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Uncategorized Blog

Racine Case Kicks Off Football Filled Weekend on WRJN

The #3 Seed Racine Case Eagles start the football weekend on WRJN with a WIAA Playoff battle against #2 seed Mukwonago.  We’ll have live coverage starting at 6:30 Friday night, with Dick Graceffa on the call.  Last week, WRJN listeners heard a classic when Case came back to beat Oconomowoc in the first round of the playoffs.  Listen live on the airwaves or find WRJN on the Civic Media app.

Keep the app handy for Saturday night football with the Wisconsin Badgers.  College football can be heard through the Civic Media app, with pre-game on WRJN starting at 4:30pm.  The Badgers look to bounce back with a Big Ten matchup in Iowa.

You can hear the Green Bay Packers only on the airwaves, 1400AM, 99.9FM in Racine, and 98.1FM in Kenosha. Pre-game for the contest with Detroit starts at 1pm, with Wayne, Larry, Kuhn, and the kick-off at 3:25.  After it’s over, stick around for the post-game show, which includes interviews from the podium and the players. Post game runs for roughly two hours after the game ends. 

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Blog

It’s not “divisive” when calling out racism in political campaigns. It’s needed. Especially when it comes to Van Orden.

By Chad Holmes

This past weekend, like many of you, I tried to relax and get away from the work grind by getting in front of a television and watching some football. The Green Bay Packers on Sunday to be specific. However, with less than a month away from the election, it’s impossible to get away completely. Certainly when it comes to Congressman Derrick Van Orden.

Derrick Van Orden is not my congressman. I live in the 7th Congressional District, as does everyone who lives in Marathon County. My congressman (and I use the my very loosely) is Tom Tiffany. Derrick Van Orden represents the 3rd Congressional District. The reason why I have to sit through many Derrick Van Orden political commercials, and his oppenent Rebecca Cooke, is because the 3rd District has Portage and Wood County as part of it. The Stevens Point and Wisconsin Rapids media markets are served by TV stations out of Wausau. To get to voters in Point and Rapids the campaigns need to buy spots from Channels 7, 9, 12 and the FOX channel….what number that is I have no idea. So those of us in Marathon County and other counties not in the 3rd get to learn a lot about Van Orden and Cooke.

It wasn’t a surprise I saw many, many political spots when sitting down to watch the Packers face the Rams Sunday. It was expected. I have seen Derrick Van Orden’s “racial dog whistle” spots many times. Maybe I just saw it one time too many yesterday. Recently Van Order had a spot titled “One of Them.” It featured pics of the “liberal elite” such as President Biden, former Speaker Pelosi, Senate majority leader Schumer and California Governor Newsom. None mentioned by name. Then the spot claimed Cooke was “handpicked” to win back the House and “trusted to elect liberal heroes like Mandela Barnes.” Large photo Barnes. Looks darkened. Then they add another black face in House Minority leader Jeffries on the other side of Cooke to finish the spot with the words “she’s one of them.” Disgusting.

The latest Van Orden ad drops the white faces and focuses on linking Cooke strictly to Mandela Barnes. That’s the spot I kept seeing yesterday. It’s more “Us vs. Them”. The kind of stuff we saw over and over again in the 2022 Senate race between Barnes and Senator Ron Johnson. The biggest difference is in 2022 Johnson had the “sense” to let his 3rd party allies put out the most racist and disgusting of the ads, including darkening of the then-Lt. Governor’s picture. The Van Orden spots end with the words “I’m Derrick Van Orden and I approve this message.” Standing next to a bunch of old white guys who look like law enforcement. Nice little kicker there Derrick. He is trying to remind everyone he is “us” standing next to the white guys while Cooke is “them” pictured next to Barnes and Jeffries.

Van Orden isn’t the only GOP candidate ramping up the use of racial language. It goes right to the top. It was reported today that Donald Trump told right wing radio host Hugh Hewitt that you can tell whether migrants are predisposed to committing murder by “their genes.” “We got a lot of bad genes in our country right now,” Trump added. This is 2024. That’s the kind of thing said in the years post-Civic War. Pure racism.

We need stop seeing the media using terms like “sharpening attacks” and other passive language to avoid saying the truth: these are racist attacks on millions of our people. This is not a time to “both sides” what we are seeing and hearing everyday. Over and over again. Even when trying to get away from it all with a football game. It’s dangerous. It needs to stop but if it doesn’t stop it needs to be called what it is.

