T h e Wau s au A r ea N ew s & Ente r t ai nm e nt We e k l y
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May 14–21, 2020
FOREVER FREE
Retail starts to open up
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Clerks say special election went smoothly
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Celebrating the centennial of 19th amendment
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Virtual chalkfest and other events
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YE P WE’RE WE ’RE YOUNG Wausau’s Mayor Katie isn’t the only one. The April election has seated a big local contingent of energetic young government officials.
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Lots of young in local guv The election of 36-year-old Katie Rosenberg has been viewed by many as a breath of fresh air in the Wausau area political scene. But it turns out she’s one of many people under 40 who are now in public office in Marathon County. One of the best places to see that is in the makeup of the 38-member county board, which until a few years ago was notorious for having so few members under the age of 60. Now, more than a quarter of the members are in the under-40 age group, and the diversity inspired county chairman Kurt Gibbs to put many of those fresh young faces in committee leadership roles. Interestingly, the youngest person ever to be elected to the county board, John Robinson, won his seat in 1974 at the age of 18, and has been serving on the county board once again, since 2006. Correction A mailer sent out by the Republican Party of Wisconsin to voters did have instructions about requiring voter ID, but it was on the back of the postcard and instructions on the front to “just fill it out and drop it in the mail” confused many voters. That was not clear in a news brief in the May 7 edition of City Pages. We regret the error.
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Join Us in Celebrating
National Nursing Home Week May 10–16, 2020
As we celebrate National Nursing Home Week we recognize the excellent care that staff provide at both Mount View Care Center and Pine Crest Nursing Home. We also want to recognize the people we serve...our residents. We learn, grow, live and love a tremendous amount within our walls. North Central Health Care would like to recognize our staff and residents this week as we celebrate the this year’s theme, Sharing Our Wisdom. Nursing home staff and residents will be sharing a week filled with fun activities, as well as some wisdom with the rest of us!
Visit us on Facebook as we showcase the insight, purpose and wisdom to be learned from our residents and our dedicated staff.
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May 14–21, 2020
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skilled nursing | short-term rehabilitation | dementia care
THE STAFF
THE SCENE by B.C. Kowalski
Publisher Patrick J. Wood, publisher@mmclocal.com Managing Editor Tammy Stezenski, tammy@thecitypages.com News Reporter/Photographer B.C. Kowalski, brian@thecitypages.com Production Coordinator/ Layout Designer Alex Eichten, alex@thecitypages.com General Manager / Big Guide Boss Kayla Zastrow, bigguide@thecitypages.com Advertising Executives Lisa Lanier, lisa.lanier@thecitypages.com Jessica Buhr, jbuhr@mmclocal.com Sales & Marketing Manager Anna Moua, anna.moua@thecitypages.com Classified Executive Linda Weltzin, advertising@thecitypages.com
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Green is starting to return to the Wausau area, such as at Oak Island Saturday.
May 14–21, 2020
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METRO BRiEFS
by B.C. Kowalski
Open for (socially distanced) business
Retail businesses can now open to five customers at a time as part of Gov. Evers’ turning of the dial Tammy Mortenson Dahms was both
elated and confused by Monday’s announcement from the governor’s office that most retail businesses could open as long as they limited in-person business to five or fewer customers at a time. Her store, Isaac’s Fine Apparel and Accessories in downtown Wausau, falls within a grey zone of that latest order allowing standalone shops to open. It’s located within the Third Street Lifestyle Center—not exactly an enclosed mall, since there are street-facing businesses, but not a strip mall, since there are stores enclosed in the building as well. Isaac’s opened Wednesday, with barriers that funneled customers the few steps from the exterior door, preventing any entry into other parts of the building. The ability to open was a nice surprise, Mortenson Dahms says, but also unexpected. During the pandemic lockdown, she’d been pulling apart her store and working on projects a busy shopkeeper usually never has time to get to. Even with some selling on Facebook, Isaac’s revenue has dropped some 80%, she estimates, and Mortenson Dahms has been eager to bring customers into the store. Area lawmakers have lobbied for a regional approach to opening. State Reps. Pat Snyder and Scott Krug spoke Thursday at The 400 Block in downtown Wausau, about a regional approach to reopening businesses. Joined by Tyler Vogt of Malarkey’s Pub and Townies Grill, the two legislators shared stories of hardships, such as a hair stylist who had been saving to set up her own studio space but needed to use that money to live on instead. She won’t be helped by Monday’s order, but it’s a “turning of the dial” toward opening up the state for business, as Governor Tony Evers puts it.
Compass Properties Manager Mark Craig told City Pages he is working with city leaders on a plan to expand downtown outdoor dining to help provide an additional revenue stream for downtown restaurant owners. That could include closing off the 300 and 400 blocks of Third Street to allow outdoor dining expansion. A survey from the Wausau River District showed more than half of downtown businesses said they would go out of business if the shutdown went on for five months or more.
City could allocate nearly $500,000 to pandemic relief
Wausau is slated to distribute nearly $500,000 locally toward relief from the Coronavirus pandemic. The city will receive $371,608 from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, according to a memo from Wausau Community Development Manager Tammy Stratz, whose office is also requesting that $100,000 from its Homeowner Rehabilitation Revolving Loan Fund be reallocated toward relief from the pandemic. Two local entities requested those locally distributed but federally provided funds. MCDEVCO requested $330,000 for small business grants up to $1,500, as well as forgivable loans to help businesses weather the pandemic. And North Central Community Action Program requested $58,000 for rent or mortgage relief, as the organization expects to see a need from people who have never needed help before. The organization typically works with low-income households who are in a crisis and can’t afford rent. The city’s Community Development committee recommended awarding MCDEVCO $336,804, NCCAP $64,804 and designated $70,000 for administration.
Monk Botanical Gardens
Green Saturday
Plant Sale & Workshops
2020
Order plants online. Contact free pick-up available.
