Good morning, Wisconsin!

Ellie here. Happy Monday! This week is Public Schools Week, a time dedicated to the celebration and appreciation of educators.

Throughout the week, the Wisconsin Public Education Network has different ways you can show your appreciation and take action for educators. Today is focused on showing your appreciation by posting on social media and using the hashtag #PublicSchoolsWeek.

My mom is a public school educator, and it is amazing to see her daily hard work and dedication. Educators are such an essential part of our society, and it’s important to recognize their work, both this week and every day.

Along with thanking your educators this week, we’ve also got you covered if you’re looking for something to do with this week’s Badger State Buzz. We’ll take a look at this and other Wisconsin news!

Ellie Bourdo

Newsletter Editor, UpNorthNews

“December snowstorm in Phillips.” (Courtesy of Earl J.)

Earl J. sent in this photo, throwing it back to December after a snowstorm. Seems like these scenes might be behind us. Thanks for sharing!

Send in your Wisconsin view to have it featured!

With these winter sights soon to come to an end, keep an eye on the spring and summer festivals that are just around the corner!

Share your Wisconsin view

What’s happening in Wisconsin this week

It’s Monday, so that means we’ve got another roundup of the events happening around our state this week:

🍽 Kenosha Restaurant Week, Kenosha (Feb. 21-March 1)

This nine-day celebration highlights Kenosha County’s culinary scene, with participating businesses offering discounted menus and special deals. Diners can enjoy options for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and even sweets, treats, and spirits.

🎤 Nine Inch Nails Live, Milwaukee (Feb. 23)

The rock legends return to Milwaukee for the “Peel It Back Tour,” with a stop at Fiserv Forum featuring the GRAMMY award-winning German Boys Noize as a special guest.

🍺 Bockfest, Middleton (Feb. 28)

The 29th iteration of this outdoor winter beer festival returns to the Capital Brewery & Bier Garten with seasonal beer tappings, live music, entertaining traditions like a fish toss and a 1K fun run, as well as food trucks.

🚲 Fat Bike Birkie, Cable (Feb. 28)

Wisconsin cyclists can have a one-day chance to ride fat bikes at this on-snow event on the snowy American Birkebeiner Ski Trail, choosing from 47K, 21K, or 10K distances. There’s also a post-race party featuring grilled brats, cookies, beer, and more.

👔 Flannelfest, Janesville (Feb. 28)

Downtown Janesville will host this winter festival featuring over 90 craft beers, live entertainment, food vendors, and a homebrew competition. Attendees are encouraged to don their best flannel.

🎉 2026 Chinese New Year Celebration, Neenah (Feb. 28)

Wisconsin’s largest annual Chinese New Year event brings the community together for an all-ages experience featuring traditional and contemporary performances, including lion and dragon dances, live music, and hands-on activities like dumpling making, lantern decorating, and more.

Have an event to share?

7 ways to combat the Wisconsin winter blues

Making a local pottery class is just one of the many ways to combat cabin fever this winter. (Mesut çiçen/Unsplash)

By Cassidy Grubisic

Once the winter holidays end and the excitement of the new year fades, many Wisconsinites start to feel restless, faced with a seemingly endless wait until spring. Whether you know it as a case of cabin fever or the winter blues, it hits almost all of us in some way eventually. Despite the biting wind chill and long nights, there are still ways to find joy in the season. If you’re looking for a little inspiration, check out this list of ways to combat cabin fever during a Wisconsin winter.

A note on SAD: It’s normal to feel down on occasion, especially in the middle of winter. That said, if you find yourself feeling low for days at a time or losing interest in the activities that you usually enjoy, it might be a good idea to see your healthcare provider. Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is more than a passing mood; it is a form of depression that impacts thousands of people in the U.S. each year. If you are struggling, please know that you are not alone, and there are professionals who can help you feel like yourself again.

Save these festivals on your calendar

Brewers, manager Pat Murphy agree on new multi-year contract

Milwaukee Brewers manager Pat Murphy talks with players during spring training workouts Tuesday, Feb. 17, 2026, at American Family Fields of Phoenix in Phoenix, Ariz. (USA Today via Reuters Connect)

By USA Today via Reuters Connect

It took a little time, but the Milwaukee Brewers have finally locked down their man.

The team announced Friday morning, Feb. 20 that it had signed manager Pat Murphy to a multi-year contract extension.

According to an initial report from The Athletic’s Ken Rosenthal, Murphy’s deal runs for three years and contains a club option for 2029.

Learn more about Pat Murphy’s extension

Would you recommend this newsletter to your neighbor?

Do you want to support UpNorthNews’ mission while showcasing your products or services to an engaged audience of 170,000+ subscribers?

Email advertise@couriernewsroom.com for more information.

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

UpNorthNews is free for everyone. Your support makes our work possible.

Power local journalism