Looking for Wausau news? The Wausonian is an independent source for local news in Wausau and Greater Marathon County covering city government, business, development, public safety, elections, dining, sports and the stories shaping the community.
We focus on smart, readable local journalism that helps busy people stay informed quickly.
Get Wausau news in your inbox
Join more than 2,000 local readers who get free weekly updates from The Wausonian.
Latest Wausau news: Top stories this week
What to know about Weston’s proposed 2027 budget
The village of Weston’s proposed 2027 budget includes about $10.79 million for village operations, an 11.64% increase from $9.67 million in 2026, though staff say part of that comes from moving expenses between funds and changes in accounting presentation. Weston’s share of the SAFER Fire District rises 28.7% to about $1.9 million, largely for three new firefighters shared with Rib Mountain, while closing a TIF district adds $732,852 in levy capacity. Officials are also weighing raising the $205.50 garbage and recycling fee to $225, $230 or $236, and staff has said a sewer rate increase is likely. Read everything you need to know about Weston’s 2027 budget.
Wausau will cover private-side lead line replacement costs
Wausau set out to replace its lead service lines using federal funding, but as the grant and loan mix changed, there was talk that some residents might have to pay for their private-side lines after all while others had already had theirs replaced at no cost. The City Council voted unanimously to fund the private-side costs not covered by grants or principal forgiveness, a gap expected to be about $4.5 million in 2027, depending on funding awards and construction bids. Consultants expect to complete more than 3,500 lines by the end of the year, leaving 2,800 to 2,900, and the council also passed an ordinance mandating lead line replacement. Read more about lead line replacement and other Wausau-area news in the Weekly Wausonian.
Wausau approves “push it to the middle” snow plowing
Residents of the Southeast Side and Highland Park neighborhoods won unanimous City Council approval for a “push it to the middle” plowing policy, following the Infrastructure Committee’s approval. The policy permits counterflow plowing when safe, pushing snow toward center boulevards during full plowing operations while keeping discretion for safety and operating conditions. Advocates say the city used to plow boulevard streets toward the boulevard, and that the switch to curbside plowing led to blocked driveways, narrowed streets, visibility problems and difficulties for elderly and disabled residents. Read more about the plowing change and other Wausau-area news in the Weekly Wausonian.
Are fires on the rise in Wausau?
Wausau firefighters responded to another structure fire on a recent Saturday, as the number of fires and other non-EMS calls the department handles keeps climbing. Non-EMS calls rose from 677 in 2022 to 866 in 2025, and the department responded to 45 fire incidents in the first half of 2026, compared with 73 fire calls in all of 2025. Fire calls this year have included Dave Junion’s studio, a garage fire, house fires and a fatal house fire, and structure fires can require considerably more personnel and apparatus than routine EMS calls. Read more about Wausau’s rising fire calls in Three Things to Start Your Week.
Flock cameras spark debate in Wausau’s 2027 budget
Council Members Tom Neal and Matt Hoenecke want to eliminate Flock cameras from the police department’s 2027 budget, with Hoenecke citing privacy concerns and potential misuse, but Police Chief Matt Barnes cautioned that the city’s contract runs through the end of 2028 and cutting the funding might not end its payment obligations. Overall, city expenditures are projected to drop 7.53% to $158.43 million, but the levy rises from $38.06 million to $40.63 million and the tax rate is expected to climb from $8.84 to $9.24 per $1,000, about $80 more on a $200,000 property whose assessed value stays the same. About 56% of the levy increase comes from the referendum allowing additional spending on firefighters. Read everything we know so far about Wausau’s 2027 budget.
Last updated: Oct. 16, 2026
Coverage areas
Wausau government
City Council, mayor, budgets, taxes, development, policy decisions and civic accountability.
Business & development
New businesses, downtown projects, commercial trends, restaurants and economic growth.
Public safety
Storm recovery, crime, courts, road incidents and emergency response.
Schools & elections
School board races, local elections, referendums and education policy.
Sports & community life
High school sports, local events and what’s happening around Wausau.
Why readers choose The Wausonian
Independent local journalism focused on Wausau
Coverage of stories larger outlets often miss
Quick weekly roundups for busy readers
Strong civic, business and accountability reporting
Reader-supported local news
Get Wausau news in your inbox
Join more than 2,000 readers who rely on The Wausonian for free weekly updates, breaking local stories and smart coverage of the issues shaping Greater Wausau.
Group Subscriptions for Teams
Keep your staff informed on local government, business trends and community developments.
