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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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Obituaries

Larry Edward Parolini, 76, Suo District

Larry Edward Parolini, 76, of Suo District, Houghton, MI, died
February 10, 2026, after a fall at his home at Onkalo’s Corners on the
Chassell/Painesdale Road. Larry was born December 26,1949, in Detroit,
MI, to Edward J. Parolini and Helen V. (Martilla) Parolini. When he
was seven-years old, the family moved north to Baltic, MI, where he
was raised. He graduated from Jeffers High School in 1968, and
Northern Michigan University five years later. One winter day in the
early 1960’s, Larry showed up at the Baltic ice rink with a new pair
of “Chore-Boy” brand kids’ boots. One of the older guys (Pete Pakala?
John Baima? Jim Raffaelli?) noticed the name on the boots and a
lifelong nickname was born. “Chore-Boy” was shortened to “Chores”
along the way. In the early 1980’s Larry moved to the Parolini family
farm and lived there for the remainder of his life.

Larry was a member of Labors Local 1329 for 50+ years. For the great
majority of his working years he worked for Gundlach Construction.

A devoted Catholic, Larry was a life-long member of Holy Family Church
in South Range. He was a Knight of Columbus for 40 years, a lector for
decades, and very much enjoyed working at fund-raising events for the
church, the annual spaghetti dinner being his favorite.

Larry played hockey for most of his life. He was an avid runner in his
20’s and 30’s. In his 40’s and 50’s he rode his bicycle daily, weather
permitting. For the past ten years he seldom missed his daily walk of
5 or 6 miles. The Tigers, the Red Wings and the Lions were his teams.

Perhaps his favorite pastime of all was having coffee with friends at
various restaurants throughout the years. To quote Ray Carlson, a
close friend: “If you’re looking for Larry, go to the Tapiola Diner.
If he’s not there, wait, he will be.”

There was always a cat in Larry’s house and the last one, Ollie, will
now live with his brother and his wife.

Larry is survived by: Siblings: Eddie (Terry) Parolini, Brenda
(Richard Miller) Parolini, Diane (John) Waisanen. Nieces and nephews:
Joseph (Rachel) Wuorinen, Sara Wuorinen, Dr. Kyle (Dr. Stephanie)
Waisanen, Kara (Calvin) Wilson, Kelsey (Michael) Corrado. He also
leaves behind four great nephews and three great nieces.

Cremation has taken place and, to accommodate out-of-state family,
Larry’s funeral and the interment of his ashes, next to the graves of
his mother and father, will take place this summer.

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

The Memorial Chapel Funeral & Cremation Service – Mt. View Chapel of
South Range is assisting the family with the arrangements

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Obituaries

Gertrude Anne “Trudi” Huls, 85, Houghton

Gertrude Anne “Trudi” Huls, 85, of Houghton, passed away on Tuesday, February 17, 2026 at Portage Pointe in Hancock.

She was born on November 2, 1940 in Muskegon, Michigan to the late Wilburn and Dorothy (Gilbert) Cook. She was united in marriage to Edward J. Huls on October 28, 1960. He preceded her in death in 2019.

Trudi earned her nursing degree and dedicated 30 years of service to Portage Hospital in Hancock, Michigan where she concluded her career as head of the Obstetric Department. She formed lifelong friendships with her coworkers and was deeply respected for her compassion and leadership.

Trudi was also known for her kindness and generosity. She treasured time spent with family and enjoyed traveling between Houghton and “the farm” in Rothbury, Michigan.

She is survived by her sons Darda (Barb) Huls of Holland, Michigan and Tim (Paula) Huls of Calumet, Michigan; her four grandchildren: Dylan (Jenni) Huls of Houghton, Jaclyn (Dan) Angeli of Holland, Cassie (Dylan) Parske of Calumet, and Chris (Kim) Huls of Holland; four great-grandchildren; her brother Bill (JoAnne) Cook of Rothbury; and many beloved nieces and nephews.

The family is grateful for the compassionate care provided by The Bluffs, Portage Pointe, and U.P. Health System-Portage.

Per her wishes, there will be a memorial service with burial at Oak Grove Cemetery in Rothbury, Michigan.

The O’Neill-Dennis funeral Home in Hancock is assisting with the arrangements. To leave online condolences, please go to www.oneilldennisfh.com.

