Arctic surge | Weekly Wausonian

Wausau news for the week of Jan. 22, 2026

Jan 22, 2026

The National Weather Service out of Green Bay is warning of a dangerous cold front coming later this evening (Thursday) through the beginning of the weekend.

The weather briefing is calling for wind chills between -20 and -45 degrees. The NWS-Green Bay has issued an extreme cold watch between Thursday evening and Saturday morning. A new update issued Wednesday afternoon upgraded tonight to a warning instead of a watch.

The NWS is recommending limiting outdoor time and exposure to the cold, keeping pets inside and monitoring faucets and heaters.

School closings are likely. Wausau School District officials told The Wausonian that the decision will be made today (Thursday).

And Tracy Durante told The Wausonian that the Community on Call initiative, which works with businesses and other organizations to help house the unsheltered during extreme weather events, likely won’t be necessary because the area shelters now have enough capacity to house everyone.

They will continue to monitor the situation.

Is crime decreasing in Wausau? We take a closer look at the numbers, and the reality behind the numbers, in this first part of a new series:

Wausau has a new, dedicated toy store, and it’s taking a unique approach to the business. Learn all about it in this week’s business story:

What else in Wausau?

Safety committee grants two liquor license extensions: The city’s Public Health and Safety Committee Monday approved two liquor license extensions. The committee approved a 90-day extension for Truly’s Eatery, which is opening in the former Newch’s Eatery location on Merrill Avenue. The new owner of Truly’s told the committee that she ran into issues with a broken walk-in cooler and freezer, and trouble with plumbing. And the committee approved a shorter 30-day extension for Whiskey River Bar and Grill. Whiskey River’s owner received notice because the business hadn’t been open since November and had lost its seller’s permit from the Department of Revenue. The owner told the committee he had had some tax issues, but those are 90% resolved and he hopes to be re-opened within 30 days.

Around the metro

County reduces its delinquent property deeds by more than half: Marathon County staff have reduced a backlog of delinquent properties by nearly 65%. That drop comes in the last two years since the county has started to aggressively work toward getting those properties paid up or taken by the county. The value of delinquent properties dropped by just under 84%.

Weston to borrow money for police building: The village of Weston will borrow $4.5 million to build a new Mountain Bay Metro Headquarters. That comes as staff told the board that the current building has serious issues and is too small for the joint department. The village would split the costs of the new building with the village of Rothschild. Barb Ermeling questioned what happened to money approved for remodeling, but President Mark Maloney told her because of issues with the contractor the remodeling never happened. Weston Administrator Jami Gebert said Monday’s decision is not the final one but only to move the process along.

Weston Board approves firefighter referendum: It’s now official. Weston Taxpayers in April will be asked if the village can borrow $600,000 to help fund its share of six firefighters for the SAFER Fire District that serves Weston and Rib Mountain along with other smaller communities. The board chose that option over a lesser one that would have cost $300,000 for three firefighters. Weston residents will see the referendum question on their April ballots.

High-speed chase leads to drug arrest: Police arrested a 35-year-old Winnebago man on suspicion of intending to deal meth and fleeing from officers after police say he led them on a high-speed chase originating in Rib Mountain. According to reports, the chase last week reached speeds of 110 miles per hour before police were able to stop Paul Vang’s vehicle with spike strips north of Wausau. According to police, Vang had 300 grams of meth in his car. Vang is currently being held on a $25,000 cash bond.

Business

Northern Lights Sauna closing: Northern Lights Sauna announced it will be closing in mid-March. The sauna opened up behind Whitewater Music Hall in 2024, and recently moved to the New Found Power gym in November. It will remain open until March 15.

Norwegian Wood closing: Clothing store and vinyl shop Norwegian Wood announced it is closing. The shop plans to close its doors sometime in mid-February, according to a post on its Facebook page.

Entertainment

After our report came out this week, we learned that Winter Fest has been canceled this year. But Brew Fest is still on, as are many other events in 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.

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Sports

Curling: The D.C. Everest girls including Amelia Zimmermann, Tilly Palmer, Emma Danke, and Emma Kessler won second place in the Tietge Bonspiel last weekend, finishing runner-up to Portage in the 15-school competition. Wausau West boys won the second event, and the Wausau West girls won the third event.

Boys basketball: D.C. Everest defeated Wausau East 93-66 Friday to remain tied for second place in the Wisconsin Valley Conference. The Evergreens are 3-1 in conference play this year, tied with SPASH. Marshfield leads the conference with a 4-0 record. D.C. Everest will take on SPASH this Friday, ending the tie.

Girls basketball: D.C. Everest doubled up on Wausau East, winning 60-30 Friday to take sole possession of second place. Wisconsin Rapids lost, leaving the Evergreens as the top Wausau area team in second. The Evergreens (4-1) will take on first-place SPASH (5-0) Friday.

Girls hockey: The Central Wisconsin Storm defeated Northland Pines 3-1 Monday to secure second place in the Wisconsin Valley Conference. The Storm at 4-1 trail Black River Falls, which is 5-0 so far in this inaugural conference season.

Boys Hockey: Wausau West remains the top Wausau area team with a 5-1 record, second place behind SPASH at 6-0. The Warriors defeated Marshfield 6-4. The Warriors will host SPASH today (Thursday) to attempt to even their respective records.

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