One man is dead following a chase that began in Lincoln County and ended in a crash in Marathon County.

Marathon County Deputies were called to assist by Lincoln County Deputies at 12:13 pm Tuesday after they chased a man in his vehicle into Marathon heading south on Highway K.

The car crashed at the intersection of Highway K and Rainbow Drive in the village of Maine, police reports say, temporarily shutting down the road. A Marathon County deputy helped approach the car with Lincoln County deputies, and that’s when they found the man dead in the vehicle. He was the only occupant.

Wood County is investigating the incident. Neither the circumstances of the chase, nor the identity of the suspect, have been released to the public.

This week, readers got a full dose of stories in our Wausau Tavern Report, including bar fights, drunken crashes and $1/$20 switcheroo:

And, they learned about a new claw machine business in Weston with a powerful story behind its name:

What else in Wausau?

Commission to start recruiting for deputy police chief: The city’s Police and Fire Commission will start recruiting for a new deputy police chief. The recruitment will replace current deputy chief Todd Baeten, who will retire in January. The commission on Monday decided to start searching internally for a new deputy police chief.

ArtRageous organization disbands; individual events go on: The ArtRageous entity has disbanded, Festival of Arts organizers told the city’s Room Tax Commission this week. But, the individual entities will continue on their own on the same weekend, and the public should see no change. Zoe Morning told the commission that ArtRageous was an umbrella organization, consisting of Festival of the Arts, Art in the Park, the Leigh Yawkey Woodson Museum, the Center for the Visual Arts and later Rise Up. The dissolution came up at the commission meeting as this year Festival of the Arts organizers asked for $10,000 on their own toward the event, which draws both artists and tourists from outside the area because of organizers’ marketing efforts. The commission approved the award.

Finance committee approves budget for design of new police, fire stations: The city’s Finance Committee Tuesday gave an OK to setting aside funding for a feasibility study of a proposed new police station at the former UWSP-Wausau campus. The school is opening in the NorthCentral Technical College building this fall, and one round of requests for proposals for the building the county put out earlier this year didn’t turn up a successful proposal. The city is considering moving police headquarters to the campus, which would allow the city’s fire department to occupy the entire building at Station No. 1, which is currently shared between police and fire.

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Around the metro

Marathon County identifies 2027 budget priorities: A Marathon County committee this week approved setting budgeting priorities for 2027, and those include childcare. The county’s Human Resources, Finance and Property Committee identified compensation and health insurance, a child care workforce program, PC replacement, expanding the Crisis and Assessment Response Team and expanding airport service as its priorities as county administration puts together its budget. The county board approved those priorities at its Tuesday meeting.

Weston’s Community Development Authority could disband as districts near close: The village of Weston’s Community Development Authority could disband as the village’s two districts that it oversees near their closures. TIF District No. 1 is about to close this year, as soon as its remaining project costs get paid out. And TIF District No. 2 is beyond its expenditure date. That district could remain open until 2031, but staff say it will likely close before then. The commission asked staff to bring the potential for disbandment to the village board.

Kronenwetter approves zoning for county highway facility: The Kronenwetter Village Board on Monday approved the zoning for a new county highway facility. The county bought three parcels for the facility in Kronenwetter in April 2025. The facility, which is estimated to cost roughly $60 million, will replace an aging and inadequate facility, county leaders say. The move sparked debate about home displacement, and about whether it was appropriate to fund the new project with reserve funds. New County Highway Commissioner Kevin Lang explained that the building would use municipal water for its buildings, but would use a well for its brine-making operation and wash bay operations. That could use up to 1 million gallons per year.

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Business

Game store set to open in new location: The Gaming Emporium in Rib Mountain is set to move into its new location this Saturday. The store, which originally operated in the Wausau Center mall and later Stewart Avenue, opened on Rib Mountain Drive last year. As of Saturday, the store will be open in the former JoAnn Fabrics storefront next to Barnes and Noble.

Entertainment

Take That Back is unusual in that it is led by two saxophonists and is an ensemble of some of the Twin Cities’ top jazz musicians. Plus, our good friends Dig Deep are back, classical music comes to the Leigh Yawkey, our county fair starts next week and more in Your Wausome Weekend Guide!

Sports

College baseball: The Wausau Woodchucks came into Wednesday on a rare three-game losing streak, dropping two to the Wisconsin Rapids Rafters and one to the Fond du Lac Dock Spiders. The Chucks, now 16-10 in the second half of the season, started a two-game homestand Wednesday with a chance to even the score against both teams back to back.

College softball: The Wausau Ignite are four for six as the team continues to improve over its performance in the early season. That includes a 13-0 home win Tuesday against the La Crosse Steamers. The Ignite are now 20-18, in second place but 11.5 games out of first as their season nears its close at the end of the month.

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Take That Back is unusual in that it is led by two saxophonists and is an ensemble of some of the Twin Cities’ top jazz musicians. Plus, our good friends Dig Deep are back, classical music comes to the Leigh Yawkey, our county fair starts next week and more in Your Wausome Weekend Guide!

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Take That Back

Kickbusch Plaza

Sunday, Aug. 2: One of the cool things about Take That Back is that it’s led by two saxophonists — and though I’m hardly a hardcore afficionado of all things jazz, that strikes me as unique and interesting. The duo — Joan Hutton and Sue Orfield — gathered some of the Twin Cities’ top jazz musician to round out this powerhouse of an ensemble. And you get to hear it from the comfort of a camping chair at Kickbusch Plaza in this latest of the Jazz on the River series. 5 pm. See the event page for more.

Dig Deep

Uncommon Pints

Saturday, Aug. 1: It’s hard to write a guide like this and not write about Dig Deep over and over — but that’s because they’re worth highlighting. The band looks like a heavy metal/punk band, but they’re all bluegrass, baby! This Stevens Point-based band trades off between playing local shows and touring the country, and it’s always nice when they have a show in town you can check out; and it being at Uncommon Pints means you can pair their show with a beer on tap that you wouldn’t ordinarily see around here. 7:30 pm. See the event page for more.

Wisconsin Valley Fair

Marathon Park

Tues.-Sun., Aug. 4-9: The Wisconsin Valley Fair is one of those events that just happened to start at the tail end of one guide’s coverage, and mostly happens during the next guide’s coverage. Musical acts have started to take a back seat to rodeos and demo derbies, so there is a little bit for everyone. On Tuesday, Chris Janson will take the grand stand stage. Janson is an accomplished country singer-songwriter with six full-length albums to his name, a member of the Grand Ole Opry and national touring artist. The rest of the lineup, which we’ll dive into more next week, includes Wed: Shenandoah; Thurs: Skillet; Fri-Sat: PRCA Rodeo and Sun: Demo Derby. See more information at the event page.

Architecture Amble: South Third Avenue Neighborhood

Riverside Park

Thursday, July 30: If you’ve never been to one of these, it’s a great way to get to know either your own neighborhood, or another neighborhood in your city. And this one covers the South Third Avenue neighborhood. Start at Riverside Park and take a walk while learning about the historic diners, taverns, pools, shops and other places and people who once called this neighborhood home. 6 pm. Free. See the event page for more.

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Hmong Wausau Festival

Peoples Sports Complex

Sat.-Sun., Aug. 1-2: This event launched pre-pandemic as a sports festival and quickly grew into a major Wausau event, bringing Hmong residents from around the Midwest and beyond to this celebration of sports and Hmong culture at the Peoples Sports Complex. See dozens of vendors, enjoy volleyball, soccer and flag football matches, and performances of traditional Hmong dance and singing competitions. Admission opens both days at 6 am. $11 per day, or $20 for the weekend. See the event page for more.

Thunderstruck: A Classic Rock Tribute

Jefferson Street Inn

Saturday, Aug. 1: OK, at first I thought this was like those other candlelight concerts that First Presbyterian has been hosting, but a closer look shows this is very, very different. Instead of a string quartet, this is one person standing in the midst of candles, playing AC/DC on a violin. Blue Violin uses live looping to bring the music of AC/DC, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Led Zeppelin and more to life in a way you’ve never heard. 7:30 pm. $35.98 and up. See the event page for more.

South Beach Up North

Leigh Yawkey Woodson Art Museum

Thursday, July 30: OK, I have of course heard of Brahms, but I haven’t heard of Argentinan composer Astor Piazzolla. So perhaps this concert is a good excuse to hear Brahms and gain an introduction to a new composer. Brought to you by South Beach Up North, this concert features Wausau native cellist Michael Andrews, UWSP alumna pianist Rie Tanaka and violinist Anna Cromwell in this celebration of both of these composers. And you can watch it right in the museum’s galleries, perhaps taking in some art while you’re there. Culture. 6 pm. See the event page for more.

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In Brief

• Rothschild: USA Time Travelers, 10:30 am Wednesday, July 29 at MCPL Rothschild Branch

• Concerts on the Square: Still Reckless, 6 pm Wednesday, July 29 at the 400 Block

• Moonbadger, 8 pm Wednesday, July 29 at Faraway Place

• Summer at Mead: Pond Study, 12:15 pm Thursday, July 30 at MCPL Wausau

• Pizza in the Orchard: The Jerry Schmitt Band, 5 pm Thursday, July 30 at Rock Ridge Orchard

• Dinner in the Vineyard, 6 pm Thursday, July 30 (and on Friday) at Willow Springs Garden

• Movie in the Park: Aladdin, 7 pm Thursday, July 30 at The 400 Block

• Tiki Beach Thursday Night Concert Series with Jordan Blanchard, 6:30 pm Thursday, July 30 at Tiki Beach Bar & Grill

• Open Mic w/ Caleb Delaney, 8 pm Thursday, July 30 at Faraway Place

• Luau Night at Tiki: Island Feast & Fire Show, 6 pm Friday, July 31 at Tiki Beach Bar & Grill

• Mattea Joy at Pizza on the Farm, 5 pm Friday, July 31 at Stoney Acres Farm

• Dinner in the Vineyard, 6 pm Friday, July 31 at Willow Springs Garden

• Shrek Trivia, 7 pm Friday, July 31 at Sawmill Brewing Company

• Sista Sensi Reggae on the Beach, 1 pm Saturday, August 1 at Tiki Beach Bar & Grill

• Living River Concert, 6 pm Saturday, August 1 at Willow Springs Garden

• HonkyTonk Highway, 8 pm Saturday, August 1 at Homestead on 52

• Moonbadger: Weekend Edition, 9 pm Saturday, August 1 at Faraway Place

• Dean & Terry, 1 pm Sunday, August 2 at The Garage Wausau

• Sunday Funday Party with Chris Kroeze, 4 pm Sunday, August 2 at Tiki Beach Bar & Grill

• Bourbon & Botanicals, 5 pm Monday, August 3 at Monk Botanical Gardens

• Teen D&D Summer Adventure, 1:30 pm Tuesday, August 4 at MCPL Wausau

• Drop-in Glass Making, 1 pm Tuesday, Aug. 4 at Leigh Yawkey Woodson Art Museum

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Walking into Winn’s World, the aesthetic hits you instantly. Pastel blue claw machines, with large Pokémon, Hello Kitty and other stuffed critters look down at you from the perch of the machine tops.

