Good morning, Wausau.

Local stores on First, Second and Third Avenues hosted Christmas on First yesterday and are continuing it today — offering refreshments, door prizes and a scavenger hunt to kick off the holiday shopping season.

The event lets locals preview festive gifts from various businesses.

Local businesses in Wausau will offer Veterans Day discounts and freebies on November 11; restaurants such as 2510 Restaurant and Deli, Applebee’s, Chili’s, Cousins Subs and more will provide free meals and special deals—customers must show proof of service to participate.

The Wisconsin DNR reported that over fifty wildfires burned about twenty acres in October due to dry conditions and gusty winds—residents are urged to wait until the ground is fully snow-covered before burning debris.

It advised using proper permits and constant supervision to prevent accidental fires.

The City of Wausau Public Works Department will resume leaf collection on the east side of the river next week.

Residents from Marquart to Townline must put leaves on the street for pickup over the weekend (others should leave them on the boulevard) and the city asks that no new leaves be set out after sweepers pass (collection will continue until snow falls).

The Village of Weston has activated a PFAS water treatment system at two of its eight wells after high levels were found in 2022—this system uses granular activated carbon to clean the water and is funded in part by the Safe Drinking Water Loan Program.

Aspirus Health has launched a new obstetric emergency department at the Wausau Hospital Birthing Center — providing 24/7 care for pregnant and postpartum women facing urgent issues like bleeding and pain.

The service is part of an expansion that adds five new rooms and is staffed by board-certified OB/GYNs.

Realtor.com data showed that homes in Marathon County sold at a median price of $266,450 in August, a 3.1% drop from July.

Single-family home sales fell 5.6% while condominium and townhome prices rose 10.2% compared to the previous month.

Stratford beat Tomahawk 29-0 and moved to the state semifinals in Division 5, while Edgar won 8-7 over Bonduel and Gilman beat Oakfield 30-12 to reach the state championship game in eight-man football + Stratford will face Northwestern next week and Gilman will play McDonell next Saturday for a shot at the state title.

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.

Guided Tour: Birds in Art Fifty

1-3 p.m. — Leigh Yawkey Woodson Art Museum — $5 entry (includes lunch) — Explore the intersection of avian beauty and artistic expression in a guided tour.

Central Wisconsin Holiday Gift and Craft Show

9 AM - 4 PM — Central Wisconsin Convention & Expo Center — $5 admission — Discover unique handmade gifts and crafts from local artisans in a festive atmosphere.