Hello Fox Cities! Hope your coffee tastes especially good this morning. In today’s bring-the-kiddos edition: Touch-a-Truck, a butterfly festival, and a fawn rescue + excuses to get the fam out and about this week.
Today’s sponsor, GoldCo, 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.* |
01 — Worth knowing In the newsThree local stories this week, plus a few worth your money.
Local EV support grows: Appleton’s new Rivian Service and Demo Center appears close to opening, promising shorter drives and local support for Fox Valley and northern Wisconsin owners who’ve relied on the Milwaukee area -- check the Rivian center update.
Building bridges between generations: A recent UW–Oshkosh graduate launched the Elder Engagement Club, bringing students and Evergreen Retirement Community residents together for shared dinners that spark conversation and friendships across generations in Oshkosh -- read how the club works.
A rescue with a reminder: An Appleton Police Community Service Officer rescued a fawn with leg injury and brought it to Bay Beach Wildlife Sanctuary. Police reminded residents that most fawns should be left alone -- see the fawn rescue details.
The bill all retirees should double check: Car insurance. If you’ve been on the same plan for years, you might be paying way more than you need to. It’s an easy one to forget about, but switching could save you up to $600 this year. Case in point: I shopped around and ended up cutting my premium in half — this free comparison tool makes it easy.*
An emergency vet visit could cost you $7,000+ (ask me how I know 🙃). From the initial walk-in-the-door fee to x-rays, surgery, and aftercare, it adds up quicker than a chew toy turns into a crime scene. The good news? You could save thousands on your next vet bill with Lemonade*.
Stop wondering if you'll run out of money in retirement: It's the one fear retirees can't shake, and the data says it's warranted. Simulations from Morningstar and EBRI estimate 40% to 45% of American households are at risk of running short. This free quiz matches you with vetted fiduciary advisors in your area, legally required to act in your best interest. A few minutes, no cost, no obligation -- find your advisor match.* Highlights this week: |
02 — From our sponsor
Together with our sponsor GoldCo 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, GoldCo 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.* |
03 — On our radar
Local business spotlightNearby spots we'd actually send a friend to.
Find your next grail: Whether you’re into vinyl figures, trading cards, or that one oddball from your childhood, Dad Toyz is a local treasure run by collectors who get it. Swing by this week, talk shop, and let your display case feel a little too proud again.
Your shelves need this: Clear some space on the nightstand, because The Book Store has that glorious new-and-used mix and an in-store trade-in system that keeps the stacks constantly surprising. Since 1977 they’ve been matching Fox Cities readers with their next favorite read, complete with friendly recs and the perfect browse vibes.
Local blooms, big mood: Consider swinging by The Ever Lea for farm-grown flowers that make Tuesday countertops or backyard parties look suspiciously curated. They’re a small Appleton flower farm known for gorgeous dahlias, plus dahlia tubers if you’re planting this season, and they handle wedding florals too.
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04 — Our recommendations
We got your backA handful of products and services we think are worth a look.
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Your car insurance won't cover a $6,000 transmission: When the transmission or engine goes, your insurance company calls it "wear and tear" and wishes you luck. Insurance is for accidents. It doesn't touch the parts that wear out over time, and those are the ones that cost thousands. That's exactly what an extended warranty is built for. Transmission, engine, electrical, the expensive stuff your factory warranty used to cover, all back on the table. It comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee, so there's nothing to lose by looking. *See what's covered →
At today's rates, credit card debt costs you thousands in interest. Carrying a balance means a big chunk of every payment vanishes into interest instead of paying down what you spent. This credit card offers 0% intro APR until 2028 on purchases and on balances you transfer over in the first 60 days, with no annual fee. So for nearly two years your payments go toward your spending, not interest. *See if it's a fit →
The fitness trend that doesn't require leaving your living room: Chair yoga is having a moment, and for good reason. It's low-impact, easy on the knees and back, and you do the whole thing seated. No floor, no equipment, no studio. A quick quiz turns it into a personalized plan built around your body and goals, then adjusts as you build the habit. *See your plan →
Premiums are up roughly 46% since 2021: Home insurance has outpaced inflation for years, and renewals rarely move in your favor. Rather than take the new number on faith, FinanceBuzz lets you match your home with top-rated insurers and compare quotes side by side — free, in about two minutes. Even if you decide to stay put, you'll know you checked. *See your options → |
Have an event to share? We (and our readers) can't wait to hear about it! Submit an event → |
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05 — The event calendar Fun for the famOur favorite upcoming kid and family-friendly events. All events are subject to change. Always check official event pages before heading out.
