AGP Executive Report

Road Safety: A motorcyclist suffered life-threatening injuries after a crash on US 53 near Haugen, with investigators saying alcohol may have been a factor. Family Search: McHenry, Illinois police said a missing toddler and man who may have traveled to Wisconsin were later found safe after a multi-agency search. Northwoods Travel & Culture: A PBS Wisconsin “Here & Now” report highlights Lac du Flambeau’s federal court fight over tribal sovereignty, including a temporary judge’s block on a ban affecting nonmembers fishing walleye and muskie. Milwaukee Back-to-School: Milwaukee-area organizations are lining up backpack and school-supplies giveaways, including a Monday event at Lincoln Park and additional distribution dates later this week. Local Flavor & Tourism: A feature on Kohler’s Sheboygan roots traces how the Wisconsin plumbing giant grew from a family story into a global brand. Outdoor Health: Researchers warn ticks are spreading beyond traditional hotspots, with deer ticks now showing up in more parks and backyards across the Midwest.

Gas prices for road trips: GasBuddy reports show Wisconsin drivers saw a mix of deals and higher averages in the week ending Aug. 1, including the lowest midgrade in Marathon County ($4.20) and premium in Shawano County ($4.72), plus diesel standouts like Kenosha’s low at $4.69 and Manitowoc’s at $4.79. Storm recovery & travel disruptions: Recovery continues after the July 27 tornado in the Fox Cities, with targeted street closures, a burn ban, and a nightly curfew still in effect across Menasha, Neenah, and Fox Crossing—plan detours. Statewide disaster relief fight: Gov. Tony Evers says Wisconsin is appealing the Trump administration’s denial of FEMA disaster relief tied to April storms, including ongoing needs in Racine County. Local community stops: Wellpoint Care Network expanded its Back-to-School Bash to multiple Milwaukee-area dates and locations, distributing 2,000 backpacks. Property research for travelers & movers: ParcelRecordsUSA launched a Wisconsin directory covering all 72 counties, aiming to make parcel and assessor lookups easier for residents and homebuyers.

Aviation & Tourism: EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2026 shattered attendance records, drawing 734,000 aviation fans and keeping Wittman Regional Airport hopping with 15,527 aircraft operations in the event window. Travel Disruption & Safety: Tornado recovery in the Fox Cities continues with targeted street closures starting 6 a.m. Sunday, plus an ongoing burn ban and nightly curfew across Menasha, Neenah, and Fox Crossing. State Disaster Relief: Gov. Tony Evers is appealing the Trump administration’s denial of federal disaster relief, including a focus on Racine County damage and hazard mitigation statewide. Local History & Family Fun: Sheboygan County Museum’s Plank Road Rendezvous brings the fur trade era to life Sept. 4-6 with reenactments, blacksmithing, archery, and hands-on demonstrations. Community Back-to-School: Wellpoint Care Network expands its Back-to-School Bash with 2,000 backpacks for Milwaukee-area families, with additional giveaway dates at Milwaukee Police District 7, UMOS, and Ross Employment Solutions. Road Trip Costs: GasBuddy reports the lowest Ozaukee County midgrade price at $4.24 (week ending Aug. 1), with other county fuel-price updates also rolling in.

Storm Recovery & Lodging Protections: Gov. Tony Evers declared a period of abnormal economic disruption in Outagamie, Winnebago, Forest and Vilas counties, directing DATCP to enforce Wisconsin’s price-gouging ban on essentials and temporary lodging after last month’s EF3 tornado and severe weather. Privacy & Travel Tech Backlash: Critics are escalating pushback against license-plate reader camera networks, with vandals targeting the systems in multiple states—an issue that could affect how visitors and locals experience road travel and enforcement. Weekend Family Fun in Wisconsin: The Community Calendar (Aug. 8-21) highlights local events like farmers markets, heritage tours, and free bike repair clinics—easy add-ons for road trips and short stays. Local Hospitality Watch: Rochester hotel revenue and occupancy are rebounding, with 2026 room inventory at about 6,200, a sign the tourism and business-travel mix may be improving. History on the Road: Sheboygan County Museum’s Plank Road Rendezvous (Sept. 4-6) brings the fur trade era to life with reenactments, blacksmithing, archery, and hands-on demonstrations. Daylight Saving Time Debate: A push for permanent daylight saving time is back in the spotlight, with Wisconsin facing especially late winter sunrises if the change passes.

