Good morning, Wausau.

Chase the Chill volunteers will distribute 1,100+ handmade winter clothes downtown during the holiday parade today to keep parade-goers warm.

The 10-year-old group urges each person to take only one or two items so everyone can enjoy local craftsmanship.

CASA of Marathon County will host a Party with a Purpose on Dec.

10 at 3:30 p.m. in the Dudley Tower, where local partners will wrap gifts for 48 children and fill stockings for 150 foster kids, while Hy-Vee and a donor will supply food for Christmas dinners.

Crews are working on building the ice rink on the 400 Block downtown this week, packing snow to create a sturdy base for the season; operations manager Bob Stephens (Parks Department) said extra snow is needed for a safe surface.

On Friday, Wausau Events hosted its annual holiday parade themed 'Merry & Bright' as 98 floats with 150 vehicles left Marathon Park at 6:30 p.m. heading downtown; candy, toys, and non-perishable items were donated for food pantries and charity drives (with a warming center open at Washington Square).

Photojournalist Gabi Broekema's shot of the Blood Worm moon, captured during a total lunar eclipse on March 14 in Wausau, was named one of TIME's Top 100 Photos of 2025 (announced in TIME's Dec.

2 issue).

Photojournalist Gabi Broekema captured a striking image of the Blood Worm moon over Wausau on March 14 — the photo is selected as one of TIME's Top 100 Photos of 2025.

8th grader Ellie Mason from John Muir Middle School spoke and lit The Learning Tree during the Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony at the State Capitol in Madison this week, highlighting support from teachers and staff while earning a standing ovation for her inspiring message.

Marathon County Public Library is hosting a winter reading program in Wausau from Dec.

6 through February where residents pick up reading log packets at 300 N. First St., read five books and attend events to win prize draws — including Cozy Night In events on Dec. 29 and Jan. 10.

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources warns that no ice is safe for winter recreation today and advises residents to avoid traveling over frozen lakes and rivers.

The agency recommends checking local updates from fishing clubs for current ice conditions to ensure safety.

The CDC advisory panel voted on Dec.

5 to change hepatitis B vaccine guidance by recommending that newborns of mothers who test negative receive the shot at two months old after a doctor’s consultation. Wisconsin health officials say families should follow local pediatric guidance until state recommendations are updated.

New Realtor.com data show that Marathon County’s median home sale price fell 14.7% from $268,950 to $229,500 in September while single-family homes dropped 17.4% and condominiums and townhomes increased 5% compared to August.

Sweating with Santa 5K 2025

8 a.m. – 2 p.m. — Greenheck Turner Community Center (GTCC) — Proceeds support youth sports scholarships — Experience a unique indoor 5K run with Santa for the whole family.