Good Day
Appleton
Thursday, February 26th, 2026
Good morning, Appleton. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 26th of February.
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ The Appleton International Airport will add 13 daily nonstop flights to Chicago O’Hare by this summer to meet rising business traveler demand (supporting a 24% projected increase in seats for the second half), while improving efficiency through Express Park and Pre-Check measures. WTAQ
CRIME NEWS
- ➤ A 21-year-old Appleton man was cited on Wednesday for vandalizing a heart-shaped ice sculpture at the Avenue of Ice along College Avenue — after surveillance footage released on Monday showed him tossing the piece, he turned himself in. FOX 11
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Cheese makers will compete at the 2026 World Championship Cheese Contest from March 3-5 in Madison (including Foremost Farms USA from Appleton among 23 Wisconsin businesses). Public judging with free samples will take place on March 3-4 between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. WTAQ
ECONOMY NEWS
- ➤ Wisconsin Public Service said energy bills increased today because colder weather and higher natural gas prices raised costs. Customers can manage bills with budget billing, time-of-use plans (saving up to 15%) or rebates for energy-efficient upgrades. WBAY
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Lawrence University’s student government did not receive enough votes on a petition favoring a Turning Point USA chapter, so the Community Council will decide whether to approve the group. Some students raised concerns about the chapter’s alignment with campus values (including public messaging), leaving the decision unresolved. WTAQ
- ➤ A debate at Lawrence University over granting official club status to Patriots of Faith continues after a petition by 10% of students led to a referendum ending Feb. 23 — student government will soon vote on whether to award the group access to book campus rooms for events. WBAY
- ➤ At Fox Valley Technical College last week, 28 local schools competed in a regional SkillsUSA contest—talented career and technical education students won in multiple events and will advance to a state conference in Madison in April with a chance to compete nationally in Atlanta in June. WTAQ
- ➤ Wisconsin's first fully state-funded child care program, Get Kids Ready, will start in the 2026-27 school year to lower tuition costs for 4-year-olds by offering half-day tuition-free preschool at 1,400 providers statewide through a $65 million investment. The program aims to ease costs for families and prepare children for school. FOX 11
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Today, Wisconsin DOT updated intercity bus routes by launching a new Green Bay to La Crosse route using Lamers buses. The change partners with Greyhound, Indian Trails, and others to expand travel options for Appleton residents and nearby communities. WBAY
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Willamette Valley Fruit Company is recalling more than 55,000 pounds of frozen blueberries sold across four states including Wisconsin because of a listeria risk. Customers are advised to return or destroy the product as the company works with the FDA to manage the recall. WBAY
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The Lone Bellow Concert
6-9 p.m. — Poplar Hall — Tickets from $136 — Experience a memorable performance by The Lone Bellow in Appleton.
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Medicare 101 Seminar
6-7 p.m. — 5 Star Insurance Group, LLC — Free entry — Learn about Medicare coverage options and make informed healthcare decisions.
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Medicare 101 Seminar
1-2 p.m. — 5 Star Insurance Group, LLC — Free entry — Educational seminar to help navigate Medicare coverage options and make informed healthcare decisions.
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Kevin James in Appleton
8-11 p.m. — Fox Cities Performing Arts Center — Ticket info available — Experience a night of laughs with comedian Kevin James in Appleton.
No new real estate listings today. You can submit one here.
No new job posts today. You can submit one here.
No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
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Reveal the authorAbout Good Day Appleton
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