This week, we’re excited to feature John, the driven entrepreneur behind Advanced ExteriorScapes , a company dedicated to creating stunning outdoor living spaces. John’s journey as a business owner began at just 8 years old, mowing lawns and shoveling snow for his neighbors. His passion for entrepreneurship led him to co-found his first landscaping business in high school, eventually paving the way for the launch of Advanced ExteriorScapes. Today, John channels his love for transforming outdoor spaces and his God-given talents into building luxurious, practical, and personalized environments for his clients. John’s concept of luxury landscaping  is all about quality design and craftsmanship, tailored to fit any budget. Whether it’s a paver patio with a fire pit, a pergola, or a fully integrated outdoor kitchen, Advanced ExteriorScapes ensures every detail enhances both beauty and functionality. With services like 3D design and visualization , clients can see their dream space come to life before construction begins. For John, the most rewarding part of his work is seeing the excitement on his clients’ faces when a project is complete. When asked, for a project that stood out to him, he, sent this backyard oasis featuring a paver patio, outdoor kitchen, pergola, firepit with seat walls, and elegant lighting! His vision of create stunning yet budget-friendly spaces to life for these homeowners to enjoy for years to come! As a young entrepreneur, John has faced challenges such as building credibility and balancing growth with quality. He credits his success to persistence, innovation, and a commitment to delivering exceptional results. His advice to aspiring business owners? “Start with a clear vision, focus on adding value, and never underestimate the power of hard work.” In addition to running Advanced ExteriorScapes, John is an active member of the Weyauwega Fire Department and gives back to the community through local partnerships, donations, and volunteer work. Looking ahead, John envisions expanding Advanced ExteriorScapes with locations in Green Bay and Lake Geneva. By getting the word out on the amazing projects he and his team have taken on, through sites like Weyauwega Fremont News & Events he hopes will help make that dream a reality! He’s also eager to explore new trends in sustainable landscaping and smart outdoor technologies, ensuring his clients have access to cutting-edge designs and solutions. If you’re looking to transform your outdoor space into a beautiful and functional retreat, contact John at Advanced ExteriorScapes. Whether you’re interested in a custom patio, outdoor kitchen, firepit, or complete landscaping overhaul, John and his team are ready to bring your vision to life. For a quote or to schedule a consultation, reach out via email at aexteriorscapes@gmail.com or call 715-281-5634 . You can also explore their services and portfolio by visiting their website at www.advancedexteriorscapes.com or on Facebook! Don’t wait—take the first step toward your dream outdoor space today! We thank John for his dedication to improving outdoor spaces and for supporting Weyauwega Fremont News  and local events.

Doris M. Behm, age 93, passed away following a short illness on Monday, December 16, 2024, at Patriot Place in Berlin.  She was born on January 14, 1931 in Neenah, WI, the daughter of  the late Erwin and Nora(Breaker) Zeinert. On February 27, 1960, Doris married Elnor Behm at Trinity Lutheran Church in Neenah. They farmed on the family farm for a many years before selling it.  Doris and Elnor then owned and operated Behm's Last Resort in West Blomfield and the Brew Haus in Weyauwega.  Elnor preceded her in death on December 29, 2016. Doris was a member of Christ Lutheran Church in West Bloomfield and even though she was not physically able to attend church, her faith remained steadfast throughout her years.  She enjoyed sewing, gardening and flowers.  Her family was very important to her and she loved chaperoning field trips with her children, attending the many activities they were involved in and spending time with her two granddaughters.   Doris is survived by two daughters, Julie Behm, Belin and Barbara(Jerry)Riggle, Waupaca; two granddaughters, Raleigh (Fiancé, Tyler Hoffman) and Erin Riggle; three brothers, Gordon Zeinert, Lee Zeinert and Herb Zeinert; two sisters, Lois Whitcomb and Bonnie Zeinert and a sister-in-law, Sally Zeinert, neices, nephews, other relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Elnor, her son, Terry, three brothers, Marvin(June)Zeinert, Leonard(Phyllis)Zeinert and Raymond Zeinert; four sisters-in-law,  Delores(Franklin)Albrecht, Glen Zeinert, Carol and Carrie Zeinert, and two brothers-in-law, Bob Whitcomb and Arlyn Behm Funeral services will be held on Saturday, December 21, 2024 at 11 AM at Christ Lutheran Church,  N6412 WI-49, Weyauwega.  Pastor Brian Weber will officiate.  Burial will be in Concordia Cemetery.  Visitation will be held at the church on Saturday from 9AM until the time of service.  A memorial fund has been established for Christ Lutheran Church. Doris' family would like to extend a very special thank you to the staff at Patriot Place and ThedaCare at Home Hospice for all of the wonderful care they provided her.  It is greatly appreciated.   Lewin Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements, To send flowers or leave condolences, please go to Lewins website. https://www.lewinfuneralhome.com/obituaries/Doris-M-Behm?obId=34132506&source=fb0&fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR1aa88aqcumEcAGYeoEA8Bi81fr2l-sddy-ebaNUXitHdGAVum4hMhdyhI_aem_2LuJPgwo1uvS8At9-ITDnw

