Good morning, Appleton.

We Energies proposes a 750 megawatt natural gas plant at its Fox Energy Center in Wrightstown—site work will begin in the second quarter of 2029 and the plant will operate by late 2032—while its plan notes an impact on 22 wetlands and outlines steps for permit reviews.

Appleton Area School District is the sixth largest in the state, as highlighted in a feature that compiles six key facts about its workforce and operations.

The report sheds light on the district's role in regional education & community growth.

The Wisconsin DPI announced eight schools as 2026 Blue Ribbon Schools — honoring high performance and success in closing gaps — on Tuesday.

Little Chute Middle School, a Fox Valley school, received its award as part of the state program's second year.

Federal disaster unemployment assistance is available for eligible workers in Forest, Outagamie, Vilas, and Winnebago counties after the July 27 storms and tornadoes—benefits begin the week ending Aug.

8 and applications are due by Dec. 7.

Appleton officials are reviewing nine names for Veterans Park (1208 S.

Memorial Drive) to avoid confusion with Veterans Memorial Park; the Parks and Recreation Committee will recommend a name on Oct. 26 before the Common Council decides on Nov. 4. The change follows last year's rename of Appleton Memorial Park.

Federal disaster unemployment assistance is available now for eligible workers in Forest, Outagamie, Vilas, and Winnebago Counties who lost income due to the July 27 storms.

Applicants must first file for regular UI benefits and then submit claims for DUA benefits by Dec. 7.

The DNR has ordered public water systems to test drinking water for ammonia by the end of December in reaction to a nitrification event last summer in Williams Bay; systems with levels over 0.2 mg/L will get extra monitoring + flushing to protect health.