🌱 Patch AM: How a new state law just changed Timber Rattlers players’ pay

Good morning to you Appleton! Catch up on our news and events right here. Keep reading to stay in the know. ☀️

In today's newsletter:

• How a new state law just changed Timber Rattlers players’ pay
• Why an Appleton-shot video says your car’s paint edge matters
• How affordable is it to own a car in Appleton?

Today's riddle: Jimmy, did you crash on your bike again? You’ve lost a tooth! 🤔 (Answer below!)

From our Partner
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Weather forecast:

• Sunday: Mostly sunny and frigid, with a high of 7 and low of 5 degrees. ⛄️ Brr!
• Monday: Not as cold, temps: high: 23, low: 13.
• Tuesday: Windy and not as cold, with a high of 35 and low of 24 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. Minor League Baseball players exempted from Wisconsin wage laws – [your]NEWS (yournews.com) — Minor League players for the Appleton-based Wisconsin Timber Rattlers are now exempt from many state wage, overtime, and record-keeping rules under a new law signed by Gov. Tony Evers. Instead, they’ll follow the terms of a 2023 collective bargaining agreement that emphasizes salary, housing, meals, and benefits, aligning Wisconsin with several other states that have passed similar measures.
   

2. SCRS Quick Tip: Breakpoints and Edges (fenderbender.com) — A new training video for collision repair professionals was filmed at the I-CAR Training Center in Appleton, spotlighting best practices for where auto refinishing should start and stop on a vehicle. Presenters explain how to use natural panel breakpoints and edges to meet paint manufacturer and OEM warranty standards, helping shops avoid shortcuts that can hurt long-term quality.
   

3. Which are the best and worst cities to own a car in 2025? (abc17news.com) — Appleton is highlighted as one of the most affordable U.S. cities to own a car, thanks to relatively low insurance and gas costs. The piece compares Appleton with nearby Wisconsin cities and far more expensive markets like Detroit and Miami, emphasizing how insurance, fuel, parking, and infrastructure combine to shape overall car ownership costs.
   

4. Wisconsin school pool safety largely left to districts, with little state oversight (postcrescent.com) — Appleton Area School District leaders warn that new statewide pool-safety mandates without funding could force them to cut swimming instruction altogether. The story examines how Wisconsin districts handle lifeguard training, supervision, and liability after several tragic drownings, highlighting the tension between stronger safety rules and already tight school budgets.
   

📸 Around Appleton

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🗓 Upcoming Events in Appleton

Add your event to our calendar and newsletter!

Tuesday December 23

• Spirit Day - Holiday or Ugly Sweater Day
  Woodland Intermediate Appleton, WI 54915
  7:00 am

📣 Appleton Shout Outs!

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🗓 Events Nearby

Sunday December 14

• Clovis Grove Craft and Vendor Fair
  Clovis Grove Elementary School , 974 9th St , Menasha
  9:00 am
• Grignon Mansion Christmas Tours
  Charles A. Grignon Mansion , 1313 Augustine St , Kaukauna
  2:00 pm

Monday December 15

• Chipotle Fundraiser Night
  Chipotle Mexican Grill , W3198 County Hwy KK , Appleton
  4:00 pm

Tuesday December 16

• Utility Commission
  Little Chute Calendar Little Chute, WI 54140
  5:00 pm
• Hockey: Boys JV Game Date Changed to 01-20-2026
  Champion Center , Grand Chute, WI
  5:00 pm
• Swimming: Boys Varsity Meet
  Oshkosh West High School
  5:30 pm
• Basketball: Boys JV Game
  Oshkosh North High School
  6:00 pm
• Basketball: Girls JV Game
  Neenah High School
  6:00 pm
• Winter Band Concert
  KHS Auditorium
  6:30 pm
• Hockey: Boys Varsity Game Date Changed to 01-20-2026
  Champion Center , Grand Chute, WI
  7:00 pm
• Basketball: Girls Varsity Game
  Neenah High School
  7:30 pm

Have we missed something on our calendar? Add an event yourself! As always, before attending confirm event details to ensure accuracy.

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

• It’s brutally cold outside.
  If you have to venture out. Please layer up & wear a hat & gloves. And warm coat of course. I’m usually out delivering food everyday but am staying… (Nextdoor W Pine St)
• Please share & repost to help reunite this stray dog!
  FOUND on December 11, 2025 in Appleton, WI 54912 near Appleton and Roderick Sharing for a neighbor. For the latest information or to contact the… (Nextdoor Arrowhead Park)

• Illinois Tool Works, Inc. posted a job opening for Material Handler - Power Systems Division in Appleton. Apply here.
• Costco Wholesale Corporation posted a job opening for Bakery Wrapper / Clean Up in Appleton. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Appleton here.

Ok Appleton! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!

-- The Patch AM Team

P.S. The answer to today's riddle: I didn’t lose a tooth, Mom. It’s right here in my pocket.
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Send it to us!

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