20% off group plans. Custom pricing for 25+ seats.
About The Wausonian
The Wausonian is an independent local news publication serving Wausau, Wisconsin and surrounding communities with original reporting, analysis and community-focused journalism.
If you’re searching for Wausau news, start here — and stay informed.
More recent Wausau news stories
Here are more recent Wausau news stories, including coverage of local government, business, crime and community events.
Wausau’s PFAS settlement money could help limit water rate hikes
Wausau is slated to receive millions of dollars from class action settlements with PFAS manufacturers, and the city’s Waterworks Commission discussed putting that money toward capital improvements that could help limit future water rate hikes. But staff told the commission the Department of Natural Resources says the utility needs to use at least half of the money to pay down the loan for its granular activated carbon PFAS treatment system, a requirement Wausau and other municipalities are questioning. City staff say using the money for new projects instead could avoid borrowing at higher rates than the existing loan. Read more about the PFAS settlement and other Wausau-area news in the Weekly Wausonian.
What to know about Marathon County’s proposed 2027 budget
Marathon County’s proposed 2027 budget drops the property tax rate by one cent, to $3.48 per $1,000 of equalized property value, but County Administrator Lance Leonhard warns property owners shouldn’t necessarily expect lower bills because countywide equalized value rose 6.25%. The county’s net new construction figure has also fallen for three straight years, to 1.545%, which limits how much the county can raise its operating levy to keep up with inflation. The budget is now in front of the County Board and its committees, where changes are likely before final approval. Read everything you need to know about Marathon County’s 2027 budget.
Exploding washing machine lawsuit leads latest Full Court Press
A woman says the washing machine in her apartment exploded in September 2023, sending two doors outward and striking her in the head, and that the explosion sparked a fire that destroyed much of her property and left the apartment uninhabitable. The lawsuit alleges the washer was defective or unsafe and that the property-related defendants failed to properly install, inspect, maintain or repair it. The case leads The Wausonian’s monthly roundup of the most interesting civil cases filed in Marathon County. Read the latest Marathon County civil court report.
Marathon County starts work on a data center ordinance
After passing a year-long moratorium on new data centers in August, Marathon County’s Environmental Resources Committee began discussing what a permanent data center ordinance could include, from water and electricity demand to backup generators, noise, lighting, construction traffic and emergency response. Committee members asked for expert information and discussed whether to treat large data centers differently from small server facilities. County staff said they’ve had one inquiry about general data center rules but no specific project proposal. Read more about the data center ordinance and other Wausau-area news in the Weekly Wausonian.
Did Kronenwetter release the Davel investigation outside its authority?
The investigation into Kronenwetter Administrator James Davel failed to substantiate the claims against him, but it led to Zoning Administrator Peter Wegner being fired, and Village Clerk Jennifer Poyer later resigned and filed her own complaint. Poyer has now responded to The Wausonian, and her account raises questions about whether the village followed state statutes and its own ordinance when it released the investigation records. Read Jennifer Poyer’s response in the latest Kronenwetter follow-up.
Marathon County approves animal waste ordinance to protect water
Marathon County leaders approved an amended animal waste ordinance designed to keep manure out of water sources, following 18 months of work that included six open houses, 13 Environmental Resources Committee meetings and six farmer work-group sessions. The changes strengthen nutrient management requirements and limit manure spreading on frozen ground, especially in February and March, and farms under 300 animal units would need a nutrient management plan to spread liquid manure on frozen soils. Excess manure adds phosphorus to waterways, feeding algae growth that has contributed to fish kills, including several on the Big Eau Pleine Reservoir. Read more about the manure ordinance and other Wausau-area news in the Weekly Wausonian.
Marathon County weighs next steps on unfinished Bug Tussel fiber project
Marathon County partnered with Bug Tussel to lay fiber optic cable to improve rural internet access, but the company now says it can’t complete the project as originally planned and has asked the county for a list of priority areas to finish with the remaining money. Bug Tussel received $25 million in conduit financing participation plus an $8 million county loan. The County Board discussed next steps in closed session, which could include possible litigation. Read more about the Bug Tussel fiber project and other Wausau-area news in the Weekly Wausonian.
