the call letters were taken .Formerly WSAU-FM WIFC...
95.5Mhz - CHR - Established 1969 - WDEZWDEZWDEZ is a radio station broadcasting a Country music format. Licensed to Wausau, Wisconsin, USA the station serves the Wausau-Stevens Point area. The station is currently owned by Midwest Communications...
101.9Mhz Country & westernCountry musicCountry music is a popular American musical style that began in the rural Southern United States in the 1920s. It takes its roots from Western cowboy and folk music...
- Established as WRIG in 1964 - Y106.5 106.5Mhz WYTEWYTEWYTE is a radio station broadcasting a Country music format. Licensed to Marshfield, Wisconsin, US, the station serves the Wausau-Stevens Point area. The station is currently owned by NRG Media, LLC.-History:...
- Contemporary Country & Western - Established as WDLB in 1965 - WGLX 103.3Mhz WGLX-FMWGLX-FMWGLX-FM is a radio station broadcasting a Classic rock format. Licensed to Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin, US, the station serves the Wausau-Stevens Point area. The station is currently owned by Nrg License Sub, LLC. Former call letters are WWRW & WFHR-FM .-External links:...
- Classic Rock - Established as WFHR-FM in 1946
Notable residents
- Joel GoodnessJoel GoodnessJoel Goodness is an American singer, film and theatre actor best known for his portrayal of Harry in the first four years of the initial run of the Broadway musical Crazy For You by George and Ira Gershwin, and of the Bajoran Deputy in the Star Trek: Deep Space Nine episode Chimera.-Biography:Born...
, performer in Crazy for YouCrazy for YouCrazy for You is a musical with a book by Ken Ludwig, lyrics by Ira Gershwin, and music by George Gershwin. Billed as "The New Gershwin Musical Comedy", it is largely based on the songwriting team’s 1930 musical, Girl Crazy, but interpolates songs from several other productions as well... - Ken Anderson, professional wrestler
- Mark E. AndersonMark E. AndersonMark E. Anderson is a Brigadier General in the National Guard of the United States and Assistant Adjutant General of the Army in Wisconsin.-Biography:...
, U.S. National Guard general - Bonnie BartlettBonnie BartlettBonnie Bartlett is an American television and film actress. Her career spans over 50 years, with her first major role being on a 1950s daytime drama, Love of Life. She is best known for her role as Ellen Craig on the medical drama series St. Elsewhere. She and her husband, actor William Daniels,...
, actress - Bruno BlockBruno BlockJames John Block was a catcher in Major League Baseball.-External links:...
, MLB catcher - James Daly, actor
- Stephen E. JohnsonStephen E. JohnsonStephen E. Johnson is a Rear Admiral in the United States Navy.-Biography:A native of Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin, Johnson graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 1977 with degrees in accounting and information management.-Career:...
, U.S. Navy admiral - Tom MetcalfTom MetcalfThomas John Metcalf is a former Major League Baseball pitcher for the New York Yankees.Metcalf, at the age of 23, pitched in 8 games, since his Major League debut on August 4, 1963. Metcalf's Major League Baseball career ended September 20, 1963.Of Metcalf's 8 games played, he was credited 1 win,...
, MLB pitcher - Grim NatwickGrim NatwickMyron "Grim" Natwick was an American artist, animator and film director. Natwick is best known for drawing the Fleischer Studio's most popular character, Betty Boop.-Background:...
, animatorAnimatorAn animator is an artist who creates multiple images that give an illusion of movement called animation when displayed in rapid sequence; the images are called frames and key frames. Animators can work in a variety of fields including film, television, video games, and the internet. Usually, an...
and film directorFilm directorA film director is a person who directs the actors and film crew in filmmaking. They control a film's artistic and dramatic nathan roach, while guiding the technical crew and actors.-Responsibilities:...
(1890-1990) - Edith NashEdith NashEdith Nash was an educator and poet.Edith Henriet Nash was born in Oak Park, Illinois, where she was a childhood friend of a sister of Ernest Hemingway. She met her future husband, Wisconsin anthropologist and politician Philleo Nash, while in college in Chicago. On November 2, 1935, they married...
, educator and poet - Philleo NashPhilleo NashPhilleo Nash was a government official, educator, anthropolologist, and Lieutenant Governor of Wisconsin from 1959-1961 as a Democrat.-Early life and family:...
, professorProfessorA professor is a scholarly teacher; the precise meaning of the term varies by country. Literally, professor derives from Latin as a "person who professes" being usually an expert in arts or sciences; a teacher of high rank...
and anthropologist - John OfferdahlJohn OfferdahlJohn Offerdahl is an American former professional football player who played his entire eight year career with the Miami Dolphins from 1986 to 1993...
, NFL player - Bryan ReffnerBryan ReffnerBryan Reffner is a veteran of the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series. He was also a champion in the American Speed Association.-Career prior to NASCAR:...
, NASCARNASCARThe National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing is a family-owned and -operated business venture that sanctions and governs multiple auto racing sports events. It was founded by Bill France Sr. in 1947–48. As of 2009, the CEO for the company is Brian France, grandson of the late Bill France Sr...
driver - Don RehfeldtDon RehfeldtDon Rehfeldt was a graduate of Amundsen High School in Chicago, Illinois and went on to become a two time Big Ten leading scorer in 1949 and 1950 and the Big Ten MVP in 1950 at Wisconsin. He was also a First Team All-American in 1950...
, All-American college & NBA basketball player - Scott ScharffScott ScharffScott Scharff is an American football defensive lineman that is currently a free agent. He previously spent two and a half seasons with the San Francisco 49ers and the New Orleans Saints. He played college football at Stanford University...
, NFL player - Dick TrickleDick TrickleRichard "Dick" Trickle is a retired American race car driver. He raced for decades around the short tracks of Wisconsin, winning many championships along the way. Trickle has competed in the ASA, ARTGO, ARCA, All Pro, IMCA, NASCAR, and USAC.In more than an estimated 2,200 races, Trickle has logged...
, NASCARNASCARThe National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing is a family-owned and -operated business venture that sanctions and governs multiple auto racing sports events. It was founded by Bill France Sr. in 1947–48. As of 2009, the CEO for the company is Brian France, grandson of the late Bill France Sr...
driver - Herman C. WippermanHerman C. WippermanHerman C. Wipperman was a member of the Wisconsin State Assembly and Wisconsin State Senate.-Biography:Wipperman was born in Mosel, Wisconsin in 1853. He graduated from the University of Wisconsin Law School in 1889 and began practicing law in Chilton, Wisconsin.-Political career:Wipperman served...
, Wisconsin legislator - Joseph Wood, merchant, and Wisconsin legislator