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Blog

Trying to figure out Tommy Thompson

By Chad Holmes

There are many things in politics that make sense and those that don’t. Earlier this week Donald Trump became the first Republican nominee for President to campaign in Dane County since Bob Dole in 1996. Among the state GOP dignitaries who were there to show their support of the former President were former Governor Scott Walker and 2022 Republican gubernatorial nominee Tim Michels. Senator Ron Johnson is one of Trump’s biggest state supporters. None of those names are surprising. The one state GOP leader that still makes me shake my head for his support of Trump is former four-term Wisconsin Governor Tommy Thompson. Not only does Thompson support Trump but he was the lead speaker introducing Trump this week in Dane County. Tommy even laughed at the call (and insult) Trump gave when he called to tell Tommy to “get the hell off the stage.”

Why? I keep asking why and finding little in my search for answers. Just a couple of weeks ago Civic Media had plenty of coverage from the Cap Times Idea Fest in Madison. Leading political figures were among the many types of folks who spoke at the event. One of which was Tommy Thompson. After reading what he told the audience at Idea Fest I am more confused on why Thompson, at the age of 82, would make one of his last political battles a fight to get Donald Trump back into the White House. In fact, the reasons he put out at Idea Fest make absolutely no sense.

From a story at civicmedia.us that discussed Thompson’s appearance at Idea Fest: “he noted his support for Trump was in part a push to urge his own party to work across the aisle to tackle the serious problems facing Wisconsin and the United States as a whole.” What? If Thompson wants a leader who will urge the current MAGA Republican Party to work across the aisle that person wouldn’t be Donald Trump in any way, shape or form. It’s crazy to think that Trump will change who he is at this late point in his life.

Thompson also, as Civic Media noted in it’s story of the event appearance, “At various points in the evening, Thompson endorsed a range of ideas that might strike the uninitiated as out of character for a Republican.” Some of the ideas Thompson pushed would be laughed out of a MAGA Republican Party meeting. Thompson proposed converting a state prison into a university to give inmates a path to success after incarceration and hiring retired judges to re-try cases within the correctional system with the hope of reducing sentences and freeing people earlier. The GOP and it’s 3rd party allies are putting out disgusting commercials right here in central Wisconsin against 85th Assembly District Democratic nominee Yee Leng Xiong saying he wants to open up all the jailhouse doors to release dangerous criminals. If Yee Leng Xiong made the same proposal as Thompson (which is very much worth consideration) the Republican Party would be spending many thousands of dollars calling him “soft on crime.”

Thompson also finished with a very reasonable statement that would have no favor in Trump’s Republican Party: “There are good ideas from Democrats and good ideas from Republicans,” he said. “In this state and this country … I want you to work as hard as you possibly can for your candidate, Kamala. I’m going to work for my candidate, Donald Trump. But at the end I want to come together because this country has serious, serious problems and we cannot afford to continue to be so partisan and so political that we don’t talk to each other.”

I am still as confused as ever on why Donald Trump is Tommy Thompson’s candidate. Thompson has to know of Trump’s dictatorial tendencies, his racist history, his felony convictions and more. Is it a desperate attempt at relevance? I don’t know. However, I do know that Tommy Thompson has to be held to account for his work, his hard work, to put a dangerous demagogue back in office. Saying he worked with Democrats in the past doesn’t cut it. Thompson is putting party, and maybe himself, above country and it’s a disgrace that should stick to him now and forever.

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Blog

Too much hubris, not enough humility in Wausau ballot drop box controversy.

By Chad Holmes

Throughout Tuesday, like any storm, the winds started to blow harder and harder. At first the thought was “did Mayor Diny really dress up as a DPW employee to move a ballot drop box on a Sunday?” Yep, it really happened and there were pictures and video to prove it. On the surface it appears the mayor has overstepped his bounds in moving the drop box to his office. There are a lot of upset constituents, city hall workers and public officials. There will be plenty of investigation and decisions to be made on what happened on Sunday and much more to be said. However, at this point, I want to talk about a trend I have seen for a while in candidates and officials: hubris.

Self-confidence can be a good thing. It can also lead to problems. Reading some of the mayor’s comments concerning his decision to unilaterally remove the ballot drop box it comes across as a person who has no doubt he thinks he’s right. The mayor also said the people who he talked to don’t like drop boxes. It reminded me of an interview I had a couple of months ago on my program with a Republican candidate for the state assembly where he said everyone he had talked to agreed with his positions. My first thought was “everyone”? There are more than a few things I believe I am correct about. However, I am not delusional enough to think “everyone” agrees with me. It seems as though, in recent years, many on the right are certain of their beliefs and that “everyone” or at least every “real American” agrees with them. Whether Trump, Cory Tomczyk, and even radio personalities it can lead to some dangerous situations thinking you are right about everything.

