AGP Executive Report

Tornado Recovery: Gov. Tony Evers mobilized the Wisconsin National Guard to help Winnebago County after an EF3 tornado hit Appleton and Menasha, with support for debris removal, traffic help, and wellness checks. Outdoor & Family Fun: Stillwater’s Bridge the Valley Bike Rally (Aug. 9) adds a kid-focused 5-mile Family Ride plus a “Kids Zone” at the event hub. Nature & Parks: Sheboygan County highlights lesser-known wildlife areas, including Gerber Lake Wildlife Area and Sheboygan Marsh, for low-impact paddling, fishing, and hiking. State Parks & Conservation: The Wisconsin Natural Resources Board meets Aug. 13 in River Falls to consider land donations and acquisitions tied to Devil’s Lake, forest legacy, and wildlife areas. Travel & Lodging: American Airlines tightened refunds for last-minute tickets, changing the 24-hour cancellation rule for some travelers. Local Events: Marshfield’s Post 54 hosts the 98th Wisconsin American Legion Baseball state tournament, and Scottville’s Rubber Duck Race returns Aug. 8 on the Pere Marquette River.

Rural Roads Boost: Gov. Tony Evers and WisDOT announced nearly $30 million for 101 Wisconsin communities to repair or replace aging culverts and small bridges through the new Local Small Structures Improvement Program, building on the Agricultural Roads Improvement Program. Milwaukee Travel Disruption: Milwaukee officials are pushing for tougher rules after We Energies began a road closure on West Lincoln Avenue a day early without notice, raising concerns for residents and local businesses near the airport corridor. Film Incentives for Visitors: Superior is rolling out new filmmaking incentives, including up to a 25% cash rebate on production expenses (plus the state tax credit), aiming to bring more crews—and tourism buzz—to the city’s lighthouses, marina, and mansions. Fort McCoy Economic Impact: A new garrison commander took over at Fort McCoy, highlighting the base’s large training mission and its estimated $1.6 billion economic impact across Wisconsin. Local Dining Upgrade: Fitger’s Barrel Room in Duluth unveiled a new smokehouse menu with in-house smoked meats like brisket and pulled pork—another reason to plan a Northwoods weekend. Family-Friendly Staycation Credit: Kalahari Resorts & Conventions (Wisconsin Dells) earned a spot on TIME’s inaugural list of America’s Best Private Companies 2026.

Film & Tourism: Superior is rolling out a 25% cash rebate for film crews that spend at least $10,000 in the city, stacking with the Wisconsin film tax credit—aimed at bringing more productions (and jobs) to the Northwoods. Storm Recovery & Safety: After an EF-3 tornado hit the Fox Cities area, Menasha cleanup is in full swing with volunteers, shelters, and ongoing damage work as residents rebuild and power issues linger. Outdoors & Weather Risk: A tree-trimming worker in Whitewater died after a suspected lightning strike while clearing trees for a utility—another reminder to take summer storms seriously. Family-Friendly Local Events: Stoughton’s community calendar runs July 30–Aug. 9, with free outdoor music and kids’ programs. Sports Tourism: Lambeau Field in Green Bay is spotlighted with a practical stadium guide for Packers fans planning a Wisconsin trip. Community Travel/Youth: Boy Scout Troop 11 camped at the Milwaukee County Zoo, using the animal-filled setting for merit badge-style challenges and hands-on outdoor fun.

Severe Weather & Travel Disruptions: A powerful tornado and storms tore through Wisconsin’s Fox Valley, with officials issuing emergency declarations, road closures, and power outages as cleanup began across Menasha and Appleton. Road & Bridge Updates: Chetek’s Long Bridge on County Highway D will shift to one lane starting Aug. 3 for rehabilitation, with temporary signals and delays expected through late October. Public Health & Air Quality: Wildfire smoke is driving “Great North American Smokeout” conditions, with unhealthy air alerts reported across major U.S. cities including Milwaukee as smoke drifts south. Local Safety Alerts: Two people died in a wrong-way head-on crash on I-94 near Hixton, shutting down westbound lanes for hours. Travel-Adjacent Community Events: Port Washington’s Niederkorn Library is wrapping summer with August activities, including a Golden Ticket Pool Party at Pirates Hollow Community Waterpark on Aug. 14. Outdoor & Nature: River otter fun comes with a reminder that Wisconsin’s native species are hard to spot—so keep an eye out on local waterways and consider guided wildlife viewing.

