Wausau's fire department apprentices could solve the staffing shortage | Weekly Wausonian
Wausau news for the week of June 11, 2026
A new program at the Wausau Fire Department could bring as many as nine new firefighter apprentices in its first cohort to the department in October, if ultimately approved.
But city officials weren’t quite ready to sign off on the program without more details about its finances.
Wausau Fire Chief Jeremy Kopp said the program would be a partnership between NTC and the Fire Department. Two cohorts of nine firefighter apprentices would work as firefighter trainees for 18 months, achieving several firefighter and EMT certifications at the end of the program.
The apprentices would be paid for by a federal grant, not city taxpayers.
But committee members weren’t so sure about that. City HR Director Lisa Noack told the committee that the apprentices’ workers compensation premiums would be covered, but not the claims themselves, for instance.
The city’s Human Resources Committee voted 4-1 to table the idea until more details about the potential costs to the city could be brought back for their consideration.
A revamp of Kennedy Park has many involved wondering one thing: Just how much has been raised for the public-private partnership? The Wausonian dug into the numbers.
Oasis Arcade opened in the former Hi Restaurant and, before that, Chang Garden. And while it’s an arcade, the business’s aim is Gen Xers and Millennials out for a date night.
Not to mention, The Wausonian reported on the results of an investigation into a Metro Ride bus that hit a student:
What else in Wausau
Power outages, downed trees following storm: Nearly 4,600 homes were without power Wednesday evening after a storm hit area late afternoon, according to Wisconsin Public Service. The storm included tornado warnings and some tree damage. The storm also led to the scheduled Concert on the Square to be postponed until September, rather than moved to the Rothschild Pavilion.
New apartment project proposed for Riverlife: Wangard Partners of Milwaukee is proposing two four-story buildings in the city’s Riverlife development area. The company is proposing 143 total market-rate units for the area, which was created ten years ago and has struggled with failed projects. (The first successful Riverlife apartments were completed in 2019 by local developers.) Wangard was awarded the project a year ago after the company responded to a request for proposals. The city’s Finance and Economic Development committees went into joint closed session to discuss terms, but took no action in open session.
Wausau Fire responds to Ross Avenue garage fire: The Wausau Fire Department responded to a detached garage fire in the 900 block of Ross Avenue last week — after its occupants were alerted by a mail carrier. The fire engulfed the detached garage, which spread to the attic of the attached residence and damaged nearby structures as well. No one was hurt in the fire, likely because an attentive mail carrier alerted them to blaze.
The city crossing-guard program will be unprivatized: The city’s crossing guard program will be back under the control of the Wausau Police Department after the city council voted unanimously to approve the idea. The city privatized the program years ago because it struggled with staffing. But police officials believe that bringing the program in-house could save the city money.
Around the metro
Library could host SBA for Ringle relief: Marathon County Public Library officials say they are preparing to host representatives from the Small Business Administration if the Ringle tornadoes are declared a disaster. The SBA could use the space for a month or two in order to help residents affected by storm damage get loans or other assistance for businesses, homes and apartments, according to Library Director Leah Giordano.
Kronenwetter appoints new board member: The village of Kronenwetter has a new board member. The village board on Monday appointed Mary Solheim to the open seat. Solheim replaces Sandi Sorensen, who resigned from the board on May 4. Sorensen in her resignation letter accused the village administrator of bullying and harassment, which the administrator denies. The Wausonian is still waiting for the report from an investigation related to Sorensen’s accusations.
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Entertainment
Wausau Ignite is starting its second season in Wausau, bringing college softball to the Wausau area. They start their home opener today (Thursday), plus an artist reception at Wausau’s newest museum, a bike race, festivals, a writer/musician/performer and so much more in Your Wausome Weekend Guide.
Sports
Girls soccer: Wausau West defeated Eau Claire Memorial 4-1 Saturday. The Warriors will advance to the sectional semifinals against Hudson today (Thursday). Wausau East and D.C. Everest have been eliminated from the tournament.
Boys tennis: Riley Stanchik and Derek Emon of Wausau West qualified for the individual state tennis tournament. They will take on the team of Will Schneidewent and Oscar Piering from Arrowhead today (Thursday) in the first round of play.
College baseball: The Wausau Woodchucks grew their win-streak to three games Tuesday after a 7-4 win over the Thunder Bay Border Cats at Athletic Park. The Chucks still lead the Northwoods League Great Lakes West division, but Madison is nipping at their heels at half a game out.
College softball: Wausau Ignite lost its season opener Tuesday. The Ignite dropped an 11-0 game to the Madison Night Mares in Madison. The Ignite play their home opener tonight (Thursday).
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