Good morning, Appleton.

Grand Chute Fire Department honors firefighter Seth Barr, who remains deployed in the Middle East with the Army Reserves by wearing red shirts all week amid heightened tensions.

Chief Steve Denzien says his close-knit fire family regularly reaches out to ensure Barr knows he is missed & eagerly awaited home.

Actors in Kimberly Akimbo combine ice skating and singing on stage today at 7:30 p.m. at Fox Cities Performing Arts Center, performing on synthetic ice (coated with a glycerin-water mix) to create a unique staging experience.

Skyline Comedy Club hosted a lively standup event on Feb.

26 featuring acts by Madison’s Sasha Rosser and Appleton’s Kate Hermsen at 1004 S. Olde Oneida St. (The venue welcomed comedy fans from nearby areas), making it a night to remember.

Fox Valley Literacy’s first State of Literacy Report shows nearly half of local adults struggle with everyday tasks; 58% have trouble finding reliable online info (41% struggle with technology).

The report was presented Wednesday morning at Appleton Public Library and highlights the need for expanded literacy support.

Cell phone bans in schools may become stricter under a new bill proposed by Rep. Joel Kitchens.

The law (which passed the Assembly) would ban phones for the entire school day beginning in the 2027-28 school year, leaving storage choices to local districts while it awaits Senate approval.

French Road bridge over I-41 (just east of the Appleton/Little Chute border) will close March 9 for reconstruction that creates a wider roadway and improved ramp access, while Buchanan Street bridge also will close as part of the ongoing I-41 project running through 2030.

The Appleton Public Library unveiled a free blood pressure monitoring kiosk yesterday after receiving support from a local philanthropic fund and the American Heart Association.

The library now offers heart health checks (and educational materials) to help residents track their blood pressure.

An Appleton building at 1101 E.

South River is being repurposed into South River MicroFlats, a community of 15 flexible micro-apartments with studio and one-bedroom units; pre-leasing is underway. Construction began last summer and will complete in April to offer short-term housing for professionals and travelers.

Medicare 101 Seminar

6-7 p.m. — 5 Star Insurance Group, LLC — Free entry — Learn about Medicare coverage options and make informed healthcare decisions.

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.

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.

Midwest Showdown Basketball Tournament

April 3-4 — Community First Champion Center — Admission fees may apply — Watch fierce competition as teams battle it out in this exciting basketball tournament.