Good morning, Appleton.

Appleton Public Library won the AIA Chicago Lerch Bates People’s Choice Award in the Community & Civic category after its 18-month, $40.4 million renovation transformed it into a bright civic space—Wisconsin Department of Administration Secretary Kathy Blumenfeld toured the library on March 24.

At Porter's Patch Farm in Navarino, owner Troy Porter said his pumpkin crop is bountiful with tens of thousands of pumpkins available for the Farmtoberfest celebration.

The event, featuring soccer and a corn maze challenge, runs each Friday, Saturday and Sunday (through October 26).

Appleton Area School District students scored 51% at or above grade level in both English language arts and math on the Forward Exams—a slight drop from last year's 53%–54% results achieved by 6,210 students, though they still outperformed peers in similar districts.

The Appleton Safety and Licensing Committee voted Wednesday to approve a truancy ordinance proposal for the school district that targets students ages 14 to 17 with five or more unexcused absences and may lead to citations for families—while the Common Council must now decide whether to reinstate the policy amid doubts about its effectiveness.

Appleton schools are gathering donations for students facing homelessness as over 300 students have been identified this school year amid a rising need from families living in hotels or unsheltered conditions — donations are already available at the district Welcome Center and more contributions continue to arrive.

The Wisconsin DNR is urging local residents and visitors to buy local firewood this fall—warning that untreated wood can transport invasive pests like the spongy moth and emerald ash borer that damage trees.

State parks and forests offer certified treated firewood considered safe to move within the state.

Adam Lenth, who spent 10 years on the ThedaStar helicopter — completing over 1,000 patient flights — now begins a new role as EMS coordinator today to help ensure smooth EMS transfers.

Officials with the DATCP confirmed on Thursday a case of highly pathogenic avian influenza in a Jefferson County commercial poultry flock—agents quarantined the property and plan to depopulate the birds to stop the spread.

The DATCP and USDA also advise livestock owners to use strong biosecurity measures to protect their animals.

Impact Sports Academy broke ground on expanding its baseball and softball facility in Lawrence on September 25th—adding a quadplex field with concessions and 15,000 square feet for extra batting cages to boost training and host future tournaments.

Owner Jason Berken said local athletes will benefit as the building addition is set to finish in late March or early April while the fields complete in about one year.

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.

Foxy Writer's Club

5-7 p.m. — The Tardigrade's Bookshelf — Free entry — A welcoming space for local writers to exchange ideas and feedback across all genres.

YMCA Freaky 5K Run

8 a.m. – 12 p.m. — Pierce Park — Registration fees apply — Run through beautiful autumn scenery along the shores of the Fox River with family and friends.

OPEN TAB Live at The Northland

2-5:30 p.m. — The Northland Sports Pub & Grill — Cost Info not provided — Enjoy a lively performance from OPEN TAB at this local favorite pub.