Blog Posts - MARSHFIELD BROADCASTING

THE MAYOR'S WEEKLY CORNER

5/27/2025

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.

RECENT COMMUNITY MEDIA "MARSHFIELD BROADCASTING" PROGRAMS THIS WEEK

5/27/2025

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

NEW COFFEE SHOP COMING TO MARSHFIELD

5/27/2025

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.

Marshfield Common Council to Discuss Key Community Developments at May 27 Meeting

5/27/2025

Marshfield, WI — The Marshfield Common Council will convene on Tuesday, May 27, to discuss a wide range of city matters during its regularly scheduled meeting. The agenda includes notable recognitions, infrastructure planning, legal service approvals, and ordinance updates that may impact local residents and businesses. One of the highlights of the meeting will be a proclamation honoring Marshfield High School student-athlete Brooks Hinson, who recently became the all-time leading scorer for the Tigers basketball team.

The Council will recognize his outstanding achievements on and off the court. In other business, the City Street Division is seeking approval to purchase a new truck for $85,191.02 to replace a work truck from 1994, marking a significant equipment upgrade for city operations. The Council will also consider a proposal to retain Von Brieson Law Firm to provide employment law services, an effort aimed at strengthening legal support for the city’s human resource matters.

The lease for the current Weinbrenner building is expected to be extended to give the company adequate time to relocate to a new facility, projected to be ready in early 2026. Related to this, City Administrator Steve Barg will announce a special joint meeting with the Community Development Authority scheduled for Thursday, May 29, at 6 p.m., where future plans for the Weinbrenner site will be discussed. Utility General Manager Nick Kumm will present his annual report, titled "Value of the Utility," offering insights into the performance and benefits of the city's utility services over the past year.

Two ordinance amendments will be introduced for first readings: Ordinance 1530 proposes updates to Section 18-158 of the municipal code, requiring public hearings for conditional use permits to be published as a Class II notice, aligning with Wisconsin’s statutory guidelines. Ordinance 1531 aims to revise Section 19-63 of the subdivision and platting code to clarify responsibilities and requirements for infrastructure improvements in new developments.

It also introduces provisions for development agreements and exemptions where appropriate. In a nod to sustainability and pollinator health, the Council will review a proposal to permanently exempt tall grass regulations during the month of May each year to support the growing "No Mow May" initiative. The public is encouraged to attend or watch the meeting through Marshfield Broadcasting.

A preview program is available online for those wanting a deeper dive into the topics up for discussion.

Board of Public Works Elects New Officers, Advances Major Infrastructure and Public Safety Projects

5/8/2025

By David Ballerstein - Marshfield Now!

Marshfield, WI – May 5, 2025 — The City of Marshfield’s Board of Public Works convened Monday evening to elect new officers and advance a number of significant infrastructure and public safety projects. The meeting, chaired by newly elected Board Chair Mike Feirer, welcomed new Alderperson Jen Delis and featured votes on several major development initiatives.

New Leadership Elected
Mike Feirer was unanimously elected Chair of the Board, while Natasha Tompkins was voted in as Vice Chair in a narrow 2-1 paper ballot decision. The board expressed confidence in Tompkins’ leadership, especially considering the flexibility required due to remote work commitments of some members.

Wildwood Plaza Police Department Renovation Moves Forward
The board approved a $475,345 contract with Minneapolis-based BKV Group to provide architectural and engineering services for the planned renovation of the Wildwood Plaza building into the city’s new police department. Police Chief Jody Geurink emphasized BKV’s cost-effectiveness and alignment with department needs.

Master Plan for Fire Training Center Approved
Fire Chief Everett Newell presented a proposal for a comprehensive master plan for a new fire and rescue department training center. SEH was selected from among five bidders for its $26,750 proposal, noted for being both cost-effective and rich in relevant expertise. The center is intended to serve regional training needs and enhance partnerships with local agencies and Mid-State Technical College. The board voted to move the proposal forward to the Common Council.