It’s a bit different than The Local, the former business in the space next to Tine and Cellar.

Winn’s World is the creation of Kobe and Chong Moua. Kobe works in IT at Liberty Mutual while Chong worked for Marathon County. Chong now helps run the business while Kobe still has his job.

The business has been open since April and features claw machines, similar to those found at Kykomi in downtown Wausau, which The Wausonian featured last year. Attendees can play the games to earn prizes, and either keep them or trade them in for points adding up to bigger prizes. Those prizes include some of the most-trending items, especially Pokémon.

They even have Labubus, which The Wausonian mentioned in its Kykomi and The Gaming Emporium stories. Since then, Labubus have waned in popularity, while Pokémon is as big as it ever was.

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The Wausau Business Incubator is ready to give your business the space and support it needs to grow.

The origins of Winn’s World

Kobe told The Wausonian he got the idea from his sister-in-law, who owns a similar business in Eau Claire. “Every time we go, we also see kids in there and they do like a lot of traffic,” Kobe says. “So, you know, we think that here will be doing good as well.”

So far so good. Kobe says the shop sees not only teenagers or young couples on a date, but families with children as well. And they’re not only there for the machines, but also for the drinks. Winn’s World sells boba drinks, smoothies, fruit fizzes, mocha frappes, and fruit and milk teas. The addition of drinks is something the Mouas believe helps set the business apart.

Kobe says they’d looked at a couple of places in Rib Mountain before choosing the current location. They’d hoped to take advantage of being near the farmers market, but didn’t realize it had moved to Kennedy Park this year. But the space has plenty of parking, and is easily visible from the road.

I had wondered whether Winn’s World was a reference to Wayne’s World, but the name is an homage to their son, who died in infancy. Kobe explained he was born pre-maturely with lung problems that made breathing difficult. The name is a way to honor his memory.

And so far, that’s working out. The store had several customers as I arrived, playing various claw games and buying drinks. Kobe says his wife’s sister’s store actually added a second in Menomonie, and they’re considering doing the same down the road, either in Madison or possibly Stevens Point.

But for now, they’ll be keeping up with TikTok trends and ensuring the machines have the kind of prizes young folk are after.

Winn’s World is located at 3806 Schofield Ave., Ste 2 in Weston. You can find them on Facebook.

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Police were called to Brews Brothers in Weston at 8:47 pm May 30 after receiving a report of a fight between two men.

As police arrived, they observed a vehicle matching the description of one belonging to someone who’d been involved in the fight.

An officer pulled the vehicle over and the driver, identified as Ronald Mattson, 58 of Weston, appeared to be bleeding from his nose and right knee, police reports say. He Brewers jersey was also torn, officers observed.

Mattson told police he didn’t want to press charges from the fight. But he’d been drinking, and after a field sobriety test he was arrested on suspicion of his seventh offense of operating while intoxicated.

This month’s Tavern Report includes fights at Patron and The Garage, a fifth-offense OWI after a crash outside Hammer Down, an arrest involving an officer bitten by a police K9, several unusual late-night calls and updates on Wausau liquor licenses and bar demerit points.

Paid subscribers can continue below for the full report.

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D.C. Everest School District, like many districts in the state, has seen declining enrollment.

And that means it’s now looking at the realities of its existing building infrastructure, just as Wausau did several years ago.

The most likely scenario? The junior high gets the chopping block.

That’s one of three options — but also the preferred option — presented to the Weston Village Board Monday. The 75-year-old building needs a lot of work, and would cost from $80 to $100 million to repair or replace.

With declining enrollment, D.C.E. Superintendent Casey Nye told the board that decommissioning the junior high building and shifting eighth grade to middle school and ninth grade to the high school makes the most sense. The school would keep the stadium and gym portions, and renovate the facility for athletics.

The plan would reduce staffing, and be accomplished by attrition and staff placements to avoid layoffs.

The district plans to put out a survey in the fall as its next step.

Subscribers this week read our quarterly Getting Real with Real Estate feature, looking at the rise of Marathon County home prices:

And our feature on what has happened with the Rib Mountain State Park Master Plan, and why there might not be much progress for awhile:

What else in Wausau?

Survey shows support for air show, but negative impacts: A survey about Wings Over Wausau showed a majority of residents support the event, but also highlighted concerns and areas for improved communication. District 1 City Council Member Carol Lukens sought the survey after controversy around noise and disruption in the southeast side neighborhood surfaced the weekend of the event. While 83% of the nearly 400 people who responded said they support the event, the survey also highlighted concerns about noise, especially the fighter jets. Lukens forwarded suggestions to the event organizers, which included getting better heads up about jet flyby times, including training runs; involving city and neighborhood leadership in planning; reviewing parking and traffic; and better trash management. Lukens told The Wausonian she didn’t receive a response from organizers about the survey and her suggestions.

Assisted living facility planned for former Graebel building: Demolition began this month on the former Graebel Van Lines building downtown. A senior housing facility is planned to go in its place. The city’s plan commission held a public hearing for an assisted living facility that will go next to the senior housing complex. No one from the public spoke about the project, which would add 25 beds next to the 70-unit senior housing facility called Grant Place. Construction on Grant Place is expected to start in early to mid-August, with work on the assisted living facility to start later in the fall. The Plan Commission will take up whether or not to approve a conditional use permit for the assisted living facility next month.

Riverlife Apartments sold: The first complete apartment project in the city’s flagship development area, Riverlife Apartments, sold earlier this month, according to real estate records. The apartments were developed by Bob Ohde, Mitch Viegut and Fernando Riveron. The property sold for $14.9 million to VT Riverlife LLC, registered to Venkata Thota of Mequon. Earlier city records estimated the cost at roughly $8 million, with an initial assessed value of just under $11 million.

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Around the metro

Weston approves fixing leaking pool as costs add up: The village of Weston approved the next step in repairing its leaking aquatic center, but that came amid growing concerns about how much the pool has been costing. The village has already spent $100,000 on pool repairs this year, and an assessment in 2017 projected the center to cost $1-$2 million in future repairs. A new facility, however, would likely cost $20 million. The board approved $12,000 to contract with Neumann Aquatics to find the leak in a supply pipe to the aquatic center’s play structure.

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Business

Story Cellar now open in downtown location: The Story Cellar recently moved into its downtown Wausau location. The used and new bookstore previously operated on Callon Street on the city’s near west side. The store opened on Thursday, just in time for the second Wausau Night Market of the year.

Copper Kettle given 60-day extension for Whiskey River revamp: The city’s Public Safety Committee granted a 60-day extension to the new Copper Kettle Steakhouse. The new steakhouse is going into the former Whiskey River location. The new business’ owner, Bob Lamovec, told the city’s Public Health and Safety Committee that construction was delayed because all the liens and taxes connected to the previous business needed to be settled. Although the business applied for a 90-day extension, Lamovec said he didn’t need that much time and ultimately the committee granted a 60-day extension.

Entertainment

Blues Fest is some weekends away, but you can get a preview as Blues Fest veteran Reverend Raven and the Chain Smokin’ Altar Boys take the stage at Cheek’s. Plus, the infamous Paddle Pub Crawl, local jazz legend Janet Planet, Christmas in July and more in Your Wausome Weekend Guide!

Sports

College baseball: The Wausau Woodchucks blasted past the Duluth Huskies 13-3 Tuesday as the Woodchucks have won six of their last seven games. The Chucks are second only to the Lakeshore Chinooks, with a 12-6 record in the Great Lakes North division of the Northwoods League. They played the Chinooks again late Wednesday.

College softball: The Wausau Ignite beat the Madison Night Mares 12-6 on the road Monday and have won three of their last four games, continuing a turnaround from a slow start to their season. The Ignite now have a winning record at 18-16, half a game behind the Grand Forks Spitfires, but 10 games out of first place.

Email me at brian@thewausonian.com. And as always, thanks for subscribing to The Wausonian! If you haven’t subscribed yet, check out the free and paid options below to help support local journalism and stay on top of Wausau news:

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Blues Fest is some weekends away, but you can get a preview as Blues Fest veteran Reverend Raven and the Chain Smokin’s Altar Boys take the stage at Cheek’s. Plus, the infamous Paddle Pub Crawl, local jazz legend Janet Planet, Christmas in July and more in Your Wausome Weekend Guide!

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Reverend Raven and the Chain Smokin’ Altar Boys

Cheeks Bar and Grill

Sunday, July 26: I know some of you are just positively jonesing for Wausau’s annual blues fest — but you can whet your appetite a little early with this Blues Fest veteran. Reverend Raven and the Chain Smokin’ Altar Boys has opened for BB King, headlined Buddy Guy’s Legends in Chicago and played with many of the greats of the blues scene. Reverend Raven will be featuring Westside Andy (who plays a mean harmonica). Many of you know Reverend Raven for his band’s multiple appearances at the Big Bull Falls Blues Fest. He isn’t on the bill this year, but this is a great chance to see the band in all their blues glory at Cheek’s Bar and Grill! 2-5 pm. No cover. See the event page for more.

The Prince and the Peach

Stoney Acres Farm

Saturday, July 25: I listened to three different albums of The Prince and the Peach, and if I’d only listened to any one of them, I would have given you three different descriptions. One almost has an electronica vibe, another more straight indie and yet another more Americana/gospel revival. Yet there is a core sound that reminds me of some of the lighter rock of the 90s — borderline alternative, just teetering on the edge of pop. At any rate, it makes me want to listen to more of this WAMI-nominated, Sugar Camp-based band. Especially mixed in with a little Stoney Acres pizza. 5 pm. See the event page for more.

