Good morning, Wausau.

Kindergarteners at Weston Elementary celebrated winning the SAFER Fire Department naming contest for their bear mascot, Teddy Hoseman, by enjoying a pizza party and learning fire safety tips from local firefighters.

The contest was held to name the mascot of the new remote-controlled fire truck.

Marathon County Health Department and City of Wausau are offering free lead‑safe contractor training that will be held Feb.

23-27 at the department's office to help contractors earn Wisconsin‑recognized certification for lead abatement work in older homes and child‑occupied facilities. Contractors are asked to submit a $100 refundable deposit (returned upon attendance) to secure a spot.

Candidates for two DC Everest School Board seats will compete in a primary on Feb.

17 as incumbent Yee Leng Xiong faces challengers Bill Conway, Jennifer Douck, Tony Eilers, and Daron Juneau, with the top four advancing to the April 7 spring election (issues include education funding and student safety).

Northcentral Technical College announced new leadership appointments set to begin February 2; Dr. Darren Ackley will become Chief Operating Officer and Dr. Emily Stuckenbruck will serve as Provost & Vice President for Learning in Wausau.

Tax Day is near and experts warn that scammers may steal personal details to file fake returns.

The Wisconsin Better Business Bureau recommends filing early and securing sensitive data (such as avoiding public Wi-Fi and shredding documents) to protect refunds.

City leaders hosted a public input session today at Wausau Water at 1300 Cleveland Ave to discuss future uses — housing, parks, or daycare facilities.

Residents rated options and the survey remains open through the end of February for Economic Development review.

Tomahawk head football coach Dewey Reilly was named the 2025 NewsChannel 7 Football Coach of the Year after being voted by peers following a playoff one seed season and a state championship-winning hockey team.

He received the honor on Friday before family and staff.

On Friday, the SPASH Panthers improved to 9-0 in the Valley with an 80-34 win over Wausau East, and Medford’s Taylor Klinbeil reached 1,000 points as the Raiders beat Lakeland 71-32.

Wittenberg-Birnamwood advanced to 17-0 while girls wrestling competed at Edgar — upcoming contests are set next week.

Pittsville native Eli Swansen won first place at the Australia-Asian Open disc golf tournament in New Zealand; the Marshfield graduate (who began playing in seventh grade) continues his pro tour career and hopes his win inspires local youth to try the sport.

Empowering Women Through Vibrational Sound Therapy

6-7 p.m. — 5 Koshas Yoga & Wellness — $25.00 — Experience a soothing sound bath to rejuvenate and restore balance.