Reflections from Your 2021 “WI Central Time NEWS” Editorial Board

Get a peek into the personalities of the 7 Editorial Board members who bring you this Marathon County Government newsletter each month through their answers to 5 questions reflecting on their first socially distanced holiday season.

Your 2021 Editorial Board Members include: Lance Leonhard (County Administrator), Dr. Kelly Kapitz (Director of Special Education), Chad Dally (Library Specialist at Marathon County Public Library), Karyn Powers (Recreation Superintendent), Jessica Meadows (Communications & Marketing Director at North Central Health Care), Jenna Flynn (Public Health Educator), and Kaitlyn Bernarde (4-H Program Coordinator for UW Extension–Cooperative Extension). Click the title for details…

Getting to Know Connie Beyersdorff :: Our Newest Marathon County Treasurer

With a few weeks of service under her belt in her new role as Marathon County Treasurer, Connie Beyersdorff shares a bit about her roots, family, work experience, and interests, as well as the expectations she has for her new role serving Marathon County. (Click the title for details…)

Marathon County Board Supervisor Bill Conway

“City Kid” Bill Conway Delights in Asserting Himself on County Board

Bill Conway is serving on the Marathon County Board of Supervisors for the first time, although he and his family have served others in their community for decades.

Wisconsin Central Time NEWS caught up with Conway via a virtual chat to learn more about his life, his family, his political and social positions, and his interest in viewing County Government through a human services lens. (Click the title for details…)

Ending Homelessness in Our Community — A Partnership of Caring

In 2020, the Marathon County Housing Task Force was established, led by United Way of Marathon County. As an initial action step from the Task Force, the Wausau Police Department and North Central Health Care re-assigned staff from each of their agencies to start providing full-time care and attention to individuals experiencing homelessness, with the goal of building relationships and helping this population achieve stable housing.

Like any transitional living arrangement, there are some ongoing supply needs at the Task Force’s newly leased residential facility (602 McClellen Street in Wausau). See the full article for information about the Task Force and their current Wish List of items to help serve those facing homelessness.

And be sure to watch the Wausau Police Department’s new YouTube video about this community partnership and its aims for ending homelessness in Marathon County. It’s truly inspiring. (Click the title for details…)

2020 Election Day Roundup by the Marathon County Clerk

County Clerk Kim Trueblood provides a “behind the scenes” look at Election Day — and Night! — in Marathon County.

Get some “fast facts” to see how this year’s General Election compared to 2016, and meet some of the staff and volunteers who work to ensure that everything runs smoothly — even during a pandemic — before, during, and after the election. (Click the title for details…)

Over 200 Veterans Served at Veterans Day Contactless Drive-Up Resources Fair

The Marathon County Veterans Service Office created a safe way to organize a contactless “drive-up event” that maintained social distancing to honor our local Veterans.

Over 200 Veterans received a resource bag full of helpful items and the opportunity to be recognized on Veterans Day with a “thank you” from fellow Veterans. (Click the title for details…)

Mary Palmer to Retire & Pass the Baton to Toshia Ranallo in Marathon County Administration

Mary Palmer will be retiring from her position in Marathon County Government as Executive Administrative Coordinator on December 11, 2020. And with one change comes another, as County Administration welcomes Toshia Ranallo, who is already working with Mary to learn as much as she can to get prepared for her new role.

Get a look back on Mary’s 20-year career in Marathon County Government and a brief introduction to her successor, Toshia Ranallo. (Click the title for details…)

Public Invited to Weigh In on Proposed Marathon County Land & Water Resource Management Plan 2021–2030

The initiatives found within the proposed Marathon County Land & Water Resource Management Plan will guide the Conservation, Planning & Zoning Department’s Land and Water Program over the next 10 years, from 2021 through the year 2030.

The proposed plan provides the most comprehensive and up-to-date assessment of the county’s land and water resources, including areas for continued protection and improvement. It also includes of full listing of accomplishments from the previous 10 years, a framework of outcome-based goals, and a realistic implementation plan.

The public is invited to attend public hearings and other meetings related to the LWRM Plan and to submit feedback to the CPZ Department. (Click the title for details…)

Marathon County to Boost Public Library Wi-Fi Signal With CARES Act Funding

With limited access to the libraries and an increasing need for internet access due to the pandemic, Marathon County will use federal funding to increase the strength of its Wi-Fi signals, which will result in faster download and upload speeds for patrons using their own devices while parked outside area libraries when they are closed. (Click the title for details…)

Everyone Welcome to Partake in Marathon County 4-H “Family Challenge” Program (Oct. 2020 – Feb. 2021)

Families are looking for something to do close to home this fall and winter while avoiding large crowds. A new Marathon County 4-H program that includes scavenger hunts, hands-on activities, and more can help achieve just that. Complete 1 or all 4 engaging “4-H Family Challenges.”

All families — not just 4-H families — can participate, snap a picture, share it, and be entered in one of two prize drawings. (Click the title for details…)