Chain to Main Local News - Thursday, July 16, 2026

Hannah & Jenni-Cinderella and Elf Jr.

Good News Waupaca 7.15.26

Chain to Main News for Friday, July 17th

With your local Waupaca news for this Friday, July 17th, I'm Durant Popple. Waupaca County Emergency Management, in partnership with Outagamie, Winnebago, Wisconsin, and Federal Emergency management groups, has announced the opening of a disaster recovery center.  The center will officially open this Monday, in the new London public museum; and will be open weekdays 9 to 5, and Saturday 10 until 1.  Residents and businesses are encouraged to apply for FEMA disaster assistance online before visiting the center if able.  This can be done through disaster assistance dot gov, using the FEMA mobile app, or calling the helpline at 1 800 621 3362.  Visitors to the recovery center should bring ID, insurance information, photos of damage, repair estimates or receipts, and banking information for direct deposit if applicable.  Recovery specialist will be able to help start and guide you through the process. The Waupaca Arts hub as been awarded a Wisconsin non-state grant of almost 3 hundred thousand dollars.  This recent investment brings the community-driven Room to Grow campaign only 1 hundred thousand short of their 1 point 5 million dollar goal; and will help to secure their new permanent location on School Street.  The grant also supports the preservation and adaptive reuse of a historic community building.  Originally built in the 50's, the former school has been renovated into a space with multiple studios, classrooms, and gathering spaces.  Marci Reynolds, president of the Arts Board, hopes the community will help get them over the finish line.  Information on the Room to Grow campaign can be found online at Waupaca arts hub dot org. The Waupaca farmers market continues to provide local produce and handmade goods every Saturday through October.  The market takes place on Union street next to city hall from 9am to 1.  EBT and WIC are accepted, and has implemented a matching program so those using WIC or F M N P checks can get double the amount of produce.  The market is also still accepting vendor applications for seasonal or weekly options.  Information on the market or vendor opportunities can be found on their website, Waupaca W I farmers market dot org. That's your local news update, you can always get your news on air or online with your favorite podcast platform.  Get started at Waupaca dot Podbean dot com.

Laura & Eric- Brand new Waupaca Business Center

Good News Waupaca 7.15.26

Carolyn & Laura- 4th annual Gnome Hunt

Good News Waupaca 7.15.26

Chain to Main Local News - Thursday, July 16, 2026

Waupaca residents will have a chance to enjoy a movie under the stars this evening. The City of Waupaca is hosting an outdoor showing of Hoppers on the Bank First lawn next to the Waupaca Area Public Library. The movie begins at 8 p.m. and is part of the city’s outdoor movie series. A food truck will be on site, bring chairs or a blanket to sit on.  The Waupaca Police Department is alerting residents to a growing trend involving organized panhandling after officers responded to a welfare check involving individuals panhandling with a young child. Police say law enforcement agencies across Central and Northeast Wisconsin have reported groups traveling from community to community, often using children and signs describing financial hardships to encourage donations. Officials note that many of these cases are not tied to local emergencies and encourage residents to support established local organizations that assist those in need.  If you observe suspicious activity or have concerns about the welfare of a child, please contact the Waupaca Police Department at 715-258-4400 or call 911 if there is an immediate emergency. A free drive-thru dairy distribution will take place this afternoon at Waupaca High School. Beginning at 4 p.m., volunteers will hand out complimentary cooler bags filled with dairy products, with one bag available per vehicle while supplies last. The event is designed to highlight and support Wisconsin’s dairy industry and is being organized with the help of local dairy farmers, FFA chapters, 4-H clubs, and community volunteers.  Lastly, Waupaca Parks and Recreation is launching a new series of guided kayak trips on the Chain O’ Lakes. The program, open to ages 14 and older, includes Full Moon Paddle excursions in July and August, along with Sunset Paddle trips later this summer. The hour-and-a-half outings will be led by Adventure Outfitters and feature guided instruction while exploring the Upper Chain O’ Lakes. Registration deadlines for upcoming trips are approaching.  Learn more and register online at Waupaca Rec dot Com.