Good morning, Wausau.

A WI Policy Forum report shows that homelessness statewide rose 4.8% in 2026, with 3,445 individuals in our region despite a low overall rate.

Local leaders plan to boost permanent supportive housing + prevention efforts to help families as housing costs climb.

The Portage County Boys and Girls Club is expanding its Schierl Center in Plover for teens using a capital campaign that began in July; the $6M project will add 15,000 sqft including a new kitchen, cafeteria, and spaces for workforce development (responding to high teen demand).

The annual free concert on the 400 Block attracted a downtown crowd as band Sunset Blvd played rock n’ roll classics, raising funds for local veterans.

American Legion Post 10 honored veterans with a 21-gun salute during the event.

Marathon County health officials warn locals today about blue-green algae in Lake Dubay, which releases toxins that can cause rashes, vomiting, and diarrhea especially in children and pets (nutrients from nearby farms and lawns fuel its growth) and advise avoiding water contact.

Residents in Marathon City can join a free dementia-risk reduction presentation on Aug.

26 at Marathon County Public Library’s Marathon City Branch (515 Washington St.) from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Staff from the Aging and Disability Resource Center will explain daily habits to support brain health.

Seventeen Aspirus hospitals received national recognition on Aug.

19 from the American Heart Association’s Get With The Guidelines Stroke program for meeting evidence-based stroke care standards + Aspirus Wausau Hospital is among the honored facilities showing focused efforts to improve diagnosis and treatment outcomes.

Mosinee’s football program welcomes new coach Kevin Sanchez-Stevenoski, replacing Kyle Stoffel as he brings experience from varsity track and football to lead the team in a nonconference game against Stratford on Friday (Aug.

21).

Birds in Art 2026 Public Opening

The 51st annual Birds in Art opening-day festivities on Saturday, September 12 include opportunities to meet over seventy visiting artists who flock to the Museum from throughout the world from 9 am – Noon, and Artists in Action demonstrations, 9 – 11 am. In the afternoon, Watch, Learn & Create will be held at the Glass Box Studio–a free, family-friendly program where visitors can work alongside artists to create their own works of art, 1 – 4 pm.