News

The Shawano School District will break ground on facility projects at Olga Brener Intermediate School, Hillcrest Primary School, and Shawano Community Middle School, as part of the referendum approved in November 2024.

The Jimmy Awards®/National High School Musical Theatre Awards® in New York City in June

The Fox Cities Performing Arts Center is proud to announce the 2025 representatives of the Center Stage High School Musical Theater Program: Isaac Schultz of Brillion High School and Greta Nolte of Fox Valley Lutheran High School.

Art fair, children, nonprofit

James Marketing Company is your all-in-one marketing partner, helping businesses grow through powerful storytelling, strategic content, and standout branding. Based in Appleton, Wisconsin, we specialize in bringing your business to life—online and in person—through photo and video content, social media management, and full-scale marketing campaigns.

Supported by a WI Workforce Innovation Grant, students, state dignitaries, Presidents and CEOs gather for ceremony

On May 16, Career EXCELerate Wisconsin will celebrate more than 65 students who earned educational certificates through the collaborative program operated in partnership with Goodwill North Central Wisconsin (Goodwill NCW), Fox Valley Technical College and Rawhide Youth Services. The program began in summer 2022 with support from a Workforce Innovation Grant from the state of Wisconsin.

Ron Van De Hey ends lifetime of civic service

The Fox Locks system will celebrate the season opening on Saturday, May 17 and mark the end of service for its Board Chairman Ron Van De Hey. He has been involved with the community effort to restore and reopen the lock system since 1981, originally serving on the task force to explore saving the system.

The Fox Cities Chamber is now accepting vendor applications for its AI Business Summit on Wednesday, November 5. This is the premier event for businesses, innovators, and professionals looking to explore the power of artificial intelligence in the workplace. This event will bring together industry experts, thought leaders, and cutting-edge businesses to discuss practical AI applications, emerging trends, and real-world case studies that are shaping the future of business.

TICKETS ON SALE FRIDAY, MAY 16 AT 10:00 A.M.

The Fox Cities Performing Arts Center is proud to announce the hit a cappella group returns with NiteLite Presents Straight No Chaser Holiday Road Tour on Sunday, November 30, 2025.

Racewalking clinic helps competitive walkers improve their form with expert guidance

The Community First Fox Cities Marathon Presented by Miron Construction will host a free racewalking clinic to help walkers looking to improve their racewalking technique. The clinic will be led by two-time U.S. Olympic trials qualifier and three-time national champion Jordan Crawford and two-time Olympic trials qualifier Bricyn Healey. The racewalking clinic will take place on Saturday, May 10, at 10 a.m. at Community First Credit Union’s headquarters, located at 1575 Dresang Way in Neenah.

95.9 KISS FM (WKSZ) took home top honors as Medium Market Music Station of the Year at the 2025 Wisconsin Broadcasters Association (WBA) Awards Gala. The awards ceremony, held Saturday at the Madison Marriott West in Middleton, recognized excellence in broadcasting across the state for content executed throughout 2024.

WHBY's dedication to powerful local stories received recognition Saturday night. The station earned the Best Significant Community Impact award at the 2025 Wisconsin Broadcasters Association (WBA) Awards Gala. The event, held at the Madison Marriott West in Middleton, celebrated excellence in broadcasting across Wisconsin for content broadcast in 2024.

Thompson Center on Lourdes’s Capital Campaign Gains Momentum as Testimonials Inspire Community Support for $400,000 Matching Challenge

For Dan, retirement wasn’t what he expected. After decades in construction and raising a family, he found himself adrift—bored, isolated, and unsure of what was next. That changed when he walked into the Thompson Center on Lourdes, soon to be known as the Mary Beth Nienhaus Activity Center.

Community members are invited to attend the spring concert to celebrate this milestone achievement in music education.

To celebrate the 100th anniversary, the orchestra has commissioned a special piece by local composer Carrie Lane Gruselle. The piece, entitled Echoes of a Century, will feature all orchestra students in grades 5-12, and will debut at the spring orchestra concert on Thursday, May 22. This event is free and open to the public. The concert begins at 6:30 p.m. at Kaukauna High School; doors open at 6:00 p.m.