June 6 & 7 For more information, visit www.monkgardens.org
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Tammy Mortenson Dahms at her shop, Isaac’s Fine Apparel and Accessories, which reopened on Wednesday.
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County looking to help fund UWSP-Wausau security cameras
Marathon County could pitch in for a project that would add security cameras to the UWSP at Wausau campus. Members of the county’s Human Resources, Finance and Property Committee Tuesday approved sending a measure to the county board that would pay for the initial costs of the cameras at $27,700. UWSP at Wausau would fund the remainder. The camera proposal stemmed from an incident at UWSP’s Marshfield campus in
which someone reported a person with a gun on campus, UWSP Wausau Dean Ann Herda-Rapp says. The gun turned out to be only a glove, but it took a major police presence before the situation could be reconciled. UWSP Marshfield has since approved installing cameras, Herda-Rapp says. The proposal did not receive universal approval. While many lauded the proposal as improving security, some questioned the extra expenditure at a time when the county was going to have to find $5.2 million to cover a projected shortfall. The county board will need a two-thirds majority to approve the measure.
Tiffany elected to Congress
State Sen. Tom Tiffany won a special election to the 7th Congressional District Tuesday. Tiffany, a Republican, defeated Democrat Tricia Zunker with 57% of the vote to replace Sean Duffy, who resigned over family health concerns last September. “The people of our district want a strong, experienced voice who will take some Northwoods commonsense to Washington D.C.,” Tiffany said Tuesday night. Zunker in a release called it a victory for Democrats, saying they’d achieved the highest vote percentage for a Democrat since 2012. “We laid the groundwork for this seat to turn blue in November,” Zunker says, referring to the seat coming up for election again this fall.
County predicts $5M in coronavirus loss
The coronavirus shutdown has made a serious dent in municipal budgets, but the county has some hard numbers to go with it: $5.2 million. That’s how much the county expects to be short on its revenues this year, largely because of a severe drop in sales tax revenue. County officials unveiled that deficit at the Human Resources, Finance and Property Committee on Tuesday. The deficit means the county is on track to severely deplete its reserve funds, says Finance Director Kristi Palmer. The committee directed staff to bring back a proposal to find savings as part of a mid-year budget adjustment to help cover at least half the deficit.
Bad week for:
Good week for:
Rhinelander’s city council on Monday fired its administrator, Daniel Guild, who previously worked as the village of Weston’s administrator. The decision came following a 90-minute closed session meeting Monday night. Guild had been on leave since shortly after his arrest March 8 following charges of records tampering and misconduct in public office. Former Wisconsin Rapids Mayor Zach Vruwink has been tapped to serve in the role on an interim basis. As part of the termination, Guild will receive six months of severance totaling $47,500. Guild had been suspended for 30 days while serving as administrator for Weston in 2018. He was reinstated and then resigned from his position, and given more than $93,000 as part of the separation.
Three food organizations in central Wisconsin were among nine in the state to receive Buy Local, Buy Wisconsin grants, according to the Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection. Cattail Organics in Athens received a grant to scale up its organic product branding and integration of marketing materials, and create best practices in safety and efficient packaging. Grants also went to Farmshed in Stevens Point, and the Stevens Point Area Co-op. The nine grants total $300,000, according to a press release from DATCP. Specific amounts to each organization were not disclosed.
Former Weston administrator fired in Rhinelander
Tom Tiffany
Over $104,000 raised for local food bank
The local TV fundraising campaign Singing for Their Supper in April has raised $104,714 for The Neighbors’ Place in Wausau, the largest food bank in Marathon County. The campaign by WSAW/WZAW kicked off April 18 with a one-hour televised special featuring virtual performances by country stars and singer-songwriters, interspersed with Ch. 7 urging people to support local food pantries. Over $22,000 was raised that night, and because of the public response, WSAW/WZAW extended the campaign through April 28, asking viewers to continue making donations to The Neighbors’ Place. An additional $82,000 was raised in that timespan, according to a news release from the station. The total raised equates to over 300,000 meals for local families.
Three central Wisconsin organizations get state ‘buy local’ grants
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CAPiTOL EYE
by WisPolitics.com staff
Clerks say special election in CD7 ran smoothly State Sen. Tom Tiffany, R-Minocqua, defeated Dem opponent and Wausau School Board President Tricia Zunker in Tuesday’s special election. Some clerks in the sampling of municipalities WisPolitics.com spoke with reported low in-person turnout, while others said more people have shown up today than for the April 7 spring election. But all said they thought local weather played a factor. “Things have been going great here and I expect it to continue to the end of the day,” said Denise Oliphant, Ashland city clerk. “We’re seeing a lot of interest today at this vote. We’re just glad we have such a beautiful day.” Oliphant told WisPolitics.com the National Guard offered to help run the polls and count votes, but her office found enough volunteers that the Guard wasn’t needed.
She said the city has received absentee ballots from about a quarter of its registered voters, but walk-ins also turned out slightly higher than she expected. Eagle River City Clerk Debra Brown said her staff has mostly been busy processing absentee ballots while in-person voters remained “very light.” Meanwhile in Rhinelander, City Clerk Valerie Foley told WisPolitics.com they’ve received over 1,400 absentee ballots, more than the 1,362 for April 7, but in-person turnout was still strong.
Vos challenger drops out Assembly Speaker Robin Vos’ Dem challenger has dropped out of the race citing “some real ugly and personal attacks” against his family.
Lifelong Burlington resident Robert Prailes recently announced his bid to replace the speaker in the 63rd AD because he felt legislative leadership has put “political self-interest above service to their fellow Wisconsinites.” “Unfortunately, my family has also been the target of some really ugly and personal attacks,” Prailes said in a Facebook post. “I quickly realized that I am not the type of person who thrives in this type of situation, and that I had not adequately prepared my family for the consequences that would arise from my candidacy.” Vos, R-Rochester, also announced he had received an envelope filled with dog poop in the mail. He said he understood tensions are high right now because of the pandemic and stay-at-home order, but he called sending someone poop in the mail “pretty sad.”