Sewer Infrastructure Assessment Contract Awarded
In response to a previous leak in the city’s northeast force main, the board approved a $245,000 contract with CPM Pipelines for an inline condition assessment of the two-mile pipe. Wastewater Superintendent Mark detailed the leak response and emphasized CPM’s reliability and cost-efficiency. Board members commended the thoroughness of the vendor selection analysis.

Pickleball Court Lighting Deadline Extended
Due to supply chain delays, the board approved a 30-day extension for the installation of lighting at Braem Park’s pickleball courts. The project’s new completion date is June 23. City officials reported that materials are now in transit and installation should begin the week of May 19.

Geotechnical Services Approved for Detention Basin Project
ECS Midwest was awarded an $11,295 contract for geotechnical engineering services for the Braem Park wet detention basin. The project is part of stormwater management improvements, and both the city and Strand Associates endorsed ECS’s proposal.

Fourth Street Reconstruction Design Contract Approved
The board also approved a $394,154 contract with Robert E. Lee & Associates for design engineering services on the Fourth Street reconstruction project. With 80% of the project cost covered by WisDOT, Marshfield’s share is approximately $78,831. Construction is scheduled for 2028.

Veterans Parkway to Receive New Memorials
Finally, the board approved the addition of two new memorials to the Veterans Parkway military display. One will honor Purple Heart recipients, donated in memory of a local veteran. A second, undisclosed memorial is planned for later this year, potentially in time for Veterans Day.
The meeting concluded with no additional public comments or new agenda suggestions, and the board adjourned following unanimous votes on all major items.

City Committee Elects Leadership, Tackles Staffing Challenges Amidst Tight Labor Market

5/8/2025

By David Ballerstein - Marshfield Now!
Marshfield, WI — May 8, 2025
The Finance, Budget, and Personnel Committee convened on Tuesday in the Council Chambers for a packed agenda, electing new leadership and addressing a series of staffing and budgeting issues crucial to the city's operations.

New Leadership Elected
In a unanimous decision, Alderperson Rebecca Spiros was elected Chair of the committee following a nomination by Mr. O'Reilly and a second from Mr. Koran. Mr. Koran himself was later elected Vice Chair by unanimous ballot.

Budget Adjustments and Policy Updates Approved
The committee approved a budget resolution to allocate $2,800 in grant donations toward providing two portable toilets at UWSP Marshfield Fields and Forest Ridge Park.

Finance Director Jennifer Selenske described the funding as “unanticipated revenue” that required formal authorization.

Additionally, an update to Policy 3-960 regarding personal protective equipment and clothing allowances was approved. Human Resources Director Sarah Dresel explained that due to rising costs, the uniform allowance for fire department personnel should be increased from $500 to $650. This change aligns the fire department's allowance with the police department’s existing rate.

Staffing Gaps Highlight Operational Strain
Dresel also delivered an in-depth presentation on ongoing recruitment challenges, emphasizing the prolonged vacancies in key positions: City Planner, Civil Engineer, Community Development Director, and Public Works Director. Some of these roles have been unfilled for over two years.

“These vacancies are leading to operational inefficiencies, lost economic opportunities, and increased strain on current staff,” Dresel said.

She proposed partnering with external recruitment firms—contingency-based for mid-level roles like City Planner and Civil Engineer, and retained firms for executive positions. Dresel noted that the contingency model would cost the city approximately $20,000–$24,000 per successful hire.

Committee members expressed urgency in resolving the staffing issues. Several supported prioritizing the City Planner position, citing high consulting costs and service gaps.

“We’re paying $149 an hour for a temporary city planner, which can total up to $70,000 annually,” one member pointed out.

Next Steps and Broader Strategy
Council members discussed shortening the hiring process and enhancing recruitment outreach, including potentially increasing the city’s investment in job board advertising and attending job fairs. Dresel was tasked with developing actionable proposals for improving recruitment branding and accelerating hiring timelines.

The committee also agreed to bring the City Planner recruitment proposal to the Common Council as early as next week.

Looking Ahead
In anticipation of the upcoming budget planning cycle, committee members discussed establishing a clearer, more structured process for reviewing departmental budgets and identifying potential cuts. This initiative aims to improve transparency and participation in the budget decision-making process.

