OCONTO, WI (WTAQ) - Many are ready for a relaxing holiday weekend, but the Christmas tree industry is ready to kick off their busiest time of year.

"The weekend after Thanksgiving and the following weekend are really the busiest tree selecting and cutting weekends."

Dave VanderVelden of Whispering Pines Tree Farm in Oconto says they have been preparing for this weekend for a couple of months. 

"We spent time getting everything ready to go"

The experience is much more then just selecting a tree and cutting it down. Vandervelden says they offer food, warm beverages and even some fun for the kids.

"We have wagon rides but they are in the form of Thomas the Tank Engine characters. We even have talking reindeer."

On those cold days, consession stands and free hot chocolate are available for all. VanderVelden says that adds to the experience.

The weather should be perfect for many families to choose their perfect Christmas tree, but even when it is cold, if they grow it, people will come.

"Unless it is like ten below zero and the winds blowing, people do comes. They come with their umbrellas and rains suits."

As far as finding the perfect tree, VanderVelden says that is not something they can do.

"Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. The perfect tree for me, will not be the perfect tree for the next person."

He says however, they have enough variety to chose from, so that everyone leaves happy.

VanderVelden said in the past, the tree cutting season would still be at peak two weeks after Christmas, but more and more people like to get their tree earlier. 

That means taking proper care of your tree is vital to having it survive Christmas. 

VanderVelden recommends making an additional cut at the trunk of the tree before watering it, and said you want to keep it watered, because once it dries up, it will not drink again.

Starting on Friday, Whispering Pines Tree Farm is open daily from 9-4 with all kinds of events planned for the weekends leading up to Christmas.

A retail lot is also available at 1950 Dickenson Road in De Pere. The retail lot is open starting Friday from 9:00am to 8:00pm.

APPLETON, WI (WTAQ) - The Appleton Police Department has found a reason to change their looks and a long running policy. 

Goatees and purple hair extensions can now be found in the department walls, both breaking uniform code, but Sergeant Dave Lund says all for a good cause.

"Many have been wanting to have a goatee for years, so it's a different look we have right now" Lund said.

The "Goatees for Good" campaign was started as a way to raise money and show support for one of their very own officers, who lost a child to a rare medical condition last month. 

Those participating are paying 20 dollars a month in November and December for their fashion statement, with the money going towards the Ronald McDonald House and to suppot the family of "Iron Macy", as the department knew her by.

 Lund says almost 30 guys are growing a goatee...including guys that normaly would not, like himself.

"I would not typically wear a goatee, but I have been coerced to wearing one for these couple of months" 

Lund said they also had a pretty good turnout of women in the Department who are paying to wear purple hair extensions.

"Our agency chooses not to allow officers to have a beard or goatee" said Lund. "We have a pretty strict dress code here."

The Chief thought it was a good time to waive that policy for a couple of months for a good cause.

Since the beginning of the month, the Appleton Police Department has raised over $2,400 dollars, and the community can also show their support.

Anyone who wishes to acknowledge who the donation is being made in memory of, are asked to  indicate “Iron Macy”.

Donations will also be accepted at the Appleton Police Department.

If donating with a check, you are asked to indicate “Ronald McDonald House of Milwaukee” on the payee line.

At the end of December, the Police Department  will donate all funds received directly to the charity.

OUTAGAMIE COUNTY, WI (WTAQ) - A 35-year-old Black Creek man faces a criminal charge after reportedly shooting a buck over the weekend.

Outagamie County Sheriff's Sergeant Nathan Borman says Travis Schroeder shot the deer in Shiocton early Sunday afternoon.

The problem is that he's a convicted felon, who are not allowed to possess firearms.

"There are some ways in which a person can regain those rights but in this case, he had not regained that right, and he knew that he should not have a firearm."

DNR Conservation Warden Kyle Johnson notes his agency does not do background checks on people who purchase hunting licenses. 

"The process of getting a hunting license is that there are many ways.  You can go into a Fleet Farm or a DNR Customer Service Center or you can go online to purchase a license."

Johnson says people like Schroeder can legally buy a license.

"Convicted felons can use a lesser weapon.  They cannot use any firearms of any kind.  The lesser weapons would be a bow or a crossbow."

