Good morning, Appleton.

Greater Fox Cities Area Habitat for Humanity launched the 'Tornado Rock the Block 100' initiative on Sept.

1 (yesterday) to repair 100 tornado-damaged homes in Menasha, and contractors will complete repairs over the next 100 days to assist uninsured or under-insured homeowners.

The City of Appleton Parades Committee is accepting applications for the 55th Downtown Christmas Parade on Tuesday, Nov.

24 at 7 p.m. Groups must apply by Oct. 1 and embrace the theme (Christmas Past, Present, and Future) for creative floats and performances.

Two area nonprofits, LEAVEN and People of Progression, will split $1 million in grants from the Community Response Fund for tornado relief; the funds will provide direct financial help to residents still recovering from the recent storm damage.

State Superintendent Jill Underly visited Badger Elementary yesterday as students returned to school, touring the school garden and praising teachers while noting support for about 50 tornado-affected families (a sign of community care for education).

Ben Chan, a nine-time Jeopardy champion, now works at Lawrence University as an associate professor teaching biomedical ethics, technology ethics, food ethics and the good life — his program was cut at St. Norbert College.

Upperclassmen at Appleton East High School welcomed incoming freshmen during orientation on Tuesday, Sept.

1 at 11:32 a.m. The campus event featured peer-led activities to ease the transition into the new school year.

Badger Elementary School teachers received a surprise $10K gift for classroom supplies on Aug.

28. The donation aims to help offset the rising costs that Fox Cities teachers have faced each year.

Menasha will consider interim financing at its Sept.

8 council meeting to cover nearly $4 million in emergency cleanup costs from the July 27 tornado in the Appleton-Menasha area. Officials say spending on debris removal, tree grinding, and equipment costs may require borrowing up to $5 million.

Bear hunting season opens Wednesday, Sept.

9 in regulated zones statewide — over 34,000 applicants have pursued one of 15,245 licenses while following rules on dog assistance and bait. The season ends Oct. 13 to help manage the state’s bear population.