GREENVILLE, WI (WTAQ) - Old Glory Honor Flight was presented a $75,000 check from money raised by the Appleton International Airport.

The presentation took place at the Appleton International Airport.

The money, is the cost of sending one flight of veterans and their guardians to Washington DC to visit their war memorial. 

"Without the donations recieved, we could not continue to fly the veterans to Washington DC and give them their tour of honor" Loraine Van Kampen of Old Glory Honor Flight said.

The money was raised during a "Pulling For Honor" event, which was held in September, and the airport felt Veteran's Day weekend was a good time to present the check.

Abe Weber, of the Appleton International Airport said the event was just as they hoped.

"Our staff asked Fed Ex if we could host an event here, and for us to be able to raise $75,000 was really incredible. It was really a community event."

Old Glory Honor Flight said the donations keep them in the air.

"Our donors give us wings" said Diane MacDonald, Treasurer of Old Glory Honor Flight.

To date, Appleton International Airport has helped more than 3,900 veterans visit war memorials over the past eight years.

"It really is more about the feeling and appreciation that we can show our Vets, more than the idea of them getting to see the memorial" said MacDonald.

Airport administration said they plan to host another "Pulling for Honor" event in 2018.

Old Glory Honor Flight plans to take five planes of veterans to Washington DC in 2018.

"We have a long waiting list, so we always want to try to get five flights in" MacDonald said.

The flights are scheduled to start as soon as the winter season ends, which is usually April.

APPLETON, WI (WTAQ) - A local Salvation Army chapter has kicked off this year's Red Kettle campaign.

The Fox Cities group is entering its 100th year of bell ringing.

Development Director Robb Waugus says they could still use some help in the coming weeks.

"This year we're in dire need of bell ringers. Today (FRI), for instance, we only have one of four bell ringing shifts filled. Typically on any day, we need 300 to 400 bell ringers."

The money collected is used to provide assistance to families in need.

Anyone interested in volunteering or donating can visit the Fox Cities Salvation Army website.

GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) - Third floor, branch four, the courtroom is less about highlighting faults and more about supporting veterans in need.

Army veteran Dennis Hibbard is here for drunken driving and gives weekly updates to the judge on his progress.

Hibbard is one of 22 veterans part of Northeast Wisconsin Veterans Treatment Court.

"These veterans have committed their lives for this country. Some of the problems that they've had have been enhanced by going into the military, whether it's drinking or drug abuse. They carry this hidden baggage, and our goal is to unload some of that baggage," said Tom Hinz, Northeast Wisconsin Veterans Treatment Court founder.

There are rules when it comes to treatment court, veterans with sexual assault or homicide charges do not qualify for this program.

The program is broken into four phases. Each lasts three to four months. Some of the requirements include drug tests and mentorship.

"The judge is a veteran. The prosecutor and public defenders are veterans, and the corrections are veterans. And, it's veterans pushing veterans along to make them succeed," Hinz said.

Since the veterans treatment court started in 2012, 40 veterans have graduated.

"So far, so good. We had a couple that slipped, but nobody has reoffended, committed the same offense that got them into this program," Hinz said.

Which bring us back to Hibbard who's proud of the progress he's made so far.

"I feel like I've come to a change from the inside, which is where it has to start."

If you'd like to become a mentor, call Hinz at 920-606-2012.

GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ) - An event to honor dozens of local veterans. 

The Green Bay Police Department and CH Robinson teamed up Friday to provide lunch to the residents of Green Bay's Veteran's Manor.  

Police Captain Kevin Warych says "it's humbling.  When you look in these people's eyes, you can see that they know that someone cares, they know that someone remembered their service many years ago.  It really pulls at the heartstrings." 

Quean-Egypt Mubarktaisto served 15 years in the Navy. 

She's grateful for the officers' gesture and says the admiration is reciprocated.

"I appreciate the police.  They are more of a target than the military has ever been.  For them to do anything for us, with all the things that they have going on."

Keith Harnois spent 20 years in the Navy.

"It's just fantastic when everybody comes together in support of us veterans.  It's really nice."

Veteran's Day is Saturday.    

DE PERE, WI (WTAQ) - A local school gets a visit from some local veterans.

Disabled American Veteran KC Johnson was among those at De Pere Middle School Friday, sharing how their military experiences affected their lives.

"They're the future of our country, and it's important that they learn about the men and women that have served in the military in our country.  I know the future of our country is good when I come to a school like this and the students and the staff respect what we do and they're interested in what we have to say." 

The school ended the day with an assembly to honor the veterans, in advance of Saturday's Veterans Day.

SHEBOYGAN, WI (WTAQ) - One woman was killed in a single vehile car crash Friday night in Sheboygan.