Storm Recovery & Consumer Protection: Gov. Tony Evers signed an order declaring abnormal economic disruption in Outagamie, Winnebago, Forest and Vilas counties, directing the state to enforce anti-price-gouging rules on essentials and lodging as communities rebuild after last month’s EF-3 tornado and severe weather. Public Health Alert for Travelers: Wisconsin DHS says cyclosporiasis linked to recalled iceberg lettuce may be contributing to some state cases; officials note the recalled product has been removed and there’s no extra action needed beyond following recall guidance. Food Safety Watch: A multistate salmonella outbreak tied to recalled jalapeños and a cyclosporiasis outbreak tied to lettuce are driving new warnings for summer travelers eating out—check recalls and avoid any recalled items. Local Travel & Events: Milwaukee hosts thousands for the 2026 USA Triathlon National Championships, with athletes swimming in Lake Michigan, biking over the Hoan Bridge, and running through Veterans Park. Outdoor & Family Fun: Wisconsin state parks earned strong national recognition, with two parks ranking among the best for value and overall appeal. Safety on the Road: Children’s Wisconsin reports an uptick in e-bike and e-scooter injuries, urging riders to wear helmets as speeds rise. Community Tourism Spotlight: La Crosse is moving to regain its Bird City recognition, a nod for nature lovers and birdwatchers.

Outdoor Recreation & Tourism: Ariens Nordic Center in Brillion opened an 18-hole disc golf course, a move expected to boost Northeast Wisconsin tourism and help set up a future U.S. Women’s National Championship event. Family Fun & Local Events: Milwaukee’s “what’s happening” roundup highlights bike rides, markets, giveaways and more, plus a separate Milwaukee with Kids guide points families to State Fair and free trail options. Conservation & Nature: Glacial Lakes Conservancy marks 30 years protecting wetlands, shorelines and forests across multiple counties, emphasizing community-led conservation “ripples.” Travel Safety & Health: A Wisconsin tick update warns that tick-borne risk is shifting as climate changes expand tick ranges, with guidance to stay alert during outdoor seasons. Community & Giving: Minnesota B.A.S.S. Nation’s 50th tournament in Alexandria pairs fishing with volunteering, including packing backpacks for United Way’s Stuff the Bus program. Local Economy & Infrastructure: The Wisconsin PSC revoked a key certification for a $1 billion Ozaukee County transmission project tied to a Port Washington data center campus, sending the proposal back to the start of the regulatory process. Weather Watch: Forecasts point to a mostly pleasant stretch with scattered showers and thunderstorms possible later, so travelers should keep an eye on conditions.

Wisconsin State Fair opens: The 175th Wisconsin State Fair kicked off in West Allis with noticeably drier conditions than last year’s flood-driven early ending, bringing back the usual mix of food, music, cows, and the Pickle Barrel’s pickle-juice treats. Gas prices watch: GasBuddy reports show Wisconsin regular gas hovering around the low-$3s statewide, with standout lows like $3.69 in Marinette County and $3.72 in Marathon County (plus multiple other county “cheapest” picks). Travel disruption: An FAA Minneapolis air traffic control outage triggered ground stops and delays across the Midwest, including Wisconsin-bound flights, with impacts expected to linger for hours. Outdoors safety: A beloved young couple from Illinois was found dead after a kayaking trip near Washington Island, where strong currents and “Death’s Door” conditions are well known. Accessibility advocacy: A Fox Crossing man completed an 11-day wheelchair trip to Madison to push for disability rights and Medicaid support. E-bike safety: A Sheboygan teen was cited after an illegal e-bike crash; local shop owners are urging families to understand the difference between legal e-bikes and higher-powered e-motos. Health alert: Wisconsin’s domestically acquired cyclosporiasis count nearly doubled to 216 cases in a week, with additional hospitalizations reported.

Wisconsin State Fair: The 175th Wisconsin State Fair runs Aug. 6–16 in West Allis, with gates opening at 10 a.m. daily, admission at $20 (12+), $15 (60+ and military), $13 (ages 6–11), and free for kids 5 and under; bag rules limit bags to 9”x10”x12” or smaller. Milwaukee Hotel Boom: The Deer District is getting an AC Hotel Milwaukee Downtown at 430 W. State St., a seven-story project breaking ground Aug. 5 with 156 rooms and a planned late-2027 opening. Local Travel Planning: Tomah drivers should expect detours as We Energies starts a natural gas main project Aug. 17, with County Highway ET closed Aug. 17–Sept. 4. Outdoor & Family Fun: Hunt Hill Nature Center in Sarona hosts Cakes at the Lake Aug. 8 (bumblebee program) and a Jazz Night Americana Aug. 16. Hidden Gems: The Dells of the Eau Claire Park in Plover highlights hiking, swimming, camping, and CCC-era structures. Road Safety Reminder: Manitowoc County warns drivers not to ignore road-closure barriers during construction.