Janet Planet

Kickbusch Plaza

Sunday, July 26: Janet Planet is essentially a local/regional jazz legend. She may be from Oshkosh, but she’s performed so many times in the Wausau area that I always assumed she was one of us! Janet Planet has been rocking the jazz scene for more than three decades and her voice sounds just as good on recent recordings as it ever has. Her voice is sultry and punchy, and a Sunday afternoon spent on Kickbusch Plaza taking in her blend of jazz is just perfect. Part of the Jazz on the River series. 5-7 pm. See the event page for more.

Paddle Pub Crawl 12

Lake Wausau/D.C. Everest Park

Saturday, July 25: It’s crazy to think that this event has been going on as long as I’ve been back in the Wausau area. This annual paddling event is huge. It’s not your slow, peaceful paddle through the wilderness; this is a straight-up party on water, complete with a floating band. Leaving from D.C. Everest Park, the pub crawl makes a couple of stops along Lake Wausau. It’s a full day, and you’ll be surrounded by hundreds of other paddlers. If that sounds like a great time, this is your event. 10 am meeting point. See the event page for more.

Mia Brown and the Get Down

Bull Falls Brewing Co.

Friday, July 24: Sometimes you just really love a band name. That’s me with Mia Brown and the Get Down. It’s really fun to say, and that’s perfect for a great band featuring Wausau’s own Mia Brown, a signed recording artist who put together a band of local musicians. And they’ll play at Bull Falls Brewing Co., a revival and reimagination of a Wausau brewery that some thought might be lost. Instead, the space was opened up and it looks great. 6 pm. See the event page for more.

Bradley Sperger

Knowlton House

Sunday, July 26: Bradley Sperger is one of Wausau’s under-appreciated musical gems. The man is multi-talented, and plays solo using live looping and electronics to build songs while playing bass, drums, guitar and vocals. But Sperger is also a fantastic songwriter, and it’s always a blast to see what he comes up with. And it’s also a great excuse to check out Knowlton House, a distillery and bar/grill with a farmers market going on at the same time. Did we mention their patio is pet friendly? 11 am-2 pm. See the event page for more.

Movie in the Park: K-Pop Demon Hunters

The 400 Block

Thursday, July 23: If you’re an adult without children, you might have no idea what this is — but if you do have children, they’ve probably already been begging you to take them to this. K-Pop Demon Hunters became Netflix’s most-watched movie of all time when it debuted last year, and the soundtrack hit No. 1 on the Billboard charts. What’s it about? Well, exactly like the title says: a group of pop idols (K-Pop is the name for Korean pop music) also happen to fight demons in their spare time. (Like you do.) Free, bring your blankets, chairs and treats, and/or stop by downtown businesses for carryout. 7 pm. See the event page for more.

Christmas in July

Q&Z Expo Center

Saturday, July 25: This is not the event I was expecting to see when I checked the Q&Z Expo Center listings but surely some of our readership will be delighted. And hey, it is on the 25th! Q&Z Expo Center is hosting this Christmas in July event, right in the very place you enjoy your heavy metal music. With more than 60 vendors and a bar and food on site, you can make a day of it in the house of hard rock in Ringle. 9 am-3 pm. See the event page for more.

Rock of Ages

James Veninga Theater

Fri.-Sun., July 24-26: The Wausau Community Theater has been rocking it with their shows at the James Veninga Theater in the UW Center for Civic Engagement. And this latest show should be no exception. This Broadway musical is a story highlighting the glam rock era of 1987 and the story of a legendary club on its last legs, a wild rock star and an aspiring musician and a small town girls pursuing their dreams. Don’t miss this version of the high-energy, fun Tony Award-nominated musical highlighting an era that has everyone nostalgic these days. 7:30 pm Fri.-Sat., 2 pm Sunday. See the event page for more.

In Brief

Concerts on the Square: Todd Ashbeck’s Rising Star, 6 pm Wednesday, July 22 at the 400 Block

Moonbadger, 8 pm Wednesday, July 22 at Faraway Place

Avenue 55, 6:30 pm Thursday, July 23 at Tiki Beach Bar and Grill

The Science of Baseball Camp, 8 am Thursday, July 23 at Athletic Park

Summer at Mead: Birding Basics, 12:15 pm Thursday, July 23 at MCPL Wausau

Open Mic w/ Caleb Delaney, 8 pm Thursday, July 23 at Faraway Place

Meaghan Owens at Pizza on the Farm, 5 pm Friday, July 24 at Stoney Acres Farm

Mozart on the Move, 6 pm Friday, July 24 at the Universalist Unitarian Church

Sam Rodewald, 6 pm Friday, July 24 at Mosinee Brewing Co.

Wausau Woodchucks Raised on Country Post Game Firework Show, 6:35 pm Friday, July 24 at Athletic Park

Wausau Trail Run, Fri-Sat, July 24-25 at Nine Mile Forest Recreation Area

Cameron and Company, 7 pm Friday, July 24 at The Garage Wausau

Garden Walk, Fri-Sat, July 24-25, various locations

Read to a Therapy Dog, 10 am Saturday, July 25 at MCPL Wausau

5th Annual Charity Disc Golf Tournament & Fundraiser, 11 am Saturday, July 25 at Sawmill Brewing Company

Chuck and Chad 90s Backyard Badminton BBQ Palooza, noon Sunday, July 26 at The Glass Hat

Tom Burt, 1 pm Sunday, July 26 at The Garage Wausau

Brick it & Pic it, 5 pm Monday, July 27 at Monk Botanical Gardens

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NOTE: I updated the headline from “nothing” to “little” since while nothing is actually built yet, and the subhead does explain that work on mountain biking trails is ongoing, I thought “little” was a more fair description.

A comment caught my attention at the last listening session for the Rib Mountain State Park Master Plan in early 2025.

The master plan had already passed. That included a last-minute addition to the expansion at Granite Peak Ski Area. The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources advertised public comment, but that was confined to a survey attendees could fill out instead.

Here is the comment, after extolling all the wonderful things that were spelled out in the master plan, quoted from my February 2025 story:

One important thing I clarified after the meeting: Development of any of the concepts in the plan will depend on funding from individual user groups, DNR Recreations Partnerships Section Chief Missy VanLanduyt told me after the meeting. For example, it would likely be up to the Central Wisconsin Off-Road Cycling Coalition to raise money to fund any of the mountain biking trails.

That’s telling because, nearly four years after the master plan was approved, none of the major features identified in the plan has been built. CWOCC and its partners are building mountain bike trails (which are now more likely to open next year) but otherwise almost nothing is happening.

That includes a ski trail expansion that sparked the master plan’s development in the first place.

And while all eyes were on the master plan’s development, with public meetings, optimistic projections and a trove of possibilities, many of those same voices are quiet on its progress.

Here’s what we learned.

The long expansion

One of the very first stories I covered in 2014 when I first came back to Wausau to work at City Pages was an announcement of an expansion at Granite Peak.

Granite Peak owner Charles Skinner was on hand that winter to sell the plan himself. The announcement at the time was that the expansion was crucial to the ski area’s long-term sustainability. (City Pages’ online archives only go back to 2016, so I can’t find that original story.)

It was that expansion — or rather, opposition to it — that ultimately led the state to fully update its master plan. A group formed called Leave Rib Mountain Alone, which led to Granite Peak updating the plan and holding what became contentious meetings between Granite Peak leadership and the public.

In 2026, no work appears to have begun on the ski expansion. An email sent to Granite Peak recently has gone unanswered.

However, a State Building Commission report from 2025 outlines a $4 million snowmaking pumphouse project. The documents paint it as focused on the current ski area, rather than creating snow for an expanded area. Construction is supposed to begin this fall, according to the report.

According to documents unearthed by The Wausonian, Granite Peak’s lease is up in 2030. It’s unlikely that the ski area would undergo any expansion until a new lease is approved. Granite Peak’s own documentation says a new lease agreement is needed for the expanded ski area.

The lease’s end date was 16 years away when the ski area first sought to expand its area. Now it’s only four years away as of this publication.

Mountain biking

Mountain biking has been the main area of progress on projects identified in the Rib Mountain Master Plan. CWOCC leadership announced at its annual meeting that work would begin on mountain bike trails this year, with some miles of trails perhaps being rideable before the end of the season.

That didn’t quite work out, Mike Repyak explained to The Wausonian.

With the very wet spring and that moisture continuing into the summer, our trail building progress has been very slow. Rather than opening trails this Fall, we are looking at a Spring 2027 opening.

Repyak, whose title is director of development & outdoor recreation with the Kocourek Trailhead Foundation, told The Wausonian that the mountain bike trails are the only one of the projects identified in the Rib Mountain Master Plan seeing any progress.

Later work includes a trailhead at the old State Park Speedway, which was demolished this spring. The trailhead will feature a pump track and skills area for mountain biking, while also serving the hiking trails on that side, making for nicer parking than what is currently on offer at Grouse Lane.

That’s more likely a few years out, as is a multi-use bike path.

What else?

A source involved in the local rock climbing community confirmed that no work has been done on expanding climbing areas in Rib Mountain State Park. A timeline for any expanded climbing facilities is unknown.

The Wausonian was directed by DNR officials to contact Bayli Christorf, Rib Mountain State Park Manager. Christorf largely agreed with my assessment that there wasn’t any imminent construction on anything identified in the master plan outside of mountain biking.

Christorf said the master plan called for an expansion of the park office to include a nature center, but explained that no funding source or fundraising group had been identified for that purpose.

But, Christorf says, planning and discussions have been ongoing around the perimeter multi-use trail, and rerouting some of the hiking paths (which she says is due to erosion issues on the trail). “We don’t have any deliverables on either as of yet, and also nothing set in stone, so probably not much to write a story on yet,” Christorf wrote to The Wausonian.

Typical or atypical timeline?

A good parallel to the Rib Mountain State Park Master Plan is a similar master plan for Peninsula State Park in Door County.

