Threat reported before Karger meeting

WAUSAU -  Police say they are investigating a reported threat made before Thursday's controversial Marathon County Board meeting.

Marathon County Sheriff's Lt. Mark Wagers said the threat is being investigated but declined to comment further.

County Board members on Thursday discussed whether they should reconsider Marathon County Administrator Brad Karger's suspension. Karger was suspended after he participated in a march largely supporting Dylan Yang, who at 15 stabbed and killed younger teen Isaiah Powell in Wausau.  Board members decided not to reconsider Karger's suspension.  

Yang's case has gained national attention. Some people believe he was unfairly treated by the criminal justice system because he was tried as an adult. Karger's suspension also has been controversial. Some critics say the board infringed on Karger's First Amendment rights because they suspended him for attending a rally and voicing his views. Nearly 3,000 people signed a petition calling for members of the County Board to reverse Karger's suspension.

RELATED:County Board upholds Brad Karger suspension

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A USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin reporter who attended Thursday said officers announced before the meeting that there had been a threat reported to police. Attendees were not allow to have bags or purses inside the meeting room. Police gave people the option to give their bags to officers or to leave the bags in their cars.  Officers at the meeting did not provide more information. There were at least 10 police officers present for the meeting, which took place in the Marathon County Courthouse. 

Arielle Hines: ahines@wausau.gannett.com or 715-297-7518; on Twitter @theariellehines.