Mayor Katie aims for round two | The Weekly Wausonian
Mayor Katie aims for round two | The Weekly Wausonian
Wausau news for the week of April 13, 2023
Mayor Katie Rosenberg put any questions about her seeking a second term to rest last week when she announced she was seeking re-election next year.
Rosenberg said her time as mayor led to many “dark nights of the soul,” she’s feared for her life at times and that she has a very expensive mouthguard now to prevent teeth grinding because of the stress.
But Rosenberg touts her accomplishments including funding 12 new firefighters for the under-staffed fire department; hiring a new staff member to work with the homeless; and being recognized by the Biden-Harris administration for the city’s efforts around water.
Rosenberg has faced challenges, including last year when the city discovered levels of PFAS in all six of the city’s wells exceeding new state recommendations.
Rosenberg said she put out the announcement because so many people have been asking her about it. She won’t start campaigning for awhile, she says.
This week The Wausonian looked at a new set of ethics complaints against two newly elected school board members and the county’s Republican Party.
And, The Wausonian looked at what was wrong with a study highlighted by the New York Times that put Wausau at the top of the list for affordable place to buy a house.
What else in Wausau?
Homeless encampments moved: The Wausonian learned on Wednesday that homeless encampments around the River’s Edge Trail and the Scott Street Bridge were removed Tuesday by Wausau Police, the Parks Department and the Department of Public Works. The sweep came out of concerns about flooding from WPS, which put up a device under the bridge that will block off that area. Deputy Chief Matt Barnes told The Wausonian that it’s the first time WPS felt the need to do so. But also that the department intends to enforce city ordinances that don’t allow camping in city parks or being in parks after 11 pm. Expect a more in-depth story on the sweep this weekend.
Downtown street delay: Work was slated to begin on the street grid around the mall area in March. But now, that work has been pushed back to May to better coincide with the mall redevelopment project starting this summer. On that project, T. Wall Enterprises will build market rate apartments on part of the former mall site.
Riverlife, part… I’ve lost track: S.C. Swiderski is the latest to proposal a building for the Riverlife area, and city leaders just approved a development agreement with the Mosinee-based developer. The project will include 200 apartment units, with two commercial spaces and a breezeway connected to the river. Swiderski was one of the first developers to propose a Riverlife project, but the city rejected it over Frantz. Since then Wausau has had one project completed and several fallen through.
Council member OWI: The Wausau Pilot and Review is reporting that Council Member Sarah Watson received an operating while intoxicated citation in January that resulted as part of a crash. The Wausonian has requested the report but surprisingly hasn’t received it yet, despite that it already has been sent to other media outlets.
Around the metro
Budget cuts: Marathon County leaders will likely ask the state to restore funding for the county’s nursing homes that were unexpectedly cut, despite the state having a budget surplus. The funding puts the county in serious financial trouble because budgets had already been set before the state announced the cuts.
Business
Correction: A story in last week’s business news incorrectly stated that Stoned and Wired moved into the former adult book store. The adult book store’s building was actually torn down, and the bead store moved into the space next door, which is now the corner spot once the building was removed. The Wausonian regrets the error.
Entertainment
Saturday, April 15: If you haven’t seen Bandstock before, it’s one wild event. Bringing together the best performers from Wausau West high school, this year’s event features Cayli Ballenger, The Diddymakers, The Warrior Brass Band and all the Wausau West bands. Hosted by Dave Kallaway and produced by JEM Productions, you know it’s going to be an epic show and that great photos will come out of it. 7 pm. More details at the event page.
Saturday, April 15: as Oak (Yes that’s how it’s spelled) is a little hard to describe. The Milwaukee-based act has a kind of mellow pop vibe with bluesy undertones. It’s like a slow bluesy pop that draws you in and makes you keep listening. This unique act is making its way to Intermission (The Mish, for those of you in the know), at 9:30 pm. See the event page for more details.
Saturday, April 15: So much to do on Saturday! This one is during the day though. Bull Falls Brewery’s Bock Fest only comes around once per year, and that once per year is this Saturday! Enjoy the tunes of The Jerry Schmidt Band, String Cheese and the Trigger Trippers while trying a locally made brew or two. (Or three or four, but make sure you have a DH or call an Uber.) See the details on the event page.
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
Softball: The D.C. Everest girls are off to a blistering start to the season. An 11-6 win over Wausau West Tuesday put the Evergreens in first place in the conference, tied with Wisconsin Rapids at 2-0.
Baseball: Wausau area teams have yet to record a win this season with D.C. Everest falling to SPASH 11-0 after 4 1/2 innings Tuesday. Wausau West, Wausau East and the Evergreens all have games today (Thursday) so one of the area teams will have to get on the leaderboard after the day is through.
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