Delaying the delay of the Wausau Center mall redevelopment | The Weekly Wausonian

Wausau news for the week of Aug. 10, 2023

The folks behind the Wausau Center mall redevelopment project told the city everything is going just fine with the project and things are moving quickly.

They told them that, by the way, at a meeting in which they were requesting a deadline extension.

That came in a debate Tuesday about offering more time to the council to ask questions about the Foundry on Third development, including time to consult with outside legal counsel. The council delayed the decision to a special section some time next week to discuss the extension. In other words, delaying the delay.

Reporting by The Wausonian earlier this year revealed that developer T. Wall Enterprises had approached local investors about funding the project - after that project was originally to have begun construction. That raised questions about whether or not the developers actually had the funds to build the project. They’ve since admitted that “economic headwinds” have delayed it.

Subscribers this week read a break down of how things fell apart with The River, including some behind the scenes volleys:

And the latest on the Minocqua Brewing Company saga:

What else in Wausau?

Mascot mayhem: The Wausau School District put out a Facebook post asking people’s input on a new mascot for the combined East/West schools. The result? They got roasted, as people chimed in on the restructuring process as a whole. Some questioned why they seemed to care about the district residents’ opinion now when they didn’t for the restructuring as a whole. One student said they didn’t even want to go to school anymore because of the changes.

Man breaks internet, arrested: A man accused of literally breaking the internet is in jail on charges of damaging Spectrum equipment, leading to internet outages last year. George Wood had not appeared in court and had been on the lam for two months before Rothschild police arrested him. Now he is in custody on a $2,000 cash bond.

Daydrinking ban: A new city ordinance would ban drinking in city parks before 4 pm. The measure, passed by the city’s Parks and Public Health and Safety committees, is intended to curb day drinking and the bad behaviors that accompany them. It worked at the 400 Block a number of years ago, police say, so they want to try this here.

Around the metro

Tapped out: Minocqua Brewing Company owner Kirk Bangstad says he stayed closed Wednesday after insinuating he may have reached some kind of compromise with county leaders over his 80+ violations of county zoning ordinances. The Planning and Development committee Wednesday afternoon delayed acting on his permit request for a beer garden, giving Bangstad time to submit a plan with the required parking and a beer garden at the site. And, Bangstad says, he filed an appeal of the committee’s decision last week to revoke the license that allowed him to operate. As the appeal is heard, Bangstad says Minocqua Brewing Company will remain open and he is now confident in reaching an agreement with the county to stay open and serve customers outside.

Business

Closing alert: Sweets on Third is closed until further notice, according to a sign on the store’s front door. The store was just purchased late last year.

Sponsored by

At Venado Cerveceria, it’s always wine time. Open 4-8 PM Tue - Thur & 4 - 9 PM Fri & Sat. Located at 209 Grant Street, downtown Wausau.

Entertainment

Thursday, Aug. 10: For most parents, free things you can do with the kiddos is a no-brainer. So this upcoming Movie in the Park, featuring a showing of The Lego Movie in the 400 Block, is a sure bet! Bring a blanket and some snacks for the kids (moms, you know you already have some in your purse, we know how that works) and sit back and relax for a couple of hours in the park. See the event page for more details (and the movies remaining for the summer).

Friday-Sunday, Aug. 11-13: As a history nerd, LogJam is… well, my jam. It’s got historic re-enactors, and some of them act in character too, which makes for some interesting interactions. And it makes for great photos. Plus a pretty decent music lineup, cornhole tournaments and a historic canoe ride make this a great event to check out. Opens 5 pm Friday, 10 am Saturday and Sunday. And Mosinee Brewing Company is nearby, just saying. See the full schedule here.

Saturday, Aug. 12: Exhibitour is a cool event with an interesting history. It used to be a free wine walk downtown, until the city realized it was technically violating state rules. But then the state changed its laws to allow for wine walks, and after some fits and starts, the event came back! Walk the downtown while picking out some wine and snacks and voting for art in makeshift galleries around the River District, and head to WMOCA for the awards ceremony (and more snacks!). $15 if you register in advance, or $20 at the door. See 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

College baseball: The Wausau Woodchucks took a game out of the Fond du Lac Dock Spiders Tuesday as they head into their final homestand this week. The Chucks beat the Dock Spiders 7-4 after going into the bottom of the ninth tied at 4-4. That leaves Wausau at 14-19 in the second half of the season; even with four straight wins to end the season the Chucks would still finish the second half with a losing record. It also means the Chucks will not make the playoffs this year, since the division winner of the first half plays off against the winner of the second half (or, if it’s the same team, the overall season winner).

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