Good morning, Wausau.

Prevail Bank recently distributed 21 checks totaling $50,000 to support local community programs.

The contributions helped groups like Central Wisconsin Catch A Ride (which got $1,000) and others improve local transportation and community services.

Kent Olson from Olson Tire & Auto Service advises local drivers that winter tires offer the best traction on snowy roads and that all season tires marked (severe snow) provide a year-round alternative; he recommends using a coin test to check tire tread and decide when to change them.

After two home fires occurred recently, the Wausau Fire Department reminded residents today to keep space heaters at least three feet away from combustible items and to plug them directly into wall outlets (avoiding power strips).

Experts advise checking insulation to stop ice dams and icicles from damaging roofs and attics after Christmas decorations are taken down.

A-Rite Construction in Wausau offers free inspections and uses steamers to safely remove ice — a method recommended to prevent costly damage.

Road salt stops working well below 15 degrees, causing icy conditions and several crashes since Sunday night's storm; Marathon County Highway crews now use graters (and drivers are urged to slow down).

Wisconsin may see northern lights on New Year's Eve as NOAA forecasts a Kp index of five and mostly clear skies.

Residents should avoid city lights and seek a high vantage point between 10 p.m. and 2 a.m. to view the brief but bright aurora — local meteorologists advise.

With cold weather returning, the Fire Department warns residents to keep space heaters at least three feet from combustibles, use only wall outlets, and turn heaters off when leaving a room; those without smoke alarms in sleeping areas should call the Prevention Department for help.

Knowlton House Distillery will share its festive Gin & Jam-pagne cocktail recipe for ringing in 2026.

Sunrise 7’s Erinn Taylor learned from co-founder Heather Mullins that the new cocktail (a twist on the French 75 using Tenhead Gin, fresh jam, and dry sparkling wine) will let people celebrate at home.

D.C. Everest clinched a 2-1 win in a tight match that saw Dylan McGarry score the game-winning goal after a key pass from Ethan Whitmore.

Newman Catholic rallied in the second half with senior Quincy Pfender adding 21 points in a 57-54 victory over Eleva-Strum.

Winter Brew Fest

6-9 p.m. — Rothschild Pavilion — $30-$45 — Sample beers from 10+ breweries while enjoying a brat bar and live entertainment.