According to public reports, Mayor Diny did have conversations with the clerk about the drop boxes. Apparently, in the end, the mayor’s suggestions were not heeded and the drop box was not removed. Sometimes you win some, sometimes you lose some right? Not in this case. The mayor decided not to take no for an answer. He “knows” he is right. Hubris. That’s not the way our government works. One point that council president Lisa Rasmussen made really caught my eye. Rasmussen said to the Wausau Pilot and Review: “One concern I have heard from people so far is worry that there could be no accountability for this action, that if any other citizen had done the same thing, they would have been immediately answering to the police, and or facing some consequences.” There has been many examples in recent years where it appears that the rules are different for different people. Whether because of social status, economic status, race or other factors people aren’t treated equally under the law or under the rules of our society. That is a problem.

We will learn more about what happened and whether or not the mayor broke any rules or laws by his actions on Sunday. However, a little less “hubris” and a little more “humbleness” by everyone might go a long way.

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Blog

Wausau Pilot and Review wins again in court vs. Cory Tomczyk. That is a win for the press and community.

By Chad Holmes

Last week, for the second time, a court dismissed a defamation case filed by State Senator Cory Tomczyk against the Wausau Pilot and Review. Last year a Marathon County Circuit Court judge dismissed Tomczyk’s suit and now it’s an appeals panel that told the Mosinee businessman turned state Senator his claims have no merit. Whether this is the end of this sad tale is to be determined as Tomczyk says he will be determining his options after the latest ruling.

If the goal is justice, then this case should be over. If the goal is to bankrupt one of the few journalistic options the people of central Wisconsin has to get information about their governmental representatives and policies then Tomcyzk may keep tilting at this windmill. In the ruling written by appeals judge Lisa Stark it was stated that Tomczyk failed to provide evidence to buttress his claims of “actual malice” and “reckless disregard” in the Pilot’s reporting of Tomczyk using an anti-gay slur during a 2021 meeting where the “Community for All” issue was being discussed.

After becoming a major voice in the “CFA” debate, Tomczyk ran for the state Senate and won the Republican primary over Mosinee mayor Brent Jacobson by positioning himself as a Donald Trump-like MAGA candidate who truly represents the people of the 29th District and then defeated Democrat Bob Look in the very-GOP leaning district. During a joint appearance at UWSP at Wausau in October of 2022 Tomczyk ran as an election denier, comparing our elections to “Putin’s Russia”. He talked about the lack of integrity of the justice system, wanting 2020 protesters jailed while January 6th defendants were just “supporting their candidates”. Talked about the radical policies of Governor Evers and Mayor Rosenberg and the horrible “Democrat” policies and how “average citizens” and “average Americans” hate those policies. “Average Americans” = conservatives. Then called Democrat policies “treasonous” and that Democrats “don’t want law and order and safety. Democrats want chaos. Democrats want confusion. Democrats want instability. They want this so they can they try to convince the ‘sheeple’ that they have the only solution. They can fix the problem. It’s b—s–t.” Can see why he has been continuing this suit for the last couple of years. Don’t cross him.

So on one side there’s a journalist who has covered the news for years in our area. The other is MAGA state Senator who throws verbal bombs at people who are left of him on the political spectrum. The courts have now, multiple times, said his suit has no merit. One would think that a media source, one that claims they believe in “law and order” would see the merit of standing with the Pilot and the courts. Nope, the operations manager/morning show co-host of the right-wing radio station down the street puts out a commentary titled “A Eulogy for American Journalism.” He stands with Tomczyk and against the Pilot. Wow. The people that want to kill American journalism aren’t the ones who won in the courts last year and last week. The costs of this crusade of Tomczyk’s have nearly bankrupted the Pilot, and would have, except for the support of their readers.

I look forward to discussing this case and whole story with Wausau Pilot and Review editor/founder Shereen Siewert later in the week.

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Those Were The Days

1984 Air Guitars

A recent poll confirmed that parents and grandparents greatly embarrass their children when they play air guitar. There was a time when playing air instruments was cool. Back in 1984 we had contests to see who the best imaginary players were. I remember being the m.c. for a big contest at Reedsburg High School. They also had a competition for the best ‘flying v kick’ like David Lee Roth from Van Halen. This week in ’84 that group’s song Jump was the number one tune on radio. It was an exciting time to grow up. The social network was the family home phone. Sometimes we were still on a party line. Up to eight families would sometimes be on the same circuit. Long distance rates were cheaper after 6:00 pm. If I wanted to call a young woman from Bear Valley, I had to call late. I needed to coil the long phone cord to the other side of the file cabinet so that I could have a little privacy when I was talking to my lady friend. It was the early years for MTV and pop culture was totally influenced by the styles that we saw on video. There were many British artists that became instant stars because of the 24-hour exposure that the network provided. Some of my faves from March of 1984 include Talking in Your Sleep-Romantics, Back Where You Belong-.38 Special, Middle of the Road-Pretenders, Radio Ga Ga-Queen, Nobody Told Me-John Lennon, They Don’t Know-Tracy Ullman, The Language of Love-Dan Fogelberg, New Moon on Monday-Duran Duran, and That’s All-Genesis.

