THURSDAY, APRIL 25, 2024 POSTCRESCENT.COM PART OF THE USA TODAY NETWORK Volume 105 No. 83 Subscribe 877-424-4924 $3.50 XEAJAB-51575s Subscriber-only eNewspaper The eNewspaper is an electronic copy of your print newspaper. Enjoy every page by going to postcrescent.com/enewspaper or scan this code on your mobile device. You will also find late news and sports in the bonus sections. Check it out today! Go to postcrescent.com for coverage on what the Packers do with their pick ver a decade ago, McMullen found himself in a sea of red suits, black boots and meticulously styled white beards and mustaches.
McMullen was attending his International Santa Celebration. At that point, McMullen had played Santa only a few times here and there, but the International Brotherhood of Real Bearded Santas needed instructors for the event. A former student in one of clown character development seminars felt teachings could translate into the world of Santas. Little did McMullen know the conference would change the trajectory of his life. until then I was just a guy in a red suit, but at that point I made a commitment to being the best Santa I could possibly McMullen said.
really become a project for me, 365 days a See SANTA, Page 5A Jeff McMullen, perhaps better known as will be inducted into the International Santa Claus Hall of Fame on Friday. One of favorite treats as Santa is chocolate chip cookies. DAN TODAY NETWORK-WISCONSIN will be inducted into hall of fame Madison Lammert Appleton Post-Crescent USA TODAY NETWORK WISCONSIN APPLETON After a three-year ride, relationship with Bird electric scooters seemingly has come to an end. Several weeks ago, Public Works Director Danielle Block outlined a se- ries of concerns with Bird Global ahead of the 2024 season. The company: Filed for bankruptcy protection in December.
Failed to timely pay fees owed to Appleton and failed to its report- ing obligations from the 2023 season. develop a solution to the problem of riders parking the rental scooters in rights of way and parks and on private property. In the weeks since then, Bird Global emerged from bankruptcy proceed- ings under a newly organized private parent company called Third Lane Mobility and it paid the 2023 fees owed to Appleton. The issue of riders leaving the dockless scooters in rights of way, however, remains unresolved. Bird suggested striping public park- ing stalls for use by Bird scooters, but Block told the Municipal Services Committee that she comfort- able using public parking stalls for scooters, given the need for on- street parking.
The company interested in acquiring its own parking places, Block said. Bird also said it could charge riders an additional fee for scooters left out- side designated parking areas, but those fees would go to the company, not Appleton, at least with how the 2023 contract was structured. the committee wants to direct me to continue negotiations with Bird, I will, but I have not done so to Block said. Elected officials support cutting ties with Bird Committee and Common Council members concurred with deci- sion to end negotiations with Bird. comfortable with no more con- versations with Vered Meltzer said.
Denise Fenton said when Appleton welcomed Bird scooters into the city, Appleton moves to cut ties with Bird scooters after three-year run Duke Behnke Appleton Post-Crescent USA TODAY NETWORK WISCONSIN See SCOOTERS, Page 5A APPLETON On the 100-day count- down mark to the 11th Mile of Music event, festival organizers announced the 50 artists on this lineup. This year, Mile of Music will be from Aug. 1-4 along College Avenue between the Lawrence Memorial Chapel and The 2024 event will feature over 200 musical acts, 40 host venues and stages and 700 live music sets and pop- up performances. The most popular event is com- pletely free to attend, with opportuni- ties to purchase food, drinks, merchan- dise and other products from vendors spread throughout the 1-mile area of coverage. Organizers estimate this event to bring in 100,000 attend- ees with a spending impact of over $6.5 million.
Listening rooms, spaces made for at- tendees who prefer a seated, theater- style venue, have been extended to more than 10 spaces. Mile of Music announces first 50 artists coming to 11th annual event Jelissa Burns Appleton Post-Crescent USA TODAY NETWORK WISCONSIN Joe Hertler The Rainbow Seekers perform at the 2023 Mile of Music. The list of acts performing this August has been released this week. PROVIDED BY MILE OF MUSIC See MUSIC, Page 6A.
