A former subcontractor working on the first phase of the city’s Riverlife development sent a warning about the developers to city leaders as a second proposal looms.
Susan Lasecki, lead engineer of Ionic Design out of Plover, in an email to committee members told them developer Bob Ohde failed to pay for several critical inspections on the project and that Ohde was dishonest throughout the process. Lasecki says she was brought in by Gorman and Co. to figure out a design that could make the project work after the first developer, Mike Frantz, left the site in shambles.
Gorman punted on that project because even with the new design, the ROI didn’t make sense, Lasecki says.
Mitch Viegut, one of the developers with Ohde on the project, said none of it is true, and that they’d removed Ionic Design from the project. All the bills owed to her and to Tom Mudrovich Architecture, who she contracted through, were paid in full, Viegut says. No liens were filed on the project, Viegut says.
Viegut, Ohde and Fernando Riveron are competing with T.Wall Enterprises to construct a second phase of the Riverlife project. The city’s economic development committee will recommend T.Wall’s proposal to the city council, which will soon make the final decision.
What else in Wausau?
The city of Wausau could once again have a new bike share program. The city took the first steps to signing a two-year contract with Tandem Mobility this week. For $25,150, Tandem will operate the nine bikes left behind by Zagster when it folded. A settlement from Zagster plus leftover foundation money will pay for most of the program.
A city council member is warning about potential hazards on a city owned property in his district. Tom Kilian is sounding the alarm on potential health hazards at 1300 Cleveland Avenue. That comes from the latest report from the state Department of Health Services: according to the memo from the DHS, the Cleveland Avenue site contains thallium and steps should be taken to prevent children from accessing the site. DHS also recommends special urban gardening practices in the surrounding neighborhood. See this report on Citizens for a Clean Wausau for more.
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Around the metro
The village of Weston this year could start building its new municipal building on Camp Phillips Drive. Weston last month gave the final approval for the building, which will bring much needed garage space, as well as office space for current and future employees as the village grows. The total project is expected to cost $16.7 million.
The state’s criminal investigation arm revealed names of those involved in a stabbing and police shooting in Weston last month. According to police, 43-year-old David Morris of Weston stabbed 52-year-old Renee Hindes in her Weston apartment April 23. Everest Metro officers Gunnar Schultz, one year with Everest Metro; Tanner Uhlig, three years on the force; and Lucas Wiza, who had been with Everest Metro only seven weeks were involved in shooting Morris. Morris was armed, presumably with a knife but DCI would not verify that.
The SAFER Fire Department, along with nearly 20 fire agencies, put out a multi-building fire in the town of Marathon. SAFER first responded around 3:17 pm Saturday and ultimately firefighter spent more than eight hours and 225,000 gallons of water putting out the blaze. Though six buildings were destroyed, firefigheters were able to save several nearby houses.
Entertainment
Thompson Station will help kick off a new season at Stoney Acres Farm in Athens 5 pm Saturday. Thompson Station is a rocking string band out of central Wisconsin and features Substyle’s drummer Lucas Fischer. Grab some locally sourced ‘Za and hear some great string tunes (like their version of Superstition).
The Moving Experience is an event meant to help people heal from the ravages of COVID-19. That’s starting one week from today, May 13 at Thrive church. Walk the halls of art and speak to a mental health professional about the strains of COVID. The experience is meant to help heal, without pushing COVID at people too much, and is strictly non-religious. The event will run Thursday through Sunday. See the event page for more details.
Sports highlights
Wausau West girls soccer is off to a strong start, defeating Merrill 6-1 in its conference season opener. D.C. Everest and Wausau East will play their conference opener against each other today (Thursday)
The D.C. Everest girls softball team is off to a strong start, taking both doubleheader games against Wausau East Tuesday (13-0, 10-7). They’re now 3-1, good for third place in the Valley Conference.
Watch the two games here:
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