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UW System presidential search moving forward The UW System’s presidential search committee is “moving forward” despite coronavirus disruptions. Mike Grebe, committee chair and regent vice president, informed the UW Board of Regents at a recent emergency meeting that the search process is still underway and the committee is conducting interviews with the safety of all involved in mind. “While the COVID-19 pandemic has caused us to adjust our process it has not impeded our process,” Grebe said. “We expect to have a new president announced in the next month or so.” UW President Ray Cross first announced last October that he would retire from his position once a successor is found. He has served the system since 2014.
Naming of new rules panel member spurs speculation Assembly Speaker Robin Vos removed one of his most vulnerable members from a joint legislative committee and replaced him with a departing state rep just as the committee could be thrust into the COVID-19 reopening debate. Vos spokeswoman Kit Beyer wrote in an email to WisPolitics.com that Rep. Romaine Quinn, who isn’t running this fall, was added to the Committee after the Barron Republican made a request to the speaker. He replaced GOP Rep. Jim Ott, who has served on the Joint Committee for Review of Administrative Rules for four of the past five sessions and cochaired the body in the 2011-12 session. In a recent Facebook post, Quinn wrote that he asked to be added to the committee because it needs “rural representation” as it considers proposals to reopen the economy. The Assembly co-chair of the committee is Rep. Joan Ballweg, who is from Markesan, which had a population of less than 1,500 after the last census. But Assembly Minority Leader Gordon Hintz, D-Oshkosh, questioned the motivations for the move.
State schools superintendent candidate announces Pecatonica Area School District Superintendent Jill Underly says she’s running for state schools superintendent in 2021. Underly said in her announcement she has more than 20 years of experience as an educator and administrator in rural and urban districts. She’s been with the Pecatonica school district since 2015. She described herself as “a firstgeneration college graduate from a workingclass union household” who knows the “value of strong public schools and the inspiring power of great educators.” Underly previously worked as a federal programs consultant and assistant director at the Department of Public Instruction and an academic adviser at UW-Madison.
GUEST COMMENTARY by Marathon County Bar Association
100th anniversary of women’s right to vote Law Day highlights Wisconsin’s mixed role in advancing women’s suffrage This year marks the 100th anniversary of the 19th Constitutional Amendment, granting women the right to vote. This effectively doubled the representation in our democracy. Today, more than half of voter turnout is by women. This centennial is being celebrated across the country. National pioneers like Susan B. Anthony and Elizabeth Cady Stanton are back in the historical spotlight. In fact, the American Bar Association has dedicated National Law Day to this major milestone. Law Day is an annual holiday on May 1 and celebrated throughout the month, highlighting the rule of law in America. In the past, the Marathon County Bar Association has held community events such as public Q&As, skits, and contests. Even though circumstances this month do not allow for such large events, this anniversary still gives us the chance to remember women’s suffrage, on both the national and state level.
Wisconsin’s proudest day with regards to women’s suffrage is likely June 10, 1919, when Wisconsin, Illinois, and Michigan became the first three states to ratify the 19th Amendment, only six days after it passed in the U.S. Senate. Several states quickly followed suit, with a few voting against. Finally, on August 18, Tennessee became the necessary 36th state to ratify the amendment, which was certified into the Constitution on August 26, 1920. And weeks later, on November 2, women voted for the first time in the Presidential election. Though Wisconsin is likely best-known for this achievement, it has several other claims to fame regarding women’s suffrage. As early as 1869, Wisconsin allowed women to run for school board and other elected school positions. Wisconsin was also home to several nationallyknown suffragists, from different political parties and backgrounds. In 1863, Olympia Brown became the first woman admitted to the ministry of an organized American church. She then moved to Wisconsin and continued her ministry and suffrage activism, and was President of the Wisconsin Woman’s Suffrage
Association from 1887 to 1912. She was succeeded by Theodora Winton Youmans who was also a trailblazer as one of Wisconsin’s first female journalists and editor of The Woman Citizen magazine. During this time, one of Wisconsin’s most-famous political figures, Robert “Fighting Bob” La Follette, was also a staunch suffragist. La Follette strongly advocated for the 19th Amendment, including in La Follette’s Weekly Magazine. As governor in the early 1900s, he appointed several women to state boards and commissions. Fighting Bob’s wife, Belle La Follette, and their children were also famously involved in women’s suffrage. After becoming the first female University of Wisconsin Law School graduate, Belle worked alongside Bob in his many political offices including in Washington D.C. and as a major editor and contributor to the La Follette’s Weekly Magazine, where she often advocated for women’s suffrage. Their eldest daughter, Fola, a well-known suffrage activist, was famously-quoted as saying, “A good husband is not a substitute for the ballot.” Since 1920, Wisconsin has had many female political figures in both Madison and D.C. And for the past several years, it has had one of the most female supreme courts in the U.S. With the election of Justice Jill Karofsky to the State Supreme Court in April, Wisconsin will once again take the top spot among states for the most women on its highest court (six out of seven justices). However, Wisconsin often fell short in women’s rights. For example, by 1920, as many as 20 states already granted women the right to vote in local or state elections, but not Wisconsin. In 1888, the State Supreme Court ruled that women could not vote on ballots containing issues other than school offices. The state legislature then refused to provide separate ballots, effectively ending all female voting. In 1912, Wisconsin voters soundly rejected a state constitutional amendment granting women the right to vote in state elections. One commonly-cited issue was the association between the suffrage and temperance (antialcohol) movements, which conflicted with the tavern culture in the state. It is worth remembering that women were not allowed to vote on the 19th Amendment ratification itself. However, the activists and allies persisted in achieving rights for women and other disenfranchised groups. Let’s celebrate not just past progress, but also what can still be achieved through perseverance and insistence in the rule of law.
