Eau Claire Hometown Media

The director of the Wisconsin Farmers Union, based in thearea, Julie Bomar is the guest on this episode. W.F.U. is an advocacy group supporting agriculture and rural communities in the state.  How does this look inaction and what are some of the focuses and biggest challenges right now? The changing landscape of rural communities including access to services and ownership.

The winter sports seasons are upon us and we check in withthe RAM Hockey team.  Altoona hosts the team, with students from Regis, McDonell and Fall Creek also eligible to participate. Head coach Mick Podruch talks about the 2025-2026 team’s strength and if there are any special challenges that come with leading a “co-op” program. He also takes us on his own personal journey from -in hisown words-...

On this episode of Brains and Beers presented by The Phoenix Taproom and Kitchen. Listen as local guests answer a series of questions all while enjoying a beverage at this beautiful downtown location. And of course, play along yourself. Deb Johnson with the Heyde Center vs. Jay Bouley with the Chippewa Valley Symphony Orchestra.

McDonell alum of 2018, John Francis is  currently in seminary school in Milwaukee, working towards the priesthood. While at McDonell he was a multi-sport athlete as well as active in music and other clubs. So what ultimately led to him making the decision to answer the call to priesthood.  He was admittedly apprehensive to the profession in high school, so when and how did that feeling change? Wha...

Various physical and mental stimulation options exist to insuring we are enriching our dogs.  At the same time, we need to make sure what we are doing is accomplishing what we are intending.  In this episode, Heather discusses what enrichment means and ways to make sure we are leaning properly into what our dog’s own desires are. Whether your dog is a high-energy herder or a laid-back lapdog, this...

How does one connect the traditions of the CatholicChurch with the daily lives of young people. McDonell Chaplain Father Kren and Campus Ministry Coordinator Lily Rozeski discusses on the latest episode ofMack Chat. 

Success in a career starts with a proper work-life balanceand on this episode Sam Schlewitz tells us how learning to manage the two makes his a better person and attorney. He talks about how prioritizing hobbies, rest and social time provides more clarity in his career.  Why the advice of a mentor to avoid making “your home your office” has stuck with him. Its an inspiring reminder that being your...

In this episode, Emilie sits down with Rick Suydam with theStop Menomonie Data Center organization.  Rick’s own professional background in engineering (and emerging A.I.)  provides unique insight into the pros and cons of one of these developments. He shares what questions remain about the development, what they hope to achieve for the community going forward.

In this episode, Molly Bushman, president of the McDonellArea Catholic Schols talks about their faith-based curriculum and shares insight into what makes their school unique. With approximately 600 students and growing, enrolled in  pre-k through high school, McDonell’s model remains as relevant as ever in the area. She also details the many options that exist that prevent tuition cost from being...

Last year, the Eau Claire Marathon started a year roundseries of 5K races to engage the running community more. Approximately 250 people participated in each of the runs, one of them being Kirsten Lee whom we meet on this month’s episode.  We learn how she got into running consistently as an adult and the motivations behindit.  While she had run sporadically in the past, it was never a passion bef...

Are there litterboxes in schools?  What other mis-conceptions of what happens within schools exist?  Howare schools handling bullying? Heidi brings on Altoona Elementary Principal Leslie Lancette and Middle School Principal Steve Buss to thwart rumors and chatter that exists. They also share insight into how the student experience has changed over the last decade.  They explain how choices have in...

The Book of Mormon, winner of nine Tony Awards and one ofthe longest running Broadway Shows in history, returned to the Pablo Center in early November.  Kathy Wright got achance to chat with Jarius Miquel Cliett who brings the character of Mafala Hatimbi to life in the musical. Jarius shares what its like to perform in a Broadway production, the journey that led him to the stage and the joys of co...

Meet Mary Beth Pfeiffer, the new face of enrollment withMACS.  She has been with MACS in other roles but also has enrollment experience with a school in the Twin Cities.  She brings a fresh energy and passion for connecting with families.  She discusses enrollment for the 2026-2027 season and what families should know if they are interested. And for a more direct perspective as to what it meansto...