Saturday night during Those Were the Days, I will be spinning the hits from early 1984 and music from all of the eras that we play. Trivia games return and we will be cranking out the hits until the midnight hour. I hope you enjoyed our archived flashbacks last weekend following local sports. It was great to spend some time with my darling granddaughter, Oaklee, as she turned four. She seems to like vinyl records! Perhaps someday she can cohost Those Were the Days on WRCO FM 100.9 and WRCO.com!

Phil

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Press Release

Milwaukee Courier and 101.7 The Truth Become Community-Owned Under New Milwaukee Black Media Trust

Wisconsin’s oldest Black newspaper and Milwaukee radio station placed in employee benefit trust, ensuring independent Black media ownership in perpetuity

Milwaukee, WI (April 30, 2026): The Milwaukee Courier and 101.7 The Truth are now united under the Milwaukee Black Media Trust, a new community ownership structure that ensures these historic Black media institutions will remain independent, community-accountable, and in service of Milwaukee’s Black community.

The Trust was established by Civic Media, Inc., which acquired the Milwaukee Courier in late 2025 and is awaiting FCC approval to finalize the purchase of WNOV 860 The Voice.  Rather than retain ownership of these historically Black-owned media properties, Civic Media has created the Milwaukee Black Media Trust, a structure in which no individual or corporation can sell, consolidate, or redirect these institutions away from the community they serve.  

Under the Trust, employees of Milwaukee Black Media share in the company’s financial success through a profit-sharing program that vests over five years. The Trust is governed by three Trustees, all of whom have deep roots in Milwaukee’s Black community.  Those Trustees, in turn, appoint board members for Milwaukee Black Media LLC, the company that will own and operate The Milwaukee Courier, 101.7 The Truth, and, eventually, WNOV.

“We are very excited about Milwaukee Black Media because it puts these important community media assets under the control of the community that they serve, with a financial structure that benefits the employees doing the work,” said Sage Weil, CEO of Civic Media.  “We look forward to working closely with Milwaukee Black Media to support the new organization’s growth and success in the years to come.”

The Trust is led by three Founding Trustees: Milele A. Coggs, Milwaukee alderwoman and longtime community leader; Tiffany Wynn, Senior Marketing Leader at Ascension Health; and Roemel Brown, editor of The Milwaukee Courier, who serves as the employee representative trustee.

“These institutions have served as the voice and reflection of Milwaukee’s Black community for decades—creating space for sharing ideas, challenging perspectives, and fostering dialogue,” said Coggs.  “The Trust ensures that these institutions remain community-controlled and Black-centered at a time in our nation’s history when the Black experience is too often diminished.  I am honored to serve as a founding trustee, helping to amplify the voice of Milwaukee’s Black community.  I am excited for what lies ahead and the future we are building together.”

“This Trust honors the legacy of Milwaukee’s Black media while ensuring the voices of our community are not only preserved, but elevated for generations to come,” said Wynn.  “It marks a powerful, forward-looking win for our city, where ownership, storytelling and opportunity are rooted in the people who live and lead here.”

Robert “Biko” Baker has been named General Manager of Milwaukee Black Media LLC, the Trust’s operating company. Baker will lead operations across the Courier and WGKB, working with Program Director Darren Deboe, Editor Roemel Brown, and Sales Director Doug Kelley.

“Milwaukee’s Black community stands at an important crossroads, and the role of media in shaping our path forward has never been more critical,” said Baker.  “This is a pivotal moment: one that calls for tearing down silos, elevating authentic voices, and building media institutions that serve our community across generations. The Milwaukee Courier has anchored Black Milwaukee for over sixty years, and WGKB extends our ability to reach and engage audiences in new ways. What we are building is not simply a media company–it is a platform designed to inform, connect, and uplift a community that deserves nothing less.”

Milwaukee Black Media has also entered into a local marketing agreement with Good Karma Brands to program WGKB 101.7 The Truth, with an option to purchase the station.  The Truth was launched in 2021 by Good Karma Brands with a focus on creating authentic conversations about news and current events, a celebration of Black culture and information created by and for the Black community. Since then, The Truth has been an award winning media platform creating compelling news and talk content for Milwaukee’s Black Community while making a significant impact for Milwaukee residents. 

