The Rib Mountain Village Board took the unusual step of holding a vote on backing away from a controversial TIF decision before public comment.
That didn’t stop people from speaking at the meeting Tuesday, which followed protests the day before and prior to the meeting, but by then it had already been decided.
The village board voted to reconsider creating its second TIF district, after approving it last month. The district became controversial largely because it signaled growth and development along Highway NN, which residents weren’t thrilled about.
The Wausonian covered the issue in depth earlier this week:
Board members said they felt a lot of misinformation had been shared about the district - but that in light of the amount of concerns they were hearing, they backed off the plan for now.
The Wausonian covered the meeting via livestream (audio only from the actual meeting, due to technical issues).
This is the first time this reporter has covered a TIF district that was canceled due to citizen pushback.
What else in Wausau?
The box is back: The Wausonian broke news last week that Wausau Mayor Doug Diny had removed Wausau’s ballot box from the front of city hall, including a photo he was sharing of himself doing so. Since then, things… escalated. National media picked up the story, the clerk turned over the incident to the Marathon County DA’s office and the election commission, and the case was sent to the Portage County Sheriff’s office to investigate. On Monday morning, which The Wausonian confirmed first-hand, the box was back, bolted down and in service. It’s not yet clear whether the investigation continues.
Wangard OKed for RiverLife: Wangard Partners has been given the OK for a planning option, allowing the developers to get onto the RiverLife site to make sure there is no funny business on the site (otherwise known as “due diligence”). The project is the latest for the city’s flagship development site which has seen a string of failures since it opened for business in 2015. Wangard hopes to build a two-building, 135-unit apartment complex on the site. It would be the second since the RiverLife Apartments were successfully completed by its third developer to make the attempt.
A late-breaking ice cream update: Briq’s closing RiverLife location: City leaders late on Wednesday announced Briq’s would be closing its RiverLife location along the Wisconsin River. Briq’s, which has several locations throughout the city and central Wisconsin, won’t renew its lease for the following season. Work is underway on clearing the building, according to a press release. The city will seek another vendor for the building next season.
Around the metro
Out with a bang: Oneida County issued an order to Minocqua Brewing Co. owner Kirk Bangstad to cease any operations tied to his conditional use permit after an appellate court judge denied his recent appeal. Bangstad got into a spat with county government starting last summer after zoning officials accused him of violating county ordinances and the conditions of his permit repeatedly. The Minocqua Brewing Co. owner recently got into a trademark dispute with the owner of a West Allis brewery over his latest “Ope” beer which celebrates the current Democratic Vice President candidate Tim Walz.
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Entertainment
Saturday, Oct. 5: Upon a first listen to the band Wayland, my very first thought was this sounds like a mix of country and rock - it’s got distorted guitars and a singer who sounds more like a rock singer than a country singer, but with a top 40 country structure. Formed in LA, the band after it achieved some success took off to live and tour in the Midwest - sort of the opposite of the typical pattern. Since then they’ve become a national touring act, living in Nashville, charting some singles and continuing the life of a touring band. On Saturday they’ll make their way to 4 Fathers Pub, which is starting to host some pretty good music. 7 pm. See more on their Facebook page.
Saturday, Oct. 5: Yes to pancakes! The Concerts in the Clouds music series is over for the summer, but that doesn’t mean you have to let that wonderful amphitheater go to waste. This Saturday make your way there for Pancake Breakfast in the Clouds, which is a great excuse to get up into our little mountain and, well, who doesn’t love pancakes! $10 for adults, $5 children 3-10 and free for children under 3 gets you all the pancakes you can eat, plus three sausages, juice and coffee. Or $2 if you just want coffee. Park sticker required for parking on top of Rib Mountain, or start from the bottom and make a hike out of it (gotta burn off those pancakes somehow right?). Runs until 11:30 am. Check out the event page for more.
Tuesday, Oct. 8: Not gonna lie, I’m excited about this one. When I was a teenager fresh out of college, I wanted to learn piano just so I could play like Ben Folds. Most frequent of the CDs played in my car during that time were those of Ben Folds Five. The band was active between 1993 and 2000, with a brief reunion from 2011-2013. Known for its hard, piano-driven rock and quirky lyrics, the band saw big success with Song for the Dumped, Battle of Who Could Care Less and Brick, the band’s top single. Outside the band Ben Folds has had a successful solo career. Ben Folds was always like a piano bar musician got really big, with all the high energy and attitude from that scene. This act is a huge get for the Grand Theater and if there is one must-see show of the year, this is it. $45-$87. 7:30 pm. VIP available through Benfolds.com, sold separately. 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
Football: Blake Bangtston is leading the Wisconsin Valley Conference in rushing yards and touchdowns for the Evergreens as D.C. Everest remains undefeated in the Wisconsin Valley Conference. The Evergreens beat Eau Claire North 48-20 to remain 4-0 on top of the conference leaderboard.
Volleyball: D.C. Everest’s Isabella Kraege is leading in service percentage as the Evergreens remain the top Wausau area team at 5-1, second only to Marshfield. D.C. Everest beat Wisconsin Rapids in straight sets Thursday to hold on to second place. They will take on first-place Marshfield today (Thursday) at Marshfield.
Boys soccer: D.C. Everest’s Hezekiah Meletzko and Wausau West’s Tyler Foster are tied for first in individual scoring, with 15 points apiece, as the Evergreens lead the Wisconsin Valley Conference. The Evergreens defeated Wausau East Thursday 4-1, Merrill 9-0 on Saturday and Wisconsin Rapids 6-1 on Monday. The Evergreens will host Marshfield today (Thursday) before heading into pool play.
Girls tennis: No one has been able to touch Wausau West this season as they finish regular season individual matches at 6-0, defeating Merrill in straight sets ahead of the Wisconsin Valley Conference Tournament today (Thursday). Mia Bailey leads the way for West as its No. 1 singles player, undefeated on the season.
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