Weekly Wausonian | A narrow defeat for A Community for All
Weekly Wausonian | A narrow defeat for A Community for All
The Wausonian, Aug. 26, 2021
The Marathon County Board with the tightest of margins Tuesday evening defeated the A Community for All resolution.
The resolution, which calls on the county to be a welcoming place to all regardless of identity, became controversial largely over the use of the word equity, which some said signaled Marxist intentions.
Some such as William Harris pointed out that not passing the resolution sends a bad signal to young people who are already leaving in droves. Others, such as Brent Jacobson, said the area is already welcoming and that needing a resolution sends the opposite message.
Marathon County Board Chair Kurt Gibbs echoed earlier comments by Lisa Rasmussen at the city council in pointing out the dividing nature of the resolution.
The vote was a perfect split, 18-18, with two board members absent.
What else in Wausau?
New growth in Wausau went negative last year, according to State Department of Revenue estimates. While Wausau property values grew in 2019 by 10.7%, they shrank in 2020, according to August estimates. Final totals will come through in October.
Around the metro
A Weston coupled is being accused of abusing their child after Everest Metro Police investigated a child with brain injuries at Marshfield Clinic in Marshfield. Jonathan and Sumitra Stolp face changes of physical abuse, child neglect and obstruction of an officer while the investigation continues. The child is still hospitalized, police say.
State investigators are looking into an officer-involved shooting in the village of Maine. State police say a Marathon County Deputy, Nathan Olig, fired at the driver of an earlier Lincoln County car chase after the driver fired at him. The officer was unharmed but Olig shot the man and a female passenger. They remained hospitalized, the report says. The county’s DA will make a determination when the investigation is complete.
Marathon County has a new health officer. Laura Scudiere was named to the role Tuesday following the retirement of Joan Theurer, a 30-year veteran of the role. Scudiere is known for making major changes at Bridge Community Clinic and has worked in several health care related roles since.
Entertainment
The Parks Department decided to try something new this year: Marathon Park turned 100 years old last year, when parks and social gatherings were shut down. So, it’s holding a 100+1 Anniversary celebration at 3 pm Saturday. Check out the petting zoo, wagon rides, inflatable stuff, historic displays, and… checks notes… human foosball? Plus plenty of options for food with food trucks from Mitch’s Tacos, Urban Street Bistro and Hanuman Express among others. And it’s free! (Except the food of course.) See full details on its event page.
Nicolas King will bring a taste of Broadway to the Mosinee Brewing Co. Monday. So if you have a case of the Mondays (or want to punch someone for saying that) come unwind at the Brewery on 7 pm. King has been singing since four years old, and performed on Broadway as a child even. His mentor is Liza Minnelli. He’s the real deal! Tickets are $15.
If you want to see something cool, check out the Fire on the Water fire spinning event at 7 pm Saturday at Rookery Park in Wausau. The actual flame twirling starts at 7:45 pm as it gets dark, and the best part is you may be able to try it yourself! Parking is limited and the event organizers recommend carpooling (or taking a bicycle!). Check out the event page for more details.
Sports
The Valley Conference boys soccer season doesn’t start until Tuesday, but early non-conference play kicked off this week. Wausau East dropped an early-season game to Mosinee, and D.C. Everest dropped one to Eau Claire Memorial 5-1. Wausau Newman led the way for Wausau area teams, edging out Merrill 2-1.
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