“Good Karma Brands is proud to support a model that keeps these important media institutions rooted in the community they serve and expands the opportunity for our teammates. From the start, our focus has been on building a strong platform and positioning it for continued growth and impact,” said Good Karma Brands CEO Craig Karmazin. “We’re proud of what’s been built with The Truth, and we’re excited to partner with Milwaukee Black Media who is best positioned to serve our advertising partners, teammates and Truth Nation.”

Civic Media will continue to support Milwaukee Black Media’s operations through a services agreement, providing administrative, technology, and sales support services. Milwaukee Black Media operates with full editorial and programming independence.  All content and programming decisions are made by MBM’s staff and leadership, not by any outside party.

WNOV 860 AM / 106.5 FM, Wisconsin’s first Black-owned radio station, is expected to join the Milwaukee Black Media group in the future, pending FCC approval of Civic Media’s original acquisition and a subsequent license transfer to the Trust.

The Milwaukee Courier was founded in 1964 and is Wisconsin’s oldest Black newspaper. WNOV was purchased by Courier Communications Corporation in 1972 with Dr. Jerrel Jones as majority stakeholder, making it the first Black-owned radio station in Wisconsin. Dr. Jones was also the first Black owner of a newspaper and radio station simultaneously in the United States.

“This is a significant and positive move that will deeply impact our communities,” said Brown, Trustee and editor of the Courier.  “Under this Trust structure, the benefits will support our journalists and staff while ensuring Dr. Jones’s enduring legacy.”

The Milwaukee Black Media Trust is the sole owner of Milwaukee Black Media LLC, the operating company for the combined media properties.  The board members are Mark Wade, Board President and Milwaukee business owner and community advocate; John Torres, former owner of El Sol Broadcasting and WJTI in Milwaukee; and Chris Moreau, South Region President for Civic Media.

“This is a proud moment for Milwaukee,” said Wade. “Milwaukee Black Media is about preserving institutions that have long served our community while creating a stronger future built on ownership, voice, and accountability. We are committed to ensuring these platforms continue to inform, uplift, and represent our people for generations to come.”

“I am deeply humbled to serve as a board member for Milwaukee Black Media,” said Torres.  “I owe much of my personal success to the mentorship of Dr. Jerral Jones, and I am honored to help steward and build upon the incredible legacy he created.”

The Milwaukee Black Media Trust’s mission commits the organization to community accountability, equity and justice, political engagement, cultural identity, economic empowerment, and democratic life.

About Milwaukee Black Media

Milwaukee Black Media LLC is the operating company of the Milwaukee Black Media Trust, a community ownership trust established to preserve and strengthen independent Black media in Milwaukee. MBM currently operates the Milwaukee Courier and WGKB 101.7 The Truth. 

About Civic Media

Civic Media, a public benefit corporation, is a local media company focused on strengthening communities through trusted journalism, local storytelling, and civic information. Rooted in radio, Civic Media operates a growing network of broadcast, digital, streaming, and community platforms that connect people to the issues, events, and voices shaping their daily lives. With a strong emphasis on local, regional, and state reporting, Civic Media believes informed communities are essential to a healthy democracy and is committed to providing accessible, accurate information that encourages civic understanding and engagement.

About Good Karma Brands

Good Karma Brands is a media and marketing company with expertise in leveraging the power of national and local sports, and local news to build brands and connect with fans through audio, video, digital and events. With its home office in Milwaukee, Wisconsin and offices in 15 states, GKB’s team includes over 550 teammates and was recognized as a “Best Place to Work” by Front Office Sports, Sports Business Journal, and USA TODAY.  For more information, visit goodkarmabrands.com.

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Blog

Credit Card Scam- What to look for on your statement

Man, scammers have all kinds of tricks up their sleeves. So here’s the latest thing to watch out for because it just happened to my mom this week!

Like myself, she is super diligent about looking over every statement that arrives each month. This time, it really paid off!

She opened up her credit card statement and noticed a small $3.00 charge from a “vendor” that she didn’t recognize. It’s $3.00. Not going to make or break your monthly budget, but it just seemed odd.

So Mom called the credit card company and said, “I know this seems silly but there is a charge for $3.00 on my statement and I was just wondering if you could see on your end where that was made because I don’t recognize the vendor name of the purchase.”

After a little digging, it turns out the vendor was a car wash in New York. The problem is:
1. My parents live in Ohio and haven’t traveled to New York in who knows how long.
2. I don’t know where you buy a car wash for $3.00 these days. Do you?

The credit card agent asked if maybe her or my Dad stopped off to even buy a roadside beverage out of a machine at this particular car wash. Could it be something that could have slipped their minds?

