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Hey Fox Cities, hope your week’s off to a good start!

In today’s wallet-friendly edition: A parade route shake-up, a frozen custard classic’s 79th-season upgrades, and gold and silver heating up + lots of fun things to do for free.

Today’s sponsor, American Hartford Gold, is helping folks around the Fox Cities protect their savings as gold and silver continue to gain momentum. Their free guide explains what’s driving the surge… and what to know before adding precious metals to your portfolio. Grab your free copy here.

📰 In the news

Regional coalition secures federal funding: East Central Wisconsin Regional Planning Commission was awarded almost $843,000 to study safety on County Highway KK near Appleton, a multi-year effort backed by two counties and six municipalities — get all the details.

Longtime celebration takes detour: Appleton’s Flag Day Parade will use the Christmas Parade route this year for safety, citing the route’s length and a potential train hazard. The 75th parade is June 13 — see what’s changing and when.

A classic keeps evolving: Oshkosh favorite Leon’s Frozen Custard has opened its 79th season with upgrades, including handheld carhop payments, a new rewards program, reloadable gift cards, and a question for customers about delivery — get all the details.

Nothing prepares you for a pet emergency: I learned that the hard way after charging $10k to a credit card for life-saving surgery on my cat, Miss Stache. As soon as we got home, I signed up for Spot. It’s super affordable – and reimburses up to 90% of the bill.

Compare rates for free: The national average for car insurance is around $175/month. Paying more than that? Same, so I did some shopping around and ended up cutting my premium in half. If you haven’t checked in a while, you’re probably overpaying too — here’s the comparison tool I used.

Highlights this week:

• Celebrate spring with breakfast bingo
• Americana concert honoring America’s 250th
• Build friendships at the Memory Cafe
• Save on self-care during the CVS Epic Beauty Sale

🏆 Gold and silver are heating up

Together with our sponsor American Hartford Gold

Gold just posted its strongest run in decades… and the momentum is carrying into 2026. Silver has become one of the most talked-about assets as investors look for ways to stay ahead of market volatility.

While many are still sitting on the sidelines, others are quietly repositioning.

If you’re wondering whether you’re missing something, AHG has a free guide explaining what’s driving the renewed interest… and how investors are approaching precious metals right now.

It’s free and worth reading before the next move.

🫶 We got your back

Twirl-worthy pasta plans: When cozy-carb cravings hit, Carmella’s an Italian Bistro serves silky house-made pastas, bright sauces, and just-enough decadence to make Tuesday feel like a tiny vacation. Perfect for a midweek date or a solo treat, because, honestly, you’ve earned it.

Sustainable style, zero fuss: Beatnik Betty’s Resale Butik blends curated resale, vintage finds, and locally made extras, plus the in-house ReBetty line stitched from recycled fabrics. An easy midweek closet refresh that feels unique, mindful, and far from a fast-fashion hangover.

Chill without the shivers: Skip the full-body deep-freeze; BodyGLOW Aesthetics offers targeted cryo for contouring and cryo facials in a calm, private studio that feels more zen than a lab. Treat sore muscles, refresh your glow, and let the mirror reflect the cool results without the chill.

Thinning hair? It only gets worse: A few months ago, I noticed my ponytail getting thinner. I tried the usual stuff (biotin, shampoo, etc.) but mostly just hoped it would fix itself… until I learned that active follicles can permanently go dormant if you don’t do something about it. The good news? You can get treatment that actually works with no office visits or trips to the pharmacy. Learn more about my favorite online options here.

📆 Free events worth checking out

Have an event to share? BaseLocal Verified Businesses can submit them for free! Learn more about how to submit an event here →

All events are subject to change without notice. Always check official event pages for the most up to date information.

🎶 First Friday Concert @ Neenah Public Library | Friday (3/6) at 2:00 PM – First Friday is bringing big-city chops to the Neenah Public Library, with Juilliard-trained tenor Steven Paul Spears and Fox Valley favorite Linda Sparks polishing the Shattuck Room. Free show, no fuss. Settle in for lustrous singing, crisp diction, and 18 years of easy musical chemistry.

