Appleton Community News

Downtown Appleton. Appleton Community News photo by Dan Plutchak

Kaukauna Municipal Services Building, photo by Kaukauna Community News

How do closed sessions in government meetings work?

By Jen Zettel-Vandenhouten / Wisconsin Watch, Wisconsin WatchOctober 15, 2026 “I was wondering if, in a future edition, you might offer some insight into some of the process behind some of these city and town board meetings. For example, I have always wondered why boards are allowed to meet in a closed session.” — reader […]

Kaukauna leaf pickup

2026 leaf collection begins Monday in Kaukauna

KAUKAUNA — Leaf collection begins Monday, Oct. 19 in Kaukauna and runs weekly through Nov. 19 on your garbage collection day. Below is a link to a video from the Clean Lakes Alliance explaining the impact of leaves in the streets.https://bit.ly/3Kp4vnC For additional questions, please contact the. Public Works Department at 920.766.6337.

Kaukauna High wrestling’s Matczak stepping down as head coach

KAUKAUNA — After 34 years leading Kaukauna High School wrestling, hall-of-famer Jeff Matczak is retiring from his role as head coach, the school announced Thursday. From 1992–’26, Matczak helped build one of the most successful wrestling programs in the state, serving as co-head coach alongside Steve McDaniel from 1992–2001. The numbers speak for themselves, according […]

‘Walk your Wheels’ signage promotes crosswalk safety in Kaukauna

KAUKAUNA — If you’re visiting downtown Kaukauna, you might see a new, bright blue message on the sidewalk. “Walk your Wheels” reminds people traveling by bike, skateboard, kick scooter, etc. to dismount and walk in areas with high foot traffic to help improve safety and reduce the risk of collisions with pedestrians. Over the next […]

Six killed, including child, in Wisconsin Dells area small plane crash

SAUK COUNTY — All six occupants of a small airplane, including one child, died Tuesday evening in a plane crash near the Wisconsin Dells. According to a news release, the Sauk County Dispatch Center received multiple reports about 9:30 p.m. Oct. 13 of a downed aircraft in the area of Mirror Lake State Park outside of […]

Trunk ot treat

Aurora BayCare trunk-or-treat Tuesday in Kaukauna

KAUKAUNA — It’s time to dress up the little ghosts and goblins for one of the largest trunk-or-treats in the Valley happening Tuesday in Kaukauna. The event runs from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday Oct. 13 at 1500 Arbor Way off I-41 on Kaukauna’s far north side. The Aurora BayCare parking lot will be […]

Children’s boutique in Kaukauna to close storefront by the end of the year

KAUKAUNA — The Little Bear Boutique, a children’s boutique on Kaukauna’s south side, announced Sunday they will close their storefront by the end of the year. Located on Ann Street near the Piggly Wiggly, the store has been open since the summer of 2025. “It’s bittersweet that I officially announce the closure of The Little […]

Kaukauna High School student earns perfect score on ACT

KAUKAUNA — A Kaukauna High School student has accomplished the rare feat of earning a perfect score on the ACT college entrance exam. Zach Vanderloop, scored a perfect 36 on the test, according to the school district. “This is an incredible and rare accomplishment! Zach, your hard work and dedication have certainly paid off, and […]

Recap: Kaukauna defeats Oshkosh West on homecoming

KAUKAUNA — Ryan Mayer was 4-for-4 on field goals as the Kaukauna Galloping Ghosts defeated Oshkosh West 19-3 on homecoming Friday at Bank of Kaukauna Stadium. Mayer put the Ghosts on the scoreboard first with a 30-yard field goal in the first quarter. After the Kaukauna defense forced a second turnover on downs in the […]

Kaukauna Police Department mourns death of first-ever K-9, Rocko

KAUKAUNA — Rocko, the first K-9 to serve the Kaukauna Police Department died Wednesday. The department made the announcement Friday on social media. Rocko retired in 2023 after eight years serving the city alongside his handler, Officer Lucas Meyer. Throughout his career, Rocko helped detect illegal drugs, apprehend dangerous subjects, and assist in searching for […]