Year-1 Progress Report on the “Greater Wausau Region Economic Development Strategic Plan”

In March of 2019, the Greater Wausau Region Economic Development Strategic Plan was unveiled and led to the creation of the Greater Wausau Prosperity Partnership (GWPP) to identify and assemble resources to establish a tactical path forward, focusing on the 3 strategic goals of Talent, Innovation, and Placemaking.

Learn about:
The GWPP’s new regional talent attraction and retention website: GreaterWausau.org, plans to save and reposition the Clark Island Powerhouse building as an innovation center of excellence, and much more. (Click the title for details…)

Taking Advantage of Outdoor Activities in Marathon County Amid a Pandemic

With all of the uncertainties that have come with COVID-19, you may be asking yourself, What CAN I do this summer to stay active? Public Health Educator Jenna Flynn connects you to ideas and updates on options put forth by the Wausau and Marathon County Parks, Recreation & Forestry Department. (Click the title for details…)

World Elder Abuse Awareness Day :: A Day to Educate, Inform, & STOP Elder Abuse Around the World

The Marathon County Board passed a proclamation on June 23, 2020, recognizing Elder Abuse Awareness in Marathon County.

Elder abuse affects seniors across all socioeconomic groups, cultures, and races. Learn how to identify and report suspected elder abuse. (Click the title for details . . .)

Marathon County 4-H Summer Fun & Learning Reimagined Under COVID-19

Changes to 4-H programming and some exciting, new community and county partnerships are helping keep kids engaged and learning this summer. Some of the alternative programming options will not disappear after the COVID-19 crisis — They are being considered as welcome additions to reach even more youth and families across Marathon County. (Click the title for details…)

Libraries Were Created for Times Like These

With such monumental changes happening in our society right now, libraries are an important resource to provide historical context to recent events to help you process what’s taking place in the news. MCPL Library Specialist Chad Dally highlights resources and reading lists for adults and children regarding the topics of race and inequality in our history and society and informs you of the library’s latest reopening plans. (Click the title for details…)

Why UW-Stevens Point at Wausau Is a Smart Choice for You This Fall

Retired Marathon County Administrator Brad Karger and Campus Executive Ann Herda-Rapp discuss why the University of Wisconsin–Stevens Point at Wausau campus makes sense as a college choice this fall for students in Marathon County.

Annual tuition of only $5,196 and the ability to now get a 4-year degree in Business Administration, Nursing, or Social Work are just a few great reasons to attend UWSP at Wausau. What’s more, during these tough economic times, application fees are being waived from June 5 to 15, 2020. (Click the title to read the full story…)

Marathon County Public Library (MCPL) Buildings Remain Closed Until at Least June 15, 2020, But Check Out Their Modified Services & Expanded Online Offerings

All 9 Marathon County Public Library locations will remain closed through at least June 15, 2020, as staff members work to prepare a plan to re-open in the safest way possible for communities and staff.

The libraries continue to offer revamped services (such as curbside pickup, virtual storytimes on Facebook, craft projects on MCPL’s YouTube channel, and other great online programming) to assist patrons during these uncertain times. See videos of these new services — and learn about other new offerings MCPL will have after they re-open — in the full article. (Click the title for details…)

Enhancing Trauma Informed Care Practices in Marathon County :: An Assessment of Key Departments & Recommendations for Moving Forward

Trauma Informed Care practices acknowledge the effects of trauma, strive to prevent traumatizing (or re-traumatizing) people, and promote healing within a safe environment. Nine Marathon County departments that tend to work with people impacted by trauma the most (or have staff who are regularly impacted by trauma) were assessed to determine the extent that Trauma Informed Care practices were being implemented by the people, physical spaces, and policies and procedures of Marathon County Government. (Click the title for details…)

Marathon County Expands Septic System & Holding Tank Maintenance Requirements to Protect Local Groundwaters

The Marathon County Conservation, Planning, and Zoning (CPZ) Department has started the process of adding nearly 7,000 Private Onsite Wastewater Treatment Systems (commonly called “POWTS” or “septic systems”) to its Maintenance Program. State regulations now require counties to include all septic systems and holding tanks — regardless of age — in the POWTS Maintenance Program. (Click the title to read the full story…)

Beyond Yourself :: One Wisconsin Family’s Foster Parenting Story in the Age of Coronavirus

There are a variety of ways to get involved in foster care that fit your interests, skills, and availability. For example, with 3 children of their own, Teal and Jenny Fyksen generously opened up their hearts and their home to provide 10 hours per week of respite care to 3- and 4-year-old siblings in an attempt to help a family avoid foster care placement for their children. Read their story as part of a dedicated team working together to help a family in need, and what happened when the aftereffects of coronavirus struck.

You can also donate supplies that will get matched to foster families or volunteer at several area churches who provide foster parents with meals, transportation to appointments, child care, or mentoring. Read on for heart-warming local stories and for various ways you can assist with foster care in Marathon County. (Click the title for details…)