Good morning, Wausau.

The Grand Theater held its ground breaking today for a $17 million renovation downtown.

The project will restore historic features with modern comforts ahead of an early November reopening.

The Children's Imaginarium has partnered with Kids Market to host an event on May 16 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the museum where young entrepreneurs will offer handmade crafts and creative products and families can enjoy 50% off admission at $5 per person.

D.C. Everest construction trades students showcased a three-bedroom, one-bath home they built with Habitat for Humanity of Wausau (they worked on it since September) at the high school campus yesterday at 6 p.m.; the house will be moved to Schofield next week for a local family to occupy in September.

Marathon County deputies rescued an orphaned bear cub on May 7 from Highway 29 near mile-marker 161 after its mother was hit by a vehicle + Wild Instincts took the cub to a rehabilitation center west of Wausau where it is doing well and spending time in an outdoor enclosure as of May 12.

Gov. Evers signed an order today requiring flags statewide to be flown at half-staff in honor of Hmong-Lao Veterans Day, recognizing veterans for their service during the Vietnam War and other conflicts.

Local hospitals needed over 100 extra blood products in one day, leaving the Community Blood Center with critically low supplies of platelets and blood types O and A; donors are urgently needed (gift credit available through Lifesaver Rewards).

Wisconsin health officials say the hantavirus risk is very low since transmission mainly occurs from contact with rodent droppings.

The department is closely monitoring the situation (residents should follow CDC cleaning guidelines when needed) and will share updates if changes occur.

Marathon County Health Department warns that warmer winters have led to early tick activity and advises residents to wear long sleeves and check for ticks after outdoor outings; tick removal kits are available in public health vending machines (at Wausau locations).

The Panthers swept D.C.

Everest on Wednesday by winning 13-6 and 14-2, with the first game resumed after a rain delay. Their wins moved the team to a 9-1 record in the Valley.

Mommy & Me U Paint Event

6-8 p.m. — Mosaic of North Central Wisconsin — Cost Unknown — Create a personalized suncatcher while bonding with your little one in a creative setting.