
Improve quality of health and productivity, while lowering direct and indirect costs.

Reduced liabilities with safer drivers on the road

Improve access to healthcare - many Americans drive over 25 miles for quality healthcare
Urgent Care Clinic Near Kenosha, WI
There's a lot of truth to the saying that truck drivers are the backbone of our economy. Commercial driving is an often underrated yet crucial profession. Truckers play a vital role in transporting goods and raw materials from various locations across the country to businesses and consumers. Whether it's gases, liquids, heavy materials, or perishable items, commercial drivers cover countless miles each day, ensuring the smooth operation of the supply chain process.
With so much time on the road, it's safe to say that commercial drivers live unique lives. They only have so much time per year to cross tasks off their list. Important events like seeing family and friends are often at the top of that list. As such, many commercial drivers put their health and wellbeing on the back burner. They often avoid going to a primary care doctors office Near Kenosha because they have deadlines to meet and responsibilities to uphold - and that's unfortunate.
Commercial drivers experience elevated rates of chronic health issues due to extended hours, a lack of physical activity, and the demands of their work. This impacts not just their wellbeing and life expectancy but also their ability to earn a living. A large percentage of truck drivers have at least one chronic health problem that renders them ineligible for Department of Transportation (DOT) certification.

Despite those realities, most drivers know it's important to get exercise, eat healthy, and see a doctor for yearly checkups. But when they're on the road, where can they go for medical guidance or help when they're sick? Until recently, that question wasn't easy to answer.
Fortunately, there are new options available that have the potential to catch health issues early and save a driver money. Interstate Health is expanding access to high-quality urgent and primary care for everyone who lives and works along our nation's interstate system. It also serves rural and other communities with limited healthcare options.
Your Local Walk-In Clinic Near Kenosha: Meeting the Needs of Drivers and the Local Community
Truckers and commercial drivers - the men and women who keep America moving - have had to wait too long to have access to reliable healthcare. Many of these professionals settle for poor health due to hectic schedules and a lack of parking at traditional urgent care clinics. Interstate Health is changing the game by offering hardworking drivers a clean, reliable, easy-to-access clinic for primary care and urgent care needs.
Positioned at large travel centers throughout the United States, Interstate Health clinics are advanced, independent facilities that receive central support from a corporate office that operates 24/7. We offer a range of services tailored to drivers and community members, including the following:
Our telehealth therapists Near Kenosha, WI, focus on a range of specialties, including:
- Urgent Care Services: Testing, Vaccinations, Wound Care, & More
- Primary Care Services: Physicals, Occupational Health, & More
- Telehealth Services: Online Healthcare Services Made Easy
- Pharmacy Services: Refill Your Prescriptions with Ease & Convenience
Whether you live miles away from the closest provider or you're busy keeping our country running as a professional driver, you shouldn't have to put off the care you need. That's why we founded Interstate Health. We're committed to improving the quality of your health and productivity while reducing on-road liabilities and giving you reliable access to healthcare. That's the Interstate Health difference.

Who Are Our Patients?
At this point, you're probably wondering who Interstate Health is best suited to serve. While our urgent care and primary care medical services are a great option for professional drivers, they're also for members of our local community. Our patients include:
Commercial Drivers
Commercial drivers are dedicated, hardworking Americans who strive to excel at their jobs while supporting their families. It shouldn't be challenging to access the necessary care without compromising your time and livelihood. Interstate Health offers convenient, high-quality care, allowing you to maintain your wellbeing and keep moving forward.

Interstate Drivers
Have you ever been on a road trip or a business trip and needed quick access to healthcare professionals? You're not alone. Finding quality, convenient healthcare while traveling can be stressful. With Interstate Health Systems, you can trust you'll get consistent, excellent care no matter which location you visit - and you'll find us close by.

Local Community Members
Every community deserves accessible, high-quality medical care, no matter where they live. This includes rural areas of the United States, which have historically been overlooked when it comes to healthcare. With locations all across the nation's interstate system, Interstate Health Systems is making excellent healthcare more accessible for communities around the country - especially down roads that are less traveled.

