Good morning, Wausau.

Today, the Man of Honor Society has started its three-day fundraiser — offering free admission, live bands and prizes — to help local veterans in Marathon County cover heat, electric bills, rent and mortgage costs while the event typically raises about $100,000 annually and builds on over $1,000,000 raised to date.

Sandy’s Summer Splash into Reading returns to Wausau and runs through July 19 — kids earn a penny per minute read that benefits local literacy groups.

Those who sign up before the event ends can also win prizes.

Districts and families across the state are urging lawmakers to raise state reimbursement for special education services from 30% to two-thirds of the costs to help improve staffing and reduce funding gaps.

In Wausau, officials say the change would lower the general fund burden from $12.3 million to $7 million — allowing more resources for all students.

Local veteran groups hosted a town hall conference and expo in Wausau where speakers explained the benefits available for veterans.

Attendees asked questions about services offered—organizers say many veterans may not know about all the support available.

Wisconsin Supreme Court Justice Ann Bradley celebrated 30 years of service at the State Capitol Thursday, marking her as the fifth longest-serving justice in the court’s 177-year history—she is expected to retire in July.

Justice-elect Susan Crawford will be sworn in on August 1 to replace her and maintain the court’s liberal majority through at least 2028.

Marathon County Health Department inspections for May showed that 14 food establishments had no violations while After Shock Bar-N-Grill had nine violations—other inspected locations reported minor issues with equipment and food temperature controls.

The results highlight a mix of compliance across local businesses that were inspected during the month.

In Thursday’s state semifinal, Almond Bancroft beat Thorp 18 to 3 in just four innings—earning a spot in the D5 final, and they will face top-ranked Belmont on Saturday at 8 a.m.

Wausau Ignite vs. Madison Night Mares

1:05 – 2:35 PM — Athletic Park — Ticket proceeds support a local cause — Watch a thrilling softball matchup while helping the community.

Wausau Ignite vs. La Crosse Steam

6:35-8:05 p.m. — Athletic Park — Tickets available through a resale marketplace — Enjoy a thrilling softball match while supporting a charitable cause.

Wausau Ignite vs. Minot Honeybees

6:35-8:05 p.m. — Athletic Park — Tickets available — Enjoy an exciting game of softball while supporting a great cause.

Wausau Woodchucks vs. Fond Du Lac Dock Spiders

1:05 – 2:35 PM — Athletic Park — Free tickets for members — Enjoy a thrilling baseball game with complimentary food and drinks in a scenic location.

Manga Drawing Workshop

9:30 a.m. - 7:30 p.m. — Marathon County Public Library - Wausau Headquarters — Free entry — Unleash your creativity by drawing your own manga characters with provided materials.

Clay Creations for Kids

3-4 p.m. — Marathon County Public Library — Free entry — School-aged children can unleash their creativity by sculpting mini masterpieces with air-dry clay.

Wings Over Wausau Airshow

4-10 p.m. — Wausau Downtown Airport — Free entry — Experience thrilling day and night airshows along with fireworks and family-friendly activities.

Wausau Woodchucks vs. Green Bay Rockers

3:05 – 4:35 PM — Athletic Park — Ticket includes hot dog, soda, and reserved box seat — Cheer on the Woodchucks in this exciting baseball matchup.

Kenosha Kingfish vs. Wausau Woodchucks

1:05-2:35 p.m. — Wausau Woodchucks — Ticket prices vary — Enjoy a thrilling baseball matchup at Athletic Park with local teams battling it out.

Wausau Ignite vs. Madison Night Mares

6:35-8:05 p.m. — Athletic Park — Cost varies — Watch an exciting softball match between local teams in a vibrant community atmosphere.