Former Mosinee fire chief sues to block release of complaints
Former Mosinee Fire Chief Adam Grahn has petitioned for an injunction to block the release of complaints filed against him while he was chief, records The Wausonian requested after learning he signed a separation agreement that ended an unfinished investigation. Grahn argues the complaints were “unproven, unsubstantiated, and false” and that releasing them would unfairly damage his privacy, reputation and future job prospects. At a brief hearing before Marathon County Circuit Court Judge Mike Moran, Grahn, representing himself, and the Mosinee Fire District agreed the judge would review sealed copies of the records in private, and a hearing is scheduled for Oct. 13. Read what happened in court in the Mosinee fire chief records case.
Kronenwetter investigation raises more unanswered questions
The Wausonian is digging back through the investigation report on Kronenwetter Administrator James Davel, along with supplemental material from former village board member Sandra Sorensen, former Zoning Administrator Peter Wegner and former village clerk Jennifer Poyer. Open questions include why some names were redacted and others weren’t, why an attorney-led investigation costing at least $35,000 was launched at all, and why three employees were given additional pay, alleged to be $2,000 per month, shortly after it concluded. Read the latest follow-up on the Kronenwetter investigation.
Writual Collective opens spiritual shop in downtown Wausau
Writual Collective, a spiritual lifestyle shop owned by Sheila Ellis, held its grand opening at 525 N. 3rd St. in the space that previously housed Norwegian Wood. The business started about six years ago as a tarot planner company before growing into an international online community and marketplace, and the store sells tarot and oracle decks by independent artists along with candles, herbs, crystals, teas and more. Its basement will host classes and events, including a planned monthly tarot circle. Read more about Writual Collective in downtown Wausau.
Wausau weighs bringing back a city administrator
Wausau hosted a packed town hall on whether to hire a city administrator, with a UW-Oshkosh expert arguing the role can add stability and pay for itself through grants and efficiencies. A 2015 referendum narrowly rejected the idea; Mayor Doug Diny says support looks stronger now, and the next step is council discussion of a binding referendum. Read more about the city administrator debate in the Weekly Wausonian. https://www.thewausonian.com/p/wausau-city-administrator-town-hall-weekly-wausonian
City moves ahead with operational audit amid budget pressure
City leaders approved developing an audit proposal after residents pushed for a look at spending during another budget shortfall. Officials describe it as a broad operational review—not a forensic “witch hunt”—with the executive committee providing oversight; the full council still must approve a final plan. Read more about the city audit and other Wausau-area news in the Weekly Wausonian. https://www.thewausonian.com/p/wausau-city-audit-wangard-riverlife-solar-update
IRS investigator unpacks the Stanley Pophal fraud
After Stanley Pophal was sentenced to eight years for wire fraud and money laundering tied to more than $14 million stolen from nearly 200 investors, The Wausonian interviewed lead IRS investigator Robert J. Kuszynski about how the Ponzi-style scheme worked—and how investor money funded real estate, planes, and hundreds of snowmobiles. Read The Wausonian’s exclusive interview with the lead IRS investigator. https://www.thewausonian.com/p/the-part-of-the-stanley-pophal-story
Nearly $1 million allegedly embezzled from Emmerich Properties
A Weston bookkeeper/contractor is accused of embezzling as much as $1 million from Emmerich Properties and related entities—one of the larger such cases alleged in Wausau’s history—through fraudulent writings, an insurance claim, tax fraud, and identity theft. Read how the Lynn Loss case allegedly unfolded. https://www.thewausonian.com/p/wausau-emmerich-properties-embezzlement
Wangard’s RiverLife apartments win council approval
The Wausau City Council approved a development agreement for 144 apartments in the city’s flagship redevelopment area, reversing a failed committee vote. Wangard would buy the land for $100,000 and receive reverse-TIF incentives only if the $36.1 million project generates taxes. Read more about RiverLife and other Wausau-area news in the Weekly Wausonian. https://www.thewausonian.com/p/wausau-city-audit-wangard-riverlife-solar-update
Marathon County adopts new review process for large energy projects
Marathon County approved a new process designed to give county officials an earlier look at large energy projects before developers formally apply to the state. The move comes as county leaders continue wrestling with the proposed Hub City Wind Farm and whether to intervene in the state approval process. Read more about Marathon County’s new energy-project review process in the Weekly Wausonian.
Marathon County puts one-year pause on new data centers
Marathon County approved a moratorium of up to 12 months on new data centers in the county’s 18 county-zoned towns while staff develops permanent zoning regulations. No large-scale data center has been proposed in Marathon County, but officials are acting as projects proliferate elsewhere in Wisconsin. Read more about the data center moratorium and other Wausau-area news in the Weekly Wausonian.