City leaders announced this week that they have met their goals for the number of lead service lines replaced in Wausau.
The city’s EquiFlow program replaced 602 lines last year, more than the goal of 553 they aimed for in the first year of the program. This year, the program aims for 1,900 lines replaced this year and work is underway to prepare for that. The program will aim for census tracts 6.01, 6.02, 4, 5, 7, 8.
But questions about the funding of the program persist. Federal officials touting the program talked about the federal government paying for it, but in reality the funding is a mix of grants and loans, and city leaders must decide where the funding will come from to pay back the loans.
This week, The Wausonian dove into the single-family housing issue in Wausau. And more data is coming in, so stay tuned for future installments:
And, meet Wausau’s newest, coziest used bookstore with a touch of coffee included:
What else in Wausau?
Wausau Fire gets automatic CPR equipment: The Wausau Fire Department recently received new automatic CPR devices. The devices automate chest compression for those experiencing cardiac events, improving survival rates. The equipment came as a result of a donation from the BA and Esther Greenheck Foundation and the Community Foundation of Northcentral Wisconsin.
Around the metro
Three vie for Weston Village President: The Weston Village Board will see a primary race with three vying for the president’s seat: Incumbent Mark Maloney and challengers Hooshang Zeyghami and James Pinsonneault. All three currently serve on the Weston Village Board. The three will face off Feb. 18 in a primary, with the top two vote-getters moving on to the spring race.
Fire investigation: Sheriff’s Office officials are investigating a fire that left one dead in the town of Green Valley. Deputies say a 65-year-old woman was killed in the fire last week. Officials don’t believe the fire is suspicious but are still working on determining a cause.
Assembly ordinance changes pass quietly: The Marathon County Board passed an updated large assembly ordinance with little fanfare Tuesday after it caused a stir at the committee level. The county wanted to change its ordinance because it believed the existing ordinance violated First Amendment protections and was unenforceable. But organizers of dairy breakfasts were concerned the new ordinance would saddle them with onerous requirements. The limit was changed to 5,000 and that seemed to take care of the problem.
Chair appointment garners scrutiny over attendance: Committee assignments aren’t typically hot-button issues, but some pushback came against Yee Leng Xiong being appointed as vice chair on the public safety committee. Board Member Tim Sondelski said he opposed Xiong’s appointment because he hadn’t been attending meetings. Xiong explained he had been attending most of them virtually, and had missed a couple while he was running for State Assembly. Xiong said he made changes to his schedule so he could attend in person from now on. The board approved the appointment 27-4.
Business
Chick-fil-A joins Chipotle in coming to Wausau: It’s official: Chick-fil-A is coming to the Wausau area. The restaurant will open this fall on Rib Mountain Drive across the street from Texas Roadhouse, close to where Chipotle will go. Both restaurants are new not only to the Wausau area but to central Wisconsin in general.
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Entertainment
Thursday, Jan. 23: Lighted snowshoe hikes are really fun - and coupled with food, even better. Willow Springs Garden is hosting this lighted snowshoe walk around their lovely grounds followed by a Chili Charcuterie Buffet, which sounds delicious. Thankfully the temperatures will warm up enough to get out and get some snowshoeing in finally. Snowshoe at your own pace between 5:30 pm and 8 pm, buffet goes until 7:30 pm. $30. $10 for just the hike, $20 for just the buffet, snowshoe rental for $5
Friday, Jan. 24: Midwest touring sensations Them Coulee Boys got their start as camp counselors in Northern Wisconsin. A long session of Avett Brothers and classic country songs in 2011 led to gathering members and the formation of a band that’s a favorite amongst those who love bluegrass. The band is kicking off the year with a session at Whitewater Music Hall, which has a nice large space for people to mingle in and beer crafted right on sight. Perfect for a night of musical fun. 8 pm. $20. 21+ See the event page for more.
Saturday, Jan. 25: Whose Line is it Anyway is that classic improv show turned stage performance - and one of its principal stars was Colin Mochrie. For this show, Mochrie joins hypnotist Asad Mecci for this hilarious and mystifying show. Hyprov did a 70-show stint off-Broadway, has toured more than 100 cities and had a six-month residency in Las Vegas, all while garnering much acclaim. See what critics are calling “catnip for those who relish spontaneity and informality.” 7:30 pm. $30-$68. 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
Boys basketball: D.C. Everest is now tied with Wausau West in the Wisconsin Valley Conference after a win Friday night. The Evergreens beat Wisconsin Rapids 70-45 Friday, giving them and the Warriors both a 3-2 record, tied with SPASH for second place.
Girls basketball: D.C. Everest remains in third place in the Wisconsin Valley Conference and is falling further behind with a loss Friday. The Evergreens lost to Wisconsin Rapids 46-43 Friday. D.C. Everest is tied with Wausau West and Wisconsin Rapids for third place in the Valley as the season winds down.
Boys hockey: D.C. Everest and Wausau West continue to trail SPASH by a hair in the Wisconsin Valley Conference as the season winds down. Wausau West beat Marshfield 9-0 Thursday and the Evergreens beat Wisconsin Rapids 4-1. Both teams are two points behind first-place SPASH. The Warriors head to SPASH today (Thursday) with a chance to break even with a win.
Girls hockey: The Central Wisconsin Storm is now on a five-game winning streak with a pair of road wins last weekend. The Storm beat Beaver Dam 7-1 Friday and defeated the Lakeshore Lightning 5-2 Saturday. The Storm are now 16-3 with five games left in the regular season.
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