Good morning, Fond du Lac.

SSM Health donated $50,000 to Big Brothers Big Sisters of Fond du Lac County's (Building Connection, Inspiring Potential) capital campaign to offset costs for a new facility at 987 S.

Main Street, supporting the effort to expand mentoring programs and serve more local youth. The donation helps meet increased demand that has grown over the past decade.

A video compiled by Daphne Lemke presents five local history stories, including features on the largest sturgeon, the Octagon House, and an area cheesemaker/inventor.

The video was made with help from the Wochit AI tool (a video creation platform) and invites viewers to revisit Fond du Lac's past.

The Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation’s Marketbasket survey shows a Thanksgiving meal for 10 now costs $61.84—up 6.7% from last year—while a 16‑pound turkey is priced at $27.84 as bird flu, labor shortages and weather issues drive prices higher.

Farmers face steep production costs that continue to push up the cost of key holiday foods.

On November 19, the Assembly passed GOP-led bills that offer aid for school district mergers and require public schools to teach child abuse prevention.

The bills now move to the Senate for review and need Gov. Tony Evers' approval to become law—additional measures give teachers more power over classroom discipline.

Marian University lowered tuition for its RN to BSN program to $295 per credit hour to meet growing nurse demand.

The online program lets licensed RNs transfer up to 90 credits and complete the accelerated courses in as little as 12 months.

The state Department of Public Instruction said Wisconsin public schools were reimbursed at a 35% rate for special education costs, below the 42% promised in the budget because spending exceeded estimates.

Districts will face tough budget decisions and may hold extra property tax referendums to cover the shortfall — officials noted the final rate could rise when all costs are finalized.

State lawmakers have introduced a bill to help new veterinarians with their student loans by offering a $25,000 grant per year—up to $100,000 over four years—if they work in rural counties and spend at least 25% of their time treating farm animals.

Lawmakers expect the program to help address the shortage of vets on farms while funding will be set in the next biennial state budget.

ThedaCare will host the Resolve Through Sharing Candlelight Memorial Service to support families who have lost an infant on Dec.

10 at 7 p.m. at the Best Western Bridgewood Resort and Conference Center in Neenah—doors open at 6:15 and a reflection speaker will share a story of hope while families light a candle, receive a rose and angel ornament, and may bring an unwrapped toy for donation.

Aurora Health Care has added new podiatrist Rosie Thompson, DPM who trained at Rosalind Franklin University School of Medicine and completed her residency at Gundersen Health System to treat patients at the Aurora Health Center located at 210 WI American Drive in Fond du Lac (phone: 920 456-4200). She will focus on treating foot and ankle conditions including diabetic foot care and sports injuries.

Marian University baseball will host its annual Holiday Camps on December 26 with two hitter sessions for ages 5 to 10 and 11 to 18 and one pitching session for ages 8 to 18.

Campers will pay $60 for hitting or $50 for pitching, bring their own gloves, bats and shoes, and train with Marian baseball staff—focusing on drills for hitting, team offense and pitching mechanics.

Kate Voss & The Hot Sauce Holiday Show

7:30-9:30 p.m. — Thelma Sadoff Center For the Arts — $19-$23 — Experience a festive blend of holiday classics and family-friendly humor with Kate Voss and her talented band.

Bones for Life/ATM(R) Class

10:30-11:30 a.m. — Fond du Lac Family YMCA — YMCA Membership / or daily fee — Explore gentle movements to enhance balance and movement awareness.

Bones for Life/ATM(R) Class

10:30-11:30 a.m. — Fond du Lac Family YMCA — YMCA Membership/or daily fee — Engage in gentle movements to enhance balance and movement awareness.

For Kids From 1 to 92 Holiday Show

7:30 PM - 1:30 AM — Thelma Sadoff Center For the Arts — $36-$45 — Experience a joyful holiday musical extravaganza for everyone from 1 to 92 with your favorite Christmas classics.

Bones for Life/ATM(R) Class

10:30-11:30 a.m. — Fond du Lac Family YMCA — YMCA Membership /or daily fee — Engage in gentle movements to enhance balance, posture, and awareness.

Night of Silence Concert

7 p.m. - 4 p.m. — Fond du Lac High School — Admission charged — Experience a heartwarming collection of holiday music performed by various student ensembles.

Bones for Life/ATM(R) Class

10:30-11:30 a.m. — Fond du Lac Family YMCA — Membership or daily fee required — Participate in gentle movements to enhance balance and posture in a supportive environment.