Good morning, Appleton.

Appleton firefighters responded Tuesday afternoon to a garage fire at the 2100 block of East Esther that left over $200,000 in damage—fire crews controlled the blaze in ten minutes and are working to determine its cause.

The Trout Museum of Art will open its new building (325 E.

College Ave) on Oct. 11 with a ribbon-cutting at 9 a.m. and fall-themed events (pumpkin painting at 10 a.m. and guided tours at 9:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m.).

Community members in Kaukauna celebrated the groundbreaking for a 30,000 square-foot addition at Victor Haen Elementary School on Wednesday.

The project will expand the school to include 4K through fourth grade classrooms—featuring a dedicated art room, gym, physical education area and music space—and will be completed in fall 2026.

Kaukauna High School seniors in Mr. Roehrig's civic engagement class have been raising funds to transform Grignon Hill (a well-loved local spot) into a winter sledding hill by adding a tow rope, snow machines, and groomed slopes while remaining about $80,000 short of their target; they plan to start phase one this summer and will continue the project after their class ends on November 20. This effort builds on ideas developed in past classes to enhance community fun.

Today, amid a government shutdown, Appleton International Airport did not see significant delays as Airport Director Abe Weber said departing flights left on time — while other airports like Chicago and Denver experienced delays up to 45 minutes due to staffing shortages.

Appleton resident Ann Muenster filed a complaint with the Wisconsin Department of Justice alleging that state Rep. Dave Murphy no longer lives in District 56 — prompting calls for him to clarify his residency.

State Rep. Dave Murphy said he leased a home at 1310 N.

Lake Road to serve District 56, but records show the property is in District 52+raising questions about his residency from local constituents like Ann Muenster. Murphy said he will complete his term and will not seek reelection.

State Rep. Dave Murphy faced criticism last Wednesday after residents at Plamann Park protested his purchase of a retirement home outside the 56th district, raising concerns over his residency requirements—he said he will rent a room in the district until his term ends in January.

His voting address on the Legislature website was later updated to show an address within the 56th district.

Children’s Wisconsin in Appleton held an open house yesterday at the Children’s Wisconsin Appleton Clinic at 2575 E.

Evergreen Dr.—the new pediatric urgent care will begin serving patients next Monday at 9 a.m. with six exam rooms, two triage rooms, and one treatment room operating seven days a week.

Residents in Northeast Wisconsin are experiencing a rise in seasonal affective disorder as days get shorter and sunlight fades.

Licensed counselor Charles Carter said many report mood changes, increased cravings, and less outdoor time that lowers vitamin D levels — experts advise spending time outside even when it is gray.

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.

Fox Valley Symphony Concert

3:00 – 4:30 PM — Fox Cities Performing Arts Center — Ticket information required — Experience an afternoon of musical collaboration and expressive arts.