T h e Wau s au A r ea N ew s & Ente r t ain m e nt We e k l y
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FOREVER FREE
March 26–April 2,2020
The shows w will ill go on Wausau Events makes only minor adjustments to its summer slate slate of festivals and concerts Former Wausau Chem. building could become cannery, incubator
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Everything you need to know about the Supreme Court Race
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Here’s how to occupy yourself during the Coronavirus shutdown
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Using tulips to fight the CoronaBlues
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CARE PACKAGES for WISCONSIN families
We are excited to announce that we have an option to send the amazing food from our retail store directly to your home! Offering care packages that will ship via Spee-Dee Delivery to people living in Wisconsin.
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Orders will be shipped Monday through Thursday Someone must be present to receive the package. $20 Shipping & Handling per kit.
PUBLiSHER’S NOTE
The many layers of silent heroes Dear Reader, We are now in the eye of the hurricane and there are many quiet heroes emerging. Immediately coming to mind are all of the healthcare workers, doctors, nurses and their administration staffs, EMTs and ambulance staff who are on the front lines conducting testing and alleviating the miseries of those afflicted with the C-virus. Besides the healthcare heroes, there are many unsung heroes working in retail such as stocking the shelves of supplies of groceries, etc., in all the stores offering essential goods during this time of great need. Additionally there are neighborhood heroes doing whatever they can to help their neighbors in need, whether getting them supplies, or taking out their garbage and recycling or leaving small bags of chocolate covered pretzels at their door steps to brighten up the day. It’s always darkest before dawn. And hopefully dawn will be here before we know it. In the meantime, stay safe and look out for any ways you can be one of the many heroes emerging as a by-product of this pandemic.
Providing continual service Governor Tony Evers’ office has declared this
publication an “essential business.” Our staff will continue to provide coverage of local news and advertising online, as well as comprehensive weekly coverage in print during the ongoing coronavirus outbreak.
Pacakages Available #1 Care package box $84 plus shipping & handling Substitutions may occur 10 - 1# Ground Beef 4 - Bacon Wrapped Chicken Breast #2 Weekly care box $55 plus shipping & handling Substitutions may occur 2- Boneless Chicken Breast 1- Beef Roast 4- Pork Chops 1- package of Bulk Snack Sticks #3 Steak box $120 plus shipping & handling Substitutions may occur 2- Ribeye Steak 2- Tenderloin Steak 2- T-bone Steak #4 Brat Box $40 plus shipping & handling Substitutions may occur 2 - packages of Award-Winning Brats 2 - packages of Tequila 2 - packages of Mushroom Swiss 2 - packages of Maple Cranberries #5 Breakfast box $58 plus shipping & handling Substitutions may occur 2 - packages of Bacon 2 - packages of Smoked Polish 4 - package of Pork Breakfast Sausage 2 - Kielbasa
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–Patrick Wood, Publisher
Complete, current issue at www.thecitypages.com During this period of social distancing and “Safer at Home” mandate, you can find the entire issue of City Pages online every Thursday, in a flip-page format that replicates the actual paper. Find the link on our website, thecitypages.com. You’ll still also find City Pages at many of the major drop sites that remain open, such as grocery stores and gas stations.
#8 Variety Bundle $129.95 plus shipping & handling Substitutions may occur A Variety Bundle contains a minimum of 35 lbs. of farm raised beef, pork and chicken in the following portions: 2 - 3 pkgs. Pork Chops 1 pkg. Pork Roast 2 Pkgs Country Style Ribs ½ Roaster Chicken 1 pkg. Chicken Drums 2 pkgs. Chicken Fryers 2 pkgs. T-bone Steaks 9-12 (1-pound packs) Ground Chuck 1 Pkg. Sirloin Steak
Please vote for Wausau’s future on April 7! Vote Katie Rosenberg.
If you elect me I will focus on: • Robust economic development criteria • Partnership development to find economies of scale • Comprehensive infrastructure & facilities planning • Retiring debt
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March 26–April 2, 2020
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THE STAFF
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THE SCENE by B.C Kowalski
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PUBLiSHER’S NOTE ............................................. 2
Managing Editor Tammy Stezenski, tammy@thecitypages.com
“One of the most exciting projects”
News Reporter/Photographer B.C. Kowalski, brian@thecitypages.com
The show will go on
METRO BRiEFS ..................................................... 4 LOCAL NEWS ...................................................... 5 CANDIDATE PROFILES ........................................ 6
Production Coordinator/ Layout Designer Alex Eichten, alex@thecitypages.com
Who will judge?
ELECTION FEATURE ............................................ 9
General Manager / Big Guide Boss Kayla Zastrow, bigguide@thecitypages.com
Choices for the county
HiGHLiGHTS ...................................................... 10
Advertising Executives Lisa Lanier, lisa.lanier@thecitypages.com Jessica Buhr, jbuhr@mmclocal.com
Art Challenges, Playwriting Basics + more virtual events
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Riverlife park is rarely empty, but Tuesday afternoon despite warm temps the playground was deserted as people hunkered down to slow the spread of the Coronavirus.
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March 26–April 2, 2020
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METRO BRiEFS
by B.C. Kowalski
“One of the most exciting projects” A new proposal for the former Wausau Chemical site would bring a beverage cannery, large event space, and kitchen to the riverfront Dan Weber had the inkling of an idea about a project for the north Riverlife area, near Athletic Park, but wanted to see what projects came forward in the first round of proposals. After seeing proposals that included a new brewery, and hearing from other beverage makers about interest in a local canning operation, Weber decided he was on the right track. Dan and Kimm Weber, the owners of Timekeeper Distillery, along with Lyn Kearns, owner of Mosinee Brewing Company, are proposing a project called Wausau Barrel House and Cannery for the former Wausau Chemical container wash building along the Wisconsin River at 180 E. Wausau Ave. The building would house a beverage cannery, an incubator kitchen, a new winery and an indoor/outdoor event venue, along with food truck stalls with outdoor seating. The site will help Weber store whiskey barrels for Timekeeper as well. The large space could also host weddings, meetings, concerts, expos, markets and more, Weber says. Business are already interested in making use of the project and have signed letters of intent, Weber says. The group is proposing to purchase the property for $40,000—slightly more than the land-only assessed value of $37,500 — and would repurpose the building on site. The group would partner with MCDEVCO, and Romey Wagner at the city’s Entrepreneurial and Education Center expressed his support. “This is one of the most exciting projects that’s been brought to the community of Wausau,” Wagner says. The entrepreneurial center helped launch both Timekeeper and Mosinee Brewing Co. Kearns told the city’s economic development committee that there is a big demand for large wedding venues. Mosinee Brewing Company had been booked for months for large events and their space only holds 100. “There are very few spaces available for groups and weddings of 300 people,” Kearns said. The project is expected to cost $1.5 million, Weber told the committee. The group isn’t asking for any tax incentives but is seeking a $350,000 commercial renovation loan for utilities and infrastructure costs.