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Obituaries

Linda May Liebelt, 77, Park Falls

In Loving Memory of Linda May (Setterman) Liebelt

With heavy hearts and deep gratitude for a life beautifully lived, we announce the peaceful passing of Linda May (Setterman) Liebelt on February 18, 2026, at the age of 77. She was born in Park Falls, WI, on May 21, 1948, to Joel and Myra Setterman.

Linda was the heart of our family—a devoted wife to late Donald Liebelt Sr., whom she married on December 19, 2003; a loving mother; cherished grandmother and great-grandmother; supportive sister; and dear friend. She was a steady source of warmth, wisdom, and unconditional love. Her life was a testament to quiet strength, resilience, hard work, and grace. Through every season of her life, she carried herself with dignity, compassion, and an unwavering devotion to those she loved.

She had a remarkable gift for making people feel seen and cherished. Her laughter was soft but unforgettable, and her stories, rich with memory and meaning, will echo in our hearts forever. Family was her greatest pride and joy. She poured her love into her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchild, celebrating each milestone as if it were her own.

Beyond her devotion to family and throughout her years, she found joy in reading, gardening, crosswords, solitaire, bowling, and trips to the casino.

Though our hearts ache in her absence, we find comfort in knowing that her love continues to guide us. The lessons she taught, the traditions she created, and the memories she gave us are treasures that time cannot erase.

She is survived by her children: Denise (Brent) Tabor, Mathew Sprague, and Donald (Brita) Liebelt Jr.; grandchildren: Kaira (Travis) Urlaub, Karlee (Greggory) Matheson, Payton (DJ) Spears, Owen Sprague, Haley and Sadie Liebelt, Patrick and Presten Pedersen; great-grandchild: Arlo Urlaub; and previous husband, Mike Sprague.

She is further survived by her siblings: Myrna Hilgart, Barbara Michalski, Susan (Michael) Schnautz, Vicki (Cliff) Myszka, Michael (Brenda) Setterman, and Deborah (Allen) Thimm; sisters-in-law: Betty Setterman and Gloria Setterman; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Donald Liebelt Sr.; granddaughter, Wren Alexandria Sprague; parents, Joel Setterman, and Myra and Norman Haegerl; siblings, Carol (Don) Murphy, Raymond (Elnora) Setterman, Roger Setterman, and Eugene Setterman; and in-laws, Don Michalski and Robert Hilgart.

A graveside service will be held this spring in Fifield, WI, at Forest Home Cemetery, followed by a luncheon. More details to come.

We will miss her more than words can express. Yet we are forever grateful for the blessing of having been loved by her. Her legacy lives on in each of us.

Birch Street Funeral Service is assisting the family.

Categories
Obituaries

John W. Backmann, 60, Catawba

John W. Brackmann, age 60 of Catawba, WI passed away on February 18th at Aspirus Wausau Hospital.  Visitation for John will be held on Saturday, February 28th at Heindl-Nimsgern Funeral Home in Phillips from 10:00 am to 11:00 am followed by the Funeral Service at 11:00 am.  Burial will take place in the spring at Harmony Cemetery.

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Blog

It’s Been A Pleasure!

It seems like the Milan Cortina Winter Games just started. What a fast two weeks it has been! I have had the pleasure of bringing you the twice-daily updates throughout the games. Not just on this station, but on all of our Civic Media stations all over the state, and even in Minnesota, too.

When you look at things from the athletes point of view, the Olympics aren’t just a competition. It’s their livelihood! They train nearly full-time, competing regionally and nationally, to earn their respective places on Team USA. What an honor it must be the represent our entire country, on the world stage. But that moment is brief, and knowing there’s no guarantees that they will be back again, it’s a moment they really need to soak in. Four years is a long time no wait for the next opportunity. That’s why we see athletes in their 20’s and wonder if they will be “too old” to compete in the next Winter Games. Crazy to imagine, but it’s a question the athletes and us fans ask ourselves.

I sure wish the games were held every other year, instead of every four years.

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Blog

In The Kitchen with Laura McKenna: Heart Healthy February Food of the Day

February is HEART HEALTH MONTH and every weekday from now until the end of the month, Laura McKenna is bringing you one simple food that’s easy to find in your favorite grocery store and even easier to incorporate in your diet. If you eat more of these foods, your heart will thank you!