The plan was approved in 2018, and like Rib Mountain, work on the mountain bike trails began first. Other changes identified in the plan, such as new hiking trails or rerouting trails that are unsustainable because they traverse wetlands, don’t appear to have a specific timeline, eight years after it was approved.

Much like with Rib Mountain, Peninsula State Park’s master plan relies on outside funding, and Friends of Peninsula State Park raised $650,000 for the trails. Work on those trails started in 2024, meaning Rib Mountain is moving faster than Peninsula on building mountain bike trails.

Peninsula shows that long implementation timelines are not unusual for Wisconsin state park master plans. It also shows the recurring pattern: the project with an organized fundraising partner moves first, while other authorized improvements remain without firm schedules.

At Rib Mountain, mountain biking now has that partner and a projected opening. For most of the rest of the master plan, the path from paper to construction remains unclear.

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Every once in a while, I decide it’s time to dabble in real estate investment.

It most recently happened this month, when I searched for some potential rental properties. I found a really nice-looking property — one I wouldn’t mind living in myself.

Then I ran the numbers.

Yikes.

Based on the rents the current tenants were paying, investing in the property would have cost $440 per month. More appropriate rents would have brought it to roughly the break-even point, but even then that didn’t include setting aside money for the expenses that come with owning real estate.

There’s a reason why, by the way. When the current owner bought the property over ten years ago, it probably did make sense. They paid half of what the asking price is now, and the rents would have covered what they needed to offset the costs.

That’s because real estate prices have been increasing every year, and this quarter they did something atypical: They increased more than state prices, and by a lot.

Here is how much prices increased this quarter in Marathon County:

• April: $280,500, up 13.6%

• May: $290,000, up 17.9%

• June: $295,000, up 12.6%

By comparison, statewide increases were between 5.9% and 6.9%.

The full market picture

Marathon County’s housing market is changing quickly — and the numbers increasingly don’t work the way they did even a few years ago.

Paid subscribers can continue with the complete Getting Real with Real Estate Report, including:

• How close Marathon County home prices are getting to the statewide median

• What has happened to local affordability over the past decade

• Why rental-property math is becoming increasingly difficult

• How rents are changing compared with home prices

• The impact of more than 190 new apartment and senior-living units

• Why the housing shortage can continue even without major population growth

The Getting Real with Real Estate Report turns sales data, rent figures, development activity and local market trends into a readable picture of where housing in Marathon County is headed.

Upgrade to read the full report and receive every future edition.

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The city of Wausau is eyeing the former campus of UWSP-Wausau for a new police station.

Wausau’s Committee of the Whole Monday directed city staff to prepare a proposal to the county to turn part of the campus into a police station for the city.

UWSP-Wausau announced last year that it would be vacating the campus and moving in with NTC starting in the fall. The county, which owns the buildings and property, already put out one round of requests for proposals for what to do next with the property. A group was awarded the Center for Civic Engagement with the understanding it would keep existing tenants, but the county is seeking a new round of proposals for the rest of the campus.

If the police station moves, the fire department could expand into the rest of the police building, which is adjoined to the current fire station. That would solve space issues for both departments.

The city bought land for a new fire station at 815 and 811 Grand Avenue last year. The city paid more than $800,000 for the site.

According to Police Chief Matt Barnes, his proposal would help the city avoid building a $28 million fire station on the site.

The committee approved directing staff to work on the proposal to the county.

Excessive Wausau city overtime was the big topic of discussion last week — but The Wausonian dug through some records and found the city’s finance director is banking some serious vacation:

And the Hiawatha has been an institution in Wausau, in various incarnations. But the latest, called Hiawatha Social, is unique and upscale, our contributing writer found.

What else in Wausau?

City passes data center ordinance: The Wausau City Council Tuesday passed an ordinance regarding data centers — with an additional 200 feet of setback required. Were a data center proposed for the city, it would require a conditional use permit, and require a report on impacts on water usage, energy usage, wastewater, sustainability, noise and utility impacts. The ordinance passed 11-0, but some commenters suggested the city should ban them altogether. The ordinance is considered a starting point and could come back for future discussion.

City HR director resigns: Wausau’s HR Director, Lisa Nowak, will resign effective at the end of the month, according to a copy of her resignation letter obtained by The Wausonian. Nowak told The Wausonian she took another job after a months-long hiring process. “It has been a privilege to serve the City, and I'm proud of the HR infrastructure we've built together,” Nowak says. Nowak had replaced James Henderson, who resigned at the beginning of 2025 after a little more than two years on the job.

Finance Director: City facing $1 million shortfall: City leaders this week learned that the city is likely facing $1 million in budget shortfalls as compared to last year. That comes, according to Finance Director Maryanne Groat, as the result of lowered shared revenue from the state, the end of grants that funded the city’s new firefighters, a 10% insurance premium increase and about $300,000 more in garbage fees. That shortfall comes despite the $1.4 million increase in levy limit caps, Groat explained.

Water commission forwards mandatory lead replacement ordinance: When the city started replacing lead pipes, it was always said that the replacements would be at no cost to the homeowners. Now there’s a chance that might not be true. The city’s Water Works Commission Tuesday approved forwarding an ordinance that mandates lead pipe replacement on the homeowners’ side. The city started the program in 2024 to start replacing all of the roughly 8,000 lead lines in the city, because lead exposure can lead to negative health outcomes. The ordinance is meant to ensure replacement in the case of a homeowner who refuses. But a provision that would have only mandated replacement if the line was 100% paid for was removed, which means residents whose neighbors received free replacement might be required to pay for theirs who weren’t yet eligible. That’s because less funding is expected to be available in future years. The city discussed payments plans, special assessments, loans, grants and other methods to help residents pay for the replacements.

Around the metro

County committee approves crime victim comfort room: Marathon County’s Public Safety Committee last week approved funding for a new victim comfort room for the District Attorney’s Office. The room would allow victims of crimes a place to wait during court appearances away from defendants and their families. The money would come out of the DA Office’s contingency fund and would cost less than $10,000.

Wildfire haze brings dangerous pollution to central Wisconsin: Wausonians woke up to dangerous levels of wildfire smoke. Wildfires from Canada and Minnesota drifted to Wausau Wednesday morning amid a dangerous heat wave. The Department of Natural Resources issued an air quality advisory that runs through at least 11 am today (Thursday), but could be extended.

County opens disaster recovery center: A disaster recovery center opened Tuesday in the town of Ringle to assist those impacted by the April tornado. The center can help impacted residents get financial assistance from FEMA for things including “basic home repairs, personal property losses or other uninsured disaster-related needs such as childcare, transportation, medical needs, funeral, or dental expenses,” according to a press release from Marathon County. Residents can also log on themselves to see if they qualify for financial assistance.

Executive committee not yet sold on wind farm agreement: The Marathon County Executive Committee decided to seek more information after a sub-committee recommended not entering an agreement for a wind farm in the southwest corner of the county. The Wausonian previously wrote about the proposed Marathon County wind farm by Alliant Energy, and the strong public opposition to it. Wind farms are regulated by the Wisconsin Public Service Commission, and counties appear to have little say in the matter, but the thought was a joint development agreement could help the county have some say over its development. But many committee members sought to find a way to oppose the project, even by potentially partnering with other counties. The committee decided to seek more information before it makes a decision.

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Business

Jade Panda closed: Filipino fusion restaurant Jade Panda closed its doors this month. The restaurant, which opened roughly one year ago in the former Khamchanh’s restaurant space in Rothschild, announced the closure on Facebook last week. The restaurant’s owner implied that there are “new things on the horizon” and told fans of the restaurant to keep following the page for updates. The restaurant’s website says it is closed and they are relocating. Meanwhile, interestingly, Khamchanh’s old website with its old menu is still up.

Entertainment

This week we’re highlighting a show that’s a bit of a drive. But after giving Adrian and Meredith a listen, we think it’s worth it, because the high-energy band is more than meets the eye. But there is also the second Night Market on Thursday, a magic show, a blues rock band and so much more this weekend. All in Your Wausome Weekend Guide!

Sports

College baseball: The Woodchucks found themselves down early against the Madison Mallards Tuesday, but rallied late to earn a 12-7 win at Athletic Park. The win puts the Chucks one game out of first in the second half of the season, with a 9-5 record.

College softball: The Wausau Ignite split a six-game series with the Mankato Habaneros, winning three straight home games before dropping three road games. The Ignite are 12 games out of first, and just shy of .500 ball with a 14-15 record.

Email me at brian@thewausonian.com. And as always, thanks for subscribing to The Wausonian! If you haven’t subscribed yet, check out the free and paid options below to help support local journalism and stay on top of Wausau news:

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This week we’re highlighting a show that’s a bit of a drive. But after giving Adrian and Meredith a listen, we think it’s worth it, because the high-energy band is more than meets the eye. But there is also the second Night Market on Thursday, a magic show, a blues rock band and so much more this weekend. All in Your Wausome Weekend Guide!

Sponsored by

Adrian and Meredith

Isherwood Hall

Sunday, July 19: I find it increasingly difficult to describe bands these days. It was easy in the 90s. Grunge, punk, pop — the unwritten rules of the time dictate that these genres shall not mix. But even considering today’s growing blend of genres, Adrian and Meredith stand out. Because boy do they not look how they sound. What appears to be a modern bluegrass band (fiddle, lap steel, upright bass, etc) hits you with a sound that touches on Jack White, polka, bluegrass, jazz and, well, etc. And if that all sounds like a hodgepodge, it works better than you can possibly imagine. This Nashville-based group will be well worth checking out when they’re at Isherwood Hall in Plover, which is a magical place in and of itself. 2 pm. Suggested price per ticket: $15. Bring your own picnic and drinks. See the event page for more.

Wausau Night Market

Downtown Wausau

Thursday, July 16: I was actually shocked by not only the size of this downtown event, but also the fact that all those extra blocks they added were filled with people. Other attendees told us it reminded them of something in a much bigger city. And if you’re curious, you can see my video of what the Wausau Night Market looked like. With five additional blocks, 100 vendors and live music from Landon McMahon and Jordan Bain, it’s definitely becoming one of Wausau’s markers of summer — an event you need to get to at least once annually. 5-9 pm. See the event page for more.

