Mining resolution goes nowhere | Weekly Wausonian

Wausau News for Oct. 6, 2022

A resolution that would have called on the state to put a halt to metallic mining permits went nowhere in committee this week.

Proponents of the resolution called on the Environmental Resources Committee to pass on to the county board a resolution that called for a stop to the permitting process until a new procedure could be developed to ensure better local control.

Those speaking against the resolution, put forth by County Supervisor Jean Maszk, said the resolution might antagonize state officials and jeopardize state grants to the county. And, they said it would likely need to apply to the whole state, not single out a special situation in Marathon County.

The county passed a mining ordinance in 2017 in response to the state lifting a moratorium on metallic mining. The state allowed for a local permitting process but lawmakers signaled to local officials that any restrictive permitting process could be subject to legal action from the state.

Maszk told the committee she planned to rethink her approach but would not be dropping the issue. “I think that mining will pollute, no matter what. Period.”

This week The Wausonian broke down a new transit plan for Metro Ride. Check out the preview and subscribe for the whole story. Also, we now offer group subscriptions, so keep your whole team in the know!

What else in Wausau?

Police shorthanded: Police officials say they are shorthanded — and that the numbers appear better than they are. Although 78 of the 79 positions are filled, three recent recruits just started 18 weeks of recruit school, more resignations are coming and several have applied to the Sheriff’s Office.

Affordable housing pitches: City officials Tuesday saw four proposals for 700 Grand Avenue, on the corner of Thomas Street and Grand Avenue. The proposals all ask for between $800,000 and $1.7 million in city assistance and all bring roughly 50 affordable apartment units. The site currently is a community garden and orchard.

Swimming pool dollars: The city’s swimming pools saw an increase in revenue from 2021 to 2022. City pools brought in about $31,000 more this year than last, gaining in every category except concessions. Parks Director Jamie Polley says parks staff have met other vendors at conferences with more exciting offerings that could increase vendor revenues next year.

Wausau Mama on the move: Wausau Mama founder and Wausonian partner Cheryl Wolken will be the Wausau Area Marketing Specialist. The position is through the Community Foundation of Northcentral Wisconsin. The position was announced at the city’s Economic Development Meeting Tuesday.

Correction: In last week’s Weekly Wausonian, the correct figure for guaranteed valuation on the mall project is $24 million. We were off by a couple of million, taking the figure stated by a council member in the meeting. Always reach out if you see a correction because The Wausonian always aims to get it right and fix what is not correct. keepitwausome@gmail.com

Around the Metro

Scamming grannie: A California man is facing felony theft charges after authorities say he worked a “grandparent” scam in Marathon County, posing as a grandchild and demanding money. Police say 27-year-old William Comfort of LA even went to one grandparent’s house demanding money. If convicted, Comfort could be looking at 10 years in prison.

Declining mental health: Marathon County Health Department released the county’s results for the Youth Risk Behavior Assessment. The Wausonian will be doing a deep dive on the data but at first glance, mental health categories have tended to get worse but not as badly as predicted.

Entertainment

Friday, Oct. 7: The Hooten Hallars are something else. Think of a high-energy rockabilly/blues band and you have them pretty well nailed down. The enigmatic three-piece is making its way to the Lamplight Sessions in Mosinee, and trust me when I saw this group will be well worth your time. Find out more on the event page. Lamplight Sessions has built a nice cozy venue here in Mosinee and it’s a joy to see music at!

Saturday, Oct. 8: Hey, this is the one time of year you can see pumpkins and lamas on the 400 Block! Bring the little tikes down and get them a free pumpkin (cost is one non-perishable food item donated to Peyton’s Promise). Plus area businesses will have plenty of activities around the block for kids to play with, and the petting animals are always a hit with the kiddos. Did I mention there are potato sack races? See all the details on the event page.

Sat-Sun, Oct. 8-9: Also, too, on Saturday is the Central Wisconsin Indigenous Peoples Day Pow Wow. Check out the Native American dancing and drumming, grand marches on both days and a dinner Saturday night. As a photographer I always love showing up and taking photos at these, and the drumming is always very invigorating. So check it out! More details on the event page.

Looking for kids/family events? Check out the full listing from The Wausonian’s partner Wausau Mama, who puts together a weekly listing of children/family activities.

Sports

Football: Wausau Warriors are back in first place after a win last weekend. The Warriors defeated Appleton West 40-21 Friday, and first-place Marshfield lost 24-21 to Wisconsin Rapids Friday. That puts the Warriors into a three-way tie with Marshfield and Rapids. West will host Hortonville (2-3) Friday.

Girls Tennis: Wausau West took second place at the Wisconsin Valley Conference meet Thursday. SPASH took first, East tied for third with Wisconsin Rapids and D.C. Everest took sixth. Subsectional playoff matches start this week. Mia Bailey (West) and Lola Berumen (East) will represent the area at No. 1 Singles.

Boys Soccer: D.C. Everest continues its dominant season, blanking Wausau East 5-0 Tuesday. The Evergreens are 7-0 in the Valley Conference as they continue in pool play today (Thursday) heading to SPASH (4-3).

Girls Volleyball: D.C. Everest and Wausau East are tied for third place as the top area teams in the Wisconsin Valley Conference. Everest (4-3) will host Merrill today, and the Lumberjacks (4-3) will head to Wisconsin Rapids. All Valley teams will play in the WVC tournament Saturday.

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