Stevens Point Holiday Inn lay offs The Stevens Point Holiday Inn is planning to lay off more than 100 of its employees, according to a notice from the Department of Workforce Development. The hotel will lay off 143 employees starting some time between March 21 to 25, according to the notice. The hotel industry is one of many hit by the coronavirus pandemic. According to a study by Oxford Economics, a 30% decline in occupancy could result in the loss of 4 million jobs and a $300 billion hit to GDP.
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March 26–April 2, 2020
Rendering of a new business, Wausau Barrel House and Cannery, proposed for the old Wausau Chemical site
Evers issues Safer at Home order as state coronavirus cases rise; still just one case in Marathon County as of Wednesday The governor Tuesday directed the Department of Health Services to order more restrictive measures to control the spread of the coronavirus, or COVID-19. The Safer at Home order prohibits all non-essential travel, with some exceptions such as for health care, supplies, and to care for a family member or friends in need. A wide range of businesses are still allowed to operate, including banks, gas stations, grocery stores, restaurants and bars for carryout only, laundry, hardware, the media, and ag-related services. A full list of essential business categories can be found at www.WEDC.org. In issuing the order, Evers says Wisconsinites need to take the pandemic seriously. “Each and every one of us has to do our part to help slow the spread of COVID-19 so we can flatten the curve to ensure our doctors, nurses, and healthcare workers have the opportunity to do their important work,” Evers says. Confirmed cases in Wisconsin have spiked sharply in the past week. There were seven confirmed cases on March 12. As of Wednesday afternoon, March 25, there are now 585 confirmed cases in Wisconsin, and six deaths. Most cases are still in the more populated areas in and around Milwaukee and Dane counties. Only one confirmed case has been identified in Marathon County—a status that has remained unchanged since last week. The United Way of Marathon County announced that it released its first round of grants from its Community Relief Response Fund. The organization gave $22,000 collectively to the Boys & Girls Club of Wausau, the Bridge Street Mission, Community Center of Hope, Faith in Action of Marathon County and the Hmong American Center. As of March 23 there was $132,000 donated to the fund, United Way officials say.
New Riverlife building proposed A new commercial building is being proposed for Wausau’s Riverlife Development area. The 42,000-square-foot, three-story building would have a mixed use first floor with businesses such as a coffee shop, restaurant or hair salon, and additional floors will have office space with private balconies, a shared employee snack lounge, underground parking and an exterior deck plaza. The building would be the third in the Riverlife area by local developers Mitch Viegut, Fernando Riveron and Bob Ohde. Work is currently underway on the first apartment building, and a second is planned for north of Third Street. The latest Riverlife building would be located just north of the apartment building currently under construction, between it and the WOW Family Entertainment Center.
D.A. clears officers in January fatal shooting The Wausau police officers involved in the shooting of a suspect at the Urban West apartment complex in January have been cleared of wrongdoing by the county’s district attorney. In a more than one-hour long virtual press conference, Marathon County District Attorney Theresa Wetzsteon showed squad and body cam videos from the incident, read interviews from witnesses and the officers involved, before concluding that officers were justified in shooting 35-year-old Jack Bolinger. According to multiple videos and police accounts, a Wausau Police Officer Shawn Pierschalla, and Marathon County Sheriff Deputy Brandon Stroik were investigating a vehicle break-in Jan. 16 at the Urban West Apartment complex in the 1400 block of 12th Avenue. While investigating they encountered Bolinger, who, video evidence shows, fired at them from behind the wall of a garbage area. The officers fired back while seeking cover. Bolinger was ultimately hit in the exchange and
lay on the ground while officers commanded him to drop his weapon. Bolinger never complied, instead holding on to the weapon as Stroik and Pierschalla repeatedly ordered Bolinger to drop his weapon so they could get him medical help. Other officers arrived, and Bolinger ultimately activated the gun’s slide into a fire ready position and pointed it at one of the responding officers. Police fired at and killed Bolinger. Officers approached with shields and handcuffed him, and then medical personnel were allowed to approach. Wetzsteon said that autopsy results showed Bolinger had meth and THC in his system — enough meth to cause psychosis — and that relatives told investigators that Bolinger had a deep distrust of law enforcement. Bolinger’s cause of death was from gunshot wounds — at least 13, according to Wetzsteon. Wetzsteon says the officers acted with restraint and valor, and lamented a video posted by a civilian on social media that only showed the tail end of the incident. “Please use the power of social media with social responsibility,” Wetzsteon implored.
Bad week for: Stevens Point police chief suspended for drinking on the job
Stevens Point’s police chief has been suspended for drinking while at work, according to a news release from the city. Marty Skibba will serve a 15-day suspension without pay for violating department rules, effective immediately, according to Monday’s press release. According to the release, an investigation found that Skibba drank alcohol during the workday and had open liquor bottles in his police car. Skibba told investigators that he had experienced some personal issues, including the death of his parents, that led to the violations. In addition to the suspension, Skibba will be required to take counseling and provide a medical report of his “suitability to return to work” before resuming his duties as chief.
Good week for: Major renovation planned at Plaza Hotel
The new owners of The Plaza Hotel on Wausau’s 17th Avenue are planning a $1.4 million renovation of the building to turn the tower into a Best Western. The city’s economic Development Committee Thursday approved a $190,000 grant toward the project along with a $50,000 tax incentive grant. According to documents submitted to the city, Plaza owner Nidus Holding Company has secured nearly $1.1 million to complete the project. The company plans to perform extensive work including completely renovating the tower, erecting exterior walls, bringing the building up to code, replacing wall and floor coverings and renovating the roof, lighting and windows. If approved, the project would start in June and be complete by the end of the year.
LOCAL NEWS
by Tammy Stezenski and Kayla Zastrow
The shows will go on
Wausau Events makes only minor adjustments to its summer slate of festivals and concerts
WAUSAU EVENTS 2020 SUMMER SCHEDULE
The annual Concerts on the Square in downtown Wausau will begin a few weeks later than initially planned, and the family-friendly Summer Kick-Off /Father’s Day weekend is canceled this year. But other than that, Wausau Event’s beloved slate of summer fun is proceeding full steam ahead… pending, of course, the current state of emergency surrounding the coronavirus pandemic, cautions Pete Valiska, board president of Wausau Events. “The main reason for doing this and evaluating the schedule is to ensure the health, safety and welfare of all the folks who participate in and attend our events,” Valiska says. The largest summer festival, the Balloon & Rib Fest and Chalkfest, remains on schedule as it has been in previous years — the weekend following the July Fourth holiday, at the Wausau municipal airport. The tremendous logistics of that event, which sees tens of thousands of people, requires early planning. After consulting with local and state health officials, the Wausau Events board determined they wouldn’t schedule anything until late June, and that July and August events could proceed as usual. Besides, Valiska says, Wausau Events already bought three nights worth of fireworks for the Balloon Fest.