Again, they were not in New York at all to make any purchase in that particular billing cycle. Car wash, beverage, anything…

Now the red flags were on high alert. The credit card agent said this could very well be a phishing charge. What happens is the scammer will make small “fake” purchases to see if the charge goes through. If it does and it’s not immediately disputed, the next time is when they go in for the kill and you’ll likely see a mystery charge in the hundreds or thousands of dollars on your card.

So what can you do?

Check your statements. Don’t just blindly assume you made the charges on your bill, even if they’re small. Give each month’s statement a quick once over and if something seems odd (especially a small insignificant charge), give your credit card company a call. Use the secure number that you know is theirs on the back of the card and just make sure that charge was one you indeed made.

A quick phone call could save a lot more hassle down the line.

Sad that we all have to be on guard at all times but unfortunately you have to stay aware of everything. Hope that helps!

Want to tell Laura about a scam that you’ve recently seen? Email anytime: Laura.McKenna@civicmedia.us
And tune in weekdays starting at 10am to St. Croix Country & WCFW!

Categories
Obituaries

Michael Gilpin, 85, Houghton

On Friday, April 24, Michael “Mike” Gilpin, 85. passed away at UP Health System-Marquette following a short illness. His wife was by his side.

A resident of Houghton since 1972, Mike worked as a math professor at Michigan Technological University from that year until his retirement in 2006.

Mike and his beloved wife Marlene “Tommy” (Thompson) met at Parsons College in Iowa and were married for 59 years. They were a study in opposites who were perfectly suited for one another; his reflective personality balanced her gregarious nature. They had one child, Jackie, and welcomed son-in-law Cliff Isaacson to the family. Mike’s two grandsons, Clark (19) and Luke (17) brought him endless joy and he was extremely proud of them.

The third of six children, Mike was born in Washington, Iowa, to Frances (Boyd) and Ambrose “Gip” Gilpin. He realized, thanks to his older brother Pat, that a college education would open up many doors, so he earned straight A’s as a senior at Wellman High School to be eligible for a college scholarship. He was admitted to Parsons College in Fairfield, Iowa, where he studied mathematics. While there, he joined Sigma Phi Epsilon Fraternity and was elected student body president. He went on to earn a Master of Arts in applied mathematics from the University of Arizona and his Ph.D. in algebra at the University of Oregon. His dissertation, which he dedicated “To Tommy,” was on “Tensor Products of Monomial Forms and Related Forms.”

Job opportunities were scarce for math professors in the early 70s, but a mentor offered Mike a job at Tech. When they looked at a map of Michigan, he and Tommy thought they were moving to Houghton Lake. They lived in married student housing before buying their first-ever home, where they continued to reside, in West Houghton.

Professionally, Mike advanced from an assistant professor to full professor. His favorite course to teach was differential equations. He was known by students as an excellent teacher who was “tough but fair.” He had articles in several publications, including a common theme of combining his love of math with his love of chess, with “Computer-Generated Knight Tours.” Other academic articles focused on algebra, combinatorics, discreet mathematics, and applications of computer science to mathematical principles. He took three sabbaticals while at Tech: to the University of Illinois (for Tommy to complete her master’s degree), the NASA Space Center in Houston, and Southern Polytechnic State University in Atlanta (to spend time with Jackie’s family). Decades before “virtual meetings,” Mike taught a distance learning course for employees of General Motors, in lower Michigan, which was delivered by videotape and his occasional in-person visits.

Mike was a behind-the-scenes volunteer, never in a prominent position but regularly quietly helping where needed. He was the treasurer of the Portage Lake Figure Skating Association, a chaperone for the Special Olympics, on the board of the Miscowaubik Club, and he directed a mathematics enrichment program for students from six local high schools. He was also an enthusiastic and patient math tutor or billiards instructor whenever asked – thrilled to share those passions and his expertise with others. He was inducted into the Parsons College Wall of Honor in 2015.

His hobbies included playing bridge, chess, pool, golf, solving sudoku puzzles (sometimes using a computer program he wrote to help with the most difficult ones), and watching “Jeopardy” and “Perry Mason.” He loved a good pun. Mike was a bridge Bronze Life Master, a competitive chess player, and a Recognized Instructor for the Billiard Congress of America.

Mike was preceded in death by his parents and siblings John, Pat, and Cecilia. In addition to his immediate family, he is survived by his sister Mary Minshall and brother Bill. Mike also leaves behind his cousin Leo Gilpin and several nieces and nephews. Additionally, Mike and Tommy were “American parents” to exchange students Mioko Suzuki, Cato Aurstad, and Ryo Okuda.

A devout Catholic, Mike was on the Parish Council for several years, a volunteer catechist, and a member of the Knights of Columbus. His faith gave him strength in life and he would want that strength for his loved ones now.

