Good morning, Appleton.

AAA launches its Tow to Go program to offer free rides for impaired drivers (and their vehicles) within a 10-mile radius starting today at 6 p.m. and running until 6 a.m. Tuesday, Sept.

8 to curb unsafe driving during Labor Day weekend.

Appleton Fire Department mourns retired Deputy Chief James Mauthe, who served for 33 years from 1952 until his retirement in 1985 — his career spanned roles from firefighter to leader and he stayed connected by riding the restored Old Engine No. 5 last year.

He passed away at 97.

AriensCo and Japan-based Yanmar announced a new partnership yesterday + Yanmar holds a majority share while the Ariens family continues to lead from Brillion; both companies plan to enhance their technology and service without altering existing operations.

This fall, internationally recognized composer Elise Witt will serve as artist-in-residence with the Lawrence Community Girl Choir to lead in-person and virtual rehearsals and workshops, with a December performance on the Lawrence University Memorial Chapel stage.

Registration is open until Sept. 9.

Directors of the Nicolet and Outagamie Waupaca Library Systems are assessing a merger that would serve 10 counties in Northeast Wisconsin.

The joint committee, formed this year, is expected to recommend action by early next year with a new system potentially starting on Jan. 1, 2028 or later.

After the EF-3 tornado struck Menasha, Heckrodt Wetland Reserve rescued dozens of injured birds and small animals and worked with licensed wildlife rescues (REGI) to care for them in the weeks after the storm.

Gov. Tony Evers visited Sunrise Elementary School in Appleton Thursday as part of his annual back-to-school tour, meeting with students and staff to mark the start of the school year and noting school progress ahead of his departure early next year.

Local health leaders say Outagamie County is below the 95% vaccination level needed to stop widespread illness & stress the importance of increasing the rate to protect community health.

A new high school football trophy — the Battle for the Paddle — debuts at Papermaker Stadium as the Kaukauna Galloping Ghosts host the Kimberly Papermakers today, with the winner earning bragging rights and conference positioning.

Green Bay Packers quarterback Jordan Love visited the Boys and Girls Club of the Fox Valley yesterday to relaunch his 10ve for Cleats campaign for youth teams + he selected a student's cleat design to feature on his cleats as the program donates new Nike cleats with each touchdown scored.

Packers quarterback Jordan Love launched the third year of his 10ve for Cleats campaign by donating athletic gear to youth sports teams in Appleton and Bakersfield, Calif.

He chose an Appleton kid's design for his game-worn pair (teams may apply for donations through Dec. 31).