Fox Cities Tornado Recovery: An EF-3 tornado ripped through Menasha and the Fox Valley on July 27, damaging homes and businesses, knocking out power, and prompting state emergency/disaster declarations and boiled-water advisories; officials say assessments may take days, and a local help guide lists shelters and a Menasha volunteer/donation center. Wisconsin Travel Disruption: Madison’s North Shore Drive will close at a railroad crossing for replacement work from 5 a.m. Monday until Aug. 7, with bike path and sidewalk detours. Regional Lodging Boost: A developer is planning to turn a derelict historic school building in Denver into a boutique hotel—an example of how adaptive reuse can reshape travel options. Camping Win: Copper Falls State Park Campground in Ashland County earned a spot on The Dyrt’s 2026 Best Places to Camp Regional Awards list. Health Tourism Upgrade: UW Health opened a proton therapy facility, bringing a rare cancer treatment option to Wisconsin and reducing the need to travel out of state.

Fox Valley Tornado Recovery: The National Weather Service upgraded Monday’s Appleton-to-Menasha tornado to an EF-3, with peak winds around 140 mph, leaving widespread damage, downed power lines, and thousands without electricity; Menasha also issued a curfew and officials urged residents to avoid closed areas and treat all utility lines as energized. Road & Travel Disruptions: A Highway D over Lake Chetek bridge rehab in Barron County is set to start Aug. 3, with single-lane traffic and delays through late October, plus a new all-way stop at a busy Wis. 81/County N intersection near Monroe while a roundabout is planned for 2030. Local Attractions & Events: Black Bear Casino Resort announced comedian-magician Lucy Darling’s Oct. 2 show in Carlton, tickets go on sale July 31; Madison International Speedway opened a new Midwest Racecar Graveyard for racing-history fans. Outdoor & Community Tourism: The Bend Theater in West Bend will launch a free weekly “The Bend Sessions” community lecture series starting Aug. 10. Agriculture & Food: DATCP opened Dairy Processor Grant applications, due Sept. 1, supporting upgrades from food safety to modernization.

Severe Weather & Travel Disruptions (Fox Valley): A confirmed tornado hit the Appleton area and neighboring Menasha Monday, with NWS survey teams rating damage and officials urging residents to avoid impacted zones. Menasha declared a local state of emergency, set up cooling shelters, and warned that downed lines and blocked roads are slowing emergency response. Road Closures: US 10/WIS 441 was shut in both directions from I-41 to Oneida Street due to storm crashes and gasoline spills, with additional detours and delays expected into the evening. Community Impact: Neenah also declared a state of emergency after storms damaged buildings, toppled trees and power lines, and disrupted utilities. Outdoor & Event Planning: With cleanup underway, travelers heading to the Fox Cities and nearby communities should expect detours, reduced services, and changing access to parks and local attractions. Family Fun (Aviation): EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2026 set an all-time attendance record with about 734,000 visitors and 13,600+ campsites.

Back-to-school scam warnings: Wisconsin DATCP is urging shoppers to watch for fake social media ads and lookalike websites, double-check URLs, and use credit cards—especially as scammers target college students with textbook, job, and phishing schemes. EAA AirVenture Oshkosh tourism buzz: The Dominican Republic drew attention at Oshkosh with a Dominican-built and certified Van’s RV-8, plus pavilion showcases of aviation-friendly policies and airport travel. Lakefront redevelopment move in Rice Lake: The city plans to buy seven condo units in the Medical Arts Building and its parking lot for about $183,700, aiming for future city/commercial use and “better access” tied to a new park. Outdoor safety for travelers: Dangerous waves and rip currents are prompting beach hazard alerts across Lake Michigan, including Wisconsin, with conditions expected to last into Tuesday. Local nature restoration: DeForest’s Yahara River Habitat and Streambank Restoration Project is improving trout habitat and stream health, with invasive plant cleanups helping the effort. Weather disruption: Strong storms knocked out power for 10,000+ WPS customers in Oneida and Vilas counties, mainly around Three Lakes. Travel security reminder: A warning highlights how criminals can use public schedules and location info to time break-ins—urging travelers not to announce vacations on social media.