June 24 | Concert on the Square – Unity July 1 | Concert on the Square – Brass Differential July 8 | Concert on the Square – Stephen Cooper and the Nobody Famous July 9–12 | Balloon & Rib Fest, and Chalkfest July 15 | Concert on the Square – Johnny & the MoTones July 22 | Concert on the Square – Copper Box July 29 | Concert on the Square – Mamma Ginger Aug. 5 | Concert on the Square – Substyle Aug. 12 | Concert on the Square – Big Mouth & The Power Tool Horns Aug. 19 | Concert on the Square – Conscious Pilot Aug. 21–22 | Big Bull Falls Blues Fest
Brass Differential
All dates, times, and performers are subject to change based upon federal, state, and local guidance as it relates to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Meanwhile, the shows also will go on — postponed — at the Grand Theater, but the arts organization is being significantly impacted by public gathering bans to prevent the spread of COVID-19. “It’s had an impact already that I’ve never seen in my years in the business,” says Executive Director Sean Wright. The theater has had to postpone and/ or canceled 15 performances, including seven sold out shows, from mid-March through May. Some already have been rescheduled in summer.
So far, the Grand has not laid off employees. Using built up reserves, all their full-time employees are able to work remotely during this time. They made the decision to also pay occasional employees — stagehands, bartenders, security, etc. — for the hours they would have worked over the first month of lost shows to soften the impact for those individuals. Not all the postponed shows have yet been rescheduled. That has been difficult to do as many performers and shows are postponing entire tours, or already have different summer and fall touring plans.
Mielke for Mayor Means:
Measured Mature Proven
Two postponed shows this spring, The Fab Four and The Secret Sisters, have already been rescheduled for Aug. 17 and Aug. 19, respectively. The Grand typically would be nailing down their 2020-21 season, but Wright says that some shows may stop touring completely for now. The 2020-21 season announcement is still planned for early June, as usual. The theater will look for opportunities to add shows as they’ve done the past, so keep an eye out for those. A very busy slate of events is expected once they can welcome people back.
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VOTE Robert Mielke For Wausau Mayor www.mielkeformayor.com Paid for by Mielke for Mayor. Jenelle Thompson Treasurer
March 26–April 2, 2020
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CANDiDATE PROFiLES
by Bill Lueders
Who will judge?
The Supreme Court election between Jill Karofsky and Daniel Kelly will shape Wisconsin’s future At a special teleconference meeting on March 18, Republican members of the Wisconsin Elections Commission, including its chair, Dean Knudson, argued that the commission should be doing whatever it can to make sure the election happens on April 7. “In the current coronavirus crisis, it’s still extremely important and vital to the functioning of our society, we need to have our elections on April 7,” Knudson said, as reported by the Wisconsin Examiner. “Unlike states in which they’re holding only a presidential primary, our elections are much more important than that.” Besides the presidential primary, Wisconsin voters will choose between two candidates for state Supreme Court: incumbent Justice Daniel Kelly or Dane County Judge Jill Karofsky, for a 10-year term. The state Supreme Court race presents Wisconsin with a dramatic choice, especially given that Kelly, who was appointed to the bench in 2016 by Gov. Scott Walker, has a track record of expressing contempt for the very idea of government assistance to people in need. “It is true that there will always be people who need help,” Kelly wrote in a blog post in 2012. “I believe Jesus said as much. But to the extent we conclude from that datum that government must intervene, we do a disservice to those we are supposedly helping, as well as the people from whom we are stealing to provide the ‘help.’” So what is at stake in this election? “Not to put too fine a point on it, but really the future of Wisconsin,” Karofsky said in a March 3 interview in a Madison coffee shop. “The cases that the court’s going to hear [in the near future] are going to have consequential impacts on the state.” “Start out with gerrymandering,” she says. “There’s certainly going to be a gerrymandering case that gets to the Supreme Court and we know from what’s happened in the past what an impact that decision will have.” (In 2018, state Republicans won 63 of 99 Assembly seats despite getting just 46% of the total vote.) Karofksy, a Dane County judge since 2017, anticipates court rulings regarding women’s access to health care, gun violence, criminal justice reform, the environment including the climate crisis, and “what democracy in this state is going to look like… All of that’s on the line.” KAROFKY AND KELLY WERE THE TOP votegetters in a relatively high-turnout Feb. 18 primary that eliminated Ed Fallone. Kelly snared half of the votes cast, compared to Karosky’s 37%. The winner on April 7 will get a 10-year court term starting Aug. 1, assuming that timetable still stands. Karofsky, noting Wisconsin’s status as a key swing state in the presidential race, said on March 3 that the court could end up deciding issues regarding election integrity, voter suppression, and even a possible recount in the fall presidential election. Or, as her campaign put it in a January fundraising appeal: “Donald Trump needs Dan Kelly on the Court to rig the election in November.”
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March 26–April 2, 2020
WILL THE APRIL 7 ELECTION STAY ON SCHEDULE? As of this printing on March 25, it’s still not certain how the April 7 election will happen. Gov. Tony Evers has consistently said he wants the election to go on as scheduled, in part because of critical contests for local governments. State officials are scrambling to recruit enough poll workers while pushing to have the election take place as much as possible — perhaps entirely — by absentee ballot. The deadline for most voters to request an absentee ballot is now April 2.
JILL KAROFSKY
• Age 53, single mother of two, lives in Madison; mother Judy is former Middleton mayor. Served as a Dane County prosecutor, general counsel to the National Conference of Bar Examiners, and head of the state’s Justice Department’s Office of Crime Victim Services. Elected circuit court judge in 2017. • Endorsed by many judges, lawyers and elected officials, Russ Feingold, Tammy Baldwin, Jim Doyle, Justice Rebecca Dallet, unions including Wisconsin AFL-CIO • Justices she’s praised: Shirley Abrahamson, Ruth Bader Ginsberg.
The next state Supreme Court will also be called on to decide all sorts of important legal matters related to the COVID-19 pandemic. That’s where Kelly’s apparent animus even to programs like Social Security and Medicare might come into play. “When the recipients [of public aid] are people who have chosen to retire without sufficient assets to support themselves, we call the transfer Social Security and Medicare,” Kelly wrote in a 2013 blog post. “And it’s welfare when the recipients are those who don’t create enough to sustain themselves during their working years.” He said the “transactions” that lead to people getting help like this from the government “bear all the indicia of involuntary servitude.”
