Election battles ahead in Wausau and Marathon County
Wausau news for the week of Jan. 4, 2024
Journalists usually get a pretty good idea early on who will be running for local office because clerks note when candidates take out paperwork. But with online options available, many more races are popping up at the last minute as candidates suddenly appear on clerk’s lists, nomination papers in hand.
As it stands, there will be six races for city council — more than half the seats. And with one other open seat changing hands, it means the potential for seven completely new council members.
And on the county board, it looks like 14 contested races - not too far away from half the 38-person county board. The board also saw 10 current members declare they weren’t running again.
And that’s not all. Wausau School Board has six candidates for three seats, and Kronenwetter has a staggering nine candidates for three village board seats.
See our full breakdown of the election, which we have been updating periodically since it was first published, here:
The Wausonian published its annual look back at the top stories of 2023 here:
And a look at TIF spending and affordable housing here:
What else in Wausau?
Alleged tailgating shooter not fit for trial: A man accused of tailgating the car of a family and then shooting into their vehicle was found not competent to stand trial. Bennie Green will appear in court for a review hearing later in February after all parties agreed that Green couldn’t stand trial following his evaluation.
Seeking robbery suspect… wearing a gown?: Police are seeking a suspect in a robbery who was described as wearing a gown. Police say the suspect, whom they describe as a black male wearing a long dark gown under a dark winter coat and some kind of cloth or face mask, entered the R Store on 3rd Street shortly before 10 pm Friday, displayed a handgun and demanded money. Police believe he fled south toward DeKalb Street. No one was injured in the incident and no customers were in the store during the robbery.
Around the metro
Bribing the cops: Police say a man tried to bribe a deputy who pulled him over for not yielding the right of way on a roundabout in Merrill. Angel Gabriel Pintor Olvera, 21 of Merrill allegedly tried to offer the deputy money to just let him go, according to police reports. He now faces charges of driving without a license three times in three years and failing to yield the right of way.
Trump removal: The owner of Minocqua Brewing Company, Kirk Bangstad, is now suing the Wisconsin Elections Commission in order to try to remove Donald Trump from the ballot in Wisconsin. More on this story here.
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Entertainment
Thursday, Jan. 4: The Greater Wausau Children’s Museum will host this Sensory Story Time at 10 am. Kids will have a story read to them while also using senory bins that help bring the story to life, developing cognitive skills along the way. And afterwards, your child can enjoy the arts studio with plenty of hands-on activities related to the stories. See the event page for more.
Friday, Jan. 5: I’ve been a fan of 20 Watt Tombstone for a while. There’s something about the grungy muddy ZZ-Top style guitars that drive the music home in a way that sets them apart. Here 20-Watt frontman Tom Jordan channels his character Reverend Meantooth with a more acoustic style (acoustic resonator guitar is put to good effect here). If you like the Delta blues, you’ll love this act. Joining the good reverend will be Keith Daniel’s Psycho Swamp Rock Band. 9 pm. See more on the event page.
Friday, Jan. 5: If country is more your speed, Mosinee Brewing Company has you covered. Jerry Schmitt is a local country legend. This Stratford-based performer is a Nashville recording artist and is becoming known throughout the US and even in other countries for his music. 7 pm. They didn’t make an event page, but you can find out more on Mosinee Brewing Co.’s Facebook page. Bonus: Mosinee Brewing Company also has a comedy night Saturday. They’re tough to write about because you never know what comedians are coming but generally they’re pretty top notch. Check out that event 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
Boys basketball: Wausau West defeated Wisconsin Rapids 73-67 in overtime the Thursday before Christmas to improve to 2-1. That makes them the top Wausau area team in the Wisconsin Valley Conference. Play kicks off again this Friday.
Girls basketball: It’s been a rough season for Wausau area teams, with Wausau West, Wausau East and D.C. Everest rounding out the bottom of the Wisconsin Valley Conference.
Boys hockey: Wausau West continues its rivalry with SPASH this season. SPASH holds the top spot at 5-0, with West trailing 4-1 in the Wisconsin Valley Conference. Boys hockey kicks off againt today (Thursday).
Girls hockey: The Central Wisconsin Storm lost its last game Dec. 29, a 3-2 nailbiter against Superior/Northwestern. But the Storm are still 9-3 on the season. The coop structure was renewed by the Wausau School Board last month, though some members expressed the idea of having the coop team dissolve so each school could have its own team. But representatives explain that would be quite an undertaking, including being an expensive one.
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