Hotel Scam Alert: Wisconsin officials warn travelers about fake hotel booking sites after one family lost money and arrived to find their room wasn’t reserved, plus got hit with a pre-checked “refund protection” add-on they didn’t unclick. Public Safety & Travel Disruptions: The Wisconsin State Patrol is asking for help identifying a vehicle tied to a fatal hit-and-run near Wisconsin Dells, and separate reports describe serious crashes in Corning and Wauwatosa. Local Tourism & Outdoors: Ospreys were banded on Big Muskego Lake, giving visitors a closer look at wildlife conservation. Community Events: EAA’s Runway 5K drew nearly 1,000 runners at Wittman Regional Airport, and Pulaski’s summer school program is turning the middle school into a fun, hands-on hub for thousands of kids. Visitor Planning Note: Forecasters say damaging storms could affect parts of eastern Minnesota and northern Wisconsin into Monday, with hail and strong winds possible.

Riverwest 24 Fuel Stops: Cyclists are rolling into the Riverwest 24 with a seriously snack-heavy route—free popsicles, oven pizza slices, pickles, hot dogs on N. Pierce Street, and “Twizzler Alley,” plus plenty of beer and themed team treats. Wildfire Smoke & Tourism: Hazardous smoke from Canadian wildfires is disrupting outdoor plans across Wisconsin, with impacts felt from the Apostle Islands to the Milwaukee County Zoo. Severe Weather Watch: A storm system could bring damaging winds, hail, and flash flooding risk across the Great Lakes and northern Wisconsin into Monday, with travel along major corridors potentially affected. E-bike Safety in Sheboygan: A 14-year-old died after an e-bike crash at a Sheboygan intersection where police say the rider failed to stop at a stop sign. Madison Protests After Corey Ruiz Shooting: Hundreds marched through downtown Madison, merging demonstrations calling for transparency and justice after the fatal officer-involved shooting of Corey Ruiz. EAA Oshkosh Runway 5K: Nearly 1,000 runners took on the AirVenture Runway 5K, looping through Wittman Regional Airport’s plane-filled grounds. Forest Bathing Trail Opens: Vilas County launched Wisconsin’s first certified forest-bathing trail, the Tara Lila Self-Guided Trail, aimed at immersive nature walks. Gas Prices Update: GasBuddy reports diesel and regular gas price lows in multiple Wisconsin counties for the week ending July 18, with Milwaukee County’s regular gas also cited among the lower-cost options.

Protests & Public Safety: Hundreds marched through Madison’s State Street Saturday after the fatal officer-involved shooting of Corey Ruiz, with drivers honking and sirens blaring as families demanded transparency and justice. Road Travel Disruptions: Wauwatosa police report two OWI-related hit-and-run crashes and a squad car struck during the response, leaving one woman critically injured and leading to two arrests. Outdoor & Tourism Ideas: Vilas County opened Wisconsin’s first certified “forest-bathing” trail, the Tara Lila Self-Guided Trail, offering a new nature-focused way to visit the Northwoods. Events for Visitors: EAA AirVenture’s Runway 5K in Oshkosh drew nearly 1,000 runners, turning Wittman Regional Airport into a plane-filled race route. Local History Spotlight: Lake Ivanhoe marked its 100th anniversary, celebrating a historically Black resort community founded in 1926. Gas Watch: Kenosha County’s lowest reported diesel price hit $4.45 for the week ending July 18, according to GasBuddy. Family-Friendly Culture: Eaux Claires returned to Eau Claire’s Carson Park after an eight-year break, bringing music and writers back to the Chippewa Valley.

Holiday travel planning: Advent calendars are selling fast even in July, with some specialty shops and a Milwaukee-based “treat-a-day” calendar company reporting near-sellout demand. Road safety: Wisconsin State Patrol is asking for help identifying a dark sedan tied to a deadly I-90/94 hit-and-run near Lake Delton on July 20, after an SUV and pickup crash involving two semis. Music & tourism: Eaux Claires Festival returns to Carson Park in Eau Claire after an eight-year break, bringing Justin Vernon and a two-day lineup into the city’s heart. Family fun: Cedar Point’s Hotel Breakers was named among the best waterfront family resorts, a reminder that Wisconsin travelers have easy Midwest getaway options. Local travel culture: A new Wisconsin trail is highlighted as a way to slow down and connect with nature. Outdoor health: Wisconsin DNR crews are helping battle northern Minnesota wildfires, while air-quality concerns continue to shape summer plans. Travel-adjacent policy: A right-to-repair settlement requires John Deere to make diagnostic and repair tools available to farmers and independent shops.

