District 5 Alder seat filled by Aaron Griner

WAUSAU, Wis. (WXCO) – The Wausau City Council this week filled the vacant District 5 seat. 

The seat was left vacant after the death of former alder Gary Gisselman in August. Gisselman represented the district on both the Marathon County board and the Wausau City Council.

Now, his successor fills the same seats. Aaron Griner was appointed as District 5 supervisor for the county board last month. This week, he was sworn in as District 5 alder.

“First and foremost, I am a lifelong learner, educator, student of history, and problem solver,” Griner said. “I believe in an educated electorate, and increased civic involvement is one of the most needed forces for positive change and growth in our world today.” 

In his introduction to the City Council, he described himself as a small business owner, a steward of Marathon County history, and a dad. 

“I try to live my life as selflessly as possible, and conduct myself and my business with integrity, honesty, and compassion,” he said. “Even sometimes when it’s really, really, really hard to do so.”

The council began accepting letters of interest to fill the seat in early September. Griner faced former Alder James Wadinski and Steven Schmidt.

Griner received six of ten votes from the council in the second round of voting. He was immediately sworn in by City Clerk Kaitlyn Bernarde and joined the council’s deliberations.

Griner will serve until April 2026.

During the nearly three and a half hour meeting, the City Council also unanimously approved Mayor Doug Diny’s appointment of Thomas Garver to the Wausau Ethics Board.

The council also heard public comment on the city budget.

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