Now that you know more about our business and our mission, let's take a deeper look at some of the services offered at Interstate Health.
Primary Care from Interstate Health
When you've been on the highway for hours on end, finding a great primary care physician Near Kenosha is easier said than done. Sure, you could settle for a mediocre provider that is out of the way, but wouldn't it be easier to find a doctor who's actually on your route? Even if you work on the road, you deserve access to quality preventative care and wellness checks. Interstate Health's primary care clinics give you convenient access to the care you need to stay healthy, even when you're on the clock.
Your primary care physician is like a central hub for all your health needs. They don't just help prevent problems and manage long-term conditions, but they also help you get other specialized care if you need it. Having a primary care doctor means you get consistent care over time that can kickstart and supplement your wellness goals.
Some of the most popular primary care services we offer include:
- Physicals
- Routine Checkups
- Follow-Up Appointments
- Medication Management
- Chronic Illness Management
- Much More
To get started with our primary care services, simply walk into a local Interstate Health clinic or make an appointment online to see a provider the same day. Whether you're always on the road or need to stay close to home, you can expect high-quality care from our medical providers.

Did you know that, according to the CDC, more than 50% of long-range commercial drivers reported suffering from one or more health conditions? Some of those conditions and behaviors include:
- High Blood Pressure
- High Cholesterol
- Obesity
- Lack of Physical Activity
- Smoking
- Getting Less Than 6 Hours of Sleep
When you read those conditions and then realize that truck drivers are almost twice as likely to develop diabetes when compared to general workers, it makes you raise your eyebrows. Fortunately, visiting a primary care physician on a regular basis is one of the best ways to get your health in check and live a longer life - especially if you're a commercial driver. Here are just a few other reasons why you should consider visiting a primary care doctor while you're on the road:


Management of Chronic Conditions
It's challenging to independently manage chronic health conditions such as diabetes, arthritis, and lupus. Enlisting the support of a primary care doctor can assist in keeping track of how these conditions are impacting your body. Regular appointments and routine tests are essential methods that your doctor can employ to help you effectively manage your chronic disease.

Range of Healthcare Services
Wondering where to go if you start coughing, if you're feeling anxious or depressed, or if you want to know more about a certain vaccine? The answer is simple: Visit your primary care doctor. Your primary care doctor specializes in holistic healthcare, which means they are trained to treat a wide range of issues and coordinate all your healthcare needs in one place. With your primary care doctor, you can address various health concerns in just one appointment, whether they are physical, emotional, or mental.

Overall Healthcare Costs Reduced
Regularly scheduling visits with your primary physician may feel monotonous and possibly unnecessary at times, but according to findings in the Journal of Health Affairs, consistent appointments with a primary care doctor reduce overall medical expenses for patients. Routine checkups, effective communication with your physician, and maintaining an updated health history all play a role in decreasing the overall cost of healthcare.
Urgent Care from Interstate Health
When you've been hauling goods across multiple states for several days at a time, little health issues start to become more and more prevalent. When these issues manifest, it's important to find an urgent care clinic Near Kenosha so you can get to your destination healthy and happy.
Urgent medical care addresses immediate symptoms associated with accidents, injuries, skin irritations, or sickness at an outpatient center like the Interstate Health clinic. It can be tough to find top-notch care promptly when dealing with an accident, injury, or illness. Our Urgent Care services offer convenient, cost-effective, high-quality care when you're on the road and need to address a medical issue or question quickly.