As Christmas approaches, local churches in the Weyauwega and Fremont areas are opening their doors to welcome the community for worship and celebration. Whether you’re looking for a traditional Christmas Eve service or a family-friendly children’s program, there are plenty of options to help you embrace the true meaning of the season. Here’s a guide to the Christmas services happening in our community: St. Peter Lutheran Church (Wisconsin Synod) 312 W Main St, Weyauwega 📞 (920) 867-2200 Children’s Service:  Saturday, December 22 at 10:30 AM and 4:00 PM Christmas Eve Services:  4:00 PM & 6:00 PM Christmas Day Service:  9:00 AM Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church 608 E Main St, Weyauwega 📞 (920) 867-2179 Christmas Eve Mass:  4:30 PM (Mass also at Sacred Heart, 6:30 PM) Christmas Day Mass:  10:30 AM (Mass also at Sacred Heart, 8:00 AM) Hope United Church of Christ 8950 Alpine Road, Fremont 📞 (920) 446-2952 Christmas Eve Service:  5:00 PM Christmas Day Mass:  10:15 AM First Presbyterian Church 200 Pine St, Weyauwega 📞 (920) 867-2880 Christmas Eve Service:  5:00 PM St. John’s Lutheran Church - Weyauwega N3882 County Rd KK, Weyauwega 📞 (920) 867-3793 Christmas Eve Service:  6:00 PM Christ Lutheran Church & School (West Bloomfield) N6412 WI-49, Weyauwega 📞 (920) 867-3263 Christmas Eve Service:  5:00 PM Christmas Day Service:  10:30 AM St. Paul’s Lutheran Church (Missouri Synod) Fremont, WI 📞 (920) 446-3251 Christmas Eve Services:  4:30 PM & 6:30 PM Christmas Day Service:  9:00 AM This holiday season, take time to gather with loved ones and celebrate the birth of Christ. Each of these services offers a unique opportunity to reflect, rejoice, and find peace during this special time of year. From all of us at Weyauwega Fremont News, we wish you a joyful and blessed Christmas! If you have a community event or news to share, email us at Events@WeyauwegaFremontNews.com .

Get ready for an exciting week packed with events and athletic action! Here’s what’s happening in our schools this week: Monday, December 16th HS Girls Basketball: JV at 5:30 PM Varsity at 7:00 PM vs. Winneconne @ Home BOE Meeting: 6:00 PM @ HS Forum Room MS Concerts: Band at 6:00 PM Choir at 7:00 PM @ WF PAC Tuesday, December 17th MS Boys Basketball: 4:00 PM vs. Manawa @ Home HS Boys Basketball: JV2 & JV at 5:45 PM Varsity at 7:00 PM vs. Wittenberg-Birnamwood @ Home Wednesday, December 18th No scheduled events—take a breather or catch up on homework! Thursday, December 19th HS Wrestling – Boys: 5:30 PM @ Home Friday, December 20th HS Girls Basketball: JV2 at 5:45 PM @ St. Mary Catholic HS Boys Basketball: JV at 5:45 PM Varsity at 7:00 PM @ Manawa Saturday, December 21st HS Wrestling – Boys: Varsity at 9:00 AM @ Beaver Dam JV at 9:30 AM @ Stratford HS Wrestling – Girls: 9:30 AM @ Menasha Mark your calendars and come out to support our student-athletes and musicians! Let’s show our community spirit and cheer on our teams. 📧 Have events or news to share? Email us at Events@WeyauwegaFremontNews.com !

