The city’s 20 Flock cameras will have to be covered, according to a new order by city officials.

The city council on Tuesday voted 9-1 to stop using the cameras, which are already left out of the proposed budget for next year, and added a provision that will designate a city department to be responsible for covering them.

That’s because even if Wausau essentially “defunds” the city’s cameras — there are 20 of them — when it passes the city budget next month, stopping the payment only ends the city’s access to them. Flock owns the cameras and they would keep taking pictures unless they’re covered. Wausau Police Chief Matt Barnes says the contract the city has with the company forbids tampering.

City officials of all political leanings have come out against the cameras, citing privacy concerns. Police officials pushed back, saying investigators have solved crimes that they otherwise wouldn’t have without use of the cameras.

Under the motion passed Tuesday, a city department chosen by the mayor would need to cover the cameras within two business weeks.

What the ramifications of the move would be isn’t yet clear. Tampering with the cameras is a breach of the city’s contract with Flock, but whether simply covering them counts would likely need a court to decide.

But Barnes told the council that other municipalities have also covered their cameras and so far there doesn’t seem to have been repercussions. “I’m not losing any sleep over it,” Barnes says.

Police responded to a 12-woman brawl at M&R Station — and now we found out police made an arrest:

Lah Thao has run Rising Son Mixed Martial Arts school for nearly two decades — now his school has a newer, bigger home:

What else in Wausau?

Police say break-ins are on the rise on the northwest side: Police say car break-ins are up this past week, particularly in the neighborhood on the northwest side of the city. Police officials say to keep your car doors locked. Captain Benjamin Graham told The Wausonian that there were six break-ins in October, compared to two in September and three in June. Police arrested a 31-year-old man in connection with three of those break-ins, Graham told The Wausonian.

Could Wausau schools offer Hmong?: The Wausau School Board is weighing a plan to offer Hmong language classes. Right now only La Crosse and Madison districts offer them. Eau Claire had one until its teacher left, and SPASH had a class for some time before dropping it. While many were supportive of the idea, the district already struggles with declining enrollment and students spread out amongst many electives. “We’re operating at millions of dollars a year less than we were a few years ago,” says School Board Member Lance Trollop. “Adding a language would probably come at the expense of one of the languages we currently offer.” No vote was taken at the meeting but staff members will bring back data on whether enough students are interested in the offering.

Data center reconsideration: Wausau’s City Council Tuesday reconsidered and again approved, 9-1, its ordinance regulating data centers in the city, which had already passed earlier. Under the rules, data centers would be limited to medium and heavy industrial areas, and their applicants would need to file wastewater, water, sound and energy reports. They would also need to include a sustainability plan and stay 200 feet from residential zoning.

Around the metro

Weston wants to spend HOW much on mics?: A newer resident to Weston spoke at village board meeting earlier this month and said he couldn’t hear anything — he offered to bring his car karaoke machine if it would help. It turns out, the village board was already looking into replacing the mics. For how much? $69,000. Weston Director of Technology Services Nathan Crowe said when the room was originally outfitted for audio, they went with a less expensive option that sounds good on the village’s Zoom recordings, even if it can leave the sound lacking for those in the room. But a vendor quoted $69,000 for additional wireless microphones for each desk. The board took no action on the mic issue, instead opting to collect more quotes from vendors.

Kronenwetter sand mine pit permit delayed: The village of Kronenwetter’s Plan Commission earlier this month delayed voting on issuing a conditional use permit for a controversial sand mine in the village. The vote was delayed because only four of the seven members were present, and likely will involve a special meeting to ensure everyone can attend. The village board approved rezoning for the sand mine in April, though the idea of a sand mine in the middle of a village has been controversial.

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Business

Sawmill Brewing Company drops to special event-only: Sawmill Brewing Co. is now only open for special events. The brewing company in Merrill has been announcing that they’re open for special events but otherwise not open regular hours. The website and Facebook page say temporarily closed, but the brewery has been announcing special events on its page. The Wausonian reached out to Sawmill Brewing for more details and did not hear back.

Biggby in Rib Mountain closed: The Biggby Coffee Shop in Rib Mountain closed Sunday, the coffee shop’s owners announced on Facebook recently. The move comes as the lease was due and the owners are eyeing retirement soon.

Entertainment

Sports

Football: All Wausau area teams in the Wisconsin Valley Conference lost their WIAA playoff games Friday. D.C. Everest lost to Waunakee 36-22, Wausau West lost to Bay Port 32-7 and in Division 2, Wausau East lost to Marshfield 44-14.

Volleyball: D.C. Everest defeated SPASH in three games Saturday in the WIAA playoffs. The Evergreens will take on Bay Port today (Thursday) in the section semifinals and play Saturday if they win for the sectional championships. Wausau West was eliminated by Appleton North Thursday and Wausau East was defeated by Everest earlier in the tournament.

Boys soccer: Wausau West lost to Eau Claire Memorial 3-2 Saturday in a regional final, ending Wausau area Valley teams’ chance at a state title. The Warriors had previously defeated D.C. Everest in the regional semifinals.

Cross country: Four Wausau West cross country runners are headed to the state competition. Anna Colwell, who finished first at sectionals, Eli Akey, Olivia Benes and Charlie Scharer will head to the competition at The Ridges Golf Course in Wisconsin Rapids.

Email me tips 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 Halloween, and so we decided to put together the most comprehensive Halloween guide we could so you can find something to do — whether that’s taking the little ones to get some candy in costume or headbanging to some spooky metal. That’ll take up most of the guide, but we’ve got a few other non-creepy crawly events for you as well. All in Your Wausome Weekend Guide.

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Pop-Up Architecture Amble: Otto’s Grocery Neighborhood

Humboldt Avenue and Third Street

Thursday, Oct. 29: A surprise additional walking tour from Friends of Wausau Historic Landmarks starts around a ghost sign that was recently uncovered. The faded Pepsi Cola ad sits on the old Otto’s Grocery Store, now home to First Place Trophy, back when the corner store was where you picked up the latest gossip, the pantry staples and a little candy with the nickel from grandma. The tour also covers other businesses in the neighborhood, including granite, lumber and cigars, plus a bit of history on the iconic Athletic Field, where the Woodchucks and Ignite now play. Meet at the corner of Humboldt Avenue and Third Street. 5 pm. See the event page for more.

Defeatism, Auraborn, and Elk Startled by Thunder

Nevermore on Third

Friday, Oct. 30: Three bands from three corners of the state take over Nevermore on Third the night before Halloween. Wausau’s own Defeatism, a melodic hardcore band, is out with a new single, “Lotus Eater.” The label “melodic hardcore band” will make sense when you give it a listen. Madison metalcore band Auraborn comes up with its album “Incandescent,” and Stevens Point’s Elk Startled by Thunder rounds it out with its cow punk, which they say is about nature and politics. I’ve never heard of cow punk, but it sounds mooooving. There’s no cover, and costumes are encouraged. 9:30 pm. See the event page for more.

Josh Oddity

The Garage

Sunday, Nov. 1: Josh Oddity describes his act as “Oldies, Folkies and Pop Punk,” and his booking page promises lighthearted pop punk energy applied to old favorites, with a setlist that changes from show to show and plenty of banter. The Rhinelander solo performer has been playing bars and breweries all over the Northwoods. Catch him at The Garage on a Sunday afternoon. 1 pm. See the event page for more.

Our guide to Halloween in Wausau

Families have plenty to pick from this week. Greenheck Turner Community Center starts things off with Pumpkin Carving from 6 to 8 pm Wednesday, Oct. 28. You bring the pumpkin, and the center supplies the rest and cleans up the mess. The center also runs Halloween Skates at 1 pm Thursday, 10 am Friday and 7 pm Saturday, starting Thursday, Oct. 29; it’s $7 to skate, or $14 if you need rental skates. On Friday, Oct. 30, Mount View Care Center, 2400 Marshall St., holds its annual indoor trick-or-treating from 3 to 5:30 pm, a warm place for kids to make the rounds. That evening, Monk Botanical Gardens wraps up Blossom of Lights with a Kids’ Trick-or-Treat Trail Friday, Oct. 30, 5 to 8 pm, where kids follow a lit trail through the gardens to treat stations hosted by costumed characters. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for kids.

Halloween itself, Saturday, is the big trick-or-treat day. Grand Ave Artifactory opens from 10 am to 2 pm Saturday, Oct. 31 for daytime trick-or-treaters of all ages, with Halloween deals in the shop. Grace United Church of Christ hosts a Trunk or Treat at noon Saturday, Oct. 31, and North Star Restoration holds its free 2nd annual Trunk or Treat at 2 pm Saturday, Oct. 31 at 4900 Stewart Ave. with candy, costumes and decorated trunks. Dogs get a party too: Willow Springs Garden throws a Howl-Ween Dog Party at noon Saturday, Oct. 31.

If you’d rather test your scary-movie knowledge, there are a couple of trivia options. Nevermore on Third hosts Spooky Trivia at 7:30 pm Thursday, Oct. 29, and the Marathon County Public Library in Wausau holds Horror Trivia at 2:30 pm Saturday, Oct. 31 in its Community Room. The library game covers horror movies, books and culture. It’s free and for adults only, no registration needed, teams or solo players welcome, costumes encouraged, and the top team wins a prize. For laughs instead, Mosinee Brewing Company puts on Improv-A-Ween at 7 pm Friday, Oct. 30.

For a dressier night, the Wausau Museum of Contemporary Art holds its first Masquerade Ball at 6 pm Friday, Oct. 30 at the historic Wausau Club, 309 McClellan St. Tickets are $125, and the evening has live music and auctions to support the museum’s free art programming. Willow Springs Garden offers dinner with a plot: Murder Mystery at Poe’s Mansion, a murder mystery dinner at 5:15 pm Thursday, Oct. 29 and again Friday, Oct. 30. And at 7 pm Friday, Oct. 30, students from Dr. Dana Carlson-Kottke’s voice studio at the Wausau Conservatory of Music sing Halloween and musical theater favorites in a Halloween Voice Recital at the Caroline S. Mark Concert Hall, 404 Seymour St.

Live music fills the weekend. Faraway Place has a two-night Halloween Weekend: WURK with Moonbadger at 8 pm Friday, Oct. 30 and NUR-D with Watt Millians at 8 pm Saturday, Oct. 31. On Saturday, Q & Z Expo Center has a free Whiskey & Lace Halloween Party show at 6 pm Saturday, Oct. 31, and Mosinee Brewing Company hosts Halloween with Downtime Acoustic at 6 pm Saturday, Oct. 31. At 7 pm, you can catch Halloween with Through Crimson at The Garage Wausau Saturday, Oct. 31 or the Mia Brown Duo at The Glass Hat Halloween Saturday, Oct. 31. Heavier fans can head to The Intermission Bar for Metal at the Mish: HalloScream at 9 pm Saturday, Oct. 31, with Screaming Spaceship, Incoherent Screaming and Dead Man’s Switch on the bill.

