Expensive lead | The Weekly Wausonian
Wausau news for the week of Dec. 12, 2024
The city at the start of its new lead line replacement program had 8,000 lead pipes throughout the city. And replacing them, even with the help of a government program, is going to be expensive.
Next year, that’s like $6 million expensive.
That was the main debate at Tuesday’s City Council meeting, in which city council members and the public learned the city is likely to get roughly $8 million in forgivable loans and a little more than $6 million in the kind of loans you need to pay back.
Where will that money come from? As of yet, city leaders don’t have a good solid plan. The city will be consulting with Ehlers staff to find some solutions. That lack of a plan made some council members a little nervous.
That led to a motion Tuesday to reimburse the clean drinking water revolving loan fund for payments it made to the lead program narrowly passing 6-4, as council members expressed concern about the loan and where the money might come from.
Public Works Director Eric Lindman, who in a previous interview with The Wausonian criticized the prior administration for pushing the program without a funding source, said 2025 is likely the year the city will get the best mix of loans; the program is likely to get more competitive in future years as more municipalities start applying for the funds.
Readers this week also read about the Wausau School District’s plans to close elementary schools:
How UWSP-Wausau is shrinking its campus to match its shrinking enrollment:
And our feature on Arran Hersey, Wausau’s new transit director, and his plan to re-invigorate metro ride:
What else in Wausau?
Horace Mann receives bomb threat: Wausau School District officials say Horace Mann Middle School received a bomb threat Monday. The threat, which district officials are calling a “swatting incident,” came in shortly before 10 am Monday. Students and staff were briefly evacuated and returned to the building shortly thereafter.
A soft(ball) launch: The Wausau Woodchucks organization officially announced the launch of the new women’s college summer softball team this week. The new team, which is undergoing a contest to get its official name, will play 42 games at Athletic Park starting next summer. Leading the team is Brianne Barta, who previously worked at the Woodchucks’ front office.
New development director: The city confirmed this week that Randy Fifrick will be taking on the role of development director, leaving out the word “community” from the title held by his predecessor. Fifrick had been the interim director after the departure of Liz Brodek.
Around the metro
New highway department… somewhere: County officials approved directing staff to negotiate the purchase of land for a new highway department, something that has been in the works for nearly a decade. Where? Who knows. The agenda for the meeting did not specify a location, nor did packet materials or anyone in the meeting. Corporation Counsel Michael Puerner told The Wausonian he thought the direction was for general fact finding, but did not respond to a follow-up email showing the motion, which specifies actual negotiations.
Business
No more Fuzzy Tacos: Fuzzy’s Taco Shop closed in Weston on Dec. 1. A company spokesperson confirmed the closure to The Wausonian but declined to answer why the shop closed. Fuzzy’s opened in October 2023, meaning the shop was in business a little more than a year.
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Entertainment
Friday, Dec. 13: Get your two-step on and check out a local country favorite! Starting at 7 pm, Honky Tonk Night at Whitewater Music Hall kicks off with a lesson in two-step by Leanne Henrikson ($5) followed by a release party for the second album by Bradley Ballard, country musician and co-owner of Whitewater Music Hall, starting at 8 pm. Bring your boots and cowboy hat and check it out. See the event page for more details.
Saturday, Dec. 14: The growling, distorted slide guitar bluesy grit of the duo 20 Watt Tombstone fronted by Tom Jordan has been a fan favorite for some time around these parts and this show pairs their musical prowess as they collect toys to give to needy children for Christmas. Head-bang for a good cause at Arrow Sports Club and check out this great band along with bands Trash Pandas, Motherwind and Keith Daniel’s psycho swamp stomp band. 8 pm. $20 suggested donation. See the event page for more.
Wed-Thurs, Dec. 18-19: The cirque series that tends to make its way to The Grand is really fun, combining all the acrobatics with visual spectacle. This version, Cirque Dreams Holidaze, combines that with Christmas magic to make one amazing show for all to watch. A great way to unwind as the Christmas season kicks into full gear. 7:30 pm. $55-$95. See 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: Boys basketball kicks off this Friday. D.C. Everest hosts Marshfield, Wausau East hosts Merrill and Wausau West hosts Wisconsin Rapids. Game times are all 7:15 pm Friday.
Girls basketball: Wausau West and D.C. Everest got off to a blistering start to their seasons. The Warriors (1-0) defeated Merrill 82-32, and the Evergreens (1-0) beat Wausau East 50-11. D.C. Everest heads to Marshfield (1-0) and Wausau West hosts SPASH.
Boys hockey: The Evergreens are off to a tremendous start this year. D.C. Everest is 2-0 after defeating Marshfield 4-3 Tuesday. The Warriors lost to SPASH to earn a 1-1 record. Everest will host Merrill/Wausau East today at 7:30 pm.
Girls hockey: The Central Wisconsin Storm’s opening season winning streak came to an end last week as the Storm lost 3-2 to Hayward Saturday. That still leaves the Storm 4-1 heading into its matchup with St. Croix Valley Saturday at the Greenheck Fieldhouse.
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