Brad Hanson

Wausau

News Director at WAOW-TV (Wausau, WI)

News Director for @WAOW in Wausau, Wis. @UMN_HSJMC alum. Minnesota born. Tweets and retweets are my own opinions/thoughts.

Articles

Aspirus Wausau Hospital expands emergency department, adds 8 new rooms

1 day ago | waow.com | Brad Hanson

WAUSAU, Wis. (WAOW) -- Aspirus Wausau Hospital has wrapped up the final phase of its emergency department expansion. The new addition opened to patients on June 3. The expansion has increased the department's capacity to 30 treatment spaces. Eight new patient rooms, including enhanced trauma and critical care rooms, were added. The project began in 2022 in response to rising emergency volumes and the need for modernized care spaces.
Friday's Golden Sands Speedway race set to honor late Zach Budleski

1 day ago | waow.com | Brad Hanson

WISCONSIN RAPIDS, Wis. (WAOW) -- Racers at Golden Sands Speedway in Wisconsin Rapids Friday will have a chance at a big purse, and an even bigger purpose. The race will honor 19-year-old Zach Budleski, who died by suicide this past fall. His parents have worked hard to bring this race to fruition, putting in a lot of time and dedication to make it happen. "It's actually turned into my purpose," said Zach's mom Lisa Walhof.
Hatley house fire leaves two injured, including one with life-threatening injuries

1 day ago | waow.com | Brad Hanson

HATLEY, Wis. (WAOW) -- A house fire in the Village of Hatley led to severe injuries for two women early Tuesday morning. The Marathon County Sheriff’s Office reported the fire started around 12:04 a.m. on June 3, 2025, in the 200 block of Kirkwood Street. Emergency responders were alerted to a possible entrapment situation. A 67-year-old woman informed them that a 57-year-old female was still inside.
115th Fighter Wing says to expect increase in flying activity over Central Wisconsin

1 day ago | waow.com | Brad Hanson

The 115th Fighter Wing based out of Madison said you can expect increased flight activity over central Wisconsin for the next couple of weeks. In a Facebook post, they said the 2025 Sentry North exercise will run until June 15th. F-35's, F-16's and other military aircraft are scheduled to fly each day from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.Aircraft flying above 30,000 feed are authorized by the FAA to operate at supersonic speeds, which may be heard or felt at the ground level.
Wisconsin DMV alerts residents to phishing scam targeting personal information

1 day ago | waow.com | Brad Hanson

MADISON, Wis. (WAOW) -- The Wisconsin Department of Transportation's Division of Motor Vehicles (WisDOT DMV) is alerting residents about a new phishing scam. Scammers are sending texts pretending to be from WisDOT DMV to trick people into sharing personal information. The scam involves messages claiming a "final notice" or an "unpaid traffic violation." These messages mimic official WisDOT content but are not legitimate.
Missing teen Ethan seen at Wisconsin Rapids Walmart, Wood County Sheriff seeks help

2 days ago | waow.com | Brad Hanson

WISCONSIN RAPIDS, Wis. (WAOW) -- The Wood County Sheriff’s Department is seeking public assistance in locating a missing teenager, Ethan. He was last spotted at the Wisconsin Rapids Walmart around 8:45 p.m. on May 31. Ethan is a 16-year-old with blonde hair, standing approximately 5 feet 3 inches tall and weighing 120 pounds. According to the sheriff's department, he left his home near the City of Pittsville earlier that day, wearing a black polo shirt and tan shorts.
One dead in weekend crash near Town of Little Black

2 days ago | waow.com | Brad Hanson

TOWN OF LITTLE BLACK, Wis. (WAOW) -- A deadly car crash occurred on June 1, 2025, in the Town of Little Black, Taylor County, officials reported. The Taylor County Sheriff’s Office received a 911 call at approximately 6:15 a.m. regarding a crash on Gibson Drive. Emergency responders, including Medford EMS and the Stetsonville Fire Department, arrived to find a black Dodge Ram 1500 overturned in a ditch.
Rhinelander's Hodag Dome reopens for Class of 2025 graduation ceremony

5 days ago | waow.com | Brad Hanson

RHINELANDER, Wis. (WAOW) -- The Hodag Dome is back in action just in time for the Rhinelander High School Class of 2025 graduation. The ceremony will be held at the Dome this Sunday, June 1, at 2:00 PM. The Dome's swift reopening follows nearly two months of intensive repairs and cleaning. The School District of Rhinelander credits the rapid turnaround to the dedication of various teams. Eric Burke, Superintendent of the School District of Rhinelander, expressed pride in the collaborative efforts.
Stevens Point school launches $200K fundraiser to upgrade playgrounds

5 days ago | waow.com | Brad Hanson

The PTO has kicked off "Paws 4 Play," aiming to raise $200,000 to replace old playground equipment dating back to 1991. "Our current playgrounds are outdated and worn down after more than 30 years of use," said Megan Hoopingarner, PTO President. "We want to give our students the safe and exciting outdoor space they deserve."The fundraiser strives to create modern, inclusive play spaces for the school's 355 students and the wider community.
Governor Evers invests $6.1M in WIS 29 improvements between Abbotsford and Wausau

5 days ago | waow.com | Brad Hanson

MARATHON COUNTY, Wis. (WAOW) -- Governor Tony Evers has signed a $6.1 million contract to enhance WIS 29 Westbound, spanning from the Clark County Line to County Highway E South. The project, led by Chippewa Concrete Services, Inc., is set to begin on June 4, 2025. Crews will focus on patching westbound concrete pavement and ramps at WIS 13.