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COVER FEATURE
by B.C. Kowalski
Katie Rosenberg at her desk following the election that brought many young local politicians into leadership roles.
WE’RE YOUNG Wausau’s Mayor Katie isn’t the only one. The April election has seated a big local contingent of energetic young government officials.
The election of Wausau’s new mayor
wasn’t underscored by a victory speech or confetti or a jubilant party held in a bar as is often the Wisconsin tradition. Instead, the highlight of Katie Rosenberg’s victory came from a tweet: HOLY BALLS. Those words on Twitter from the 36-year-old mayor-elect signaled more than a simple changing of the guard. It also was a bright reflection on the trend of younger candidates seeking public office across central Wisconsin, and across the U.S. The wave started in 2016 after the election of Donald Trump, which brought out a number of young female candidates in response. But now it’s not just young women, it’s younger people in general who are seeking office. The difference is more about attitude and outlook than years on the planet. Instead of the need to present a polished image and act a certain way, young, newly elected local officials tell City Pages they value authenticity and project it. As a prime example, Katie Rosenberg didn’t delete the now famous—but perhaps impulsive— tweet she posted in response to realizing she’d defeated incumbent mayor Robert Mielke; instead, she owned it. The response is telling. It was seen by tens of thousands of people, with 20,600 likes and 544 comments, almost entirely positive, including from people saying that if this is Wausau’s mayor, they’d like to move here. Rosenberg has continued to use Social Media on the job at city hall, shares videos of her showing how to vote during social distancing, and filmed a video of City Clerk Leslie Kremer talking about what it takes to be an election poll worker. She’s known to post Instagram Boomerang videos, often sporting her signature peace sign. On Tuesday for the 7th Congressional special election, she worked at the polls herself, the first mayor in city history to do so, staff told her. Rosenberg says that authenticity is something she believes in and has practiced in politics since serving on the Marathon County Board beginning in 2016 (her second term as county board
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supervisor ended in April). “Authenticity” is something other young, local and newly elected people say they value too. Gone, for example, are the perfectly polished canned responses. Many of the new, young government officials cite Rosenberg as their influence and inspiration to break an important mental barrier: the notion that only older and experienced people can serve on a committee or board, and that they have to act and speak in a certain, reserved way. Veteran local leaders are recognizing this change and accepting the diversity. In fact, the Marathon County Board will undergo a major structural change that’s unprecedented, acknowledging a young and diverse leadership.
Promoting young leaders on the county level Kurt Gibbs stood before the county board at an April meeting, in what would usually be a routine meeting following an election with new committee assignments, a few tweaks to the rules, and a few other odds and ends. Not this time. Gibbs, the county board chairman, instead announced that he had overhauled committee assignments, and overhauled how the Executive Committee, the county’s most powerful group, would work. Someone’s words from a discussion on committee assignments had stuck with him. In fact, he’d gone back and listened to them twice. The words came from a newly elected county board member, William Harris. Representing District 3 in Wausau, Harris set Wausau history as the first black resident to be elected to local public office (as far as anyone can remember, going back decades). Harris’ words that the long-time county chairman recited to the 38-person legislative body in April: “You can not have diversity unless diverse groups participate.” Gibbs told the board it’s the first step in building leadership across all members; including its newest and youngest. “We all
need to look at leadership differently than we have in the past.” To that end, Gibbs assigned many of the newer, younger members as committee vice chairs: Ka Lo, elected to her second term this spring, is vice chair of the Extension, Education, and Economic Development Committee. Alyson Leahy, also elected to her second term, was made vice chair of the Human Resources, Finance and Property Committee. Michelle Van Krey, newly elected in April, will serve as vice chair of the Health and Human Services committee. County leadership also includes other under-40 members Jake Langenhahn, who continues to chair the Environmental Resources Committee, and now Randy Fifrick as chair of the Infrastructure Committee. The moves Gibbs made signal more than words; they’re concepts put into action in an unprecedented fashion. The statistics are telling. Of the committee chairs and vice chairs, 50% are held by women, 67% are held by supervisors under 40, and a third by supervisors in their first or second term. “Reflecting on Tuesday’s meeting, it became clear that we needed to provide for a broader participation in our board,” Gibbs said about the change, which he worked on with Vice Chair Craig McEwen. “We needed a plan that builds on the board’s most significant asset: its members.” Alyson Leahy, herself first elected to the board two years ago after being inspired from having attended a women’s march in Washington D.C., says she was pleasantly surprised by Gibbs’s proposal, and thinks it strikes a good balance. But the changing of the guard isn’t limited to just Marathon County; it’s something going on all over Wisconsin, and across the country, she says. “I think we’re seeing everywhere that young people want to get more involved,” Leahy says. “With working age people specifically, we’re at a different point in our lives and our perspective is different.” For example, Rosenberg is not the only young mayor in central Wisconsin. In 2018, Merrill Mayor Derek Woellner was 25 when
he defeated long-time mayor Bill Bialecki. Zach Vruwink was elected as Wisconsin Rapids’ youngest mayor at age 24 in 2012, and this spring, at 32 years old, he lost reelection to alderman Shane Blasser. There has been, of course, the occasional young government official in the past. Proceeding them was Mayor Andrew Halverson, who was elected as Stevens Point’s mayor in 2007 at the age of 29. One of the earliest young leaders was John Robinson, who in 1974 was elected to city council and county board at age 18— the youngest person elected to those bodies. After serving in the state Assembly, Robinson was elected Wausau mayor at age 32. Robinson has served on the Marathon County Board, in his most recent stint, since 2006. And he has observed how the county board has been trending younger in the past few terms. Of the 38 current county board members, at least 10 are under 40. And these newer, younger board members want to be more active. “They’re not going to sit back and watch, they’re going to sit up and participate,” Robinson says. “They’re coming in with the thought that they can contribute from day one.”
