Good morning, Appleton.

The Appleton Area School District Welcome Center is receiving food donations to help more than 300 students facing homelessness, as staff report that need has grown and donations have exceeded expectations.

The district continues to accept contributions from community members to support families living in hotels, unsheltered, or unstable conditions — an effort to provide immediate relief.

The Appleton Area School District faces a $13 million annual deficit and is weighing a referendum in April to cover part of the shortfall—alternatively, 100—150 staff members may be cut for the next school year.

Today, the district holds a community feedback session at 6:30 p.m. at the Welcome Center on N. Oneida St—another session is planned for Oct 7.

Residents in Town of Center are worried about a new gravel quarry that could worsen road safety and water quality issues—68 locals signed a petition asking for a different location.

The town board approved the proposal, and the Outagamie zoning committee will review it at a planning meeting on October 14th at 9 a.m.

Appleton’s Safety and Licensing Committee rejected an application to install gaming machines at the Mad Elephant on S.

Oneida Street because the machines may be used as gambling tools — the venue’s attorney argued the units are not games of chance while City Attorney Zak Buruin said online ads promote payouts.

Fresh cut cantaloupe products sold under the brands Harvest Cuts and Fresh and Finest are being recalled after tests found a possible Listeria risk—shoppers should discard or return the products as no illnesses have been reported.

Ascension Wisconsin is no longer in-network with UnitedHealthcare after months of negotiations failed, so patients at its facilities in Appleton, Oshkosh, and Chilton may face higher costs + members are advised to choose new plans during open enrollment starting October 15.

UnitedHealthcare’s contract with Ascension Wisconsin ended yesterday, leaving facilities — St. Elizabeth Campus in Appleton, Mercy Hospital in Oshkosh and Calumet Hospital in Chilton — at risk of being out-of-network for some enrollees if no new deal is reached soon.

It is not yet known if a new agreement was secured yesterday.

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.

Twelfth Night Performance

7:30-9 p.m. — Fox Cities Performing Arts Center — Ticket prices vary — Experience Shakespeare's classic comedy brought to life by The Lord Chamberlain's Men.