Perspective

Rep. Scott Krug – April update

Melissa Kaye — Tue, 07 Apr 2026 14:00:00 +0000

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’s Department April Update

Melissa Kaye — Mon, 06 Apr 2026 14:00:00 +0000

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

Wood County Board of Supervisors March Update

Melissa Kaye — Tue, 31 Mar 2026 14:00:00 +0000

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

WRPS District March Updates

Melissa Kaye — Tue, 31 Mar 2026 14:00:00 +0000

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

Senator Patrick Testin March Update

Melissa Kaye — Tue, 24 Mar 2026 14:00:00 +0000

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 March Updates

Melissa Kaye — Mon, 23 Mar 2026 14:00:00 +0000

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

Port Edwards School District March Update

Melissa Kaye — Mon, 16 Mar 2026 14:00:00 +0000

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

Assumption Schools Update for March

Melissa Kaye — Mon, 16 Mar 2026 14:00:00 +0000

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

Crypto Scam Legislation and updates with Wood County Sheriff Becker

Melissa Kaye — Wed, 11 Mar 2026 16:56:01 +0000

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 – March update from the 72nd Assembly District

Melissa Kaye — Mon, 09 Mar 2026 14:00:00 +0000

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

John Berg: From Fur to Timber in WI Rapids

Melissa Kaye — Tue, 24 Feb 2026 15:00:00 +0000

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

Mayor Matt Zacher WI Rapids February update

Melissa Kaye — Mon, 23 Feb 2026 15:00:00 +0000

Mayor Matt Zacher talks about the recent ambulance chase that ended in an arrest. Common Council updates from the recent meeting and news about plans for the Fourth of July celebration.

Guests: Melissa Kaye, Matt Zacher

Assumption Catholic Schools February Update

Melissa Kaye — Tue, 17 Feb 2026 15:00:00 +0000

Matt Zakowski Director of Advancement/Alumni relations with Assumption Catholic Schools talks about upcoming school events and fundraisers as well as February being enrollment month for Assumption.

Guests: Melissa Kaye, Matt Zakowski

Port Edwards School District February Updates

Melissa Kaye — Mon, 16 Feb 2026 15:00:00 +0000

Port Edwards School District Administrator Jim Bena outlines referendum projects coming up this summer and some already underway. Elementary music teacher Jeff Erdmann gears up for the annual ‘Opera for the Young’ performance.

Guests: Melissa Kaye, Jim Bena, Jeff Erdmann

Scott Krug on election bills, property tax, and tech college funding

Melissa Kaye — Tue, 10 Feb 2026 15:00:00 +0000

Representative Scott Krug brings an update from the 72nd Assembly District on election bills, property tax relief, and funding for technical colleges across Wisconsin.

Guests: Melissa Kaye, Scott Krug

Wood County update with Sheriff’s Chief Deputy Ellis

Melissa Kaye — Mon, 09 Feb 2026 15:00:00 +0000

Chief Deputy Quentin Ellis discusses work being done on crypto kiosk legislation to protect against scams. New Coordinated Response Specialist Cherith DeFabbio gives an overview of the Deflection Care Initiative and how it can help reduce incarceration for non-violent offenders.

Guests: Melissa Kaye, Quentin Ellis, Cherith DeFabbio

Jeff Penzkover & Brandon Vruwink discuss homelessness

Melissa Kaye — Tue, 03 Feb 2026 17:53:41 +0000

Wisconsin Rapids Alderperson and Wood County Board of Supervisors member Jeff Penzkover and Director of Human Services in Wood County Brandon Vruwink discuss how the county and the city are collaborating on the issues surrounding homelessness in our community.

Guests: Melissa Kaye, Brandon Vruwink, Jeff Penzkover

Wood County Board Chair Lance Pliml

Melissa Kaye — Mon, 02 Feb 2026 15:00:00 +0000

Board of Supervisors Chair Lance Pliml discusses District 9 spring primary, sales tax revenues, Edgewater Haven updates, rezoning in Saratoga, and housing issues in the county.

Guests: Melissa Kaye, Lance Pliml

WRPS Superintendent Ron Rasmussen

Melissa Kaye — Tue, 27 Jan 2026 15:00:00 +0000

Supt. Rasmussen talks about Wisconsin Rapids Public School District’s first e-learning day because of the cold weather, registration for next school year, and the district going to referendum.

Guests: Melissa Kaye, Ron Rasmussen

Wisconsin Rapids Mayor Matt Zacher

Melissa Kaye — Mon, 26 Jan 2026 15:00:00 +0000

Mayor Zacher talks about decisions made at the Common Council Meeting on January 20th regarding WW&LC's solar power project and ATV/UTVs being approved on shared roads.

Guests: Melissa Kaye, Matt Zacher

Perspective – Sen. Patrick Testin 24th Sen. District

Melissa Kaye — Tue, 20 Jan 2026 15:00:00 +0000

Sen. Testin discusses legislation to regulate hemp-derived cannabinoid products and a bill to ban Wisconsin telecom providers from using foreign-adversary-linked equipment. We also discuss ICE activity in surrounding states.

Guests: Melissa Kaye, Patrick Testin

Perspective – Rep. Scott Krug 72nd Assembly District

Melissa Kaye — Mon, 19 Jan 2026 15:00:00 +0000

Rep. Krug discusses school districts going to referendums, WisEye shutting down over lack of funding, the difference between federal law enforcement and local law enforcement, increases to grant levels for Veteran Service Offices, and datacenter legislation.

Guests: Melissa Kaye, Scott Krug

Matt Zakowski Assumption Catholic Schools

Melissa Kaye — Tue, 13 Jan 2026 15:00:00 +0000

Director of Advancement/Alumni Relations, Matt Zakowski discusses Catholic Schools Week January 25-31.

Guests: Melissa Kaye, Matt Zakowski

Lance Pliml, Wood County Board Chair

Melissa Kaye — Mon, 12 Jan 2026 15:00:00 +0000

Updates on the increase to death certificate and cremation fees, how opioid settlement funds are disbursed in the county, future plans for Edgewater Haven Nursing Facility, explanation of how county board committees function, and a winter recreation update.

Guests: Melissa Kaye, Lance Pliml