Good morning, Appleton.

Claire's Holdings LLC announced on August 28th that its Icing store at Fox River Mall in Appleton will close—this move is part of a bankruptcy process that will shut more than 290 stores nationwide while the Claire's store in the mall remains open.

Claire's filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy and will close more than 290 stores on a rolling basis, including the Icing store at Fox River Mall in Grand Chute.

The company will keep the Claire’s store at that mall and its Bay Park Square Mall locations as its new owners plan to downsize the chain—marking its second bankruptcy in seven years.

Reid Municipal Golf Course in Appleton had its busiest month in July when the post-COVID golf boom drove record revenue—Deputy parks director Tom Flick said the course recorded three consecutive years of record rounds and income since operations returned to normal.

Beau Wastel, 33, from Wausaukee pleaded no contest on Aug.

27, 2024 to an armed robbery at Affordable Rare Coins in Grand Chute when he hit an employee with a wrench while in disguise and stole $30,000 in merchandise—his sentencing is set for Oct. 30 and two accomplices face further charges.

Mr. Frogs bar in downtown Appleton may lose its liquor license after it accumulated 265 demerit points in nine months for repeated violations including serving alcohol to underaged patrons and serving past 2 a.m.—the Safety & Licensing Committee approved the move on August 28 and the Common Council will vote on September 3.

Outagamie County judge Mark McGinnis will step down in February after a state Department of Justice investigated his order for a Freedom contractor to repay a deposit on an uncompleted project—La Crosse County District Attorney Tim Gruenke said the decision prevents conflict over charging a judge for a bench decision.

Outagamie County Judge Mark McGinnis—retiring on Feb 1—will resign in February and will not face criminal charges for jailing cement contractor Tyler Barth during a probation hearing over an unrelated money dispute—he said he could have handled the case differently—while a special prosecutor said charging a judge would upset how power is divided.

Che Durena Live Comedy Show

7-8:30 p.m. — Skyline Comedy Club — Premium seating available — Experience hilarious standup from social media sensation Che Durena as he shares absurd stories from his life abroad.

Steve March Tormé - A Tribute to Mel Tormé

7:30-9:00 p.m. — Fox Cities Performing Arts Center — Cost info not provided — Celebrate the 100th birthday of jazz legend Mel Tormé with his son performing an enchanting tribute featuring music, stories, and visuals.

DIY Porch Planter Workshop

6-9 p.m. — Board & Brush Creative Studio - Appleton — Pre-registration required — Create a beautiful DIY porch planter with step-by-step instructions and a variety of materials.

Oktoberfest and the German-American Experience in Appleton

6-7 p.m. — Hearthstone Historic House Museum — Free entry — Explore the complex history of Appleton's German heritage and its connection to Oktoberfest celebrations.