WFHR and WIRI News

The WFHR Thursday News Roundup is your state and local news, weather, and sports for the region, WI. Listen live over the air, via your smart speaker, or on the Civic Media app for more, or find your favorite news and shows wherever you find your podcasts.

The WFHR Wednesday News Roundup is your state and local news, weather, and sports for the region, WI. Listen live over the air, via your smart speaker, or on the Civic Media app for more, or find your favorite news and shows wherever you find your podcasts.

The WFHR Tuesday News Roundup is your state and local news, weather, and sports for the region, WI. Listen live over the air, via your smart speaker, or on the Civic Media app for more, or find your favorite news and shows wherever you find your podcasts.

Assumption’s Matt Zakowski brings the July update. As Director of Advancement/Alumni relations, Matt discusses upcoming summer events with Assumption Catholic Schools. The highlight is the 38th Annual Royal Golf Scramble, a vital fundraiser for the athletic department, with day-of registration still open. Plus, explore the Wisconsin Parental Choice Program for tuition assistance before the July 20th deadline. Enjoy a private family night at the Wisconsin Rapids Aquatic Center on August 9th. The school year kicks off with critical parent meetings and the Little Royals Roundup. Get ready for Mary Poppins the Musical, a major fundraiser, showcasing local talent in November. Also, join the excitement of bingo with proceeds supporting various school programs. Guests: Melissa Kaye, Matt Zakowski

The WFHR Monday News Roundup is your state and local news, weather, and sports for the region, WI. Listen live over the air, via your smart speaker, or on the Civic Media app for more, or find your favorite news and shows wherever you find your podcasts.

Port Edwards School District’s Blackhawk Golf Scramble hit a hole-in-one by raising nearly $8,000, a 33% leap from last year, funding scholarships and classroom enhancements. Amidst these achievements, the district tackles major construction, replacing pipelines and HVAC systems in buildings dating back to the 1920s and 1968. The upgrades aim to modernize and maintain safe, efficient schools. However, the district faces financial challenges due to $440,000 siphoned off by the voucher program in the 2025-2026 school year, highlighting a need for transparency about taxpayer funds’ allocation. Despite these hurdles, the construction projects remain under budget, demonstrating fiscal responsibility and community commitment. Guests: Melissa Kaye, James Bena

The WFHR Friday News Roundup is your state and local news, weather, and sports for the region, WI. Listen live over the air, via your smart speaker, or on the Civic Media app for more, or find your favorite news and shows wherever you find your podcasts.

The WFHR Thursday News Roundup is your state and local news, weather, and sports for the region, WI. Listen live over the air, via your smart speaker, or on the Civic Media app for more, or find your favorite news and shows wherever you find your podcasts.

The WFHR Wednesday News Roundup is your state and local news, weather, and sports for the region, WI. Listen live over the air, via your smart speaker, or on the Civic Media app for more, or find your favorite news and shows wherever you find your podcasts.

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, including the farmers market expansion and street reconfigurations to encourage pedestrian traffic. They also delve into the complexities of implementing a sex offender ordinance and the importance of community safety. Zacher invites residents to engage with local government for a thriving, connected community. Guests: Melissa Kaye, Matt Zacher

The WFHR Friday News Roundup is your state and local news, weather, and sports for the region, WI. Listen live over the air, via your smart speaker, or on the Civic Media app for more, or find your favorite news and shows wherever you find your podcasts.

The WFHR Thursday News Roundup is your state and local news, weather, and sports for the region, WI. Listen live over the air, via your smart speaker, or on the Civic Media app for more, or find your favorite news and shows wherever you find your podcasts.

The WFHR Wednesday News Roundup is your state and local news, weather, and sports for the region, WI. Listen live over the air, via your smart speaker, or on the Civic Media app for more, or find your favorite news and shows wherever you find your podcasts.

The WFHR Tuesday News Roundup is your state and local news, weather, and sports for the region, WI. Listen live over the air, via your smart speaker, or on the Civic Media app for more, or find your favorite news and shows wherever you find your podcasts.

