Parents of Jason Simcakoski speak to students during Veteran’s Day ceremony
JUNCTION CITY, Wis. (WSAW) - It may be Monday, but across the country it’s also a day to honor those who have fought for our country.
WSAW/WZAW NewsChannel 7 Stories 2024
November 2024
Ringing in the Hmong New Year
WAUSAU, Wis. (WSAW)— On Sunday, dance competitions, food and craft vendors galore, and community connections are the biggest highlights at the Wausau area Hmong New Year celebration.
Smiles, laughter and joy highlighted during 4th annual adaptive ice skating event
STEVENS POINT, Wis. (WSAW) - Midstate Independent Living Choices hosted its fourth annual adaptive skating event at the K.B. Willett Ice Arena on Saturday to give people with disabilities the chance to try out ice skating.
United Way Marathon County looking for winter donations
WAUSAU, Wis. (WSAW) - While you are out buying winter boots before the snow flies, maybe keep in mind buying an extra pair or donating your old ones to keep others in the community warm.
Christmas trees are back!: How a local farm is preparing for the holiday season
MERRILL, Wis. (WSAW) - The holiday season is approaching. While Sunday might not have screamed “Holiday spirit” many across the country are getting ready to open the gates to Christmas tree farms.
Gwen Walz makes campaign stop in Wausau
WAUSAU, Wis. (WSAW) - We’re just a few days out from the election and candidates, and their spouses, are kicking it into high gear to get votes.
Speaking up and raising awareness for those living with homelessness
WAUSAU, Wis. (WSAW) - November may be well known for the start of the holiday season, but it also brings awareness to something bigger — homelessness.
October 2024
Election integrity and high voting numbers a week out from Election Day
WAUSAU, Wis. (WSAW) - We’re a week into absentee in-person voting and a week out from Election Day.
Wisconsin Rapids Police Department holds 3rd annual Halloween event
WAUSAU, Wis. (WSAW) - Communities across central Wisconsin are coming together to get in the spooky season spirit.
Curling Nationals return all weekend in Wausau
WAUSAU, Wis. (WSAW) - The Wausau Curling Center is a national hub this week. The Curling Nationals kicked off on Wednesday and run through Sunday.
Ringle woman shares breast cancer battle story
WAUSAU, Wis. (WSAW) - When you think of October, your first thought may be Halloween or fall weather. For some though, it’s honoring breast cancer awareness month.
Pittsville High School home to country’s only cranberry science class, seasonal tours exceed expectations
PITTSVILLE, Wis. (WSAW) - For more than two decades, students from Pittsville High School have capitalized on their close proximately to area cranberry bogs.
Granite Peak ready to shift into winter mode
WAUSAU, Wis. (WSAW) - While the fall colors may be gorgeous, the chair lift rides at Granite Peak have come to a close.
Merrill tank finds new home
WAUSAU, Wis. (WSAW) - If you’ve noticed the missing tank outside of the national guard armory, it’s because it has a new home.
The annual Monster Bash was a scary good time
WESTON, Wis. (WSAW) - The Mountain Bay Metro Police Department hosted its annual Monster Bash Friday at D.C. Everest Middle School.
Good News Project holds special e-cycling event
WAUSAU, Wis. (WSAW) - If you’re looking for a place to drop off your old or unused electronics, we have just the place for you.
Marshfield church debuts solar panels
MARSHFIELD, Wis. (WSAW) - One Marshfield church has taken energy conservation to a big level.
Central Wisconsin hosts fourth annual Indigenous Peoples’ Day powwow and art market
WAUSAU, Wis. (WSAW) - The Central Wisconsin Indigenous Peoples’ Day Committee opened its doors for the fourth annual powwow and Native American art market this weekend.
Maple Grove Elementary introduces first-ever ‘Bioblitz’
ATHENS, Wis. (WSAW) - The Maple Grove Elementary School in Athens is enhancing its students’ learning in a new way. Today was the first ‘Bioblitz’ for kids to learn about several different types of science.
ATV/UTV users confused by Wisconsin Rapids referendum question
WISCONSIN RAPIDS, Wis. (WSAW) - As the November election approaches, people in Wisconsin Rapids are confused about one question that will be on the ballot, specifically for ATV and UTV riders.
“It’s the great pumpkin!” Nekoosa hosts 26th annual Giant Pumpkin Fest
NEKOOSA, Wis. (WSAW) - A famous pumpkin tradition in Central Wisconsin returned for yet another year this weekend.It’s been 26 years since the first Giant Pumpkin Festival in Nekoosa.