DANIEL KELLY
• Age 56, married, five children; lives in the village of North Prairie in Waukesha County. Has worked as a lawyer for the federal government and in private practice. Appointed to the court by Gov. Scott Walker in 2016. • Endorsed by: President Donald Trump, Justices Rebecca Bradley, Brian Hagedorn, and former Justice David Prosser, Wisconsin Right to Life, Pro-Life Wisconsin, the NRA. • Justices he’s praised: Antonin Scalia, Clarence Thomas.
Even if the April 7 election doesn’t help decide who becomes president, or determine what life is like for those wanting the government to help them because of this coronavirus, it will shape the court’s ideological balance for years to come. If Kelly wins, Wisconsin Supreme Court conservatives will retain their 5-2 domination at least through 2026, assuming the elected justices all finish their terms. A loss by Kelly would cut the conservatives’ edge to 4-3 and give liberals a chance to gain control in 2023, when Chief Justice Patience Roggensack will be up for reelection. The candidates have been sticking to their scripts. Kelly calls Karofsky an activist judge eager to put her own liberal political views ahead of the
plain meaning of the law, while insisting that his own manner of deciding cases is free of ideological bias. “When we put on the black robe,” Kelly said during one pre-primary debate, “we put aside all of our personal beliefs and opinions and preferences, and we simply apply the law.” Kelly’s campaign spokesperson did not respond to interview requests. Karofsky, meanwhile, paints Kelly as a “corrupt” tool of his Republican benefactors: “He wants their money and they want his decisions.” A former Dane County prosecutor and state victim rights advocate, Karofsky says she understands how the law impacts the lives of ordinary people. She describes herself as someone who will stand up for civil rights, constitutional rights, racial justice and public education. “I have been very open and honest about what my values are, and I am the only person in this race who has a track record of following the rule of law,” she says. “That is not what we see with Dan Kelly.”
UNTIL THE CORONAVIRUS OUTBREAK,
it seemed as though being on the same ballot as the presidential preference primary put Kelly at a disadvantage, because the election was expected to draw large numbers of Democrats to the polls. In late 2018, the Republicans who run the state Legislature tried moving the primary to a different date, admittedly in order to improve Kelly’s chances, but the effort was abandoned under protest. But now, it appears as though the Democratic presidential nomination will be largely if not actually decided before Wisconsin weighs in. And Republicans are stoked to keep Kelly in black robes. Kelly, for his part, argues that the overlap with the presidential primary doesn’t matter, telling the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel he thinks the public just wants “someone who’s going to put aside the politics and just do the job of a justice, just apply the law.” But claiming to be above politics and ideology is a hard sell for Kelly, who is deeply immersed in both. He is the former vice president and general counsel for the Kern Family Foundation, a conservative philanthropic organization. As an attorney in private practice, he represented state Republicans in a federal lawsuit challenging the 2010 redrawing of legislative
districts. He formerly served on the litigation advisory board of the Wisconsin Institute for Law and Liberty, and has repeatedly ruled in its favor on the court. Kelly is past president of the Milwaukee Lawyer’s Chapter of the Federalist Society, a conservative legal group which on the national level is working with the Trump administration to remake the federal judiciary. His campaign rents office space from the state Republican Party, which helped circulate his nomination papers. He’s been heartily endorsed by Donald Trump. Kelly has also left a paper trail of extreme statements and positions. He’s likened affirmative action to slavery and said same-sex marriage “will eventually rob the institution of marriage of any discernible meaning.” From 2012 to 2015, Kelly blogged on a website called Hang Together. The posts were removed after his appointment to the Supreme Court in 2016 because, his spokesman said, “He didn’t want it to seem he was out there discussing political views while he was on the court.” But cached versions were unearthed by the liberal advocacy group One Wisconsin Now. Kelly, in these posts, is in full culturalwarrior mode. He sounds off on “Chavezloving” actors and the “socialist revolutionary-wannabe wearing the Che Gueverra [sic] t-shirt…” He sees President Obama’s 2012 reelection as a victory for “the socialism/ same-sex marriage/recreational marijuana/ tax increase crowd,” adding “the economic policy over the past four years has been almost exclusively socialist.” He expresses support for the U.S. Supreme Court’s Citizens United decision, which unleashed corporate spending in elections. He portrays a thuggish Environmental Protection Agency that “is of the opinion that it may prevent you from building a house on your property if it decides it gets wet too frequently.” Kelly calls the U.S. Supreme Court’s legalization of same-sex marriage an “illegitimate exercise of State power.” He decries legal abortion as “a policy that has as its primary purpose harming children.” Again and again, Kelly has railed against “wealth transfer” programs. “This is how we breed resentment: Take from those who create and give it to people who don’t,” he lectured in a 2013 post. “Welfare recipients do not receive their checks as manna from heaven. Someone created that wealth, and then the government forcibly took it.” continues on 8
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COVID-19 Delays Tax Deadline The 2020 tax season is underway, but millions of Americans have yet to start preparing their tax returns. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the deadline to file tax returns and pay income taxes has been extended. Taxpayers will now have until July 15th to file and pay their 2019 federal and Wisconsin income Town of taxes. During this time, filers will not incur interest on unpaid taxes or be subject to tax filing penalties. Historically, taxpayers procrastinate on their taxes, but it is prudent to prepare r e sestimated e n t s : that over 14 million people tax returns in advance. In 2018, itpwas waited until the last day to file their returns, causing the filing system to crash. Although the IRS extended the filing deadline, panic ensued for many taxpayers who had waited until the last day to file. The response to the COVID-19 pandemic has been fluid so stay alert for future updates.
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Tickets available at 715-584-4203 or www.rubbersoulproductions.com, and at Hanke’s Sentry Foods in Wittenberg.
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4PM ON ON SUNDAY, SUNDAY, 4PM SUNDAY, 4PM ON MAY 3, 3, 2020 MAY 3, 2020 MAY 2020
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Mental Health & Substance Abuse Services
t
WE ARE OPEN TO SERVE YOU! One thing has not changed amidst the Covid-19 pandemic....
North Central Health Care is still here for YOU! North Central Health Care’s Crisis Center remains open 24/7 and will help assess your situation and ensure you receive the support, counseling and resources that you need. No one should have to manage a crisis alone...ever. While our Outpatient Services Clinics have temporarily suspended Group Services, we remain open and are keeping all appointments as scheduled. We have begun providing TeleHealth for your mental health, substance abuse and psychiatry needs. You can conduct your appointment from the comfort of your own home. If you choose to come into the office, additional health care screenings have been implemented for the health and safety of you and our staff.
There is hope. We are confident. NCHC Crisis and Emergency Services are available to people of ALL AGES, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week by phone and walk-in. No appointment needed.
