Ellie here. Tomorrow is Valentine’s Day, and yesterday I asked for your favorite V-Day candies or what you have planned. This is what you said:

🍫 “Hughes Chocolates located on the south side of Oshkosh, WI, is my all time favorite for chocolates for any special occasion!” — Brian P.

❤️ “My dad always got me a little heart-shaped box of chocolates. And my mom got a big heart box with a beautiful lacy card from my dad. He made me realize that it’s the small thoughtful acts of love that are important in life.” — Carol G.

🍫 “Hughes Homemaid Chocolates are the very best, found only at their humble business at 1823 Doty St. Oshkosh, WI! Enjoying their milk and dark chocolate confections has been part of our family tradition as long as I can recall, and I’ve introduced countless people to these quality small business time-honored treats over the years. It’s not uncommon to see a line out the door and down the driveway of excited folks waiting to get to the basement retail space!” — Amy K.

Seems like I’m going to have to try out Hughes Chocolates. Thanks for sharing!

Don’t forget, we’ve got you covered if you’re looking for a way to spend Valentine’s Day this weekend, or if you’re just wanting to get out and about with our Badger State Buzz.

Speaking of things to do, today, we’re taking a look at some different ways you can get involved throughout this upcoming week. We’ve also got another edition of our Locals Love, where we take a look at the BBQ spots our readers said were must-tries.

Since next week is the start of Lent, that means it’s fish fry season! Send me your favorite fish fry picks to be featured in next week’s Locals Love!

Quick note: There will be no newsletter Monday, as we will be observing Presidents Day. I’ll be back in your inbox on Tuesday!

“Trumpeter swans sleeping on the ice in DePere. At first glance looked like large clumps of snow.” (Courtesy of Linda R.)

Check out this awesome photo from our reader, Linda R., in Manitowoc of trumpeter swans taking a snooze on the ice. Thanks for sharing!

Send in your Wisconsin view to have it featured!

Our state is no stranger to amazing wildlife. Learn about 10 endangered species that call Wisconsin home.

This week, I asked for the best BBQ spots in Wisconsin, and you all delivered:

🍖 Double B’s BBQ, West Allis

“Brisket dinner is my choice for a favorite meal. Cornbread muffin is A+.” — Karen S.

🍖 Klinger’s Real BBQ, Wautoma

“The beautiful aroma of smoking meats hits you as soon as you get close to KRB’s! Generous helpings of goodness, the best sides (get the beans!) and great times with friends and family!” — Don R.

🍖 Casey’s BBQ & Smokehouse, Egg Harbor

“It’s excellent every time we eat there! And he has won numerous awards for his meats!!” — LaVonne B.

🍖 LD’s BBQ, East Troy

“That place is so worth the drive from Racine!!!” — James N.

🍖 BP Smokehouse BBQ, Tomah

“They offer wonderful beef brisket, pulled pork, pulled chicken, BBQ ribs, and several delicious sides. They also have a busy catering business. They are open Monday through Saturday.” — David O.

Next week, I want to hear about your favorite fish fry spots. Hit reply to have your pick featured.

Demonstrators participate in a “nationwide shutdown” to protest US Immigration and Customs Enforcement, marching from the Library Mall to the Wisconsin State Capitol, on Jan. 30, 2026. (Joe Timmerman/Wisconsin Watch via Getty Images)

Milwaukee Bucks head coach Doc Rivers talks to forward Kyle Kuzma. (USA Today via Reuters Connect)

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Thanks for reading. This newsletter was written by Ellie Bourdo with stories from Abigail Deatrick and USA Today Network via Reuters Connect. It was edited by Paula Solis.

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