Appleton Downtown, Inc. (ADI) is excited to bring the Light the Night Market, presented by Fox Communities Credit Union, back to Downtown Appleton to kick off the summer season. Appleton Downtown, Inc. transforms Downtown Appleton into an open-air market on Friday, May 16 from 5:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. Performances by local artists and entertainers, local vendors, cultural performances, food trucks, hands-on activities, and more will fill College Avenue with excitement and fun!

Today, Benjamin Mansalis, MD, joins Children’s Wisconsin as chief information and digital officer. He will lead the Information Services team and shape digital, analytics and technology strategies.

Rennes Group is proud to announce a $2,500 donation to Safe Driving Matters, a nonprofit organization founded in memory of Mackenzie “Kenzie” Jo Leeman, a former Certified Nursing Assistant at Rennes Health & Rehab Center–Appleton who tragically lost her life in a car accident on February 26, 2019, while driving home from work.

Capital Credit Union is thrilled to announce the recipients of its 2025 Elevate Communities Program. This year, Capital Credit Union is awarding a total of $100,475.06 to nineteen fire and police departments across Northeast Wisconsin, forging meaningful partnerships that empower local heroes and uplift the communities we serve.

Educators invited to explore innovative education and live arts integration experiences in the upcoming school year

The Fox Cities Performing Arts Center announced its 2025-26 Amcor Education Series Season to Northeast Wisconsin educators attending the Educator Appreciation Event on Thursday, May 8, 2025, during National Teacher Appreciation Week.

Fresh, Contemporary Look Ensures Quick Access to Resources and Updates

The Wisconsin CASA Association is pleased to announce the launch of its newly redesigned website, accessible at wisconsin-casa.org. The updated site features a modern look and feel, a streamlined format and structure, and delivers the same valuable content in a refreshed and more organized layout.

Registration is now open for the Fox Cities Chamber Octoberfest Golf Outing – a fun event that will give participants a chance to raise their steins (and their golf clubs!) to raise funds and have some fun along the way.

Future Neenah is excited to announce the return of the Log Your Loops initiative for its 7th year—encouraging residents and visitors alike to get outside, get active, and enjoy the scenic Loop the Little Lake Trail this summer.

Fritsch Equipment, Foxland, SRH Investment

New Tool Helps Small Businesses With Environmental Compliance

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR), in honor of National Small Business Week, today launched the new Environmental Responsibility Navigator (Enviro-Nav) to help small businesses with environmental compliance.

What was once a casino night social following Consolidated Construction Company’s annual company training has blossomed into something far more impactful: an employee-driven initiative centered on giving back to local non-profit organizations.

Goodwill NCW helps people secure jobs, advance careers and transform their lives

Every year during the first full week of May, Goodwill organizations worldwide celebrate Goodwill Week. The observance raises awareness about Goodwill’s mission.

Led 18-county regional economic development corporation for six years, spurring new programs, community partners and industry certifications; Search has begun for successor

Barb LaMue has formally informed the New North Board of Directors of her plans to retire from the role of President and CEO of the organization, which serves as the regional economic development corporation for the 18 counties of Northeast Wisconsin. She will remain in the position into September 2025 – or until a successor is in place – to ensure a smooth leadership transition.

At the Wisconsin Lions State Convention, held May 1-3 in LaCrosse, the Fox Valley Lions MJ Tassoul Memorial Medical Equipment Loan Locker was presented the Lions International Kindness Matters Service Award.

Small businesses do more than drive the local economy—they shape the character and vitality of our communities. The Fox Cities Chamber is recognizing the contributions of local small businesses during National Small Business Week, May 4–10.

The Professional Background Screening Association (PBSA®) Background Screening Credentialing Council (BSCC) announced today that J. J. Keller & Associates, Inc. has successfully demonstrated continued compliance with the Background Screening Organization Accreditation Program (BSOAP) and is again recognized as BSCC Accredited.

In 2019, the VA was granted permission to build a Fisher House to service the needs of the VA community here in Madison. In 2025, NOW IS THE TIME to secure the capital to get it done!