Access to Support When Living in Remote Areas
Urgent care medicine involves providing immediate medical services for outpatient treatment of both acute and chronic illnesses and injuries. It requires a wide-ranging and comprehensive knowledge base to provide such care. Delivering excellent care for patients with complex or uncommon conditions relies on close communication and collaboration between an urgent care medicine physician, specialists, and primary physicians.
It's important to note that urgent care does not supplant the role of a primary care physician. Rather, an urgent care clinic from Interstate Health is a convenient option when your regular physician is on vacation or unable to offer a timely appointment. It also serves as an alternative to waiting for hours in a hospital Emergency Room when illness strikes outside of regular office hours.
Some of the most common conditions at our urgent care clinics include:
- Cold and Flu
- Each Aches and Infections
- Burns
- Bruises
- Allergic Reactions to Stings and Bites
- Fevers
- Sprains and Fractures
- Infections
- Strep Throat
- Much More
To get started with our urgent care services, visit a local Interstate Health clinic or make an appointment online and see a provider the same day. Whether you're driving in a different state or you're close to home, you can count on high-quality urgent care from Interstate Health.


Urgent care centers are now an essential part of the healthcare system, providing a convenient option for non-life-threatening conditions instead of traditional emergency room visits. Recognizing the advantages of urgent care can significantly influence your healthcare choices, especially when immediate medical attention is needed when you're on the road or outside of your primary care doctor's working hours.
Let's take a look at some of the top reasons why urgent care from Interstate Health might make the most sense for your needs.


Convenience and Accessibility
Urgent care centers are a game-changer, especially for non-life-threatening situations. They offer extended hours, walk-in appointments, and quick access to prescriptions like antibiotics. From sore throats to broken bones, they've got you covered. No more waiting days for your primary care physician or enduring long waits at the emergency room.

Cost Savings
Going to an urgent care clinic from Interstate Health can be a budget-friendly option compared to emergency room visits. Many health insurance plans cover urgent care visits, and the co-pay is usually much less than that of an emergency room visit. Even if you're paying out of pocket, the cost of treatment at an urgent care center is typically lower for the same services offered in the emergency room.
By choosing urgent care for appropriate situations, you can avoid unnecessary tests and treatments that are more common in an emergency room, potentially saving you from an expensive bill. Plus, urgent care centers offer convenience and quick access to the care you need, making them a wise choice for many professional drivers.

Many Conditions Treated
Urgent care centers offer a wide range of services beyond just treating the flu or minor cuts. They can provide stitches for kitchen mishaps, X-rays for injuries, and manage infections, minor burns, sprains, asthma attacks, and dehydration. Many urgent care clinics offer lab services for blood tests and onsite pharmacies to fill prescriptions. This comprehensive range of services makes urgent care from Interstate Health a convenient one-stop solution for unexpected health needs.
This versatility means you can receive comprehensive care without needing multiple appointments or visits to different locations. You can walk in, speak with a doctor, and receive a diagnosis, treatment, and prescribed medication all in one visit, allowing you to meet deadlines and stay on track when you're driving.

Wait Times Are Shorter
One of the best things about urgent care clinics is that they often save you time. Unlike the ER, where you can wait for hours, urgent care centers are known for being fast. Most patients are seen and treated much quicker than they would be at a hospital emergency room. This means you can get in, get out, and get on with your day without waiting for a long time.
This quick service doesn't mean the care is not good. When you visit an Interstate Health urgent care clinic Near Kenosha, our practitioners are experts at assessing your medical needs, deciding what treatments are most important, and providing effective medical attention. They're prepared to handle a lot of different situations quickly and carefully. Whether you've got a small injury or a sudden illness, you'll get help quickly so you can start feeling better sooner.
That's a big deal for truckers and other commercial drivers who need reliable, quality healthcare services during non-traditional hours.