And if you’re in the mood for a costume contest, you have options. Pregame Pub, 2002 N. 6th St., brings its Karaoke-Dokey night together with a costume contest at 8:30 pm Thursday, Oct. 29, with prizes for the top costumes. On Saturday, Trails End Lodge, 3901 Sherman Rd., holds its 2nd annual Halloween Costume Party at 7 pm Saturday, Oct. 31, with karaoke from 8 pm to 1 am, and Burks Bar, 4711 Stewart Ave., throws a Halloween Party with drink specials and a costume contest at 8 pm Saturday, Oct. 31. Later that night, Nevermore on Third has its Halloween Party at 9 pm Saturday, Oct. 31, and Emerald Night Club, 320 Washington St., hosts The Summoning – Halloween Bash at 9 pm Saturday, Oct. 31. Clocks fall back that night, so you get an extra hour.

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In Brief

• Wausau: Sticker Palooza! (no-school days, Wednesday–Friday, Oct. 28–30), during library hours Wednesday, Oct. 28 at Marathon County Public Library—Wausau Headquarters

• Wausau: Zine Making for teens (no-school days, Wednesday–Friday, Oct. 28–30), during library hours Wednesday, Oct. 28 at Marathon County Public Library—Wausau Headquarters

• Trivia, 7 pm Wednesday, Oct. 28 at The Glass Hat

• Trivia Night, 7 pm Wednesday, Oct. 28 at Mosinee Brewing Company

• Wax Wednesday Record Drawing, 8 pm Wednesday, Oct. 28 at Nevermore on Third

• Stronger Together: A Dinner Benefit for Getting Ahead (St. Vincent de Paul of Wausau; $75, couple $150), 5–8 pm Wednesday, Oct. 28 at Hilton Garden Inn Wausau, 151401 County Rd NN

• Open Mic w/ Caleb Delaney, 8 pm Thursday, Oct. 29 at Faraway Place

• Karaoke with Jim, 9 pm Thursday, Oct. 29 at The Glass Hat

• Bob & Rocco’s Gun Show (Friday–Sunday, Oct. 30–Nov. 1), 3 pm Friday, Oct. 30 at Central Wisconsin Convention & Expo Center

• Cheese Doodles, 7 pm Friday, Oct. 30 at The Garage Wausau

• Free Movie on the Turf, 7 pm Friday, Oct. 30 at Greenheck Turner Community Center

• Karaoke, 8 pm Friday, Oct. 30 at J&P’s Tippling House

• STEM Saturday: Repterience Reptile Show, 10 am–noon Saturday, Oct. 31 at Children’s Imaginarium

• Nostalgia Cartoons, 11 am Sunday, Nov. 1 at J&P’s Tippling House

• Beer Pong Tournament, 4 pm Sunday, Nov. 1 at The Glass Hat

• Disney Trivia Night, 5 pm Sunday, Nov. 1 at Mosinee Brewing Company

• Wausau: Bubble Wrap Tree Paintings, 4 pm Tuesday, Nov. 3 at Marathon County Public Library—Wausau Headquarters

• Trivia Night, 7 pm Tuesday, Nov. 3 at Uncommon Pints

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I got an email a week ago or so that surprised me. Now former village board member Ken Charneski told me he had requested records of email conversations between myself, other media outlets and Dan Joling and James Davel, the village president and administrator, respectively.

The response he received, to my surprise, was that there wasn’t any.

I knew this to be untrue, since I had email conversations with them both as the investigation into a complaint against Kronenwetter Administrator James Davel (where technically there really wasn’t a complaint, as we’ve covered), and I know one other media outlet did as well, since for some unexplained reason I was copied in on their conversation.

I was shown an excerpt of the email but I wanted the full email forwarded to me, so I could verify that it was a real email. Once that finally happened, I reached out to the clerk.

Acting clerk (at the time) Kim Coyle responded that she had run a search and that nothing had come up. She mentioned a personal email would not appear in the filter.

But here is the problem…

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Lah Thao for a while had his eye on a new space for his martial arts business, Rising Son. The parking was limited, and his school was growing without the space for it.

That changed recently. Rising Son, which had been located on Pardee Street in Wausau, recently moved into a much bigger space in Rothschild.

The building, which Thao describes as formerly part of a Siemens complex with laboratory space, now holds over 5,000 square feet of mat space, and that doesn’t count the space for the mixed martial arts cage, conference room, changing rooms and other rooms that line the walls.

Thao actually learned about the building from a student. He was among those taking a self-defense class from Thao, something he jokingly called “geriatric taekwondo” — a class aimed at very pragmatic techniques for self-defense.

The new space solves a lot of the problems Rising Son had at the old location — there is enough mat room that more than one class can happen at the same time. That not only helps Rising Son expand its classes, but it also allows families to finish earlier — fitting in extra training at the old location could have meant staying until 11 p.m. or midnight.

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

Rising Son’s move to Rothschild

Rising Son for almost two decades has offered a mix of martial arts classes. Thao himself is a former professional mixed martial arts fighter and has two professional fighters in his gym now — Scotty Writz and Kyle Zimick. But they also offer individual classes in Brazilian jiu-jitsu, boxing and taekwondo.

Now, with the new space, he hopes to introduce a kids’ striking class, a new Wednesday-night self-defense class, and possibly even tactical training with help from police officers. (This reporter earlier featured a story about Thao working with the Wausau Police Department in a jiu-jitsu program.)

Thao also wants to start a tutoring program, helping student martial artists with their homework, and possibly even make arrangements for those who can’t afford his school to train if they show dedication to their schoolwork and improving themselves.

For Thao, building good people is more important than building champion fighters. “I mean, building champions, that’s great,” Thao says. “But if you suck as a person, it doesn’t even matter.”

Thao says martial arts can lead to better discipline and responsibility in real life, for adults and children alike. Rising Son has already produced many of those success stories. “I’m kind of greedy. I want more stories,” Thao told The Wausonian.

It’s part of that reputation that led to a positive response from the village of Rothschild. He said staff and leadership were extremely helpful when he wanted to rent the new space in the village.

And once the building issues and approvals were worked out, moving the mats and setting them up took a remarkably short amount of time. Thao said with all the gym members who showed up, they moved all those heavy mats from one gym to the other in a couple of hours at most.

Cosmetic improvements and decisions about how to best utilize the space (a small plyometrics room might transform into a children’s play area as more members have been requesting it, for instance) will happen in time. But the important thing is for the mats to be ready to go so martial artists can keep training.

And so now the program can continue to grow.

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A 29-year-old woman is now facing felony charges following what police say was a brawl involving approximately a dozen women at M&R Station.

A woman told police that Autumn Powell punched her in an incident in the early morning hours of Aug. 29. According to the complaint, the two had prior history that helped lead to the conflict. The fight was part of a much larger brawl involving at least a dozen women, and bartenders described flying fists, a lot of screaming and beer bottles being thrown in a scene that appeared to be complete pandemonium.

A bartender told police Powell and others chased the woman farther behind the bar, and the bartender told her to hop over the counter and run out the door to escape.

Police reported arriving to see a group of women helping another woman to her feet in the bar’s driveway, and several people ran as officers arrived.

Powell initially told police she had been in the bathroom, according to the criminal complaint. Then she admitted to fighting but said she only acted after the other woman pulled her hair.

Powell faces felony bail jumping charges, along with misdemeanor battery and resisting or obstructing an officer.

Also in this Tavern Report: a wanted man’s foot chase from M&R Station, a .418 breath test on an Arrow Tap bathroom floor, a warrant in a strip club assault, and the latest bar demerit points.

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The Wausau Police Department could find itself without use of the city’s Flock cameras starting next year.

First, the city’s Public Health and Safety Committee on Monday recommended “defunding” the Flock camera program — essentially, cutting funding out of the budget.

And then the city’s finance committee on Tuesday elected to do the same as it finalized its recommendation for the 2027 city budget. The city under the proposed budget will move the $50,000 meant to pay the bill in January to the city’s motor pool fund instead.

Interestingly, that doesn’t remove the cameras, according to Wausau Police Chief Matt Barnes — that only eliminates the police department’s access to them.

Police officials pushed back against the move — they say it’s led to arrests that they otherwise wouldn’t have been able to make. They couldn’t rule out that a police officer could potentially abuse the system — nationwide reports also highlight examples from other departments. But, officials argue, that comes down to hiring officers of good character.

The committee also took the $150,000 intended to cover a potential administrator’s salary and shifted it toward a citywide audit instead. Committee member Matt Hoenecke says the results could inform an administrator’s duties and priorities anyway.

The budget isn’t final. It will now come before the entire city council, with a Nov. 10 hearing.

We published a lot of stories this week. But one of our biggest is about the arrest of a Schofield Spa operator for offering illicit services — and a hint that an investigation might be going on in Wausau as well:

And when Mayor Doug Diny was elected, one of the issues he ran on was fixing the roads. Has he? It turns out, it’s much more complicated than a simple yes or no. The Wausonian dug into the numbers, the first area media outlet to do so:

What else in Wausau?

City’s community care paramedic position curbs 911 calls: The Wausonian rode along last year with Matt Kozloski, the city’s Community Care Paramedic. The position aimed to curb 911 calls from so-called frequent flyers — residents who for some reason call 911 a lot, often for non-emergency reasons or because they weren’t getting proper treatment. Kozloski says the program so far has led to 273 fewer 911 calls, saving $300,000 in patient medical bills to boot. Now other central Wisconsin communities are developing plans to start a similar position, Kozloski told the Public Health and Safety Committee.

M&R Station asked to appear before committee following alleged shooting: The owners of M&R Station will be sent a letter of concern and asked to appear before the city’s Public Health and Safety Committee following a shooting outside its premises. The Wausonian reported earlier on the arrest of Jacob Allen Fong Lo, who is alleged to have shot someone from his vehicle outside the bar. Police say M&R Station staff failed to call the police following the shooting despite being aware that it had occurred.

Around the metro

Highway department building reserve plan approved: The Marathon County Board Tuesday approved the roughly $55 million highway department project, with officials outlining a plan to use reserves rather than new borrowing — that’s meant to avoid added costs associated with borrowing for the project. But some criticized the cost of the plan, saying the county should have aimed for something more affordable. “I understand 100% because I did tour the old facility — we need something new. There’s no doubt about that,” said County Board Member Deb Hoppa. “But why do we have to build a Cadillac when we can only afford a Chevy?”

Griner appointed to committee chair following controversy: The County Board approved Aaron Griner’s appointment as chair of the county’s Infrastructure Committee Tuesday — but that followed months of controversy. Some supervisors favored Duane Gau, who had served as vice chair and who some credited for his work following the tornado that devastated parts of Ringle. But County Board Chair Kurt Gibbs previously said Gau wasn’t selected in part because he was a first-term board member.

Elderly man dead following crash in Maine: An 80-year-old Wausau man is dead and two others were seriously injured following a crash in the village of Maine. Officers say the 80-year-old man was traveling south on N. 60th Avenue when his vehicle collided with another traveling east on Highway L. He was pronounced dead at the scene. A 64-year-old woman and a 68-year-old man were hospitalized with serious injuries. Deputies released no further details about the identities of those involved.