Leadership

Digital Printing/Screen Printing of outdoor yard signs and promotional products

Applications will be accepted now through June 19, 2025

Applications for the 2025-2026 class of the Fox Cities Chamber’s Leadership Fox Cities Program, The Fox Cities’ premier leadership program since 1991, are now being accepted, with an application deadline of June 19, 2025.

The Hmong Wisconsin Chamber of Commerce is teaming up with Focus on Energy to host an energy savings workshop for the Fox Cities and surrounding communities. This event is free and open to all.

A spark of creativity from the young minds of fourth, fifth, and sixth grade students at Neenah’s Alliance Charter School has come to life in the form of a whimsical new community art project: Tiny Doors. Guided by teacher and local art advocate Tami Erickson, this imaginative project brings miniature, hand-crafted clay doors to public spaces across the city.

History and ambiance will intertwine in the new Vault 202 Brewery & Taproom, which is scheduled to open later this summer in the space next to Chase Bank on College Avenue in Appleton. The investors of Vault 202 partnered with Hoffman Planning, Design & Construction, Inc. on the renovation to bring the concept to life.

Livability.com's 2025 Best Places List Puts Affordability First, Lets Users Find Their Ideal City

Livability.com unveiled its highly anticipated 2025 Top 100 Best Places to Live list, showcasing the nation's most vibrant and livable small to mid-sized cities, and Appleton has earned a coveted spot among the nation's most livable cities.

With success, WI Workforce Innovation Grant that supports program extended

On March 7, Career EXCELerate Wisconsin celebrated reaching a significant milestone of 200 participants employed. Since its beginning in 2022, with support from a Workforce Innovation Grant from the state of Wisconsin, students enroll to earn educational certificates through this collaborative program operated in partnership with Goodwill North Central Wisconsin (NCW), Fox Valley Technical College and Rawhide Youth Services.

The YMCA of the Fox Cities hosted its 136th Annual Meeting on April 17, 2025, at the West Rivery Edison, celebrating another year of strengthening community through the power of belonging, leadership, and service. The evening was marked by heartfelt recognition of dedicated board members, community leaders, and inspiring stories that showcase the Y’s mission in action.

Red Shoes Inc. agency director honored for exceptional leadership and achievements

Red Shoes Inc., an award-winning, Wisconsin-based, full-service strategic communication firm, is excited to announce that Meagan Hardwick, agency director, has been named to the Insight on Business 40 Under 40 list. This award honors young professionals across Northeast Wisconsin who have made a significant impact on their communities and industry.

May is National Stroke Awareness Month

May is Stroke Awareness Month - a meaningful time for HSHS St. Vincent Hospital and Prevea Health to remind everyone of the importance of recognizing the signs and symptoms of stroke.

May 1st, 2025, 12:00 PM CDT

Join us for a ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate the newest addition to the Centennial Centre Business Park in Hobart. Folkman Plaza now spans 10,652 square feet and features The Wash Shack, a state-of-the-art car wash tunnel. The plaza also includes a coffee shop space with a drive-thru and outdoor seating. Additionally, there are two more retail spaces available for future tenants. We invite everyone to join us in celebrating this exciting new development in Hobart, WI!

May 5th, 2025, 1:00 PM CDT

Join us to celebrate the beginning of construction on a new 3,280-square-foot facility for the Shawano VFW Post 2723 in Shawano, WI. This new building will include a warming room for gatherings, an outdoor patio, and bi-folding partition walls to create flexible meeting spaces. It will also provide storage for essential equipment and supplies, office space, and accessible entrances and bathrooms for individuals with disabilities. The project is expected to be completed in the Fall of 2025.

To help meet patient demand of accessible rheumatology care in more geographic locations, Orthopedic & Sports Medicine Specialists (OSMS), is expanding its team of physicians in Oshkosh from three rheumatologists to four, beginning on Tuesday, April 22. OSMS Rheumatologist and Physician Owner, Dr. Suraiya Afroz, will begin seeing patients at OSMS Oshkosh, currently located at 2700 West Ninth Avenue, on Tuesdays.