World Horseshoe Tournament 2026

Greenheck-Turner Community Center

July 15-26: This was seen as a pretty big deal when the Wausau area landed it — the new Greenheck Turner Community Center is hosting the world tournament of horseshoes. And the best part — it’s free for spectators! You can watch the world’s very best at throwing shoes made for the bottom of horses’ hooves at a metal pole. If you had no idea such a thing existed and are just incredibly curious to see for yourself, feel free to check it out. The tournament runs for two weeks, and the schedule is hard to summarize in text but it tends to run at least 8 am-4 pm most days. See the event page for complete details.

The Magic of Isaiah

Oak Island Park

Tuesday, July 21: Let’s be honest, parents, it’s getting to be that time of summer when you REALLY want to get the kids out of the house. Well, the Marathon County Public Library has you covered. The Magic of Isaiah is designed to entertain your littles with magic tricks to amaze and enough humor to keep them rolling around laughing. Held at Oak Island Park, it’s well worth it for some fun family time in the summer. 10 am. Check out the event page for more. (And for those in the Hatley area, there is a show on Monday in your area as well.)

The Tamaraks

Stoney Acres Farm

Friday, July 17: This young band came out of nowhere, starting in Tomahawk and working their way into the local music scene. They’ve made quite a name for themselves playing a ZZ Top-style blues rock that makes for the perfect backdrop to a sunny outing at Stoney Acres Farm Pizza Night in Athens. Music typically runs 5-8 pm. See the event page for more info.

Tiki Beach Annual Float Party 2026 with Virginia Steel

Tiki Beach Bar and Grill

Saturday, July 18: Tiki Beach has been really ramping up the party events this summer — that is, beyond their usual live entertainment, which already seems like a party! This Saturday they’ll host their float party, with a high-energy show featuring a variety of music from Virginia Steel, tropical drinks, and a beach atmosphere. This is the relaxing day you were looking for. 1-5 pm. See the event page for more.

Rock of Ages

James Veninga Theater

July 17-26: The Wausau Community Theater has been rocking it with their shows at the James Veninga Theater in the UW Center for Civic Engagement. And this latest show should be no exception. This Broadway musical is a story highlighting the glam rock era of 1987 and the story of a legendary club on its last legs, a wild rock star and an aspiring musician and a small town girls pursuing their dreams. Don’t miss this version of the high-energy, fun Tony Award-nominated musical highlighting an era that has everyone nostalgic these days. 7:30 pm Fri.-Sat., 2 pm Sunday. See the event page for more.

BONUS: Free neighborhood block party w Dyer Davis

Sunday, July 19: I forgot to add this one for the initial publication, but Lombardo’s Mixers will be hosting a free neighborhood block party at 210 Ruder Street. The block party features Dyer Davis, a blues rock artist from Jacksonville, Fla. reminiscent of the County Crows. Dyer’s first album debuted on the Billboard Blues charts at No. 6, has been featured in Blues Blast Magazine and is currently touring the Midwest. Music at 2 pm. Bring a chair and your favorite drinks.

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In Brief

Concerts on the Square: Brianna Rae Band, 6 pm Wednesday, July 15 at the 400 Block

Community Game Night, 5 pm Wednesday, July 15 at MCPL Wausau

Music Bingo in the Beer Garden, 6 pm Wednesday, July 15 at Uncommon Pints

Open Mic w/ Caleb Delaney, 8 pm Thursday, July 16 at Faraway Place

Roadtrip, 6:30 pm Thursday, July 16 at Tiki Beach Bar & Grill

Phyl Wickham, 5 pm Friday, July 17 at Sawmill Brewing Company

Movie Showing: GOAT, 2 pm Friday, July 17 at MCPL Wausau

Wausau Book Sale: Friends Members Only, 9:30 am Saturday, July 18 at MCPL Wausau

Dan Sukow, 5 pm Saturday, July 18 at Sawmill Brewing Company

Record Store Junkies, 7 pm Saturday, July 18 at The Garage

Scott Kirby, Saturday, July 18 at Stoney Acres Pizza on the Farm

Sunday Funday Party with Chris Kroeze, 4:00 pm Sunday, July 19 at Tiki Beach Bar & Grill

Sunday Funday with One Dan Man Band, 4 pm Sunday, July 19 at Nevermore on Third

The Northwoods Bassist, 2 pm Sunday, July 19 at The Garage

Monday@Monk: Garden Tours, 5:00 pm Monday, July 20 at Monk Botanical Gardens

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All eyes last week were on Wausau’s overtime spending, which many found alarming.

But new data unearthed by The Wausonian shows the city’s finance director, Maryanne Groat, has amassed hundreds of hours of vacation time — well in excess of city policy around time off.

And while records obtained by The Wausonian show only Groat currently in excess of the policy, The Wausonian later learned there were more exceptions. Now all of them are back under the vacation cap, Wausau’s mayor says.

Except the finance director.

Here’s what we know.

The vacation balance

The Wausonian recently received vacation accrual data for several city employees. According to the data and information provided by Human Resources Director Lisa Nowak, the city’s finance director had accrued far more vacation time than city policy allows.

Nowak told The Wausonian that city policy allows 280 hours of vacation carryover and 80 hours in a separate no-payout vacation leave bank, for a combined total of 360 hours.

The records show Groat’s balance was far above that cap — and the dollar value of that unused time is substantial.

Read more

Story by Wyatt Massey

Inside The Hiawatha Social, on a coffee table near a corner, is a book documenting some of Wisconsin’s most iconic supper clubs. If everything goes right for Wausau’s newest restaurant, the bar could be featured in a future edition of that book.

The Hiawatha Social, which opened Friday, is the latest iteration of the historic building bordering Wausau’s train tracks and is the handiwork of Clint Schultz and J-J de Roover. Last year, Schultz, who operated a popular food truck, approached de Roover about the opportunity to acquire the property, which had previously been a sports bar.

It was a challenging period in de Roover’s life as he’d been laid off from a software job several months earlier. But he loved the food industry — his mother was a chef in San Francisco and he grew up in kitchens. The Hiawatha carried so much history, de Roover told The Wausonian, and it seemed like everyone he knew had some connection to it. “I looked at it and I thought to myself, this place definitely has a past,” de Roover said. “And I felt like it’s not done. It’s not done being something in the community.”

This Wausau business story is sponsored by:

The Wausau Business Incubator is ready to give your business the space and support it needs to grow.

The transformation into Hiawatha Social

After purchasing the business, one of the first changes the team made was removing nearly all of the sports bar’s TVs. “We want people to focus on the food, on the drinks, on being with each other,” de Roover said. “Maybe take a break from screens a little bit and talk. And that’s why it’s ‘The Hiawatha Social.’ That’s why we added that word to it as part of our contribution to the legacy.”

The restaurant continues the Hiawatha name, a reference to the nearby trainline that previously ran from Chicago to Wausau. The building was constructed in the late 1800s and was a brothel in the 1920s before becoming a restaurant, according to the Wausau Daily Herald. The establishment has hosted celebrities such as Elizabeth Taylor, John Dillinger, and Calvin Coolidge, the newspaper reported. In the 1970s, the establishment became the Hiawatha Restaurant & Lounge.

The new menu focuses on elevated American fare, including steaks, fish fries and burgers ground in-house. Schultz will bring his culinary experience from the Urban Street Bistro food truck to the kitchen. De Roover designed the drink menu, which features several styles of Old Fashioneds, mocktails and de Roover’s version of a Sazerac, a classic New Orleans cocktail. While cleaning out the space, de Roover discovered a binder of cocktail recipes from the previous owners. He plans to revive several of them in the future. “That’s the kind of thing that can really allow us to move forward while still acknowledging the past that brought us here,” he said.

Schultz and de Roover also plan to occasionally barbecue brisket and ribs, which will be sold the traditional way: Smoked for hours, then available for purchase until it’s all gone.

The walls of the restaurant are cobalt and accented with warm wood. Beyond the bar are several nooks and booths to sink into. This fall, the owners expect to open additional seating, but for now folks can sit in the “brass monkey,” a series of booths in a triangular section that had previously been a transitional space between parts of the restaurant. The section got its name from the reused brass railings that now line the tops of the booths and a chandelier the owners installed featuring a golden monkey hanging from a rope and holding a light bulb.

Dogs are welcome on the outdoor patio. “We’ll have bowls of water out there for the dogs. Our hostess station is stocked with dog treats. So, if you’ve got a dog, they are welcome,” de Roover said. For big sporting events, the patio will have TVs, too.

After its first day of business on Friday, The Hiawatha Social will be open Thursday through Sunday at 713 Grant Street.

“We just want to bring something good to the community,” de Roover said. “I do think Wausau’s ready for another good restaurant. And that’s who we are. So that’s what I’m most excited about, is to be able to be a part of bringing that, you know, to be a part of that.”

Wyatt Massey is a freelance writer and a regular contributor to The Wausonian. Consider becoming a subscriber today to help support more local journalism from more writers.

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A new group is digging up data on the city of Wausau. And what those records reveal is illuminating.

One story already came out in another media outlet. It featured Fire Department overtime spending.

The Wausonian has been analyzing the spreadsheet files showing the entirety of the city’s overtime spending between 2020 and 2026 to date.

What did that reveal? The Fire Department isn’t the only department with a tremendous amount of overtime spending. In fact, though one of its employees had the most overtime payments of anyone in the city, the fire department was only the second highest in total department spending. The police, fire and public safety departments spent the most.

The staggering amount of overtime spending comes on the heels of the city struggling with tight budgets in recent years and recently convincing voters to approve raising the city’s levy limit to fund new firefighters who were previously paid for via a grant.

But worse: There appears to be a snafu in information sharing between two city departments, which should be sharing data around payroll and overtime. And that led to a challenge in tracking.

What looked like it would be a simple data story turned into something much more troubling. But first, what does the data show?

Overall spending

Three departments led the city in overtime spending between 2020 and 2026 to date. The Wausau Police Department had the most with $2.835 million in that period. The Fire Department was close behind with $2.666 million.

Third place is the Public Works Department. That total is less, at $1.344 million. But the Utilities Department added another $485,000, putting the total between the two at close to $2 million.

But from the visualization below, it’s easy to see that the two public safety departments make up much more than half of all over time spending.

So it makes sense to look at the yearly spend of those two departments.

The Police Department

Nearly halfway through the year, it might appear that the Wausau Police Department has dramatically cut down its overtime spending.

