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Wausau's Revenue Sources: Beyond Property Taxes

Wausau's Revenue Sources: Beyond Property Taxes

A claim made in a letter to the editor suggested that property taxes are the sole source of revenue for Wisconsin municipalities, including Wausau. However, state records and local budget reports indicate that municipalities have multiple revenue streams. These include a county sales and use tax, a vehicle registration fee known as the 'wheel tax,' and a room tax on short-term lodging. Additionally, state aid plays a significant role, with Wausau receiving increased shared revenue following the passage of 2023 Wisconsin Act 12. The city also benefits from state funding for specific projects, such as lead service line replacement.
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Wisconsin's Open Records Law Empowers Citizens to Access Government Information

Wisconsin's Open Records Law Empowers Citizens to Access Government Information

Wisconsin's Open Records law provides citizens with the right to request records from state and local government agencies. This law is designed to ensure transparency and inform the electorate, as a representative government relies on an informed public. The process for requesting records is straightforward, allowing requests to be made verbally or in writing. Various tools and resources are available to assist individuals in making these requests, including templates and letter generators provided by organizations like the Wisconsin Freedom of Information Council and the Student Press Law Center. These resources help streamline the process and minimize potential fees. Additionally, many records are already available online through government websites or can be accessed through a simple phone call to the relevant agency.
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Sierra Club Criticizes We Energies for Rate Hike and Delayed Coal Plant Closure

Sierra Club Criticizes We Energies for Rate Hike and Delayed Coal Plant Closure

The Sierra Club Wisconsin has criticized We Energies for announcing a delay in the closure of the Oak Creek coal plant and for planning to increase residential and small business rates by 4.7% in 2027 and 4.5% in 2028. Originally scheduled to close in 2023, the plant's retirement has been postponed multiple times, now set for 2027. The Wisconsin Public Service Commission is expected to decide on the rate increases by the end of the year. The Sierra Club argues that We Energies' actions will lead to higher energy costs, increased air pollution, and negative climate impacts.
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Flooding Closes Roads in Vernon County, Wisconsin

Flooding Closes Roads in Vernon County, Wisconsin

Recent heavy rainfall has led to significant flooding in Vernon County, Wisconsin, resulting in the closure of several area roads. The flooding is part of a broader pattern of wet weather affecting the region, with additional showers expected to continue into the evening. This weather event is causing disruptions in local transportation and may impact daily commutes and travel plans. The National Weather Service has been monitoring the situation closely, providing updates as conditions evolve. Residents are advised to stay informed about road closures and to exercise caution when traveling in affected areas.
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Kohler Credit Union Honored as Top Workplace in Wisconsin

Kohler Credit Union Honored as Top Workplace in Wisconsin

Kohler Credit Union Honored as Top Workplace in Wisconsin
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SSM Health Organizes Donate Life Flag-Raising Ceremonies to Honor Donors in Fond du Lac Area

SSM Health Organizes Donate Life Flag-Raising Ceremonies to Honor Donors in Fond du Lac Area

SSM Health is conducting a series of flag-raising ceremonies across Fond du Lac, Ripon, and Waupun to honor organ, tissue, and eye donors. These events are part of a national observance aimed at raising awareness about the importance of organ donation. The ceremonies will take place on April 8, with Ripon Community Hospital hosting its event at 10 a.m., followed by St. Agnes Hospital in Fond du Lac at 11 a.m., and Waupun Memorial Hospital at an unspecified time. The theme for this year's observance is 'Leave a Legacy,' symbolized by trees to represent life and connection. The initiative highlights the critical need for registered donors, as one donor can save up to eight lives. Currently, over 108,000 patients are waiting for life-saving transplants in the U.S., with more than 1,600 in Wisconsin alone.
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Wisconsin Governor Signs Bill Creating New Pathway for CPA Licensure

Wisconsin Governor Signs Bill Creating New Pathway for CPA Licensure

Wisconsin Governor Signs Bill Creating New Pathway for CPA Licensure
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SSM Health Organizes Flag-Raising Ceremonies to Promote Organ Donation Awareness in Fond du Lac Area

SSM Health Organizes Flag-Raising Ceremonies to Promote Organ Donation Awareness in Fond du Lac Area

SSM Health is conducting flag-raising ceremonies across Fond du Lac, Ripon, and Waupun to honor organ, tissue, and eye donors. These events, scheduled for April 8, are part of a national observance aimed at increasing awareness about the importance of registered donors. The ceremonies will take place at Ripon Community Hospital, St. Agnes Hospital in Fond du Lac, and Waupun Memorial Hospital. This year's theme, 'Leave a Legacy,' uses trees as a metaphor for life and connection, emphasizing how donations can create lasting impacts. The events will include moments of silence to honor the over 108,000 patients nationwide, including more than 1,600 in Wisconsin, who are waiting for life-saving transplants.
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Marathon County Launches Free Vape Disposal Initiative to Prevent Environmental Hazards

Marathon County Launches Free Vape Disposal Initiative to Prevent Environmental Hazards

Marathon County, Wisconsin, has initiated a free disposal program for nicotine vapes throughout April, as part of Vape Disposal Month. This effort is a collaboration between the Nicotine Prevention Alliance of Central Wisconsin, the Marathon County Alcohol & Other Drug Partnership, Good News Project, the Marathon County Health Department, and the Marathon County Solid Waste Department. The initiative addresses the environmental and safety risks posed by disposable vapes, which contain lithium-ion batteries and e-liquid. These components can contaminate soil and water or cause fires if improperly discarded. According to a report by the U.S. Public Interest Research Group Education Fund, nearly 500,000 disposable vapes are discarded daily, contributing to electronic waste and fire hazards in waste facilities. Residents can dispose of their vapes at designated locations in Wausau and Ringle.
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Sen. Baldwin Highlights Federal Support for Hayward Workforce Housing Development

Sen. Baldwin Highlights Federal Support for Hayward Workforce Housing Development

U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin visited Trailview Cottages in Hayward, Wisconsin, on March 30, 2026, to tour the workforce housing development and engage with local and regional partners involved in the project. The visit underscored ongoing efforts to expand affordable housing access and support workforce development in northwestern Wisconsin. Senator Baldwin emphasized the federal support for the project, noting her role in securing $4 million to aid its realization. The development, part of the Housing Opportunity and Mobile Education Solutions (HOMES) initiative, aims to address housing shortages impacting employers and workforce retention in the region. The project is supported by various state and local organizations, including the Wisconsin Economic Development Corp. and Northwood Technical College, which provides workforce training opportunities.
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Wisconsin Hospital Ordered to Pay $8 Million for Security Negligence

Wisconsin Hospital Ordered to Pay $8 Million for Security Negligence

The Wisconsin Court of Appeals has ruled that Children's Hospital of Wisconsin must pay $8 million in damages to the family of Mary Miceli-Krupka. The decision comes after the hospital failed to prevent an attack on Miceli-Krupka by a person known to be a security risk. The incident occurred in the hospital's waiting room, where a family, including a 16-year-old identified as 'Jade,' entered the premises. The hospital staff had previously flagged this family as a security risk due to past violent disruptions. Despite this, the hospital did not alert security when the family arrived, leading to the attack. The court's unpublished opinion highlights the hospital's negligence in handling the situation, emphasizing the need for better security measures to protect patients and staff.
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Fincantieri, Fraser, and Donjon Shipyards Collaborate to Boost Great Lakes Shipbuilding

Fincantieri, Fraser, and Donjon Shipyards Collaborate to Boost Great Lakes Shipbuilding

Fincantieri, Fraser, and Donjon Shipyards Collaborate to Boost Great Lakes Shipbuilding