Weston police headquarters early construction approval narrowly passes: The Weston Village Board approved an early-start permit for a brand-new police headquarters — a change from the merger-era plan to house the Mountain Bay Metro department in Rothschild’s existing police station — but barely. The vote was 4–3 to authorize footings and foundations, subject to meeting applicable requirements, for the roughly $6.7 million project. Final approval of the amended site plan is expected in November. That project comes on the heels of a new village hall that was also controversial at the time for its price tag.

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Business

Grand Daddy’s building sells to auto business: Menke Motor Company bought the former Grand Daddy’s location on Grand Avenue, according to a recently filed real estate transaction. The property sold for $530,000 on Oct. 16. The sale means the end of Grand Daddy’s, according to a post by its owner.

Entertainment

Sports

Football: D.C. Everest defeated Wisconsin Rapids 51–35 Friday, elevating the Evergreens to a second-place finish in the Wisconsin Valley Conference, tied with Marshfield. Those teams finished second to SPASH, which managed to remain undefeated at 6–0 in conference play. Tournament play begins Friday with D.C. Everest taking on Waunakee and Wausau West taking on Bay Port.

Volleyball: D.C. Everest made short work of Wausau East last week, beating the Lumberjacks 25–12, 25–10 and 25–14 to clinch the Wisconsin Valley Conference title Thursday. D.C. Everest will take on Wausau East again today (Thursday) at home in the first round of WIAA playoffs. Wausau West will head to Appleton North.

Boys soccer: D.C. Everest needed a SPASH loss or at least a tie to finish at the top of the Wisconsin Valley Conference — but the Panthers beat Wisconsin Rapids 2–0 to earn the conference title, finishing on top by one point over the Evergreens. Remarkably, Wausau West then defeated D.C. Everest 2–1 Tuesday in the first round of the WIAA playoffs.

Girls tennis: D.C. Everest’s No. 1 singles player, Mikaela Hawley, lost in the first round of the WIAA state tournament to Verona’s Yustinia Haberkorn-Rudnitzky 6–3, 6–0. D.C. Everest’s doubles team forced a deciding match tiebreak after a battle for the second set, but ultimately lost 6–4, 6–7(5), 10–2 to Anna Malinsky and Miah Wong of Westosha Central.

Email me tips 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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I love when a local band releases an album, and even more when they proactively reach out to tell me about it. The production is solid on The Vox Ultima’s new album, Fathoms + Atoms, and takes me back to my own band days with a healthy influence of grunge, alternative and late 90s pop punk in there. But that’s hardly all this weekend with a speed puzzle tournament (yes, for real!), a pine jam band, a show at the new Westsider Lounge and more. All in Your Wausome Weekend Guide!

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Vox Ultima Album Release Masquerade Party

Coral Lanes Bowling Center

Saturday, Oct. 24: From the opening track to the last, Wausau band Vox Ultima’s new album, Fathoms + Atoms, brings hard-driving guitar and grunge to early 2000 punk pop sensibilities. And the band is ready to debut that album with a release party with a Halloween theme. This album release doubles as a masquerade, so bring a mask, or buy one when you get there. Sharing the bill is The space between breaths and Lunar Moth. Come for the new record and stay for the party. 7 pm. $5. See the event page for more.

2026 Wisconsin State Jigsaw Puzzle Championship

Holiday Inn & Suites Wausau-Rothschild

Friday, Oct. 23: Yes, speed puzzling is a competitive sport — who knew? — and the state championship is coming to Rothschild. The Wisconsin Jigsaw Puzzle Association is running solo, pairs, team and team relay divisions, where everyone gets the same puzzle and races to finish it first. The team relay kicks things off Friday night, with the solo, pairs and team rounds on Saturday. The solo division is full, but you don’t have to compete to join in: the puzzle swap and casual puzzling area is free and open to all, so bring a gently used puzzle and take home a new-to-you one. Team relay 7 pm Friday; Saturday rounds start at 10 am. Swap area 6–9 pm Friday and 9 am–6 pm Saturday. Entry fees run $25–$50. See the organizer’s page for the full schedule.

Boos & Booze

Rothschild Pavilion

Friday, Oct. 23: If you were hoping your Halloween plans involve a costume and a beer in hand, I’ve got some good news for you. Boos & Booze brings more than 12 breweries and more than 40 craft beverages to the Rothschild Pavilion, with unlimited samples, food, a spooky DJ and a costume contest. You also go home with a glow-in-the-dark mug. The lineup leans local, with Mosinee Brewing, Bull Falls, O’so, Hinterland and The Explorium among the pours. This one is 21 and older. 6–9 pm. $35 in advance, $40 at the door, $20 for designated drivers. See the event page for more and for tickets.

Wausau Ghost Tours

Wausau Elks Lodge

Fri-Sat, Oct. 23-24: We told you there’d be another round, and this is your last chance. The Wausau Paranormal Research Society is leading its guided walk through some of downtown’s reportedly haunted spots one more time this season, with stops tied to the people who may still be hanging around them. Dress for October, since it’s a walking tour. Start times of 6, 7 and 8 pm. And don’t miss the costumed ghost tours on Saturday. $15. See the event page for both (scroll down for the Saturday tour info).

Rugg

The Intermission Bar

Friday, Oct. 23: Rugg calls itself a “Wisconsin Pine Jam Band,” and the description fits. This Central Wisconsin group plays improvisational rock and funk with roots in the Grateful Dead, Pink Floyd, Dire Straits and America, mixing originals with covers. They’ve played everywhere from Waukesha to Sturgeon Bay this year, and the band is promising a night “full of psychedelic jams and riffs” at The Mish. If you like your songs long and wandering, this is your Friday. 9 pm. See the event page for more.

House Concert with pAt mAcdonald

Westsider Lounge

Saturday, Oct. 24: You know the song even if you don’t know the name. pAt mAcdonald was the singer and main songwriter of Timbuk 3, the duo behind “The Future’s So Bright, I Gotta Wear Shades,” a Billboard top 20 hit that earned the band a Grammy nomination for Best New Artist in 1987. The Green Bay native has kept at it ever since with a long solo career, plus his cigar-box guitar alter ego, Purgatory Hill. A house concert at Westsider Lounge is about as close as you’ll get to him. 6:30 pm. See the event page for more.

Candlelight: Halloween Classics

Wausau Museum of Contemporary Art–Wausau Club

Saturday, Oct. 24: The Wausau Club’s ballroom gets lit with candles for two very different shows from the Listeso String Quartet. Halloween Classics covers “Thriller,” the themes from Halloween, Ghostbusters and Beetlejuice, the Psycho prelude and “Danse Macabre.” Each concert runs about an hour, doors open 45 minutes early and there’s no late entry, so don’t cut it close. Ages 8 and up. Tickets go through Fever and aren’t sold at the door. 6:30 pm and 8:45 pm shows. From $31. See the event pages for Halloween Classics for more and for tickets.

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In Brief

• Pumpkin Carving (Wednesdays, Oct. 21 & 28), 6 pm Wednesday, Oct. 21 at Greenheck Turner Community Center

• Wausau: Celebrate Wisconsin’s Bats, 6:30 pm Wednesday, Oct. 21 at Marathon County Public Library—Wausau Headquarters

• Moonbadger Fall Series, 7 pm Wednesday, Oct. 21 at Faraway Place

• Trivia, 7 pm Wednesday, Oct. 21 at The Glass Hat

• Trivia Night, 7 pm Wednesday, Oct. 21 at Mosinee Brewing Company

• Needles, Hooks, and Hops, 3 pm Thursday, Oct. 22 at Uncommon Pints

• Ghosts in the Cellar Haunted Art Workshop (2nd night), 6 pm Thursday, Oct. 22 at The Story Cellar

• Haunted Corn Maze (Thursday–Saturday, Oct. 22–24), 7 pm Thursday, Oct. 22 at Willow Springs Garden

• Open Mic w/ Caleb Delaney, 8 pm Thursday, Oct. 22 at Faraway Place

• Karaoke with Jim, 9 pm Thursday, Oct. 22 at The Glass Hat

• Gardens at Twilight – Kid’s Night, 5 pm Friday, Oct. 23 at Monk Botanical Gardens

• Hometown Broadway Fundraiser Gala, 6 pm Friday, Oct. 23 at Hilton Garden Inn

• Local Heroes Live, 7 pm Friday, Oct. 23 at The Glass Hat

• Line Dance Lessons, 7 pm Friday, Oct. 23 at Mosinee Brewing Company

• Wausau: Bat Explorers, 11 am Saturday, Oct. 24 at Marathon County Public Library—Wausau Headquarters

• Wausau: J.R.R. Tolkien Oral History Collection Interviews, 12:30 pm and 2:30 pm Saturday, Oct. 24 at Marathon County Public Library—Wausau Headquarters

• Trunk or Treat, 3 pm Saturday, Oct. 24 at Christ Lutheran Church

• The Alchemist’s Workshop: Tea Blends & Tinctures, 3:30 pm Saturday, Oct. 24 at Shelves of Aeaea

• Witches and Warlocks Pub Crawl, 6 pm Saturday, Oct. 24 at Nevermore on Third and The Glass Hat

• Annual Halloween Bash with Knock Point, 7 pm Saturday, Oct. 24 at Homestead on 52

• Mattea Joy Live, 7 pm Saturday, Oct. 24 at J&P’s Tippling House

• Mike McAbee Live, 7 pm Saturday, Oct. 24 at The Glass Hat

• Barely Breath’n, 7:30 pm Saturday, Oct. 24 at Cheeks Bar and Grill

• Get Loud! w/ Mia Brown and the Get Down (The Women’s Community), 8 pm Saturday, Oct. 24 at Faraway Place

• Barefoot, 8 pm Saturday, Oct. 24 at The Intermission Bar

• One Dan Man Band, 9 pm Saturday, Oct. 24 at Nevermore on Third

• Polka & Da Pack, noon Sunday, Oct. 25 at Faraway Place

• Children’s Trick-or-Treat Corn Maze & Halloween Party, 1 pm Sunday, Oct. 25 at Willow Springs Garden

• Blossom of Lights at the Monk Gardens, 5 pm Monday, Oct. 26 at Monk Botanical Gardens

• Fall Into Our Sensory Sensitive Night, 5–7 pm Tuesday, Oct. 27 at Children's Imaginarium

• Wausau: Leaf Stamp Painting, 4 pm Tuesday, Oct. 27 at Marathon County Public Library—Wausau Headquarters

• Trivia Night, 7 pm Tuesday, Oct. 27 at Uncommon Pints

• Spooky Open Mic w/ Jake Ramsey, 9 pm Tuesday, Oct. 27 at Nevermore on Third

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A Mountain Bay Metro Police officer entered Sakura Spa in Schofield in February 2024 after authorities received an anonymous tip on Feb. 7 of that year.

The tipster told officers that a worker had touched their genitals on three occasions. The tipster said they refused twice and regretted the time they allowed it, according to the criminal complaint.

