Perspective

Dive into the world of high school theater as Melissa Kaye interviews the dynamic director of Assumption Theatricals, Ryan Hustedt. After a five-year hiatus, the director's passion reignites the stage with a vibrant production of Mary Poppins. Learn about the creative process, from early auditions to the unique transcontinental choreography led by an alumna in Salt Lake City. With a small yet migh...

Wood County Sheriff Shawn Becker discusses vital community issues, emphasizing domestic abuse awareness and the critical services provided by local organizations like the Family Center. Highlighting October as Breast Cancer Awareness Month, he shares personal stories and department efforts, such as deputies wearing pink patches. He mourns the loss of a state trooper, stressing law enforcement unit...

Dive deep into Wisconsin's geological and ecological history with a retired federal historian and local naturalist. Explore the Sand Counties' ancient roots, from the Cambrian period's tropical seas to the Ice Age's cataclysmic floods that sculpted today’s landscapes. Discover the 'tension zone' where northern and southern climates collide, shaping the region's unique ecosystems. The naturalist pa...

Dive into the transformation of Wisconsin’s economic landscape as a local historian unravels the intricate shift from fur trading to timber and eventually the paper industry in the 1800s. Explore how treaties and key figures catalyzed this industrial evolution. The narrative weaves through indigenous nations' intricate relationships with European traders, emphasizing the Menominee, Ho-Chunk, and O...

Superintendent Ron Rasmussen and Grove Elementary Principal Tina Wallner discuss the new school year's progress, highlighting smooth adaptations to construction and the importance of new routines. A district-wide character development initiative aims to instill key life skills in students. Exciting developments include Grant Elementary's award as a model professional learning community and Lincoln...

Wood County Board Chair Lance Pliml discusses the new Safe Haven Baby Box in Wisconsin Rapids and does a deep dive into data center moratoriums and what counties can and cannot do regarding the decisions by cities and municipalities within their borders. Pliml shared what was discussed at the Wisconsin Counties Association Annual Conference September 20-22, touched on progress being made on the co...

Senator Patrick Testin dives into Wisconsin's $3 billion budget surplus debate, advocating for taxpayer returns and tax relief amidst rising gas prices. He discusses legislative gridlock and the looming election's impact on fiscal decisions. As the chair of the Senate Agriculture Committee he addresses farmers' struggles with diesel costs and potential state relief efforts. Sen. Testin touches on...

Wisconsin Rapids Mayor discusses the Downtown Grand Affair's success, highlighting youth involvement and collaboration. The focus shifts to local governance as the ATV/UTV ordinance passes, prompting plans for periodic reviews. The discussion explores the complexities of zoning, building codes, and the challenges of balancing growth with community standards. The mayor emphasizes transparency and a...

Matt Zakowski and host Melissa Kaye discuss the construction on the front entrance at the high school, directing everyone to enter at the rear of the building on Mead Street. They cover sports, bingo, the upcoming musical, and Homecoming. Guests: Matthew Zakowski

Host Melissa Kaye chats with Port Edwards District Administrator and Ed Heuer Elementary School Principal James Bena about the start of the 2026-27 school year. The elementary school started one week later due to construction projects which are now about 95% complete across the district. There's a new Middle School Agriculture Club this year and Homecoming is just around the corner. Guests: James...

Rep. Scott Krug of the 72nd Assembly District talks with host Melissa Kaye about the $2.5 billion surplus in the state and the importance of returning that to tax payers. They cover data center issues as well as concerns surrounding Flock cameras. Guests: Scott Krug

Wood County Sheriff Shawn Becker brings the September update with highlights from the Central Wisconsin State Fair, emphasizing community safety initiatives and public engagement, including therapy dogs and interactive booths. The sheriff discusses upcoming events like a charity ATV/UTV ride and bingo fundraisers to support the department’s K-9 units. The episode delves into the lifesaving impact...

Wisconsin Rapids Public School District kicks off the school year with excitement and new initiatives. District Superintendent Ron Rasmussen and Woodside Elementary staff members discuss preparations, including a revamped parking lot for safety at Howe Elementary, and full-day 4K program pilots. Woodside’s Family Fun Fest promises carnival games and pie-throwing antics to engage the community and...

