DNR seeking clarification on application to start drilling east of Wausau | The Weekly Wausonian
Wausau news for Dec. 22, 2022
Remember, the Weekly Wausonian will take the week between Christmas and New Year’s off. I will have one big story for you on Monday though, plus another later this week; and a Wausonian recap, but no Weekly Wausonian next week.
The Department of Natural Resources responded to Green Light Metals’ request to drill in the Reef Deposit east of Wausau — and they’re looking for clarification.
A lot of it.
According to the letter, the DNR is seeking more than 50 points of clarification, including everything from trails and streams it says are unmarked in Green Lights’ plans, to seeking more details about their wetlands mitigation plans and erosion control.
A number of environmentalists and Native American tribes oppose the mining. Green Lights Metals believes that there is enough gold to be profitable though other companies have passed on the site.
This week only, subscriptions are 15% off! I only do this once per year and I never reveal when it will be, so if you’ve been holding off, now is the time! Save through Christmas only on a one-year subscription.
What else in Wausau?
School board openings: So far, three candidates have emerged for three school board seats. Cory Sillars, who was appointed to the open seat left by Ka Lo earlier this year, long-time incumbent Lance Trollop and newcomer Jennifer Paoli have declared candidacy. The three seats up for election are Lee Webster, Trollop and Sillars. Webster has filed non-candidacy.
Dangerous snowstorm coming: A major snowstorm is coming through the area Thursday and Friday, and Marathon County Emergency Management is urging residents to avoid travel and prepare to stay in place. High winds and heavy snow could knock out power. Seriously, if you have travel plans, don’t. And even if you don’t, you might want to have a backup plan to stay with family or a friend in case you lose power or heat.
Around the metro
Storm damage: The good news for winter sports enthusiasts is that the Wausau area got a ton of snow for snow sports; the bad news is it damaged those trails, with tree and brush down among other calamities. Crews have been working to get ski, snowmobile and bike trails open, and some have opened up. Though the snowstorm might set those efforts back again.
Snowmobile revival: A trail in Rothschild that has gone dormant is now back in business. The Rothschild Urbanaires Snowmobile club have been working on the 13-mile trail that goes from Indianhead Golf Course in Mosinee to Highway J in Weston and covers a number of businesses. Urbanaires secretary Steve Gabower says the trail connects to the rest of the trail system, and people have been thrilled to find out it’s coming back.
Scooting around: Wausau’s Public Health and Safety Committee approved an ordinance that would allow for an e-scooter rental service in the city. The ordinance allows e-scooters to operate similarly to bicycles in the city. A company, Bird Co., has inquired with city leaders about starting a rental service here.
CORRECTION: Last week’s story about Weston’s new municipal center left out that the village was planning to use the old salt shed this season in order to save money. Also, it should be noted that the salt shed is part of the $16 million budget. The expensive new salt shed has not been approved yet.
Business
No more pancakes: Garden Pancake House, which opened earlier this year, has abruptly closed. The sign on the door says it is closed until further notice, and employees have told other news outlets the restaurant abruptly closed with word to employees.
Entertainment
Since we’re not posting next week, here are some picks for New Year’s Eve. Kind of perfect that NYE is on Saturday this year, no? Your Wausonian editor typically huddles up inside, but here are some picks for going out on Dec. 31 (Saturday):
Blindside at The Garage: The Garage has quickly become a great place to listen to music, and with Blindside it ought to be a great time. Starts at 7 pm. Here’s the Facebook event page.
Noon Year’s Eve at the Greater Wausau Children’s Museum: If you’ve got little ones, well, they’re definitely not staying up until midnight. Here’s a fun way for the whole family to celebrate with games, prizes, activities and a noon balloon drop. Starts at 10 am. Here is the Facebook event page.
Granite Peak NYE party with Max Koepke: This has long been one of my favorites. Watch a torchlit parade and a fireworks display right on the ski hill, then warm up and listen to the tunes of Wausau favorite Max Koepke. Starts at 8 pm.
Vada’s Rockhouse at Homestead on 52: If you’re looking for fun a little out in the country, with a band that’s a little raunchy, then check this one out New Year’s Eve! Seems like a lot of fun. Starts at 8 pm. Here is the event page. (Warning, the event link is definitely NSFW. You’ve been warned. The video is fine.)
Denmar’s Masquerade New Year’s Eve Bash: If you’re looking for something a little out of the ordinary (well, you’re putting on a mask anyway) then check out this party at the Denmar. Starts at 9 pm. Here is the event page.
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: D.C. Everest so far remains the best of the Wausau area teams, second place in the Valley Conference at 2-1. The Evergreens defeated SPASH 76-59 Tuesday to keep its second-place spot.
Girls basketball: Wausau West remains at the top of the Wausau area teams in the Valley Conference. The Warriors are 2-1 in conference play, good for third place. Marshfield leads at 4-0, with SPASH at 3-0. West defeated Wisconsin Rapids 70-50 on Tuesday in its last game before the winter break.
Boys hockey: Wausau West’s dominance in hockey continues, with the Warriors holding first place with a 4-0 record. The Warriors will host southern rival SPASH (3-0) on Jan. 3 after the holiday break.
Girls hockey: The 6-2 Central Wisconsin Storm will play in the Culver’s Cup in Madison Dec. 28-30. Then they’ll be back in regular season action Jan. 3 when they head to Hudson.
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