Ellie here. Thanks for starting your week with me.

On Friday, we talked about how gas prices have once again been on the rise in Wisconsin. I asked about what you’ve noticed at the pump, and here’s what you said:

“$4:50 in Beaver Dam for regular unleaded. I am concerned about our economy! Most of our goods travel by truck & diesel fuel is much higher than regular unleaded. With the fed raising the prime interest rate, how much can our economy endure?” — Darwin B.

“I filled up at Kwik Trip on the 14th and regular was $4.09 a gallon.  Today, the 18th, at the same station it’s $4.49.” — Kim K.

“I’m very wary of gas prices now more than ever before. I now wonder whether to head to the store or pharmacy unless I’m actually out of something. Getting a much needed haircut has been postponed; visiting neighbors as part of my ministry is becoming a challenge as gas prices rise; visiting family is becoming a luxury.” — Mary D.

Thank you to everyone who shared their thoughts. We’ll continue to monitor gas prices throughout the week.

With these prices on the rise, what kind of concerns do you have? Are you limiting how much you drive? How are these prices impacting you? Let me know your thoughts.

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Click the badgers to see a map and find an event near you!

Another Monday means another Wisconsin event roundup. Here’s what we’ve got going on in the Badger State this week:

🍻 New Glarus Oktoberfest (Sept. 24-27)

New Glarus transforms into a lively Bavarian celebration, featuring craft beer, live music, traditional Swiss and German food, and family-friendly fun. Don’t forget to wear your dirndl or lederhosen and raise your stein.

🍁 Oktoberfest USA, La Crosse (Sept. 24-27)

This annual fall festival has been a local tradition since 1961, bringing German heritage, community celebration, and Gemütlichkeit to the region. Enjoy live music, parades, and of course, good beer.

🎶 3rd Annual Stoneline Valley Music Festival, Phelps (Sept. 24-26)

Enjoy live music in the Northwoods, featuring more than 20 artists across a variety of genres, including folk, bluegrass, blues, Americana, alternative country rock, and more.

🍂 Marinette Fall Fest (Sept. 25)

Marinette’s annual fall celebration returns to Stephenson Island full of free family fun, including kids’ activities, food and drinks, and a performance from The Glam Band.

🌳 Fall Harvest Trail 2026, Fond du Lac (Sept. 25-26)

Explore Lake Winnebago’s East Side with a weekend full of shopping at local boutiques, discovering handcrafted goods, and stopping for food, drinks, coffee, and treats along the way.

🎪 Cable Area 24th Annual Fall Fest (Sept. 25-26)

Spend the weekend full of fall fun with live music, food trucks, drinks, street games, and family-friendly activities. Saturday brings arts and crafts, a vintage car show, pumpkin-pecan pancakes, hayrides, bounce houses, and more.

Henning’s Cheese Store entrance. (Photo courtesy of Henning Cheese)

Sartori Cheese features their cheese bites on their float at the Cheese Capital Festival parade, Saturday, June 28, 2025, in Plymouth, Wis. (USA Today via Reuters Connect)

Thanks for reading. This newsletter was written by Ellie Bourdo with stories from Cassidy Grubisic and USA Today Network via Reuters Connect. It was edited by Crystal Niforos.

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