Riverlife amendment | The Weekly Wausonian
Wausau news for the week of Nov. 22, 2023
I know, you’re normally expecting these posts on Thursday. But y’all might be a little busy with Turkey Day, so The Weekly Wausonian came out a day early for you. Enjoy Thanksgiving and we’ll be back to the regular schedule next Thursday!
In what is becoming a pattern for projects in the RiverLife area, the new development proposed by S.C. Swiderski is already seeking an amendment.
According to the new amendment agreement, the company was supposed to close on the project by the end of the year. But now that’s being pushed back, and the completion deadline of March 2027 is now optimistically by the end of 2027.
The delay isn’t the same as the Foundry on Third project, the first of the mall redevelopment projects slated to happen at the former Wausau Center site. That project was supposed to kick off earlier this year — that project is now delayed until sometime next year.
Meanwhile, the Children’s Imaginarium is slated to open in early December, and Second Street connecting Forest and Washington is open to traffic.
The S.C. Swiderski RiverLife project is slated to build a seven-story, 200-unit apartment building with some commercial space.
What else in Wausau?
Position pause: City Human Resources Director James Henderson helped pull the brakes on some new position requests until his department has more time to review them. Henderson’s call was heeded by the city’s Human Resources Committee, which balked at approving an assistant for the Community Development Department and a new administration position shared between the police and fire departments. “I’m very comfortable with those positions being added but we’re talking about procedure going forward so we’re not here next year with people cramming stuff in, maybe hoping I miss something and they can just go through with it.”
Meth house bust: A man suspected of running a meth house on the city’s west side that police raided two months ago is now in custody. Toua Yang is facing charges of running a drug house on the 700 block of Third Avenue. Police in September raided the house, seizing 1.3 pounds of meth, four pounds of marijuana, two handguns and other drug paraphernalia. Yang is being held on a $25,000 cash bond.
Around the metro
Deer tag sales down year over year: The Department of Natural Resources says sales of deer tags are down slightly from last year as of Friday morning. The department had issued 659,302 deer licenses, including 309,520 licenses for gun hunting only. In 2022 at that time, the DNR had sold 665,661 deer hunting licenses and 310,862 gun-only deer licenses. County officials advise anyone recreating in the county forests to wear blaze orange through the regular gun, muzzleloader and antlerless deer seasons, through Dec. 10.
Business
You had me at ‘sipping chocolate’: The owners of The Chocolate Shop are starting a new business downtown, in the Washington Square building and it sounds delicious. Work on the new The Chocolate Cafe is slated to start Dec. 1 and the shop is slated to open Jan. 15. The shop will serve Belgian drinking chocolate and gelato, the owners plan to keep it open until 9 pm Mondays through Saturdays.
Sponsored by
Venado Cerveceria has expanded its incredible inventory to offer you an even more diverse and delightful array of choices in wine and spirits, bringing you the best! We invite you to experience the epitome of indulgence at our location, 209 Grant Street, Downtown Wausau. Operation Hours: Tuesday to Thursday: 4-8 PM Friday and Saturday: 4-9 PM. Our bar exudes a fantastic vibe that guarantees a memorable time. Step into a haven of relaxation and enjoyment. Whether you're winding down after a long day or looking to kick off a great night out, our welcoming atmosphere and outstanding selection promise an unforgettable
Entertainment
Thursday, Nov. 23: Once upon a time it was called the Eastbay Turkey Trot, but of course, there is no Eastbay anymore. But there is still a Turkey Trot! Get a good run in before Turkey Day festivities and support a good cause (Marathon County Hunger Coalition). Leaves at the 400 Block in Wausau. 8:30 am. Sign up here, see the route, price and other details.
Saturday, Nov. 25: Many of you are probably missing comedy since the KooKoo’s Nest closed up. Bantr has it sometimes, and Rookies in Stevens Point does too. But now Whitewater is getting into the action! Check out comedians Trevor Anderson, Judd Reminger, Dana Ermann, Casey Flesch and Matt Torkelson at the spacious beer hall at Whitewater Music Hall. 8 pm. $15. See more on the event page.
Saturday, Nov. 25: Ok, with Thanksgiving out of the way, that means we can all start focusing on Christmas! And for sure your kids have their wishlists ready to show Santa. The Labor Temple has been doing this Breakfast with Santa for a long time, and it’s become a Christmas tradition for many. Come and enjoy the all-you-can-eat breakfast, have the kids sit on Santa’s lap, and check out the Elf Shelf. 8 am to noon. $8 adults, $4 children 5-12, 4 and under free. Check out 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
The kick from Germany: Winter sports we cover haven’t launched yet. But in the meantime, WAOW interviewed the German exchange student who, despite not ever playing football before, kicked the winning field goal for Stratford to bring home a state title for the team.
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Thought you might have details on the latest developments with Everest Metro Police. Sounds like they’re going to have some serious legal and ethical issues to address.