Good morning, Wausau.

Wausau Events will host Harvest Fest on Saturday, October 4 on the 400 Block— the square will turn into a pumpkin patch with over 20 kids’ activities, a petting zoo, crafts and a celebrity pumpkin carving contest drawing local attention.

Children aged 12 and under will receive a free pumpkin from CoVantage Credit Union while food donations are collected to fill local pantries from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Today, Toboyek's Pumpkin Farm in Moon near Mosinee offers four acres of over 100 types of pumpkins, squash and gourds, helped by warm fall weather and open from sunup until sundown.

Owner Adam Toboyek and Gina Reed plan to feature a giant pumpkin weighing over 900 pounds at the Nekoosa Giant Pumpkin Festival this weekend—adding a new tradition for area families.

Today, Wisconsin no longer charges sales tax on household energy bills for permanent residences—this year-round exemption in the bipartisan state budget is expected to save taxpayers $178 million over two years and ease costs for lower and middle-income families.

Wausau School District teacher Rob Hughes—who has taught special education for over twenty years and raised more than $106,000 through the Food for Hope Program—is awarded the Herb Kohl Fellowship for his classroom excellence and community leadership.

Applications for the 2025 Sustainability Awards are open in Wausau to recognize local leaders in energy efficiency and environmental action (nominations are accepted until Oct.

19).

Fall harvest in rural Wisconsin makes roads busy and dangerous as slow-moving tractors mix with faster vehicles — drivers have little time to react in changing weather and light conditions.

A crash on State 63 near Clear Lake in dense fog last fall and new safety guidelines both underscore the urgent need for caution during harvest.

Starting in 2025, Wisconsin residents age 67 and older can exclude up to $24,000 of qualified retirement income—married joint filers may exclude up to $48,000—from their state taxable income, even if they are Wisconsin residents for only part of the year.

State Appeals Court Judge Maria Lazar launched her campaign for the Wisconsin Supreme Court race today after Justice Rebecca Bradley announced she would not seek reelection—she is expected to face liberal judge Chris Taylor.

State Representative Brent Jacobsen introduced Assembly Bill 366 to fine $500 for those who provide false documentation to get a service animal and to limit which animals qualify, including banning pets like peacocks.

The Assembly Committee today noted amendments may be needed before the bill passes (a measure meant to protect those who truly need service animals).

Marshfield Clinic Research Institute asks hunters and hikers to mail in ticks this fall to help study disease spread after receiving over 5,400 submissions last year—kits are available at Rib Mountain State Park, George Mead Wildlife Area Education Center, Castlerock Veterinary, and Marshfield Clinic locations and each kit has a unique number to track the tick species.

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.

Quilt College 2025

9 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. — Northcentral Technical College — $90 registration fee — Spend a day with expert instructors crafting quilting projects and learning new techniques in a collaborative environment.

The Addams Family Musical

7:00 – 8:30 PM — The Grand Theater — $125-$191 — Enjoy a spooky and kooky night featuring the beloved Addams Family characters on stage.

Live Music at Bull Falls Brewing Co.

5:30-8:30 p.m. — Bull Falls Brewing Co. — Free entry — Catch OPEN TAB playing live and enjoy a vibrant atmosphere at this local brewery.