Good morning, Appleton.

Homeowners on South Aurora Drive have not received mail for 11 months because the USPS now requires cluster box units for new developments—residents have removed their curbside boxes and now pick up mail at the post office until a solution is found.

Local officials and the postal service are working to resolve the issue as frustration grows.

Northeast Wisconsin smoke shops are facing big challenges after new vape rules went into effect on Sept.

1 — owner Tyler Hall said sales dropped 81% and some shops may close soon. WiscoFAST has filed a lawsuit against the Department of Revenue and some customers are switching to cigarettes or nicotine pouches as their vape options shrink.

Local smoke shops in Northeast Wisconsin have been hit hard since Wisconsin’s vape regulations took effect on Sept.

1 — owners report sales falling 81% and some shops closing temporarily as customers switch to other nicotine sources. The WiscoFAST group has filed a lawsuit against the Department of Revenue and a ruling is expected by December.

Appleton Area School District faces a $13M budget deficit and is seeking community feedback for a referendum that would cover six years of school funding with options of $11M, $13M, or $15M per year—each option raising property taxes by $20, $36, or $52 per $100,000.

Residents can share their views at a meeting on Tuesday, Oct. 7 at 6:30 p.m. and via a survey in November before a final decision is made in January.

Yesterday, record high temperatures reached 88 degrees in Appleton and nearby cities—20 degrees above the normal 60s for early October.

Forecasts say the heat will continue today before a cold front brings milder weather late Sunday into Monday.

Gov. Evers signed a bill on Friday that updates the criminal code to address the misuse of AI-created images—this law expands crimes to include depictions of nudity and bans sharing intimate images without consent while defining synthetic intimate representation.

The Appleton Fire Department warns that lithium-ion batteries can overheat and cause fires while planning an electronics recycling event next Saturday from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Appleton Fire Station 6 on North Lightning Drive—devices accepted include laptops, desktop computers, TVs, monitors, printers and tablets—loose batteries will not be accepted.

Appleton officials approved plans to makeover W.

College Avenue and announced a shared vision with Grand Chute and Outagamie County to add pedestrian and bicyclist options, improve intersection safety and simplify business access—Mayor Jake Woodford said no construction timetable was set yet.

On Thursday evening, ThedaCare Regional Medical Center-Neenah held a pediatric mass-casualty drill from 6 to 7:30 p.m.—local law enforcement and first responders simulated a bus crash with 20 Cub Scouts from Greenville’s Pack 3177—to test emergency readiness as it seeks pediatric-ready certification.

St. Norbert College and Bellin College announced Friday a pilot program that lets student-athletes who complete two years at SNC transfer to Bellin and continue competing in NCAA events—marking the first approved waiver program of its kind.

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.

Houdini 10k Race

9:00-11:30 AM — Jones Park — For a registration fee — Celebrate the life of Harry Houdini while enjoying a scenic 10k run through Appleton's beautiful fall landscape.

2025 Geriatric Conference

8 AM-5 PM — Hilton Appleton Paper Valley — $449.99 — Enhance your expertise with cutting-edge strategies in geriatric care over two impactful days.