The holiday spirit is alive and well in Fremont, and the Fox Valley Memory Project  invites you to join in the festivities at their December Memory Café! Event Details: What:  Cookies & Carols When:  Wednesday, December 18, at 1:30 PM Where:  Neuschafer Community Library, Fremont, WI This heartwarming afternoon is perfect for anyone looking to embrace the joy of the season. Enjoy delicious cookies, warm beverages, and the beautiful harmonies of the Weyauwega/Fremont Women's Glee Club , who will perform festive carols to set the mood. Memory Cafés are designed to create a welcoming environment for individuals with dementia and their caregivers, offering opportunities to connect, celebrate, and create lasting memories. Registration is not required , so feel free to stop by and join the fun! The Fox Valley Memory Project  works to build dementia-friendly communities, fostering connection and support through meaningful programs like this one. Don’t miss this chance to gather, celebrate, and spread holiday cheer in a cozy, supportive setting. For more information, visit the Fox Valley Memory Project  website or contact them directly. 📧 Have news or events to share? Send them to Events@WeyauwegaFremontNews.com !

Get Your Ugly Sweaters Ready for a Night of Fun at Willow Pond! It’s time to dust off your favorite ugly sweater and join the festive fun at Willow Pond Bed & Breakfast ! This isn’t just any night—it’s an Ugly Sweater Party  you won’t want to miss. Event Details: When:  December 21 Where:  Willow Pond Bed & Breakfast, E5490 N Shore Rd, Weyauwega, WI 54983 What to Expect: A competition for the ugliest sweater—so go all out! Delicious food and drinks to keep the party going. Awesome live music from Safe Sax  to set the perfect vibe. Plenty of laughter, dancing, and holiday cheer! Why You Should Attend This is your chance to celebrate the season in style—or lack thereof! Whether your sweater is hilariously tacky or impressively creative, come ready to show it off and enjoy a night of great company and festive fun. Grab your ugliest sweater and head to Willow Pond for a night to remember. Let’s make this the most festive celebration of the season! 📧 Have news or events to share? Send them to Events@WeyauwegaFremontNews.com !

Excitement is building in Weyauwega as Stepping Stones Early Learning Center approaches the opening of its brand-new facility in January. Designed to serve children from 6 weeks to 12 years, the center is a beacon of hope for families seeking a nurturing, faith-based educational environment. A Team Effort Over the past weekends, a dedicated team of volunteers worked tirelessly to unpack, set up classrooms, and stage the facility for the upcoming open house. Their hard work has brought this long-anticipated project one step closer to reality. Open House and Tours Stepping Stones invites families to schedule a personalized tour to explore the classrooms and meet with the center’s director to discuss registration options. A Mission of Holistic Development Stepping Stones Early Learning Center is committed to nurturing each child’s spiritual, cognitive, emotional, and physical growth. With Christian values at the heart of its mission, the center’s program aims to: Introduce faith-based learning in a welcoming environment. Prepare children for kindergarten with foundational academic and social skills. Encourage curiosity and problem-solving through interactive activities. Promote emotional resilience and physical well-being. The center offers full-time care for children aged 6 weeks to 5 years, a before-and-after-school program for older children, and a summer camp packed with fun and learning opportunities. Building on a Strong Foundation With a legacy rooted in St. Peter Lutheran School’s century-long history, Stepping Stones builds on that foundation to provide a modern yet values-driven approach to early education. Enrollment Information Parents interested in enrolling their children or learning more about the program are encouraged to contact the school office: 📧 Email: earlychildhood@splwega.net 📞 Phone: (920) 867-2200 Join the Journey As Stepping Stones Early Learning Center prepares to welcome its first group of students, the community is invited to share in this momentous occasion. Together, creating a strong foundation for future generations in Christ and learning. For more updates, follow the journey or schedule your tour today! 📧 Have news or events to share? Send them to Events@WeyauwegaFremontNews.com !

