Good morning, Wausau.

On March 18, 2025, Lani Rethaber—executive director of Patriot K9's of Wisconsin and a US Marine—spoke at the Wausau American Legion Post 10 meeting at Bunkers Restaurant to discuss the Service Dog Training Program that provides free canines, training, and equipment to qualified Veterans. Tony Nardi, Post 10 commander, presented a check to help cover the program's cost as it trains service dogs over a 24-week period to support Veterans with mental health challenges.

Tickets are on sale for the 32nd Annual Women of Vision Luncheon scheduled for May 9 at 11:30 a.m. at the Holiday Inn in Rothschild + Justice Ann Walsh Bradley will serve as keynote while Melissa Langbehn will be the emcee as Early Bird pricing runs until April 28 and honorees will be announced by May 1.

A local investor group led by Kurt Mueller and Jason Peck purchased all assets of Bull Falls Brewery in late January and has begun work to reopen the facility.

The new owners plan to add a beer garden, upgrade the taproom, and offer off-premise beer by Memorial Day weekend—aiming to revive a local landmark.

Marshfield man Deyvin Castro-Gutierrez pleaded not guilty in Price County to charges of burning the body of his roommate Blanca Jesenia Hernandez-Portocarrero in November — he is held on $10 million bail and faces additional charges in Wood County.

Dr. Thomas Gibson, chancellor at UW-Stevens Point, has been named the next chancellor at UW-Milwaukee and will begin his new role on July 1—he is the 10th leader in the school's history.

Live results for the Wausau-area and statewide races in the April 2025 election will be posted after polls close at 8 p.m.

The City of Wausau has been preparing since fall for today’s spring election by training 130 poll workers and readying ballots with polling locations open from 7 a.m. until 8 p.m. The city expects at least a 40% turnout from 22,000 registered voters and is urging early voting to beat forecast weather — same-day registration is available with proof of residence — ensuring every vote counts.

Health care leaders said Aspirus Merrill Hospital will begin a $40 million project this summer to update patient rooms with new lights, storage, and lifts — and double the number of beds from 10 to 20.

The project will also change imaging, rehab, lab and pharmacy areas — and improve the building’s energy use with new windows, roof and other updates.

Visit Wausau announced that a dedicated shuttle service will transport football fans to the NFL Draft in Green Bay on April 24th, 25th, and 26th.

Operated in partnership with Lamar — the round-trip service departs from Wausau daily and tickets start at $70.

Indigenous Business Group Contractor Networking Event

4-7 p.m. — Jefferson Street Inn — Free entry — Connect with contractors and businesses in an engaging networking atmosphere.

Mr. Speed Concert in Wausau

7:30-11:30 p.m. — The Grand Theater — Ticket prices vary — Celebrate KISS' 50 years of rock history with the ultimate tribute band experience.

New Age Phonograph Live Performance

7 PM - 1 AM — Intermission Bar — Cover charge — Experience the unique blend of rock and blues from New Age Phonograph.

Swing Into Spring Workshop

6-8 p.m. — The Grand Theater — Free entry — Explore the vibrant history of Black music and dance from the 1920s to contemporary styles.

Guided Tour of Kimono: Garment, Canvas, and Artistic Muse

11 a.m. — Leigh Yawkey Woodson Art Museum — $5.00 entry — Discover the history and influence of the kimono through guided exploration and creative activities.