🚚 Touch-a-Truck @ Jefferson Park (Menasha) | Wednesday (6/17) at 5:00 PM – Nothing thrills kids like clambering into giant trucks, and nothing thrills you like not cleaning your own. Jefferson Park in Menasha turns into a parking lot you actually want to visit, with city rigs to explore, friendly crews to meet, and Luigi's slinging comfort food.
🦋 16th Annual Fox Cities Butterfly Festival @ Appleton City Park | Saturday (6/20) at 9:00 AM – Appleton’s butterfly bash is back, a free morning with face painting, crafts, kids’ games, and fluttery demos. They’ll ease you in with registration and breakfast, then wrap with a release of over 1,000 butterflies, confetti with better manners. Proceeds boost Kiwanis projects and local nonprofits.
🥛 June Dairy Day @ Leach Amphitheater (Oshkosh) | Saturday (6/20) at 10:00 AM – June means Dairy Day, and yes, the cows are the celebrities. Bring the kids or grandkids for hands-on activities, meet local organizations, and learn how milk becomes the good stuff. It’s free, wholesome, and only slightly dangerous to your lactose tolerance.
🏝 Squish Island Opening @ BackPorch Trades (Menasha) | Saturday (6/20) at 10:00 AM – Our own Squish Island is opening, a playground of all things squishy, slimy, and satisfyingly fidgety. Bring the kids, the grandkids, or your stressed adult self, sample hands-on stress relief that does not require a copay, and snag freebies at checkout for the junk drawer.
🛼 Father’s Day Skate! @ The Plaza at Gateway Park (Neenah) | Sunday (6/21) at 11:00 AM – Father’s Day skate is letting dads roll free, which is exactly the price we like. Expect wobbly ankles, triumphant dad jeans, and classic rink anthems that know all the words. Nostalgia, a touch of cardio, and maybe a knee brace, all in one lap.
🎵 Make Music Day @ History Museum at the Castle (Appleton) | Sunday (6/21) at 12:30 PM – Summer solstice in Appleton means one thing, making noise even the neighbors approve of. Head to the lawn by the History Museum at the Castle for an Instrument Petting Zoo, Rondini’s bombastic bubbles, bucket drumming, and all-ages jams, courtesy of the local dream team.
🎨 Family Program: Monochrome Tie Dye @ Neenah Public Library | Tuesday (6/23) at 1:30 PM – Take a breather at Shattuck Park for monochrome tie-dye, the classy cousin of your kid’s camp shirt. Bring a white cotton piece, or grab one while supplies last, no registration, just neighbors, shade, and swirls that won’t clash with your sensible shoes.
Want more? Browse our full events calendar | Submit an event |
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07 — The Fox Cities report Weather forecastToday — High: 67°F — Low: 54°F — Precip: 97%
Rain showers likely before 1pm, then showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy. High near 67, with temperatures falling to around 62 in the afternoon. South wind 3 to 14 mph, with gusts as high as 26 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%. New rainfall amounts between a half and three quarters of an inch possible. Later: Showers and thunderstorms. Cloudy, with a low around 54. Northeast wind 9 to 13 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%.
Tomorrow — High: 72°F — Low: 53°F — Precip: 53%
A chance of rain showers before 4pm, then a slight chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 72. Northwest wind around 13 mph, with gusts as high as 23 mph. Chance of precipitation is 50%. Later: A slight chance of showers and thunderstorms before 7pm. Partly cloudy, with a low around 53. Chance of precipitation is 20%. This house is wildSet on nearly 3/4 of an acre, this 2,700-plus-square-foot home pairs easy commuting with plenty of room to spread out. The main floor shines with a floor-to-ceiling stone fireplace, quartz countertops, stainless steel appliances, a roomy pantry, office, powder room, and locker area. The attached 3-car garage leads to a finished lower level with a rec room, bedroom, bath, and bonus unfinished space.
Take a peek inside → |
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