A mass of Christian burial at St. Ignatius Catholic Church in Houghton will be held on Monday, July 27, with visitation at 10:00 a.m., service at 11:00 a.m., reception following, and interment at Forest Hill Cemetery of Houghton.

To view Mike’s obituary or to send condolences online to the family, please visit www.memorialchapel.net.

The Memorial Chapel Funeral & Cremation Service – Hancock Chapel is assisting the family with the arrangements.

Categories
Obituaries

Kevin Cadeau, Allouez

Kevin Cadeau, a resident of Allouez, Michigan passed away on Tuesday April 28, 2026 at his home. 

A funeral service will take place for Kevin on Monday May 4, 2026 at 1:00pm at the Erickson Crowley Peterson Funeral Home in Calumet, Michigan. There will be a one hour visitation at the funeral home from 12:00-1:00pm prior to the service. 

The Erickson Crowley Peterson Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be left at www.ericksoncrowleypeterson.com

Categories
Obituaries

Bethany Patterson, 97, Houghton

Bethany “Beth” Patterson, 97, a longtime resident of Houghton, passed away on April 27, 2026 at Canal View-Houghton County in Hancock.

The O’Neill-Dennis Funeral Home of Hancock is assisting with the arrangements which are still incomplete.

Categories
Obituaries

Helen Knuuti

A funeral service for Helen (Riutta) Knuuti, who passed away on December 16, 2025, while being
lovingly cared for by family, will be held 3:00 pm Saturday, May 2,
2026, at Peace Lutheran Church in Houghton, with Rev. Tommy Welch to officiate.  Following the service, a luncheon will be held at the church.

To view Helen’s obituary or to send condolences to the family, please
visit www.memorialchapel.net

The Memorial Chapel Funeral & Cremation Service – Hancock Chapel is assisting the family with the arrangements.

Categories
Blog

Is Saving Money TRULY Saving Money?

A stack of 100 dollar bills spread out.
A stack of 100 dollar bills spread out.

Is getting a deal on something the same as actually saving money? Some people believe it is. Don’t get me wrong, getting a deal on something and keeping a little extra money in your pocket is great! But will you ever truly realize that savings? 

Let me explain. 

I have this philosophy that I guess I should probably follow, although sometimes I seem to be better at preaching to people rather than following my own advice. Whenever you buy something at a discount, you should ideally put that money you “saved” away. Start a separate bank account, or go the old-fashioned route and put the money in a cookie jar. After some time has passed, count up all that money and see how much you have truly saved. You spent less on those items, and put the extra money away. If you would have not put that money aside, you would’ve blown it on other things, and likely wouldn’t have anything to show for your savings. Does that make sense? This definitely takes a lot of self-control, but I believe that is a great way to help start a savings account, or save up for something you really want to buy.

Now I just need to start practicing what I preach! 

Categories
Those Were The Days Blog

Dining on the Hits of ’89

Our Those Were the Days radio show is approaching it’s official 40th birthday later this year in October. When the show first started in 1986, we played songs from the fifties, sixties, and early seventies. This week on the program our featured year will be 1989. Tunes that were not even invented when T.W.T.D. first hit the airwaves. I was on the radio from 8 am until 2 pm during that era and of course there were high school games to cover later in the day. WRCO was transitioning to newer technology. My last shift that featured all vinyl records happened in 1989. The station went with a music service that was delivered on reel-to-reel tapes. It was the last days of a program that dated back to the early days of the station. Music For Dining was heard each night between six and seven. This was supposed to feature easy listening songs for people to enjoy while they were having their evening meal. You could play popular songs, but they had to be the instrumental versions performed by the Living Strings, Lenny Dee, Bert Kaempfert, and the Magic Organ. This was the typical shift for newcomers to the staff. One of my first gigs on the air in 1986 was playing the syrupy hour of tunes and I was so afraid that I would lose whatever coolness that I thought I had. Behind the scenes the WRCO staff referred to the hour as ‘Music for Dying’! Otherwise during the mornings WRCO played country, during the day it was a ‘best blend’ of country, soft rock, and oldies, at night we had elevator music for an hour, and at seven it was a trainwreck segue into Top Forty music for the youngsters. This was actually a plan that many local stations followed back in the day. They played for the audiences that they assumed were listening during the different day parts.