24-Hour Crisis & Suicide Prevention Hotline 1.800.799.0122 or 715.845.4326 24-Hour Crisis Center – 1100 Lake View Drive, Wausau
www.norcen.org
Serving Marathon, Lincoln and Langlade Counties
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Welcome home! Enjoy luxury living at The Reserve, a resort-inspired golf course community with beautiful residences and exceptional amenities. Contact our concierge today to schedule a tour of our spacious living accommodations!
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Schedule a tour today! Call 715-680-9065
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March 26–April 2, 2020
thereservewausau.com
from 7
EACH OF THE LAST FOUR conservative contenders for state Supreme Court, Kelly included, has been tied to extreme words and deeds. In 2016, Justice Rebecca Bradley, a Walker appointee, was confronted with college writings in which she referred to being gay as “an abnormal sexual preference,” to feminists as “man-hating lesbians who abhor the traditional family,” and to people with AIDS as “degenerates.” She apologized for these musings, saying she is “frankly embarrassed at the content and tone,” and went on to beat her liberal-backed opponent, JoAnne Kloppenburg. In 2017, conservatives backed Sauk County Judge Michael Screnock, who as a young man was twice arrested for blocking access to an abortion clinic, for which he professed to have no regrets. Screnock helped defend the state’s Act 10 law crippling public employee unions, and the redrawing of voter boundaries to the GOP’s advantage. He lost to liberal-backed rival Rebecca Dallet. And in 2019, just five months after electing Democrats to every statewide office, the Wisconsin electorate turned around and picked Brian Hagedorn, a politically ultra-conservative, over liberalbacked Lisa Neubauer. Hagedorn had served as chief legal counsel for Walker, helping draft Act 10. The disclosure of his ties to a Christian school that reserves the right to fire gay teachers and expel gay students led the Wisconsin Realtors Association to withdraw its endorsement. In blog posts from 2005 and 2006, when he was in law school, Hagedorn proclaimed that “Christianity is the correct religion, and that insofar as others contradict it, they are wrong.” He likened homosexuality to bestiality and called Planned Parenthood “a wicked organization more committed to killing babies than to helping women.” He deemed the NAACP “a disgrace to America.” If someone with Brian Hagedorn’s worldview can get elected in Wisconsin, Dan Kelly can, too. KELLY PURPORTS TO EMBRACE the judicial philosophy of “textual originalism,” meaning he adheres to the original meaning of the law or the U.S. or state constitutions when they were adopted. “It’s our responsibility to apply the law, not to make it up, not to ignore it, not to play favorites with the law,” he said when we spoke in a pre-primary interview. “We have to set aside our own personal beliefs.” As Karofsky sees it, “Dan Kelly was put on the court by Walker, because of his ideology,” she says. “He has an agenda and he has carried out that agenda in every single decision he’s made.”
According to a review by One Wisconsin Now, Kelly voted in sync with the conservative Wisconsin Institute for Law & Liberty on all nine cases he’s heard in which it has represented a litigant or filed an amicus brief. Kelly recused himself from taking part in rulings regarding WILL’s effort to purge more than 200,000 voters from the voter registration rolls when these could have impacted the April 7 election. But now that WILL has asked the Supreme Court for a final ruling, Kelly has said he would “rethink” his decision not to participate after this election is over. In 2016-17, his first year on the court, Kelly and conservative Justice Rebecca Bradley voted the same on nonunanimous decisions 97% of the time, according to an analysis by Alan Ball, a history professor at Marquette University. Both voted in sync with “the court’s two staunchest conservatives,” Chief Justice Roggensack and Justice Annette Ziegler, in around eight of every 10 nonunanimous cases that year. But over time, Ball says, “Justice Bradley has grown less predictably inclined than Justice Kelly” to align with these other conservatives. In the 21 cases decided in the court’s current term, through midMarch, Kelly voted contrary to Roggensack and Ziegler only once, while Bradley broke from the pair four times. Karofsky’s talk of corruption has been blasted by Kelly as “disgusting slander” and condemned by his four fellow conservatives on the court. “At no point has she actually engaged in a substantive critique of Justice Kelly’s opinions, reasoning or legal analysis,” Justices Rebecca Bradley and Hagedorn said in a statement. “She simply casts aspersions based on the outcomes of cases, which evidences her own outcome-driven judicial approach.” Kelly, who in 2017 authored a decision overturning the city of Madison’s ban on the carrying of concealed weapons on city buses, has been endorsed by the National Rifle Association. He even held a fundraiser at a shooting range the day after a gunman murdered five people in Milwaukee, with suggested donation amounts tied to gun calibers. As of the last reporting, in midFebruary, Kelly had raised more than $1 million from donors since the start of his campaign and had $462,864 on hand. Karofsky had raised about $450,000, and had $83,393 on hand. In the nine contested state Supreme Court races since 2007, outside interests spent about $25 million, compared to $18 million by the candidates’ campaigns. The biggest spenders have been the Greater Wisconsin Committee on the left and Wisconsin Manufacturers & Commerce on the right.
APRil 7 ELECTiON
by B.C. Kowalski
Choices for the county
Candidates in the contested races for Marathon County Board Marathon County government runs, or has sway over, many critical operations. To name a few: the jail, health and social services, county roads, parks and recreation, and even plays a part in the courts and district attorney’s office. The legislative body running it all is the 38-member Marathon County Board of Supervisors, who come up for election every two years in spring. For the April 7 election, there are 11 county board seats with contested races, plus three open seats that newcomers are walking into uncontested. Which all means the board could see as many as 14 new members, and is guaranteed to see at least six, since three of the contested races are for open seats. Here are candidates for all the races, with an emphasis on districts within the Wausau metro area.
DISTRICT 1 (OPEN SEAT)
City of Wausau Wards 1, 2
Michelle Van Krey, Community Development Specialist for Wausau Van Krey, 30, says the open seat presented a perfect opportunity to make sure Dist. 1 residents are heard and represented as they have been in the past. Her top priorities are attraction and retention of workforce, supporting North Central Health Care and the county nursing home and therapy pool, and access to important infrastructure such as safe roads and high-speed internet. Van Krey wants to continue to help fund area non-profits (cut in response to budget shortfalls last year). She touts experience with non-profits and local businesses. Isaiah Hoogendyk, data analysis and engineer, Faithlife Corp. With an open seat and a long interest in politics, Hoogendyk, 41, jumped at the opportunity to represent his district. His top priorities are core government services: Roads, law enforcement and jail, as well as North Central Health Care. He’s also passionate about parks, natural spaces and local tourism. Hoogendyk disagreed with the wheel tax and says it set a bad precedent. Hoogendyk touts his problem solving ability, resourcefulness and fiscal responsibility.
