Perspective

Senator Patrick Testin dives into Wisconsin’s biennial budget, specifically tax cuts aimed at middle-class relief and retirement income exemptions. He debates the impact of tax cuts on state revenue and public services, arguing that lower taxes increase revenues by empowering individuals and businesses. The discussion turns to political shake-ups, with key retirements in the state legislatur...

Wisconsin Rapids Mayor Matt Zacher updates on city happenings. A hot topic is the controversial decision against a roundabout at Griffith and 8th Street, despite frequent accidents and costly traffic light repairs. Instead, the city plans to keep traffic light systems due to state decisions. Meanwhile, the city has ended 'No-Mow May' due to abuse and community upkeep concerns. On a brighter note,...

Get ready to lace up for the 21st Annual Run the Rapids 5K in Wisconsin Rapids! Matt Zakowski shares about this community-driven event, hosted by Assumption Catholic Schools. The event supports child abuse prevention efforts by raising funds for Wood County Human Services. Register online and join the cause, or volunteer to cheer on the sidelines! Guests: Melissa Kaye , Matt Zakowski

Port Edwards School District updates from District Administrator and Ed Heuer Principal James Bena. Mrs. Rachel Frizzell shares about the recent Costa Rica trip, highlighting ziplining, chocolate-making, and language immersion. Students faced travel hiccups but triumphed, bonding over service projects and cultural exchanges. A call to community heroes: help fund their unexpected hotel stay. Guests...

Representative Scott Krug discusses PFAS legislation and the importance of local vigilance in infrastructure programs. Krug defends the state’s election integrity, noting that while fraud exists, it’s minimal and prosecuted. He stresses the necessity of citizen engagement outside of legislative sessions, especially with election turnout waning and legislative work ongoing. Guests: Meli...

Wood County Sheriff Shawn Becker discusses a new crypto regulation bill aimed at curbing scams, now awaiting the governor’s signature. The bill, driven by bipartisan support, limits daily transactions and mandates refunds for victims. Becker also highlights the county’s 15th Crisis Intervention Training (CIT), enhancing law enforcement’s mental health crisis response. Reflecting...

Wood County Board Chair Lance Pliml joins Melissa Kaye to discuss recent developments. Key projects include the nearly finished Powers Bluff all-purpose building and Cera Park’s new shelter. Edgewater Haven undergoes a costly but necessary remodel to provide more transitional care. Fundraising for a Safe Haven Baby Box is complete, promising lifesaving potential. The Wisconsin Rapids Downtow...

Wisconsin Rapids Schools are busy as spring approaches. 4th graders Kane Jensen and Jennings Davis, 5th grader Jacob Barse and their coach Kelly Bluell talk about the Math 24 competition. Superintendent Ron Rasmussen gives district updates and referendum information and Pitsch Elementary Principal Teri Thomas shares information on 4K registration. Guests: Melissa Kaye , Ron Rasmussen , Teri Thomas

Senator Patrick Testin outlines recent legislative achievements in Wisconsin. With the session ending, discussions on the state’s $2.5 billion surplus hint at potential rebates and educational funding boosts. As political landscapes shift with upcoming elections, Wisconsin braces for new leadership. Guests: Melissa Kaye , Patrick Testin

Mayor Matt Zacher of Wisconsin Rapids discusses the city’s new cooperative initiative to hire additional firefighter paramedics, budgetary issues, and the upcoming 4th of July celebrations. Guests: Melissa Kaye , Matt Zacher

Port Edwards School District is buzzing with activity. James Bena, District Administrator and Principal of Ed Hoyer Elementary, highlights the Do Good Wisconsin Cereal Box Challenge, where students donated over a thousand cereal boxes to a local food pantry, complete with a domino video entry. March Book Madness brings literary excitement akin to a basketball tournament, while math whizzes shine i...

Matt Zakowski from Assumption Catholic Schools talks about the upcoming Run the Rapids 5K event supporting child abuse prevention. He gives an update on school happenings at Our Lady Queen of Heaven School and St. Vincent de Paul School. The high school sports teams are thriving, with notable achievements in basketball and wrestling. Spring break, CPR training, and prom are also on the horizon for...

Wood County Sheriff Shawn Becker discusses cryptocurrency scams in the area over the past 3 years and legislative efforts to curb them. Reflecting on a past tragedy, he honors Deputy Michael Shannon, emphasizing interdepartmental training’s evolution. Uplifting notes include the introduction of a new School Resource Officer at Auburndale School and creative community engagement with a K-9 bi...

Rep. Scott Krug discusses the controversial approval of the Rome solar project by the PSC, despite local opposition. We talk about Assembly Bill 493 to restore local control over renewable projects, housing issues, and tackling PFAS contamination. Guests: Melissa Kaye , Scott Krug

Local historian John Berg delves into Wisconsin’s transformation from a fur trade hub to a timber powerhouse in the 1800s. He highlights the complex interplay between indigenous tribes like the Menominee and Ho-Chunk and European traders. Guests: Melissa Kaye , John Berg

Mayor Matt Zacher talks about the recent ambulance chase that ended in an arrest. Common Council updates from the recent meeting and news about plans for the Fourth of July celebration. Guests: Melissa Kaye , Matt Zacher

Matt Zakowski Director of Advancement/Alumni relations with Assumption Catholic Schools talks about upcoming school events and fundraisers as well as February being enrollment month for Assumption. Guests: Melissa Kaye , Matt Zakowski

Port Edwards School District Administrator Jim Bena outlines referendum projects coming up this summer and some already underway. Elementary music teacher Jeff Erdmann gears up for the annual ‘Opera for the Young’ performance. Guests: Melissa Kaye , Jim Bena , Jeff Erdmann

Representative Scott Krug brings an update from the 72nd Assembly District on election bills, property tax relief, and funding for technical colleges across Wisconsin. Guests: Melissa Kaye , Scott Krug

Chief Deputy Quentin Ellis discusses work being done on crypto kiosk legislation to protect against scams. New Coordinated Response Specialist Cherith DeFabbio gives an overview of the Deflection Care Initiative and how it can help reduce incarceration for non-violent offenders. Guests: Melissa Kaye , Quentin Ellis , Cherith DeFabbio

Wisconsin Rapids Alderperson and Wood County Board of Supervisors member Jeff Penzkover and Director of Human Services in Wood County Brandon Vruwink discuss how the county and the city are collaborating on the issues surrounding homelessness in our community. Guests: Melissa Kaye , Brandon Vruwink , Jeff Penzkover

Board of Supervisors Chair Lance Pliml discusses District 9 spring primary, sales tax revenues, Edgewater Haven updates, rezoning in Saratoga, and housing issues in the county. Guests: Melissa Kaye , Lance Pliml

Supt. Rasmussen talks about Wisconsin Rapids Public School District’s first e-learning day because of the cold weather, registration for next school year, and the district going to referendum. Guests: Melissa Kaye , Ron Rasmussen

Mayor Zacher talks about decisions made at the Common Council Meeting on January 20th regarding WW&LC's solar power project and ATV/UTVs being approved on shared roads. Guests: Melissa Kaye , Matt Zacher

Sen. Testin discusses legislation to regulate hemp-derived cannabinoid products and a bill to ban Wisconsin telecom providers from using foreign-adversary-linked equipment. We also discuss ICE activity in surrounding states. Guests: Melissa Kaye , Patrick Testin