That spending has been on the decline since its peak in 2023, but this year represents a substantial change in the amount of overtime.

Why the rise from 2020 to 2023? And why did it decline in subsequent years?

Wausau Police Chief Matt Barnes told The Wausonian that since becoming chief he’d made a concerted effort to trim overtime spending. And this year is because of a program that lets employees bank overtime for more vacation instead; which it is hoped will cut down on overtime.

But Barnes pointed out there are reasons for overtime that are hard to mitigate. An officer taking a call toward the end of a shift, especially a complicated one, can’t just leave in the middle of that call. And a night shift officer coming to court to testify will always mean overtime, he says.

Other reasons can include needing to finish a report before going home so that the district attorney’s office has it in the morning. And sick leave, military leave and vacancies all need to be covered.

The Fire Department

Wausau Fire Department’s overtime looks similar, with some caveats.

The department, which hadn’t changed staffing levels since the 1970s despite a massive increase in call volumes (particularly on the medical side), was approved to hire first three new firefighter-paramedics, then another nine, in mid-2022.

It seems likely that led to the decrease in overtime in 2023, the year after a peak of $600,000 in overtime spending in 2022. And like the police, the department is on track for its lowest overtime spending since at least 2020.

But spending in 2024 and 2025 increased again. Why?

The Wausonian first reached out to Chief Jeremy Kopp, but eventually connected with Deputy Chief Pleuss over the phone.

Pluess acknowledged that overtime peaked in 2022, when staffing levels were at their lowest as call volumes had continued to set records. The 12 new firefighters the city council approved took until 2023 to hire and train to full firefighter-paramedic levels.

Overtime decreased in 2023, but increased again as the department had more vacancies and trouble finding employees to replace them who had the qualifications and could handle the physical aspects of the job, Pleuss told The Wausonian.

There are reasons why fire department overtime might add up more quickly than other departments. Shifts are 24 hours, and if it’s two shifts that’s a full week’s worth of hours that need to be covered. Pleuss says they’re dividing into 12-hour blocks to be covered.

And according to the firefighter’s union contract The Wausonian reviewed, shifts are 48 hours on, 96 hours off, averaging no more than 56 hours per week. Overtime kicks in after that 56-hour cap.

And Barnes added that while sometimes if an officer goes home sick and there are a few hours left on the shift, the department can run short if it’s 3 am. But a fire crew might not be able to, because a minimum number of firefighters are required to be on staff in order to run an engine, for instance.

Public Works/Utilities

Public Works is a little different from the other departments in that in general, there is a slow upward trend. And unlike police and fire, Public Works seems on track to have another high year in overtime.

A lot of that likely came from some later-season snowstorms that set records. City crews worked double shifts and could only take a break before going back out for another shift. That can lead to a tremendous amount of overtime.

Public Works Director Eric Lindman in his memo to the HR committee spelled out the reasons for department overtime. While vacancies and leave for various reasons were also a factor, on top of the list was weather. Besides snowstorms, which are difficult to predict, storms, flooding and frozen water mains bring workers out after hours.

Why some employees made more than others

The overtime spending per department looks bad. But those top three are also the biggest departments by number of employees.

What happens when we look at overtime earnings per employee? And why doesn’t Human Resources have better visibility into overtime spending?

Read more

The amount of overtime one member of the Wausau Fire Department received over the course of six years makes for a splashy headline: $252,694.62. The next two top earners took in $196,408.02 and $158,392.54. (The nearly $200,000 figure is even more stark because it only covers four years versus six like the others.)

But according to data obtained by The Wausonian, the Fire Department isn’t even the top department for overtime (though it is No. 2).

The top three departments in terms of overtime between 2020 and 2026 are: 1. Wausau Police Department at $2.8 million; 2. Fire Department at $2.66 million; and 3. Public Works at $1.34 million. Add in utilities and that number reaches close to $2 million.

The numbers were obtained through an open records request by a group called the Wausau Citizens for Accountability, which shared its raw data with The Wausonian. A member of the group says they aim to remain anonymous while investigating information and data about the city, and are contacting members of the city council with their findings.

The city’s Human Resources Committee will discuss police and fire overtime at its Monday meeting.

But The Wausonian plans to publish more overtime data in its next story. Stay tuned.

Nobody else calculated the total amount of outside spending on the last city council race. Until we did. And the amount will surprise you:

What else in Wausau?

Man arrested for assaulting nurse: Police arrested a 36-year-old Rothschild man after police say he assaulted a nurse. William Hrabik has been charged with battery to a health care provider after police say he kicked a traveling nurse who was attending to him, court records show. Hospital staff told police he also made vulgar comments to female employees at the hospital. The charge is a class H felony under Wisconsin law.

Fire damages Junion studio building: Wausau Fire Department responded to a fire in the 1400 block of North Third Street around 1 pm Sunday. Crews were able to contain the fire to just that building, and no firefighters or civilians were injured in the blaze. Fire officials say the blaze’s origin appears to be accidental, but did not specify how it started. The commercial building appeared to be the studio of longtime photographer Dave Junion. Junion posted on his Facebook page that his studio looks like a war zone but his cameras were saved, as was a painting sentimental to him.

Mountain bike group formalizes agreement with city: The Central Wisconsin Off-Road Cycling Coalition has long had an informal agreement with the city to maintain the bike trails it built at Sylvan Hill. But now that agreement is one step closer to being official after getting the OK from the city’s Parks and Recreation Committee Monday. The agreement allows CWOCC to perform maintenance on the downhill trails, while larger projects will need city approval. The agreement will still need city council approval.

City considering limiting Riverlife wharf slips: City leaders are considering installing fewer slips at the Riverlife wharf area after discussion around moving them at last year’s budget sessions. The slips cost nearly $9,000 to install, and haven’t been used as much as city leaders thought (though one resident speaking at public comment said he and other nearby residents do use them). City leaders are looking at the cost of installing fewer of them as department heads start preparing for the 2027 budget.

City halfway through replacing its ash trees: City foresters are halfway through their program of removing ash trees from along city streets. The removal program came about after emerald ash borer made its way to the city. The little beetle destroys ash trees, many of which line city streets. Street planners once used the same tree species for uniformity but today they mix them in case of a tree disease.

State crime lab could locate in Wausau: A company is aiming to submit a proposal to the state of Wisconsin to build a state crime lab in the Wausau Business Campus. The company, CD Smith Construction, already built a forensic science/crime lab in Wauwatosa in the southern part of the state and now aims to build one in Wausau. The city’s Economic Development Committee approved a planning option for the lab, which would generate tax revenue because it would be privately owned, a CD Smith representative says.

Around the metro

Could counties expand the crisis team?: Marathon County leaders last week discussed expanding CART, the Crisis Assessment Response Team. The group formed in 2018 as a partnership between law enforcement and North Central Health Care, pairing two crisis workers with two officers to address mental health crises. Members of the county’s Health and Human Services Committee expressed support for expanding CART to night and weekend hours, when mental health crises more often occur. No formal action was taken in the meeting but funding for CART expansion could come through the budget process.

Petition seeks bike trail in Kronenwetter: A seven-page petition presented to the village of Kronenwetter seeks a bike path along Highway X. The path would follow X from the YMCA in Weston to the intersection with Highway XX. A resident speaking before the village’s Community Life, Infrastructure and Public Property said children on scooters, adults on bicycles and dog walkers use the road, but that presents a danger with fast-moving traffic. Staff members were directed to look at costs, grant funding and other considerations to bring back to a future meeting.

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Business

Gaming Emporium moving to new location: Collectible card shop The Gaming Emporium appears to be eyeing a new location. A sign for the business now hangs above the entrance to what was once a Joann Fabric and Crafts location next to Barnes and Noble. The Gaming Emporium posted a photo of the sign on its social media, saying the grand opening is coming soon. The business reopened along Rib Mountain Drive a year ago after being located in the mall, and later on Stewart Avenue.

Demo begins on former Graebel Van Lines building: Work is currently underway on the former Graebel Van Lines building. Much of the building appears gutted as crews tear down the large building at the intersection of McClellan and Third streets. The location will become a 70-unit senior apartment complex and a 24-unit senior living facility.

Entertainment

It’s funny to think that 20 years ago when I attended the Balloon Rally and Rib Fest, the event was already a long-running tradition. That was in the Wausau Downtown Airport days; now it’s Taste N’ Glow and held out in the town of Stettin. But we also have an exciting musical from Wausau Community Theater, a unique musician doing two nights at Stoney Acres Farm, a rising Christian music star and so much more in Your Wausome Weekend Guide!

Sports

College softball: The Wausau Ignite lost to the Madison Night Mares Tuesday, dropping a 15-8 game at Athletic Park. But the Ignite have still managed to turn their season around, from last place to third, and only half a game out from the Grand Forks Spitfires. Madison dominates the league with a 10-game lead.

College baseball: The Wausau Woodchucks snapped a four-game win streak starting by dropping two road games to the Eau Claire Express (5-3 and 7-5) Monday and Tuesday. The Woodchucks are 5-3 to start the second half of the season, which remarkably is only good for third place behind the Lakeshore Chinooks (6-1) and Fond du Lac Dock Spiders (5-1).

Email me at brian@thewausonian.com. And as always, thanks for subscribing to The Wausonian! If you haven’t subscribed yet, check out the free and paid options below to help support local journalism and stay on top of Wausau news:

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It’s funny to think that 20 years ago when I attended the Balloon Rally and Rib Fest, the event was already a long-running tradition. That was in the Wausau Downtown Airport days; now it’s Taste N’ Glow and out in the town of Stettin. But we also have an exciting musical from Wausau Community Theater, a unique musician doing two nights at Stoney Acres Farm, a rising Christian music star and so much more in Your Wausome Weekend Guide!

Sponsored by

Taste N’ Glow

140914 Stettin Drive | Marathon City, WI 54448

Fri.-Sat., July 10-11: The balloon rally has been a part of Wausau’s culture for decades, first as the Balloon Glow and Rib Fest at Wausau’s airport, and for the past five years as Taste N’ Glow in the town of Stettin. This huge event is back for another year in the wide-open fields north of town. Think beautiful balloon displays, lumberjack shows, live music, local food, kids activities, a car show and more at this great annual show. $10 per day, $15 for the weekend, children 11 and under enter free. 11 am-11 pm Friday, 6 am-11 pm Saturday. See the full schedule at the event page.

