A Weston referendum too? | Weekly Wausonian
Wausau news for the week of Nov. 19, 2025
Wausau is planning to hold a referendum next spring to ask voters to increase taxes to pay for the firefighters hired with grant dollars. Now Weston is considering holding a similar referendum to pay for new firefighters after the idea of a fire fee failed to gain traction.
But that will be contingent on what Rib Mountain decides around staffing levels, Weston staff say. The Weston Board plans to meet in December to decide on a referendum, which would need to be completed by January to get on the April ballot.
The move comes after the Weston Village Board voted to postpone indefinitely a plan to charge residents and businesses a fire fee to help with staffing levels at SAFER, which is a joint fire district serving Weston, Rib Mountain and other municipalities through contract.
The plan, if both municipalities agree, is to hire three firefighters over the next two years.
The SAFER board recommended the referendum, staff told the village board this week. But both municipalities will need to approve the increase in staffing first.
The Wausonian this week looked into the details of the case against Central Wisconsin K-9 owner Sean Dumais - and the details are shocking:
The disturbing allegations against the owner of Central Wisconsin K-9 Sean Dumais
Correction: A previous version of this story had the transporter telling police details of her visit but those were relayed through the representative of the rescue organization.
And The Wausonian rode along with Wausau’s new community paramedic - the program is achieving some impressive results:
Wausau's Community Paramedic Program is even more impressive up close
A man we’ll call Fred seemed almost apologetic as he explained how much he received from the VA every month. “It might seem like a lot, but the expenses add up,” he explains.
And finally, many were surprised when Adventure Awaits CrossFit moved out of its new gym - but the building’s owner has a new use for it:
What else in Wausau?
Veto override likely before Thanksgiving: Sources say a vote to override Mayor Doug Diny’s veto of the 2026 budget is likely before the holiday weekend. The agenda hasn’t been posted yet (strangely, an April 2024 agenda is posted to the city calendar on that day), but sources tell The Wausonian it will be on the Tuesday agenda. The city council passed its budget last week, only for the mayor to announce he was vetoing it the next week. The budget originally passed 10-1, and would need eight votes for an override, making it more likely than not.
Around the metro
Kronenwetter pump shuts down… because of flushed underwear: A village of Kronenwetter pump at a lift station had to be shut down Tuesday evening. The culprit? A pair of men’s white underwear that was flushed down a toilet. The pump at Lift Station No. 3 had to be taken offline while the culprit was fished out. Kronenwetter officials warned the public not to flush such things down their toilets except for what is meant to be flushed.
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Business
New barbershop opens: A new barbershop is celebrating the grand opening of its business this week. Yerbee Blendz plans to hold a grand opening on Sunday at its 609 Jackson Street shop.
Country Fresh Meats closing retail shop: Country Fresh Meats announced that it will be closing its retail shop in December. The local meat producer announced that it will close its grill on Nov. 21 and that it will close its retail store on Dec. 19. The Weston business’s owners say they will still continue to produce their meat products, but will now be found in grocery and convenience stores instead. Gift cards will be honored through Dec. 17, according to a social media post.
Eesa Bakery and Cafe coming to Forest Street: A new bakery and cafe is planned for a currently empty building on Forest Street. Eesa Bakery and Cafe is planned for a Forest Street building across from HOM Furniture, according to its Facebook page and website.
Entertainment
Dusty Slay is a comedian who might remind you of the old Blue Collar Comedy Tour - he comes to the Grand this week, and that’s only one of the many events in this week’s Your Wausome Weekend Guide.
Looking for kids/family events? Check out the full listing from The Wausonian’s partner Wausau Mama, who puts together a weekly listing of children/family activities.
Sports
Football: Edgar will take on Darlington for the Division 6 state title at 1 pm today (Thursday). The Wildcats went 13-0 for the year.
Girls basketball: Wausau West started its non-conference seasons Monday with a 72-39 loss to Pacelli. The conference season begins Dec. 5 for girls basketball.
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