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 hydroponic towers engage students in growing fresh veggies, enhancing educational experiences. Community donations to the Food Service Angel Fund has reduced lunch debt to zero so kids can start next school year with a clean slate. Hanneman’s team champions nutritious meals, proving that feeding kids is vital for their growth and learning. Guests: Melissa Kaye, Melanie Hanneman

The WFHR Monday News Roundup is your state and local news, weather, and sports for the region, WI. Listen live over the air, via your smart speaker, or on the Civic Media app for more, or find your favorite news and shows wherever you find your podcasts.

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 nearly complete, and a new Safe Haven Baby Box arrives to safeguard infants. Staffing challenges at Norwood and broader healthcare workforce issues are acknowledged, urging community input for solutions. Guests: Melissa Kaye, Lance Pliml

The WFHR Friday News Roundup is your state and local news, weather, and sports for the region, WI. Listen live over the air, via your smart speaker, or on the Civic Media app for more, or find your favorite news and shows wherever you find your podcasts.

The WFHR Thursday News Roundup is your state and local news, weather, and sports for the region, WI. Listen live over the air, via your smart speaker, or on the Civic Media app for more, or find your favorite news and shows wherever you find your podcasts.

The WFHR Wednesday News Roundup is your state and local news, weather, and sports for the region, WI. Listen live over the air, via your smart speaker, or on the Civic Media app for more, or find your favorite news and shows wherever you find your podcasts.

The WFHR Tuesday News Roundup is your state and local news, weather, and sports for the region, WI. Listen live over the air, via your smart speaker, or on the Civic Media app for more, or find your favorite news and shows wherever you find your podcasts.

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. June Dairy Month highlights Wisconsin’s dairy industry’s economic impact. Testin’s ‘On-the-Job’ series features a hood cleaning business, sparking a push for statewide licensing. Testin also tackles the campaign committee role amidst a chaotic election season, advocating for positivity in politics. Guests: Melissa Kaye, Patrick Testin

The WFHR Monday News Roundup is your state and local news, weather, and sports for the region, WI. Listen live over the air, via your smart speaker, or on the Civic Media app for more, or find your favorite news and shows wherever you find your podcasts.

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’ benefits versus costs. They question the transparency and community impact of such projects, emphasizing how power and resource consumption could hike local costs. They urge citizens to engage with city officials, striving for enforceable regulations and community benefit agreements to protect local interests. Guests: Melissa Kaye, Audrey Day

The WFHR Friday News Roundup is your state and local news, weather, and sports for the region, WI. Listen live over the air, via your smart speaker, or on the Civic Media app for more, or find your favorite news and shows wherever you find your podcasts.

The WFHR Thursday News Roundup is your state and local news, weather, and sports for the region, WI. Listen live over the air, via your smart speaker, or on the Civic Media app for more, or find your favorite news and shows wherever you find your podcasts.

The WFHR Wednesday News Roundup is your state and local news, weather, and sports for the region, WI. Listen live over the air, via your smart speaker, or on the Civic Media app for more, or find your favorite news and shows wherever you find your podcasts.

The WFHR Tuesday News Roundup is your state and local news, weather, and sports for the region, WI. Listen live over the air, via your smart speaker, or on the Civic Media app for more, or find your favorite news and shows wherever you find your podcasts.

The WFHR Monday News Roundup is your state and local news, weather, and sports for the region, WI. Listen live over the air, via your smart speaker, or on the Civic Media app for more, or find your favorite news and shows wherever you find your podcasts.

The WFHR Friday News Roundup is your state and local news, weather, and sports for the region, WI. Listen live over the air, via your smart speaker, or on the Civic Media app for more, or find your favorite news and shows wherever you find your podcasts.

The WFHR Thursday News Roundup is your state and local news, weather, and sports for the region, WI. Listen live over the air, via your smart speaker, or on the Civic Media app for more, or find your favorite news and shows wherever you find your podcasts.

The WFHR Wednesday News Roundup is your state and local news, weather, and sports for the region, WI. Listen live over the air, via your smart speaker, or on the Civic Media app for more, or find your favorite news and shows wherever you find your podcasts.

