Good morning, Oshkosh.

Leon Thompson, a key organizer of Oshkosh’s Celebration of Lights, died at 78 on August 6.

He served as vice president and president of the committee and worked as Santa on local displays — his long service made the event a community tradition — and he is remembered for his contributions.

On Tuesday, August 5th, police in Fond du Lac and Winnebago counties arrested three individuals after a high-speed pursuit and seized drugs, ammunition, and THC vapes—officials warn residents to call the sheriff if they spot a missing handgun believed to be in a pink backpack.

The UW Direct Admit Wisconsin program expanded its reach as it sent nearly 34,000 offers to high school seniors from 467 schools—155 more than its first year.

Students got offers in July and must fill out a free form to accept their admission while a second round will come in October.

Oshkosh Area School District will begin classes for grades 1-12 on Sept.

2, with kindergarten and 4K set for staggered start dates. Private schools Lourdes Academy and Valley Christian will start on Aug. 25 while UW Oshkosh begins its fall term on Sept. 3 after the academic year starts on Aug. 21 + Acton Academy resumes on Sept. 2.

Main Street Bridge on U.S. 45 in Oshkosh will close for seven months starting Sept.

2 for a $6 million rehabilitation project that replaces its steel grid deck and upgrades electrical and mechanical systems — commuters and pedestrians will be diverted along Ninth Avenue, Oregon Street and Jackson Street.

The University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh will tear down three buildings—Donner Hall, Webster Hall, and Radford Hall—to cut maintenance costs and provide space for new development.

The project was approved by Gov. Tony Evers and will include site reconfiguration and utility upgrades, with work expected to finish by December 2026.

Loverboy Live Concert

5:45-7:15 p.m. — Leach Amphitheater — $20 General Admission, $50 VIP — Experience a live performance by Loverboy at an outdoor venue with great ambiance.

Oshkosh's Funniest Comedian - Preliminary Round 4

7:00-8:30 p.m. — Oshkosh Arena — Voting encouraged — Local comedians compete for the title of Oshkosh's Funniest in this lively comedy showdown.

Frootenanny Hootenanny

12-8 p.m. — Fifth Ward Brewing Company — $75.00 — Celebrate with new frooted sours, music, and fun activities at this brewing extravaganza.

Zakk Abitz Live Performance

2-5 p.m. — Sometimes at Pioneer Island — Free entry — Enjoy live music from Zakk Abitz amidst the scenic backdrop of Pioneer Island.

HAPPY HOUR HEROES Live Music Event

6-9 p.m. — Dockside Tavern — Free entry — Enjoy live music from HAPPY HOUR HEROES while relaxing by the water.

UNTIL DAWN Live Performance

1-4 p.m. — Sometimes at Pioneer Island — Free entry — Catch UNTIL DAWN playing live at this scenic Oshkosh venue.