DISTRICT 2
City of Wausau, Wards 3, 4, 5, & 9
Romey Wagner (incumbent), Entrepreneurial and Education Center Manager A former Wausau alderman, Wagner, 67, is running because he wants the average citizen to be heard and enjoys the decision-making process. He sees responsible budgeting, maintaining roads and bridges and community safety as his top three priorities. Wagner bemoaned the cutting of funding to community non-profits and wants to see that addressed during the county’s next budget process, possibly through a sales tax increase. Romey touts his experience on multiple boards and organizations and his voice of reason.
Jen Bizzotto, attorney Bizzotto, 29, says the county deserves a principled, forward-looking leader and says some of the board’s actions have brought it negative attention; county leaders should reflect the generous, welcoming community. Her top priorities are continuing to fund non-profits, investing in public infrastructure such as public transit and bike/ped accommodations, and adopting fair maps resolutions to combat gerrymandering. She cited the decision to double the board chair’s salary as lacking in strategic financial planning.
DISTRICT 3
City of Wausau Wards 6, 8
David Nutting (incumbent), Senior Internal Service Technician, EO Johnson Nutting, 62, serves on both the Wausau City Council and the County board. His top priorities are addressing the overcrowded jail; supporting the addition of a new judge for the county; and supporting the creation of a regional morgue, something that has been in the works for nearly five years. Nutting disagreed with the uniform addressing decision (that goes back a couple of terms); he would rather have seen affected areas and duplicate addresses fixed as needed. Nutting has served in the seat since 2006. William A. Harris, public interest attorney Harris, 37, cites former President Obama on why he wants to run: Someone can’t just be an observer if they want to make a difference. His top priorities are expanding public transit and supporting programs that address domestic violence and housing issues; funding senior care, veterans benefits and building lasting infrastructure; and supporting diversity and inclusion. He disagreed with board members who voted against a pickleball court revamp done completely with outside money (it was approved). Harris looks to bring fresh ideas to the board.
DISTRICT 6
City of Wausau Wards 15, 16
Jeff Johnson (incumbent), retired probation and parole agent, and private detective Johnson, 60, first ran because he wanted to make sure government reflected the interests of the people. His top priorities are improving the county’s roads; combat the rise of opioid and other drug use; and finally tackle the county’s rural broadband issue. He also wants the county to continue being fiscally responsible while carrying a low debt load. Johnson was disappointed the board shelved his plan to reduce the 38-member board by half, without much discussion. Johnson touts his lack of agenda and endorsement of the best government services at the lowest cost.
Jack Hoogendyk, Hope Life Center Executive Director Hoogendyk, 64, served a term in the seat two years ago. His top priority is public safety, and wants to focus on staff shortages in the patrol and communications divisions, as well as economic development and a balanced budget. He disagreed with the passage of the controversial Pride Month resolution last year — everyone is created in the image of God and the county shouldn’t create special classes of people, he says. Hoogendyk touts his belief in respectful debate, as was his aim when he served on the board.
Bill Conway, director of operations Conway, 51, is running because he says the county deserves a more open and inclusive voice in county affairs. Conway says the Pride Month controversuy illustrated the need to prioritize a culture of inclusiveness. He also prioritizes the county’s ability to attract and retain businesses and addressing the county’s infrastrucure issues (including lack of 911 service). His third is addressing the needs of the youngest and oldest populations. Adequate services in ADRC and funding Start Right is crucial. Conway believes in gathering as much input as possible in order to make decisions.
DISTRICT 7
Towns of Cleveland Ward 1, Eau Pleine, McMillan Ward 1; Village of Stratford
Mary Ann Crosby (incumbent), retired teacher Crosby first ran last term out of a sense of duty, and wants to continue because she knows the ropes and can get right to work. Her top priorities are disease prevention, mental health, elderly health, child care and drug addiction; inclusion, making sure everyone has a voice, regardless of ethnicity, education or lifestyle; and addressing infrastructure issues. She lists her experience on both the county board and teaching as to why she would be a good board member.
Chris Dickinson, 50, is a solutions Analyst at Marshfield Clinic Health System and is taking on Jim Bove, who is seeking his second term.
City of Wausau Wards 17, 18, 29, 34
Becky Buch, retired teacher Buch, 64, says she is running to uphold conservative priorities, sound budget management, traditional family values and responsible, effective government. Buch says in light of budget challenges, the county should prioritize NCHC services involving addiction and mental health, domestic abuse and how it impacts county services, infrastructure and environmental issues such as environmental runoff. She wants the county to work with surrounding municipalities in order to save money and wants to focus on the current circuit court backlog. Buch said the passage of Pride Month was discouraging, and divisive to the community. As a former teacher, Buch says she will be attentive to all perspectives.
DISTRICT 16
Village of Weston Ward 9; City of Schofield
Jeff Zriny (incumbent), retired executive with Wausau Insurance and Sentry Zriny, 71, is a past president and CEO of the Wausau chamber. He first ran for the seat to maintain his connection with the community. Zriny sees managing the budget amidst the oncoming recession and Coronavirus pandemic, as well as the expansion of broadband expansion as the major issues facing the board. Zriny says there aren’t any board decisions last term he would have liked to see go a different way, but says studying the county board size, the biggest in the nation, will be a key priority next term. Zriny touts his experience in business and his three terms on the board, and mentorship of young board members.
DISTRICT 29
DISTRICT 33
Town of Stettin Wards 1 & 2, Village of Marathon City
Ron Covelli, 56, is a quality engineer taking on incumbent Tim Buttke, 59, commercial and agricultural banker. Buttke’s top three priorities are maintaining infrastructure, supporting human service programs and controlling the influx of drugs. Covelli’s priorities are the overcrowded jail and overworked DA’s office, focusing the budget on core services and promoting small business.
DISTRICT 35
Towns of Emmet Ward 2, Marathon, Mosinee
William Litzer, 30 is a laborer at Litzer Dairy. He is taking on incumbent Jacob Langenhahn. Litzer says his top priority is agriculture, including the dairy industry, as well as downsizing the county board and passing a leaner budget. Langenhahn did not respond to City Pages’ candidate questionnaire.
DISTRICT 36
Town of Rib Mountain Wards 3, 4, 5, 6, 10
Bruce Lamont, 59, is a retired pastor and is taking on Michelle Schaefer, 55, President of the Neighbors Place Board, for this open seat. Schaefer’s top priorities are developing a budget that serves the whole community; preserving outdoor recreation and natural areas; and expanding broadband access to all. Lamont’s top priorities are child care access, improving drug treatment and recovery, and developing the workforce.
DISTRICT 38
Towns of Berlin Ward 1, Stettin Ward 4; Village of Maine
Jonathan Fisher, 36, is a finance business director. He is taking on James Sala, 62, retired, in this open race. Sala’s top priorities are fostering inclusiveness; business and talent retention; and addressing the needs of the oldest and youngest county residents. Fisher’s top priorities are workforce development, ensuring adequate resources for aging residents, and protecting county water resources. March 26–April 2, 2020
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arts & entertainment
HIGH LIGHTS compiled by Kayla Zastrow
▲ Virtual storytime from the Marathon Co. Public Library
NOW OFFERING CARRYOUT
Come get some!