Weston organization collects donations for Hurricane Helene relief
WAUSAU, Wis. (WSAW) - As the number of deaths from hurricane Helene continues to increase, many across Wisconsin are collecting donations to help those in the south.
Metro Ride looking to expand outside of Wausau
WAUSAU, Wis. (WSAW) - The public transit system in Wausau could be expanding to include Rothschild, Schofield, and Weston.
Wisconsin non-profit helps with Hurricane Helene disaster relief
GLEASON, Wis. (WSAW) - The Red Cross has played a big role in helping those in need in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene. Now, many from the Wisconsin chapters are traveling down to aid in the relief.
September 2024
Gold Star ceremony honors fallen soldiers and families
WAUSAU, Wis. (WSAW) - On Sunday, the 2024 Gold Star ceremony honored approximately two and a half dozen soldiers from several battles including World War II, the Vietnam war and more.
Arnolds Strawberries’ pink pumpkins support breast cancer awareness
WAUSAU, Wis. (WSAW) - When looking for the perfect pumpkin,many people look for something orange and round but have you ever thought to look for a blue or a pink pumpkin?
Aspirus Langlade launches SANE program for victims of sexual violence
ANTIGO, Wis. (WSAW) - An Aspirus branch is expanding its care in efforts to help victims of sexual violence better than before.
As harvest season approaches, drivers are urged to use patience while sharing the roads
PITTSVILLE, Wis. (WSAW) - As cooler temperatures near, drivers will share the roads with tractors, combines, and hay balers.
Stevens Point PD teams with Canadian National Railway for Railway Safety Week
WAUSAU, Wis. (WSAW) - There are nearly 4,000 public railroad crossings in Wisconsin. While most of us are familiar with train tracks, not everyone is always safe around them.
Wausau cemetery hosts historical guided tour to remember iconic Wisconsin figures
WAUSAU, Wis. (WSAW) - The Pine Grove Cemetery in Wausau opened its gates for the ‘Voices from the Past’ tour on Sunday.
Marathon County Park hosts Walk to End Alzheimer’s
WAUSAU, Wis. (WSAW) - People packed Marathon Park Saturday morning for the Alzheimer’s Association’s annual walk to end the disease.
Marathon County celebrates its rich history and soil with the Ginseng Festival
WAUSAU, Wis. (WSAW) - A celebration for a popular herb in Wisconsin is back this weekend at Wausau’s 400 block.
As the leaves begin to fall your seasonal allergies could be on the rise
WAUSAU, Wis. (WSAW) - With all the high temperatures we’re seeing it sure doesn’t feel like September.
Packers’ fans gather at Hoehn’s Huddle for home opener
SCHOFIELD, Wis. (WSAW) - After a game in Brazil last week, the Packers took to Lambeau Sunday to play there for the first time this year.
Hundreds gather to walk for suicide prevention and mental health awareness
WAUSAU, Wis. (WSAW) - The northern Wisconsin chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness, also known as NAMI Northwoods, and Prevent Suicide Marathon County hosted its 13th annual walk for suicide and mental health awareness Saturday in Wausau.
Stevens Point Area School District using new screening tool for student emotional support
STEVENS POINT, Wis. (WSAW) - The Stevens Point Area School District has a new system they’re implementing this year to help strengthen behavioral support in the schools.
City of Wisconsin Rapids moves forward with demolition and renovation plan at former paper mill site
WISCONSIN RAPIDS, Wis. (WSAW) - City leaders in Wisconsin Rapids are working on a plan to renovate the site of the former paper mill.
All-inclusive playground in Tomahawk now open
TOMAHAWK, Wis. (WSAW) - An all-inclusive playground is now open in Tomahawk.
‘Kids Growing Flowers For Kids’ helps students get school supplies
WISCONSIN RAPIDS, Wis. (WSAW) - Chrysanthemums symbolize friendship and happiness, and one family is practicing just that as they’re about to tackle yet another school year.
August 2024
NTC, Taylor Co. organizations team up to teach people about online safety
MEDFORD, Wis. (WSAW) - Northcentral Technical College, Taylor County Human Services, and the Taylor County Health Department are teaming up for a safety online talk on Wednesday.
Taylor County launches initiative to have trained response in event of community emergency
MEDFORD, Wis. (WSAW) - A national response program is making its way to central Wisconsin as Taylor County is introducing its own Medical Reserve Corps program.
The impact of the heat on those working outdoors
WAUSAU, Wis. (WSAW) - While some people are lucky to work indoors, others are outside sprucing up their yard or working doing road work. So how exactly is everyone dealing with this heat?
‘Guns N Hoses’ softball game raises money for veterans
STEVENS POINT, Wis. (WSAW) - Zenoff park is known for its softball games, especially when it comes to the annual game of firefighters vs police officers.