Free Up Availability at Hospitals
Urgent care clinics offered by Interstate Health aren't just beneficial for commercial drivers. They also play a crucial role in the overall healthcare system by providing an efficient alternative for non-life-threatening conditions. This significantly reduces the strain on hospital emergency rooms, which are meant for critical care-serious injuries, life-threatening illnesses, and conditions requiring immediate, advanced medical attention.
This strategic redirection of patient flow improves the efficiency of healthcare delivery, ensuring that each patient receives the appropriate level of care in the most suitable setting. It's a win-win situation: Long-range drivers like you receive quicker, more convenient treatment for minor issues, while hospitals can focus on emergencies and critical care.
Find Innovative Healthcare on the Road or at Home
For too long, truck drivers have struggled to get healthcare because traditional clinics and hospitals don't have parking for trucks. This makes it hard for them to take time off the road to get the care they need. Interstate Health is working to change that. Our innovative, technology-based medical services company provides crucial urgent and primary care along our nation's interstate highway system. We believe that everyone deserves easy access to healthcare when they need it - even if you're driving a rig across the country every month.
Visit one of our clinics across the country today, so you can stay healthy and keep on trucking tomorrow.
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Latest News in Kenosha, WI
Kenosha bar manager shares update after bar was featured on ‘Bar Rescue’
Glenda Valdeshttps://www.tmj4.com/news/kenosha-county/bar-rescue-revives-kenoshas-interlude-ii-heres-how-the-bar-is-doing-now
KENOSHA, Wis. — A Kenosha bar on the brink of closure got a second chance thanks to the hit show Bar Rescue.Interlude II, a family-owned bar operating since 1965, was struggling financially when the Bar Rescue team stepped in last August to turn things around.The episode, which aired just over a week ago, showed the transformation—remodeling the bar, revamping the menu, and training staff to bring in new customers."Watching the episode air on TV was surreal. We're still kinda in a pinch-me moment," ...
KENOSHA, Wis. — A Kenosha bar on the brink of closure got a second chance thanks to the hit show Bar Rescue.
Interlude II, a family-owned bar operating since 1965, was struggling financially when the Bar Rescue team stepped in last August to turn things around.
The episode, which aired just over a week ago, showed the transformation—remodeling the bar, revamping the menu, and training staff to bring in new customers.
"Watching the episode air on TV was surreal. We're still kinda in a pinch-me moment," said Nikki Lehman, the bar's manager. "It's been a beautiful blessing."
While the remodel and business boost have helped, the bar is still working hard to keep customers coming back.
"We have a lot of new faces, but we still have our old clientele too. That was really important to my fiancée, Jimmy. Those old regulars of his have raised not only his first family but now his second family too," Lehman said. "So they're still here, and there's a lot of new faces that are mingling with the old, and that was the goal. It's working."
Regulars say they’ve noticed improvements in service and atmosphere, and new customers are showing up because of the Bar Rescue buzz.
Watch: 'Bar Rescue' revives Kenosha's Interlude II — how the bar is doing now
"It was a blessing that came, and it came quickly. We're doing the best that we can to run with it the best we can and represent Kenosha the best that we can," Lehman said.
From fighting to stay afloat to packed tables on a Friday night, Interlude II is writing its own next chapter.
It’s about time to watch on your time. Stream local news and weather 24/7 by searching for “TMJ4” on your device.
Available for download on Roku, Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, and more.
10 Day Weather-Kenosha, WI
The Weather Channelhttps://weather.com/weather/tenday/l/3062c93ca21d1d9bc22bb644396ebf152ec5102fbff1d4f769d908a0fb56d5d1