🚶 Last Light Hike @ 1000 Islands Environmental Center | Friday (3/6) at 6:00 PM – Illuminated night hike at 1000 Islands with the Kaukauna Public Library, saluting the moon and the hour we pretend not to miss. Stroll the boardwalk, let the kids read Moon Child, then warm up by the fire with popcorn and hot chocolate. Free, donations appreciated.

🍳 Survival Series: Camp Food @ 1000 Islands Environmental Center | Saturday (3/7) at 11:00 AM – Trade your sad granola habit for real camp eats with help from local Scout leaders. You’ll prep and taste freeze-dried meals, talk trail food, and riff on trail mix and bars, all free. Hands-on, possibly outdoors, so register if you like, and dress for it.

🧶 Spring Craft Show @ Waverly Beach Bar & Grille | Sunday (3/8) at 10:00 AM – Sunday at Waverly Beach’s Grand Ballroom means a spring craft fix, browsing handmade goodies without spending your kids’ inheritance. Free entry, local makers, and zero pressure to become a vendor, just bring a tote, a coffee, and your best ‘I totally needed this’ face.

💃 Old Time Barn Dance @ The 10th Frame | Sunday (3/8) at 2:00 PM – Proof you don’t need a barn to throw a barn dance, Fox River Valley Hoedown Club kicks off at 10th Frame. It’s free, all are welcome, and the bar’s open, so buy a round, then swing your partner. Pickers and callers, bring your A game.

🎶 We Praise Thee @ FELC Downtown Site Sanctuary | Sunday (3/8) at 3:00 PM – Going gloriously Baroque, the parish choir downtown is delivering Purcell’s We Praise Thee with recorders and harpsichord, plus Whitacre’s Frost setting and the Allegri Miserere, that soaring soprano. The handbells debut a world premiere, then dessert. Free, streamed at felc.com/music, donations help kids’ arts programs.

🐞 Junior Naturalist @ 1000 Islands Environmental Center | Tuesday (3/10) at 4:00 PM – Got a middle schooler who thinks a compass is an emoji? This free program teaches grades 5 to 8 to navigate, build shelters, and ID plants and wildlife, then lets them teach their peers, building confidence. Spots are limited, so pre-register at [email protected] or 920-766-4733.

Wanna see more? Browse our full events calendar →

🔥 Worth a peek

We’re always on the hunt for useful resources, deals, services, and products we think you’ll love. Here’s what caught our eye this week.

• Industry-leading home warranty protection ($150 off right now)
• 62+? See how much tax-free cash your home could unlock → free calculator
• This free tool helps connect you with the right financial advisor
• Got debt? You may be able to pay less than you owe
• Protect your pet from disaster with this pet insurance plan
• You can own physical gold and silver in your retirement account

📻 Fox Cities report

Weather forecast

Today – High: 44°F – Low: 29°F – Precip: 20%

A slight chance of snow before 8am, then a slight chance of rain between 8am and 11am. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 44. South southwest wind around 3 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20%. Later: Patchy fog after 4am. Mostly clear, with a low around 29. Southwest wind around 2 mph.

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Tomorrow – High: 50°F – Low: 35°F – Precip: 10%

Patchy fog before 7am. Sunny, with a high near 50. South southeast wind 1 to 6 mph. Later: A slight chance of rain after midnight. Partly cloudy, with a low around 35. Chance of precipitation is 20%.

Someone Googled you this week 👀

It may feel like an invasion of privacy, but unfortunately It’s the new normal. Whether you’re joining a committee, selling something locally, dating again, or just meeting new neighbors… people are going to look you up online.

Like it or not, the internet has a way of surfacing past mistakes and outdated information that no longer reflects who you are.

Thankfully, there’s a really easy way for you – or someone you care about – to clean up outdated results that no longer tell the real story. Learn more here.

This house is wild

This 3-bed, 3.5-bath home blends comfort and practicality, with an expansive kitchen, office, and first-floor laundry. A daylight lower level adds a bar, rec and theater areas, a guest suite, and full bath. Recent upgrades include a maintenance-free deck, 50-year roof, generator, new mechanicals, Speed Queen laundry, and fresh finishes. In-floor heat and hardwoods shine, plus a fire sprinkler system.

Take a peek inside →