Friday February 20th: TOMATOES
Tomatoes in February do not taste the same as tomatoes in summertime, fresh from the garden. That being said, spring is right around the corner and even if you don’t grow a huge garden plot, a porch/deck tomato plant would be perfect for sweet, fresh tomatoes any time you want them. Maybe start one from seed in a pot now and you’ll be ready to move it outside in the springtime. You’ll be amazed at the taste difference of a backyard tomato compared to one from the store. I love them sooooo much and they’re so good for you!
Tomatoes are rich in Vitamin A & C, plus great sources of potassium and fiber. They’re also high in something called lycopene. Lycopene works with other vitamins and minerals in your body to help prevent disease.
One analysis found that people with the highest lycopene intake cut reduced their risk of stroke by 26% and reduced their risk of heart disease by 14%.
So toss some cherry tomatoes in your salads, dice up a tomato and add it to your pasta sauce for some extra chunkiness, and add tomato slices to your sandwiches and wraps.
When it’s not gardening season, and you want a good tasting tomato that doesn’t taste like watery nothingless from the store, try a package of Campari tomatoes. They’re sold at a lot of grocery stores- they’re about the size of a ping pong ball (maybe slightly bigger) and usually on the vine. I’ve found that in the off season, those taste the best.

Thursday February 19th: YOGURT
Have it for breakfast or for a midday snack and your heart (and gut and bones- thanks to the Vitamin D) will thank you!
A recent analysis found that ladies who ate 2 or more servings of yogurt a week had a roughly 20% lower risk of heart attacks and stroke compared to those who ate less. And we know that women have a high risk of heart diseases so eating a tasty treat like yogurt is an easy way to combat that.
Yogurt is rich in probiotics and live bacteria that play an important role in gut health. By fighting inflammation and keeping cholesterol and blood pressure levels in check, yogurt helps keep your heart healthy, too.
Want to power pack your snack? What I do is take some yogurt (I like harsh tasting plain Greek yogurt but choose whatever kind you like most) and then add fresh berries to it. Talk about a heart healthy yogurt parfait!

Wednesday February 18th: APPLES
An apple just might keep the heart doctor away!    Apples have strong antioxidant flavonoid compounds that play an important key role in heart health by stopping inflammation and preventing the buildup of plaque in arteries.  Apples also have lots of pectin which is a form of soluble fiber known to help lower cholesterol.
For a treat, I take Natural Crunchy peanut butter (so there’s just a touch of sea salt and peanuts- no sugar or preservative junk) and use that as a dip for apple slices.  It’s filling.  It also tastes like it should be sinful but as we found out when NUTS were featured as your HEART HEALTHY FOOD OF THE DAY, the natural peanut butter is good for your heart, too.

Tuesday February 17th: GREEN TEA
Have a cup of tea for your heart (and to celebrate Chinese New Year- it’s the Year of the Horse). I’m a big time lover of all tea- iced or hot. And I love green tea a lot! If plain green tea is a little too harsh of a flavor for your tastebuds, I really like the Bigelow brand flavored green teas. The Pomegranate Green Tea is my favorite and I just picked up a box of Mango Green Tea but I haven’t tried it yet. Their flavored teas pack so much delightful taste that I don’t think you’ll need to sweeten it (which your heart will also thank you for.)
Why is green tea so good for your heart? It has catechins – powerful antioxidants that over time can significantly reduce levels of LDL cholesterol and triglycerides. One study out of Japan found that adults who drank 5 cups of green tea a day had a 26% lower risk of heart disease and a 16% lower risk of death from all causes (compared to those who drank less than one cup a day). So drink up, my friends!

Monday February 16th: NUTS
Unless you’re allergic, crunch into some nuts today! They’re full of minerals, vitamins, and those heart-healthy monounsaturated fats we’ve talked so much about. Nuts also have a lower level of saturated fats.
Research suggests that people who eat nuts 2-4 times a week (or more) have a lower incidence of heart disease than people who eat them less often.
February 16th happens to National Almond Day so snack away on those little oval nuts!
I’ve found that since giving up added sugar and desserts, a lot of my initial sweet cravings could be curbed by eating crunchy foods. Nuts (especially almonds and pecans) were a great substitute for sinful treats without all the bad stuff that comes with eating dessert. They taste sinful without the sin- they’re actually so good for you!