Fresh energy William Harris was a little nervous when he first started campaigning this winter for the county board seat. How would people respond to a young (37 years old) black man seeking a leadership position? Pretty well, it turned out. “So many were welcoming,” Harris says. “I think they felt bad seeing me shivering, so they invited me into their homes to get out of the cold.” He says neither his age or ethnicity ever seemed to make much difference. “That was my hope, that people would listen to what I hoped to bring.” His election has made a difference for other people of color. Harris talks about a young man who told him he lived in Wausau all his life, and to see a person of color like himself serving on a board
William Harris speaks at a candidate forum earlier this spring. Harris is one of several new young members of the Marathon County Board.
From the Attorney’s Desk by Jason Krautkramer, J.D.
ECKERT & KRAUTKRAMER, LLC 325 N. 1st Ave., Suite 1 • Wausau, WI 715-842-0907 • jason@eckertlawllc.com
Five Common Mistakes with “DIY” Estate Plans In light of the current pandemic, many Americans may be considering writing their own will or using an online “do it yourself” (DIY) document creator. Here are five common mistakes with DIY estate plans. 1) DIY estate plans may not conform to the applicable law as the laws vary from state to state. 2) A DIY estate plan could contain inaccurate, incomplete, or contradictory information. 3) A DIY estate plan may not account for changing life circumstances, for example, you create a will leaving everything to your two children and one of those children dies before you. 4) Mistakes in executing the plan can be easily made as the laws differ regarding what is necessary for a will to be validly witnessed. 5) You might inadvertently leave assets out of your estate plan. A DIY estate plan can lead to a false sense of security because it may not achieve what you think it does.
made him feel more represented. “I take the responsibility of that very seriously,” Harris says. Harris also took inspiration from the election of Rosenberg, who he says is a friend and with whom he shares many of the same priorities, such as addressing homelessness. “It’s making sure the county continues to be a place that looks out for all residents, regardless of socioeconomic status.” Harris was chosen by voters over incumbent David Nutting, who had served on the board for several terms and also on the corresponding city council seat. Nutting also lost that seat to a younger opponent, Tom Kilian. Both Harris and Kilian are decades younger than Nutting. Harris, who works as an attorney for Judicare, is not alone. Michelle Van Krey, who was elected to replace Katie Rosenberg on the county board, will serve in District 1. Van Krey, at 30 years old, says her age never came up while campaigning. Most people just wanted to hear her ideas and what she would bring to the seat. Van Krey first started to become interested in running for office in 2017 after attending a local government class through the Greater Wausau Chamber of Commerce. Initially, Van Krey felt like she was too young to serve on a board or council, but seeing Rosenberg elected to county board helped change her mind. “I felt like she represented me very well,” Van Krey says. Each term more young people seemed to be running. Perhaps a younger person could be elected after all. Van Krey was elected in April over Isaiah Hoogendyk, who at 41 is pretty young himself. More younger people getting into the races helped increase the total number of contested races — nine seats were up for grabs on the Wausau City Council and 11 of the 38 on the county board. The move by Chairman Gibbs was pleasantly surprising to Harris and Van Krey. Van Krey says as a new board member she wasn’t expecting to be given a leadership role right away, though Health and
Human Services was a committee she’d hoped to be on because North Central Health Care is within her district. Gibbs at the meeting said he expected chairs of committees to serve as role models and mentors to the new board members.
Challenges and a variety of viewpoints But it won’t be easy. These young new leaders will face challenges as the pandemic brings on new budgetary issues unprecedented in local government. Projections of sales tax losses at the county level have increased to between $1.5-2 million, and county leaders Tuesday unveiled the county is expected to face a $5.2 million shortfall in the county’s budget. Similar budget woes will face Wausau and other municipalities in the area. The state has seen unprecedented levels of unemployment, with the unemployment number hitting more than 14% by the latest estimates from the Department of Workforce Development. It will be a tough year to budget for because state shared revenues — the amount counties receive from the state for things such as road repair, will surely drop and no one can know for sure how much. Even school districts are expected to be impacted by the Coronavirus pandemic. But perhaps that is where having diverse leadership will shine the most. Many minds coming from different walks of life will help lead to a variety of solutions to choose from. “Have you ever been chatting with your friends about something and you all end up agreeing on something and you wonder why nobody had ever thought to do it that way?” Rosenberg asks rhetorically. “And then you extemporaneously share that with someone you work with who ends up poking a few holes in the concept that you and your friends hadn’t thought about? It’s better to have that discussion on the debate floor or in committee with a bunch of different viewpoints.”
