Good morning, Wausau.

A weekend softball tournament to support public safety groups will be held at 301 E.

Lutz St. in Edgar on Sept. 19 and 20. Opening ceremonies begin Saturday at 8 a.m. (games start at 9 a.m. both days and a raffle will be held Sunday).

Diesel fuel prices in Wisconsin reached a record high of $6.19 per gallon on Thursday, driven by international refinery disruptions & increased seasonal demand for agriculture and home heating.

Analysts said prices may remain elevated as supply challenges continue.

Over 60 employers provided nearly 800 job openings at downtown’s third annual New Jobs on the Block fair (free event) held on the 400 Block, and those who missed it can still connect with businesses online.

The Wausau Fire Department is launching Wisconsin’s first fire apprenticeship program by selecting nine recruits to train at Northcentral Technical College while working with local firefighters and paramedics.

The 18‑month course is backed by $2.3 million in federal funding and state support to ease financial barriers for new entrants.

With school in session, Wausau Police remind drivers to slow to 15 MPH in school zones near John Muir Middle School (per a recent video) and obey crossing guard orders; officers are increasing patrols after receiving several risky driving complaints.

Law enforcement, fire and EMS will play in the 12th Battle of the Badges softball tournament in Edgar this weekend, with opening ceremonies Saturday at 8:00 a.m. and games at 9:00 a.m. Proceeds benefit Blue Hearts 1274 (the Local Firefighters Honor Guard and Wisconsin Firefighters and EMS Memorial).

Newman Catholic will host Alma Center Lincoln at its football field today at 7 p.m. for the Hornets’ first game since 17-year-old Adam Massman died after an on-field collision in Week One — the teams will start with a moment of silence and group prayer to honor his memory.

High school football games moved up to Thursday saw Abbotsford beat Pacelli 20-19 for its first Marawood play win and Athens win 34-8 with a strong first half against Thorp — both changes prompted by forecast rain on Friday.

Abbotsford is now 2-3 and Athens 3-2, with upcoming matches scheduled.

Owl-Ween Fest

Swoop in to the Woodson Art Museum's Sculpture Garden for free, family-friendly art making activities inspired by our avian friends, including creating a puppet with visiting artist Hattie Grimm before joining the "bird parade" around the Museum at 3 pm. Enjoy pumpkin carving, bird feeder crafting, fall-themed snacks, and more surprises during Owl-Ween Fest, which will be held at the Glass Box Studio on the Museum campus in case of inclement weather.