Monk is back (...sort of?) | The Weekly Wausonian
Wausau news for the week of May 9, 2024
It’s been a tough two weeks for staff of the Monk Botanical Gardens Wausau Botanic Gardens as backlash to the name change has blown to epic proportions.
The board met on Monday (those meetings aren’t open to the public or press) about the name change after fury erupted amongst people of all ages, classes and political beliefs about the removal of Monk’s name from the Gardens.
Following the Monday meeting, on Wednesday they announced… something. “As we progress with the reintroduction of Robert W. Monk’s name into our branding efforts, we seek to reflect both our heritage and future aspirations.” What that means exactly has yet to be seen. But as The Wausonian progresses with its news-gathering efforts, it will be maximizing its synergies toward its future aspirations of gaining a better understanding. (Translation: we’ll keep an eye on this story.)
What else did we cover this week?
We looked at a brewing situation between new Mayor Doug Diny and the newly elected city council:
And we launched a Letters to the Editor section for subscribers:
What else in Wausau?
Oh WOW: Police say they busted a 13-year-old boy who broke into WOW Family Entertainment Center. The boy broke in through the east-side window and stole video games consoles among other things from the game prize center. Police are still investigating and believe others may have been involved. The child, who police didn’t name because he’s a minor, will face juvenile charges of burglary, damage to property and theft.
Campus cocaine bust: Police arrested a middle school teacher Thursday after police say they found cocaine in his car. Police arrested Nevan Larson, 23 of Stevens Point, after getting a tip that he had drugs in his car. A police dog alerted its handler to the drugs, which sparked police to search the car. The school district is also investigating the situation.
No repair: An overlook along the west side River’s Edge Trail is going to be taken out, after repairs appear to be too expensive. The city’s Parks and Recreation Committee Monday opted to replace it with green space and some benches after just getting a repair estimate would have cost between $28,000 and $40,000. Everyone on the committee agreed that hardly anyone uses the overlook, and there’s another one a little way down the trail anyway.
A new approach: City leaders are trying something new - a request for interest. Economic Development Manager Randy Fifrick says getting full proposals from developers is really expensive and time consuming for them, for something that might come to nothing. A request for interest would streamline that, allowing interested developers to work with city staff to help them evaluate and develop future proposals. They’re going to try one first on a southern section of the RiverLife development area, Fifrick says.
The mall project is happening - no really!: City Economic Development Manager Randy Fifrick and mall redevelopment manager Chuck Ghidorzi say yes, for sure, no doubt about it, the mall project will kick off this month with a groundbreaking. T. Wall is expected to buy the property officially this week and will break ground by the month’s end. The city extended its timeline with T. Wall last year, but made clear there would be no more delays. Is T. Wall’s financing locked in? No one at Tuesday’s Economic Development Committee meeting could say for sure.
Around the metro
You can check out whenever you like: The Kronenwetter staff exodus continues as The Wausonian learned that Leonard Ludi, Kronenwetter’s administrator, put in his two weeks after being hired in January. The village hasn’t had a full-time, permanent administrator since the village forced Richard Downey out in 2022. We brought you the full story here:
Cataloging consolidation: Library Director Leah Giordano told the county’s Education, Extension and Economic Development Committee last week that the library is looking into a partnership with a northern library system to consolidate its catalogs. The exploration is expected to run through June and will give leaders an idea of whether it will make sense for residents. Giordano says they wouldn’t go for it unless it helps Marathon County residents get books faster or gives them access to more books.
Business
Timekeeper Distillery is becoming Timekeeper Lounge and Distillery and they’re revamping to offer a full range of drinks and more food offerings. The lounge is hosting a party to kick things off Saturday with the WISH Food Truck and local singer, Nashville recording artist Mia Brown. Check out their page for more.
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Entertainment
Thursday, May 9: The circus is here! There’s something about a circus that comes to town that evokes a connection with history — back to a time when the circus coming to town would have been the talk of the community and one of the biggest things happening when it occurred. Carden International Circus attempts to capture that experience with elephants, camels, acrobats, fire jugglers and plenty of “never-before-seen acts.” Pre-sale tickets start at $10, general admission $20, with family packages and deals on its website. 4:30 pm and 7:30 pm shows. Check out the event page for more info and tickets.
Saturday, May 11: What’s better than one piano? Of course, it’s two pianos! Seriously, if you’ve never been to a piano bar, they’re really fun. I had a blast at a piano bar in Milwaukee where the pianist roasted my friend on her birthday, which caused all of us including her to roar with laughter. This piano show includes singing along, interaction and comedy while they take requests that cover thousands of songs. These guys are quickly becoming one of the hottest shows in Wisconsin. $25 limited pre-sale, $30 general admission, with tables starting at $85. 8 pm. See the event page for more details and tickets.
Saturday, May 11: Luke Thayer is distinct for a couple of reasons. One, he has bright blue Rayban Wayfarer-style glasses, and that’s surely going to set him apart in Wisconsin. But he’s also incredibly funny. Thayer has appeared on Fox, TruTV, College Humor and Funny or Die. He has an album and a comedy special out. Thayer’s comedic themes include parenting (in one line he says “I parented a three-year-old through the pandemic… where’s my medal?” neighbors, relationships and the weird choices people make. Thayer has toured the country with his comedy and now he’s bringing the laughs to Bullheads. $15. 9 pm, doors open at 8 pm. See the event page 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
Baseball: Wausau East is now tied for second place in the Wisconsin Valley Conference after a 4-2 loss to Merrill. The Lumberjacks lead Wausau area teams with a 4-3 record, tied with Wisconsin Rapids for second.
Softball: D.C. Everest remains the top Wausau area team in the Wisconsin Valley Conference. The Evergreens are in second place behind unbeaten SPASH with a 7-2 record. D.C. Everest on Monday beat Wisconsin Rapids 11-4.
Girls soccer: D.C. Everest remains unbeaten in the Wisconsin Valley Conference, with its 4-0 record good enough for first place. The Evergreens blanked Wisconsin Rapids 4-0 Thursday to remain unbeaten. The Evergreens will host Wausau East today (Thursday) before heading into pool play next week.
Boys tennis: D.C. Everest is unbeaten in the Wisconsin Valley Conference, and it’s 3-0 record puts it in first place. But the Evergreens are trailed by SPASH, with a 2-0 record. Both teams play today (Thursday) which could change the order. And, the teams will face each other on Monday.
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