TonightMostly Cloudy--/25°1%S 9 mphSun 02 | Night25°1%S 9 mphPartly cloudy early followed by cloudy skies overnight. Low around 25F. Winds S at 5 to 10 mph.Mon 03Cloudy49°/41°24%S 15 mphMon 03 | Day49°24%S 15 mph...
Tonight
Mostly Cloudy--/25°1%S 9 mph
Sun 02 | Night
25°1%S 9 mphPartly cloudy early followed by cloudy skies overnight. Low around 25F. Winds S at 5 to 10 mph.
Mon 03
Cloudy49°/41°24%S 15 mph
Mon 03 | Day
49°24%S 15 mphOvercast. Slight chance of an afternoon shower. High 49F. Winds S at 10 to 20 mph.
Mon 03 | Night
41°70%S 11 mphCloudy skies with periods of light rain after midnight. Low 41F. Winds S at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 70%.
Tue 04
Rain50°/42°100%SSE 12 mph
Tue 04 | Day
50°100%SSE 12 mphShowers early, becoming a steady rain later in the day. High around 50F. Winds SSE at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 100%. Rainfall around a half an inch.
Tue 04 | Night
42°99%SE 13 mphPeriods of rain. Low 42F. Winds SE at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 100%. Rainfall near a half an inch.
Wed 05
Rain/Snow/Wind46°/26°90%NW 22 mph
Wed 05 | Day
46°90%NW 22 mphMorning rain...then becoming windy with a mix of rain and snow in the afternoon. Morning high of 46F with temps falling to near 35. Winds NW at 20 to 30 mph. Chance of rain 90%. Winds could occasionally gust over 40 mph.
Wed 05 | Night
26°24%NW 20 mphCloudy and windy early, becoming partly cloudy late. Low 26F. Winds NW at 20 to 30 mph. Winds could occasionally gust over 40 mph.
Thu 06
Mostly Sunny44°/31°2%W 13 mph
Thu 06 | Day
44°2%W 13 mphMostly sunny skies. High 44F. Winds W at 10 to 20 mph.
Thu 06 | Night
31°11%WSW 8 mphPartly cloudy in the evening with more clouds for later at night. Low 31F. Winds WSW at 5 to 10 mph.
Fri 07
Cloudy45°/31°24%WSW 9 mph
Fri 07 | Day
45°24%WSW 9 mphCloudy. A few flurries or snow showers possible. High near 45F. Winds WSW at 5 to 10 mph.
Fri 07 | Night
31°24%W 8 mphConsiderable cloudiness. Low 31F. Winds W at 5 to 10 mph.
Sat 08
Partly Cloudy44°/32°7%NW 12 mph
Sat 08 | Day
44°7%NW 12 mphPartly cloudy. High 44F. Winds NW at 10 to 15 mph.
Sat 08 | Night
32°9%WSW 10 mphPartly cloudy. Low 32F. Winds WSW at 5 to 10 mph.
Sun 09
Partly Cloudy55°/34°5%W 14 mph
Sun 09 | Day
55°5%W 14 mphPartly cloudy. High near 55F. Winds W at 10 to 20 mph.
Sun 09 | Night
34°6%WSW 9 mphPartly cloudy. Low 34F. Winds WSW at 5 to 10 mph.
Mon 10
Sunny58°/45°6%SW 14 mph
Mon 10 | Day
58°6%SW 14 mphSunny. High 58F. Winds SW at 10 to 20 mph.
Mon 10 | Night
45°3%SSW 13 mphMostly clear. Low around 45F. Winds SSW at 10 to 15 mph.
Tue 11
Partly Cloudy66°/47°3%SSW 20 mph
Tue 11 | Day
66°3%SSW 20 mphIntervals of clouds and sunshine. High 66F. Winds SSW at 15 to 25 mph.
Tue 11 | Night
47°14%SSW 16 mphPartly cloudy early with increasing clouds overnight. Low 47F. Winds SSW at 10 to 20 mph.
Wed 12
Mostly Cloudy57°/41°24%SW 19 mph
Wed 12 | Day
57°24%SW 19 mphConsiderable cloudiness. High 57F. Winds SW at 15 to 25 mph.
Wed 12 | Night
41°34%SW 13 mphIncreasing clouds with showers arriving sometime after midnight. Low 41F. Winds SW at 10 to 20 mph. Chance of rain 30%.
Thu 13
Mostly Cloudy51°/37°24%W 18 mph
Thu 13 | Day
51°24%W 18 mphMostly cloudy skies. High 51F. Winds W at 15 to 25 mph.
Thu 13 | Night
37°24%WSW 13 mphMostly cloudy skies. Low 37F. Winds WSW at 10 to 20 mph.
Fri 14
PM Showers54°/37°34%S 19 mph
Fri 14 | Day
54°34%S 19 mphMostly cloudy early with showers developing later in the day. High 54F. Winds S at 15 to 25 mph. Chance of rain 30%.
Fri 14 | Night
37°37%SSW 15 mphRain showers early with clearing later at night. Low 37F. Winds SSW at 10 to 20 mph. Chance of rain 40%.
Sat 15
PM Showers/Wind48°/32°37%SW 20 mph
Sat 15 | Day
48°37%SW 20 mphBecoming windy with showers likely in the afternoon. High 48F. Winds SW at 20 to 30 mph. Chance of rain 40%.
Sat 15 | Night
32°41%SW 16 mphCloudy with rain and snow. Low 32F. Winds SW at 10 to 20 mph. Chance of precip 40%.
Sun 16
Mostly Cloudy45°/31°24%W 18 mph
Sun 16 | Day
45°24%W 18 mphMostly cloudy. High near 45F. Winds W at 15 to 25 mph.
Sun 16 | Night
31°24%NNW 12 mphMostly cloudy. Low 31F. Winds NNW at 10 to 15 mph.
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Microsoft acquires 240 acres in Kenosha for major data center project
