Dairy dazed | The Weekly Wausonian
Wausau news for the week of Jan. 9, 2025
Marathon County is working on updating its large assembly ordinance because the current version appears to be unconstitutional.
But one group that’s concerned about it: Dairy Breakfast organizers.
If that strikes you as odd, there are currently eight different dairy breakfasts in the county, and they tend to generate 2,000-3,000 attendees each.
The new draft ordinance required a permit with parking plans for events 3,000 and more, and the potential extra burden made organizers of those events nervous.
The county’s Environmental Review Committee recommended the ordinance to the county board, but with changes including changing the number to 5,000 and making the parking less restrictive. County attorney Michael Puerner said he worried it would be hard to defend the ordinance on First Amendment grounds if the parking was overly restrictive. That’s the reason the ordinance needed to be looked at in the first place, he explained.
How it will affect larger events such as Taste N Glow Balloon Rally remains to be seen, event organizers told The Wausonian.
This week subscribers read about Wausau’s new plant store:
And subscribers read our latest Full Court Press, where we break down the latest civil court cases along with some other cases we’re tracking:
What else in Wausau?
Judicare launches free family law clinics: Judicare announced that it is now providing free family law clinics 1-4 pm Fridays in room B226 at the Marathon County Courthouse. The clinic is free and available to anyone who is not represented by an attorney. While Judicare is a non-profit that generally serves low-income individuals, anyone who is not represented can attend and get information, Judicare officials confirmed to The Wausonian. Attendees must register with Judicare first.
Around the metro
Upskirting teacher released in Janesville: A man convicted of taking photos and videos up the skirts of students at D.C. Everest has been released in Janesville, authorities say. Travis Greil pleaded guilty in May 2021 to taking “upskirt” videos and photos of 81 girls while a teacher at Everest, including one adult woman. He was sentenced to 8 1/2 years in prison but was released this month in Janesville and must register as a sex offender.
One man dead following Highway 52 crash: Sheriff’s Office officials say one man is dead following a crash on Highway 52 last week. Elroy F. Hendrickson, 28, of Wausau died as a result of injuries he sustained during the crash on Dec. 30. Hendrickson was transported to a hospital after the crash, but later died of his injuries, police say.
New jail administrator: Marathon County has a new jail administrator. Lt. Lucas Volden will replace Sandra Ladu, who will be working as the district court administrator in Wausau. Volden is a former Marine and worked in the state Department of Corrections before coming to Marathon County.
County board has vacancy: The Marathon County Board currently has a vacancy. The county is actively seeking applicants for the district No. 24 seat. That seat was held by Brent Jacobson, currently the mayor of Mosinee. Those who live in the district can apply here.
Business
Oishii Ramen is indeed Oishii: Oishii Ramen opened over the weekend and it was, indeed, Oishii (which is the Japanese adjective for “delicious” - oishi-kata if you want to be technical, using its past tense). Customers raved about the restaurant online and it was so popular they sold out of food over the weekend, closing Monday as a result. For those not in the know, while Americans tend to think of instant ramen, ramen in Japan is a delicious meal that’s popular for lunch or especially at the end of a night of drinking.
Chipotle coming soon: Officials with Chipotle announced that work is underway on the restaurant’s first central Wisconsin location. Chipotle is being built By Lokre Companies on Rib Mountain Drive across the street from Texas Roadhouse.
The Chocolate Shop will soon offer its own chocolate: The Chocolate Shop, which now also runs the Chocolate Cafe downtown, was known for importing European chocolates. But now the business has announced it will be introducing its own line of chocolates. That includes European-style chocolate barks, chocolate-covered Oreos and even their own truffles.
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Entertainment
Thursday, Jan. 9: We’re used to seeing a lot of children’s programs on the library’s event calendar, so this one definitely caught our eye — a reading program for adults! To celebrate dry January, this adult winter reading program will feature mocktails to enjoy while you discuss books. The library’s community room will be transformed into a cozy reading area, so curl up with your favorite book and enjoy a mocktail while you read. They’ll end the night with a raffle, so maybe you will win some really cool library swag as well. It’s nice to see some programs for adults so stop on down to the library with a book in hand, or maybe check out a new one. 5-7:30 pm. See the library’s event page for more.
Thursday, Jan. 9: Sara Lee Hughes grew up the child of divorced parents in the 70s and 80s in Texas, and something about that pops out in her work. In one work, Channel 39, the connection is obvious. The painting is an obvious nod to the Brady Bunch. But with the others, there’s something about the quiet suburbia of the 70s and 80s that is strongly evoked in her work. That’s not to suggest that the paintings are saccharin by any means - there’s something disturbing lying beneath the surface, something the viewer can’t quite put their finger on, but it’s definitely there. It’s interesting work, and Hughes will be on hand to meet Wausonians from 6-8 pm at the museum. Her work will be on display through March 29. Check out the event page for more.
Saturday, Jan. 11: Fun fact about “Red” Ben Lila, lead singer of The Missing Miles: His mother owns part of the land that once served as Iola’s version of Woodstock, which City Pages featured in 2019 on the 50th Anniversary of Woodstock, where she still finds relics from the festival on occasion. The Missing Miles is a bluegrass band from central Wisconsin that chose Whitewater Music Hall to host its album release party. Their music provides a fresh take on the genre that ventures into jam band style. Joining them will be Dig Deep, who I always describe as if a metal band picked up bluegrass instruments instead. Check out both of these excellent bands while enjoying one of Whitewater Music Hall’s excellent beers. 8 pm. $15. Check out the event page for more.
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
Boys basketball: Wausau West and Wausau East remain tied for second place with SPASH in the Wisconsin Valley Conference. All three teams have a 2-1 record after Wausau East beat Wisconsin Rapids 55-39 Tuesday and Wausau West lost to D.C. Everest 64-60. East and West will slug it out Friday at Wausau East Friday to break the tie.
Girls basketball: Wausau West and D.C. Everest remain tied for second with 2-2 records after the Evergreens beat the Warriors 54-44 Tuesday. SPASH and Marshfield are currently tied for first place in the Valley.
Boys hockey: Wausau West and D.C. Everest remain tied for second place behind No. 1 SPASH after the Panthers notched up another win Tuesday, 8-1 against Wisconsin Rapids. Everest and West both play their first games after the holiday break today (Thursday).
Girls hockey: The Central Wisconsin Storm shut out Northland Pines Tuesday, but also added one more loss since last week as the team continues its overall winning season. The Storm beat Pines 8-0 at home Tuesday. They lost to 4-3 to Gentry Academy Saturday but defeated Western Wisconsin 7-2 on Friday night. The Storm are 12-3 and are leading the Independents division in the state.
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