🌱 Patch AM: Why an Appleton judge said his hands were tied in this case

Morning Appleton! We've got the scoop on the latest happenings in town. Read on to get looped in. ☕️️

In today's newsletter:

• Why an Appleton judge said his hands were tied in this case
• How will 2026 student loan garnishments hit Appleton paychecks?
• How a teenage Brewers phenom shined during his stop in Appleton

Today's riddle: What did the little needle say to the mother needle when it brought home a failing report card? 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

• Thursday: Mostly cloudy, with a high of 33 and low of 30 degrees.
• Friday: Rain and drizzle in the a.m., temps: high: 36, low: 30.
• Saturday: Low clouds, with a high of 38 and low of 26 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

• Former Neenah police officer sentenced to 3 years for child pornography possession (wtaq.com) — In an Appleton courtroom, a former Neenah police officer was sentenced to three years in prison plus five years of extended supervision for possessing child pornography. The judge noted frustration with the Legislature’s mandatory minimums, while the defendant said he is working to change his behavior. Neenah police had already fired him after charges were filed.
   

• Trump administration to resume wage garnishment for defaulted student loans in 2026 (nbc26.com) — Appleton residents with student loans should prepare for federal wage garnishment to restart in 2026 for borrowers in default. The report explains how much of a paycheck can be taken, why the policy is returning after the pandemic pause, and shares concerns from a local borrower about affording living costs once garnishments begin.
   

• Brewers No. 1 prospect Jesús Made is on the fast track (postcrescent.com) — Milwaukee Brewers top prospect Jesús Made rocketed through three minor-league levels in 2025, including a strong stint in Appleton with the High-A Wisconsin Timber Rattlers. Team officials say his maturity and adaptability stood out as he excelled at just 18 years old. With improving defense and big offensive numbers, he could be knocking on Milwaukee’s door within a couple of seasons.
   

📸 Around Appleton

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🗓 Events Nearby

Sunday December 28

• Hockey: Boys JV Tournament
  Champion Center , Grand Chute, WI
• Hockey: Boys Varsity Tournament
  Champion Center , Grand Chute, WI
• Grounded and Resilient: Moving Meditation in Nature
  1000 Islands Environmental Center , 1000 Beaulieu Ct , Kaukauna
  9:00 am

Monday December 29

• Basketball: Girls Varsity Game
  Just A Game Field House - Wisconsin Dells, WI
• Wrestling: Boys Varsity Invitational
  University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh
  9:30 am

Tuesday December 30

• Basketball: Boys Varsity Invitational
  Concordia University , Mequon
  9:00 am

Wednesday December 31

• The Prince Experience: Waverly Beach New Years Eve
  Waverly Beach Bar & Grille , N8770 Fire Lane 1 , Menasha
  7:00 pm

Saturday January 24

• USA Powerlifting Wisconsin Warrior
  3003 W Prospect Ave , Appleton
  2:00 pm

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

Thank you 👏👏👏 to the local businesses for making Appleton PatchAM possible:

• Mindsee.it — (646) 663-8317
  Teach your kids they can achieve the impossible!

Click here to show your appreciation! 💚

Want to see your business here? Click here to connect with local customers.

💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

• Lost Bernese Mountain Dog-
  Crossposting for owner. https://www.facebook.com/share/p/17eguLkqtV/? (Nextdoor W Pine St)
• Hi new to this area, anybody know this lady?
  she paid a visit to my house last night and pounded on my windows my entire household is now freaked out (Nextdoor Nienhaus Square)

• Wal-Mart posted a job opening for Janitorial Associate in Appleton. Apply here.
• Michaels posted a job opening for Early Morning Stocker in Appleton. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Appleton here.

🗞 Nearby News

Kimberly

• Appleton area high school sports results for Tuesday, Dec. 23 (postcrescent.com)
• Wisconsin Lottery Powerball, Pick 3 results for Dec. 24, 2025 (postcrescent.com)

Kaukauna

• Kaukauna boys basketball off to strong start despite offseason changes (postcrescent.com)
• Holiday shoppers embrace ‘thrift-mas' trend in Kaukauna (wearegreenbay.com)
• Cheapest gas stations in Appleton (wjfw.com)

Neenah

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 guess I’m not as sharp as I thought.
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Send it to us!

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