This month, the Heyde Center is serving up laughs with the arrival of the Big Auntie Energy Comedy Show on November 15th. Headliner Trish Cook shares the inspiration behind this hilarious family-friendly show along with the joys, quirks and wisdoms she has picked up over a nearly 15 year career as a standup comedian. Trish, and her team, are of Anishinaabe Native American decent, and with November...

Developing a puppy’s social skills can involve physicalinteractions whether it be in behavior classes, “play dates”, visits to parks, etc.  However, sometimes that isn’t practicalfor either the animal or owner. In this episode, Heather explores how to help your puppygrow into a confident, well-mannered dog -even if traditional socialization scenarios aren’t possible. From introducing new sights an...

This January the MACS Theatre Department will bepresenting the musical Le Miserable (School Edition) to the community.  Musical Director Kelsey Jimenz along withsenior student and stage manager Lillian McDonald discuss the play and how the school courses and co-curriculars associated with fine arts impact the schoolcommunity. Why was this particular show selected and what should theaudience expect...

Long dreamed of in the community, The Sonnentag Center opened in late 2024 with the goal of serving as a hub for athletics, concerts, conferences and community gatherings in the region.  Interim General Manager Steve Kirk talksabout the intricacies of this multi-faceted space from its unique fieldhouse to the event center/arena.  The ways thecenter is accessible to the community and the effort to...

Hosted by the Phoenix Taproom and Kitchen in downtown Eau Claire, this month's edition features representatives from Visit Eau Claire, the Pablo Center and the Altoona School District. Find out who comes out on top as they answer trivia questions while enjoying a tasty beverage.

Keeping the area informed is the local media and on thisepisode, we shine a spotlight on WEAU 13 News.  David Minor talks with local legendary newscaster Judy Clark to explorethe daily news operations, the vital role it plays in informing the community and the connection to the community.  Theways the operation and news gathering has changed over 30 years, the memorable stories and the relationshi...

This episode dives into the growing debate over cell phoneuse policies in schools, specifically getting the perspective of students.  Heidi talks with Altoona seniors Lucy Day andAnaya Romo as they share their views and how phones impact their focus, learning experience and social life. Do they view them as a distraction or as a helpful learning tool? Lucy and Anaya provide examples of both as the...

Who doesn’t like HAM…meaning Hunger Action Month, which is every September.  It’s an opportunity tohighlight a pair of community-minded individuals who’ve been long supporters of Feed My People, Kim and Darcy Way.  As both volunteers and board members, they’ve championed the FMP cause for years. While not originally from the area, both have becomeensconced in the Chippewa Valley. Not only raising...

Reading is a foundational skill for maneuvering in society. Notjust recognizing letters and words but comprehending text.  Act 20 is legislation passed in Wisconsin with the goal of improving reading literacy across the state Melissa Olson and Katie Coppenbarger, the Director and Assistant Director of Teaching and Learning with the school district are the guests to explain how Act 20 specifically...

Recorded live at the 2025 race expobefore an audience, Adam and Emily introduce us to Brent Wathke who was this year’s “charity chaser” in the half-marathon.  This year, for each runner Brent passed on thecourse money was raised with a total of $1,847 going towards Bob’s House for Dogs and Power of Perception. Brent got into running as way to stay in shape in college after he had played sports in...

In October, the Pablo Center hosted a performance by BLACKVIOLIN, a pair of classically changed black musicians playing hip hop on the string instrument.  It afforded an opportunityto showcase the possibilities that exist for African-American and biracial youths.  Dennis Beale, the founder of Power of Perception, a local organization that serves these demographics joins Kathy to talk about how sho...

Official Podcast of the Chippewa Falls Area Unified School District The funding of schools is a constant top of mind topic andin this episode, Superintendent Jeff Holmes and Director of Business Service and Finance Chad Trowbridge discuss the current status of the district’s financing.  How current referendum monies have been used, enrollment trends and the state funding landscape.   They also bri...