The undercover officer’s experience was different. The employee didn’t ask but simply started touching the officer inappropriately, then offered special services for an extra $20, according to the criminal complaint.

The officer said he’d make another appointment and left. The complaint says Wang arranged the massage in question but did not perform it or participate in the touching.

Police continued investigating and conducting surveillance, ultimately arresting Sakura Spa’s operator, who now faces prostitution-related charges.

Lihua Wang was arrested on Tuesday, Oct. 13, according to jail log records. The arrest caught my attention because the main charge is one I don’t typically see in the jail roster: keeping a place of prostitution, a Class H felony under Wisconsin statutes. She also faces prostitution-masturbation, pandering-solicitation and fourth-degree sexual assault as party to a crime.

Though Wang was arrested on Tuesday, prosecutors didn’t file the criminal complaint until Friday afternoon.

Although the charges are new, it’s not the first time police have suspected some places in the area were offering illegal sexual services.

The Wausau Police Department addressed those concerns back in 2020. A massage therapist said she’d performed massages for 16 years without getting requests of a sexual nature, then started getting a significant number of them after taking over the business. Some 60% of massage therapists at the time said they knew of a business providing extra services.

To address this, Capt. Benjamin Graham said police would start making unannounced stops at these businesses to check whether everyone providing massage therapy was licensed by the state.

Since that time, no major news story broke similar to the Sakura Spa story. A search revealed an April 2021 incident involving prostitution-related citations after a guest at a Weston hotel reported that he’d paid for massage services and not received them—though he later revealed to police that he’d found the woman on a prostitution website.

The Wausonian reached out to Graham to inquire whether those license inspections ever happened, how frequently and whether anything had resulted from them.

The Wausonian then received the following response from Lt. Jacob Chittum of the Wausau Police Department:

Thank you for your email and your concern. At this time, I cannot share many details regarding potential active investigations that may or may not be connected to Mountain Bay’s investigation.

There have been prior license checks and violations. We have also coordinated with the Department of Safety and Professional Services during some of those checks and investigations. We have encountered cases in Wausau where individuals were working without the proper license. It is also common for owners to move employees from other areas of the state or country after a violation occurs at their establishment.

These investigations can be complex and often extend beyond simple licensing violations. The network of individuals involved is typically extensive, with connections across the country.

If criminal referrals or arrests are made involving massage businesses, we would likely issue a corresponding press release.

The Wausonian plans to request records to find out how many licenses had been inspected and potentially revoked as a result of the 2020 policy.

Investigators say Sakura Spa was advertised in the escort section of a website called Skipthegames.eu.

The Wausonian found advertisements listing another Wausau business address and several others in central Wisconsin when reviewing the site Monday afternoon. The listings alone don’t establish who placed the ads or whether illegal activity occurred at those addresses.

Wang told police that she’d sort of inherited the business—the people who previously ran it returned to China and had visa issues that prevented them from coming back to the United States. She said she began running the spa during the pandemic, though she never purchased it.

She said she charged $70 an hour for massages and would pay an employee $30 from each massage and keep $40. Or the whole $70 if she performed it. Investigators described the business as operating primarily through cash transactions.

According to the complaint, Wang estimated that she was paid to masturbate seven or eight customers a month and said she had been working at the massage location since about 2016. Police estimated in the criminal complaint that she would have performed those acts 840 to 960 times based on that monthly estimate over roughly a decade—not a count of individually documented encounters.

Wang allegedly didn’t have a license to perform massages in Wisconsin and told police she was licensed in China but not here, according to the complaint.

Wang was released Thursday, Oct. 15, on a $2,000 cash bond, according to online court records.

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While in the courthouse for another matter last week, I checked in on the case involving the Mosinee Fire District, the former Mosinee Fire Chief and myself (unofficially — only the district and the former chief are named).

Unless I am reading things wrong, The Wausonian won.

According to online court records, Marathon County Judge Michael Moran denied former Mosinee Fire Chief Adam Grahn’s request for an injunction blocking release of the records.

The Wausonian requested those records after receiving Grahn’s separation agreement that appeared to end an ongoing investigation into his conduct. He resigned effective Sept. 30, 2025.

Grahn’s argument, according to the petition filed in court, is that the allegations against him were false, unsubstantiated and unproven, and that allowing them to be made public would cause him reputational harm.

According to the court record, Grahn and the Mosinee Fire District made their arguments on Tuesday, and in the end Moran denied the petition.

The Mosinee Fire District’s attorney attempted to contact me but for some reason wasn’t able to reach me by email. I was included in a group email by a mutual professional acquaintance, and I replied to both, and haven’t heard anything yet.

According to the record, the district’s attorney would prepare a proposed order for the court. When I searched the record last week, nothing had been filed in the court records. The case is still listed as open.

Kronenwetter could heat up again this week

I have a few interesting items I am looking at with Kronenwetter, but couldn’t get the reporting to a place where I am comfortable yet. Expect more on that later in the week.

But in the meantime, a meeting Monday night in Kronenwetter could get interesting.

The village plans to hold a question-and-answer session about a proposed nonmetallic mine in Kronenwetter.

Oddly, there doesn’t seem to be any notice of this Q&A session outside of a possible quorum notice for village board, committee and commission members. The Q&A session is planned for 5:30 pm Monday, and the Plan Commission meets at 6 pm that evening. So it should be short.

I haven’t found a separate announcement on the village’s Facebook page or in its posted meeting materials.

The reason for that isn’t clear. The village has been without a permanent clerk — although the village’s new clerk is supposed to start today.

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When Mayor Doug Diny campaigned for the office of mayor, he made a promise that he would fix the city’s roads. He had a large poster board graphic highlighting the poor conditions of some of Wausau’s roads. It sat in his living room when I interviewed him for a story about the race.

Now that Diny has been in office for more than two years, I thought it would be an interesting exercise to crunch some numbers to see if roads had significantly improved under his leadership, testing whether the campaign promise actually came true.

The nice thing is that we don’t have to rely on vibes here, on looking at a road and saying “well, gee, that doesn’t look so good.” Road crews use a rating system called PASER, which grades pavement from 1 to 10 based on its visible condition. Higher is better.

The not-so-great thing: the reports are compiled every two years, and most of the data is historic.

So we gathered the 2023 and 2025 reports from Wisconsin’s local-road database, WISLR, which contains road information local governments report to the state. Unfortunately, the data from 2023 mostly comes from 2021 and some from 2022, and the 2025 report mostly contains data from 2024. None of it is from 2025.

So that means the data available wouldn’t really reflect much of Diny’s time in office, and therefore wouldn’t say much about whether he had a positive impact on the roads.

But that doesn’t mean we didn’t gather some very interesting data about the condition of Wausau’s roads, and whether they’re getting better or worse.

The picture is mixed. In our analysis of paved city roads in those files, the average rating slipped slightly, from 5.88 to 5.84. Miles rated 2 — near the bottom of the scale — increased from roughly 6.5 to 11.3. But the total rated 3 or lower stayed almost flat, at about 39 miles.

And when we contacted Public Works Director Eric Lindman, his information, which came from GIS maps and not the spreadsheets sent to the state, painted a different picture. That further complicates the picture.

Funny enough, the road my driveway is on came out worst in our ranking. Lead service line work has since torn up the already banged-up road even more, though these older ratings wouldn’t necessarily capture that.

But first, here are the ten worst roads by PASER rating among streets with at least half a mile of rated pavement in our analysis.

So which streets came out worst? Below: the ten-street ranking, what Diny and Lindman say about the city’s approach, and why the city’s figures don’t match our analysis of the state records.

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If a proposed budget ultimately passes, the village of Weston will be spending $1.125 million more in 2027 than it did in 2026.

The village of Weston’s proposed budget includes some $10.79 million, an 11.64% increase from $9.67 million in 2026. That covers village operations, but not capital or utilities.

Staff members say some of that increase includes moving expenses between funds or changes in accounting presentations, but the village also faces a number of increases in its budget.

Everything you need to know about the village of Weston 2027 budget

• TIF closure helps: Much like Wausau, the village of Weston closed a TIF district this year. That brings in an additional $732,852 in levy capacity, meaning the amount the village is allowed to add to its property tax levy. The closure also returns the former TIF property value to the regular tax rolls, where it is shared among the village and other taxing jurisdictions. Net new construction adds another roughly $95,000 in levy capacity. Municipalities are typically able to increase their levy based on net new construction, subject to certain exceptions and adjustments.

• Fire expenses go up: Weston’s share of funding the SAFER Fire District goes up in 2027. Weston will now spend about $1.9 million instead of $1.48 million, a 28.7% increase. That increase comes largely from the village’s share of SAFER’s three new firefighters. A Weston referendum last spring that would have added $600,000 to the village levy to fund its share of six additional firefighter/paramedics failed at the polls. Weston instead is upping its spending to cover the three additional firefighters it shares with Rib Mountain without adding additional the tax levy that the referendum specifically would have allowed.

• Borrowing approval, barely: The Wausonian already reported on this, but the board approved a roughly $13.01 million borrowing package by the narrow vote of 4-3. It covers two years of capital borrowing, as Weston does its borrowing in two-year increments. That came after the original $13.11 million proposal failed — Barb Ermeling voted in favor of the revised package after $100,000 for pedestrian bridge lighting was removed. The borrowing debate sparked a bigger conversation about how much the village is spending and how much flexibility staff should have. There was also talk about work deferrals, but staff cautioned that could eventually lead to reduced state transportation aid.

• Garbage could cost you more: Weston officials are considering an increase to the fee it charges Weston residents for garbage and recycling. That’s because fuel costs are increasing and the village’s garbage fund is running down. Right now the village charges $205.50 — but increases to $225, $230 or $236 are being considered. The board could take up the final rate at its Oct. 19 budget workshop.

• Sewer too?: The regional treatment provider is expected to charge Weston about $100,000 more in 2027. Treatment plant upgrades could add even more pressure. Neither the board nor staff discussed any specific rate of increase, though staff has said a sewer rate increase is likely.

• The village aims to pay its employees more: The village board at its Oct. 5 meeting approved increases to employee pay. The plan provides a 1% increase and directs additional money toward employees whose pay is below market, with performance reviews also used in determining how the money is distributed. The option the board chose would add $156,520 to the budget. The board also separately approved a 2% increase in the village’s pay scale. That adjustment changes the pay ranges but does not automatically give employees another 2% raise.

• Net new construction dropped again: The net new construction in the village of Weston has dropped again for 2026, the third straight year it has done so. That comes after an enormous spike in 2022 and 2023.

• Health insurance costs skyrocketed: Village staff put together the budget assuming health care premiums would increase 10%. Instead, the renewal came in 19.9% higher. Staff members are hoping to make some plan adjustments to stay within the budgeted 10% increase instead.

• Reserves are getting a little high: Members of the board and Finance Committee are considering using some of the village’s reserve funds for one-time projects. The village had $3.63 million in available reserves at the end of 2025, equal to about 37.6% of the following year’s operating budget, above the village’s typical target of between 20% and 33.33%. Nothing there has been approved yet.