New Wisconsin online betting fight: A lawsuit filed Aug. 5 challenges Act 247, arguing Wisconsin’s constitution bars lawmakers from authorizing gambling—aiming to stop online sports betting before it launches. State Fair food spotlight: At the Wisconsin State Fair, judges crowned Fiesta Grill & Cantina’s “Birria Flamin’ Bombs” as top Sporkies and Old Fashioned Sipper Club’s “Tilt-a-Spritz” as Drinkies winner ahead of Aug. 6-16. Wildlife & outdoor travel: Xcel Energy says low water levels are affecting parts of northern Wisconsin rivers and lakes, with slower boating and limited access at some launches. Family-friendly history stop: Old World Wisconsin marks 50 years preserving early Wisconsin immigrant life across 600 acres in the Kettle Moraine. Road-trip planning note: Buc-ee’s says its first Wisconsin location is underway in Oak Creek, with an early-2028 opening expected. Zoo update: Racine Zoo welcomed two new fosa sisters, Anansi and Mahery, from Central Florida Zoo.

Wisconsin State Fair: The 175th Wisconsin State Fair runs Aug. 6–16 in West Allis, with gates open 10 a.m.–10 p.m. Sunday–Wednesday and 10 a.m.–midnight Thursday–Saturday; adult admission is $20 (seniors $15, youth 6–11 $13, kids 5 and under free) and tickets can be bought at the gate. Family travel support: Kathy’s House marks 25 years as a hospital guest house on the Milwaukee Regional Medical Center grounds, offering lodging and support for families traveling for advanced care. Road-trip planning: The Old Farmer’s Almanac released its 2026 Fall Foliage Map, with peak color timing expected to move from late September in northern areas to November farther south. Outdoor safety: A new study suggests deer-vehicle crashes could drop where cougars are present, as deer avoid areas with healthy predator populations. Trail rules: An Ozaukee Press letter argues Wisconsin’s legal class 1–3 e-bikes are fine, and the real issue is misuse by improperly marketed “e-bikes” that exceed speed and power limits. New travel draw: Construction is underway on Wisconsin’s first Buc-ee’s in Oak Creek, a 73,000-square-foot travel center expected to bring major interstate traffic and jobs.

Road-Trip Comfort Upgrade: WisDOT has reopened the I-43 safety rest areas near Denmark and Maribel after a 16-month rebuild, adding ADA-friendly restrooms and adult/child changing stations plus more truck parking (56 stalls each) to ease a statewide shortage. Outdoor Safety Watch: Devil’s Lake State Park is seeing more serious fall-related deaths this year, with details emerging about a May climbing guide death and a later July fatal fall. Local Travel Safety: Wausau officials are urging extra caution around Marathon Park during the Wisconsin Valley Fair, especially at busy Stewart Avenue pedestrian crossings. Tourism & Community: Milwaukee’s Marcus Performing Arts Center is using its Broadway Bridges program to bring local students into Broadway shows and behind-the-scenes experiences. Travel Planning Tip: AAA says Wisconsin’s worst crash months are November and December, when winter weather and holiday traffic raise risk. Family Fun Calendar: Here are eight standout state fairs to add to your summer/fall plans, with Wisconsin readers likely to spot a few worth the drive.

30th Street Corridor Trail: Milwaukee County DOT released a proposed seven-mile bike-and-pedestrian route linking the Hank Aaron State Trail to Havenwoods State Forest, running through 20 north-side neighborhoods; residents can review maps and send feedback through Aug. 28. Outdoor Access & Youth Nature: Federal grant cuts have forced the cancellation of outdoor education hiking and camping trips for tens of thousands of students, raising fears of a “domino effect” on future environmental stewards. Line 5 Legal Fight: The Bad River Ojibwe Band, joined by the League of Women Voters and groups including Clean Wisconsin and 350 Wisconsin, sued the Wisconsin DNR over permits for Enbridge’s Line 5 reroute water crossings near the reservation. Tourism & Local Flavor: Rhinelander’s R&T’s Dinky Diner reopened after a 2023 fire with WEDC support, returning as a local and tourist favorite. Door County Tragedy: Two Chicago-area kayakers were recovered off Washington Island; officials say drowning may have been the primary cause. Moving Tips: DATCP shared guidance for tenants preparing to move this month, including how to vet moving companies and check complaint history. Community Events: North central Wisconsin communities are gearing up for National Night Out with multiple local events on Aug. 4.

