Good morning, Appleton.

Barlow Planetarium will reopen on Sept.

27 with Family Astronomy Day, offering free activities, exhibits, telescope viewing from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m., and six laser music and feature shows — marking its transition to county ownership after months of closure. The event celebrates its new chapter following changes at the UW-Oshkosh Fox Cities campus.

Schnuck Markets signed an agreement to buy all shares of Skogen’s Festival Foods and Hometown Grocers, Inc.—the deal will keep store names unchanged and add more than 8,000 workers when it closes later in October.

Patti Habeck will become CEO of New North Inc. on December 1—she replaces Barb LaMue, who retired in May.

Habeck led Feeding America Eastern Wisconsin and boosted food distribution and revenue to help more people.

Toyota is recalling 591,000 vehicles nationwide because a glitch in the infotainment system may shut off the 12.3-inch display, and owners in Wisconsin will be notified by mid-November.

A second recall affects 95,000 electric vehicles with a faulty defroster, and dealers will update or replace the parts at no charge—ensuring driver safety.

Aimee Knaus teaches computer science at J.

R. Gerrits Middle School in Kimberly and runs coding clubs for both middle and elementary students. She has taught coding for nearly 30 years—earning a Herb Kohl Teacher Fellowship Award while using online groups and conferences to keep her lessons current and engaging.

Amtrak's I-41 Thruway bus service between Green Bay and Milwaukee will end on Oct.

1 after the state could not renew its contract because the 2025-27 budget did not allocate new funds despite Gov. Tony Evers' proposal. The service—running two daily round trips since 2019 with eight stops timed to connect with the Hiawatha train—will face higher costs from increased equipment, maintenance, and inflation.

Governor Tony Evers signed an Executive Order to secure vaccine access, and the Department of Health Services urged Wisconsinites aged six months and older to get a COVID-19 vaccine for the upcoming season (supporting advice from top medical groups).

The department said it will work to help families get care while federal rules may limit vaccine supply.

Everflow Farm and Orchard in Bonduel hosted visitors on Tuesday, September 16th with fresh apples from over 2000 trees and a range of seasonal treats such as pumpkins, homemade jams, and hayrides—open daily from mid-June through January.

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.

Fall & Halloween Make & Take Workshop

10 AM - 12 PM — Board & Brush Creative Studio - Appleton — $20 — Create festive decor while enjoying a family-friendly atmosphere with step-by-step guidance.

DIY Porch Planter Workshop

6-9 p.m. — Board & Brush Creative Studio - Appleton — Pre-registration required — Create your own beautiful porch planter with provided materials and expert guidance.

Nature Walk and Lunch Gathering

3-5 p.m. — Gordon Bubolz Nature Preserve — No cost — Stretch your legs while enjoying a scenic walk and the possibility of a lunch together.

Better Together

5-8 p.m. — The 513 — Refunds up to 7 days before event — Enjoy culinary delights and live music while supporting the St. Joseph Food Program at this community networking event.