Weston’s budget challenges echo those of other municipalities, in that everyone is facing rising costs while revenue has not kept pace.

Unlike Wausau or Marathon County’s budgets, though, Weston hasn’t yet disclosed a finalized overall village tax rate. That typically changes as the budget is refined and things are added or removed. Staff has hinted that the rate will drop, but that likely won’t come out until at least the Oct. 19 meeting.

As we’ve pointed out in our other budget pieces, a dropping tax rate doesn’t necessarily mean your tax bill will drop. The total tax bill contains shares from the county, municipality, school district, technical college and other taxing jurisdictions. And outside of that, changes in property values can impact the bill as well.

Still, the rate going down is always better than it going up, from the tax bill perspective.

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City leaders pushed an initiative to replace the city’s lead service lines using federal funding.

But then, as the grant and loan mixture started to change as more municipalities started to apply for them, there was talk that some residents might have to fund their private-side lead lines after all, whereas others already had theirs replaced without cost.

But city leaders Tuesday decided that wasn’t fair. The City Council voted unanimously Tuesday to fund [the private-side replacement costs not covered by grants or principal forgiveness under the funded program].

That’s the good news; the bad news is that gap is expected to be $4.5 million in 2027 (with the final amount depending on funding awards and construction bids).

But putting those costs on homeowners wouldn’t have been fair, some council members argued, since not every household had access to the lead line replacements. “We felt it’s better for the city to take that on so that the program is equitable and fair to all of the residents who have not had the opportunity to get their lead service lines replaced in a timely manner, either because of scheduling or because of location, of census tract, et cetera,” Council Member Michael Martens says.

Consultants for the city told the council they expect to complete more than 3,500 lines by the end of the year, and say that leaves 2,800 to 2,900 remaining. The work replaces water service pipes connecting homes to the city’s water mains.

The City Council also passed an ordinance mandating lead line replacement, with one no vote.

It’s budget season! The Wausonian brought you a look at Marathon County’s budget previously and now we dug into Wausau’s last weekend (with Weston coming tomorrow):

And subscribers also learned more about the numbers of structure fires increasing in Wausau among other news in our Three Things to Start Your Week feature:

What else in Wausau?

Friday hours shut down at committee: The Wausonian in our Three Things feature this week talked about a push to extend summer hours with half-day Fridays year-round. Well, that’s been nixed. The city’s Human Resources Committee voted unanimously against the idea. And the committee gave some thought to extended evening hours to make it easier for residents to access City Hall, but took no action on that Monday. “While I completely understand the desire for flexibility and appreciate that the staff would be maintaining their total hours, our primary responsibility is to the public,” committee member Terry Kilian says. “Residents and local business owners expect our offices to be accessible during standard business hours, including Friday afternoons.”

Push it to the middle gets traction: Residents of the Southeast Side and Highland Park neighborhoods scored a win this week as the push for plow drivers to “push it to the middle” got unanimous approval from the City Council Tuesday, following the Infrastructure Committee’s approval late last week. The policy permits counterflow plowing when safe, with the intent of pushing snow toward center boulevards during full plowing operations while retaining discretion for safety and operating conditions. Advocates say the city used to plow snow on boulevard streets toward the boulevard instead of to the curb, and that the change to curbside plowing led to blocked driveways, narrowed streets, visibility problems and difficulties for elderly and disabled residents.

Travel Guard founder John Noel dead: Plover business leader John Noel died Sept. 30, according to an obituary published about him. Noel founded Travel Guard International and built it into an international powerhouse. He’s also responsible for Noel Group, Marathon Travel, MultiNational Underwriters, MyAssist, Insure America, Compass Properties, and Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection. Compass Properties until a recent sale to Lokre managed several downtown Wausau properties, such as the Third Street Lifestyle Center and many of the buildings on Third Street. He was 78.

Police make arrest in Schofield Coin and Hobby burglary: A 50-year-old New Jersey man was arrested following an investigation into an apparent burglary at Schofield Coin and Hobby. Soren Beech is facing one felony count of burglary after police say he broke into the Jamar Street store on Sunday morning. According to police reports, Beech was only inside the building a short time before setting off the alarm, which caused him to flee the scene. Beech is currently free on a $1,000 signature bond.

Around the metro

County searching for new supervisor: Marathon County is searching for a new county board supervisor, according to a recent news release. Chantelle Foote resigned from District No. 9, which covers parts of western Wausau and the town of Stettin. Foote in her resignation email obtained by The Wausonian said her husband retired and they plan on living elsewhere during the winter. The county is currently taking applications for her replacement.

Weston gets tire distributor from Rib Mountain: A tire distributor has been approved to move from Rib Mountain to Weston. The village’s Plan Commission Monday approved U.S. AutoForce moving to 6002 Saxon Avenue in Weston, bringing seven employees to the village [subject to completion of the village’s environmental review and other conditions]. But that approval came in the face of concerns from residents about noise and additional traffic; the facility would see semitrailers arrive around 1 am, with delivery trucks generally departing between 6 and 7 am, though some longer routes could leave earlier.

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Business

Venado opened in new downtown spot: Venado Wine Bar opened Tuesday in the spot formerly occupied by Forward Beverage. Forward Beverage is continuing its operations but will no longer operate a storefront, according to an announcement the business made over the summer.

Entertainment

Gunshine doesn’t mess around — it’s still of rock is straightforward, heavy and seems designed to work up a crowd. They’ll make their way to the Q&Z Expo Center today, but that’s not all this weekend with more fall events, a garden light show, some heavy music at Nevermore and so much more this weekend in Your Wausome Weekend Guide.

Sports

Football: D.C. Everest beat Eau Claire Memorial 28-6 Friday, but still remains in third place in the Wisconsin Valley Conference. The Warriors are tied with the Evergreens with one conference game left in the season this Friday.

Volleyball: D.C. Everest picked up three wins at the Wisconsin Valley Conference Tournament Saturday, helping the team remain in first place in the Wisconsin Valley Conference. The Evergreens beat Wisconsin Rapids and Wausau West in three straight sets, but needed all five sets to defeat Marshfield, including two 27-25 sets. As long as the Evergreens can beat last-place Wausau East today, they will retain the Wisconsin Valley Conference title.

Boys soccer: D.C. Everest earned its first tie Tuesday against Wausau East, with each team scoring once. But that wasn’t enough to knock the Evergreens out of first in the Wisconsin Valley Conference standings. SPASH, three points behind D.C. Everest, could still finish on top if the team wins both its remaining games (one is a makeup game from earlier) or finishes with a win and a tie.

Girls tennis: D.C. Everest will have three players in the WIAA state tennis tournament today. Singles player Mikaela Hawley will join doubles players Brynn Kampmann and Athena Thor in making the trip to Nielsen Tennis Stadium in Madison.

Email me tips 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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Gunshine doesn’t mess around — it’s still of rock is straightforward, heavy and seems designed to work up a crowd. They’ll make their way to the Q&Z Expo Center today, but that’s not all this weekend with more fall events, a garden light show, some heavy music at Nevermore and so much more this weekend in Your Wausome Weekend Guide.

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Gunshine

Q&Z Expo Center

Thursday, Oct. 15: It’s been a while since we covered something at the Q&Z Expo, but when they host a band, you have a pretty good idea of what to expect: The guitars will be distorted and the sound heavy. And that’s the case with Gunshine, a hard-hitting hard rock band from the panhandle of Florida. The band claims on their website that they’re a no-frills, straightforward rock act, and after giving them a listen, it’s hard to argue otherwise. 7 pm. $17.85. See the event page for more and for tickets.

Blossom of Lights

Monk Botanical Garden

Friday, Oct. 16: I tried to go to one of these kinds of events in Milwaukee once, and it was so packed they turned us around on the road. So it’s good that Monk Botanical Gardens has been hosting a similar event, in which the gardens are lit up with beautiful light displays to peruse as you make your way through the garden in the evening. It’s a sight to behold. Blossom of Lights opens Friday. 5–9 pm. See the event page for full schedule and times.

Sweetalk, Cruel Kaiser and Zippnutts

Nevermore on Third

Friday, Oct. 16: Sweetalk describes itself as post-grunge, or at least the flier for the event does, but this Green Bay power trio has a strong hard rock bite to it, while playing with melodies that reach outside its genre. Listen for yourself here. Joining them for this rock show at the gothic-themed Nevermore on Third are Cruel Kaiser, a newly formed power trio out of Wausau making their Nevermore debut, and Zippnutts, a — sorry, checking my notes — scrap metal band. If head-banging is still in your repertoire of things that you do, you’ll probably be at this show. 9:30 pm. See the event page for more.

Wausau Ghost Tours

Wausau Elks Lodge

Friday, Oct. 16: Some of Wausau’s best-known locations are also said to be haunted. The old/new Wausau Club; the old Rogers Theater, which became The Fillmor and then a church; and even the Elks Lodge! Wausau Paranormal Research Society (fun fact: I went to the first-ever meeting of the group in my 20s) is leading these ghost tours, and they ought to be a fun time for anyone interested in Wausau history and the figures of that history who might still be milling around in these old haunts. Start times of 6, 7, and 8 pm, with another set next Friday. See the event page for more details.

Route 66 Corn Maze

Willow Springs Garden

Sunday, Oct. 18: Oh, did you think we were done with pumpkin spice season? Reader, we are not. And the latest fall activity is this corn maze at Willow Springs Garden on Sunday. This one is Route 66-themed, to celebrate the 100th year of the road’s history, and your kids can enjoy wagon rides, train rides, cornhole, a campfire and more at this great fall event. Personally I just enjoy an excuse to see the big round barn. This is the last Sunday for the regular daytime maze, so go see it and be amazed. 10 am-6 pm. See the event page for more details.

Alex Dalnodar, Kevin Troestler and Chase and Cassandra Williams

The Glass Hat

Sunday, Oct. 18: Kevin Troestler is one of those musicians who deserves to be a lot bigger than he is. The under-the-radar country singer is one of the Wausau area’s best-kept secrets, but likely not for long. Joining him are Alex Dalnodar and Chase and Cassandra Williams. This ought to be a great way to spend a Sunday listening to some stellar music. So don’t miss it at The Glass Hat, which is now under new ownership.

&$%# The Speakers Up

CW Fly Bags

Saturday, Oct. 17: This one is one of the more interesting events to come across my radar for two reasons. One, it’s an EDM show, something we haven’t highlighted much around here; and two, it’s at CW Fly Bags, which I hadn’t heard of until I saw this event. Apparently, it’s ordinarily a building where people play cornhole. Huh! But on Oct. 17 it’ll transform into a “low-frequency wonderland,” and if PLURR vibes and Kandi trades mean anything to you, you’ve probably already bought your tickets. This one is for those 21 and older. 9 pm. $15. See the event page for more.

