Marathon County Housing Task Force Identifies Top-3 Objectives for Reducing Homelessness

The Marathon County Housing Task Force was created by Police Chief Ben Bliven partly due to concerns various members of the public had with a City of Wausau loitering ordinance.

Local leaders from City Government, non-profit agencies, and others have come together as part of the new Housing Task Force (now under the direction of United Way of Marathon County) to strategize solutions for our homeless population.

Learn the priority objectives the Housing Task Force will be taking action on to reduce homelessness in Marathon County. (Click the title for details . . .)

Marathon_County_Administrator_Lance_Leonhard

“I’m Glad You Asked . . .” 5 Questions Lance Leonhard Was Asked as He Took On the Role of County Administrator

With community members not able to meet, network, or socialize in person these days, our Editorial Board thought we’d help folks get to know Marathon County’s new Administrator a bit better.

Get a peek inside Lance Leonhard’s mind regarding County Government challenges, opportunities, and more (including whether he watches Tiger King or not) in the full article. (Click the title for details…)

“I’m Glad You Asked . . .” The Top-5 Questions the Marathon County Administrator (Brad Karger) Was Asked on the Eve of His Retirement

County Administrator Bard Karger offers a summary of the 5 things people have been asking him about most often during the final month of his decades-long employment with Marathon County.

Learn about the process (and timeline) for choosing the next County Administrator, as well as Brad’s insightful reflections on his 31 years in Marathon County Government.

(Click the title for details…)

Ridin’ Rides — & BULLS ’n BRONCOS — at the 2019 WI Valley Fair

The most talked-about feature of the 151st annual Wisconsin Valley Fair was the addition of a traditional rodeo put on by Dakota Rodeo Company. If you missed all the bull-riding, barrel-racing, and calf-roping ACTION, check out the stunning visual highlights in the full story.

What’s more? Plans are in the works to bring the rodeo back for another go ’round at the Wisconsin Valley Fair next year! (Click the title for details…)

Gaining Ground Gardens :: Growing Inmate Skills Through Horticulture Therapy

Gaining Ground Gardens is a new community garden in Wausau using UW-Extension staff and area volunteers to introduce Marathon County Jail inmates to therapeutic horticulture. A garden was also started at the Marathon County Juvenile Facility. The gardens aim to provide stress relief, a sense of purpose and belonging, and strengthened vocational skills to community members in need.

Gaining Ground Gardens was created solely with private donations. With financial support, the gardens aim to add walkways, birdhouses, additional beds, rain barrels, and a garden shed. The gardens are also seeking volunteers to assist with mentoring and gardening advice for participants. (Click the title for details…)

How Marathon County Is Helping Protect Its Staff from Secondary Traumatic Stress (STS)

Marathon County Government leaders have taken an active role in educating and supporting staff on the topic of Secondary Traumatic Stress in an effort to help protect the physical and mental health of employees most at risk for developing STS. Marathon County leadership is open to sharing its STS information, policies, and educational materials with individuals and employers. (Click the title to read more…)

“I’m Glad You Asked . . .” The Top-5 Questions People Ask the Marathon County ADMINISTRATOR

To further enhance Marathon County’s transparency, we’re introducing a new series we’re calling “I’m Glad You Asked…” in which a different County-level entity each month will highlight the top-5 questions Marathon County leaders and staff get asked by the public.

Brad Karger kicks off the series, providing insights on the top-5 questions people ask him as the Marathon County Administrator. (Click the title for details…)

Dirt (Yes, DIRT!) Therapy :: Growing Plants, Growing Ourselves

A new initiative of Marathon County University of Wisconsin–Extension seeks to develop community partnerships that bring the healing power of therapeutic horticulture to people facing addiction, disabilities, illness, or other life circumstances. The seeds of these therapy programs produce much more than just great fruits and veggies! (Click the title for details.)

Let’s See If We Can Work This Out :: Civil Court Mediation

See some of the newly trained volunteer mediators who are stepping in and stepping up in Marathon County to help resolve civil disputes without the need for attorneys. The program is working out so well that the Wausau Police Department is considering expanding the volunteer mediation program to assist their officers as well. (Click the title to learn more…)

Marathon County’s 2018–2022 Strategic Plan :: Driven by Organizational Culture

Learn how Marathon County government leadership’s focus on improved organizational culture has led to department success and helped shape the 12 priority objectives in the County’s latest 5-year Strategic Plan. (Click the title for the full story…)