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.
