Good morning, Wausau.

North central Wisconsin communities have posted trick-or-treat hours for Friday, October 31, with Wausau set from 4-7 and other towns offering different times — the list helps families plan their Halloween outings across multiple days.

The Humane Society paused dog surrenders after eight extra dogs arrived because a criminal investigation at Central Wisconsin K-9 stretched the shelter’s space and staff thin.

The shelter said it hopes to end the pause by Saturday—staff urge people to adopt and donate to help care for the animals.

A Wisconsin court ruled pull tabs are legal because Wisconsin Souvenir Milkcaps' creator followed every detail of the in-pack chance promotion law under State Statute 100.16 — a decision that set a legal path for similar products.

Ducktabs now uses a rewards system to help taverns keep state rules in check — allowing winners to immediately cash in at the bar.

County Market in Wausau will close at 6 p.m. on November 11 and will re-open as Hy-Vee on November 18 — offering jobs with benefits to 130 workers and taking over the adjacent Circle K for its Fast & Fresh location.

A family-owned business called Lo Que Sea International Treats opened permanently at 2106 Schofield Avenue in Weston two weeks ago in a space that once housed Osso Buco—bringing international treats like paletas and Taiyaki to the local community.

Northcentral Technical College has seen a surge in its apprenticeship programs as high school students pursue trade careers influenced by changes in the job market—students learn skills on campus and gain paid work experience that often leads to longer job retention with local businesses.

Wausau School Board approved the 2026 budget on Monday that will lower the mill rate from $7.18 to $6.58—helped by an extra $1.2 million in state aid and a $211,000 increase in the revenue limit that let the district add about $1.1 million to debt servicing without raising the levy. The budget, the district’s first balanced one in recent memory, also set aside funds from the sale of vacant elementary schools for long-term capital improvements pending further board guidance.

Weston is hosting a virtual listening session today from 4-5:30 p.m. via Zoom and at Village Hall to gather feedback for its new Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan.

An open house will be held on Nov. 6 at Dale’s Weston Lanes — residents can also share ideas online through a survey and interactive mapping tool available until Nov. 10.

Paul Wassgren, a conservative businessman and attorney from Ashland, announced his campaign for the 7th Congressional District — he said his plan focuses on creating economic opportunities, fighting lawfare, building stronger communities, and protecting Wisconsin's outdoor heritage. He is a fifth generation resident and one of the youngest stock brokers in U.S. history, joining other candidates in the race.

Two local high school football officials were honored as September Crew of the Month by the Green Bay Packers and WIAA (for fairness and dedication) for their work in high school games.

Travis Brown and Bill Haling stood out for mentoring new officials (earning local praise) as they helped improve game officiating.

Good Shepherd Lutheran Church 60th Anniversary Blood Drive Part 2

6 p.m. — Lazy Acres Manufactured Home Community — Free — Celebrate community spirit and help save lives by donating blood.

Mosaic Holiday Portrait Sessions

3:20-7 p.m. — Rise Up Central Wisconsin — $35 minimum donation — Capture cherished family moments in festive holiday portraits and support a great cause.