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Latest Wausau news: Top stories this week
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.
Arrow Sports Bar closed in Weston
Arrow Sports Bar is closed after Weston officials withheld renewal of its liquor license and the business’s seller’s permit became invalid. Village Administrator Jami Gebert told The Wausonian the longtime Weston bar is closed until further notice. Read more about Arrow Sports Bar and other Wausau-area business news in the Weekly Wausonian.
Medical malpractice case leads latest Marathon County court report
A lawsuit filed in Marathon County alleges a young child suffered permanent neurological injuries after complications during a 2022 heart procedure. The case leads the latest Full Court Press, along with lawsuits involving construction debts, property assessments, foreclosure and an unusual boat-repair dispute. Read the latest Marathon County civil court report.
New questions emerge from Kronenwetter investigation records
After reviewing hundreds of pages from the investigation into Kronenwetter Administrator James Davel, The Wausonian is digging further into supplemental records from people involved in the case — including disputed claims about what was reported publicly and questions that remain after the $45,000 investigation. Read the latest follow-up on the Kronenwetter investigation.
Last updated: Aug. 31, 2026
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The Wausonian is an independent local news publication serving Wausau, Wisconsin and surrounding communities with original reporting, analysis and community-focused journalism.
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More recent Wausau news stories
Here are more recent Wausau news stories, including coverage of local government, business, crime and community events.
Teen arrests spark scrutiny of Wausau police response
A social-media video showing Wausau police arresting several teenagers has prompted controversy, a petition alleging excessive force and a response from Police Chief Matt Barnes, who says the clips leave out important context from a 90-minute encounter involving 11 intoxicated teens. Read more about the Wausau police video and arrests in this week’s Weekly Wausonian.
Weston approves funding for new police headquarters
The Weston Village Board approved its share of financing for a planned $7 million Mountain Bay Metro Police Department headquarters, though some trustees questioned the financial arrangement and why it had not been reviewed by the village attorney. Read more about the police headquarters and other Wausau-area news in the Weekly Wausonian.
Marathon County sends Hub City wind farm question to full board
Marathon County’s Executive Committee is sending the question of whether to pursue a joint development agreement with Alliant Energy for the proposed Hub City Wind Farm to the full County Board. The project could include 28 to 38 turbines in southwest Marathon County and has not yet received state approval. Read more about the wind farm debate in the Weekly Wausonian.
What happened to Mosinee’s former fire chief?
Mosinee recently announced a new fire chief without publicly explaining what happened to former chief Adam Grahn. Records obtained by The Wausonian show Grahn had been placed on administrative leave while officials investigated complaints against him — an investigation that was never completed. Read The Wausonian’s investigation into the Mosinee fire chief’s resignation.
Records reveal details behind Endres election-fraud referral
A newly released Marathon County investigation report sheds light on the previously unexplained election-fraud referral involving County Board Supervisor Nicholas Endres. The records detail what Wausau police found concerning his nomination papers, concerns raised by the county clerk and Endres’ sharply different account of what happened. Read what the Nicholas Endres investigation report reveals.
Marathon County advances data-center moratorium
Marathon County is moving toward a 12-month moratorium on most new data centers in the 18 towns under county zoning while officials develop permanent regulations. The latest Weekly Wausonian reports that water use and groundwater protection were among the concerns raised during the county’s review.
Could AI help small farms compete?
Artificial intelligence is already showing up on Wisconsin farms through precision equipment, drones, livestock sensors and automated dairy systems. A new Wausonian report on AI and farming examines whether the technology could help smaller farms compete — or give larger operations another advantage.
United Airlines return to CWA delayed
United Airlines’ planned return to Central Wisconsin Airport has been pushed into 2027 after federal capacity restrictions at Chicago O’Hare were extended. The Weekly Wausonian has the latest on the delay and what it means for the airport’s planned service expansion.
Rib Mountain development property listed for sale
A Rib Mountain Drive property once planned for a mixed-use redevelopment is now listed for sale at $425,000. The latest Wausau-area news roundup reports that the old house has been demolished and the site is being marketed with an approved development plan.
Worker-injury lawsuit leads latest Full Court Press
A workplace-injury lawsuit tied to a landmark Wisconsin Supreme Court ruling leads the latest Full Court Press. The monthly feature also includes other notable Marathon County civil cases and updates on lawsuits The Wausonian has been following.
Fatal pursuit ends in crash in village of Maine
A pursuit that began in Lincoln County ended in a fatal crash at County Road K and Rainbow Drive in the village of Maine. The latest Weekly Wausonian reports that Wood County is leading the investigation into the incident, which left the vehicle’s lone occupant dead.
Winn’s World brings claw machines and boba to Weston
A new family-focused arcade in Weston combines pastel claw machines, Pokémon and other popular prizes with boba drinks, smoothies and teas. Winn’s World was opened by Kobe and Chong Moua, who named the business in honor of their late infant son, Winn.
Wausau advances planning for possible new police station
Wausau is moving ahead with planning for a possible police station at the former UWSP-Wausau campus, a move that could also give the Fire Department the entirety of the current police-and-fire building. The Weekly Wausonian has the latest on the city’s exploration of the property and the next steps in the process.
June Tavern Report includes fights, repeat OWIs and unusual calls
The latest Wausau Tavern Report includes fights at Patron and The Garage, a fifth-offense OWI following a crash outside Hammer Down and an arrest in which an officer was bitten by a police K9. The monthly report also includes Wausau liquor-license updates and the city’s latest bar demerit-point totals.
Weston considers future of Community Development Authority
Weston officials are considering whether the village still needs its Community Development Authority as TID No. 1 closes and TID No. 2 moves toward its eventual closure. The latest Wausau-area news roundup reports that CDA members asked staff to bring the question of potentially disbanding the authority to the Village Board.
Rib Mountain master plan projects remain largely unfinished
Nearly four years after approval, most major projects in the Rib Mountain State Park master plan remain without construction schedules. Mountain bike trails are moving toward a spring 2027 opening, while the proposed Granite Peak expansion, nature center, climbing improvements, hiking-trail reroutes and perimeter path remain in planning or without identified funding.
Riverlife Apartments sell for $14.9 million
Riverlife Apartments, the first completed apartment development in Wausau’s flagship riverfront redevelopment area, sold for $14.9 million to VT Riverlife LLC. The latest Wausau news roundup reports that earlier city records estimated the project’s cost at roughly $8 million, while its initial assessed value was just under $11 million.