Good morning, Wausau.

Veterans groups and local organizers will host a Fourth of July celebration at the Eagles Club on July 4 from 1 – 7 p.m. at 1703 S 3rd Ave featuring a steak fry, games, music, and free meals for veterans and children 10 and under – marking America’s 250th anniversary.

Firework safety tips remind Wausau residents that sparklers and fountain displays are allowed, but a permit is needed for larger fireworks (available through city hall) this Fourth of July weekend.

Experts advise keeping water nearby to prevent accidents.

Organizers in Weston raised nearly $25K during the inaugural Glow Games Monday night to honor local baseball player Bradyn Bohn (a D.C.

Everest student) by funding a scholarship, education initiatives and field lights at Rajek Field in Kennedy Park.

Extreme heat has forced schedule changes at Wisconsin Lions Camp in Rosholt; staff are limiting outdoor time to 30 to 45 minutes and shifting activities indoors (including board games, ping pong, art, and dancing) while extending air-conditioned breaks with regular hydration and popsicle treats.

Piggly Wiggly Midwest and Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin have launched the 'Born to Dairy' campaign to showcase authentic dairy farmer stories, such as Zoey Brooks Nelson, in stores — using humorous farmer characters and multimedia promotions to connect shoppers with the people behind dairy products.

Recent data shows Wisconsin families will pay about $75.50 for a Fourth of July cookout for ten people, a 7.5% rise from last year; price hikes are driven by a 23.3% jump in ground beef prices and rising input costs compared with national averages.

Wausau/Marathon County Parks, Forestry, and Recreation Department announced that goats will return to Barker-Stewart Island on Monday, July 6 to clear invasive plants (an eco-friendly alternative to chemicals).

Research biologist Dan Isermann (USGS) said prolonged heat may stress walleye and muskie in central Wisconsin by narrowing their oxygen-rich habitat, and local anglers noted that warmer conditions are making it harder to catch fish.

State health officials announced today that Medicaid recipients who give birth now receive 12 months of coverage instead of 60 days.

The change, which will automatically extend benefits for about 16,000 members and aims to lower maternal and infant deaths, is expected to improve postpartum care.

Outdoor workers in the area are following updated heat safety training as a heat wave and severe thunderstorm watch continue until 7 and 10 p.m. CDT, respectively.

Marathon County crews shift schedules to complete outdoor jobs early while experts advise all to drink water & rest in the shade.

Jazz on the River Concert Series

Sundays, Jul 19 – Aug 16 — Kickbusch Plaza — Free entry — Enjoy a vibrant series of free jazz concerts along the scenic river in Wausau.

Jazz on the River Summer Concert Series

5-7 p.m. — Kickbusch Plaza — Free entry — Enjoy a relaxing summer evening filled with live jazz while overlooking the river.

Painting with Sound

Drop-in to the Woodson Art Museum's sculpture garden on Thursday, July 30 from 5 to 6 pm to experiment with Coloratura technology, meet with inventor and artist Camry Ivory, and paint with sound! Watch and listen as your brushstrokes create art and music right before your eyes and ears. No registration is required and all ages are welcome to join in. In case of inclement weather, this program will be held at the Glass Box Studio.