Good morning, Wausau.

A Wausau family is giving back after their young son’s battle with leukemia by hosting the 'Strong and Brave like Emmett Childhood Cancer Awareness Blood Drive' today at the Boys and Girls Club from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.—the event will help ease the local blood shortage and honor the support they received during his treatment.

7 Brew, a drive-thru coffee stand on Rib Mountain, will open later this year—adding 50 jobs and offering over 20,000 drink combinations—to give local coffee lovers a unique option.

CDC data show that over 4,000 people died by guns in Wisconsin from 2018 to 2023 and in Marathon County 74 deaths since 2020 were mostly from self-harm, while students protested a recent school shooting to call for stricter safety laws—red flag laws, waiting periods and universal background checks—that are now pending in the state legislature.

Birds in Art Fifty opens today at the Leigh Yawkey Woodson Art Museum, where guests can meet 102 selected artists—over 700 submissions were considered by jurors.

The exhibition, celebrating 50 years of original paintings, sculptures, and graphics of birds, will remain on view through January 4.

Wausau’s Artrageous weekend has begun—bringing art events across town, including the 50th Art in the Park at Marathon Park, the 50th edition of Birds in Art at the Woodson Art Museum, the Festival of Arts Downtown, and special demonstrations at the Center for Visual Arts.

Wausau School District buses were delayed during the first week of school because of a driver shortage, which forced some parents to seek rides from strangers.

The district and First Student are taking steps — including using a tracking app and adding extra drivers — to quickly restore reliable transportation.

D.C. Everest Senior High started its school year with updated facilities and a new principal—Dallas Rennie—who plans to boost academic opportunities for over 1300 students with strong community and staff support.

The goats have returned to Barker-Stewart Island to remove invasive non-native plants as an alternative to spraying chemicals and will work for two weeks, according to the Wausau/Marathon County Parks, Forestry and Recreation Department.

Ben Lee will be the new chief executive officer of the United Way of Marathon County starting on Dec.

1, replacing Jeff Sargent after his nine-year tenure. Lee brings six years of experience as director of Community Impact and plans to strengthen local community programs—supporting affordable housing and other initiatives.

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.

Wisconsin Oral Health Coalition Annual Meeting

4:30 PM – 3:15 PM — Hilton Garden Inn Wausau — Free entry — Engage in vital discussions on emergency care and oral health initiatives.

Empowering Women Through The Chakras: Yoga & Mindfulness

6-7:30 p.m. — 5 Koshas Yoga & Wellness — Cost varies — Discover how to align your mind and body through the transformative power of the Chakras.

JFDR Concert at The Grand Theater

7:30-9 p.m. — The Grand Theater — Ticket prices vary — Experience the enchanting sounds of JFDR in an intimate setting.