Rick Barretthttps://www.jsonline.com/story/money/business/2025/01/27/microsoft-acquires-240-acres-in-kenosha-for-major-data-center-project/77973607007/
Microsoft has acquired 240 acres in Kenosha for a data center, city officials said Monday.Few details were made public, but the project would be in addition to the $3.3 billion center the company has under construction in Mount Pleasant in Racine County.Kenosha city officials unanimously passed ordinances in December to attach and rezone the privately-owned vacant land, northwest of Interstate 94 and Highway 142, paving the way for potential data center development.“Today marks a transformative momen...
Microsoft has acquired 240 acres in Kenosha for a data center, city officials said Monday.
Few details were made public, but the project would be in addition to the $3.3 billion center the company has under construction in Mount Pleasant in Racine County.
Kenosha city officials unanimously passed ordinances in December to attach and rezone the privately-owned vacant land, northwest of Interstate 94 and Highway 142, paving the way for potential data center development.
“Today marks a transformative moment for the city of Kenosha as we proudly welcome Microsoft to our community,” Mayor David Bogdala said in Monday's news release.
“This groundbreaking investment solidifies Kenosha’s position as a hub for innovation and economic growth. Opportunities created by development of this land — from job creation to strengthening our local economy — will resonate for generations to come," he added.
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City officials said the sale of the land was only recently finalized and they didn't yet have a timetable for its development by Microsoft. It's unknown whether the company will seek federal, state or local incentives to build the data center.
"This will go through our development process just like anything else, but we have had discussions with them," Bogdala said in an interview.
In an email to the Journal Sentinel, Microsoft said the Kenosha data center has no connection to design changes, and a pause in some construction, in Mount Pleasant.
The company did not disclose a construction timetable and said potential employment numbers haven't been finalized.
"We will provide updates as information becomes available," the company said about the project.
"We chose Kenosha for its strategic location, productive workforce, and strong infrastructure. This decision builds on Wisconsin's heritage of business innovation and Microsoft's history of investment in the state," the company said.
The data center will have a major economic impact, growing the area's tax base and diversifying the economy, Samantha Kerkman, Kenosha County Executive, said in the news release.
"We’re excited about Microsoft’s decision to continue investing in the southeastern part of our state, which I’m proud has been a key focus for our economic support, development, and growth efforts," Gov. Tony Evers said in the release.
Data centers house thousands of computers, in one or more buildings, linked to the outside world by fiber optic cables. They enable most everyday online activities, including social media, streaming video, banking, ChatGPT and much more.
Mount Pleasant project will be one of the largest data centers in the country
Microsoft's investment in Mount Pleasant includes around 1,500 acres.
The first phase alone of that data center will likely require the same amount of electricity needed to power more than 300,000 homes, according to information obtained by the Journal Sentinel.
Put into context, the City of Milwaukee has around 262,000 housing units.
Microsoft's pledge to spend billions in Mount Pleasant spelled a comeback story for a business park where tech giant Foxconn had once said it would create 13,000 jobs but fell far short of that goal.
Microsoft's push in southeast Wisconsin also includes an investment in training programs for careers in data center technology.
The company has said it expects around 300 people to be working at the Mount Pleasant site by 2026 — a mix of contractors and permanent staff. The number of jobs could ultimately grow to about 2,000. Permanent jobs at data centers include a variety of roles from security guards to technicians and engineers.
