Perspective

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