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In Brief

• LAST 2026 Pizza on the Patio, 6 pm Wednesday, Oct. 14 at Willow Springs Garden

• Sea Glass Jewelry Class, 6:30 pm Wednesday, Oct. 14 at Willow Springs Garden

• Moonbadger Fall Series @ Faraway Place, 7 pm Wednesday, Oct. 14 at Faraway Place

• Trivia @ The Glass Hat, 7 pm Wednesday, Oct. 14 at The Glass Hat

• Trivia Night, 7 pm Wednesday, Oct. 14 at Mosinee Brewing Company

• Wausau: The History of Skiing in Marathon County, 6:30 pm Thursday, Oct. 15 at Marathon County Public Library—Wausau Headquarters

• Poetry Open Mic, 5 pm Thursday, Oct. 15 at Center For The Visual Arts

• Wausau: Teen One-Shot Adventure: The Man Who Casts No Shadow, 5 pm Thursday, Oct. 15 at Marathon County Public Library—Wausau Headquarters

• Ghosts in the Cellar Haunted Art Workshop!, 6 pm Thursday, Oct. 15 at The Story Cellar

• Open Mic w/ Caleb Delaney, 8 pm Thursday, Oct. 15 at Faraway Place

• Karaoke with Jim at The Glass Hat, 9 pm Thursday, Oct. 15 at The Glass Hat

• Blossom of Lights, 5 pm Friday, Oct. 16 at Monk Botanical Gardens

• The BREWERY COMEDY TOUR, 8 pm Friday, Oct. 16 at Mosinee Brewing Company

• Underground S&L Productions, 9 pm Friday, Oct. 16 at The Garage Wausau

• Tattoo You WI (Friday–Sunday, Oct. 16–18), 8 am Friday, Oct. 16 at Central Wisconsin Convention & Expo Center

• Wausau: Book Sale: Friends Members Only, 9:30 am Saturday, Oct. 17 at Marathon County Public Library—Wausau Headquarters

• Cribbage Tournament @ Uncommon Pints, 12:30 pm Saturday, Oct. 17 at Uncommon Pints

• The joe g. duo @ The Mish, 9 pm Saturday, Oct. 17 at The Intermission Bar

• Beyond Asana: Introduction to Yogic Philosophy, 3 pm Saturday, Oct. 17 at Shelves of Aeaea

• Doubles Cribbage Tournament!, 5 pm Saturday, Oct. 17 at Nevermore on Third

• 2026 Costumed Guided Ghost Tours, 5:30 pm Saturday, Oct. 17 at Wausau Elks Lodge

• Noah James Hittner, 6 pm Saturday, Oct. 17 at Mosinee Brewing Company

• The Cheese Doodles, 7 pm Saturday, Oct. 17 at The Garage Wausau

• Krazy Knights @Homestead on 52, 7 pm Saturday, Oct. 17 at Homestead on 52

• Mattea Joy LIVE @ the Glass Hat, 8 pm Saturday, Oct. 17 at The Glass Hat

• Wausau Symphony and Band: An October Overture, 3 pm Sunday, Oct. 18 at First Presbyterian Church

• Nostalgia Cartoons, 11 am Sunday, Oct. 18 at J&P’s Tippling House

• LIVE Music Bingo With Caleb and Emily!, 12 pm Sunday, Oct. 18 at Faraway Place

• Music Bingo @ Mosinee Brewing!, 1 pm Sunday, Oct. 18 at Mosinee Brewing Company

• Open Mic w/ Jake Ramsey, 9 pm Tuesday, Oct. 20 at Nevermore on Third

  ---

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Firefighters in Wausau Saturday responded to another structure fire. Crews were able to respond to the fire quickly at 1:24 pm and put it out before it fully engulfed the building, according to a city press release.

That fire comes as the number of fires and other non-EMS calls Wausau Fire Department has been responding to have been on the rise recently.

Just in terms of non-EMS calls on a yearly basis, that number was 677 in 2022. In 2025, that number rose to 866.

And the department has responded to 45 fire incidents in the first half of 2026. That’s a lot, considering the department responded to a total of 73 fire calls in all of 2025.

Fire calls this year included Dave Junion’s studio, a garage fire, house fires, and even a fatal house fire.

A common saying about modern fire departments is that they’re often ambulance services first, since that’s the majority of calls.

And while that’s certainly still true, fire calls are taking up more of Wausau FD’s time this year, and [structure fires can require considerably more personnel and apparatus than routine EMS calls]. Saturday’s fire involved all three stations, for instance.

It’ll be interesting to observe the impact that brings.

City hall aims to make summer hours permanent

City hall is already a little challenging for people to get to after work. Now city leaders want to narrow that policy further.

Read more

City Council Member Tom Neal brought up eliminating the cameras from the police department’s budget in 2027. And Matt Hoenecke agreed.

City council seats are technically nonpartisan positions. But Neal is one of four candidates who received support from a left-wing political action group last cycle. That same PAC also supported Hoenecke’s opponent, Lisa Rasmussen, in the spring election.

But both opposed the use of Flock cameras. Hoenecke cited privacy concerns and potential misuse. And council member Vicki Tierney said she wanted to see more information about the safeguards in place with the use of the cameras.

That has the potential to be a fight as the city’s 2027 budget moves from the Finance Committee to the full council for approval. Police Chief Matt Barnes cautioned that the city’s contract runs through the end of 2028, and simply removing the funding might not eliminate its payment obligations.

As we did with Marathon County last week, in this post we will break down everything we know so far about Wausau’s budget for 2027.

What we know so far about the 2027 Wausau budget

Good news/bad news: The good news is that city expenditures are projected to decrease next year, from $171.33 million this year to $158.43 million, a drop of 7.53%. The bad news? The actual levy increases from $38.06 million to $40.63 million, and the tax rate is expected to climb from $8.84 to $9.24 per $1,000. That amounts to about $80 more on a property whose assessed value stays at $200,000, or roughly $100 if its assessed value also increases 1%, as assumed in the city’s example. About half the levy increase (56%) is from the referendum allowing for additional spending on firefighters.

Employee costs are adding up: The city for next year is including a 3% cost-of-living raise for nonunion employees and 4% for public safety and transit employees, according to the budget presentation. Insurance costs increased 9.6% for next year. One thing that’s helping: The city is saving about $410,000 from managed vacancies on top of the $300,000 already built in to account for vacant positions.

Police budget increases: Despite operating with 80 officers instead of 81, the police department’s spending is expected to grow $307,445 next year, a 2.12% increase. That’s despite the police department cutting its community service officer program in half, saving $45,000. And it will save another $45,000 by bringing the crossing guard program back in-house, which it did earlier this year. Not immediately filling vacancies from retirements could also alleviate some of those costs. Another measure Barnes is hoping to accomplish in the next school resource officer agreement: Get the Wausau School District to cover the full school-year cost of the officers — right now it pays 75% of that cost, with the city also covering the summer months.

Fire department spending goes up more: Spending for the FD will rise $720,313 next year, a 6.31% increase. The department hasn’t filled an operations division chief position, has another retirement coming that would allow a position to remain vacant temporarily, and has six firefighter positions currently sitting empty. The department is working to fill those firefighter vacancies. It also proposed cutting down on conferences and travel, and using a robotic mower instead of spending $10,000 on contracted mowing.

Want more budget news? See our coverage of the County’s proposed budget:

An administrator position is included in the budget: The city held a town hall about the potential of Wausau having an administrator — and the budget includes $150,000 in case that’s something the city decides to do. Mayor Doug Diny said the position would still need approval, with a possible start around May or June. The allocation shouldn’t be read as a proposed annual salary. Not everyone was on board with the idea of budgeting for it before the city underwent an organizational audit. On Wednesday, Hoenecke proposed removing the $150,000 as part of a broader general-fund spending reduction. The committee did not approve that change that night.

Another position?: There was also concern about a $100,000 allocation for a new HR position. Council member Sarah Watson questioned that, saying the position had already been rejected and would need to go through the approval process again.

Parks proposes small cuts: The city’s parks department is proposing some cuts as costs increase a little less than $42,000. The department’s proposed budget includes keeping two pools open each weekday and all three on weekends, with pools rotating their closures during the week. No downtown hanging flower baskets in the operating budget, though the committee could again choose to fund them with room tax money. Only five docks at the wharf instead of seven, along with reduced seasonal staffing. But the small park projects budget would increase from $81,000 to $105,000, allowing the department to tackle more deferred maintenance projects.

The $1 special event fee didn’t bring in enough to cover expenses: In last year’s budget, the city implemented a $1-per-ticket fee to recover some costs from city workers, including police and public works. Groat reported $33,278 in collections, with collection work still underway, but council members questioned whether that was enough to cover the costs associated with helping at the events. No increase to the $1 ticket fee was proposed at the meeting.

A new pet fee?: Watson proposed a $25 license fee for spayed or neutered dogs and cats, with a $10 discount for microchipped pets. Her proposal was a lower-fee alternative to the proposed $30 rate, with remaining shortfalls covered by the animal control fund’s reserves while the city takes another year to study its funding model. The proposed budget already anticipates using $24,854 from that fund’s reserves for 2027.

Wednesday’s meeting added a lot

I expected Wednesday’s meeting to mostly be about discussing what was already on the table, but many new proposals came to the floor Wednesday evening.

Finance Director Maryanne Groat suggested the city move $2.18 million in road projects to TIF funding. That would include reconstructing South 11th Avenue, design work for 17th Avenue and $300,000 for asphalt overlays. Groat estimated that could shift roughly $275,000 in annual debt payments off the general levy, though it would require an amendment to TID 8’s project plan.

She also suggested gradually phasing out borrowing for recurring street improvements, putting them on the levy instead. (Which reduces interest costs associated with borrowing the funds.) Her suggestion was to add $130,000 annually, with an inflation adjustment, to move roughly $1.3 million in recurring improvements to cash funding over ten years.

Groat also proposed moving some special revenue funds into the general fund to take advantage of more than $300,000 in room under the city’s expenditure-restraint limit. That would build up the base used to calculate allowable spending growth in future years, rather than create new levy capacity.

City council member Matt Hoenecke proposed capping borrowing at $17 million–$18 million, deferring roughly $4.2 million–$5.2 million in projects and shaving 1% off general-fund spending, about $500,000. Hoenecke said the goal was to reduce outstanding debt by $1 million or at least hold it steady. He sought more information on legal requirements, immediate safety needs and whether deferral would substantially increase costs. Hoenecke specifically asked about delaying Ethel Street reconstruction until 2028. Public works staff cautioned that deferring projects would push back other streets in the schedule and increase maintenance needs.

Other projects that came up included spending $700,000 for repairs to the former Sears parking ramp; replacement of the air conditioning in the Jefferson Street ramp; $150,000 for downtown/Forest Street preliminary engineering for a future road project; just over $600,000 for MBX South demolition and associated work, with a possible $250,000 WEDC grant; and some site preparation and marketing work at the business campus.

Groat also flagged a future budget pressure: Environmental-cleanup reserves are shrinking now that insurance-annuity payments have ended. Eventually, she said, those costs will need levy support.

As of press time, the city’s Finance Committee has not yet approved the budget, and it postponed Thursday’s planned budget meeting to allow more time to prepare amendments and gather more information. And nothing is final until the Finance Committee and then the City Council approved the final version.

