City of Marshfield

06/11/2026

Wildwood Zoo Seeks Public Assistance Following Escape of Striped Skunk

Wildwood Zoo staff are actively working to locate Violet. Wildwood Zoo staff are actively working to locate Violet, one of the zoo's resident striped skunks, after she escaped from her habitat earlier this week.

Violet has called Wildwood Zoo home for the past two years, and her exhibit has successfully housed her throughout that time. The enclosure itself has a long history of safely containing a variety of species, including mountain lions in years past, and more recently, both skunks and porcupines. At this time, we believe a combination of this year's flash flooding and heavy snowfall may have deteriorated a portion of the exhibit's foundation, creating an opening through which Violet was able to escape.

It is also important to note that the striped skunk mating season has just begun. While we cannot say with certainty whether this played a role in Violet's behavior, seasonal changes can influence animal activity. Intact male skunks travel cross-country, traveling several miles a night in search of females.

Violet is not considered a dangerous animal. She has been descented, up to date with her rabies shot, and was raised in human care her entire life, and is accustomed to the routines of a zoological setting. While she is unlikely to approach people, she may also choose not to flee immediately if encountered. Despite her familiarity with people, she remains an animal and should never be approached or handled.

Zoo staff have begun trapping operations and will continue search efforts for the foreseeable future. We are asking members of the public to report any sightings of skunks that appear unusually calm or out of place. If you believe you have seen Violet, please contact Marshfield dispatch at 715-387-4394 immediately with the location and try to keep a visual on the skunk. Please do not attempt to capture or approach any skunk encountered in the wild.

Wildwood Zoo remains committed to being transparent with our community. We understand that incidents like this can raise concerns, and we will continue to provide updates as information becomes available. In the meantime, we appreciate the public's patience, understanding, and assistance as we work to safely bring Violet home

Marshfield Police Dispatch: 715-387-4394.

See full article: https://app.govoutreach.com/marshfieldcitywi/public/notify/posts/5699

06/10/2026

Due to the weather, the following program changes are in effect today

Parks & Rec programs on Wednesday, June 10, 2026. Pickleball 101 has been moved indoors to the Oak Avenue Community Center.
Softball Skills & Scrimmage has been moved indoors to the Oak Avenue Community Center.
3-Sport Ball has been moved indoors to the 2nd Street Community Center, 211 E. 2nd Street.
Tumbling has been moved indoors to the 2nd Street Community Center, 211 E. 2nd Street.
Tennis is canceled and will be rescheduled.
Jr. & Sr. Volleyball League is currently planned to continue as scheduled. A final decision will be made by 4 p.m., and emails will be sent to participants.
Splash & Burn is canceled.

See full article: https://app.govoutreach.com/marshfieldcitywi/public/notify/posts/5667

06/08/2026

Council Member Natasha Tompkins Announces Resignation from Common Council

MARSHFIELD, WI — June 8, 2026 —Council Member Natasha Tompkins has announced that she will resign from the Marshfield Common Council effective August 2026 as she and her family prepare to relocate out of the area.

Tompkins has served on the Common Council representing District 3 and has been involved in numerous community discussions and initiatives during her tenure. In her announcement, she expressed gratitude to the Marshfield community and reflected on the relationships and experiences her family has gained during their time in the city.

"We thank Natasha for her service to the residents of District 3 and the City of Marshfield,” said Mayor Nick Poeschel. “Her dedication to public service and her commitment to the community have been greatly appreciated. We wish Natasha, her husband, and their family all the best as they begin this next chapter."

The upcoming resignation will create a vacancy for the District 3 seat on the Common Council. City officials are reviewing the procedures available under Wisconsin law to ensure continued representation for District 3 residents.

No formal decisions have been made regarding how the vacancy will be filled. Following the effective date of the resignation, the Common Council will consider available options and receive guidance from the City Clerk and City Attorney before determining the appropriate course of action.

Additional information regarding the District 3 vacancy process will be shared with the public as it becomes available.

The City of Marshfield thanks Council Member Tompkins for her service and contributions to the community and wishes her family continued success in their future endeavors.

See full article: https://app.govoutreach.com/marshfieldcitywi/public/notify/posts/5619

06/07/2026

Here are our May statistics.

06/05/2026

Weather Relocates Tonight's (Friday, June 5, 2026) Hub City Concert Featuring Dig Deep to Chestnut Center for the Arts

MARSHFIELD, Wis. June 5, 2026. — Due to forecasted weather conditions, tonight's (Friday, June 5, 2026) Hub City Concert Series performance featuring Dig Deep has been relocated indoors to the Chestnut Center for the Arts, located at 208 S. Chestnut Avenue, directly across the street from Wenzel Family Plaza. The concert will begin as scheduled at 7:00 p.m.

The Hub City Concert Series is a family-friendly summer music series presented by Visit Marshfield, bringing live music, entertainment, and community gathering opportunities to downtown Marshfield throughout the season. Originally scheduled to take place at Wenzel Family Plaza, the concert will now be held inside the Chestnut Center to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for attendees.

Adding to the excitement of opening night, 95.5 WIFC will be broadcasting live from the Chestnut Center from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. to help kick off the Friday night Hub City Concert Series. Attendees will have the opportunity to receive free passes to Mount Olympus Water & Theme Park in Wisconsin Dells while supplies last. Guests are encouraged to arrive early to claim their passes and enjoy the live broadcast before the concert begins.

Please note that alcohol may not be carried into the Chestnut Center for the Arts.