Police say a 58-year-old Sheboygan Falls woman was found dead after her vehicle went off the road, and hit a sign.

Sheboygan Police say the single crash happened on S. Taylor Dr. between Union Ave and Paine Ave.

Nobody else was in the vehice at the time of the crash.

FOND DU LAC, WI (WTAQ)- Saputo is closing its cheese plant in Fond du Lac. 

The Montreal-based company announced Thursday it will close the facility on East Scott Street in May. 

Nearly 130 jobs will be lost. 

Saputo is expected to save over five-million-dollars a year by moving operations to a newly-built factory in western Wisconsin.

The company says the current production will be integrated into the company's new blue cheese facility in Almena, Wisconsin, southwest of Rice Lake.

Some of the employees will have the opportunity to transfer to other Saputo locations.

The closure comes as the company tries to improve inefficiencies and decrease costs.

APPLETON (WTAQ -WLUK) -- As the days get shorter, the nights get longer and the weather gets colder, it's nice to find the joy of the holiday season.

And in Appleton Friday night, 'Light Up Night' brought that joy to people early this year.

'Light Up Night' got the holiday season off to a very merry start.

"Really good family fun and people just living to live and having a good time!" exclaimed Chad Anderson.

There were activities for all ages from music, to a laser light show, to carriage rides.

Downtown business owners were also challenged to decorate their storefront windows around the theme of Christmas songs. Some chose traditional ones like 'We Wish you a Merry Christmas...'

"We Did 'Let it Snow.' So lots of snowflakes and fun white to accent how it's dark outside," described Stacy Nehring, a sales associate at Hey Daisy, a shop on College Avenue.

And some went a more non-traditional route...

"We're kind of an eclectic shop so we went with 'Nightmare Before Christmas,'" explained Jillian Campbell, the co-owner of Shear Chaos, a salon and barber shop on College Avenue.

No matter the theme, the windows gave downtown visitors one more sight to dazzle and delight.

"Phenomenal! Yeah, yeah, it's just, we have so much talent here in the Fox Valley!" Anderson told FOX 11 News.

The Trout Museum of Art has organized 'Light Up Night' the past two years and Appleton Downtown Incorporated got businesses on board with the windows.

Business employees and owners told us this is a wonderful way to kick off the holiday shopping season.

"It's really important. It's nice to see everyone out and about, shopping local. Makes it a fun event to see all the Christmas stuff," said Nehring.

"With these fun events going on it really drives people's interest and it really shows them there's a lot of stuff going on all year around downtown," added Campbell.

The businesses told us the love being in downtown Appleton, especially this time of year.

"It's just a nice, happy home and we like to invite people to come and visit," said Campbell.

ABRAMS, WI (WTAQ) - A donation made by the wireless company Cellcom, will be used to build two new handicap-accessible deer hunting blinds at a large site near Abrams.

The new shelters in Oconto County will have open windows to provide a view off the area.

The new blinds will be located on a 152-acre site.

Don Kirby, Executive Director of the Wisconsin Waterfowl Association said that offers some unique opportunities.

"They literally can roll out of their vehicle, roll out, roll down one of the half mile sections of trail either off 41, or Oak Orchard Road, and be able to enjoy the outdoor resources that so many of us take for granted,"

The project is expected to be completed in the Spring.

Deer Hunt 2017 is one week from today.

CHICAGO, IL (WTAQ)- Brett Hundley won his first game as a NFL starting quarterback, as the Packers continued their success against the Bears with a 23-16 road win.

Hundley threw for 212 yards and touchdown to lead the offense.

Nick Perry had three sacks to help lead the defense.

In the fourth quarter, Hundley found Davante Adams for a 17-yard touchdown to give the Packers a 23-13 lead.

Mason Crosby missed what would have been a game clinching field goal on the next drive, giving the Bears the ball down by seven.

Mitchell Trubisky failed to complete passes, turning the ball over on downs. The rookie quarterback ended with 297 yards passing.

Ty Montgomery scored a rushing touchdown after taking over for Aaron Jones, who left the game in the first quarter with a knee injury. Montgomery left the game with a rib injury, in the second half. Bears coach John Fox was questioned on what ended up being a costly challenge decision in the second quarter.

Benny Cunningham was ruled out of bounds on a 23-yard reception that ended at the 1-yard line. The Bears challenged the spot, in hopes of having the call reversed to a touchdown.

Replay officials ruled he didn't have control when he hit the pylon, and with the ball rolling out of bounds in the end zone, Green Bay took over at the 20 on a touchback.

The win is the first for the Packers since the injury to Aaron Rodgers. The Packers are back at home to take on Baltimore in Week 11.

GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ) - A fatal rollover crash occurred Saturday evening in Green Bay. Police say the crash took place on I-43 North near the East Mason Street overpass. Officials say the car ended up in the ditch after the driver lost control. A 41-year old Illinois man died at the hospital after being thrown from the vehicle. The driver and another passénger were treated for injuries. Police say winter weather and road conditions may have been the cause of the accident.

Dayton, WI (WTAQ) - A truck versus semi-tractor crash Saturday morning in Waupaca County has left one dead. The accident took place in the Town of Dayton on Highway 22. Police say the crash occurred around 2:43 am. The cause of the crash is still under investigation. The driver of the semi-tractor was uninjured.

KEWAUNEE, WI (WTAQ) - A 21 year old Kewaunee man is dead after a crash in Kewaunee County.

The deceased has been identified as Noah Gum of Kewaunee.

A Kewaunee police officer first saw the driver on State Highway 29 driving more than 100 mph around 11 p.m. Sunday.

The officer chased the driver, but was unable to keep up.

Later, the officer found a rollover accident just outside Kewaunee.

The officer confirmed it was the same vehicle he had seen speeding.

The vehicle had left the roadway and rolled over multiple times.

The driver was killed. He was the only person in the vehicle.

WILD ROSE, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) - In the 55 years of gliding across slippery slopes, Mark Sartorelli of Appleton tells FOX 11 he's never gone skiing this early in the season.

"This doesn't happen very often, I mean if you drive in here, it's brown and its green and you get in here and there's snow."

It's the earliest opening ever for Nordic Mountain in Wild Rose.

Nordic Mountain owner, Rick Schmitz said, "We had some really good snow making temperature this week."

Schmitz says they started making snow Tuesday night as temperatures dropped near the teens, but temperatures are expected to go up again.

"That's a question we get a lot, will the snow melt? And the answer is no it definitely will not."

Schmitz said man-made snow is a lot denser than natural snow, holding up to the warmer weather better.

"So we'll get a little melting this week but we'll still have a good base, we'll have a 1 to 2-foot base on the hill."

The ski-hill spent more than a million dollars in the last five years to upgrade its snow making system, bringing in quicker and better flurries.

Not all the runs are open, Schmitz hopes at least half the hill will have enough snow for skiers and snowboarders by Thanksgiving.

"It'll take a couple weeks, depending on what the temperatures are, to get the hill to 100 percent open."

Although the hill isn't fully covered in snow, many are just ready to see more Arctic weather.

Brian VanHandel of Appleton says.... "Just being outdoors, enjoying the fresh air, it's exhilarating and I've always had a blast doing it."

GREENVILLE, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) - You might not know it, but the Fox Valley Humane Association and Outagamie County Sheriff's Department have a very close partnership.

"Public education. We work together on public safety, we work together on all types of legal, with regard to animal statutes in the state," explained Vicki Prey the Humane Officer for the Fox Valley Humane Association.

To highlight that relationship the two got together to create the Sheriff/Shelter Task Force.

Deputy Korie Van Berkel tells FOX 11....

"Just to raise awareness and let them be able to recognize and be aware of the opportunities and the resources that we have right here in our backyard."

Through the task force Van Berkel will create Facebook posts featuring different pet-related issues or advice.

Those posts will go up every Sunday.

"Focusing on animals here in the shelter. We'll be focusing on situations out in the public," Prey tells FOX 11.

Van Berkel will discuss issues like pet safety, stray animals, abuse and legal issues.

For example this Sunday's post focused on the county's civil process unit.

"How we interact within our civil process, evictions and how some animals get left behind at that point," Van Berkel explained.

The posts will also help get the word out about pets looking for homes.

"Every week, I believe, there will be an animal that's up for adoption," said Van Berkel.

The shelter's humane officer says it's wonderful to know local law enforcement cares about animals too.

"I cannot tell you what a benefit that is," said Prey.

"We have a lot of animal lovers here that want to be involved. A few of our officers have adopted from the humane association as well," added Van Berkel.

The Sunday posts will be on both the sheriff's department and humane association Facebook pages.

GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ)- In an effort to deter theft in Green Bay, the Green Bay Police Department and Green Bay Lions club have made anti-theft reminders.

The reminders are in the form of a cutout of Green Bay Police Chief Andrew Smith.

The police department has enlisted local vendor, ColorTech to create “Chief Smith Anti-Theft cut-outs”. These, life-sized, free standing cut outs feature Chief Smith and an anti-theft message.

"Give everybody a visual when they walk in a store that says 'hey you know what, the police is here.  They recognize that thievery is a problem, and we're here to do something about it."

The Green Bay Lions Club donated the money to the Green Bay Police Department to make the  purchase.

The police department is ready to deploy 10 of these cut-outs to local businesses. 

Police Chief Andrew Smith says it is another method in their efforts to bring the theft numbers down.