&
With public and private gatherings banned for the next few weeks, all events and A&E venues are closed. Here’s an update on things that have been rescheduled, and newly created, local online programs. See thecitypages.com for a running list and timely updates.
New virtual events
For UW continuing education classes, register in advance and join at the assigned time. Other events can be joined live in real time or watch later on the social media post.
UWSP-WAUSAU CONTINUING EDUCATION
Personal enrichment has gone virtual at UWSP-Wausau Continuing Education. With all UWSP events canceled until the end of May, instructors are offering many programs as several virtual classes using Zoom or Canvas. Register and find details at uwsp.edu/conted Intro to Trail Running · Thurs. 4/2. Runners of Everyday Spirituality · Mon. 4/20 or 4/27. all ability receive tips, suggestions for local trail Explores the revolutionary heritage in conruns, shoe recommendations, benefits of trail nection with simple things like daily work, running, trail etiquette, training recommendathe table and home, love of the neighbor, tions, additional resources and upcoming trainand care of the earth. 9-10:30 am. $19. ing and race opportunities. 6-7:30 pm. $19. Playwriting Basics · Tuesdays 4/7-21. Meet and Vision Board Workshop: Map Out Your Passion learn from local playwrights who discuss basic · Thurs. 4/16. Students inspire themselves to script writing for the stage. 6:15-7:15 pm. $29. succeed in their academic career by using viLiteracy in the Workplace · Thurs. 4/30. Tips and sion boards. Learn what a vision board is with best practices to identify, support and improve time to create one. 6-7 pm. $19. literacy within workplace. Noon-1 pm. $19.
Mon-Fri: 11AM-3PM
319 4th St. | Wausau | (715) 574-8179
PASTA FROM SCRATCH DAILY
MARATHON COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY
All library branches are closed, but staff are still providing services. Patrons can contact the reference desk for assistance at 715-261-7230, ref@mcpl.us or thru online chat. Staff are also hosting virtual events that you can enjoy from home. Details at mcpl.us, 715-261-7230 and on Facebook. Virtual Storytime · Mon.-Fri. thru 4/24. Staff share favorite stories that are fun and entertaining. Can be streamed on Facebook Live from an iPad, phone, laptop, smart TV or other devices. 10-10:15 am. Community Writing Project · thru Fri. 4/3. Adults and teens can write anything from short fiction to poems and send it to
factorfiction@mcpl.us and they will share it on the MCPL blog and some pieces will be shared through social media. Find Your Next Book With MCPL & Facebook · Tues. 3/31. Using Facebook, tell the library the last two books you enjoyed by posting on the event wall and staff will respond with recommendations to read next. 1-3 pm.
THE CENTER FOR THE VISUAL ARTS
The CVA wants to keep you creative, so they’re streaming art-themed events all week long. Join live in real time, or watch the posted video any time afterwards. Details on Facebook and cvawausau.org.
CURBSIDE PICKUP OR DELIVERY
Video Tour of Midwest Seasons Exhibit · Fri. 3/27 & 4/3. On Facebook, view video of the exhibit showcasing the seasons in the Midwest. Live at 11 am. Art Filled Storytime · Mon. 3/30. On Facebook Live enjoy a story with the CVA at 2 pm. #30DayArtChallenge · Tues. 3/31. Make anything including collage, illustration, needlework, theater, dance, poetry and more. Tag @cvawausau and use #30DayArtChallenge to be included in the virtual gallery.
AVAILABLE WED.-SAT. OF EVERY WEEK!
Call ahead to place an order and provide payment. We'll bring it to your car or doorstep. All wine is 20% off with your order! FULL CARRYOUT MENU + WINE LIST ONLINE | CIAOWAUSAU.COM | 715.298.2004 307 3RD STREET | DOWNTOWN WAUSAU
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March 26–April 2, 2020
Art Project · Wed. 4/1. Create Marker Mono Printing on Facebook Live using items you may already have in your home including paper, washable markers, plastic bag and a spray bottle with water. Live at 2 pm. People’s Choice Award and #30DayArtChallenge · Thurs. 4/2. Vote for favorite piece in the Midwest Seasons exhibit by liking the photo in the Virtual Gallery. The winner will be announced at the end of the month and receives at $25 CVA Gift Shop gift card. Also continue to create art and tag @cvawausau and use #30DayArtChallenge.
Available for front door pickup orders
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North Central Wisconsin Master Gardeners Plant Sale · Annual plant sale scheduled for Sat. 5/16 canceled. Details on Facebook Central Wis. Symphony Orchestra Concert · Ode to Unity Concert scheduled for Sat.-Sun. 4/18-19 canceled, may be rescheduled. Details at cwso.org and on Facebook Never Forgotten Honor Flight · Mon. 4/20 flight postponed to Mon. 9/7; and Mon. 5/18 flight postponed to Mon. 10/12. Details on Facebook Children’s Festival · This annual Wausau & Marathon Co. Parks Dept. event is canceled. Details on Facebook Stevens Point Area Winter Farmers Market · Now an open-air market in the Redeemer Lutheran Church parking lot on Saturdays 8 am-noon. Details on Facebook Wausau Winter Market · Now held outside in Whitewater Music Hall’s parking lot on Saturdays 8-11 am. Details on Facebook Portage County Cultural Festival · Annual festival schedule for Sat. 5/9 canceled. Details at portagecountyculturalfestival.org Rubber Soul Production Concerts · Dale Watson & His Lone Stars scheduled for Sun. 3/29, The Gibson Brothers scheduled for Sun. 4/19 and Asleep and the Wheel scheduled for Sun. 5/3 are all postponed with new dates TBD. Details on Facebook and at rubbersoulproductions.com. Badger State Winter Games · Broomball and Bull Falls Crossfit competitions scheduled for Sat. 4/4 have been canceled. The gymnastics competition scheduled for Sat.-Sun. 4/4-5 is postponed, new date TBD. Details at badgerstategames.org
Hand-crafted Wines Organic, Farm-raised Chicken & Pork No added corn, antibiotics or GMOs
Stevens Point Festival of the Arts · Annual event scheduled for Sun. 4/5 is canceled. Details at stevenspointfoa.com
All events postponed until further notice. We will still be offering our meat & wine products for pick up only.