Borman says they learned of the incident when responding to a trespassing complaint on Carpenter Road. 

"If we get those reports, we will follow up on them.  If we find somebody hunting or having a firearm that shouldn't, we will prosecute that."

If convicted on one felony count of Possession of a Firearm as a Felon, Schroeder faces up to ten years in prison.

WASHINGTON DC (WTAQ) - The White House Christmas Tree has completed its journey from Wisconsin all the way to the First Family.

The 19 and a half foot Balsim Fir tree was delivered Monday by Jim and Diane Chapman, winners of a National Christmas Tree Contest was grown and raised in Shawano.

Like a proud parent, the Hanauer's got to see their one of their baby's reach a ultimate destination.

"We will not get all the credit, but we know it is our tree" Dan Hanauer said.

After winning the National Tree Contest, the Chapman's of Silent Night Tree Farm in Endeavor, WI, partnered with Hanauer's Tree Farm in Shawano to select the special tree, because they did not have one that was tall enough on their own farm.

Owner Dan Hanauer worked with the Chapman's and the White House to provide a tree that met all specifications, and said that was an honor.

"I mean come on, the White House, I don't think it gets much better than that."

The tree was accepted Monday by First Lady Melania Trump and her son Barron,  which has been a tradition for the First Lady to do each year.

Holiday music was played in the background, and tree was given the nod of approval.

While the Hanauer's are not getting all the credit, many local residents think it is a neat oppertunity.

"Everywhere we go someone says something to us. The news has gotten out on it."

This is not the Hanauer's first rodeo for having trees on a big stage.

They had a tree on the USS Battleship Wisconsin years ago, and had about 30 of their trees filmed in the Johnny Depp movie Public Enemies. 

Just this year, they had one of their trees selected as the center tree of the new Titletown District in Green Bay.

 Possibly the most excited is Dan's daughter Sophie, who literally wanted to make her mark on the tree before it went to the White House.

"She carved her initials, very lightly, into the trunk of the tree and she plans to write a letter to the President to let him know that their tree was grown on our farm. It is her goal and dream to meet the President someday."

 The tree, grown in Shawano, will complete its life in the White House Blue Room as a focal point of the Trump family Christmas.

NEENAH, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) - The Neenah Police Department is following a plan, as other cities have done, that centers around dividing the city into zones.

Looking to connect with the community it serves, the Neenah P-D's Stuart Zuehls says the department is taking a new approach.

"Gives us the opportunity to work with the community, out in the neighborhoods, one-on-one."

The Department has split up the city into six different district or zones, as part of a 'Neighborhood Policing District Program.'

Zuehls says specific officers are assigned to each zone.

"A sergeant, a lieutenant and then you have a few night shift officers and a few day shift officers."

As part of this program Zuehls says officers are going door-to-door at businesses and homes to introduce themselves within their zones.

"Say, 'what are your concerns? What are your fears that you have right now? What can we help you with?'"

Each zone also has its own email address, to help quickly address residents' concerns.

Those emails are meant for less serious issues like parking complaints or speeding cars.

That way the main phone number is free for officers to handle more serious crime calls first, then come back.

"They can return some of those emails and reach back to that community member," said Zuehls.

The department's goal is to answer each email within 24 to 48 hours.

Residents are also encouraged to send in ideas to improve their zones, or the city overall.

Zuehls says the hope is to stop small concerns before they grow into larger problems.

"We're trying to put that ownership back into the community and we're trying to give people an opportunity to build up their neighborhood."

You can find the district map, the emails and the officers for each district here.

OSHKOSH, WI (WTAQ) - A man is behind bars after a few overnight incidents, which included a fight with officers.

It started around 11 p.m. last night (Monday) when the state patrol was flagged down on Omro Road at WIS 21 by someone who wanted them to check out a driver who was causing problems at a gas station just olff Westowne Avenue.

Officials say the man then took off, going through parking lots and ditches before stopping at a business.

He was taken into custody after a disturbance at a hotel.

Officials say the man fought with officers, but no one was hurt.

The state patrol says the man was on drugs.

Assisting the Wisconsin State Patrol on the scene were the Oshkosh Police Department, Winnebago County Sheriff’s Department, and Oshkosh Fire and EMS.

GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ) - Green Bay Mayor Jim Schmitt says he will not seek another term.

That according to a press release from the mayor's office.  

Schmitt is expected to make an official announcement at a Boards and Commissioners Appreciation Reception this afternoon.

In the media release, Schmitt says "I'm interested in pursuing other things when my term is completed.  I'm hopeful that someone with vision, a strong work ethic, and, of course, someone who loves this city, will run for mayor for the 2019 election."

He goes on to say "I won't turn over the city to shallow thinkers, vindictive personalities, or those with selfish motives.  This city needs strong, educated leadership."

The Mayor's current term ends in April of 2019, and he has been Mayor since 2002.

After being convicted of violating Campaign Finance Reporting Laws, Schmitt survived an attempt to remove him from office earlier this year.

He said he would finish the term, but did not comment beyond that.

GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ) - Green Bay Police releasing the following statement:

On Tuesday November 21st at approximately 10:30am, Green Bay School Resource Officers learned of a threat to Southwest High School.

A threatening note was made by a 15 year old female student.

As a precaution, the police department worked with the school district and put Southwest High School into a lockdown.

Several patrol units responded to the area and quickly located the student off campus.

The school was locked down for approximately 30 minutes.

Officers are currently interviewing the student and will work with the Brown County District Attorney's office on any criminal charges. No students were injured during this incident.

Since the student is a juvenile no further information can be released.

The Green Bay Police Department will have extra patrol units near the school through out the day.

BROWN COUNTY, WI (WTAQ) - A former Howard trustee has been sentenced to 12 years in prison for sexually assaulting a teenager.

James Widiger was previously convicted of having inappropriate contact with one of his female piano students, who was 14 at the time.

She testified at Tuesday's sentencing hearing.

"What happened in the lesson rooms for four years, still impacts me today. I still throw myself into my school work, but I still have a hard time trusting male teachers and avoid staying with them after school. I used to love listening to piano music, but now I can't listen to it without feeling nervous."

Widiger also spoke:

"I realize that in the eyes of this court, I've been found guilty and as such there is a price to be paid.  This has devastated both myself and my wife. We are sticking together on this; she's very supportive of me, and it hurts very much to see her going through this."

Widiger will also spend ten years under extended supervision.

TAYLOR COUNTY, WI (WTAQ) - The cold temperatures that typically come with the gun-deer season don't bother one Medford area hunter. 

Dane Hartl says he built his father Lyn's eight foot by twelve foot tree stand when he launched his Wisconsin Landcrafters business ten years ago. 

“When we started, it was nothing but a bare 40.  There were some logging roads and stuff, but things really got kicked into gear when we built this stand.”

Dane says he was a little short on work at the time when his dad requested the stand.

“I said ‘boy you got to give me something to go on.’  He said ‘just build me a stand.’  And when the flatbed semi showed up with the material on it, my mom said ‘what are you building?’ I said ‘that’s dad’s deer stand.’  She said ‘Oh my God.’”

Lyn notes the benefit of having a stand that includes a stove, propane heater, table, and cot. 

“I usually go in around three or four o’clock in the afternoon the day before the season, and I just settle down.  I can cook in them, I can sleep in them, everything else.  So that when the woods comes alive opening morning, I’m out there.  And I’m not disrupting the deer, I’m not kicking them off their prime areas.  I’m in there.  And it’s a huge advantage that way.”

With all the amenities, Lyn says his family uses it for more than just hunting.

“We also camp.  I take my grandkids out there.  We do all kinds of stuff throughout the year.  We go stay overnight, have a little game night.  We have a campfire by it.  Otherwise, we wouldn’t be using the property during that time of year.”

Wisconsin Landcrafters has built 43 custom stands to date. 

Lyn's model would run for about $20,000.

The DNR have released the opening weekend deer registration numbers for the first two days of the nine day gun hunt.

The numbers show statewide, registrations are down over 13,000 from last year.

The preliminay numbers show 102,903 total registrations Saturday and Sunday. 

That number is down significantly from the 2016 opening weekend total of 116,615.

Marathon (3,671), Shawano (3,618)  and Waupaca (3,529) Counties had the highest totals in the state.

Click Here For Opening Weekend totals.

The DNR said weather may have played a factor in the Southern counties.

