Chief resignation | The Weekly Wausonian

Wausau news for the week of Sept. 5, 2024

Area media received a bit of a surprise last week when leaders in Rothschild announced the resignation of Robert Bowen as fire chief of the Riverside Fire District.

Bowen had been placed on leave following a case filed against him for enticing children and fourth-degree sexual assault.

Rothschild leaders said his resignation was Aug. 6, and the resignation was only announced last week, several weeks later. When asked why the delay, Rothschild Administrator Ryan VanDeWalle said that “agreements were in place.” Despite the court case and his being placed on leave, VanDeWalle said Bowen resigned for “personal and professional” reasons.

Bowen started as a co-chief when the Riverside Fire District, a merger of the Rothschild and Schofield departments, began in 2017. He later became its chief.

Bowen is due in court for a preliminary hearing Nov. 11.

Subcribers this week read details about the downtown assault and the high-speed chase that ended up downtown:

And subscribers got a look at the Wausau Tavern Report, which is back to full-strength:

What else in Wausau?

Infused delay: The founders of the Infused requested another delay as they struggle to get their business off the ground. Matthew Aschbrenner told the city’s Economic Development Committee Tuesday that they expect to be open by November. The Infused business, which is an event space and green space planned for one of the former Wausau Chemical buildings north of downtown, was supposed to originally have been completed in 2023 - and after a one-year extension the business was to be open in August. Staff were directed to work with Aschbrenner.

Around the metro

Pool closing coming? The village of Weston Parks Committee discussed the possibility of making a deal with Schofield and Rothschild as those two municipalities are weighing closing its aquatic center. The Parks Committee held off on any decision until something more formal is decided. Meanwhile, many parents wrote in concerned about the closure, saying the Rothschild/Schofield pool is more friendly to those with young families.

Weston board vacancy: The village of Weston is searching for a new board member after Jasper Hartinger resigned. Hartinger cited personal reasons for his resignation. Hartinger has not resigned his seat on the Marathon County Board, county officials confirmed to The Wausonian, but he has missed the last two voting meetings of the county board, records show.

Business

A new lounge: The owners of The Garage and Granite View Market have a new business. The Lounge opened Tuesday in Rib Mountain. The stylish lounge is located near Breakfast Bear and the Hilton Garden Inn on Shrike Avenue.

Sponsored by

Entertainment

Festival of Arts Schedule:

This is one of the big events of the year. Here is the schedule of events and locations for Artrageous Weekend:

Art in the Park at Marathon Park. The Wisconsin Valley Art Association hosts this indoor show featuring more than 100 juried artists and fine craft exhibitors in the East Gate Hall and Historic Exhibition Building. Find affordable handcrafted items such as pottery, wearable art, paintings, photography, and more that are perfect for gifts. Sat. 9 am-5 pm; Sun. 9 am-4 pm. Wivalleyart.org. 

Festival of Arts, downtown Wausau. Along Third Street and on the 400 Block find work by over 120 juried artists representing a variety of mediums. It’s a lively atmosphere with live music, a family art tent with children’s art activities, art classes, a Young Collector Market, entertainment on the Family Stage, and food stands. Sat. 10 am-5 pm; Sun. 10 am-4 pm. Wausaufoa.org.

Center for the Visual Arts, downtown Wausau. Experience artist demonstrations, including ceramics, digital art, painting, and more. Sat. 10 am-5 pm; Sun. 10 am-4 pm. Cvawausau.org.

Birds in Art at the Woodson Art Museum. Join the opening celebration of this acclaimed annual exhibit. View all-new original avian artworks and meet dozens of artists during the opening festivities on Saturday 9 am-noon. Special Artrageous Weekend hours Sat. 9 am-5 pm; Sun. 10 am-5 pm. Lywam.org.

Saturday, Sept. 7: Someone just the other day asked me why there isn’t a food truck rally in Wausau. Well guess what? Now there is! Stop on down and check out the many food trucks and maker items available, and get a sense of the west side of the river. A perfect complement to all the art activities going around town. 11 am to 3 pm. Check out the event page for more.

Friday, Sept. 6: Although watching movies in parks very much seems like a summer activity, this year they seem to be carrying over into fall, and that’s just fine with everyone with kids looking for something to do with the family on a Friday night. Kronenwetter is hosting this showing of Top Gun: Maverick. Tom Cruise is back as fighter pilot Pete “Maverick” Mitchell, and now he’s training the new cadets. But, he’s also dealing with ghosts from his past. People loved this new Top Gun and if you missed seeing it on the big screen, or just want to do so again, this is your chance. Movie starts at dusk, around 8:45 pm, and they suggest arriving around 6:30 pm to secure a good seat. See the event page for more.

Saturday, Sept. 7: It’s not every day you turn 30! Though this is a birthday celebration, it’s also just a kickass show. Dallas Delgado is the drummer for Purging Paradise, and to celebrate his turning 30 Intermission will host his band, Purging Paradise, along with several other heavy bands local and elsewhere, including CASHED, Trash Pandas and Young Pups. This 21-and-up show is free, so come out and support some local music. 9 pm. Free. Check out more here.

Looking for kids/family events? Check out the family-oriented listing from The Wausonian’s partner Wausau Mama, who puts together a weekly listing of children/family activities.

Sports

Football: D.C. Everest won its game against River Falls Friday 51-26. Wausau West lost to Hudson Friday 35-22. The Evergreens host their first conference matchup against Wisconsin Rapids Friday, and Wausau West heads to Eau Claire North.

Girls volleyball: Conference matchups kick off today (Thursday), with D.C. Everest hosting Merrill, Wausau West hosting SPASH and Wausau East heading to Wisconsin Rapids.

Boys soccer: Conference matchups start today (Thursday), with Wausau West heading to D.C. Everest.

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