But this is where the 2027 Wausau budget currently stands.

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Several years ago the city of Wausau joined numerous other municipalities in class action lawsuits against the manufacturers of PFAS.

That paid off, as the city is slated to receive millions from PFAS settlements with potentially more to come.

And, as the city’s Waterworks Commission discussed Tuesday, that could help ratepayers.

The money could be put toward capital improvements that would help limit future water rate hikes, something PFAS contributed to in the first place because of the need for more equipment to filter those chemicals from the water.

But the Department of Natural Resources might have other ideas. Staff told the commission that the DNR told the utility it needs to use at least half that money to pay down the loan for the granular activated carbon treatment system (i.e., fancy PFAS filter), which also received emerging-contaminant funding.

Wausau and other municipalities are questioning that requirement. City staff say using the money for new projects instead could avoid borrowing at higher rates than the existing loan.

“There’s a pretty big question not only from us but other municipalities on whether they can actually do that, right?” Public Works Director Eric Lindman says. “How they would have any control over what those settlement funds are.”

An out-of-control washing machine sparked a lawsuit, and that’s just one of many cases in our latest Full Court Press feature, covering the county’s civil court cases:

And it’s budget season at The Wausonian! This is our first in what will be coverage of several municipal budgets this year:

What else in Wausau?

Police arrest two boys in gun incident outside John Muir: Two 16-year-old boys were arrested last week after police say one of them displayed a gun near the playground of John Muir Middle School. The two boys were walking by the fence while children were at recess and got into a verbal exchange with some of them, police reports say. One of them allegedly lifted his shirt and displayed a gun. Three children alerted school staff and the school resource officer. The two boys were arrested coming out of Marathon Park, police say.

Peoples State Bank to lose 47 jobs: Bank First, which is in the process of acquiring Peoples State Bank, issued a WARN notice late last week as the company plans to eliminate 47 jobs in the Wausau area. The notice is categorized as a workforce reduction, not a facility closure. Bank First agreed to acquire Peoples in May and plans to close on the merger in December after shareholders agreed to the deal in September. The layoffs, which come primarily from the Stewart Avenue location, involve eliminating overlapping positions between the two companies, according to Bank First.

Debate continues on Cleveland Avenue property: The future of city-owned 1300 Cleveland Avenue, south of Thomas Street, continues to be a source of debate. City Council President Terry Kilian says the city is still leaving debris on the site as the city debates what to do with it next and how to clean it up. Residents have expressed a preference for a park or a senior center on the site, but Kilian, who represents that neighborhood, said residents could be open to other uses as long as they’re able to give input. The Economic Development Committee directed staff to draft a deed restriction for consideration in November.

City could share former UWSP campus space with school district: Members of the city’s Economic Development Committee Tuesday recommended a six-month planning and due-diligence agreement for potentially moving the city’s police department to the former campus. But that could potentially involve sharing space with the Wausau School District, staff said. Police Chief Matt Barnes has been involved in discussions, but right now, no agreement has been reached. The move could allow the fire department on Thomas Street to expand to the entire building, avoiding the need for a new building.

Wausau leaf pickup starts next week: Wausau’s leaf pickup starts next week, according to the city map. The pickup will be handled in phases. Check the map for the date for your neighborhood.

Around the metro

County will ask Hub City Wind Farm for a proposal: Marathon County leaders will ask Hub City Wind Farm’s developers for a concrete proposal by Nov. 1 that it can share with townships. That’s the next step in the county addressing an upcoming proposal for a wind farm in the southwest corner of the county by Alliant Energy. The project has been controversial because of concerns about potential noise, pollution, wildlife and property value impacts, among other issues. The request passed with seven no votes, and another seven were absent from the meeting.

Restraining order portal goes live in all 72 Wisconsin counties: An online restraining order portal is now live, according to Wisconsin court officials. The portal, which went live last month, allows people to prepare and submit petitions for domestic abuse and harassment temporary restraining orders without visiting the courthouse to file them.

Mosinee unveils stone honoring former mayor: Mosinee officials hosted an unveiling of a memorial stone honoring former Mayor Pete Nievinski Tuesday. Nievinski died in March, only a month after resigning from office citing health concerns. The memorial stone is installed at City Softball Field in the city.

Weston board approves borrowing after cutting $100k: The Weston Village Board, meeting jointly with the Finance and Human Resources Committee, approved $13.01 million in borrowing — but only after cutting $100,000 for a pedestrian bridge lighting project. The debate was part of a larger budget discussion, which The Wausonian will cover later this week or early next week.

County officials confirm two more measles cases: Two more cases of measles have been identified in Marathon County, bringing the total cases identified in the county to five. County officials identified the first case of measles in Marathon County on Sept. 15. The first case in Wisconsin this year was discovered in January in Waukesha County.

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Business

Whimsy and Wonder eyeing former Bull Falls Radio location: Whimsy and Wonder Toys is planning to move into the corner storefront on Third Street that once housed Bull Falls Radio. The business’ owner says the move is taking longer than expected and a firm date on when the move will occur is currently unknown.

Camp 51 to open in former Campus Pub spot in weeks: Camp 51 Bar, which plans to open in the former Campus Pub on the city’s north side, is expected to be open in a couple of weeks, its new owner says.

Raising Cane’s opens in Rib Mountain to morning line: Dozens were lined up outside of Raising Cane’s in Rib Mountain Monday morning as the business opened in the former Fazoli’s location on Rib Mountain Drive.

Entertainment

John Gay demonstrates the old mantra that appearances can be deceiving. The guy looks like a metal singer but has an angelic, soulful country voice, and he’ll be bringing that to the Mosinee Brewing Company. But we also have a Brad Emanuel Packers Party at Cheeks, a Mexican textile crafting event, an Ice Age Trail hikeathon and much more, all in your Wausome Weekend Guide!

Sports

Football: Wausau West now holds the top spot amongst Wausau area teams in the Wisconsin Valley Conference after a 41-0 win over Eau Claire Memorial. The Warriors are now 3-2 in the conference, third behind SPASH and Marshfield, respectively.

Volleyball: D.C. Everest fended off SPASH in four games to notch another Wisconsin Valley Conference win, putting the team in a tie for first with Marshfield. That comes ahead of the Wisconsin Valley Conference meet this Saturday, held at Wausau East.

Boys soccer: D.C. Everest moved into the lead in the Wisconsin Valley Conference table after a 3-1 win over metro rivals Wausau West. That gave the Evergreens a 5-2 record, with SPASH and Rapids close behind in second place.

Girls tennis: Wausau West played strong all season and did exactly that at Thursday’s Wisconsin Valley Conference meet to close out conference play. The Warriors finished in first with 31 points, edging out SPASH with 25 and Marshfield with 24. The Warriors also took the conference title, with Marshfield in second and SPASH in third. D.C. Everest finished fourth and Wausau East fifth.

Email me tips 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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John Gay demonstrates the old mantra that appearances can be deceiving. The guy looks like a metal signer but has an angelic, soulful country voice, and he’ll be bringing that to the Mosinee Brewing Company. But we also have a Brad Emanuel Packers Party at Cheeks, a Mexican textile crafting event, an Ice Age Trail hikeathon and much more, all in your Wausome Weekend Guide!

Sponsored by

John Gay

Mosinee Brewing Company

Friday, Oct. 9: John Gay has a shockingly powerful voice. I noticed this immediately upon firing up one of his YouTube videos. Gay uses that voice in a style of music that sounds like a blend of bluegrass and old-school outlaw country that works really well. His voice has just enough break to be a shining example of the genre, and is a little surprising since he looks more like he’d be the lead of a metal band. This should make a great show in a brewery with plenty of delicious options to choose from. 6 pm. See the event page for more.

Brad Emanuel

Cheeks Bar and Grill

Sunday, Oct. 11: Brad Emanuel has become quite the musical force in the Wausau area and beyond, and has been a past winner with his band at Hodag. The singer who came up in Wausau has grown a tremendous following, puts together a group of extremely talented musicians for his band and knows how to work a crowd. He’s a professional through and through and often wins area reader survey awards. This is a great chance to see him at Cheeks Bar and Grill, which has a fantastic menu to boot. Come for the Packers/Bears game at noon and stay for the show. 3:30–6:30 pm. See the event page for more.

8th Annual Ice Age Trail Hike-a-thon

Hatley Library

Saturday, Oct. 10: Wisconsin is blessed to have the Ice Age Trail, one of the few trails of its length in the US. And even more so: several of its segments are within the confines of Marathon County. This event will feature sections of the Ringle Segment in a day-long celebration of the trail. With nearly ten miles of trail to explore, refreshments, and boardwalks, kettle ponds and other geological features, plus a shuttle to the start, hiking enthusiasts and those who’d like an intro to the trail won’t want to miss this one. $30 donation. 8 am–4 pm. See event page for details on shuttles, timeframes to start the hike, and more.

Oaxacan Roots, Wisconsin Soil : A Community Weave

Leigh Yawkey Woodson Art Museum Glass Box Studio

Saturday, Oct. 10: In this free community event, participants will learn about the connections between Wisconsin and Mexico through learning about traditional Mexican artmaking. All supplies are included, so those interested can stop in between 1–4 pm and receive instruction on the project in both Spanish and English. The event is inspired by the textile designs of Zapotec weaver Wence Martinez on display now at the James Watrous Gallery in Madison. 1–4 pm. See the event page for more.

Stadium Drive

The Garage

Saturday, Oct. 10: One of the easiest ways to describe Stadium Drive is that they’re kind of a mix of radio-friendly pop and bluegrass, toeing the line between these two. This central Iowa-based band is making the rounds in Wausau this weekend, with stops at Burk’s Bar and Bull Falls Brewing Company, but their show Saturday at The Garage is definitely worth checking out. 7 pm. See the event page for more.

Harvest Cider Sessions: Mia Brown Duo

Rock Ridge Orchard

Saturday, Oct. 10: It’s hardly the first time we’ve written about Mia Brown, but this event is even more fun because you can enjoy Rock Ridge Orchard’s Cider Bar for delicious refreshments while listening to the music. The Wausau native is a Nashville-signed singer and blends pop, country and ’70s rock and jazz influences into a sound that provides the footing for a powerful vocal performance. 11 am-2 pm. See the main event page for more.

Sponsored by

Upcoming

&$%# The Speakers Up

CW Fly Bags

Saturday, Oct. 17: We haven’t had much for upcoming features, since the Grand has been closed and there haven’t been many shows at Lamplight Sessions lately. But this one is interesting for two reasons. One, it’s an EDM show, something we haven’t highlighted much around here; and two, it’s at CW Fly Bags, which I hadn’t heard of until I saw this event. Apparently, it’s ordinarily a building where people play cornhole. Huh! But on Oct. 17 it’ll transform into a “low-frequency wonderland,” and if PLURR vibes and Kandi trades mean anything to you, you’ve probably already bought your tickets. This one is for those 21 and older. 9 pm. $12 early bird tickets available at time of publication.