The WFHR Tuesday News Roundup is your state and local news, weather, and sports for the region, WI. Listen live over the air, via your smart speaker, or on the Civic Media app for more, or find your favorite news and shows wherever you find your podcasts.

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 healthcare costs. He also examines the evolving housing market, noting a stabilization trend that could benefit first-time buyers. The episode concludes with a heated discussion on proposed data centers in Wisconsin Rapids, urging respectful public discourse and informed decision-making. Guests: Melissa Kaye, Scott Krug

The WFHR Monday News Roundup is your state and local news, weather, and sports for the region, WI. Listen live over the air, via your smart speaker, or on the Civic Media app for more, or find your favorite news and shows wherever you find your podcasts.

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 Becker spotlights jail programs fostering inmate rehabilitation, from GEDs to addiction treatment. The episode wraps with community events like Bluegrass at the Lake and Andrew Mueller’s car show, supporting local causes and honoring those lost too soon. Guests: Melissa Kaye, Shawn Becker

The WFHR Friday News Roundup is your state and local news, weather, and sports for the region, WI. Listen live over the air, via your smart speaker, or on the Civic Media app for more, or find your favorite news and shows wherever you find your podcasts.

The WFHR Thursday News Roundup is your state and local news, weather, and sports for the region, WI. Listen live over the air, via your smart speaker, or on the Civic Media app for more, or find your favorite news and shows wherever you find your podcasts.

The WFHR Tuesday News Roundup is your state and local news, weather, and sports for the region, WI. Listen live over the air, via your smart speaker, or on the Civic Media app for more, or find your favorite news and shows wherever you find your podcasts.

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 sponsorships. The airport, a key economic driver, especially with Sand Valley’s influence, has seen growth in aircraft activity and fuel sales. Upcoming plans include a dream terminal to enhance community engagement and attract more business to the region. Guests: Melissa Kaye, Jeremy Sickler

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 about misleading social media posts posing as county communications, urging vigilance against digital misinformation. Guests: Melissa Kaye, Lance Pliml

The WFHR Monday News Roundup is your state and local news, weather, and sports for the region, WI. Listen live over the air, via your smart speaker, or on the Civic Media app for more, or find your favorite news and shows wherever you find your podcasts.

The WFHR Friday News Roundup is your state and local news, weather, and sports for the region, WI. Listen live over the air, via your smart speaker, or on the Civic Media app for more, or find your favorite news and shows wherever you find your podcasts.

The WFHR Thursday News Roundup is your state and local news, weather, and sports for the region, WI. Listen live over the air, via your smart speaker, or on the Civic Media app for more, or find your favorite news and shows wherever you find your podcasts.

The WFHR Tuesday News Roundup is your state and local news, weather, and sports for the region, WI. Listen live over the air, via your smart speaker, or on the Civic Media app for more, or find your favorite news and shows wherever you find your podcasts.

The WFHR Thursday News Roundup is your state and local news, weather, and sports for the region, WI. Listen live over the air, via your smart speaker, or on the Civic Media app for more, or find your favorite news and shows wherever you find your podcasts.

The WFHR Wednesday News Roundup is your state and local news, weather, and sports for the region, WI. Listen live over the air, via your smart speaker, or on the Civic Media app for more, or find your favorite news and shows wherever you find your podcasts.

The WFHR Tuesday News Roundup is your state and local news, weather, and sports for the region, WI. Listen live over the air, via your smart speaker, or on the Civic Media app for more, or find your favorite news and shows wherever you find your podcasts.

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 remaining in the building. They’ll move up to the High School in seventh grade. High school graduation on May 22nd celebrates 34 seniors, while upcoming events like the spring band concert and quilt show keep spirits high. As the academic year closes, Assumption gears up for a vibrant summer and community engagement. Guests: Melissa Kaye, Matt Zakowski

The WFHR Monday News Roundup is your state and local news, weather, and sports for the region, WI. Listen live over the air, via your smart speaker, or on the Civic Media app for more, or find your favorite news and shows wherever you find your podcasts.