Good morning, Wausau.

On November 11, the City of Wausau Fire Department responded to a fire in the 900 block of Jackson Street at 6:26 p.m.—firefighters contained the blaze to one room while rescuing four cats and one dog and no one was injured as investigators determined smoking materials caused the fire.

The Wisconsin Department of Revenue announced changes to its free tax filing program, replacing the discontinued Direct File with the new WisTax tool that will help taxpayers file their state returns by April 15.

WisTax will be available starting in February as a secure service for users who have filed in the last five years and meet criteria—such as having a valid state ID and a full year’s residency—while offering a streamlined process for veterans and surviving spouses.

The SAFER District will hold a live fire training scenario on November 14th at 227945 Partridge Ave in Rib Mountain starting around 9 a.m.—fire trucks, personnel, and smoke are expected in the area with the final structure burn-down scheduled for 2 p.m.

Gov. Tony Evers announced that the State Capitol’s holiday tree—named the Learning Tree—will display handmade ornaments celebrating those who support students as part of his Year of the Kid, and students and families can send in non-breakable ornaments to the Wisconsin Department of Administration at 17 West Main Street in Madison.

SAFER launched a free carbon monoxide detector program today that will install up to two detectors per household in the Village of Weston, Village of Rib Mountain, Town of Weston, Town of Marathon, and parts of Stettin *funded by the 2025 WPS Foundation Rewarding First Responders Grant*. Supplies are limited so eligible residents should join soon.

Angie Horkan from the Wisconsin Beef Council visited Wausau yesterday—she shared quick, easy recipes for a spicy Mexican beef bake and a sloppy joe bake.

More than two dozen local student-athletes signed letters on NCAA National Signing Day on November 12, marking their commitment to pursue both academics and sports careers at various colleges—covering disciplines like soccer, swimming, and track.

Friends, coaches, and family celebrated the milestone as the athletes prepared for their next steps in collegiate sports.

On Wednesday, several local high school athletes signed letters of intent to play college sports, committing to Division 1 and Division 2 teams from Marathon, Wausau West, Marshfield, and D.C.

Everest. The signings spanned sports from track and lacrosse to basketball and softball—each athlete now looks forward to starting his or her college career in the coming semesters.

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.