In brief

• Wausau: Movie Showing: “The Housemaid”, 5:30 pm Wednesday, Oct. 7 at Marathon County Public Library—Wausau Headquarters

• Moonbadger Fall Series @ Faraway Place, 7 pm Wednesday, Oct. 7 at Faraway Place

• Trivia @ The Glass Hat, 7 pm Wednesday, Oct. 7 at The Glass Hat

• Trivia Night, 7 pm Wednesday, Oct. 7 at Mosinee Brewing Company

• Open Mic w/ Caleb Delaney, 8 pm Thursday, Oct. 8 at Faraway Place

• Karaoke with Jim at The Glass Hat, 9 pm Thursday, Oct. 8 at The Glass Hat

• ONE YEAR ANNIVERSARY PARTY!, 11 am Friday, Oct. 9 at J&P’s Tippling House

• The Bloodhound Band @ Homestead on 52, 7 pm Friday, Oct. 9 at Homestead on 52

• New Moon Meditation, 6 pm Friday, Oct. 9 at Shelves of Aeaea

• Still Reckless, 7 pm Friday, Oct. 9 at The Garage Wausau

• Diwali Bazaar 2026, 10 am Saturday, Oct. 10 at 500 S. 38th Ave.

• 90’s Night!, 4 pm Saturday, Oct. 10 at J&P’s Tippling House

• Music at Pizza Night: Astronomy Night with Dr. Aaron Steffen, 5 pm Saturday, Oct. 10 at Stoney Acres Farm

• Pumpkin Fest featuring Mike Maher at Uncommon Pints, 6 pm Saturday, Oct. 10 at Uncommon Pints

• Night Shift @ Homestead on 52, 7 pm Saturday, Oct. 10 at Homestead on 52

• 2nd annual Pumpkin Carving, 7:30 pm Saturday, Oct. 10 at Cheeks Bar and Grill

• Reverend Meantooth & TBA at Mish, 8 pm Saturday, Oct. 10 at The Intermission Bar

• The Allen Brothers Live at The Glass Hat, 8 pm Saturday, Oct. 10 at The Glass Hat

• Wausau Thinks It’s Got Talent- Opening Show, 8 pm Saturday, Oct. 10 at Emerald Night Club

• David Paul Martin @ Faraway Place, 9 pm Saturday, Oct. 10 at Faraway Place

• Route 66 Corn Maze @ Willow Springs Garden, 10 am Sunday, Oct. 11 at Willow Springs Garden

• Nostalgia Cartoons, 11 am Sunday, Oct. 11 at J&P’s Tippling House

• Honky-tonk Sundays, 12 pm Sunday, Oct. 11 at Faraway Place

• Harvest Cider Sessions: Geoff Landon, Sunday, Oct. 11 at Rock Ridge Orchard (Cider Bar)

• Book Discussion: Through The Eyes of Fear, 5 pm Tuesday, Oct. 13 at The Story Cellar

• Trivia Night @ Uncommon Pints, 7 pm Tuesday, Oct. 13 at Uncommon Pints

• Scarecrow Set Up, Tuesday, Oct. 13 at Monk Botanical Gardens

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The administrator brings the budget to various committees and presents all the highlights of things that have changed — the good, the bad and everything in between that’s noteworthy.

Last year, Wausau finally took steps toward something similar. Credit where credit is due.

A breakdown of the major changes from one year to the next helps outlets like The Wausonian break them down for readers.

At this stage, the administrator is presenting the budget to the county board and county committees. Much can and does change as the county board gets its hands on it, argues over changes, and eventually approves the final version.

But this is where it starts.

Here is what you need to know so far in the current version of Marathon County’s 2027 budget:

• Property tax rates drop a penny, but…: The proposed property tax rate drops all of one cent, to $3.48 per $1,000 of equalized property value. But County Administrator Lance Leonhard warns that property owners shouldn’t necessarily expect a decrease in their bills, because countywide equalized property value rose 6.25%. The county’s example shows an increase in the average homeowner’s county tax bill, though individual bills will depend on how home values change relative to other properties. (And that’s of course just one piece of the tax pie, with the municipality, school district, etc. taking their share, which could increase or decrease.)

• Net new construction dropped a little: The net new construction percentage dropped ever so slightly compared to last year. In fact, it’s fallen for three straight years since a jump in 2023. In 2019 the number was 2.16%. This year it was 1.545%. Why does that matter? Because Wisconsin generally limits increases in county and municipal operating property-tax levies based on net new construction, with some exceptions and adjustments. A lower number means the county has less wiggle room to match inflation.

Read more

Once per month, The Wausonian digs through the civil court filings in Marathon County to find the most interesting cases. It’s one of those Wausonian features that you only get here. Become a paid subscriber to see the whole post.

Christine Kleczewski went to put in a load of laundry, ordinarily a pretty mundane life task.

But, Kleczewski says in this complaint, she was using that washing machine in her apartment in September 2023 when it exploded, sending two doors outward and striking her in the head.

The explosion also caused a fire, she alleges, destroying much of her personal property and leaving the apartment uninhabitable. Kleczewski says she suffered a traumatic brain injury and lasting health problems.

The suit alleges the washer was defective or unsafe, and that the property-related defendants failed to properly install, inspect, maintain or repair it.

She is suing for an amount to be determined for injuries, lost earnings, property damage and other expenses.

Marathon County Civil court cases

Cintas vs Los Compadres Mexican Restaurant

Read more

After passing a year-long moratorium on new data centers in August, county leaders this week started the process to develop an ordinance aimed at them.

Members of the Marathon County Environmental Resources Committee started discussion about what an ordinance could include.

The discussion covered water and electricity demand, backup generators, noise, lighting, construction traffic, emergency response and compatibility with neighboring properties. Members asked for expert information to help them craft an ordinace that addresses some of those issues.

Another consideration is whether to distinguish between large data centers and small server facilities.

And one committee member, County Board Supervisor John Robinson, said the county could consider some sort of notification if a data center were interested in an area in the county outside of its zoning jurisdiction.

County staff told the committee they’ve had one inquiry about general data-center rules, but not a specific project proposal.

Kronenwetter leaders might have exceeded their authority when they released records, the village’s former clerk argues. The law appears to agree.

Plenty of fights, including at the Wisconsin Valley Fair, a beer con, an attempt to slip the cops and much more in our regular Wausau Tavern Report feature:

And our paid subscribers get an early look at the week ahead in our Three things to start your week feature.

What else in Wausau?

Committee expects to revisit tavern report in October: Members of the Public Health and Safety Committee Monday said they expected to revisit the August tavern report, which included one bar receiving 100 demerit points, at October’s meeting. That’s because no one from the police department was available to appear at the meeting to discuss the report. In the tavern report, which The Wausonian reported on Saturday, M&R Station was assessed 100 demerit points for failure to maintain orderly premises, with a firearm enhancement, following an Aug. 2 shooting in its parking lot that police say staff never reported. Wausau Police Chief Matt Barnes told The Wausonian there was confusion about the meeting date since it had been postponed, which is why no one from the police department was present at the meeting.

Firefighter apprentices start as vacancies persist: Nine new apprentices started in the Wausau Fire Department Monday as part of the department’s new apprenticeship program. But those apprentices start as the department still has vacancies. The FD is still missing six firefighter-paramedics, Deputy Fire Chief Justin Pluess told the city’s Police and Fire Commission this week. Two candidates out of seven recently interviewed are likely to advance to the commission for approval next month, Pluess says. And on the police side, Chief Matt Barnes says a recent statewide social media campaign led to the department receiving 40 new applicants, calling them the best candidate pool they’ve seen.

Wausau School District elementary consolidation garners statewide attention: Multiple school districts have reached out to the Wausau School District to learn more about the district’s consolidation of its elementary schools, Wausau Schools Superintendent Cale Bushman says. The district recently closed three of its elementary schools and repurposed a fourth in the consolidation plan as enrollments continued to decline. Bushman says this school year is the first that the elementary consolidation isn’t its main focus. But, Bushman says, declining enrollment alongside population growth within the district is leading to more enrollment discrepancies. “While not an immediate challenge, this will be something that the district will need to consider as we move into the future,” Bushman says.

Around the metro

Mosinee unveils new ebike rules: The Mosinee City Council recently passed a new ebike ordinance. The rules include speeds no higher than 15 miles per hour in parks and on trails, no additional passengers and riders of class 3 ebikes must be 16 years old or older. Ebikes are allowed on sidewalks where regular bicycles are allowed, but not “high-powered” ones.

County tax rate to drop slightly: Marathon County’s tax rate is slated to drop very slightly — as in one cent, to $3.48 per $1,000 of equalized value — in the current version of the proposed budget. Net new construction and closing TIF districts increased the county’s levy capacity. Impact on actual tax bills will vary though, county leaders warn, because property values in relation to other county properties impact the actual bill. The Wausonian plans to dive deeper into the budget later this week.

Weston looking at facility evaluation in the face of repairs: Weston’s Parks Committee this week voted in favor of an evaluation of the village’s aquatic center. That came in the face of the village having spent or committed more than $200,000 on leak detection and repair, and motor and valve replacement. Weston hopes to have the contractor begin the repair work in early October, before staff winterize the facility.

Farmers market working out better at Kennedy Park, but complicates future planning: The village’s parks committee this week approved a survey asking residents and vendors about their experience with the Kennedy Park farmers market location this year. Residents early on in the season raised concerns about parking and traffic at the spot, but staff says that improved throughout the season. The market is staying at Kennedy Park next year, but its longer-term location could complicate plans for another baseball diamond and a proposed indoor hockey facility.

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Business

Makers market open storefront next to Cobblery: A new shop opened earlier this month on Third Street, next to the building that once housed The Cobblery. The business, called Kailey’s Makers Market, features locally sourced goods and a variety of items including gifts, home decor, homemade goods, clothing, crafts and more. The business is located at 325 N. Third Street.

Entertainment

The fall activities continue this weekend with Wausau Events’ Harvest Fest. And we have a couple of Oktoberfests on the docket as well, plus a new original local blues band, a book reading event, a program about civility in politics and so much more. All in Your Wausome Weekend Guide.

Sports

Football: Friday was a rough one for Wausau area football teams. D.C. Everest lost to Hudson 43-19 and Wausau West lost to Marshfield 26-21.

Volleyball: D.C. Everest is tied for first after a win on Thursday. The Evergreens defeated Wisconsin Rapids in three games to tie with SPASH and Marshfield for the top conference spot. Wausau West also defeated crosstown rivals Wausau East in three games. The Warriors are now one game behind D.C. Everest.

Boys soccer: D.C. Everest pulled out to the top conference spot after a Tuesday shutout of SPASH. The Evergreens won 3-0 in the clean sheet victory. They’ll take on 2-2 Wausau West today (Thursday).

Girls tennis: Wausau West is now sharing the top conference spot after losing its first Wisconsin Valley Conference match to Marshfield Thursday. The Warriors are tied with Marshfield and SPASH at 4-1 in the conference table.

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