CLEAN IT UP, WAUSAU LARGE ITEM DROP-OFF
Fri., May 29 & Sat., May 30, 2020 9AM – 5PM
East end of E. Chellis Street, near the Yard Waste Site Must show proof of City of Wausau residency! Questions?...call Public Works at 715-261-6960 ALSO ACCEPTING - MEDICAL EQUIPMENT IN WORKING CONDITION
We are partnering with Good News Project w/ their HEALTH EQUIPMENT LENDING PROGRAM (HELP Closet). Please drop off any working item listed below. No fees apply. Bath / Shower Chair • Rolling Walker • Wheelchair • Crutches, Canes Toilet Seat Riser • Commode • Bed Rail • Bathtub grab bars • Knee walker / scooter
ITEMS ............................................................................................ FEE ALL ELECTRONICS: All Computers, Faxes, Printers, TV’s, small appliances like coffee makers and vacuum cleaners, stereos, almost anything with a cord...................................$0.40/lbs. BROKEN TV’S .................................................................................................... $0.60/lbs. TIRES: Up to 20” ............................................................................................................$5 Over 20” .............................................................................................................$10 APPLIANCES: Microwaves ..........................................................................................................FREE Dehumidifiers ......................................................................................................$10 Refrigerators, Freezers, Air Conditioners ..............................................................$10 Snow Blowers (gas, oil removed) ..........................................................................FREE Lawnmowers (gas, oil removed)...........................................................................FREE Stoves ..................................................................................................................FREE Washers, Dryers, Dishwashers ..............................................................................FREE Scrap Metal ..........................................................................................................FREE FURNITURE: Mattress/Box Springs ..........................................................................................FREE Tables, Chairs, Sofas.............................................................................................FREE UNACCEPTABLE ITEMS Light Bulbs • Smoke/CO Detectors • Batteries • Paint • Chemicals • Waste Oil • Antifreeze Remodeling Waste (Insulation, Fiberglass, Etc.) • Roofing Material Lead • Fertilizers • Pesticides or Herbicides • Compressed Gas Cylinders • Explosives • Medication - Drop Off at Local Police Department May 14–21, 2020
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arts & entertainment
HIGH LIGHTS compiled by Kayla Zastrow
Registration now open:
Bill Blagg: Behind The Magic! ▲
Downtown Wausau’s Chalkfest as you know it is canceled this year, but event organizers want to keep the joy of sidewalk art alive this summer with a virtual Chalkfest. They’re encouraging artists to create new chalk drawings on sidewalks or driveways around central Wisconsin, allowing participants to work at home, at their own pace, and with as much or as little space as they need. Artists then will submit photos of their chalk creations by July 1. Once all photos are received, they will be revealed on Facebook July 11, the originally planned date of the event. Registration limited to 400 participants per category: ages 12+ and kids age 11 and younger. Registrants can arrange for a chalk pick up for $10 a box. Details and registration open now on Facebook: Chalkfest Wausau or wausauevents.org.
When you tune into this live pay-per-view, part of the proceeds will benefit Wausau’s Grand Theater. As one of the nation’s top touring illusionists, magic has been Bill Blagg’s life. He received his first professional magic book at age 5, which soon led to creating magic props with his dad. These early experiences paved the way to thrilling thousands of people each year in his live shows. For this event, Blagg offers a live performance of magic, illusion, stories and more, streamed direct from his secret warehouse. It’s a virtual experience that also features a rare, exclusive look behind the man and the magic. Fox calls this show “A Proven Quarantine Killer.” 7 pm. $8.99. Tickets at billblagg.com/btmlive.
▲ Virtual Chalkfest
Virtual planetarium shows
The Wausau School District planetarium is going virtual. Currently available to watch on the website is “We Are Aliens,” a flat screen version of a full-dome planetarium program. The award-winning show takes you on an epic ride in the hunt for evidence of alien life. You can also find a virtual planetarium program called “Smiley Face Moon, Starlink Satellites and global Covid-19 case tracking.” The website also allows viewers to ask the planetarium questions and the planetarium may make a virtual program to answer it. Details at wausauspace.org.
Ironbull: Choose Your Own Adventure Trail Run or Walk
MAY 15-25 | SCOTCH CREEK WOODLAND PRESERVE, EDGAR
Get outside and explore this trail system with your family, pets, or in solitude. You’ll find two marked routes that are 2.5 miles each, with five checkpoints along the course. You can mix and match the courses and come back several times to find the fastest route. To be eligible for prizes, you must register, submit your result and a picture of yourself participating in the event. To win for the fastest time, you must verify your route using a tracking app such as FitBit, Strava or Garmin. Course begins at the trailhead on the corner of Kaiser Ave. and E Birch St. near Edgar High School’s tennis courts. Free. Register, maps, submit results and details at ironbull.org.
WEDNESDAY 5/20 | Pay per view
Ironbull: Island Hop Run/ Walk THRU SUNDAY 5/17 | RIVER’S EDGE TRAIL, WAUSAU
Explore local gems in downtown Wausau during this urban trail run or walk presented by Ironbull. The free, marked run starts at Oak Island Park and loops through Whitewater Park, Big Bull Falls and circles Barker-Stewart Island. Choose the full route, which is 5K (3.1 miles) or one of the shorter routes with one or two-mile courses available. To win the prize for fasted time, submit your route on a tracking app such as FitBit, Strava or Garmin. You’ll also have the option to earn raffle entries for every 25 pieces of garbage you pick up during your excursion; just submit the number of pieces you picked up to Ironbull. Trail open 6 am-11 pm. Free. Details and registration at Ironbull.org.
New! Rothschild Farmers Market Fridays FRIDAYS JUNE 5-OCTOBER | CEDAR CREEK MALL
Support local businesses and farmers at this new farmers market presented by the Village of Rothschild. The indoor location allows the market to happen under one roof, rain or shine. They will be practicing precautions by spacing out vendors and providing hand hygiene stations throughout the market. Face masks are recommended. 11 am-4 pm. Details at rothschildwi.com under Experience Rothschild.
OPEN FOR BUSINESS WE’RE OPEN!
NICEASNEW.COM WAUSAU 2400 Rib Mt. Dr. 715-845-3328
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STEVENS POINT 24 Park Ridge Dr. 715-342-1375
Wednesday, May 20 • 4-6pm Homestyle Dinner Carryout Menu Pre-orders encouraged
Chicken Pot Pie $10.99 With Side Salad Spaghetti and Meatballs $9.99 With Garlic Bread and Side Salad Pork Tips in Tomato Mushroom Gravy $9.99 Served over Rice with a dinner roll and Side Salad Soup: Chicken Noodle Fresh Baked Pies: Cherry, Apple, Blueberry Cheese Swirl Desserts: Gluten Free Death By Chocolate, Turtle Cheese Cake 422 N. Third St.|715.845.5879|mintcafewausau.com
ST. VINCENT de PAUL Store MAY 12 -15 TH
TH
Open For Business!
