ROTHSCHILD, WI (WSAU) — Riverside Fire Chief Robert Bowen remains on paid administrative leave.
Rothschild Village Administrator Ryan VanDeWalle says that’s due to state statute, which doesn’t allow for unpaid leave unless certain criteria are met. “You can’t put someone on [unpaid leave] without meeting five criteria set by the state of Wisconsin,” said VanDeWalle. “That’s what we are working through at this point. It has to go through the court system. He has some [dates] over the next month, we won’t know those [outcomes] until [everyone else]. We will all get it at about the same time.”
VanDeWalle adds that this is a case where “innocent until proven guilty” must apply just as it would for anyone else, meaning its too soon to tell when a decision on his status with the department could be made. “He gets due diligence just like anyone else would.”
Bowen was placed on leave after felony charges of child enticement and misdemeanor child sexual assault were filed against him on May 30th. He is free after posting a $15,000 cash bond and will return to court for a pre-trial conference on July 2nd.
RELATED: Bowen Appears in Court for Child Enticement Charges
VanDeWalle notes that he and the Riverside Captains have split up the Chief’s duties to keep everything running as close to normal as possible, meaning residents should not notice a drop in service. “I have no complaints. I’m so appreciative that they are in the roles they are in because they do a tremendous job.
“I’m super proud of them, the teamwork there is great,” added VanDeWalle.
DISCOUNT RETAILER OLLIE’S COMING TO ROTHSCHILD
VanDeWalle also announced the identity of the long-teased retail store that will open near the former Shopko building near the Business 51/Highway 29 interchange. Ollie’s Bargain Outlet will take over the space for their second Wisconsin location.”They specialize in purchasing items that may have a package change or discontinued merchandise. They’ll have a ton of different departments; flooring, books, housewares, toys, hardware, automotive, electronics, food, outdoor recreation- a whole gamut of items.”
He says the inside of the store will operate much like a Costco or Sam’s Club, with items selling at discounted prices.
VanDeWalle says crews have already started remodeling the inside of the building and residents may notice outside changes in the next few weeks. Developers are aiming for a grand opening this fall.
According to their website, Ollies has one additional location in Kenosha. VanDeWall notes that they also have stores in the Chicago area but much of their business is currently centered in the south. But that will likely change in the coming years, they’ve been one of the 50 fastest-growing businesses for two consecutive years.
“This is a perfect space for them and this is the kind of market they are trying to get into. I see them coming into Wausau and then expanding out to Green Bay and Eau Claire. But for us in the Wausau area, this is an incredible get,” added VanDeWalle.
Positions with the Rothschild store are already posted on ZipRecruiter, though it’s unclear how many jobs the store will bring.
He also expects additional development in that area, including a three-storefront complex that could feature two restaurants and a medical business.
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