The efforts build on the company's previous investments in business and workforce development in Wisconsin and bring in many of the same partners, including the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee's Connected Systems Institute, the Green Bay Packers and the TitletownTech venture capital firm, and Gateway Technical College.
This article has been updated with new information.
New data centers planned for Kenosha, Wisconsin Rapids
Nick Rommelhttps://www.wpr.org/news/new-data-center-kenosha-wisconsin-rapids
More data centers — computer warehouses that underpin artificial intelligence and store everything from PayPal transactions to YouTube videos — are coming to Wisconsin.Microsoft has purchased 240 acres for a new data center complex in Kenosha, the city announced Monday. It will sit northwest of the intersection of Interstate 94 and Route 142, 6 miles south of the company’s $3.3 bil...
More data centers — computer warehouses that underpin artificial intelligence and store everything from PayPal transactions to YouTube videos — are coming to Wisconsin.
Microsoft has purchased 240 acres for a new data center complex in Kenosha, the city announced Monday. It will sit northwest of the intersection of Interstate 94 and Route 142, 6 miles south of the company’s $3.3 billion data center campus under construction in Mount Pleasant.
Meanwhile, the hydroelectricity that once powered Wisconsin Rapids’ paper mill will now flow to a new data center. The data center developer Digital Power Optimization, known as DPO, announced on Thursday it has purchased the site and its power supply.
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Hydroelectric power had been just ‘sitting there’
Rep. Scott Krug, R-Rome, is a Wisconsin Rapids native and represents the city in the state Assembly. He described the vacant paper mill as a “hole in our hearts.”
“Any resident here will tell you it’s exciting just to have some sort of structure and development and idea of what’s going to happen there,” he said.
Hydroelectric power from the city’s namesake rapids ran the mill, which operated for 126 years. Since it closed in 2020, the electricity has been “sitting there,” Krug said.
The data center will use 20 of the site’s 32 available megawatts, according to a statement by DPO. That’s relatively small for a modern data center.
DPO described its strategy as “leveraging underutilized land, infrastructure, and power.” It allows the company to bring new data centers online faster than the massive, start-from-scratch data centers known as “hyperscale projects.”
Krug said the new data center will rise from about 15 acres just north of the paper mill’s idle smokestacks. He said he hopes its presence attracts more customers for Wisconsin Rapids’ still-available renewable hydropower.
“Cities that have data centers with renewable power still available afterwards are going to see other developments come around it,” he said. “So that’s the hope.”
Microsoft completes land purchase in Kenosha
Microsoft kept its identity anonymous through non-disclosure agreements until Monday, though it had started the approval process for the new data center in November.
During that process, a company representative said the 240 acres would house four data center buildings, each with a few dozen technical and security workers. She also said the complex would get a new electrical substation.
“We’ve been very fortunate over the last several years to have commitments from people like Uline, and now Lilly, and now Microsoft making Kenosha County home,” said County Executive Samantha Kerkman.
A landscape of warehouses, factories and corporate campuses greets travelers on the county’s stretch of I-94. Kerkman said that “clustering” along already-developed corridors is a way to preserve the area’s quality of life.
“I’m a lifelong resident here myself, and it is a balance that we have to juggle every single day,” she said.
Kerkman said she is not aware of Microsoft’s construction schedule for the Kenosha data center.
The project is “separate from our work in Mount Pleasant,” according to a spokesperson for Microsoft, and “no connection to the design changes on the second phase of expansion at that site.”
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