MADISON, WI (WTAQ)-  Annual report cards released by the Department of Public Instruction show the majority of Wisconsin’s schools are performing well.

The DPI says 82 percent of the public and private schools in Wisconsin had three or more stars out of a possible five, meaning they meet or exceed state expectations.

44 districts including De Pere and Kimberly significantly exceeded expectations with five stars.

Kimberly had an area best report card rating of 85.4 and De Pere had a rating of 83.5.

The State lables that rating category as Significantly Exceeds Expectations.

Both school districts exceeded state marks in all five evaluated categories, including Math and English.

190 districts including Fond Du Lac, and Kaukauna had a rating level that is Exceeds Expectations.

Fond Du Lac at 76.1 and Kaukauna at 76.6.

Ashwaubenon, Appleton and Oshkosh are among those that Meet Expectations, which is the category that a majority of districts are in. 

Ashwaubenon at 70.6, Appleton at 66.9 and Oshkosh at 71.8

Green Bay and Marinette Districts are two of 20 districts that had a two star rating meaning Meets Few Expectations.

Green Bay School District had a rating of 62.2 and Marinette had a 60.4

Click Here to see your district or school report card.

GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ) - Green Bay Mayor Jim Schmitt says he will not seek another term in office.

Schmitt made the announcement official at Tuesday afternoon's Boards and Commissioners Appreciation Reception at City Hall.

In a morning media release, Schmitt said "I'm interested in pursuing other things when my term is completed.  I'm hopeful that someone with vision, a strong work ethic, and, of course, someone who loves this city, will run for mayor for the 2019 election."

Schmitt says there was no one factor that led to the decision, including accusations that he inappropriately managed finances in connection with the Hotel Northland project.

"That didn't effect me at all.  The next election, there would be another issue.  I'm not sure what it is yet, but that's just politics."

While Schmitt says he's unsure what's next, he notes "I'm not going to run for anything.  That's the last you saw of me on the ballot."

Schmitt is asked if he has anyone he would like to see succeed him. 

"The person inside has to really, really want to lead the city and love the city.  I don't have anyone specificially in mind.  I think there are quite a few people out there who could do it."  

The release also states: "I won't turn over the city to shallow thinkers, vindictive personalities, or those with selfish motives.  This city needs strong, educated leadership."

Schmitt said that applies to a couple of individuals but declined to elaborate on who it refers to.  

The Mayor's current term ends in April of 2019, and he has been Mayor since 2003.

Schmitt says there are a few things he'd like to see happen before he leaves office.

"We'll do the ribbon cutting on the Hotel Northland August 1.  We will close on the DDL property and get that under construction this month.  We'll get the Shipyard under construction."  

After being convicted of violating Campaign Finance Reporting Laws, Schmitt survived an attempt to remove him from office earlier this year.

He said he would finish the term, but did not comment beyond that.

GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ)- Today is Thanksgiving Lunch at the Salvation Army

Nick Meisner, Director of Marketing and Communication of the Salvation Army of Greater Green Bay says it's just another meal day, but serving a Thanksgiving meal with all the fixings, is something they feel makes a difference to many.

"There are a lot of misconceptions about homlessness in this community, and those who need this meal, so if somebody wants to come and just experience this meal, they are welcome."

Preparing an elaborate meal takes quite a bit of work, but they have many helping hands and are always looking for more.

"We always need volunteers for the feeding program to come and serve food.

The program usually feeds over 100 people on a regular basis.

"It's a great oppertunity for folks that might not have a Thanksgiving meal to come out and enjoy one."

Meisner says there are not any requirements or qualifications needed to take part in the meal.

"You really get the sense that it is something that folks look forward to every year.

The meal is served from 11:30-12:30 at 626 Union Court in Green Bay.

GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ) --The Green Bay Police Department saying "thanks", and doing some "giving."

Tuesday, members of the Green Bay Police Department participated in their second annual Badges giving Baskets.

Officers and staff members spent part of the morning dropping off food filled baskets as a kickoff to Thanksgiving.

Captain Kevin Warych said they put together the initiative with generous partners.

"We partnered with the Boys and Girls Club and the Green Bay School District to develop a list of names that we could go out and deliver these baskets to.