The meeting concluded with a motion to adjourn, marking the end of a productive session focused on leadership, fiscal management, and the pressing need to rebuild the city's staff infrastructure.

Heroes from Home - Marshfield Now! News- LaVerne A. Neve, 99, Remembered for a Life of Service and Dedication to Community

4/24/2025

Heroes from Home - Marshfield Now! News
LaVerne A. Neve, 99, Remembered for a Life of Service and Dedication to Community
Marshfield, WI — LaVerne A. Neve, a beloved community member, veteran, and public servant, passed away on Saturday, April 19, 2025, at the age of 99 at Stoney River Living in Marshfield.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Thursday, April 24, at 11:00 a.m. at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Marshfield. A Knights of Columbus rosary service will begin at 9:30 a.m., followed by visitation until the time of service. Rev. Douglas Robertson will officiate. Burial will take place at Gate of Heaven Cemetery, with military honors by American Legion Post 54 and Taps performed by great-niece, Ensign Natashia Neve, USN. Rembs Funeral Home is assisting the family.
Born on April 15, 1926, in Magnolia, Wisconsin, Neve grew up on a dairy farm in Cary Township as the eldest of seven siblings. After graduating from Pittsville High School in 1944, he enlisted in the U.S. Army, beginning a military career that spanned three major conflicts—World War II, the Korean Conflict, and the Vietnam Era. He retired from the Army in 1970 and continued serving his community as a member of the Marshfield Police Department until 1988.
Following retirement, Neve remained deeply involved in civic life. He taught senior driving courses and motorcycle safety classes throughout Central Wisconsin and was active in numerous organizations, including the VFW, American Legion, DAV, Knights of Columbus, and the Republican Committee of Wood County. Known for his love of conversation, he was a regular at local spots affectionately called “Coffee 1” and “Coffee 2.”
LaVerne is survived by his children Ronald Neve (Portland, OR), Linda Majors (Fountain Inn, SC), and Susanna Ramey (Marshfield); four grandchildren; several great-grandchildren; and siblings Edward, Larry, and Caroline. He is also remembered fondly by his close friend MaryAnn Burr.
He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Christine, his parents, and several siblings.
LaVerne Neve's story of service and commitment can be viewed on Marshfield Broadcasting – Marshfield Now! Channel 990 and online at www.marshfieldbroadcasting.com.

Elsa the Bobcat Becomes the New Star of Wildwood Zoo

4/24/2025

Marshfield Now! News - by David Ballerstein
Story filmed and edited by Tom Loucks - Marshfield Broadcasting
Elsa the Bobcat Becomes the New Star of Wildwood Zoo
Marshfield, WI — A new resident at Wildwood Zoo is stealing hearts and turning heads: meet Elsa, a nine-month-old bobcat with a story as captivating as her piercing gaze.
Elsa was found in the woods of lower Michigan when she was just a day or two old—her eyes still closed and her future uncertain. A couple stumbled upon the tiny feline and, mistaking her for a domestic kitten, took her in. Feeding her lamb formula from a baby bottle, they nurtured her for six weeks until a visit to the veterinarian revealed a wild surprise: Elsa wasn’t a house cat, but a bobcat.
Following the discovery, Elsa was turned over to Michigan’s Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and later raised by a wildlife rehabilitator. Today, she resides at Marshfield’s Wildwood Zoo, under the watchful care of zoo manager Kyle Kirk, who joined the facility just five months ago.
“She acts a lot like a house cat,” Kirk shared, “but she certainly isn’t.” Now weighing around 20 pounds, Elsa is only halfway to her expected adult size of 40–45 pounds. Despite her wild roots, Elsa is adapting well to her new environment and has quickly become a favorite among staff and visitors alike.
Elsa’s name, a nod to the icy heroine of Frozen, feels fitting. “We thought Elsa really fit her because she’s our little ice queen,” Kirk said with a smile, hinting that a future companion named Olaf might be in the cards.
While currently enjoying some behind-the-scenes time to protect her from pneumonia and other weather-related issues, there are plans to potentially train Elsa as an ambassador animal. If she remains tame, she could one day visit schools and community events, helping educate the public about bobcats and wildlife conservation.
Wildwood Zoo also has a unique opportunity to house both a lynx and a bobcat together. “They’re essentially the same animal adapted to different environments,” Kirk explained. Seeing the two side by side allows visitors to observe the subtle but distinct differences between the species.
As Elsa continues to settle into her new home, her presence at Wildwood Zoo serves as both an educational opportunity and a heartwarming tale of second chances. From the forests of Michigan to the snowy scenes of Marshfield, Elsa truly reigns as the Queen of Wildwood.
You can view the Video here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kzXVgESgg3s

