Perspective

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 Wisconsin and pushes for a nonpartisan map-drawing process. Lastly, Krug advocates for transparency in real estate listings, aiming to protect sellers and buyers in a tight housing market. Guests: Melissa Kaye, Scott Krug

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 meet southern oaks, revealing how climate influences flora. Discover Leopold’s ‘A Sand County Almanac’ and its enduring impact on environmental ethics, urging us to cherish land as a community. Unearth history and ecology in a lively chat that reconnects us with nature. Guest: Melissa Kaye

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 funding. Despite challenges, Rasmussen highlights innovative education initiatives like partnerships with Mid-State Technical College, which offer students early college credits and vocational training. The conversation touches on educational competition, evolving curricula, and adapting to future job markets in the age of AI. Guests: Melissa Kaye, Ron Rasmussen