The spirit of giving is alive and well in Fremont, thanks to Kathy Krause and the Giving Tree initiative's incredible efforts. This annual tradition, supported by the generosity of local businesses and community members, is making a big difference this holiday season. Giving Tree at Bridge Bar A heartfelt thank you goes out to The Bridge Bar & Restaurant, The Buss Stop, The Boathouse, and The Hotel Fremont for their donations that have helped brighten the holidays for those in need. Now, it's time for the final step—wrapping those gifts! 🎁 Gift Wrapping Event Details 📍 Location:  Fremont Riverdeck📅 Date:  Thursday, December 19⏰ Time:  6:00 PM No supplies? No problem! All you need to bring is yourself and a little holiday cheer. Whether you're a wrapping pro or just learning the ropes, your help will make a huge impact. Join us in spreading joy and making this season truly special for our community. Let’s come together to wrap up the holidays in style! 📧 Have news or events to share? Send them to Events@WeyauwegaFremontNews.com !

Parents, it’s time to plan for a fun-filled week of dress-up days for our High School and Middle School students! Starting Monday, December 16th, each day will have a unique theme to help celebrate the holiday spirit. Here's the lineup: Weyauwega Fremont Dress Up Days Monday – Merry Monday 🎄 Encourage your child to kick off the week with holiday cheer by wearing their favorite festive sweater! Tuesday – Class Color Day 🎨 Each grade will show their spirit by dressing in their assigned color: Seniors & 7th Graders : White Juniors : Blue Sophomores & 8th Graders : Red Freshmen & 6th Graders : Green Wednesday – Flannel Day 🌲 It’s time to get cozy! Students can rock their favorite flannel shirts. Thursday – Christmas in July 🎅🏖️ Get creative with a beachy twist on Christmas! Think Hawaiian shirts, sunglasses, and Santa hats. Friday – PJ Day 🎁 End the week in comfort! Students can wear their coziest holiday pajamas to school. Let’s make next week a memorable and festive celebration for our students! Don't forget to take some photos and share the holiday joy! 🎅 Have a question or need more details? Contact the school office.  🎄 Do you have a story or event you'd like to share? Email us at Events@WeyauwegaFremontNews.com

The Weyauwega-Fremont School District is beaming with pride as we celebrate the incredible accomplishments of Sandy Dykes, a beloved Agriscience teacher who dedicated 33 years to shaping the future of students before retiring in 2023. Sandy has been named this year’s NAAE Outstanding National Agricultural Educator , an honor that highlights her extraordinary contributions to agricultural education on both state and national levels. A Career of Dedication and Achievement Over her 35-year teaching career, Sandy Dykes has left an indelible mark on the lives of her students. Her commitment to continually evolving the curriculum ensured it remained rigorous, relevant, and aligned with the changing demands of the world. Sandy’s work led to the creation of classes across five educational pathways and partnerships with three area technical colleges, providing students the opportunity to earn 15 dual credits . This innovative approach not only equipped students with critical skills but also opened doors to future educational and career opportunities. Her influence extended beyond the classroom. Sandy helped the Weyauwega-Fremont FFA chapter flourish, developing a Program of Activities (POA) with over 75 annual activities. Through her mentorship: 180 members  earned their State Degrees 121 members  achieved their American Degrees Over 300 State Gold Proficiencies  were submitted, resulting in 14 state winners , 6 national finalists , and 4 national winners A Humble Philosophy Despite her remarkable achievements, Sandy remains focused on her students' successes. “If a student walks away from a class believing that they have succeeded that day, then education has been successful,” she says. National Recognition Sandy’s dedication was recently honored at the NAAE Convention in San Antonio , where she received the prestigious National Outstanding Teacher award. Earlier this year, she was also recognized as a State Winner at the 2024 WAAE Professional Development Conference . These accolades are a testament to her unwavering passion for teaching, innovation, and mentorship. A Community Celebration The entire Weyauwega-Fremont community applauds Sandy for her profound impact and congratulates her on this well-deserved recognition. Her legacy will continue to inspire future generations of students and educators. Way to go, Sandy! Your hard work and dedication make us #WegaFremont proud! 📧 Have news or events to share? Send them to Events@WeyauwegaFremontNews.com !