"There's a zero-tolerance policy in Green Bay for shoplifting.  We will catch you, and we will prosecute you to the fullest extent of the law.  No longer is it just a ticket at the store and you're on your way.  You're going to be put in the back of a police car, you're going to be driven down to the police station, and you're going to be vigorously prosecuted."

The Police Department will control the signs, and will move them as they see fit.

Police records show the number of theft incidents have dropped from last year.

Since the beginning of the year, 432 theft incidents have been reported in Green Bay, that is down from 516 theft incidents in 2016.

ASHWAUBENON, WI (WTAQ) - For the 126th consecutive year, the bells will be ringing in Brown County this holiday season. 

The Salvation Army of Greater Green Bay launched its 2017 Red Kettle campaign Monday morning at Bay Park Square. 

This year's goal is the same amount that was collected last year: $1.1-million dollars. 

"Everything that we raise here stays here.  Last year we served over 16,000 clients, so all of the money that is collected goes to support those people and the basic needs programming.  Seasonal help, Christmas baskets, Toys for Tots, our coats program but year-round, it really supports all of our basic needs programming: our feeding programs, transitional housing, heating and rental vouchers."

Business Director Jeanne Stangel says there are 44 kettles and 140 small counter top kettles located throughout Brown County.

"Just for the red kettles alone, there are over 14,000 shifts.  Those are one-hour shifts located at 35 different locations."

As of Monday morning, Stangel says they were still looking to fill roughly 10,000 of those shifts.

Campaign Coordinator Major Bob Mueller says folks will also have chances to contribute at the Lambeau Field Atrium each Monday through December 18 from 6-7 pm.  

"Beginning next Monday and all the way through Christmas, they're going to have select players coming and autographing whatever fans bring to autograph." 

Through the '12 Days of Giving' effort, which runs from December 4-21, people can also donate a percentage of their bill at local restaurants.  A list is on the Salvation Army of Greater Green Bay's website.

There are also ten days where a business will match a certain amount of donations that are made.

Other ways of contributing include texting 'MyKettle' to 41444 and visiting their website.

APPLETON, WI (WTAQ)- An Appleton man entered a not-guilty plea to charges related to the murder of his girlfriend.

Johnny Scott,  is accused of shooting and killing his girlfriend Annie Ford at their residence in September.

Scott is facing a manditory life in prison sentence if convicted. 

He will return to court in January.

SHAWANO, WI (WTAQ) - A 17-year old teen is in custody, and facing recommended charges for allegedly stealing six hand-held portable radios from the Shawano Fire Department.

Shawano Police Cheif Dan Mauel said they received a call reporting missing radios Friday morning.

As the investigation was underway, Chief Mauel said it was Shawano Fire's very own Lieutenant William Mott that noticed something suspicious. 

"He saw a person walking on the street and said, hey that guy is carrying a portable radio, I think that is the guy that stole them,"

It turned out, Mott's lead helped lead police to a recovery and arrest. All six radios were found on the subject, along with other items that were stolen from Walmart.

Officers said they were able to get a confession.

Chief Mauel said it is another example of how the community can help solve crime.

"We encourage all citizens to report anything suspicious."

Charges of burglary, felony theft and retail theft are being referred to the District Attoney's office.

GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ) - A change in the definition of "High Blood Pressure" has occurred for the first time in 14 years.

Many more adults will be considered with high blood pressure according to new guidelines rolled out Monday by the American Heart Association.

High blood pressure is now defined as readings of 130 over 80 or higher. Officially, high blood pressure will be any systolic reading of 130 mm HG and a reading of 80 or higher for the diastolic measurement. 

The old definition of high blood pressure was 140 over 90, according to Dr. Paul Pienkos, Cardiologist at Prevea Health in Green Bay.

"That previous value will now be too high, it will be hypertension at the level."

Because of the change, "More people in our country will fit into the category of high blood pressure" said Dr. Pienkos.

Now, almost half of US adults will be considered having high blood pressure, rather than 1 in 3 previously. 

"It is often times known as the "Silent Killer"

The new guidelines stress the importance of using proper technique to measure blood pressure.

"The message could be starting to look at lifestyle and other factors that we can do to reduce the blood pressure."

High blood pressure accounts for the second largest number of preventable heart disease and stroke deaths, which is second only to smoking.

 "Blood pressure is a major risk factor for the development of heart disease and stroke."

New categories now are:

Normal: Less than 120/80 mm HgElevated: Top number (systolic) between 120-129 and bottom number (diastolic) less than 80Stage 1: Systolic between 130-139 or diastolic between 80-89Stage 2: Systolic at least 140 or diastolic at lease 90 mm HgHypertensive Crisis: Top number over 180 and bottom number over 120

The category of prehypertension is eliminated with the new guidelines.