STORE & DONATIONS HOURS: 10AM-3PM
STARTING MONDAY, MAY 18TH STORE HOURS: MON-SAT 9AM-4PM (DONATIONS CLOSE AT 3:30PM)
SHOP. DONATE. VOLUNTEER. 131 W. Thomas Street, Wausau • svdpwausau.org • 715-298-3028
May 14–21, 2020 PMS 300
715-842-8038
Washington Square Downtown Wausau
COME ON IN, WE’RE OPEN!
A LOCALLY OWNED FAMILY BUSINESS John Altenburgh and Mitch Viegut of Johnny & The Motones
Live @ JEM ▲
This series of live-streamed concerts from local musicians are for a good cause, with donations benefiting organizations for COVID-19 relief. Past concerts have benefited organizations like the Boys & Girls Club of the Wausau Area, the Wausau River District, the Women’s Community and more. These shows have professional lighting and sound quality, which makes it seem like a real, live concert. 7 pm. Details on Facebook: JEM Productions.
UPCOMING SHOWS: May 16 | Johnny and the MoTones
May 24 | Feed the Dog
May 23 | Sam Llanas
May 30 | Them Coulee Boys
Canceled:
Restlawn Memorial Park Memorial Day Celebration
Celebrating 20 Years
ESSENTIAL & OPEN FOR ALL YOUR GARDENING NEEDS
Great selection of bedding plants and veggies for your garden MONDAY THROUGH SATURDAY: 8AM - 7PM | SUNDAY: 9AM - 4PM (715) 341-4577 • VILLAGEGARDENS.US • 2811 PORTER CT. PLOVER, WI
MONDAY 5/25 | RESTLAWN MEMORIAL PARK, WAUSAU
While the annual Memorial Day celebration and program is canceled this year, Restlawn Memorial Park still wants to honor Veterans by compiling a video that will be available on Memorial Day called “Every Veteran has a Story.” They ask that friends and family members share their veteran’s name, branch of service and what made them a hero, to be incorporated into the video. Submit details by Friday, May 15. Family and friends are invited to still visit the park on Memorial Day, but the office and mausoleum buildings will be closed. Details at 715-675-3309 and on Facebook.
Babysitting 101 THRU 6/30 | VIRTUAL
Summer typically means a lot of babysitting gigs, preceded by several local classes on the subject. Northcentral Technical College is offering theirs virtually to prepare ages 13+ to be safe, effective, and responsible babysitters in this program taught by certified NTC Early Childhood Education faculty Rachael Loucks. The online course helps learners become capable and prepared to take care of children with skills such as maintaining safety and health, handling emergencies and understanding child development and caregiving techniques. Free. Details and register at ntc.edu, 715-803-1034.
Canceled big, annual events
Planning for summer has been a guessing game, but as we roll closer to June, some annual summer events are simply being canceled for 2020 due to the coronavirus pandemic and social distancing lockdowns. Below is a list of some of the area’s biggest that won’t return until 2021. Remember that many other events are being rescheduled for later in the season, so watch for updates.
CANCELED FOR SUMMER 2020: June Dairy Breakfast · originally scheduled for May 30
Energy Fair · originally scheduled for June 26-28
River Pro Rodeo · originally scheduled for June 12-14
Northwoods Encore · originally scheduled for June 30
Summer Kickoff Weekend · originally scheduled for June 19 & 21
Iola Car Show · originally scheduled for July 9-11
St. Anne Fest · originally scheduled for June 19-21
Balloon & Rib Fest · originally scheduled for July 9-12
Looking for the Best….
CAREGIVERS!
The health and safety of our employees and of those individuals we serve is of utmost importance to us. Due to the essential services we provide as Caregiver/Direct Support Professionals, we continue to accept applications and fill open positions in our residential programs. Due to the public health concerns regarding COVID-19, as your application progresses, you will be asked to participate in virtual interviews using one of our digital tools. Our recruitment team will provide further details to assist you in your recruitment journey. Do you want meaningful, rewarding work supporting individuals with disabilities? If so, apply to Direct Support Professional/Caregiver roles available in Wausau and make a difference, everyday. We have 24/7 operations - openings in various schedules and shifts: Full-time, Part-time Days, evenings, weekends, and overnights. Whether you have previous experience, or this just sounds like the type of impact you want to make… we want to hear from you! Description: Provide services to people with disabilities through assistance with activities of daily living. Utilize individual service plans to encourage individuals to live as independently as possible. Examples of job duties include: • Transportation and support with shopping or community activities • Attending medical appointments • Preparing meals • Assisting with medication administration • Assisting with living skills such as: personal hygiene, grooming and/or bathing and toileting • Teaching strategies to live as independently as possible
Requirements: • Must be 18 years of age • Valid driver’s license in good standing for driving positions • Successful clearance of local and/or state background checks
REM Wisconsin offers: Flexible, consistent schedules. Full and Part time schedules available. Family-oriented environment, casual dress, meals provided, A chance to make a difference in people’s lives on a daily basis, Competitive pay rates, paid time off, and benefits for full-time employees, Paid training; Holiday pay
ent work environm rs A rewarding ke or -w co st be the with some of nsin is r! REM Wisco fo k as d ul you co Network, The MENTOR an a partner of of local hum k or tw ne l a nationa with career s er id ov pr services . s in 36 states opportunitie
Come join our team of dedicated and caring professionals. Apply Today! Apply at www.remwisconsin.com or Text MENTORJOBS to 97211 May 14–21, 2020
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CHOICES that you may NOT be aware of! Michael Hamilton Wealth Management Advisor U.S. Bancorp Investments 715.843.8224
Patti Hoerter, FIC , RICP® Financial Associate 2004 County Rd U (Next to Sound World) Wausau, WI 54401 715-571-2171
michael.hamilton3@usbank.com
Commercial/Residential 30 Years Painting Contractor Experience
CALL FOR YOUR FREE ESTIMATE TODAY!
