Good morning, Wausau.

Hope in the Park returns to Marathon Park on Sunday, Aug.

30, featuring award-winning artist Jeremy Camp, family activities, and food vendors starting at noon; organizers encourage bringing lawn chairs, blankets, and nonperishable food to support the pantry (Thrivent will donate $3 per item to $3,000).

Following Dolly Parton’s passing Tuesday, Y106.5 local radio host Dana honored the country music icon with a tribute on Wednesday morning that highlighted her impact on child literacy through her Imagination Library (which has sent over 100 million books) and celebrated her timeless music.

Gina Losser rides her solar and pedal powered velo mobile to work daily, saving on gas and reducing her carbon footprint; she completes a 14-mile commute (7 each way) while enjoying a stress-relieving ride.

Local law enforcement, fire crews, EMS and camp staff held active shooter training in Rosholt on Wednesday to practice reacting in high-stress situations.

The exercise focused on teamwork and fast care — strengthening public safety.

The Wausau Fire Department now uses an AC hotstick to detect live electrical currents on its trucks using funds from the Rewarding Responders grant from Wisconsin Public Service, adding a safety tool for emergency calls.

The equipment will help protect both firefighters and the community.

Eye Clinic of Wisconsin advises parents to watch for signs like squinting and daydreaming in children since early exams can spot vision problems before kindergarten.

Regular checkups help ensure that any need for glasses is handled safely at the doctor's office (a key step in healthy vision development).

Older adults join the Improve Your Balance, Prevent Falls Resource Fair hosted by the Aging and Disability Resource Center of Central Wisconsin and Aspirus Health on Sept.

15 from 9 to 11:30 at Lake View Conference Center (1000 Lake View Drive) where screenings and exercise demos are offered.

Wausau West’s boys soccer team started its season with a 6-0 win over Mosinee in a road match.

They took an early lead when Will Stengl scored and maintained control throughout the game.

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.