The Wausau School Board is weighing its legal options in a battle to get Wausau East players a chance to form a co-op with Wausau West for varsity boys hockey.
East had previously formed a co-op with Merrill, but Merrill exited the co-op in order to form its own team because it had enough players. Three members of the Wisconsin Valley Conference — Marshfield, Wisconsin Rapids and Stevens Point — opposed the co-op, resulting in a 3–3 tie, meaning it failed.
The Wausau School Board railed against the other schools, saying they were denying playing opportunities because they were afraid of the competition.
Ultimately, the board authorized hiring legal counsel to evaluate and pursue options. Another conference vote on the co-op is expected Dec. 9.
She started a pop-up pantry in her neighborhood. Then the city shut it down. Find out what is next:
She opened a neighborhood pop-up pantry. Then the city of Wausau shut it down.
I first came across the controversy after seeing a Facebook post in the group “Wausau’s Southeast Side.”
And, when Mosinee suddenly had a new fire chief, The Wausonian wondered what happened to the former one. We found out. Then we got ahold of the complaints:
Records reveal complaints against former Mosinee Fire Chief Adam Grahn
The Wausonian reported earlier this year on what happened with Adam Grahn, who quietly left as Mosinee Fire Chief after the district’s fire commission ordered an investigation into complaints made against him.
What else in Wausau?
City makes $1.3 million budget fix for 2026: The city’s Finance Committee approved approximately $1.3 million in additional year-end budget spending. Greater-than-expected expenses in the city’s motor pool and refuse and recycling fuel surcharges were major contributors to the shortfall, according to Finance Director Maryanne Groat. Offsets included additional SAFER grant funding, savings from bringing the crossing guard program in-house, investment income and savings from vacant positions.
City council approves budget — barely: The Wausau City Council approved its 2027 budget Tuesday… but just barely. The budget passed 7–4 after a failed amendment to use reserves to reduce excess borrowing, and a push by many to hold off on passing the budget so the council could have more time to deliberate. The passage also came after Mayor Doug Diny relinquished the gavel to make a presentation on the potential for a city administrator. The administrator money was shifted toward purchasing an audit for the city.
Around the metro
Bug Tussel tussle leaves $1.5 million county shortfall: Bug Tussel, a company hired to build out Marathon County’s broadband network in rural parts of the county, told county leaders it won’t be able to fully meet its debt obligations, potentially leaving the county to cover roughly $1.5 million in payments in 2027. That leaves the county, which guaranteed the bond debt, on the hook for the money. And according to County Administrator Lance Leonhard, those payments don’t qualify for the usual exception allowing the county to raise its levy above state limits to cover debt. All of that is separate from the $8 million loan the county made to the company. And The Wausonian already reported on a lawsuit Bug Tussel is facing in Marathon County.
Marathon County passed budget, cuts failed: Marathon County passed its 2027 budget Tuesday. That came after a plan to cut $1.75 million from the levy failed, as did a plan to eliminate Flock camera funding. What did pass was a plan to move the $6,300 budgeted for Flock cameras from the Sheriff’s office to contingency funding instead, putting committee oversight over the line item. County legal counsel cautioned that might not prevent the Sheriff from using different money to pay for the service, however.
Construction company’s Weston permit delayed after inspection revealed maintenance work: Weston’s Plan Commission delayed a permitting decision for Ganster Construction after an inspector found maintenance work that wasn’t included in the operational plan provided to staff. A representative of Ganster told Weston officials that they didn’t plan to do any maintenance on vehicles stored at its new Mesker Street facility, but a village inspector was given a tour by a mechanic, and staff said routine work included oil changes and brake jobs. Because the site is in a wellhead protection district, staff needed more information about fluid storage, disposal and spill prevention before setting permit conditions. The Plan Commission held off on issuing the permit until staff could gather more information.
Opioid settlement money could become a lasting fund: Marathon County so far has received about $2.5 million in opioid settlement money and is expected to receive another $3.3 million through 2038. County leaders are now discussing the possibility of creating a lasting fund, with annual spending set at a level intended to sustain it indefinitely. More details about the proposal are expected in January.
Possible public measles exposure reported: Marathon County health officials say a confirmed measles case involved a visit to the emergency department at Marshfield Medical Center–Weston. The possible exposure window was 1:30–3:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 5. People who were there during that time and aren’t immune should contact a health care provider about recommended next steps. Anyone developing symptoms should call ahead before seeking care so precautions can be taken.
Employee dies on job at American Asphalt: An employee of American Asphalt died following a workplace incident last week, according to Kronenwetter Police. Police say first responders arrived at American Asphalt to find a 47-year-old employee stuck in a silo gate after going to check on the silo’s condition. Rescue workers attempted medical aid, but the worker was pronounced dead at Aspirus Wausau Hospital. OSHA has been notified and is investigating. Police do not suspect any foul play. Police did not release the employee’s name.
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Business
Hoehn’s Huddle owner buys Night School building, plans bars: The owner of Hoehn’s Huddle says he bought the Night School building in Schofield and plans to renovate it into two bars. Those bars will likely have a sports theme, he says, and will help address overcrowding on game days at Hoehn’s Huddle. If all goes to plan, the bars should be open in time for the NFL playoffs in two to three months.
Entertainment
Wausau’s 11-11 Party highlights an event-packed weekend | Your Wausome Weekend Guide
It’s long been one of Wausau’s biggest parties of the year, and it always has a cool theme. The 11-11 Party this year mixes vintage fashion with futuristic style, and the outfits it inspires promise to be legendary. But that’s hardly all this weekend, with a funky Friday at Faraway, a comedic caretaker, a puzzling competition and more in Your Wausome We…
Sports
Junior league hockey: The Wausau Cyclones lost a pair of games against the Wisconsin Woodsmen last weekend. Wausau lost 6–1 Friday and 5–4 Saturday. The Cyclones are 8–9–1 so far, fourth place in the Central Division of the NA3HL.
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