Marshfield Celebrates History Month

4/24/2025

Marshfield Now! News
By David Ballerstein - Marshfield Now!
Marshfield Celebrates History Month This May with Tours, Exhibits, and Community Events
Marshfield, WI – April 21, 2025 — As spring blooms in Marshfield, so too does a renewed celebration of the city’s rich history. The Historic Preservation Commission, alongside local organizations like the North Wood County Historical Society and the Historic Preservation Association of Marshfield, is gearing up for a full slate of activities during May — officially recognized as History Month in Marshfield.
During a recent broadcast of Marshfield Now on Marshfield Broadcasting, Ken and Chris from the Historic Preservation Committee joined host David Ballerstein to share details about the upcoming events and ongoing preservation efforts across the city.
Historic District Tours and Signage
Throughout May, residents and visitors are encouraged to explore Marshfield’s historic districts. Volunteers will place identifying signs on select properties across five main districts, including Fifth and Sixth Street on the west side, Pleasant Hill, the Upham District, and Park Street. These signs help showcase the city’s historic architecture and notable past residents. Free maps for self-guided walking or driving tours are available at local institutions such as the Chamber of Commerce, City Hall, the public library, and area hotels.
Events at the Upham Mansion
One of the major highlights of History Month is the lineup of events at the historic Upham Mansion. On Thursday, May 1st at 5:30 p.m., the mansion will host a reception to unveil the “Timeless Treasures” exhibit — a collection of antique American clocks and memorabilia from local merchants.
Tours of the mansion will be available every Wednesday and Saturday from 1:30 to 4 p.m. Third graders from the Marshfield School District will also enjoy special educational visits throughout the month. History Month festivities culminate in the 46th Annual Pie and Ice Cream Social on May 31st, part of Dairy Fest. The community is invited to enjoy live music, self-guided tours, raffle baskets, and a silent auction to support the mansion’s upkeep.
Cemetery Reenactments and Educational Programs
On May 23rd, the public is invited to a unique historical reenactment at a local cemetery, where volunteers portray key figures from Marshfield’s past — including Civil War veteran Gabriel Dolph Lupien and the spirited Mrs. Connor. These live portrayals, traditionally attended by third-grade students, offer engaging lessons in local and national history.
Library and Museum Exhibits
The Everett Roehl Marshfield Public Library and the lower-level Interactive Heritage Museum are also joining the celebration. The library will host a student art showcase, including the middle school’s “Past, Present, and Future” history exhibit and a third-grade coloring contest honoring historian Ken Wood. Meanwhile, the museum’s exhibits, including a military tribute titled “Lest We Forget,” will be open on Wednesdays and Saturdays from 1:30 to 4 p.m.
Preserving the Past for the Future
Ken and Chris emphasized the importance of preserving historical structures and artifacts — from city landmarks like the Columbia Park Bandshell to smaller treasures like letters from World War I, recently discovered during an estate sale.
“We’re always looking for volunteers,” said Chris. “Whether it’s baking a pie, planting flowers, or helping catalog artifacts, there’s a place for everyone who wants to help preserve Marshfield’s story.”
All events are either free or donation-based, supporting the continued efforts of Marshfield’s historical organizations.
For more information or to get involved, residents are encouraged to visit the Historic Preservation Committee’s page on the city’s website or contact the North Wood County Historical Society directly.