Located in the heart of downtown Marshfield, Wenzel Family Plaza serves as a vibrant community gathering space, hosting concerts on the Everett & Dolores Roehl Stage, as well as food vendors, seasonal activities, and other community events throughout the year. When weather conditions require, performances may be moved to alternative venues to ensure the safety and comfort of attendees while allowing the show to continue.

The Hub City Concert Series is organized and contracted through Visit Marshfield as part of its ongoing efforts to enhance community engagement, support downtown vitality, and provide quality visitor experiences in Marshfield.

Community members and visitors are invited to join Visit Marshfield, 95.5 WIFC, and Dig Deep for an evening of live music and entertainment beginning at 5:00 p.m. and continuing with the concert at 7:00 p.m.

See full article: https://app.govoutreach.com/marshfieldcitywi/public/notify/posts/5584

06/04/2026

Wildwood Zoo Announces the Loss of Aoudad Ewe “Rainer”

It is with great sadness that Wildwood Zoo announces the passing of one of our aoudad sheep, Rainer, following an unforeseen accident during veterinary preparations. As an institution dedicated to transparency and the highest standards of animal care, we believe it is important to share both our successes and our losses with the community that supports us.

Rainer was part of our young aoudad herd and had adapted exceptionally well to life at Wildwood Zoo. This past winter, the herd thrived despite significant snowfall, successfully navigating and utilizing their rocky habitat throughout the season. We selected aoudads for this exhibit because they are a hardy, long-lived mountain species, well-suited to occupying the habitat's rugged terrain.

For all practical purposes, Rainer is a wild prey species with strong instinctual flight responses. While our animal care team continuously worked to build trust and reduce stress, these natural instincts remained a significant factor in her management.

During preparations for a routine veterinary procedure, Rainer became frightened and reacted as prey animals often do when stressed. In an attempt to flee, she collided with a fence at high speed. Following an immediate examination by veterinary staff, it became apparent that she had sustained a catastrophic cervical injury and had broken her neck. The injury was not survivable.

While heartbreaking, incidents like this represent one of the leading causes of accidental mortality among hoof stock species in zoological settings. Large prey animals such as sheep, antelope, deer, and other hoofed mammals have evolved to rely on rapid flight responses when they perceive danger. Even under professional management and veterinary supervision, these instincts can occasionally lead to tragic accidents despite extensive precautions.

The procedure Rainer was being prepared for was part of our ongoing commitment to preventative healthcare. Hoof care is especially important for mountain and cliff-dwelling species such as aoudads. In the wild, constant travel across abrasive rock surfaces naturally wears their hooves. Under human care, regular hoof evaluations and maintenance help prevent overgrowth, discomfort, mobility issues, joint problems, and other health concerns that can significantly impact an animal's quality of life.

Although this loss is difficult for everyone, it does not diminish the importance of preventative veterinary medicine. Responsible animal management requires routine health examinations, hoof care, vaccinations, diagnostics, and other procedures designed to ensure animals live long, healthy lives.

Our animal care and veterinary team is deeply saddened by the loss of Rainer. She will be remembered as a resilient and unique member of our herd whose wild spirit reflected the remarkable adaptations that allow aoudads to survive in some of the world's most challenging environments.

We appreciate the support and understanding of our community as we continue our mission to provide exceptional care for animals.

See full article: https://app.govoutreach.com/marshfieldcitywi/public/notify/posts/5572

06/04/2026

Wood County Sheriff shares ATV and UTV laws for Wood County.

🚨 New ATV/UTV laws effective June 1st 🚨

As you prepare for riding season, please take a moment to review these new WI laws and ensure your ATV or UTV is compliant.

Safe and responsible riding helps protect everyone who enjoys Wood County ATV/UTV trails and routes.

06/04/2026

Marshfield Police Department provides e-bike info out to the community.

🚲⚡ E-Bike Safety & Wisconsin Law Reminder ⚡🚲

E-bikes are becoming more popular throughout Marshfield, and we want everyone to ride safely and legally as we have already received several complaints, concerns, and even accidents.

Under Wisconsin law, an electric bicycle (e-bike) must have fully operable pedals and an electric motor of 750 watts or less. E-bikes are divided into three classes, with different speed capabilities and operating requirements. (See attached photo).

✅ Always wear a helmet
✅ Follow traffic laws and signals
✅ Yield to pedestrians
✅ Stay alert and avoid distractions while riding
✅ Riders of Class 3 e-bikes must be at least 16 years old

Not every electric-powered two-wheeled vehicle is an e-bike. Electric dirt bikes and other motorized vehicles that do not meet Wisconsin's e-bike definition are subject to different laws and may not be legal to operate on public streets, trails, or parks.

The City of Marshfield is currently working on a specific ordinance addressing e-bike operation and violations. Part of that will prohibit riding on sidewalks. We highly suggest taking your children out and teaching them safe operations on our public roadways. We will provide updates as additional information becomes available.

Ride smart. Ride safe. Enjoy the summer! 🚴‍♂️☀️

06/01/2026

The City of Marshfield is pleased to announce that Vandehey Waters Aquatic Center is now open for the 2026 summer season.

The aquatic center is open daily from noon to 7 p.m. and offers a variety of attractions for all ages, including water slides, diving boards, a climbing wall, basketball hoops, a current channel, a concession stand, shaded seating areas, and plenty of space for families to relax and enjoy the summer.

Residents and visitors are invited to take advantage of the facility throughout the season. Daily admission rates, season pass information, and additional details are available through the Marshfield Parks and Recreation page at https://cityofmarshfieldwi.gov/visitors/vandehey_waters_aquatic_center/index.php

We look forward to welcoming everyone back for another fun and safe summer at Vandehey Waters.