Perspective

The Wood County Sheriff’s Department July update is with Chief Deputy Quentin Ellis on local events, safety initiatives, and scams. The ‘Back the Badge’ bench press event and Andrew Mueller fundraiser highlighted community support for law enforcement and medical preparedness. Ellis praised training partnerships with Mid-State Technical College for enhancing leadership within the...

Wisconsin Rapids July update with Mayor Matt Zacher covers the city’s ambitious plans for the 4th of July Freedom Fest, featuring bands, a flyover, and a variety of activities. The discussion highlights community involvement in event planning and the importance of public feedback via the city’s website. Mayor Zacher emphasizes the city’s ongoing downtown revitalization efforts, i...

Melissa Kaye chats with Melanie Hanneman, Director of Food Services for Wisconsin Rapids Public School District, about the complexities of school nutrition. Discover how feeding nearly 3,000 students daily is akin to catering a wedding, with USDA regulations guiding menu choices. The district’s summer food program offers free meals to anyone under 18, thanks to federal funding. Innovative hy...

Wood County Board Chair Lance Pliml chats about hosting the Wisconsin County Forest Association, showcasing 38,000 acres of managed county forest, a vital resource both for recreation and revenue. Pliml highlights improvements at Marshfield fairgrounds and the strategic use of ARPA funds—$11 million dedicated to capital projects in the county, ensuring a lasting legacy. Powers Bluff upgrades are n...

Senator Patrick Testin’s June update discusses the stalled tax relief package amid Wisconsin’s $2.5 billion surplus, emphasizing bipartisan negotiations for tax rebates and property tax relief, while lamenting the Senate’s narrow failure to pass the deal. The dialogue shifts to education, with Testin defending school vouchers against concerns about transparency and accountability...

South Wood County Neighbors for Responsible Development members, Audrey Day and Emily Oetzman, rally against a proposed hyperscale data center. They’re a grassroots group advocating for responsible development, highlighting concerns about water consumption, pollution, and infrastructure strain. Their initial event drew hundreds, revealing widespread skepticism about data centers’ benef...

Assumption Catholic Schools celebrate a stellar performance at the WIAA State Track Meet, with standout athletes like Bella Thomas and Lucy Dolan setting records. As the Royals revel in their victories, they’re also gearing up for summer with the ‘Stay Smart’ program to combat the summer slump. The Material Girls Quilt Show promises a splash of color and craftsmanship, while the...

Jim Bena, Port Edwards District Administrator, highlights the 20th Blackhawk Scramble on June 22nd, a key fundraiser for the Port Edwards Education Foundation. The event features exciting additions like a golf cannon and sponsorship opportunities. Bena also recaps the Dream Flight STEM Space Shuttle visit, sparking students’ interest in science, and the fun-filled end-of-year carnival organi...

Representative Scott Krug discusses the infuriating gridlock over Wisconsin’s failed $1.8 billion budget surplus agreement, calling it a colossal blunder by the state Senate. Despite the setback, he emphasizes the potential relief $300 offers to taxpayers. Shifting gears, Krug highlights the importance of federally funded health centers in rural Wisconsin and the challenges of escalating hea...

Wood County Sheriff Shawn Becker talks about community safety and policing updates. Sheriff Becker pays tribute to former Sheriff Robert Bodette, reflects on the effectiveness of Crime Stoppers, and highlights the relentless training and community support for canine units. With a nod to the chaos of road construction causing traffic headaches, he emphasizes safety patrols on key highways. Sheriff...

South Wood County Airport Manager Jeremy Sickler shares exciting news about a $2.7 million FAA grant aimed at modernizing the 50-year-old terminal. This upgrade promises to transform the airport by improving infrastructure, adding ADA-compliant facilities, and creating public observation areas. While the grant marks a significant start, Sickler aims to raise up to $6 million through local sponsors...

Wood County Board Chair Lance Pliml talks about the post-election changes to the County Board and the process of reorganizing committees. Pliml discusses the budget process and difficulties as $12 million in requests must shrink to fit a $4.5 million budget. The conversation shifts to the county’s park system, celebrating new developments at Powers Bluff and Cera Park. Finally, Pliml warns a...

Wisconsin Rapids Public Schools May updates with District’s Superintendent Ron Rasmussen and River Cities High School Principal Steve Hepp. Both discuss major milestones and initiatives. River Cities High School graduation happens soon as well as Lincoln High School.  They detail the crucial roles of IEPs and 504 plans, emphasizing their impacts on student success. Exciting summer plans incl...

Mayor Matt Zacher updates on data center developments as the process stalls in Wisconsin Rapids. Despite social media uproar, he emphasizes transparent government processes and community involvement. Meanwhile, Alexander Field secures a $2.7 million grant for upgrades, promising enhanced facilities. As the city gears up for July 4th festivities, Zacher calls for community spirit, acts of kindness,...

Senator Patrick Testin shares insights on the failed $1.8 billion surplus deal, addressing concerns about property tax relief, school funding, and opposition from both parties. He highlights the need for reform in education funding, emphasizing demographic challenges and declining student numbers. The episode touches on contentious data center siting, advocating for transparency and community buy-...

Dive into the tangled web of Wisconsin’s school voucher system with Port Edwards District Administrator Jim Bena and Denise Gaumer Hutchison, the Northeast Regional Organizer for Wisconsin Public Education Network. Jim discusses the voucher system, how it started and where it has progressed to. Denise talks about the importance of transparency for taxpayers on where school funding is actuall...

Matt Zakowski from Assumption Catholic Schools chats about recent events and future plans. The school hosted a successful ‘Run the Rapids’ 5K, a fundraiser promoting child abuse prevention. Students at Our Lady Queen of Heaven are buzzing with activities, including a miraculous retreat and an impressive vocabulary milestone. Changes are coming to St. Vincent de Paul, with sixth graders...

Wood County Sheriff Shawn Becker recaps a tense overnight standoff in Marshfield resolved peacefully, underscoring the importance of inter-agency collaboration. He emphasizes evolving mental health initiatives within law enforcement, highlighting the 15-year Crisis Intervention Training and jail mental health services. Sheriff Becker praises the progress in mental health awareness, noting its cruc...

Representative Scott Krug dives into the hot topic of data centers in Wisconsin Rapids, emphasizing community concerns about private ventures and the city’s role in zoning and permits. On roads, Krug highlights massive infrastructure improvements but warns inflation may offset budget boosts, calling for new revenue sources. He discusses the limited impact of Voting Rights Act changes on Wisc...

Join Melissa Kaye and Jean Mansavage as they unravel Wisconsin’s sandy secrets and Aldo Leopold’s conservation vision. Jean, a retired federal historian and Wisconsin master naturalist, shares how the Central Sand Plains formed from ancient seas and glacial lakes, creating unique soils that shape local life and agriculture today. They explore the ecological tension zone where northern pines...

Superintendent Ron Rasmussen of Wisconsin Rapids Public Schools dives into the complexities of the school voucher system, explaining how local tax dollars are redirected to private schools through the Wisconsin parental choice program. He outlines the financial impact on public schools and the growing concern over funding inequities, as the district grapples with rising costs and static state fund...

Superintendent Ron Rasmussen and principals Kim Akey and Amber Applebee discuss the Wisconsin Rapids School District’s latest updates. They celebrate a successful operational referendum and highlight the formation of a task force to address school boundary changes due to fluctuating enrollments. Recently re-elected board members and award-winning staff are applauded, while Mead Elementary sh...

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