Northcentral Wis. Big Brothers Big Sister’s Bowl for Kids Sake · Annual bowling fundraiser postponed to Fri.-Sat. 5/29-30. Details on Facebook
CHICKEN - Whole, Breasts, Legs, Thighs, Wings PORK ITEMS - Bacon, Brat Patties, Brats, Breakfast Patties, Kielbasa, Pork Chops, Roasts, Smoked Ham WINE - Blush Wines, Dessert Wine, Red Wines, Signature Wines, Specialty Wines, White Wines
Stock up your fridge & freezer!
More cancelations & updates
for updates. We will continue events and business as normal once things are cleared
W3193 Pine River Rd., Merrill | 715-216-4136 | sunsethollowranch.com
If your organization’s event has been rescheduled, let us know at bigguide@thecitypages.com
THE BUZZ
by B.C. Kowalski
Flower power A local photographer is spreading some joy and springtime hope with an image feed called The Tulip Project
Heidi Oberstadt takes her stunning Tulip Project photos in a makeshift workstation on her living room coffee table
As a professional photographer, Heidi Oberstadt found herself in the same situation many people have been in over the past two weeks: sitting around her house, in this case with her one year old child, with little to do. Her work volume is dwindling, with celebrations canceled or postponed because of the state-mandated social distancing measures to quell the coronavirus pandemic. She noticed social media has been filled with nothing but doom and gloom. Oberstadt figured her social media feed, and many others, needed some joy and color. And she happens to love tulips. Camera in hand, she got to work, and The Tulip Project was born. Every day Oberstadt posts a photo of a tulip — stark, bright colors against a pure black background. “There are so much true, but stressful things in everyone’s news feed,” says Oberstadt. “I thought a random intersection of a hopeful flower would help.” Her photography business, Heidi Oberstadt Media (a branch of Photographic Memories by The Oberstadts) is based in Stevens Point, where she once served as a city council member. To her, tulips are a flower that symbolizes hope and spring time— something to assuage people’s anxiety. Oberstadt says she takes photos of the tulips about three or four times daily, because they constantly change throughout the day. Her living room coffee table has become her makeshift studio, and sometimes a little hand from her one-year-old son, Teddy, will find its way into the background of one of her tulip photos. The response to the tulip photos has been overwhelming. “Everyone loves them,” Oberstadt says. “I’m surprised.
CALL AHEAD FOR CURBSIDE PICK-UP | 715.571.0577
I was hoping they would reach a couple of people who needed them, but a lot of people loved seeing the tulips and they’ve been shared a lot.” Oberstadt created a Facebook page dedicated to The Tulip Project. Her other work can be found at Heidi Oberstadt Media.
Southeast side will see a new wine and beer lounge A new wine and beer place slated for Wausau’s southeast side neighborhood was approved for a liquor license this month. Kin and Kind was approved for a liquor license by the city’s Public Health and Safety Committee March 16. Owner Rachel Radtke, who works at Sconni’s, told a city committee she’s looking to open a small place she can run herself or with one or two part time employees. Kin and Kind will be located at 2108 Grand Ave. Although she applied for the liquor license, Radtke plans to stick to serving beer and wine. When it’s up and running, Kin and Kind will be open 4–10 pm, Radtke says. She doesn’t plan to have live music or outdoor seating, and hasn’t yet specified an opening date.
New buyer for former Advanced Auto Parts building The building that once housed Advanced Auto Parts on Grand Avenue has been sold, real estate professionals tell City Pages. The building, at 501 Grand Avenue near Tri-City Restuarant, sold March 20 to TFTSF LLC, which is registered to Trevor Larson of Appleton, according to a state database. March 26–April 2, 2020
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Thimbleberry Books 166 South Central • Marshfield, WI 54449
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Tues-Fri: 4pm-close | Sat: 11am-close | Sun: 9am-2pm
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Electronics Recycling has been temporarily suspended. We’ll reopen at a future date for e-cycling. Our Help Closet medical lending program is available by appointment only. Please call ahead.
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City council calls out Hmong deportation plan
Sex assault, livestock bills likely dead this session
February 27–March 5, 2020
FOREVER FREE
FINE ARTS Chill PREVIEW 5 SPRING
Fast facts about the flu
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out
for health’s sake
A part of our special section on Health & Wellness
January 23–30, 2020
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Sanders surges in WI, slows nationally
Winter Fest, Winter Triathlons and more this weekend
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Helping hearts
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Burn fitness focuses on women, comfort
DON’T LOSE TOUCH World War I film highlights saving lives
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*FIRST PAIR MUST BE OF EQUAL OR GREATER VALUE. STYLES AND
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SIZES CHANGING DAILY. VISIT TODAY FOR BEST SELECTION. LIMIT
March 26– April 2, 2020
2 HALF PRICE PAIRS PER CUSTOMER.
Legally Blonde, Rock’N for Pets and more this weekend
10 Since retiring as a heart surgeon at Aspirus, Fritz Riveron has been volunteering to help build surgery programs in places like Kenya Radio hosts
A tea to bring people together
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Inside!
Attorney questions SAFER authority
The new therapy pool nears completion
Guy Ritchie is back with more British gangster action
17
Auditors collect big bucks for state
FOREVER FREE
15
Glass Nickel is ready for Rib Mountain
4
T h e Wa u s a u A r e a N e w s & En t e r t a i n m e n t We e k l y
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The county has a plan for broadband
108 S. POLK STREET, MERRILL | M-F 10AM-5PM, SAT 9AM-1PM
bring back old timey radio
19
*Most insurance plans now accepting online counseling Wausau 715.842.9500 • Plover 715.544.6144
NAMI.NORTHWOODS@GMAIL.COM
on Mental Illness
Coronavirus shuts down Wausau, nation
4
Invisible Man, excellent sci-fi
The battle is on to save Maple Grove
For more information visit N A MINOR T H WOODS.ORG or Northwoods 715 - 432- 0180 National Alliance
T h e Wau s au A r ea N ew s & Ente r t ai n m e nt We e k l y
Our semi-annual special section for older adults and the younger ones who love them.
January 9–16, 2020
Lunar Ticks, Adventure Racing 101 and more this weekend
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March 5-12, 2020 FOREVER FREE
March 19–26, 2020
Coronavirus bills
SYMBOLIC 6
INK
Freshen cold weather bedding and musty basement material Get it all done at once! Large Load Machines Softened Water • Clean Facility
Learn about the people running for city council
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What’s been canceled because of the Coronavirus
How a Merrill tattoo artist’s recovery ribbon design became a widespread 12 symbol for overcoming addiction A local restaurant owner talks about the Coronavirus closures
15
Laundry Room
C O R O N AV I R U S
INFO CZAR
Judy Burrows is the point person when local people have questions about handling COVID-19 warnings, mandates and data
THECITYPAGES.COM
SELF-SERVICE LAUNDROMAT laundryroomwausau.com
1419 Neupert Ave, Schofield Across from Kwik Trip off Bus. Hwy. 51
Accepting Debit/Credit Cards
