Good morning, Wausau.

Ginseng farmers like Hsu Farms are facing rising supply and labor costs + a 33% export tariff that is pressuring prices, as state official Sarah Godlewski visited the farm to explore options for tapping alternative Asian markets amid voters ranking the economy highly.

U.S. Sen. Tammy Baldwin visited The Barrington Center (a Head Start facility) Tuesday morning to stress its role in providing childcare for 16,000 local children amid federal policy debates that could affect classroom safety.

The D.C. Everest School District plans to hold public sessions about a proposal to close its junior high and reconfigure grades; the first session is on Sept.

4 from 5:30 to 7 p.m. (1000 Machmueller St., Weston) and a second session is scheduled for Oct. 6.

Students returned to Rib Mountain Elementary today as they reconnected with teachers and friends at the start of the new school year, and staff set new goals based on last year’s progress; the school will also host a carnival-themed family event later this month.

Wisconsin’s early goose season began Tuesday, Sept.

1 and runs through Sept. 15 with a higher daily bag limit of five Canada geese; hunters must carry a valid license and required permits when hunting across the state.

Tribal members of the Ho-Chunk Nation will vote on Sept.

19 on a constitutional amendment that changes enrollment rules so descendants of members enrolled before Dec. 31, 1999, are considered full-blood Ho-Chunk (a change that may double membership). Some members worry this could impact cultural traditions and per capita payments.

Marathon County Health Department released its 2025 Youth Risk Behavior Survey, showing trends in mental health, substance use, safety, nutrition, and activity among local middle and high school students.

The findings will guide schools and health officials in planning prevention efforts (more insights coming soon).

On the first day of school, Wausau West’s volleyball team won 3-1 over Newman in the Sunshine Slam fundraiser for childhood cancer while the Rapids soccer team won 2-0 by beating West; both teams will face new opponents on Thursday.

Packers rookie kicker Trey Smack went 9 for 9 on preseason field goals and made kicks up to 59 yards, boosting the team's hopes to fix its struggling kicker role (few drafted kickers have stayed long with their teams).

Packers plan to give him time to develop.

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.

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.