Good morning, Wausau.

United Way of Marathon County will invest $1.7 million in 24 organizations and 29 programs in 2026 and 2027 to ease financial obstacles for local residents — the funding will help groups like Athens Area Food Bank and Community Center of Hope hire new staff and boost services in rural areas. Ben Lee said the money will help lift households into greater financial stability.

Wausau Elks Lodge #248 is holding a Diaper Drive from Oct.

6 to Oct. 17 to collect baby supplies using a Beacon Grant that matches $4,000 in donations — the drive will benefit Neighbors Place, Women's Community, Hagar House and St. Paul's United Church of Christ with drop-off at Culver's in Rib Mountain, Rothschild and downtown Wausau and pickup on Oct. 20.

Wyatt Parola has set up his annual Halloween display in Weston where community members can visit the Carn Evil walk-through on October 10, 18, and 24 from 6 to 8 p.m. and on Halloween night from 4 to 10 p.m.—visitors can also drop off food items for local nonprofits Blessings in a Backpack and The Neighbor's Place all October.

The Grand Theater in Wausau is scheduling eight productions this month, starting with Celtic Thunder today and including The Addams Family Musical on today and Wednesday, Oct.

15—director Tammy Stezenski urged fans to secure tickets early as demand grows for upcoming shows like iLuminate on Saturday, Oct. 18.

D.C. Everest Area School District installed a new videoboard and audio system at Stiehm Stadium to boost game-day excitement, and community donations funded the upgrade which will also support student video projects — the board will be used during events and in classes to enhance learning.

The Wisconsin DNR is now accepting orders for tree and shrub seedlings with a minimum order of 300 for each purchase — multiple species including conifers can be chosen online or by mail.

This ongoing program builds on over a century of local forest nursery tradition.

A bipartisan group of legislators and election officials met in Wausau on Friday to discuss plans that will boost trust in our voting system.

The group will propose changes for early absentee ballot counting, camera surveillance of ballot drop boxes, and longer voting hours—steps expected to reduce delays in reporting results.

The Wisconsin Department of Health Services issued a standing order for COVID-19 vaccines for all Wisconsinites 6 months and older, but three weeks later only about 2% have received the booster—pharmacies have not yet updated their online scheduling to reflect the new order.

The low uptake has raised concerns as confusion over guidelines continues among residents.

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.