Weekly Wausonian |A new plan for year-round shelter
Weekly Wausonian |A new plan for year-round shelter
Wausau news for Aug. 25, 2022
A new plan using pandemic relief dollars could help a local warming shelter stay open year-round, and even possibly all day and night.
Wausau’s Finance Committee Tuesday agreed to rank two proposals to help provide ARPA (American Rescue Plan Act) dollars to Catholic Charities to keep the shelter open all year. Right now it’s only open in the winter months (Nov. 1 to April 30).
That comes as Catholic Charities, which runs the warming shelter, is on the verge of setting up shop in the Community Partners Campus, a campus of non-profits. That allows them to share resources and have a central location for those who need services. That project is under construction but is expected to open on Grand Avenue in October.
The city has had struggles with its homeless population in the downtown area, sparking much debate. Area leaders hope this also might alleviate some of those issues.
What else in Wausau?
City leaders sent a strong message to the developers behind the second Riverlife project: Get it done. That comes after the city’s Economic Development Committee approved a third extension for the Riverlife developers, who were supposed to have completed the Riverlife Condos by now. Committee Member Lisa Rasmussen told developers there will not be a fourth amendment to their agreement. Riverlife projects have a habit of either being delayed or simply falling apart.
The city is now working on developing a plot that had been dedicated to hosting a community garden and orchard. The garden was started by former UW-Extension horticulture expert Brianna Wright, and another person started an orchard on the site as well. The city is seeking affordable housing for the site.
Did you experience an internet outage this weekend? While it might usually make someone mad enough to fantasize about someone getting arrested over it, in this case it actually happened. Police arrested 55-year-old George Wood who they say they identified on downtown cameras damaging Spectrum’s utility equipment.
The Wausau School Board will interview four candidates for the board position vacated by former board member Ka Lo, who resigned via press release. Brandon Jensen, Cory Sillars, Gillian Batino and Jo Ann Egelkrout were chosen amongst eight applications to be interviewed.
Around the metro
The county’s health department has started to administer the monkeypox vaccine. Individuals at high risk of contracting the virus, including anyone who has had contact with someone who has had it, men who have sex with other men, and anyone sexually active with multiple partners are encouraged to get the vaccine, according to a press release from the health department.
Deputies discovered a dead body near ALDI in Rib Mountain Monday. The body was in a wooded area and as of Tuesday, authorities had not yet identified the corpse. Police don’t believe the public is in danger.
Entertainment
Saturday, August 27: Dig Deep is not your typical bluegrass band. If not for the banjos and whatnot, you’d swear you were about to see a heavy metal band. They even headbang! But this band is a great act, and don’t miss the chance to see them at “The ‘Mish” for a great show. 9 pm. Check out the event page for more details.
Though August 28: It might be a cliche to say that the Central Wisconsin Fair has something for everyone, but well, it does! Check out everything from demo derbies, carnival rides, and acts ranging from country to hair metal tribute Hairball (great name!); plus all those crazy bad for you but oh so good to indulge in once-per-year fair goodies. If you missed the Valley Fair here it’s worth a trip to Marshfield. You could always stop at the Jurustic Park too, which is a real trip. Check out the fair’s website for all the details.
Friday, August 26: If there is one thing I have a soft spot for, it’s a band with a horn section. And Hip Pocket has that in spades! This award-winning band is always a great time, and paired with some Bull Falls Brewery brews, enjoyed in the biergarten, you really can’t go wrong. Check out more details about their groove on the event page.
Looking for kids/family events? Check out the full listing from The Wausonian’s partner Wausau Mama, who puts together a weekly listing of children/family activities.
Sports
Did you know football teams are already playing non-conference games? D.C. Everest beat Green Bay Preble 35-14 last Thursday, and Wausau West sent Superior packing 33-13 last Friday. West and Everest have one more week of non-conference play before starting the conference season Sept. 2.
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