COTS: Johnny and the MoTones

The 400 Block

Wednesday, July 8: Hopefully the Wednesday weather curse won’t show up again today, because this is one of the classic lineups. Johnny and the MoTones features long-time local saxophonist John Altenburgh, a quiet recording giant in the jazz scene, joined by Mitch Viegut of famed 80s band Airkraft, and a host of great musicians that always knock it out of the park on the 400 Block stage. And if the schedule is to be believed, it looks like country singer-guitarist Jerry Schmitt will be joining! 6-8 pm. Rain location is the Rothschild Pavilion. See the event page for more details.

Lojo Russo

Stoney Acres Farm

Fri.-Sat., July 10-11: It’s rare to see back-to-back nights for a musician at Stoney Acres Farm during its pizza nights, but that’s exactly what is happening this weekend. If you give Lojo Russo a listen, you’ll get a sense of why. This bluesy/folksy musician has a great songwriting style and a voice to match. She has a national tour on her schedule. And she’ll play rhythm and roots on Friday, and acoustic funk on Saturday. With a little wood-fired pizza from Stoney Acres, you can’t go wrong. 5 pm. See the event page for more.

Movie in the Park: Bad Guys 2

The 400 Block

Thursday, July 9: The 400 Block is obviously great for concerts, but there is another summer use that’s also fun — watching movies! Kids love this event on the grounds of downtown Wausau’s centerpiece park, with a big inflatable screen and a great selection of movies. This week’s movie is Bad Guys 2, in which a group of misfit animals team up for one last heist. Free, bring your blankets, chairs and treats, and/or stop by downtown businesses for carryout. 7 pm. See the event page for more.

TikiToberfest: Lederhosen on the Beach

Tiki Beach Bar & Grill

Sunday, July 12: Tiki Beach Bar & Grill is that place you go to for a little quick escape, where you can pretend you’re somewhere tropical. (And with the heat lately, it’s not hard!). But this event is especially interesting — Lederhosen on the Beach is basically Oktoberfest in July, with beer, people dressed in costume (or sandals, either is cool) and enjoy the music of the ever-popular Copper Box, who we haven’t seen on too many schedules this year. (Why aren’t they a mainstay of the Concerts on the Square anymore, anyway?) What else were you going to do on a Sunday? 1 pm. See the event page for more.

Leanna Crawford

Mount Olive Lutheran Church

Monday, July 13: If you’re not into Christian music, you might not have heard of Leanna Crawford, but those who are probably already have bought their tickets. And giving her music a quick listen, it’s easy to see why. This Sony Music artist has an incredible voice, and one that might even draw people who otherwise wouldn’t listen to the genre. With her debut album, Still Waters, now out in deluxe edition, fans of the genre won’t want to miss this rising star’s appearance at Mount Olive Church. 6:30 pm. See the event page for more.

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Coming soon

Rock of Ages

James Veninga Theater

July 17-26: The Wausau Community Theater has been rocking it with their shows at the James Veninga Theater in the UW Center for Civic Engagement. And this latest show should be no exception. This Broadway musical is a story highlighting the glam rock era of 1987 and the story of a legendary club on its last legs, a wild rock star and an aspiring musician and a small town girls pursuing their dreams. Don’t miss this version of the high-energy, fun Tony Award-nominated musical highlighting an era that has everyone nostalgic these days. 7:30 pm Fri.-Sat., 2 pm Sunday. See the event page for more.

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In Brief

Cool Hat, 8 pm Wednesday, July 8 at Faraway Place

Pizza on the Patio, 6 pm Wednesday, July 8 at Willow Springs Garden

Summer at Mead: All About Mammals, 12:15 pm Thursday, July 9 at MCPL Wausau/Mead Wildlife Area

Pizza in the Orchard with Rising Phoenix, 5 pm Thursday, July 9 at Rock Ridge Orchard

Bad Habitz, 6:30 pm Thursday, July 9 at Tiki Beach Bar & Grill

Wausau Ignite Replica Jersey Giveaway, 6:35 pm Friday, July 10 at Athletic Park

Honky Tonk Highway, 7 pm Friday, July 10 at The Garage Wausau

The Foxfire Affair, 7 pm Friday, July 10 at Uncommon Pints

Morning Pull: Pastries with Prints, 9:30 am Saturday, July 11 at Leigh Yawkey Woodson Art Museum

D.B. Rouse, 9 pm Saturday, July 11 at Faraway Place

Jack Damage, 7 pm Saturday, July 11 at Homestead on 52

TJ Morrow, 7 pm Saturday, July 11 at The Garage Wausau

Knock Point, 6:30 pm Saturday, July 11 at Bull Falls Brewing Co.

The Daniel James Gang and other punk bands, 9:30 pm Saturday, July 11 at Nevermore on Third

Charlie Wiggins, 1 pm Sunday, July 12 at The Garage Wausau

Honky-tonk Sundays, noon Sunday, July 12 at Faraway Place

Story Time at the Parks: Sylvan Hill, 10 am Monday, July 13 at Sylvan Hill Park

Mondays at Monk: Yard Games & Chill, 5 pm Monday, July 13 at Monk Botanical Gardens

Pebble Art Workshop, 6:30 pm Tuesday, July 14 at Willow Springs Garden

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The Wausonian recently published a story about finally getting campaign finance filings for the 2026 elections. It was a story about how the former Wausau City Clerk essentially ignored a records request.

As you might have seen, there were very few campaign finance reports filed locally. Only two, in fact: Keene Winters and Vylius Leskys.

And yet, this reporter received campaign flyers for local candidates and was aware of other materials (a billboard promoting Matt Hoenecke in District 7, for instance).

I learned the State and Local Election Alliance had spent money in local races and included a brief mention.

The story was really meant to be about the former clerk’s refusing to fulfill a pretty simple records request.

The former clerk has as of publication not responded to request for comment for that last story.

But I received some feedback about outside spending, leading The Wausonian to believe there might have been even more spending on local races.

The Wausonian dug through state-level campaign finance data and found more than had previously been reported.

A lot more.

Read more

One of the pioneering therapy dogs who helped children in Wausau schools died last week, according to the Wausau Police Department.

Badge, a therapy dog paired with one of the department’s school resource officers, Nick Stetzer, served in the role for years after becoming the first therapy dog in the department starting in 2017. Badge retired in 2024.

Badge could often get through to students when adults otherwise couldn’t. In one anecdote from a 2018 story your Wausonian publisher wrote, Badge helped a girl out of a bathroom who wouldn’t come out for any of the adults at the school.

Badge’s success inspired North Central Health Care to consider starting its own therapy dog program.

Wings Over Wausau was this weekend - but not everyone was happy about it. Read about the neighborhood survey that kicked off its own controversy:

And subscribers this week read about why The Wausonian got records from the local election - about four months too late. Here’s what we learned:

And, a parish is suing the village of Kronenwetter over a zoning change it believes could allow for mining — plus the other civil court cases filed in May, in our Full Court Press feature:

What else in Wausau?

Children’s Imaginarium names new director of operations: The Children’s Imaginarium in downtown Wausau announced that it has a new director of operations. Amy Forst joins the organization after 20 years in the non-profit sector, a press release says. The Children’s Imaginarium brings a children’s museum experience to downtown Wausau.

Around the metro

Residents get details about wind farm project: The Marathon County Alternative Energy Local Impact Committee hasn’t yet taken any action related to a proposed wind farm in the southwest corner of Marathon County. But residents learned more details about the project. Alliant Energy spokesperson Ben Tanke told the Committee last week that the project is likely to be 28-30 turbines, though the exact number hasn’t been decided. And the company has given the Public Service Commission 180-days notice because it plans to include turbines that are more than 600 feet tall. The committee’s role is not to approve or reject the project, Chair John Robinson explained, but to gather concerns and suggest potential actions to the county’s Executive Committee. Residents continue to express frustration about the wind farm and it’s potential impacts on noise, property values and setbacks from people’s homes.

County health department raises alarms about heatwave: Marathon County’s health department warned this week about the area’s heatwave and its potential dangers. Several municipalities set up cooling centers as temperatures on Tuesday reached more than 90 degrees Fahrenheit paired with a heat index of 109. All Marathon County Public Library branches along with Bridge Street Mission and Open Door were designated as cooling centers for residents without air conditioning who needed to escape the heat.

Kronenwetter parks committee meets for first time: The village of Kronenwetter held its first-ever parks committee meeting Monday. The committee elected Aaron Myszka as its first chair, and the committee next will take a tour of the village’s parks. The village board approved the formation of the committee in June.

Entertainment

Fourth of July weekend tends to be light on events that aren’t, well, Fourth of July-themed. And hey, that’s because it’s the nation’s birthday and we like to celebrate that! See all of our Fourth of July events plus more in Your Wausome Weekend Guide.

Sports

College softball: Wausau Ignite ended its three-game win streak Sunday with a 13-5 doubleheader loss to the Madison Night Mares, as the Ignite continue to turn their second season around. The Ignite are now 8-9 in the Northwoods Softball League, good for third place. That’s a big change from early June, when Wausau sat in last place. They start a four-game road trip in Grand Forks today (Thursday).

College baseball: The Wausau Woodchucks have now won eight of their last nine games, including Tuesday’s 13-2 win against the Wisconsin Rafters. Incredibly, the Woodchucks finished in second place in the Great Lakes West division, with the Madison Mallards taking the top spot. Tuesday’s game gave the Chucks their first win in the second half of the season as of Tuesday.

Email me at brian@thewausonian.com. And as always, thanks for subscribing to The Wausonian! If you haven’t subscribed yet, check out the free and paid options below to help support local journalism and stay on top of Wausau news:

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Interested in a group subscription? Keep your employees or management team informed with The Wausonian. Don’t let your team be left in the dark! Interested in a subscription for 25 employees or more? Email me at brian@thewausonian.com for rates.

Get 20% off a group subscription

Fourth of July weekend tends to be light on events that aren’t, well, Fourth of July-themed. And hey, that’s because it’s the nation’s birthday and we like to celebrate that! See all of our Fourth of July events plus more in Your Wausome Weekend Guide.

