Man Suspected of Starting Fires in Rothschild and Weston Appears in Court

Sunday, June 22nd, 2025 -- 8:00 AM

(Mike Leischner, WSAU) The man suspected of starting three fires in the Rothschild and Weston areas made a court appearance.

According to Mike Leischner with WSAU, Kenneth Taylor is facing four counts of arson after investigators say he set multiple structures on fire. It started with a fire at the Wausau Noon Optimist Elephant Ear stand, which was set up at the Rothschild Pavilion as part of an event.

Fires were also started in an unoccupied shed near the Pavilion that was part of a display. The third fire was started in a box at the Tidal Wave Carwash in Weston. Police arrested Taylor and, according to investigators, he admitted to starting the fires with a lighter to “make a statement.”

Officers add that he was seen walking near the Pavilion as they were putting out the first fire. Taylor waived his preliminary hearing and entered a not guilty plea to the charges against him during his arraignment.

He faces more than 80 years in prison if found guilty, including 40 years for each count of arson of a building without the owner’s consent. He’s scheduled to be back in court on July 1st.

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