Friday February 13th: DARK CHOCOLATE
Chocoholics, rejoice!   You can have a little dark chocolate in conjunction with other heart healthy foods without much guilt.  The cocoa in dark chocolate contains bioactive compounds, such as flavonols and antioxidants, which improve blood flow and reduce blood pressure- making it easier for your blood to circulate throughout your body from your heart to your brain.   
The flavonoids in dark chocolate are plant based nutrients that repair cell damage. The higher the cocoa content you eat (meaning the darker and more bitter the chocolate), the greater the benefits: In one study, those who took cocoa supplements were 27% less likely to die of cardiovascular disease.
So as delicious and tempting as it is, skip the milk chocolate on Valentine’s Day and grab some dark chocolate!

Thursday February 12th: LEAFY GREENS
The great thing about this Heart-Healthy Food of the Day is that it’s such a big category that you can surely find some leafy greens that you love: spinach, kale, lettuce, and cabbage…just to name a few!
Leafy greens deliver a huge dose of vitamins and minerals that are absolutely essential for heart health. They’re especially high in Vitamin K (which is vital for our blood to clot properly).
And get this- if you have a teenager, it’s really important that they eat tons of leafy greens. One recent study in teens suggests that a lack of Vitamin K may affect the actual structure of their heart, leading to a higher risk of heart disease later in life. Who knew?!
Simple ways to increase your intake of leafy greens without much effort: Throw a handful of spinach into everything (omelets, soups, smoothies). I always add a layer of spinach to my lasagna. Add kale to each salad you make for extra crunch. Use a leaf of romaine as a liner inside your taco shell to hold everything together as you eat (plus you’ll be eating more lettuce, too).

Wednesday February 11th: OLIVE OIL
We talked about avocados being rich in monounsaturated fats (the good-for-you fats) and so is extra-virgin olive oil! Alongside that fat, it’s also loaded with antioxidants to help lower blood pressure and cholesterol. It also helps to prevent blood clots. Think that’s all olive oil does? Think again- it also fights inflammation and the less of that we have in our bodies, the happier our hearts will be!
Simple ways to add more olive oil to your diet: use extra-virgin oil in place of butter (or other oils) to saute your veggies or dip bread in olive oil instead of slathering butter on it. It’s delicious! My favorite way is to make my own olive oil and vinegar salad dressings with fresh herbs and spices.

Tuesday February 10th: COFFEE
There’s been some debate on the heart healthiness of coffee so let me be clear- for those with a healthy heart to start, coffee could help keep it that way. With those suffering from heart conditions already, you may be advised to limit your caffeine intake (and obviously, listen to your doctor). If that’s the case for you, there’s plenty of other heart healthy things to eat and drink.
But for those with a healthy heart right now, growing evidence is suggesting that drinking coffee helps protect the heart, especially for us ladies. In one study, researchers found that compared with non-coffee drinkers, people who drank coffee had a 7% lower risk of heart failure and an 8% lower risk of stroke.
As we know, it’s usually what you add to your coffee that makes it unhealthy. (Believe me, I know how true this is. As you remember from last summer giving up flavored creamers was a huge step for me but I feel so much better overall now, drinking it black. It is possible my sweet, creamy coffee drinking friends. You too can skip the junk.)
So drinking black coffee – in moderation- is what we’re talking about here for maximum heart health benefits.

Monday February 9th: AVOCADOS
Chances are you ate some avocados watching the big game on February 8th, 2026. Americans consume about 8 million pounds of guac watching the biggest football game of the year. But try to eat these green, smushy, nutrient powerhouses every other day of the year, too.
Avocados are packed with heart healthy monounsaturated fats- including oleic acid. Avocados are also a great source of potassium. We usually think of bananas for potassium, but avocados are also a great source of that essential mineral that helps to lower blood pressure and the risk of stroke.
So think beyond just guac: try cutting an avocado onto your salad, shmearing it on toast, using it instead of mayo in a wrap/sandwich, or just eating it with a spoon!

Tune in weekdays for another HEART HEALTHY FOOD OF THE DAY all February long! You can thank Laura McKenna but your heart will thank YOU!

Want to share a heart healthy recipe with Laura McKenna? She’d love to hear from you! Email anytime: Laura.McKenna@civicmedia.us
And tune in weekdays starting at 10am to St. Croix Country & WCFW!

