Morgue matters | The Weekly Wausonian

Wausau news for the week of May 18, 2023

After a number of years, Marathon County is going to start designing its own regional morgue.

The Forensics Science Center would not only allow Marathon County to perform its autopsies right in town versus driving all the way to the southern part of the state, but would service many of the northern counties, saving them time too.

Marathon County hopes to start design now so that it can bid out the project for the 2024 construction season. The project is now expected to cost $14 million (double what it was expected to cost when first estimated) but with other counties paying for autopsies, it ought to be revenue neutral to operate. And, most of the $14 million is expected to come from state and federal grants, with only $2 million coming from county ARPA dollars.

Marathon County Medical Examiner Jessica Blahnik says there are already forensic pathologists with ties to Wausau interested in working at the morgue when complete.

Wausonian subscribers were also sent breaking news about Wisconsin Valley Lutheran closing at the end of the year:

And they read about a couple of not-so-flattering lists Wausau was included on in our monthly open thread:

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What else in Wausau?

Homeless rising: The numbers of homeless people in Wausau continue to rise, according to reports from Community Outreach Specialist Tracy Rieger. Counts revealed 254 homeless folks in Wausau in April — up from 224 in March and 191 in February. This news comes on the heels of the Wausau police sweeping homeless encampments and saying they will now enforce city ordinances about camping in parks.

West Side Stabbing: Police arrested a 39-year-old Wausau man in connection with a stabbing that occurred in the early morning hours of Friday. Police say they arrested Jason Hopinka in a marshy area in the town of Ringle Friday afternoon after investigating the stabbing in the 400 block of Fourth Avenue. Hopinka is currently being held on a $100,000 cash bond and faces reckless endangerment and aggravated battery charges.

Around the metro

Pine Crest Sale: The Lincoln County Board voted on Tuesday to sell Pine Crest Nursing Home, according to a former board member. The Wausonian reached out to NCHC officials for confirmation.

Highway X closure: Highway X has been closed between Highway 29 and Schofield Avenue since Monday for repaving. It should be open later this week, officials say.

Administrator search: Kronenwetter has some competition on its hands: the village of Weston is now also searching for a new administrator. Current administrator Keith Donner is retiring by the end of the year, and so the village is seeking his replacement. The village is hoping for some overlap between Donner and the new administrator to help with continuity.

Business

Wausau’s first rooftop restaurant and bar?: There was talk of one happening on the Cobblery building overlooking The 400 Block, but now it looks like the Velveteen Plum will be Wausau’s first rooftop bar. The bar will be built on Bantr’s building, overlooking Rib Mountain, according to the business’s post. So where exactly is it located? It will be located on the Bantr Apartment Complex, which is located where Best Western once was.

Dripped Up Central: A new business opened called Dripped Up Central, which buys, sells and trades mostly clothing and shoes. Its owner emphasized items such as Jordans or Yeezys. The business is located at 1110 N. Sixth Street, just south of Angelo’s Pizza and The Filling Station.

Fuzzy tacos? Fuzzy’s Taco shop is planning to open soon in the former Wendy’s restaurant space in Weston. The shop is a national chain but this would be the shop’s first location in Wisconsin, according to the chain’s location map.

Entertainment

Friday, May 19: Whitewater Music Hall is quickly becoming the go-to place in town for country and bluegrass. The Madison-based country act Gin, Chocolate and Bottle Rockets is bringing its pop-country blend and positive message to Whitewater this Friday. You know you’re in for some good feels when they also do positive speaking appearances. 8 pm. See the event page for more details.

Saturday, May 20: It’s hard to get a real sense of the thrill of auto racing unless you’re in the stands yourself, feeling the roar of the engines in your chest. The Midwest Truck Series is making its way to State Park Speedway in Rib Mountain this Friday. This is the speedway’s season opener, with plenty of racing ahead on the 2023 schedule. Qualifying at 5 pm, racing starts at 6 pm. $18 adults, kids 6-12 $10, children five and under free. Check out the event page for more.

Saturday, May 20: If moonstones, crystals and tarot cards are your thing, than you definitely want to check out this market that will be all about those things! The first of several planned Mystics Markets will take place this Saturday right outside of Bill’s Moonstones and Crystals on First Avenue. (Which happens to be right outside of City Pages’s offices now.) You’ll find mediums, reiki, apothecary, natural health support and more. 10 am to 5 pm. For more information, check 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: D.C. Everest defeated Marshfield in extra innings 5-4 Tuesday to finish the season tied for first place with SPASH in the Wisconsin Valley Conference. Playoffs start on Tuesday.

Baseball: D.C. Everest beat Merrill 8-3 Tuesday to remain second place in the Wisconsin Valley Conference.

Girls Soccer: D.C. Everest is still in second place in the Valley, with Wausau West hot on the Evergreens’ heels in third.

Boys tennis: D.C. Everest beat Marshfield 6-1 Tuesday to remain in second place in the Wisconsin Valley Conference. The conference season culminates with the Wisconsin Valley Conference meet today (Thursday).

MTB dream come true: Lauren Lackman of Wausau has made the USA Cycling National Team for mountain biking. Lackman, daughter of Rib Mountain Cycles owner Randy Lackman, is one of 12 members of the women’s mountain bike team. USA Cycling announced its roster on May 10.

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