Marshfield, WI — The Marshfield Common Council convened on Tuesday, May 27, 2025, at City Hall to address a range of local initiatives, community achievements, and updates impacting residents. The meeting featured community advocacy, city development updates, and a proclamation honoring a local athlete.
Tourism Investment Defended by Local Hospitality Leader
Cori Latourell, General Manager of Hotel Marshfield and a board member of Visit Marshfield, addressed the council in support of the city's tourism entity. Latourell outlined the positive impact of room tax funds, which support Visit Marshfield’s operations and community development.

“Visit Marshfield has contributed over $837,000 in donations and grants to city projects,” said Latourell, citing support for the Wenzel Family Plaza, Wildwood Zoo, and pickleball lighting, among others. She clarified that 70% of local room tax revenues go toward tourism promotion and development, while 30% remains at the city's discretion.
Mayor Honors Local Basketball Standout
Mayor Lois TeStrake issued a proclamation honoring Brooks Hinson, a Marshfield High School basketball player, for his leadership and athletic accomplishments. Hinson, the school’s all-time leading scorer, earned a full athletic scholarship to Northern Michigan University.

“You make Marshfield proud,” said Mayor TeStrake during the reading of the proclamation.

Farmers Market Saved by MACCI
The popular Festival Foods farmers market, previously at risk of closure due to state regulations, has found a new temporary steward. MACCI (Marshfield Area Chamber of Commerce & Industry) will manage the market for the 2025 season while a permanent leadership structure is explored.

Utility Report Highlights Reliability and Local Benefits
Nicholas Kumm, General Manager of Marshfield Utilities, delivered an in-depth annual report emphasizing system reliability, local collaboration, and cost efficiency. The utility recorded an average outage duration of just 16 minutes in 2024—well below the national average of 149 minutes.
Kumm highlighted workforce development, energy assistance programs, and ongoing infrastructure investments such as PFAS mitigation, lead pipe replacements, and LED streetlight upgrades. He noted that Marshfield residents benefit from lower utility rates compared to nearby communities.
Policy Updates and Ordinance Readings
City Administrator Steve Barg presented several ordinance revisions:

• Ordinance 1530 updates the conditional use permit process to align with state law, requiring a Class 2 public hearing notice.
• Ordinance 1531 clarifies subdivision improvement responsibilities and allows for city participation under development agreements.
• Ordinance 1532 formalizes “No Mow May,” removing the need for annual approval and encouraging pollinator-friendly practices.

Upcoming Discussions and Meetings
The council was reminded of a joint session with the Community Development Authority scheduled for May 29 to discuss the Weinbrenner Redevelopment Project.
Additionally, the city will host a Clean Sweep event at the Ag Research Station on May 31, allowing residents to safely dispose of hazardous household materials.

​Closed Session and Adjournment
The meeting concluded with a vote to enter closed session to discuss development assistance for a project at West McMillan Street and St. Joseph’s Avenue.
The next council meeting is set for June 10, 2025.

 
Concerts start at 7 p.m. at the Plaza.
 
May 30 - Allen Brothers Trio: Rock, pop, funk, 80s, and 90s music.
 
June 6 - bell & the Lazy Susan Band: They are a straight-up Rock and Roll outfit from the Twin Cities of Minnesota, performing since 2001. They've been called Twang Rock, Alt-Country, Folk Rock, Country Rock, Americana, but they prefer "Rock & Roll". This rock-solid quintet has released full-length albums and two extended plays (EPs) in its 24-year career. The group's sound hints at many flavors, including horns, B3 organs, rich three-part harmony, and melodic guitar work.
 
The whole band lineup includes: J.Bell (Justin Bell) on lead vocals & acoustic guitars, Bill Turner on keyboards, vocals & trumpet, Mike Dolbow on bass guitar, Kent Mortimer on drums, and Marshfield native, Brian Zirngible on trombone, vocals & percussion.

• Mayor Lois TeStrake will read a proclamation for Brooks Hinson at Tuesday's Council meeting on May 27 and the Memorial Day proclamation during the ceremony on Monday, May 26 at Hillside Cemetery.
• The mayor recently participated in two ribbon cuttings with MACCI, at Kailey's Kandles & Company, and Denyon Homes.
• Check out the mayor's new TV show, Coffee with the Mayor. Lois, produced by Marshfield Broadcasting, will highlight someone from our community on her new TV show every month. Check out the first one — Here.
• She also thanked MACCI for stepping up to help organize and run this year's Farmers Market in the Festival Parking lot. She expressed her thanks at the beginning of the Council Preview program — Here.
• Remember the Mayor's Breakfast on Friday, May 30, from 5:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. in the Fairgrounds. Tickets can be purchased in advance or on-site. $10 ticket, 6 and under Free! Cash or check only!

The mayor participated in a Purple Heart announcement at the American Legion on Thursday, May 22, for the Business After 5 event held by MACCI. A video of the announcement at the American Legion will soon be available on the Marshfield Broadcasting website. The mayor also shared a short video at the site below.

 
A few of the local programs and meetings produced in-house are available to watch below:
 

• Council Preview 5/22
• Your Health Matters with Marshfield Clinic 5/19
• Mikes Music Spotlight
• Mid-State Technical College Commencement 2025 5/17
• Police Law Enforcement Ceremony 5/15
• It's Happening Classic
• Calvary Bible Church 5/18
• Board of Public Works 5/20
• Finance, Budget, and Personnel 5/20
• Special Council Meeting 5/20
• Plan Commission 5/20

 
Watch us on Charter Cable Channels 989, 990, and 991. Download our channels on your Roku, Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, www.marshfieldbroadcasting.com, Android phone App, or iOS app 

​7 Brew Drive-Thru Coffee is coming to Marshfield. The City of Marshfield’s Development Services has announced that the coffee shop will break ground at the end of June this year and will be completed by the end of summer or early fall. The coffee shop will be a modular-style structure with two drive-thru lanes at 1600 North Central Avenue between House of Heating and Tidal Wave Auto Spa.

7 Brew was born from a desire to change drive-thru coffee into a fun, mind-blowing experience for everyone. We dreamed of serving premium coffee in record time and making new friends while we’re at it. The dream came alive with our first “stand” in Rogers, AR, and our 7 original coffees, mentioned on their company’s website.