Fallen FBI agent honored with historic marker
WAUSAU, Wis. (WSAW) - A historic marker is now up in Vilas County to honor a fallen FBI agent from 1934.If you’ve heard of “Baby face” Nelson, then you probably know of Special Agent W. Carter Baum.
Kid’s Closet hosts its sixth annual Back to School Bash
STEVENS POINT, Wis. (WSAW) - The Kid’s Closet in Stevens Point is helping kids get ready for the new school year.
Weekend thefts at Wausau Whitewater Park have kayakers on high alert
WAUSAU, Wis. (WSAW) - A recreational hotspot in Wausau is asking for your help. Wausau Whitewater Park had some kayaks and paddle gear stolen this past weekend at its freestyle event.
New developers look to transform old Rib Mountain home
RIB MOUNTAIN, Wis. (WSAW) - Rib Mountain Drive has developed into a retail hot spot over the years with up-and-coming developers approaching the village for new opportunities.
Local funeral homes hold grief reflection walk
WAUSAU, Wis. (WSAW) - Sunday was a day of reflection at Riverside Park in Wausau. Helke and Brainard funeral homes joined together to hold a grief reflection walk for the community.
6th annual Simmy Foundation golf outing
WAUSAU, Wis. (WSAW) - The sixth year of the Simmy Foundation golf outing continues to not only pay tribute to veterans across the country, but one still in a certain family’s heart.
Steady voter turnout as people head to the polls for the primary election
WAUSAU, Wis. (WSAW) - Today’s primary election sets the tone for who will be on November’s ballot.
Multi-million dollar runway project underway at Rhinelander-Oneida County Airport
RHINELANDER, Wis. (WSAW) - A multi-million dollar construction project is underway at the Rhinelander-Oneida County Airport.
Lincoln County Fair ends event with a new element
WAUSAU, Wis. (WSAW) - On Sunday, the Lincoln County fair’s last day ended with a bang, the demolition derby.
Log rolling is back at LogJam Fest
WAUSAU, Wis. (WSAW) - For those looking for something exciting to do this weekend, Mosinee’s LogJam festival is just the place.
Humane officer investigating deaths of working goats in Whiting
WHITING, Wis. (WSAW) - The Portage County Humane Officer is investigating the deaths of seven goats.
Stevens Point hosts National Night Out
STEVENS POINT, Wis. (WSAW) - It was a fun-filled afternoon in Stevens Point as local law enforcement hosted its National Night Out event to connect with the community.
Plover Whiting youth sports complex break ground on new pavilion
PLOVER, Wis. (WSAW) - The Woyak Sports Complex in Plover is expected to get some big upgrades throughout the next year.
Wisconsin Valley Fair holds Little Britches event
WAUSAU, Wis. (WSAW) - Sunday marks the last day of the Wisconsin Valley Fair for the 2024 season. While all good things must come to an end, for some it’s just the beginning of showing animals.
Loved ones remember life of Lincoln Hills youth counselor, call for action
MERRILL, Wis. (WSAW) - Flags flew at half-staff on Saturday to honor Corey Proulx as friends and family gathered in the afternoon to celebrate his life at the Eagles Club in Merrill.
Marathon County to partner with City of Wausau for homelessness task force
WAUSAU, Wis. (WSAW) - The city of Wausau now has several resources and organizations to help the area’s unhoused population.
July 2024
Preventing the spread of invasive species on Wisconsin lakes
WAUSAU, Wis. (WSAW) - The upcoming holiday weekend is a prime time for people to be cruising out on the lakes, but before you leave with a tan and a couple of fish, you’ll want to make sure you’re not also taking home an invasive species that latched onto your boat.
Greenheck Turner Community Center provides sneak peek as crews near completion
WAUSAU, Wis. (WSAW) - The clock is ticking with many waiting in anticipation. We’re down to less than a month before the new Greenheck Turner Community Center opens its doors.
Firework sales decrease amid rain chances this year
WAUSAU, Wis. (WSAW) - As the holiday quickly approaches, many are out getting their last-minute supplies for parties, including fireworks.
Stevens Point kicks off Riverfront Rendezvous
WAUSAU, Wis. (WSAW) - As the country celebrates the Fourth of July, Stevens Point is stepping up its game with its own kind of party.
Goats make official return to Wausau to feast on invasive plants
WAUSAU, Wis. (WSAW) - The goats of Liberation Farms are back and here to save you from invasive plant species.
All-inclusive playground set to open in Tomahawk in August
TOMAHAWK, Wis. (WSAW) - The clock is winding down. In a month and a half, Tomahawk will have a new park accessible for all.
