Incumbent victory | The Weekly Wausonian

Wausau news for the week of Aug. 15, 2024

After a surprisingly heated race for Republican primary county seats, the incumbents retained their seats.

Incumbent County Clerk Kim Trueblood defeated challenger Toshia Ranallo 12,721 votes to 3,091 votes; Incumbent treasurer Connie Beyersdorff defeated challenger Jen Seliger 10,072 to 5,247. 

The race for county clerk grew especially heated, with accusations against Trueblood and Ranallo from a fractured Republican base.

John Spiros won a three-way Republican District 86 Assembly race; Brent Jacobson defeated Cory Sillars for the Republican District 87 Assembly nomination; Rebecca Cooke won a three-way race for the Democratic nomination for US Congress District 3; and Kyle Kilborne won the District 7 Democratic nomination.

See our coverage prior to Tuesday’s results here:

What else in Wausau?

Incentives out of control: Human Resources Director James Henderson will be looking at new options after the city’s HR Committee directed him to relook at an incentive program aimed to reward performance. The program was supposed to reward the top performers in city hall, but Henderson said 95% of workers were getting the raise as managers were reluctant to deny anyone the additional bonus. That’s a problem because the program isn’t budgeted for, he said.

A new developer in town: City leaders selected Wangard Partners over T. Wall Enterprises for a potential project in the RiverLife area. That came after the city put out a “request for interest” — essentially a lower level of proposal that would make it more likely they would hear from a developer. Wangard wants to put 135 apartment units on the site south of the current RiverLife apartments.

700 Grand Ave project back on track: A change in plans has put the affordable housing project on Grand Avenue back on track, city officials say. Interim Community Development Director Randy Fifrick told city leaders the developer, Commonwealth, moved its plans to avoid underground utilities that put the project in jeopardy when they were discovered.

Downtown street changes slated for 2025: Contractors will begin work on reconstructing some downtown streets and adding new ones beginning in April. The plans include extending Third Street and Jackson Street, and revamping Washington Street which would become two-way. That comes as the first mall project is under construction.

Around the metro

Rothschild arson suspect under arrest: Police arrested Kenneth Taylor on suspicion of starting a number of fires near the Rothschild Pavilion Thursday morning, including a Noon Optimist fair tent, a shed and a car wash. Taylor faces three counts of arson of a building and one non-building arson. He is being held in custody on a $25,000 cash bond.

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Entertainment

Thursday, Aug. 15: It’s the very last night market of the summer! Come browse local vendors while downtown streets are closed off, providing a cool downtown walkable experience. Stroll the numerous local vendors downtown as they set up on the length of Third Street and turn downtown into a festival atmosphere. This is the last one of the year, so if you haven’t visited this downtown event yet, be sure to give it a try. Check out items ranging from Indian baked goods to sipping vinegars to candles, eggs, artwork and much more. 5-9 pm. See the event page for more.

Fri-Sat Aug. 16-17: Did you know that not only is Wausau’s Big Bull Falls Blues Fest one heck of a good time, but that it’s the longest-running Blues Fest in Wisconsin? Some great blues legends have come through this festival and if you love yourself a good 12-bar blues track, this is your place to be. Kicking things off this year is a Wisconsin legend, Howard Luedtke. With a main stage featuring eight different blues acts over Friday and Saturday, plus a side tent with two more, you will get your money’s worth having a drink and watching some blues. $60 for both days, $160 VIP. Check out more on the event page.

Sat.-Sun Aug. 17-18: It’s usually noteworthy enough when Whitewater Park has its rec release events, since they themselves always turn into little mini-events as people gather and watch kayakers practice on the downtown course. But this is even better - one of the actual competitions! Watch more than 100 kayakers and canoeists take to the rapids to compete for a spot on the podium. It’s truly impressive what these guys can do and it’s right downtown, with plenty of options to make a day of it. Starts at 8:30 am both days. Check out Wausau Whitewater 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

College baseball: A barn-burning season for the Wausau Woodchucks came to a close Tuesday night. The Woodchucks lost game three in its series against the Madison Mallards in the first round of playoffs. The Woodchucks clinched a playoff spot with their first-half season record, and went into Tuesday’s playoff game against the Mallards with one win apiece. But the Chucks fell 8-3 Tuesday, ending their playoff run.

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