Travel & Tourism Spotlight: Blue Harbor Resort invites the public to a free, RSVP-required “Our Town” live broadcast from 9–10 a.m. on Lake Michigan shores in Sheboygan, with local giveaways, music, and a pre-show breakfast. Family Fun: The 79th Annual Sweet Corn Fest returns to downtown Mendota this weekend with street booths, carnival rides, and multiple live-music sets. Outdoor Safety: A 21-year-old Madison man, Caden Michael Brunner, was identified after a fatal fall at Devil’s Lake State Park; DNR is investigating. Beer & Hiking: Wisconsin author Chad Turner discusses “Best Beer Hikes Wisconsin,” pairing trails with breweries across the state. Events Watch: PGI confirms the 2026 Wisconsin Fireworks Festival at Wisconsin International Raceway remains on schedule after storm impacts. Local Travel Notes: McFarland approves a traffic study at a key intersection after a fatal bicyclist crash, aiming for safer crossings. Weather & Planning: Severe drought is worsening in northern Wisconsin, raising fire danger and water-use concerns.

Bridge & Road Planning: MnDOT and WisDOT will host an Aug. 12 open house in Superior to preview the new Blatnik Bridge design, expected fall traffic impacts, and the $1.8 billion replacement timeline. Family Travel & Volunteering: Samaritan’s Purse says about 750 volunteers from 23 states are helping Wisconsin tornado families in the Appleton area with cleanup and support after an EF-3 storm. Local Summer Nostalgia: Bay Beach Amusement Park in Green Bay ranks among Wisconsin’s most nostalgic summer spots in a new survey, highlighting its classic rides and lakeside feel. Travel Safety & Health: Orkin’s annual bed-bug “hot cities” list flags Milwaukee among metros where treatments were most common, a reminder for travelers checking hotels and short-term rentals. Getting Around: American Airlines will relaunch scheduled flights between Chicago O’Hare and South Bend on Oct. 3, restoring an air route after more than 25 years. Outdoor Recreation: A Wisconsin “bike trail invasive species” story spotlights how non-native plants can threaten trail corridors and visitor experiences. Sports Tourism (Indirect): Wisconsin men’s basketball released its non-conference schedule, including key home dates and early-season road tests that could shape fall travel plans.

Northern Hemisphere wildfire smoke and heat: A new analysis says July’s “perfect storm” of extreme heat, strong winds, and fast-growing wildfires pushed smoke and black carbon across about 20% of land in the Northern Hemisphere, from North America into Europe and parts of Russia—an urgent reminder for travelers to watch air-quality alerts and wildfire forecasts. Wisconsin weather watch: This week’s forecast flags severe storms, dangerous heat, and worsening wildfire conditions moving across the U.S., with Wisconsin still recovering from recent tornado damage. Chetek bridge project: A $2.39M County D bridge rehab over Lake Chetek starts Monday, Aug. 3, with one-lane traffic and temporary signals; boat traffic stays open and work runs into late October. Aurora viewing: NOAA says the northern lights could be visible in northern states including Wisconsin on Sunday night, with a moderate chance for brighter, more active displays. Local travel-friendly events: Mendota’s Sweet Corn Fest Grand Parade (Aug. 9) brings the Final Phaze and Golden Knights drill team along a mile-long Wisconsin Avenue route. Milwaukee community calendar: Neighborhood events include Back to School celebrations with free backpacks and supplies, plus National Night Out activities.

Northern Lights Watch: NOAA says the aurora could be visible Sunday night from parts of Washington, Idaho, Montana, Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, with a Kp index of 4 out of 9 and no major space-weather activity expected. Great Lakes Energy Update: Michigan’s Supreme Court ordered regulators to revisit Enbridge’s Line 5 tunnel permit beneath the Straits of Mackinac, a setback for supporters and a win for tribes and environmental groups that raises new uncertainty for the Wisconsin-to-Sarnia pipeline. Outdoor & Local Travel: Superior Trails and Ales drew 150+ runners to the Superior Municipal Forest, highlighting year-round hiking and trail access in one of Wisconsin’s biggest municipal forests. Community Health Access: Wisconsin hosted a first-time Remote Area Medical pop-up clinic in Verona, with people camping out for free medical, dental, and vision care. Road-Trip Adventure: A La Crosse man is starting a 7,000-mile “Great Loop” jet ski run, threading through locks and dams and aiming to avoid hurricane season. Vintage Finds: Hundreds turned out for the Wisconsin Vintage Pyrex Swap in Cottage Grove, a Midwest-style collector stop for retro kitchenware.