Good morning, Wausau.

Last week, a donation box at Townline Market that had raised funds for four-year-old Cashton with cerebral palsy was stolen, but the community has rallied + increased donations after his home and RV were damaged by a tornado.

Communities in central Wisconsin raised over $225,000 at this year’s Walk to End Alzheimer’s (supporting families with vital education and care) in events held in Stevens Point, Antigo, Wausau and Marshfield, and donations can still be made through Dec.

31.

Dream Up! Lincoln County and Advance Wisconsin Employment will host a child care forum on Oct.

14 at the Lincoln County Services Building in Merrill (dinner reception by Geiss Meat Service begins at 5 p.m.) where panelists will address challenges and sustainable solutions for families and employers.

Wausau West High School’s Warrior’s Word magazine earned a Gold Medalist honor from the Columbia Scholastic Press Association in September after scoring 960 of 1,000 in national judging + receiving accolades in multiple categories.

The student-run publication produced award-winning issues during the 2025-26 school year.

High school FFA students taught fourth graders at Northcentral Technical College’s Agriculture Center of Excellence on Wednesday — showing how food is produced with hands-on lessons.

The program will continue with a farm tour of Walters Family Farm on Friday in Wausau.

Despite a drought this summer, pumpkin patches benefited from a wet spring that left fruit in higher quality; yields are expected to be closer to average.

University of Wisconsin Extension educator Melissa Ohlrich noted that drier conditions helped avoid root rot (a common issue with excessive rainfall) across the region.

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources updated its fish advisories amid new PFAS research for areas along the Wisconsin River — residents near impoundments from Rhinelander Dam to Adams County should limit bluegill, perch, and walleye consumption per the guidelines.

Brett Back, 21 from Wisconsin Rapids, will wrestle for Team USA at the U23 World Wrestling Championships in Las Vegas starting Monday.

A lifelong dream turned reality, the Oklahoma-trained athlete upset a former Olympian at this year’s U.S. Open and now aims to inspire others + prove his skill.

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.

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.