Good morning, Appleton.

On Thursday, a community event in Kaukauna celebrated Wisconsin women breaking barriers in fields like construction and architecture by featuring the Women at Work booklet with photos from Graham Images—attendees shared in the women’s stories of overcoming challenges.

According to Wisconsin Farm Bureau's annual Marketbasket survey, a traditional Thanksgiving dinner for 10 will cost $61.84—up $3.88 and 6.7% from last year's price—and reflects higher turkey costs from bird flu, labor issues, and weather woes.

Wisconsin farmers and dairy producers help supply the region’s Thanksgiving feasts by raising turkeys, cranberries, onions, potatoes, and producing fresh milk.

Their family-run operations blend traditional methods—like hand raking and local selling—with modern practices to ensure high quality food for the holiday meal.

Appleton-area schools have set Thanksgiving breaks mostly from November 26 to 28, with some schools starting on November 24 or 27, and winter breaks are planned from December 22 to January 2 according to each district's calendar.

Families should check their school schedules to confirm the exact dates.

The Boys & Girls Clubs of the Fox Valley received an anonymous $1.4m gift to support STEM and workforce readiness programs for over 4,000 kids in Neenah, Appleton & Menasha.

The donation will be allocated over the next three years to expand summer programs and skills training initiatives.

Wisconsin school districts will get a 35% reimbursement rate for special education costs—lower than the 42% promised by lawmakers due to higher spending than expected.

Advocates warn the shortfall will force districts to make hard budget choices and divert funds from other needs.

State lawmakers proposed a bill that would offer new veterinarians a $25,000 grant each year for up to four years if they spend 25% of their time with farm animals in rural counties—aimed at easing their high student debt and addressing a shortage in veterinary care.

Lawmakers said the funds will be provided from the next biennial state budget and noted the plan mirrors existing loan forgiveness programs for other health professionals.

Valley Transit will rebuild its hub at 100 East Washington Street with a new transit center—backed by a $25 million federal grant—that includes multi-family housing above the facility.

A temporary transit site will be set up during construction, which is expected to begin next year and take about two years to complete.

Rep Tony Wied honored the late meteorologist Tom Mahoney on the House floor Wednesday evening as he praised Mahoney for more than 30 years at WFRV and his service to the community—Mahoney passed peacefully on November 9 at age 75 after a long illness.

The Unteachables Comedy Show

4:00–5:30 p.m. — Skyline Comedy Club — Tickets available — Experience the uproarious antics of a unique group of educators turned comedians.

Sisters Christmas Catechism: CSI - Bethlehem

7-8:30 p.m. — Fox Cities Performing Arts Center — Ticket prices vary — Solve the holiday mystery that has intrigued historians in this festive performance by Sister.

Timber Rattlers Holiday Lights

5-8 p.m. — Neuroscience Group Field — $13 General Admission — Experience over a million dazzling lights synchronized to your favorite Christmas tunes amidst family-friendly activities.

Fox Valley Symphony - Hearts In Harmony

4-5:30 p.m. — Fox Cities Performing Arts Center — Tickets available — Enjoy holiday classics with local choirs and the Fox Valley Symphony Orchestra Brass and Percussion.

Gabriel Rutledge Comedy Show

7-8:30 p.m. — Skyline Comedy Club — Ticket prices vary — Enjoy a night of laughter with acclaimed comedian Gabriel Rutledge.

Gabriel Rutledge Comedy Show

7:00-8:30 p.m. — Skyline Comedy Club — Tickets available — Enjoy a night of laughs with past winners of acclaimed comedy competitions.

Holiday Gift & Craft Show

8 a.m. - 4 p.m. — Fox Cities Exhibition Center — $5 — Explore a variety of vintage and handmade goods just in time for the holiday season.