This Saturday night during Those Were the Days, I will spin some of the hot songs from the spring of 1989. Some of the hot ones were She Drives Me Crazy-Fine Young Cannibals, Rock On-Michael Damian, Iko Iko-Belle Stars, The Look-Roxette, Stand-R.E.M., You Got It-Roy Orbison, Electric Youth-Debbie Gibson, and Funky Cold Medina-Tone Loc. The Michael Damian song brings back great memories. He was a brilliant promoter. He would call radio stations and just talk which helped sell his music (real name Michael Wier by the way). I was lucky enough to be on the phone tree. He would call while he was bored on the set of the soap opera ‘The Young and the Restless’ and I would put him on the air. He even sent me an autographed script. The shows were taped a few weeks in advance, so I was able to watch that episode and follow along and determine which actors were adlibbing! The other artist I connected with in that era was Debbie Gibson. She even did a couple of little skits with me (I may have to dig those out and play them this week). I actually made her laugh loudly when she read the ridiculous script I wrote for her. Both Michael and Debbie are very down-to-earth people, and it made WRCO feel like we were big time in a town of 5,000.

I promise you more stories and reminisces during this week’s Those Were the Days radio show. You will hear the best of the fifties through the mid-nineties, trivia, and requests. You will not hear the Living Strings versions either! Hopefully you will be able to dine.

Philip

Categories
Obituaries

Mildred Ann Podmolik, 95, Phillips

Mildred Ann (Smidl) Podmolik, age 95, of Phillips, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, April 28th at Park Manor, Park Falls, WI surrounded by loved ones. She was born January 22, 1931, in the Town of Emery the daughter of Frank and Marie (Macak) Smidl. She attended elementary school in the town of Emery (Viola Villa) through fourth grade, continued her junior high at Miller Road School, and graduated from Phillips High School with honors in 1948. After graduation, she moved to Chicago to work for Western Electric. Later that year, on November 20, 1948 she married Frank Podmolik at Blessed Agnes Church in Chicago, IL, and returned to Podmolik family dairy farm in the town of Emery, WI.

In 1963, they moved to the current location on River Road where she continued to assist her son Chris with the Podmolik Family Farm – milking cows until the age of 79, and driving tractor

until age 85.

Mildred enjoyed spending time in the woods where she cut balsam, cedar, and pine boughs to

make Christmas wreathes. She was a warm-hearted homemaker who loved to cook, bake, and

garden. As a child of the great depression, she was incredibly resourceful and skilled in

harvesting all that her land had to offer. She routinely explored to find the best apples, choke

cherries, raspberries, and wild mushrooms, which she used for ingredients in her wonderful

baked goods, and she happily shared them with family and friends.

From foraging to baking, quilting to sewing, and as a steady farm hand, Mildred generously

shared her talents with all the people in her life. She enjoyed dancing, Pinochle, and was an avid

Scrabble player.

Mildred was a member of St. Therese of Lisieux Catholic church, Council of Catholic Women,

and Lodge 236 Western Fraternal Life.

Ten children were born to Mildred and Frank. She is survived by eight children. Mary (Daniel)

King, Cedar Part, TX; Donald (Barbara) Hibbing, MN; David (Amy), Deerfield, WI; John

(Julie), Phillips, WI; James, De Pere, WI; Martin, Cumming, GA; Christopher, Phillips, WI; and

Timothy (Jodi), Phillips, WI; 23 grandchildren and 38 great-grandchildren and 4 great- great

grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband Frank (October 10, 1989), infant son Joseph

(March19, 1958), daughter Fran (July 24, 2024), sister Lydia Alanzo, and by brothers Tony,

Clarence, Henry, Frank, Rudy, Jerry, Emil, and Bob Smidl.

Visitation for Mildred will be held on Thursday, May 7th from 9:00 am to 11:00 am followed by funeral mass at 11:00 am at St. Therese of Lisieux Catholic Church, Phillips with Fr. Madanu Lourdu Raju officiating. Interment will be at St. Patrick’s Cemetery, Phillips.

Our mother was an amazing woman who worked all her life, giving selflessly to her husband,

family, neighbors, and friends. There are no words to describe our loss.

The family would like to thank the staff at Park Manor for their care and compassion.

Online condolences may be shared at nimsgernfuneral.com

HEINDL-NIMSGERN FUNERAL & CREMATION SERVICES IS SERVING THE FAMILY.

Categories
Blog

Movie Review: The Whole Truth

I love getting movie recommendations from you and this one came in from Linda…

The Whole Truth sounds right up my alley! A legal thriller/drama starring Keanu Reeves and Renee Zellweger. Looks like it came out in 2016. How could I have missed this one?

“A defense attorney works to get his teenage client acquitted of murdering his wealthy father.”

I’ll be putting this on my list of “Must Watch” for sure….

Want to tell Laura about a new or new-to-you movie that you’ve seen in the theaters or streamed at home? Give a movie review by emailing anytime: Laura.McKenna@civicmedia.us
And tune in weekdays starting at 10am to St. Croix Country & WCFW!