Along with the individuals and families, dozens of baskets were dropped off at different organizations and shelters.

Officers also found people that they ran into that they felt could use a little holiday cheer.

Warych said it is another way the Police found to re-invest in the community.

"We really brightened up their day, and hopefully made their Thanksgiving that much better."

The food was donated by Feeding America-Eastern Wisconsin, and the baskets were donated by Hobby Lobby.

APPLETON, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) - A center for entertainment in the Fox Valley is celebrating the 15-year anniversary of its grand opening.

The Fox Cities Performing Arts Center opened in November of 2002.

Since the center opened, it has held more than 1,000 public ticketed events.

It has also served as a home to more than 200 non-profit and community groups for performances and more.

Maria Van Laanen, president of the PAC, tells FOX 11 for the 15th anniversary, they want to continue to bring events that engage the community.

"We are bringing events that engage everyone in our community and so this 15th anniversary year, we wanted to make sure that we continued celebrating in that way, so you'll see little cerebration moments throughout the year connected with most of the events happening here at the center."

Since opening its doors, the PAC has welcomed more than 2.4 million guests.

DE PERE, WI (WTAQ) - The De Pere city council gave to initial approval to add a wheel tax, as part of the city's overall 2018 budget. However, there are still some steps to go before the tax is finalized.

The $20 tax would be added to a vehicle owners annual vehicle registration fee.

The money raised would initially go toward repairing sidewalks. Extra funds from the wheel tax would be used for street repairs.

The wheel tax would eliminate the existing special assessment fee property owners currently pay for required sidewalk repair and replacement.

City officials say the next step will be to draft an ordinance, which will be reviewed by the city's Board of Public Works.

GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ) - With or without snow, the Titletown District is marking its first holiday season with a month-long celebration.

The Winter Jubilee is a series of cold-weather events held at the district.

The Winter Jubilee will kick off Thursday, Nov. 30 with the grand-opening of the ice staking rink, 46 Below bistro and Rockwood Terrace event space.

The first day will also include an inaugural Winter Jubilee Light Show, a visit from Santa Claus and ice sculptors.

The Light Show is a blend of holiday-themed lights, music and special effects with lasers and fireworks. The seven-minute show will be projected onto Lambeau Field's outer facade off of Ridge Road, playing every half hour from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights from Nov. 30 until Dec. 30.

The ice skating rink will open Nov. 30. Hours, admission and skate rental prices will be announced soon.

Santa Claus will be in the Titletown District on Nov. 30 from 3:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. and Saturday, Dec. 16 from 10:00 a.m. to noon.

Visitors in the Titletown District can watch ice sculptors turn blocks of ice into works of art. Demos will be in the plaza of the Titletown District from 3:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Nov. 30. They will return Friday, Dec. 8, Friday, Dec. 15 and Friday, Dec. 22 from 5:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.

The Ariens tubing hill, next to the ice skating rink, will open in the coming weeks when weather conditions are favorable to make snow. More information, including hours and prices, will be announced at a later date.

All Winter Jubilee events are open to the public. Parking is available in the Titletown parking lot off of Lombardi Avenue or in Lamabeau Field parking lots 5 and 6.

The park at Titletown will be open from 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.

HORTONIA, WI (WTAQ) - Two people are in the hospital after a rollover crash in Outagamie County.

It happened on Highway 45, near Highway 15 in Hortonia around 10 last night.

Officials say a car went into a ditch.

A 38-year-old woman was thrown from the vehicle. She suffered serious injuries.

The 33-year-old man driving the car was also taken to the hospital.

FOND DU LAC, WI (WTAQ) - Cash bond has been set at $10-thousand dollars for the 51-year-old Fond du Lac man accused of fatally crashing into a pedestrian last weekend. 

Peter Anderson is accused of driving without a license when he reportedly killed Jeffrey Koenigs.

Officers say Anderson failed a field sobriety test, but blood test results are not yet available.    

Police arrived on scene of a vehicle versus pedestrian crash on East 2nd Street and Park Avenue.

A witness reported seing Koenigs in the crosswalk, but said Anderson never hit his breaks before impact.

Anderson told officials that he did not see Koenigs in the crosswalk, according to records. 

Court records show that Anderson has two prior drunk driving convictions.