Categories
Blog

Weekly wrap-up is here!

Woah, it’s Friday! Let’s see some of the happenings this week on the show.

  1. Music! Tons of great music!
  2. TikTok has been sharing the 27-39 challenge. You’re suppose to skip buying lunch and use that money to sock away $27.39 every day, at the end of the year you’ll have almost $10,000 in the bank. (great idea, but who spends $27 on lunch every day?).
  3.  In 2025 Americans spent more than $11 billion on hot dogs and sausages. (cancel my invests on gold, I’m buying stock in Oscar Mayer!)
  4. The number of young adults living at home has continued to rise. (don’t forget, rent is due on the first of the month. Don’t make mom and dad come looking for it!)
  5. Scientists in Romania have dug up a strain of bacteria, that was buried in a five-thousand-year-old block of ice. They said the interesting thing is they can’t kill it. None of our and no matter what they tried, they say the stuff just won’t die. They found that the antibiotics will destroy it. They said as long as that block of ice stays frozen, we should be good. (what could possibly go wrong?)

As always, thanks for listening! Have a great weekend and let’s do it again next week!

Categories
Obituaries

Christopher R. Fockler, 32, Green Bay

Christopher R. Fockler, age 32, of Green Bay, Wisconsin, passed away on Saturday, February 14, at his residence.

Chris, known as “Funcle” (Fun Uncle) to his family, was born on June 22, 1993, in Oconomowoc, Wisconsin, to Jennifer Litvinoff and Benjamin Fockler. He attended Kaukauna High School and later earned his HSED through Fox Valley Technical College. He worked as a concrete finisher for Bayland Buildings Inc., and held many construction certifications through UW-Platteville.

Chris had a deep love for fishing and bow hunting, and enjoyed playing video games and skateboarding. In his younger years, he played both hockey and football. He appreciated a wide variety of music genres and loved his dog, Mac, unconditionally. Above all, he carried a fierce and unwavering love for his nephews — always present, always comforting, and forever a light in their lives.

He is survived by his mother, Jennifer Litvinoff of Phillips; his father, Benjamin Fockler of Humbird; his siblings, Alexandria (Paul) Pleshek of Colgate, Kennedy Litvinoff of Appleton, and Joseph Fockler of Humbird; his nephews, Maverick and Makoy Pleshek; his significant other, Megan Drexler; his maternal grandfather, Jerry Litvinoff; his paternal grandmother, Hopeful Paige-Fockler; his aunts and uncles, Jerry (Julie) Litvinoff, Jeff (Patti) Litvinoff, Jessica (Ryan) White, Tony (Sarah) Fockler, and Clark Gonnering; his great aunt and uncle, Melissa Paige-Fockler and Steve Maley; and his cousins, Cody, Travis, Tanner, Jeffrey, Josh, Dakota, Justin, and Grace.

He was preceded in death by his maternal grandmother, Sharon Litvinoff; his great-grandparents, Max and Rosemary Litvinoff; and his great aunt and uncle, Merry (Gary) Shoemaker.

Memorial Gathering for Chris will be held on Friday, February 27th at St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church in Catawba, WI from 9:30 am to 11:00 am with a Funeral Mass at 11:00 am.

Online condolences may be shared at nimsgernfuneral.com

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

Categories
Obituaries

Gertrude Anne “Trudi” Huls, 85, Houghton

Gertrude Anne “Trudi” Huls, 85, of Houghton, passed away on Tuesday, February 17, 2026 at Portage Pointe in Hancock.

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

Categories
Obituaries

Rose Mary Haataja, 92, L’anse

Rose Mary Haataja, age 92 of L’Anse, MI passed away 9at Bayside Village, L’Anse on Thursday, February 19, 2026 with her loving family by her side.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m., Thursday, February 26, 2026 at Reid Funeral Service and Chapel, L’Anse with Pastor John Henry officiating. The family will greet friends at the funeral home on Thursday from 10 a.m. until the time of the funeral service. Immediately following the services, the family invites friends to join them for luncheon and fellowship at the Zeba Hall, Zeba, MI.

Spring interment will take place in the Pinery Cemetery.

The Reid Funeral Service and Chapel, L’Anse has been trusted with the funeral arrangements.