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.

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.

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 crucial role in law enforcement and community well-being. The episode also previews local events like the Back the Badge Bench Press competition and the Andrew Mueller Memorial, advocating for first responders to be equipped with epinephrin. Sheriff Becker champions community support and law enforcement’s evolving role in mental health crises. 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 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 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 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 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 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 legislature signaling new leadership. Teston champions bipartisan cooperation, despite political tensions, and discusses keeping special sessions open to explore non-partisan redistricting and tax cut negotiations amidst a substantial state surplus. 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.

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, preparations for the newly named Rapids Riverside Freedom Fest are underway, with efforts to fundraise for fireworks amidst budget constraints. Guests: Melissa Kaye, Matt Zacher

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.

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

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 updates from District Administrator and Ed Heuer Principal James Bena. Mrs. Rachel Frizzell shares about the recent Costa Rica trip, highlighting ziplining, chocolate-making, and language immersion. Students faced travel hiccups but triumphed, bonding over service projects and cultural exchanges. A call to community heroes: help fund their unexpected hotel stay. Guests: Melissa Kaye, James Bena, Rachel Frizzell

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.

Representative Scott Krug discusses PFAS legislation and the importance of local vigilance in infrastructure programs. Krug defends the state’s election integrity, noting that while fraud exists, it’s minimal and prosecuted. He stresses the necessity of citizen engagement outside of legislative sessions, especially with election turnout waning and legislative work ongoing. Guests: Melissa Kaye, Scott Krug

Wood County Sheriff Shawn Becker discusses a new crypto regulation bill aimed at curbing scams, now awaiting the governor’s signature. The bill, driven by bipartisan support, limits daily transactions and mandates refunds for victims. Becker also highlights the county’s 15th Crisis Intervention Training (CIT), enhancing law enforcement’s mental health crisis response. Reflecting on unsolved cases and officer memorials, Becker underscores community vigilance and law enforcement’s challenges. On a lighter note, a successful canine bingo fundraiser exceeded expectations, showcasing community support. Lastly, a preview of the upcoming Cops episode filmed in Wood County jail reveals the dedication of corrections staff. Guests: Melissa Kaye, Shawn Becker

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.

Wood County Board Chair Lance Pliml joins Melissa Kaye to discuss recent developments. Key projects include the nearly finished Powers Bluff all-purpose building and Cera Park’s new shelter. Edgewater Haven undergoes a costly but necessary remodel to provide more transitional care. Fundraising for a Safe Haven Baby Box is complete, promising lifesaving potential. The Wisconsin Rapids Downtown Farmers Market seeks a grant to boost public art, enhancing the area’s allure. Guests: Melissa Kaye, Lance Pliml

Wisconsin Rapids Schools are busy as spring approaches. 4th graders Kane Jensen and Jennings Davis, 5th grader Jacob Barse and their coach Kelly Bluell talk about the Math 24 competition. Superintendent Ron Rasmussen gives district updates and referendum information and Pitsch Elementary Principal Teri Thomas shares information on 4K registration. Guests: Melissa Kaye, Ron Rasmussen, Teri Thomas

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.

Senator Patrick Testin outlines recent legislative achievements in Wisconsin. With the session ending, discussions on the state’s $2.5 billion surplus hint at potential rebates and educational funding boosts. As political landscapes shift with upcoming elections, Wisconsin braces for new leadership. Guests: Melissa Kaye, Patrick Testin

Mayor Matt Zacher of Wisconsin Rapids discusses the city’s new cooperative initiative to hire additional firefighter paramedics, budgetary issues, and the upcoming 4th of July celebrations. 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.

Port Edwards School District is buzzing with activity. James Bena, District Administrator and Principal of Ed Hoyer Elementary, highlights the Do Good Wisconsin Cereal Box Challenge, where students donated over a thousand cereal boxes to a local food pantry, complete with a domino video entry. March Book Madness brings literary excitement akin to a basketball tournament, while math whizzes shine in the Math 24 competition. High spirits continue as John Edwards High wins the prestigious Spirit of Excellence Award, lauding student achievements across various pillars. Meanwhile, students prepare for state-level solo and ensemble contests, and Spanish learners embark on a cultural adventure to Costa Rica during spring break. Guests: Melissa Kaye, James Bena

Matt Zakowski from Assumption Catholic Schools talks about the upcoming Run the Rapids 5K event supporting child abuse prevention. He gives an update on school happenings at Our Lady Queen of Heaven School and St. Vincent de Paul School. The high school sports teams are thriving, with notable achievements in basketball and wrestling. Spring break, CPR training, and prom are also on the horizon for students. Guests: Melissa Kaye, Matt Zakowski

Wood County Sheriff Shawn Becker discusses cryptocurrency scams in the area over the past 3 years and legislative efforts to curb them. Reflecting on a past tragedy, he honors Deputy Michael Shannon, emphasizing interdepartmental training’s evolution. Uplifting notes include the introduction of a new School Resource Officer at Auburndale School and creative community engagement with a K-9 bingo event in March. Guests: Melissa Kaye, Shawn Becker

Rep. Scott Krug discusses the controversial approval of the Rome solar project by the PSC, despite local opposition. We talk about Assembly Bill 493 to restore local control over renewable projects, housing issues, and tackling PFAS contamination. Guests: Melissa Kaye, Scott Krug

Local historian John Berg delves into Wisconsin’s transformation from a fur trade hub to a timber powerhouse in the 1800s. He highlights the complex interplay between indigenous tribes like the Menominee and Ho-Chunk and European traders. Guests: Melissa Kaye, John Berg