Marathon County leaders last week approved an animal waste ordinance designed to prevent manure from entering water sources.
The amendments, which followed 18 months of work that included six open houses, 13 meetings of the Environmental Resources Committee and six farmer work-group sessions, strengthen nutrient management requirements and limits manure spreading on frozen ground, especially in February and March.
Excess manure spreading has been a concern in Marathon County as it adds phosphorus to the water, which increases the spread of algae in water systems. That robs waterways of oxygen and creates fish kills, including several on the Big Eau Pleine Reservoir.
Under the newly amended ordinance, farms under 300 animal units would need a nutrient management plan if they plan to spread liquid manure on frozen soils. Management plans would be free through county-led classes and would be enforced through existing nutrient management monitoring, spot checks and complaint-based investigations, rather than patrols.
Many farmers spoke in favor of the proposal, saying it came through compromise between county leaders and farmers, though one farmer called it government overreach.
When the Kronenwetter investigation files dropped, The Wausonian scrambled to get you the story first. But then we dug back through with a fine-toothed comb. Here’s what we unearthed:
The deeper I look into the Kronenwetter investigation, the messier it gets
It’s been some time since I received a paper copy of the report documenting the investigation into the conduct of Kronenwetter Administrator James Davel.
And, we brought you news first of what happened with the former Mosinee Fire Chief. Now that former chief is suing to block the release of the complaints themselves.
Former Mosinee fire chief sues to block release of the complaints
Adam Grahn appeared Friday afternoon in Branch 5 at the Marathon County Courthouse without representation.
And finally, our freelancer Wyatt Massey brought Wausonian readers the story of the new Writual Collective store selling tarot and other spiritual goods downtown:
What else in Wausau?
Commonwealth apartment project ahead of schedule: The Commonwealth apartment project at Grand Avenue and Thomas Street is nearly ready for occupancy, city staff told the city’s Finance Committee this week. The project could see move-ins this week yet, staff say. Inspectors were on site Tuesday. The four-story building adds 50 affordable apartments. The city gave the land to the developer for $1 for what is expected to be a $20 million project, with tax increment financing of up to $1.9 million.
Finance committee backs financing lead line replacement: A mandatory lead line replacement ordinance being worked on had some Wausau residents concerned they would be on the hook for costs while other neighbors already had theirs covered. But the city’s Finance Committee backed a proposal to continue funding the replacements through the end of the program. There are roughly 2,800 to 2,900 lines left to replace, program leaders say, and they say all the remaining lines could be replaced by the end of 2028. The line replacements were part of a federal act to replace lead lines nationwide because of lead’s negative health effects. Wausau was one of the first in the country to put the grants and loans to work. The city council will still need to approve the plan.
Around the metro
Marathon County sees first measles case: The Marathon County Health Department confirmed a case of measles, health officials say. The isolated case stems from someone while traveling, health officials say, and is not related to the outbreak in southern Wisconsin. Health officials don’t believe there has been any other exposure.
Weston balks at policy that would have limited written comments: Weston village board members Monday pulled the brakes on a policy that would have limited written public comment. The policy would have set deadlines for inclusion in the meeting and would have limited comments with profanity or of a derogatory nature from appearing in the minutes. But village board members pushed back on that idea, arguing that the comments were part of the public record and they weren’t sure the village could legally pick and choose what gets entered. The board tabled the policy so it could be reviewed for legality ahead of the next meeting.
Infrastructure committee appointment drama continues: The Marathon County Board postponed a vote on a new chair for the county’s Infrastructure Committee after the an appointment last month failed. The board voted 24-8 to postpone voting for Duane Gau as the chair. The county board chair had previously nominated Aaron Griner as chair and Gau as vice chair, but that was rejected in August.
Marathon County could sue Bug Tussel over unfinished fiber project: Marathon County, after years of studying how to solve poor internet access in rural areas, agreed to partner with Bug Tussel to lay miles of fiber optic cable. But recently the company says it is unable to complete that project as originally planned, and asked the county for a list of priority areas to complete with the remaining money. Bug Tussel received $25 million in conduit financing participation, and another $8 million loan from the county. The Marathon County Board in closed session discussed its next steps, which could include possible litigation. Following the meeting, board leadership would only say that administration had been given a direction. Bug Tussel already faces litigation for unfinished projects in Marathon, Waushara, Kewaunee and Fond du Lac counties, The Wausonian previously reported.
Search for new clerk in Kronenwetter continues: Village leaders appear to be still searching for a new village clerk after former clerk Jennifer Poyer resigned in early September. The village board interviewed candidates in closed session, returned to open session and “directed the administrator to take the action discussed in closed session,” without specifying that action. However, a press release from the county this week said the Marathon County Clerk will be assisting Kronenwetter with the November elections as the village is still searching for a clerk, indicating that the search continues. The Wausonian requested records from the closed session.
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Business
Raising Cane’s opens next month: Chicken chain restaurant Raising Cane’s is slated to open Oct. 5. The franchise, known for a simplified menu, will occupy the space that once housed Fazoli’s. Plans were approved for Raising Cane’s in that spot before management at Fazoli’s knew anything about it, The Wausonian previously reported.
Entertainment
The Central Wisconsin Book Festival was a much smaller affair when it began in 2017, but it’s grown to be a major event on Wausau’s calendar. Plus plenty more pumpkin spice (read: fall) activities, bellydancing, cider tasting and more this weekend. All in Your Wausome Weekend Guide.
Weekend festival booked | Your Wausome Weekend Guide
The Central Wisconsin Book Festival was a much smaller affair when it began in 2017, but it’s grown to be a major event on Wausau’s calendar. Plus plenty more pumpkin spice (read: fall) activities, bellydancing, cider tasting and more this weekend. All in Your Wausome Weekend Guide.
Sports
Football: D.C. Everest won a blistering 71-7 game against Eau Claire North Friday to pull up even with Wausau West, which lost to SPASH. Both teams are 2-1 in the conference season so far.
Volleyball: D.C. Everest lost to Marshfield in five sets Thursday. Wausau West and Wausau East also lost Thursday, leaving the Evergreens with the top Valley record of 2-1, tied for second.
Boys soccer: D.C. Everest lost 2-1 to Wisconsin Rapids Tuesday, but the Evergreens still have the top record of Wausau area teams with a 2-2 record in the Wisconsin Valley Conference.
Girls tennis: Wausau West beat SPASH 6-1, dropping only the No. 1 doubles match Thursday. The Warriors lead the Wisconsin Valley Conference with a 3-0 record.
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