Wood County August update with Board Chair Lance Pliml. He discusses celebrating long-term county employees, emphasizing their role in county success. Internet service issues with Bug Tussle are being monitored, and ARPA funds are strategically allocated for lasting projects like the new health center. The county’s park system, including Powers Bluff and Cera Park, continues to grow with new facil...

Senator Patrick Testin talks corn with host Melissa Kaye beginning with the Kellner Corn Fest. Their conversation continues with halted data center bills, emphasizing the need for sensible regulation to protect taxpayers. The Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Program’s lapse is another hot topic, with hopes for bipartisan revival. Celebrating the Elks Lodge’s community spirit, the senator highlights char...

Wisconsin Rapids Mayor Matt Zacher discusses data centers, moratoriums, and trains with host Melissa Kaye. He begins with the intricate workings of city governance, detailing the procedural journey for enacting a moratorium amidst public concerns. The episode delves into the complexities of local government cycles, the impact of potential developments on city revenue and community spaces, and the...

Assumption Catholic Schools are shaking things up with their football program switching to eight-aside games due to declining player numbers and enrollment. They’re joining the North Central Conference East, leaving their old conference behind. Exciting fall athletics include promising girls tennis led by the tennis coach, Phil Hartley and a strong cross-country team. The school’s entryway is gett...

Port Edwards is abuzz with a historic endeavor: moving the John Edwards statue to a new location at the high school. District Administrator James Bena teams up with a descendant of Edwards, Leslie Arendt, and 3D artist and sculptor Ben Jennings to relocate the statue from its secluded spot. With roots stretching back to the 1800s, the statue symbolizes the community’s rich paper industry heritage....

Representative Scott Krug addresses the contentious proposal for a data center on a historic mill site in Wisconsin Rapids. He critiques the incomplete conditional use permit and emphasizes the community’s right to transparency about potential developments. The conversation navigates the complexities of local versus state regulation, highlighting the need for municipal autonomy amid evolving tech...

Wood County Sheriff Shawn Becker brings the August update to WFHR. Sheriff Becker discusses the significance of National Night Out, a vital event fostering community-law enforcement bonds. Highlights include partnerships with local organizations, showcasing equipment like the MRAP, and emphasizing positive interactions. The sheriff lauds dispatchers, recounting a life-saving incident led by dispat...

Join Diane Blanchard and Pamela Hilke, lifelong Wisconsin Rapids residents, as they nostalgically recount the transformation of their hometown. From childhood memories of living near Mead Field and catching the mail train at the depot to reminiscing about long-gone local businesses like Hershlebs and Woolworths, their stories paint a vivid picture of a bygone era. They recall the neighborhood’s ev...

Melissa Kaye chats with Diane Blanchard and Pamela Hilke, lifelong residents and listeners of WFHR in Wisconsin Rapids. Diane reminisces about childhood mornings dancing to ‘The B-I-B-L-E’ and participating in the Reader’s Rally, while Pamela recalls polka shows and writing letters to Santa. Both share fond memories of local personalities like Arnie Strop and the ‘Quiz the Missus’ show, where havi...

The Wisconsin Rapids School July update features LHS Principal Kelly Zywicki and Athletic Director Chris Feidt. They discuss new policies and exciting events for the 2026 school year. Kelly unveils a phone-free classroom policy and targeted academic interventions during RPT, aiming to boost student focus and performance. Freshmen get a solo first day for smoother transition, and school events kick...

Join Melissa Kaye and Chairperson Lance Pliml as they dive into the Wood County July update. They discuss budget planning, from capital improvements to operational constraints. Get the scoop on the county’s strategic maneuvers, like reallocating funds and managing aging services. The duo tackles controversial topics like hyperscale data centers and their environmental and economic implications, ur...

Delve into Aldo Leopold’s transformative work, ‘A Sand County Almanac.’ Local historian Jean Mansavage discusses Leopold’s journey from Iowa to Wisconsin’s wilderness, where his conservation philosophy bloomed. Learn how his beloved ‘shack’ on a sand farm became an experimental ground for ecological restoration. Witness the gripping tales of Wisconsin’s own Dust Bowl and the resurrection of native...