METRO BRiEFS
by B.C. Kowalski
Broadband support
County committees approved support for three broadband expansion projects that will significantly aid internet in rural Marathon County Three new broadband projects would, if ultimately approved, greatly expand broadband in rural parts of Marathon County. The county’s Executive Committee and Human Resources, Finance and Property committee Thursday approved support for three projects from Bug Tussel, Cirrinity and Country Wireless. Those projects will be submitting for grants from the Public Service Commission. Of the three, the largest project is from Bug Tussel, a broadband firm specializing in rural broadband. As part of the project, Bug Tussel would build more than 200 miles of fiber in something of a ring around Marathon County, bring broadband to approximately 5,500 households and lay the groundwork for future expansion by them or other companies. The company isn’t asking any money from the county, which has money set aside for broadband projects. Instead, it is asking the county to secure a nearly $20 million loan to build the project, and plans on giving the county interest for its trouble equalling about $1.2 million over the life of the loan in exchange for guaranteeing the debt payments. The two others are smaller projects.
Cirrinity would build out the Lake Norrie area, using $62,900 from county money to serve around 100 customers; and Country
Wireless would use the remaining money from the county’s funds to build out wireless to two areas: One in southwest Marathon County that would bring broadband to just under 200 homes, and another in the town of Cleveland that would bring broadband to 82 homes. The county also received a proposal from LTD Wireless, but their proposal didn’t fit the criteria the county’s Broadband Task Force set out, says chair John Robinson. The grant applications are part of the county’s efforts to bolster broadband internet in the county, something that is severely lacking and has ramifications for economic development. A study the county commissioned from consultant Design9 suggested to entirely build out the county internet infrastructure would cost roughly $200 million, Robinson pointed out. The county board will need to approve support for the grant applications at its next education meeting. Grants and letters of support are due to the Public Service Commission by July 27, a shorter timeline than in years past. The county’s approach, supporting internet service providers in applying for grants and then supporting the projects, is similar to how Oneida County built out its infrastructure, as pointed out in a 2018 City Pages feature.
County looking to fill vacant board seat
Marathon County is working on filling a vacant position after Supervisor E.J. Stark resigned from his seat. County Board Chair Kurt Gibbs says the county received three applications for the
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July 22-29, 2021
position and county officials interviewed candidates on Friday. Stark resigned in May, and mentioned his last meeting would be the county board meeting May 26. He did not cite a reason for resigning. The resignation letter was signed May 24.
Ethiopian refugees could be resettled in Wausau
As many as 75 Ethiopian refugees could be resettled in Wausau, if a proposal to the federal government is ultimately approved. Officials with the Ethiopian Community Development Council submitted a funding proposal to the Department of State to resettle a targeted 75 Ethiopians to Wausau in 2022. Families in the program wouldn’t arrive all at once but at various times throughout 2022, the ECDC says. The application came after consultation with various local officials, but the press release didn’t say which officials. The ECDC says Wausau’s strong network of service providers and welcoming attitude made Wausau a good choice for the program. As part of the program, if ultimately approved, the ECDC would open an office in Wausau and hire staff, bringing jobs to the area.
Police calls to gazebo increasing
Police say there is an increase in illegal activity at the gazebo at Big Bull Falls park, and they’re planning some measures to address them.
