Wausau news this week | June 3, 2021
A Thursday shakeup, good news for the bees, and more Wausau news this week.
Thursday was a day for shakeups. The Marathon County Public Library’s director resigned amidst a law firm investigation over whether the director and others created a toxic work environment. Ralph Illick has been replaced by interim library director Leah Giordano.
Then North Central Health Care’s Executive Committee voted to place NCHC CEO Michael Loy on administrative leave, over — well, we’re not sure exactly yet. All officials will say so far is it had to do with compensation. Insiders say the move is political and might be an early sign of some larger things leaders in the county are planning.
Neither investigative report has been made public despite public action being taken.
The Wausonian will have a lengthier report on the situation this weekend. Paid subscribers will get full access to the story — consider subscribing today!
What else in Wausau?
Nearly 500 people signed up to participate in No Mow May. Participants in the city’s program included 488 people not mowing their yards in May and another 40 participating as citizen scientists. Stevens Point also participated in the No Mow May project.
Wausau could be kicking in $350,000 to help assist Gorman and Co. with renovations of The Landmark building. The company wants to buy the building and renovate it, while also turning it into affordable housing (the official kind, with income restrictions - it’s pretty affordable right now). The funds would come out of the federal American Rescue Plan funding the city received, totaling $7.7 million.
The city could soon reach a new deal with one company that took over for another company that botched its contract with the city. City attorneys are working out a new deal with CGI. CGI took over for software company Collaborative Consulting, which received incentives from the city in exchange for meeting job requirements that it never ended up meeting. The new company claimed it had no knowledge of the deal. A new deal that forgives the loan if it meets certain job requirements is in the works.
Around the metro
More than 37% of Marathon County residents have been fully vaccinated now, according data from the Marathon County Health Department. The county currently has 150 active COVID-19 cases, and the county has had 188 deaths since the start of the pandemic as of June 1. Daily cases have remained in the single digits most days, and days have gone by without any cases.
Entertainment
Malarkey’s Pub has completed its parklet, the first in the city. The wooden structure creates a bar-like experience outside the pub, taking up two spaces and allowing a view of the 400 Block for concerts. Malarkey’s has been holding outside music and has a strong lineup for the summer.
Bob Allen will hit the stage at The Bar — Wausau in Rothschild 8 pm Friday. The founder of The Allen Brothers and multiple bands in the Wausau and Madison areas, Allen also worked as a guitarist for Brad Emanuel’s band.
Wanna run and help the puppies and kitties at the same time? The Humane Society of Marathon County will host a Run for their Lives event Saturday morning. The run will leave from Immanuel Baptist Church, costs $25 and runners leaving between 8:30 and 9:30 am can take advantage of chip timing and winners will receive awards (via mail). There is also a virtual option but only in person racers can qualify for awards. See more about Run for their Lives here.
Sports
The D.C. Everest softball team is close to claiming the Valley Conference title. The Evergreens lead the conference with a 9-1 record, trailed closely by Wisconsin Rapids. D.C. Everest shut out Wausau West in both games of a double header recently to retain the top spot, 14-0 and 12-0. Paige Kislow leads the batting for the Greens and third in the Valley with a .524 batting average and a .615 on-based percentage. D.C. Everest hosts Wisconsin Rapids for the final double header of the season Tuesday starting at 4 pm.
Wausau West was the top-scoring Wausau-area school at the Boys Valley Conference track and field relays Tuesday. The Warriors scored 111, good for second place behind SPASH. High school track and field will hold its final meet Tuesday in Marshfield.
D.C. Everest’s girls track team took first at the true team meet Tuesday. Everest scored 664, edging out Marshfield at 628 1/2. The final track meet of the season is Tuesday at Marshfield.
Want more Wausau news? Check out this week’s issue of City Pages.
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