Medical experts explain how heatwaves directly impact your heart
WAUSAU, Wis. (WSAW) - As the heat takes control in northern and central Wisconsin this next week, the risks are not just outside, but happen to the inside of our bodies specifically the heart.
Good News Project receives grant to continue renovations
WAUSAU, Wis. (WSAW) - After 41 years of serving the community, a local non-profit is looking to improve its own building for a change.
Wausau Whitewater Park hosts veteran event
WAUSAU, Wis. (WSAW) - Wausau Whitewater made an impact this weekend as they helped veterans take on a new kind of challenge... whitewater rafting.
Mid-State Technical College opens new AMETA Center in central Wisconsin
STEVENS POINT, Wis. (WSAW) - Mid-State Technical College is celebrating a new opportunity for students.
AirVenture Cup Race takes flight over Upper Wisconsin
WAUSAU, Wis. (WSAW) - The Wausau AirVenture Cup race kicked off Sunday. The nearly 430-mile course held the biggest turnout in the race history with 120 registered and 84 total racers.
Crews prep the grounds as the Wisconsin Valley Fair is just one week away
WAUSAU, Wis. (WSAW) - One of the area’s biggest summer events the Wisconsin Valley Fair is now just one week away and as you can imagine, getting Marathon Park ready is no small feat.
Rothschild to add PFAS facility by end of 2025
WAUSAU, Wis. (WSAW) - The Village of Rothschild is starting work on a new facility to remove PFAS, also known as the “forever chemicals,” that have contaminated water all across the country, from its water once and for all.
Wisconsin Valley Fair vendors prepare for opening day
WAUSAU, Wis. (WSAW) - There’s just one day until the Wisconsin Valley Fair opens its gates for the 2024 season and Marathon Park is beginning to get crowded with vendors and carnival rides.
SAFER Fire District holds live burn to conduct joint training
RIB MOUNTAIN, Wis. (WSAW) - SAFER Fire District held another burn training today, and this time they opened it up to some other fire departments.
June 2024
City of Wausau releases road budget plan
WAUSAU, Wis. (WSAW) - Orange barrels, cones, and signs that say, “Road work ahead.” Those are just some of the signs of summer and Wausau may have them in surplus soon.
Sam’s Pizza collaborates with Mountain Bay Metro PD for Kids Day
SCHOFIELD, Wis. (WSAW) - Summer fun calls for new community events, especially ones you don’t see too often.
Community Blood Center urges for donations as supply runs low
WAUSAU, Wis. (WSAW) - With kids on summer vacation and high school blood drives on hold, the need for blood donations is extremely important.
Continuous rain damages ripe strawberry crops
WAUSAU, Wis. (WSAW) - First the drought last year, and now it seems like there’s no end to the rain this year. Now, many farmers are experiencing damaged crops. Especially berry farmers.
Wisconsin Rapids debuts downtown master plan project to garner feedback
WISCONSIN RAPIDS, Wis. (WSAW) - Wisconsin Rapids’ Downtown Master Project Plan is underway to develop an end-of-year vision of what ‘downtown life’ could look like.
Keep your basement and belongings protected before heavy rain takes its toll
WAUSAU, Wis. (WSAW) - With the heavy rain we’ve received and more on the way, as the water levels rise so do the flooding concerns especially if you live near a body of water or have a basement.
Marathon County Sheriff’s Office introduces its newest K-9 member
WAUSAU, Wis. (WSAW) - It’s the start of a new era for the Marathon County Sheriff’s Office. One-year-old ‘Bodhi’ is the team’s newest member and the first K-9 to join the Crisis Assessment Response Team (CART) as a therapy dog.
DATCP adds testing requirements for dairy cattle at fairs
WAUSAU, Wis. (WSAW) - The Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection has released new requirements for testing dairy cattle.
Ramp Up Marathon County kicks off 2024 season
WAUSAU, Wis. (WSAW) - Ramp Up Marathon County was back in action this week to kick off the 2024 season in east Wausau.
Stable Hands Equine Center breaks ground on new additions
WAUSAU, Wis. (WSAW) - Stable Hands Equine Therapy Center is expanding in many different ways this summer.
20th annual Man of Honor Society fundraiser kicks off in Wausau
WAUSAU, Wis. (WSAW) - The Man of Honor Society’s annual fundraiser to support veterans and active duty military kicked off at the Eagles Club on Friday.
Salvation Army celebrates historic National Donut Day
WAUSAU, Wis. (WSAW) - The Salvation Army celebrated National Donut Day on Thursday by sharing baked goods for free at ThriveChurch in Wausau.