Good morning, Appleton.

Appleton’s Fox River Oracle is a public sculpture created by Dimitri Hadzi and dedicated in 1987 that now ranks 68th on America’s Ugliest Public Art list—stirring divided opinions among local residents and artists.

The piece has served as a familiar gateway to downtown for 38 years and remains a point of debate in the community.

Jeannie Sommers has worked for seven years as a crossing guard at Edison Elementary and calls her role 'fabulous' because she meets children and keeps them safe; she also loves gardening, biking for exercise, and hosting a monthly coffee club — a favorite pastime that builds community bonds.

State data from Sept.

25 show many Appleton-area voucher students skipped the Forward Exam, with schools like Holy Spirit Catholic and Saint Francis Xavier reporting nearly all required students did not test—unlike public schools where only 2% opted out. Some schools that tested their voucher students recorded English and math scores ranging from 36% to 87% at or above grade level—highlighting a mix of testing participation and performance.

Today, Wisconsin ends charging sales tax on household energy bills under a bipartisan state budget — a change that extends the winter exemption year-round, is expected to save taxpayers $178 million over two years, and will help lower- and middle-income families keep more of their paychecks.

Tuesday night, district leaders announced that the Appleton Area School District will hold two public sessions for community feedback on a $13 million budget deficit—officials said that rising inflation and limited state aid have created a funding gap and that a potential referendum and other measures may be considered.

Several Interstate 41 ramps and overpasses reopened this summer along routes such as Vandenbroek Road and Ballard Road as part of a project to expand the highway from four to six lanes and add extra lanes for safety—additional work will keep some ramps closed through later fall and mid-November. These improvements link Appleton with Grand Chute, Little Chute and Kaukauna as construction continues to upgrade interchanges.

The city of Appleton is applying for a Transportation Alternatives Program grant to fund a new bicycle and pedestrian trail called the Southpoint Powerline Trail.

Parks director Dean Gazza said the project has been planned for years—without outside help it may not move forward.

A Gallup poll shows that only 50% of Americans under 35 drink alcohol—a drop from 72% twenty years ago—and this trend is seen in Northeast Wisconsin.

In Oshkosh, while students will join a pub crawl in less than two weeks, many young drinkers are opting for non-alcoholic choices as local bars add more mocktails to their menus.

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.

Halloween Themed DIY Cookies & Crafts Workshop

6-9 p.m. — Board & Brush Creative Studio, Appleton — Pre-registration required — Create personalized wood signs and decorate Halloween-themed cookies in this festive DIY workshop.