February 23, 1944 - December 11th, 2024 Michael T. Oprean, age 80 of Weyauwega, formerly of Milwaukee, passed away at his residence on Wednesday, December 11, 2024. He was born in Milwaukee on February 23, 1944, son of the late Matthew Oprean and Ann Casey. Michael worked at Briggs and Stratton in Milwaukee for 32 years, retiring in 1997. He was an avid Star Wars collector and loved watching movies. He is survived by his wife, Betty; children: Victoria Hackbarth, Danielle Dauphin, Kelly Oprean, and Terri (Ann Marie Henninger) Messig; 9 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren. Michael is further survived by siblings, other relatives, and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers and one sister. A Celebration of Life for Michael will be held at a later date.

Building torn down as development takes shape next to lewin building Exciting developments are taking shape in Fremont as the long-awaited construction of a new library and community center is underway. This project promises to be a transformative milestone for the village, blending tradition, community spirit, and modern amenities. Here’s what you need to know: A Leadership Milestone For the past three years, Melissa Krause, director of the Neuschafer Community Library, has proudly represented Fremont and rural libraries across Wisconsin as the President of the Wisconsin Library Association Foundation Board. This week marked the end of her impactful tenure, as she steps away to fully focus on overseeing the next 19 months of this ambitious library construction project. “It has been a privilege to advocate for small libraries like ours at the state level,” said Krause. “Now, it’s time to bring that energy home to Fremont.” The baton now passes to Angela, a former member of the Outagamie Waupaca Library System (OWLS). Angela’s expertise and passion for libraries make her a natural fit for this leadership role. Congratulations to Angela as she takes the helm! Construction Progress: What’s Happening Now Thanks to the skilled team at Mathwig Excavating, their professionalism and efficiency have laid the groundwork for the new library and community center. As the project unfolds, we’ll continue to share updates, including photos and key milestones. Lot cleared for the new Neuschafer Library Answering the Community’s Questions Understandably, a project of this scale brings up plenty of questions. Here are some answers to the most common ones: Was the property donated to the library? The property was sold to the Friends of Neuschafer Library at a price below market value, a generous donation that was pivotal in securing a $4.25 million federal grant. This timely acquisition allowed the project to move forward after the Village of Fremont was unable to offer a suitable site. Who will own the building? As with all public libraries in Wisconsin, the new facility will be owned by the municipality. The Village of Fremont, as the grant recipient, will own the building. To minimize financial strain, the Friends of Neuschafer Library has offered a 25-year ground lease at zero cost to the village. Discussions are ongoing about the possibility of the village purchasing the property outright. What will the building look like? Design plans are still in progress. Once finalized, they will be shared with the community. Stay tuned for sneak peeks of the library’s future look! Friends of Neuschaer Community Library A Financially Responsible Vision One of the most commendable aspects of this project is its emphasis on financial sustainability. Here’s how it’s being accomplished without burdening taxpayers: Federal Grant:  The construction is fully covered by a competitive $4.25 million federal grant. Donations:  The property, architectural services, and demolition were all made possible through generous contributions. Operational Planning:  The library’s operational budget has been carefully designed to ensure no additional funding is required from the village. A Community-Centered Future With over $4.5 million in grants and donations secured, Fremont’s new library and community center will soon become a hub of resources and opportunities, offering: High-speed internet access A dedicated senior center Versatile meeting spaces for community gatherings Expanded library programs and services This is your chance to shape the future! The library team wants to hear from you. What amenities, programs, or spaces would you like to see in the new facility? Neuschaefer Library Logo Join them on This Journey As Fremont takes this monumental step forward, let’s celebrate the dedication and collaboration that have made it possible. The new library and community center will be a place where everyone—from lifelong residents to newcomers—can connect, learn, and thrive. Stay tuned for updates as this exciting project continues to unfold. 📧 Have news or events to share? Send them to Events@WeyauwegaFremontNews.com!