Good morning, Wausau.

Pearl, a 7-year-old labradoodle from Schofield, was named the safe digging ambassador for Wisconsin Public Service after winning a contest with over 12,000 votes on Aug.

11—she now appears on digital billboards and will share her message on social media to remind residents to call 811 three days before digging.

Peyton’s Promise hosted Advocate Training Day today with over 100 children from grades 4 to 12 volunteering to stock eight school food pantries in the local community including Wausau East & West.

The organization started 14 years ago with nine advocates and works with local food drives to help families in need.

The welcome reception for the 40th U.S. Venture Open drew about 2,000 participants in heavy rain on Tuesday night—its goal was to raise over $5 million to cut poverty in northeast Wisconsin, and the tournament began at 10 a.m. Wednesday as players aimed to make an impact on and off the course.

The nonprofit Hodag Chapter of Let’s Go Fishing is expanding to Wausau and will offer free two-hour boating trips for seniors, veterans, people with disabilities and youth from mid-May to mid-September.

An informational meeting will be held August 18 at the Marathon County Public Library—scheduling is managed online.

On Saturday at 8 p.m., deputies from Marathon County Sheriff’s Office responded to an automated crash notification at the intersection of Cty Rd Q and Glenview Rd—where they discovered a 16-year-old girl who died at the scene despite resuscitation attempts.

Rib Mountain now has its first brick-and-mortar Indian restaurant — Zaika Gourment India opened last week when Sohil Sachdeva held a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Aug.

7. The restaurant serves authentic Indian food like butter chicken and samosas — it will close on Tuesdays starting next week.

The Marathon County Forensic Science Center is now open to serve northcentral Wisconsin and the Upper Peninsula of Michigan — it performs local autopsies to give families results faster and offers a learning space for students.

Two forensic pathologists work at the center and the staff expects to add another in the next five years.

Marathon County Health Department July inspections found that Greenwood Hills Country Club had evidence of rodents in its bottom cabinets and StratfordCellar Sports Bar and Grill recorded an employee touching ready-to-eat food with bare hands — while several other establishments showed no or only minor infractions.

The Community Blood Center urged eligible donors to give type O-negative blood after emergencies reduced the supply to one-third of what hospitals needed.

John Hagins said local patients depended on every donation and encouraged both regular and first-time donors to visit a CBC center or mobile drive.

Wausau Marathon and Half Marathon

6:30-8 a.m. — 1201 Stewart Ave, Wausau, WI — Registration required — Participate as an ANGEL or a CAPTAIN in a race that promotes inclusion for all.

Hormone Health and Happy Hour

Join us for a free, fun, casual, and educational evening at Wausau's newest venue, Infused! Grab a refreshing drink like Hormone Harmony or Pellet Punch, enjoy light snacks, and learn how optimizing your hormones can help you reclaim energy, improve mood, boost libido, and feel like yourself again. Bob, our expert from Evexias, will be sharing everything you need to know about hormones and pellet therapy—an effective and convenient option for both men and women. Learn how hormone balance affects your overall health, understand the benefits of bioidentical pellets and other forms of hormone replacement, and ask questions in a relaxed, no-pressure setting. Don’t miss out on special event perks and exclusive offers! Space is limited—RSVP now to save your seat! Call or text us at 715-240-4150 to reserve your spot and bring a friend!

Hormone Health and Happy Hour

Join us for a free, fun, casual, and educational evening at Wausau's newest venue, Infused! Grab a refreshing drink like Hormone Harmony or Pellet Punch, enjoy light snacks, and learn how optimizing your hormones can help you reclaim energy, improve mood, boost libido, and feel like yourself again. Bob, our expert from Evexias, will be sharing everything you need to know about hormones and pellet therapy—an effective and convenient option for both men and women. Learn how hormone balance affects your overall health, understand the benefits of bioidentical pellets and other forms of hormone replacement, and ask questions in a relaxed, no-pressure setting. Don’t miss out on special event perks and exclusive offers! Space is limited—RSVP now to save your seat! Call or text us at 715-240-4150 to reserve your spot and bring a friend!

Live Music by SEPARATE WAYS

6:15-9:15 p.m. — 400 Block — Cost information not provided — Enjoy a night of live music with SEPARATE WAYS in downtown Wausau.

Wausau Conservatory of Music Summer Concert

2:30-3:00 p.m. — Wausau Conservatory of Music, Inc. — $10 for adults, $5 for children — Experience a delightful summer chamber concert performed by talented CWSO musicians.

Rib Mountain Trail Race

7 AM — State Park Speedway — $70 – $125 — Experience the thrilling Rib Mountain Trail Race with scenic views and real trail challenges.