Call 715.675.3458 to schedule an appointment. PeacefulSolutions.org
715.544.1062
4 Swivel Deck Chairs
Fabric • Patterns • Notions • Classes Call 715-535-2277 for special shopping hours. Please wear a face mask for in-store shopping.
$50 each or all 4 for $150
pinery patches@yahoo.com | pinerypatches.com
CALL DARRYL - 715.359.8116
N4647 Hwy 45 | Tigerton, WI 54486 | Linda Krueger
Open: Monday through Friday 10am-2pm
Call or email to run your card here! advertising@thecitypages.com
Right Way TREE SERVICE
FREE Estimates 715.697.3173
SERVING CENTRAL WISCONSIN
stump grinding | tree trimming | tree removal
Thimbleberry Books
We’re Open!
Wausau 741 North 1st Street Wausau, WI 54403
Merrill 726 East 2nd Street Merrill, WI 54452
Retail Wine & Gift Shoppe • Specialty Cheeses Featuring Woodland Trail Winery 3708 Rib Mountain Dr., Wausau winetimeinc.com
Take Out Mexican Taco Station
Call-in Equipment Operator $17.54/hr Duties include operating dump trucks and associated equipment for drainage and roadway improvement projects. Applicants must have a Class B Commercial Driver’s License
For more details call Ken 715.370.1665 days, 715.355.4504 after 6 pm
Park Maintenance Coordinator
Excellent Benefits
$13.00/hr Duties include maintaining parks, playground and trail inspections, lawn mowing, and coordinating summer maintenance staff. Applicants much have a valid Wisconsin Driver’s License. These positions are part time for the summer months. Additional information and applications may be found on the Town website
www.townofribmountain.org
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May 14–21, 2020
Electronics Recycling has been temporarily suspended.
715.574.1446
Rose & Bubba
including Alligator Brats • Pork Bondin Elk • Bison • Rattlesnake Louisiana Condiments & Seasonings
NEW ORGANICS!
MON & TUES 11-7 • WED-SAT 8-7 • SUN 8-5 316 E Randolph St, Wausau • 715.298.3288
*Most insurance plans now accepting online counseling
Proceeds support local nonprofit
Feel the Love: Helping YOU
Help SOMEONE - FEEL THE LOVE
$20.00 ($25.00 value) postage paid USPS
www.norcen.org/Benefits
FULLY INSURED
We’ll reopen at a future date for e-cycling. Our Help Closet medical lending program is available by appointment only. Please call ahead.
Reach out - connect safely with somone special.
Visit
• Lawnmower Service • Yard Cleanup • Snowblower Service • Tree Trimming • Landscape Material • More!
• Over 4 years of experience in telehealth • Confidential and secure/HIPAA compliant platform • Real-time meetings with your counselor
1106 Fifth St., Wausau • 715-843-5985 • goodnewswi.com
CNAs RNs Laundry Housekeeping Dietary Aides + more
Mike’s Mi ke’s
In the convenience of your home or office
Your STATE CERTIFIED electronics recycler
NOW HIRING Great Work Environment!
ONE COLOR: $5 OR FULL COLOR: $20
Online Counseling
Help wanted for established & professional lawn care and painting company.
ADD COLOR FOR MORE EXPOSURE!
EXOTIC MEATS
11am-7pm Tuesday through Sunday 525 Fulton St. | Wausau | 715.843.5819
Part Time Summer Employment
For more information, visit www.monkgardens.org
CERTIFIED ORGANIC BEEF
USED AND UNUSUAL 715-387-3049 thimbleberry@ verizon.net
Two locations to better serve you.
June 6 & 7
Order plants online. Contact free pick-up available.
OUTDOOR SERVICES+MORE LLC
166 South Central • Marshfield, WI 54449
HOURS Mon.-Wed. & Fri. 9-6 Thurs. 9-8 Sat. 9-3
Green Saturday
Plant Sale & Workshops 2020
Like New -
RUN T HREE WEEKS AND G ET A FOURTH WEEK FREE!
Most insurances currently allowing telehealth including Medicaid and Medicare. Sliding fee for those without insurance.
214 Grand Avenue, Wausau, WI 54403 715-848-8080 www.edwardjones.com Member SIPC
Make Your Insurance Work For You
FOR SALE
ONLY $ 59 PER WEEK!
Meeting your counseling needs using on-line video therapy sessions or telephone sessions during the COVID-19 crisis. Confidential and HIPPA compliant platform.
Financial Advisor
secureheritageinsurance.com
Exterior Painting is Our Business!
Jerry’s Painting & Staining | 1.877.881.4242
Michael J. Haight, AAMS®
info@secureheritageinsurance.com
27193 R3-14
Homes Log Cabins $200 OFF Any Project Over $1,000 Farms Must be presented at time of bid Factories Storage Sheds to be valid. Expires 07.01.2020 WITHEEWIPAINTER.COM
Which IRA is best for you? Let’s talk.
Retirement Planning│Individuals│Businesses Life Insurance│Medicare
6 Michael’s Candy snack pack - 5 generous pieces per pack + Chocolate Hearts Shipped directly from our chocolate factory in downtown Wausau.
Order Yours Today! 715.842.7222
PK Creations LLC
Wausau 715.842.9500 • Plover 715.544.6144
wibehavioralhealth.com open for business AbbyBank Available hours and locations; abbybank.com/about-us/locations-andhours Need financial help? Get money with a Connexus Credit Union Personal Loan at ConnexusCU.org CoVantage Credit Union Drive up is open or call 800-398-2667 for assistance. Half Moon Hill Farm & Winery Fri/Sat 1-7 Curbside or Pick up half-moon-hill.square.site La Prima Deli Curbside Pick-Up - 715-848-1260 LT Club Take Out, Wed 4-7, Fri 4-8 - 715-848-3320
Mulligal Shop @ Mulligal.com free shipping/personal shopper 715-350-1400