Wausau's is not T. Wall's only project delay | Weekly Wausonian
Wausau News for the week of Sept. 7, 2023
Developer T. Wall Enterprises made headlines last week after its owner blasted two Wausau City Council Members — Tom Kilian and Gary Gisselman — who have expressed their apprehensions with the company. That came after a Monday vote in which the city paused on approving a delay, instead directing staff to get some of their and Wausau Opportunity Zone’s promises in writing.
But Wausau’s isn’t T. Wall’s only delay.
The city of Watertown (between Madison and Milwaukee) just denied an extension for a project in its city. Former Council Member Deb Ryan reached out to city officials there who confirmed T. Wall is developing an apartment complex in that city and that the city’s finance committee just denied an extension. Under its current terms with the city, T. Wall must pull permits and break ground by Sept. 30, says Economic Development Manager Mason Becker.
That contradicts statements in owner Terrance Wall’s letter making it sound as if Wausau is the only city where they’re not getting their way.
Read The Wausonian’s breakdown of the letter and its accuracy here:
T. Wall owner calls for council members' resignations
Council members such as Tom Kilian have not spared their words in addressing the current mall crisis. Kilian in Monday’s meeting said the city in the past has had trouble recognizing red flags from developers working on projects. “And we’re seeing flags now, and hey, they’re red,” Kilian said of the current proposal by T. Wall Enterprises on its current Wausau Center mall redevelopment.
What else in Wausau?
Lead pipe dreams: City residents starting early next year could see the first lead pipe replacements in a new program aimed to eliminate them. City leaders are working on a groundbreaking program that has the attention of the White House to eliminate the 8,000 private and 4,000 public lines in Wausau. Lead exposure is linked to a number of health concerns.
All chiefs accounted for: The city’s Police and Fire Commission appointed Deputy Chief Jeremy Kopp as the city’s next fire chief, replacing the retiring Robert Barteck. Last month the commission name Matt Barnes as the new police chief. Barteck announced his retirement in the same meeting former Police Chief Ben Bliven announced he would be leaving.
Around the metro
Brewing lawsuit expansion: Minocqua Brewing Company owner Kirk Bangstad is now also suing Oneida County, Bangstad announced on Facebook. Bangstad previously posted his lawsuit against the town of Minocqua alleging he’d been targeted for unfair treatment because of his outspoken liberal political beliefs. He’s now adding Oneida County to the suits, saying a recent compromise they offered was a “ruse.”
Archery season in Big Eau Pleine: The county announced it will be allowing a deer bowhunting season in Big Eau Pleine Park. Hunters must use a tree stand and stay 100 feet from any trail or road, as well as shelters, parking lots and other facilities. The county hopes those hunters will provide reports about how the season goes, so they can assess future seasons.
Cold case killer arrest: Fond du Lac Police made an arrest in its investigation into the death of Cindy Schulz-Juedes in Taycheedah Correctional Institution. Police arrested 27-year-old Taylor L. Sanchez and are recommending first-degree homicide charges. Schulz-Juedes was arrested in 2019, convicted in 2021 and sentenced in 2022 for the death of her husband, Ken Juedes, in 2006. According to court records, Sanchez has been convicted of multiple charges of battery while in prison. Charges have not yet been filed related to Schulz-Juedes’ death.
Sponsored by
At Venado Cerveceria, it’s always wine time. Open 4-8 PM Tue - Thur & 4 - 9 PM Fri & Sat. Located at 209 Grant Street, downtown Wausau.
Entertainment
Saturday, Sept. 9: The Hooten Hallers are one fascinating band. This bluesy-rock outfit out of Missouri really packs a mean punch with a rockabilly style that makes you want to get out of your chair and boogie. They’re coming to Lamplight Sessions this Saturday with Mall Crawler opening for them. 7 pm. $34. lamplightsessions.com
Sat-Sun, Sept. 9-10: It’s the weekend Wausau art lovers wait for. Artrageous weekend combines four places (oddly leaving out Wausau’s newest art museum, Wausau Museum of Contemporary Art, despite it being located downtown): Downtown, Marathon Park, the Center for the Visual Arts and the Leigh Yawkey Woodson Art Museum. The bulk of the fun is really downtown, though, where blocks of Third Street become art galleries, plus live music and plenty of art. Check out the Festival of the Arts site for more.
Thursday, Sept. 14: If you had to describe Beth Bombara with one concept it would be this: Songwriting first, with all else to follow. Bombara studied music in college and after graduating, played in multiple bands on multiple instruments before starting her own project. Her pop-rock single Everything I Wanted has a cool vibe, with the accompanying video including a fun Midwest greasy spoon theme. Her brand of pop-rock has a breezy 90s vibe to it. 7:30 pm. $10. grandtheater.org
Looking for kids/family events? Check out the family-oriented listing from The Wausonian’s partner Wausau Mama, who puts together a weekly listing of children/family activities.
Sports
Football: D.C. Everest and Wausau West are both off to a strong start in the Wisconsin Valley Conference, earning their first wins of the season. The Evergreens dismantled Appleton West 52-7, harkening back to the Steffenhagen era; and the Warriors beat Wisconsin Rapids 21-7.
Volleyball: D.C. Everest is starting the conference season undefeated, taking down crosstown rival Wausau West in three straight sets Thursday. The Evergreens will head to Wisconsin Rapids today (Thursday).
Boys Soccer: D.C. Everest started the season with a conference win, defeating Wausau West 3-1 Thursday. The Evergreens will host SPASH today (Thursday).
Girls tennis: Both Wausau teams have come out strong in the early conference season, each with a 2-0 record in the Wisconsin Valley Conference. The Warriors defeated SPASH 6-1 Tuesday, and Wausau East defeated Merrill 5-2. East and West both play home matches today (Thursday).
Thanks for reading The Wausonian! If you’re not already subscribed, you can sign up for free to get this roundup sent to you every Thursday. Or, consider a paid subscription to get all The Wausonian’s content.
Feel free to respond directly to this email to offer any tips or corrections. Thank you!
Sounds like that T. Wall has not funds for his projects and takes advantage of the good will of the cities. Dangerous!