Redeveloping River Drive | Weekly Wausonian

Wausau news for the week of Christmas, 2025

Two county-owned properties in downtown Wausau could look very different next year.

The County Board Thursday approved the release of requests for proposals to redevelop the former Social Services and Parks/Zoning office properties. The county no longer operates in the buildings on the Thomas Street and River Drive properties as it consolidated its building footprint in an effort to lower costs and simplify its operations while putting those properties back on the tax rolls.

One question that came up - a board member asked if the county could prevent the properties from immediately being included in a TIF District. County Administrator Lance Leonhard said he wasn’t sure about the legal mechanisms involved, but said the board could factor potential TIF usage into its decision on whether or not to approve a proposal.

Subcribers this week read our feature on a new yoga, herb and book store. Learn all about Shelves of Aeaea now in the former October Guitars space:

And, subscribers read our latest crime round-up, including an update on two of the dogs rescued during the Central Wisconsin K9 investigation:

What else in Wausau?

Three more candidates emerge for city council: What looked sparse in terms of competitive races has now gotten more interesting. Three new challengers have emerged for city council races this spring. Vylius Leskys filed nomination signatures to run against Tom Neal in District No. 4. Leskys ran previously, triggering a three-way race, before dropping out prior to the primary election. And two challengers — Timothy Howe and Bruce Trueblood — have emerged for District No. 11. The seat was held by Chad Henke, who filed paperwork indicating he didn’t plan to run for another term. Trueblood has filed nomination signatures already, but Howe so far has only filed candidacy declaration paperwork. Challengers have until Jan. 6 to file the necessary paperwork to run.

City sets feedback meeting for Cleveland Ave. property: City leaders are planning to hold an information session about what has been a controversial piece of city-owned land. The city on Jan. 29 will invite public comment about 1300 Cleveland Avenue. The site once housed the city’s business incubator and had four proposals for redevelopment, but city leaders put the brakes on that development to get a better sense of the environmental contamination. The city at 5:30 pm Jan. 29 in the Wausau Water Works building will provide an overview of the project and take public feedback.

Wausau events director announces departure: Wausau Events’ director announced she plans to leave in January, according to her own post on LinkedIn. Alissandra Aderholdt in her post cited her growing family and wanting to have more time with them. Aderholdt says she plans to handle communication and event logistics until her replacement has started. Aderholdt started in the position in June 2021.

Around the metro

Weston now has a competitive board race: Four candidates have now filed to run for three seats on Weston’s village board in the spring. Incumbent Steve Cronin has filed to run, and three challengers — Katrina Clark, Brent Olson and Lisa Beck — have filed to run. Incumbent Joe Jordan has filed not to run again. Incumbent Mark Kern has not yet officially indicated his intentions, according to the latest updates from Weston.

Rezoning sparks concern in Kronenwetter: A zoning change to industrial from business district has residents concerned in Kronenwetter. The rezone, which was approved Monday night for 2409 Tower Road and 1619 Highway XX, sparked concerns from residents about what they say will be a 24-hour distribution center right next to a residential neighborhood. That could lead to noise, traffic and potential loss of property value, they say. Material included in the meeting packet did not describe the specific project the rezoning was for. But project spokesperson Bill Scholfield told the village board that the project would be low-density given the amount of land involved, and would be a distribution or office warehouse. He says traffic and sound impact studies have been performed on the site. Village staff say a site plan for the project would still need to be approved by the board.

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Business

New toy store opens downtown: Downtown has a new dedicated toy store. Whimsy and Wonder Toys opened last month on Washington Street, across the street from the Foundry on Third building. The business focuses on sustainable and eco-friendly toys. Check out the business’s Facebook page for more.

Another new bookstore in the Wausau area: A new bookstore is planning to open in Schofield. Room of Words planned to open in the upstairs portion of the Hoehn’s Huddle building on Dec. 6. But, the owner reports on her social media, the opening had to be delayed. Check out the business’s page to stay up to date for an opening.

Entertainment

Friday, Dec. 26: This band coming to Malarkey’s Pub definitely caught my attention. 7000Apart is pretty unique in that it seems to be divided between American and Sweden. What began as a long-term relationship turned into both a marriage and a band fronted by Amelie Eiding and Jonathan Kresin. They’ve grown their indie pop band in both countries and are currently touring through Wisconsin. Their festival appearances include Future Echoes in Sweden and Mile of Music and Summerfest in Wisconsin. The music is pretty light and folksy, and should make for a chill Boxing Day evening. 9 pm. Check out the event page for more.

Saturday, Dec. 27: Some of you are listening to Jingle Bells this time of year, but if you’re amongst the folks listening to Sleigh Bells instead (woman-led metal band), this one is up your alley. Punk Rock Christmas is bringing three killer central Wisconsin Bands: The Vox Ultima, Fun in Theory and Sleeping with the President to Nevermore on Third. Hey, you can still headbang in your Santa hat, right? 9 pm. See the event page for more.

Tuesday, Dec. 30: The first rule of book club is… you don’t talk during book club? The Story Cellar is hosting a Silent Book Club. How does it work? You can come for the first hour and chat and browse the book shop, and then in the second hour grab a drink (wine, mocktail, coffee or hot chocolate) and read silently. Or listen to an audiobook and work on your hobby. Silence is the only requirement. $10, includes a drink of choice. 5 pm. See the event page for details.

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

Boys basketball: Wausau East came through in a tight overtime win against Wisconsin Rapids 73-70 last Friday. With D.C. Everest losing to Marshfield 70-64, the Lumberjacks are now tied for top Wausau area team in the Wisconsin Valley Conference.

Girls basketball: D.C. Everest more than doubled up on Marshfield Friday, beating the Tigers 48-22 to improve to 2-1 and third place in the Wisconsin Valley Conference, the top Wausau area team.

Boys hockey: Wausau West had been undefeated so far this season, but that came to an end Tuesday evening in a 6-0 loss to their main rival SPASH. That puts the Panthers neck and neck with the Warriors in the Wisconsin Valley Conference as they head into the holiday break.

Girls hockey: The Central Wisconsin Storm held strong for two periods, but Black River Falls broke the scoring drought in the third as the Storm lost 2-0 Monday. That leaves the Storm in third place in the Wisconsin Valley Conference.

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