New Wisconsin outdoor experience: A certified forest-bathing trail opens Sunday, July 26 in Vilas County, giving visitors a guided way to slow down and “immerse” in nature. Air travel shake-up for Wisconsin flyers: United Airlines is delaying several Midwest route additions from Chicago O’Hare, including La Crosse and Wausau, with refunds offered for booked travelers; the FAA’s extended O’Hare capacity limits run through Oct. 2027. More flight delays in the region: United’s La Crosse–Chicago nonstop launch is pushed back another year, while Central Illinois Regional Airport’s O’Hare service also remains on hold. Road-trip fuel news: GasBuddy reports Oconto County’s lowest premium gas hit $4.75/gal for the week ending July 18. Family-friendly Wisconsin events: Eaux Claires returns at Carson Park after an 8-year break, and EAA AirVenture Oshkosh Day 6 on Saturday features the Red Arrows plus a night air show. Local travel & tourism development: Buc-ee’s has started construction on its first Wisconsin store in Oak Creek, targeting an early-2028 opening.

Northwoods Forest History: A restored Civilian Conservation Corps barracks at the North Lakeland Discovery Center in Manitowish Waters is now an interactive stop telling the Northwoods’ forest-management story—from Indigenous practices to modern timber harvesting—aimed at getting visitors out exploring. Green Lake Lodging Update: Plans are moving ahead for redevelopment of the Heidel House property, with an Illinois firm set to buy about 5.5 acres for a new hotel-condo building, while the west side shifts toward single-family homes and shared amenities. School Bus Tech Debate: Madison-area coverage highlights concerns that school bus stop-arm cameras could expand into a broader license-plate reader network, raising privacy questions for families and travelers. Wildfire Smoke Costs: A new economic analysis puts Michigan’s wildfire-smoke losses at more than $4 billion, with impacts hitting tourism and outdoor activity—an important reminder for Wisconsin travelers planning summer trips. EAA & Aviation Tourism: Electric aviation is getting a boost as BETA’s experimental aircraft stops in Erie to expand charging infrastructure, with Oshkosh still drawing visitors and business. Alice in Dairyland: Wisconsin’s 79th Alice in Dairyland is featured ahead of her statewide outreach during National Ice Cream Month.

US Travel & Tourism: Wisconsin DNR is reminding visitors and homeowners that mid-July is when baby bats take their first flights, sometimes ending up indoors—secure the bat in one room, then open an exit and wait for it to leave on its own. Outdoor Safety: Northern Minnesota wildfire crews are battling blazes with tough conditions, and Canada smoke continues to push air quality into hazardous territory across the region—plan outdoor time carefully. Local Events (Milwaukee): The Milwaukee Night Market returns for its 12th year with 100+ vendors and a “Bark After Dark” theme, plus German Fest and a full weekend of lakefront and downtown happenings. Roads & Driving: WisDOT is urging drivers to slow down and move over in construction zones after recent work-zone deaths and injuries. Community & Family Travel: A Cudahy cake-pop fundraiser is supporting the children of Kiana Pliska and raising awareness about domestic violence. Transit & Safety: Marquette University mourns a professor emeritus killed in a bicycle crash with a bus near Cathedral Square Park. Business Travel: Fox World Travel in Oshkosh names a new global sales director for its business travel team.

Northern Lights Watch: Aurora could be visible across parts of the northern U.S. overnight Thursday into Friday, with tips for spotting and photographing the glow. Outdoor Safety: Wisconsin health officials report lone star ticks are surging—33 submissions so far this year (vs. six in all of 2025)—raising concern for alpha-gal allergy risk. Health Alert for Travelers: Wisconsin is investigating cyclosporiasis cases; officials say most are linked to international travel, but some aren’t, so hygiene and food safety matter. Family-Friendly Weekend Disruptions: The Lake Country Triathlon will close parts of downtown Oconomowoc’s Wisconsin Avenue Saturday, with detour guidance for drivers and impacts to the boat launch. Community Hospitality: Sheboygan’s Warming Center added a mobile shower trailer through Kohler and Street Angels, expanding hygiene access for people without reliable facilities. Local Travel Planning: Shell Lake’s beach lifeguards are back for summer, but with limited Sunday staffing—plan accordingly. Road Safety: A Milwaukee motorcyclist died after a crash with an SUV on the north side; police say impairment doesn’t appear to be a factor. Wisconsin State Fair Guide: Here’s what to know for the 2026 Wisconsin State Fair, including dates and ticket/discount days.