Good morning, Appleton.

More than 100 veterans came home Tuesday night from Honor Flight Mission 76 after a trip to Washington DC to see memorials—family and friends welcomed them warmly.

One veteran, Harold “Whitey” Nienhaus, a Vietnam War veteran battling Stage 4 cancer, was honored by his community.

Frankie Plutz, a student at Jefferson Elementary, was surprised at a school assembly on Tuesday when he received Super Bowl LV tickets from the NFL as a reward for taking part in the American Heart Association’s Kids Heart Challenge (a program that teaches hands-only CPR and promotes healthy habits). He is one of five students nationwide to win the prize.

Today, about 600 kindergarten through 5th grade students started at Sandy Slope Elementary, a new school built with funds from a 2022 referendum that provided $129.8 million for improvements—featuring a unique pod layout and flexible learning spaces.

Students began arriving about 10 minutes after 8 with the first bell at 8:27, and principal Joe Bernhardt welcomed families as they explored the facility.

Frankie Plutz, a fifth-grader at Jefferson Elementary, was surprised on the first day of school with two tickets to Super Bowl LX—granted by the American Heart Association and the NFL after her participation in a school CPR program.

She will attend the game in Santa Clara with her mom, and the program will offer another chance to win tickets next school year.

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.

The Stews Live Performance

6:30-8:30 p.m. — Appleton Beer Factory — Cover charge TBD — Experience a blended genre rock performance from The Stews, a band that defies traditional sounds.

Medusa Concert

7:30-9:30 p.m. — Harper Hall — Tickets available — Experience Medusa's unique blend of folk music influenced by diverse cultural sounds.