Sponsored by

Festival Foods 4th of July Fireworks Fest

Wausau Downtown Airport

Saturday, July 4: It’s back-to-back weekends of fireworks as Wausau Events will hold its annual fireworks show at the Wausau Downtown Airport. The event boasts the largest fireworks display in the area, plus food trucks and live music. Carry-ins prohibited. Parking in nearby Southeast Side neighborhood (enter from Emerson Street and Elmwood Boulevard gates). Rain or shine, might move in case of severe weather. Free. 6 pm. Check out the event page for more.

Bonus: Woodchucks Independence Day 250th Fireworks Celebration, 6:05 pm Saturday, July 4 at Athletic Park. Catch a ball game and watch some fireworks after the Woodchucks win to cap off your Independence Day.

Jesse and the Medicine Men

Stoney Acres Farm

Saturday, July 4: I love when a group really takes the time to not only sound great, but look the part. Jesse and the Medicine Men are definitely one of those groups; grade-A country players through and through. If you love country, this is a band you won’t want to miss, with influences ranging from Hank Williams to Elvis Presley to Muddy Waters. The band released an album last year called “Little Tortilla,” and it’s worth checking out. Mixed with pizza and beer at Stoney Acres Farm, and that’s just a great country night. 5 pm. See the event page for more.

Water Walkers Water Ski Show

Lake Du Bay and Bluegill Bay Park

Thurs. & Tuesday, July 2, 7: The Central Wisconsin Water Walkers have been around for some time, and if you haven’t seen them in awhile, you should get out there for a show! This year’ the Water Walkers’ theme is Survivor: Ski Island, and so if you’re a fan of the show, that’s an added bonus. The costumes will be survivor themed and with great music and an impressive lineup of acrobatics, it’s a great show for the whole family. Free, beverages are for sale and donations accepted. Chairs and blankets recommended. Thursday at Lake Du Bay, Tuesday at Bluegill Bay Park. 6:30 pm. See the event page for more details and more times and days.

Brad on the Sand

Lake Du Bay Sandbar

Saturday, July 4: Brad Emanuel not only has a voice of gold and a vast repertoire of songs, but the guy knows how to party and work a crowd. But this event takes it even a step further — because he’ll do so from a pontoon boat! Many don’t realize that Wausau has a fun sandbar culture, since it’s kind of underground… um, underwater? You almost feel like you’ve come across a hidden scene when you first happen upon it. With Brad jamming the tunes, and several other musicians such as John Altenburgh and Harold Melo joining in, this is an event worth boating out for. Noon. See the event page for more details (like where on Lake Du Bay to find the sand bar.

Tiki Beach 4th of July Party

Tiki Beach Bar and Grill

Saturday, July 4: OK, this newsletter will probably set a record for most times a Lake Du Bay event has made Your Wausome Weekend Guide. But we thought we would give you one more Fourth of July option. With music by Warden, their own unique fireworks show, plus a tiki beach environment that helps you pretend your somewhere tropical (although with the heat this week, it’s not too hard, amirite?), it’s just one more option for partying it up on the nation’s birthday. 6:30 pm. See the event page for more info.

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In Brief

Red, White and Blue Heeler Meet and Greet, 10 am-noon (members 9 am) Wednesday, July 1 at the Children’s Imaginarium

Music Bingo in the Beer Garden, 6 pm Wednesday, July 1 at Uncommon Pints

Wausau: Blockbuster Bingo: National Treasure, 5 pm Wednesday, July 1 at MCPL Wausau

COTS: Rising Phoenix, 6 pm Wednesday, July 1 at the 400 Block in downtown Wausau

David Paul Martin Trio - Street Jam, 8 pm Wednesday, July 1 at Faraway Place

Wausau: Summer at Mead: Decision Making in Conservation, 12:15 pm Thursday, July 2 at MCPL Wausau

Spicy Tie, 6:30 pm Thursday, July 2 at Tiki Beach Bar & Grill

Woodchucks Thirsty Thursday / Wausau East Band Fundraiser Night, 6:35 pm Thursday, July 2 at Athletic Park

Meaghan Owens Band, 5 pm Friday, July 3 at Stoney Acres Farm

Billy Bronsted and Drew Bolder, 5-8 pm Friday, July at Sawmill Brewing Co.

Jake Ramsey LIVE, 6 pm Friday, July 3 at Homestead on 52

Woodchucks Light Up the Night Post Game Fireworks Show, 6:35 pm Friday, July 3 at Athletic Park

Through Crimson, 8 pm Saturday, July 4 at The Garage Wausau

Sunday Funday with Mike Mcabee and Nori Hadley, 2-5 pm Sunday, July 5 at The Glass Hat

Kurt Schweers, 1 pm Sunday, July 5 at The Garage Wausau

Monk Gardens Monday: Kid’s Night, 5 pm Monday, July 6 at Monk Botanical Gardens

Jackson Taylor and Jesse Bauman Duo, 6 pm Tuesday, July 7 at Machmueller Park, Weston

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A deafening roar on Thursday shook houses, scared pets and brought people outside of their homes and buildings to marvel.

The sound was a U.S. Navy F/A-18 flying overhead, practicing for the upcoming Wings Over Wausau airshow. It was either angering or awe-inspiring, depending on who you talked to.

Everyone in both of those categories who lives in Wausau’s Southeast Side neighborhood got their chance to weigh in on the fighter jet’s appearance and the event overall this weekend. District 1 City Council Member Carol Lukens released a survey Saturday after getting feedback from residents.

Greetings, SES residents!

I am interested in hearing from as many as possible regarding the 2026 Wings Over Wausau event.

If willing, please complete the survey at this link:

Anyone who has lived in the Southeast Side neighborhood knows that Wings Over Wausau, like the balloon rally before it, can be a disruptive weekend to the neighborhood. Driving through the neighborhood becomes difficult, especially on the many roads in the neighborhood with boulevards. The noise is disruptive for some.

As seen from the reaction to the survey, many welcome the disruption and believe it’s worth it for a major event that brings people to Wausau and drives economic activity, as we’ll see from the survey results below.

But for others, the event can terrify pets, disrupt sleep especially for those working second or third shift, and sometimes block people into their driveways.

Lukens set out to gather feedback on the event — the first time a neighborhood representative had done so — and the survey itself became controversial.

Read more

In February, The Wausonian reached out to various clerks with a pretty standard request: Campaign finance reports for the pre-primary filing period.

They’re standard requests that any journalist would make around election time.

I received quick responses from the Wausau School District Clerk and the Marathon County Clerk.

My request to the Wausau City Clerk went unanswered.

I sent a follow-up email to then-City Clerk Kaitlyn Bernarde. It was met with silence.

The next period is the pre-election campaign finance filing period. I again requested reports for all three entities.

The school district and county clerks returned the filings in less than 24 hours. The records are usually turned around quickly since they’re public records that the candidates are filing out themselves (or campaign staff, if they have them). There aren’t typically any redactions needed that could slow the process.

Again, nothing from the city clerk.

I’d started talking to attorneys, since this was almost certainly a violation of the state’s open records law. But since Bernarde had already resigned, The Wausonian decided it would be best to hold off and work with the new clerk.

I met with new Wausau City Clerk Rachel Brown after she started in early June. She was diplomatic but took notes on the situation and said she would see what she could do about getting me the records.

I met with Brown Monday, June 1. By Friday, June 5, I had the records for both the pre-primary and the pre-election.

Four days versus four months.

What the records showed

I only received two sets of records for city council candidates. Both were from candidates who didn’t win in April: Keene Winters and Vylius Leskys.

According to the latest campaign finance filings, Winters took in $4,959 to date as of the pre-election filing. And he’d spent $3,795.

Winters’ top donors in the period were himself ($2,128), Ruth Schuette ($500), and Gerald Whitburn ($400).

And according to Leskys’ filings, he took in $850 year to date as of the pre-election filing.

Leskys’ campaign was completely self-funded, at least year-to-date.

The only other filing came from the Firefighters for a Safer Wausau Committee. That committee took in $15,024 and had only spent $4,984 as of the pre-election period. Mark Koepke signed the committee’s filings.

Where the bulk of that money came from is where things get interesting. The full amount came from two sources: The Wausau Firefighters Local 415 donated $10,023, according to the filings. And the remaining $5,000 came from the Professional Firefighters of Wisconsin, which lists its address as Madison.

That doesn’t mean that other money wasn’t spent on this election. Candidates do not need to file campaign finance filings unless they plan to take in and spend more than $2,500, in aggregate. In other words, if a candidate spends $1,200 and takes in $1,400, that would meet the threshold because it’s the sum of the two.

And we know there was outside spending by candidates. In my neighborhood, residents received fliers about candidate and incumbent Carol Lukens from the State and Local Elections Alliance. The organization doesn’t specify party affiliation (nor does it claim to be non-partisan), but the donations button funnels to a channel run by Act Blue, a Democrat donation platform. (The Republican version is WinRed.)

According to the organization’s social media, it supported not only Lukens in District 1, but Tom Neal (4), Kristin Slonski (6) and Lisa Rasmussen (7). All but Rasmussen won in April.

The organization supported city council and mayoral candidates in other cities in Wisconsin as well. Because that spending was conducted without coordination with the candidates, under state law candidates aren’t required to report that spending on their campaign finance forms even if they benefitted from them. The organization that spent that money would.

One of the strange features of Wisconsin is that there is a deadline before the spring election, which covers up to March 23. And there isn’t another filing until the July Continuing period, which isn’t due until July 14.

It creates a strange situation in that you see spending up to about a week and a half before the election — and then you don’t find out how candidates spent money during that last push, and who supported them in it, until months after the election is final.

It also means when you have an unresponsive clerk, even the pre-election filings remain opaque until long after the last ballot is cast.

Bernarde left the city to take a job as the deputy clerk in Madison. There is no public email address listed, just a general clerk email. I reached out to that email to ask about potential causes of the delays and to give her a chance to respond to my framing of the situation.

As of publication, she hadn’t responded.

I asked Mayor Doug Diny about the lack of records response during his administration. He responded as follows:

My message would be to simply state that open records requests are a priority for Clerk Brown and me. I’ve seen improvements already since she started. I’m confident that our media friends and the public will notice. I’m also committed to professional dialogue with local media to make the process as transparent and efficient as possible.

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