The city's Public Health and Safety Committee Monday made a recommendation about the city's garbage contract starting next year. The bottom line - like everything, the cost is going up.
The committee recommended a seven-year contract with Harter’s, which is the city’s current provider and which submitted the lowest bid. Waste Management came in a bit higher — Harter’s bid was a touch over $2 million over seven years, versus $2.5 million for Waste Management.
The city is currently paying $1.4 million per year to Harter’s to pick up residents’ garbage.
But not everyone agreed on whether or not to take a seven-year or ten-year option. Public Safety Chair Lisa Rasmussen told the committee the last 10-year contract saved the city money because the increases were tied to a 2% inflation rate, and that shielded the city from much higher inflation that hit in the early 2020s.
But Committee Member Sarah Watson argued for a seven-year contract because there might be opportunities to save money after that time period. A bin change earlier saved the city money on its garbage contract, Finance Director Maryanne Groat confirmed.
Watson ultimately recommended that the city go with a seven-year contract, which the committee approved. That will still need to go to the Finance Committee and City Council for approval.
Subscribers started the week with some interesting news items about the Diny ethics process, some bad news about county jobs and some good news about the city’s pools:
The Diny ethics hearing has a date now
Here are a few updates on stories we’re tracking along with some new stories to start your Monday.
And we shared breaking news last Thursday about the Wausau River District director being fired after a post appearing to celebrate the death of conservative commentator Charlie Kirk:
BREAKING: Wausau River District director fired over Charlie Kirk post
The Wausau River District announced that Wausau River District’s director is no longer with the organization following a post she made appearing to celebrate the death of conservative activist Charlie Kirk.
And subscribers read our latest Full Court Press, looking at some of the interesting civil court cases working their way through Marathon County:
Full Court Press: Marathon County Civil Court for July 2025
Welcome to The Wausonian’s Full Court Press feature, available for paid subscribers only. In this feature, we break down the noteworthy civil cases in the previous month and track the outcomes of cases we’re following.
What else in Wausau?
Police investigating a suspected west-side shooting: Police are currently investigating a suspected shooting on the city’s west side. Officers around 5:40 pm Sunday responded to a call at a residence in the 400 Block of Lazy Creek Way, where they located a 31-year-old male resident with a gunshot wound. The man remains in critical condition at a local hospital as of Wednesday morning, police told The Wausonian. Police have not yet named a suspect or the victim in the case.
Around the metro
County board member arrested on domestic violence charges: A county board supervisor is facing charges related to domestic violence. Nicholas Endres was appointed to District 24 in February, filling a seat vacated by Brent Jacobson, who is now a state assembly member. According to the criminal complaint, a deputy was called to Endres’ home for an alleged dispute. The complaint says a female resident (relationship wasn’t specified) told deputies that Endres threatened her and threw a supplement bottle at her, which struck her in the back and caused her pain. Endres denied threatening her or throwing anything when asked by a deputy, the complaint says. Endres is currently free on a $650 cash bond, according to court records. Endres pleaded not guilty at his initial appearance on Aug. 27. County Board Chair Kurt Gibbs told The Wausonian he is aware of the situation and is currently conferring with the county’s attorney about the matter.
Weston board appoints a new trustee: The Weston Village Board appointed a new trustee to replace Jamie Weiland, who resigned recently. The board appointed Mark Kern to the position. Kern is a facilities manager at Bridge Community Health Clinic.
Farmers market will move next year for Baskin-Robbins: The Weston Farmers Market is likely to move next year as the property owner wants the land for a Baskin-Robbins/expanded Dunkin Donuts. Lokre and its associated companies currently own the land the farmers market is on and lease the property to the village for $1 per year for the market. But they have plans to build a building on the site that is slated for a Baskin-Robbins/Dunkin Donuts restaurant, so the market will need to move. Right now there is talk about moving the market to another spot on the back of the property.
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This week in data
This week the city’s inspection department shared its top ten inspection violation cases for the last seven years. The most common problem? Weeds. Some cities have appointed weed commissioners — in Wausau, the city’s property inspectors are also weed commissioners, Inspection Administrator Bill Hebert told The Wausonian.
Business
Family-run grocer buys Festival Foods: A St. Louis-based family-run grocery chain has purchased Festival Foods. Shnuck’s Market announced Tuesday that it would buy Festival Foods and Hometown Grocers, which include 51 stores in Wisconsin. Festival has two locations in the Wausau area.
Truly’s Eatery granted liquor license extension: The city’s Public Health and Safety Committee Monday granted a 90-day extension to Truly’s Eatery, which aims to take over the space formerly occupied by Newch’s Eatery. The owner of Truly’s told the committee that they are finding much more that needs to be remodeled than they initially expected, which means it is taking longer to complete. The extension allows them to open in December, which the owner thought would most likely be enough time.
Entertainment
The Wausau River District will host its first food truck rally in the RiverWest area (the business district west of the Wisconsin River) and it looks to be a giant party! Plus, a local author book fair, a unique music act, a historical cemetery walk and so much more in YOUR Wausome Weekend Guide for Wausau area events.
Sports
Football: D.C. Everest is now one of only two conference teams to remain undefeated as it shut out metro rival Wausau West Friday. The Evergreens defeated the Warriors 17-0 to improve to 2-0 in the Wisconsin Valley/Big Rivers Conference. D.C. Everest will head to Eau Claire North on Friday.
Volleyball: Wausau West is now 2-0 after sending D.C. Everest packing Thursday. The Warriors defeated the Evergreens in three games (22-21-21) to stay tied for first place with Marshfield. Wausau West heads to SPASH today (Thursday).
Boys Soccer: D.C. Everest continues to be a soccer powerhouse as the Evergreens improve to 3-0 to lead the Wisconsin Valley Conference. The Evergreens defeated Marshfield 4-0 Tuesday, which means D.C. Everest has not given up a goal the entire season. The Evergreens will head to undefeated Wisconsin Rapids (2-0) Tuesday.
Girls Tennis: Wausau West took a narrow victory over D.C. Everest, 4-3, Thursday to remain one of three undefeated teams in the Wisconsin Valley Conference. But those three will be reduced as the Warriors head to SPASH today (Thursday), meaning one of them will add a loss to their record.
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