97.5 W-F-H-R and 105.5 W-I-R-I. Your Wisconsin Rapids home bore locally grown radio.
Here's your Daily News Roundup.
On the Wisconsin Rapids local newsroom, I'm Melissa K.
The Edgewater Haven Nursing Home in Port Edwards may see some changes coming around the end of this year.
Wood County Board Chair Lance Plymouth tells W-F-H-R the county board has long determined that the nursing facility needs to be maintained.
So we've made a commitment over the years that we will use tax levy to fund that facility to make up the shortfall between the funding we get either private pay or Medicaid for instance.
The county is exploring a plan to convert one wing of Edgewater Haven from full-time nursing care into assisted living, where residents would receive help with daily activities,
while maintaining greater independence. Plymouth says this move would better serve the community and help keep families together.
It kind of opens it up to more people. It changes the type of room you need, which to some extent looks a little bit more like an apartment when you're all done.
But then you do have the ability to move into the skilled nursing areas if you're going to need that and you're at the same place.
Plymouth says the board will make decisions on this project closer to the end of 2026.
We're in a planning stage where we're looking at how we can do that, how we can do it financially, make it fiscally responsible.
And so I never know if those will pass when we get there.
He said it's difficult to look ahead five or ten years.
The easy stuff's tomorrow. I need to plow the snow or there's a pothole. Those are the simple fixes, the easy ones we go out and do it.
The toughest part is to look ahead five years, ten years and say, what is it we're going to need at that point in time?
And then how are we going to fund it? So, you know, as a board, that's kind of where we're looking all the time.
The next Wood County Board of Supervisors meeting is January 20th at 9 a.m. at the courthouse.
Gas prices have risen over 11 cents per gallon over the past week. The average across the state landing at 251 on Monday.
This is 2.6 cents per gallon lower than a month ago and over 28 cents per gallon lower than this time last year.
The national average saw a little change over the last week, though Wisconsin was one of several price cycling states that experienced a notable jump.
Officials at GasBuddy say the good news is that after prices rise in these markets, they'll often fall for a week or longer afterwards.
The situation in Venezuela, while dominating headlines, is too recent to show any measurable impact on what people are paying at the gas pump.
GasBuddy officials say it would likely take years to see a meaningful increase in oil output there.
Gas prices remain seasonally lower, however oil prices are engine higher and the national average could see limited increases in the near future.
Meet processors in the state have an opportunity to apply for grants now through February 23rd.
The Wisconsin Department of Agriculture Trade and Consumer Protection is inviting meet processors in the state to apply for the Meet Processor Infrastructure Grant Program.
This program is aimed to grow the meet industry and improve the long-term viability of the state's livestock sector.
Projects must increase harvest capacity or production with a goal of a 20% increase.
Funding can be used for operating expenses directly related to the grant project, including engineering, equipment, installation, and more.
Processors must provide a match of 100% of the grant amount up to $50,000.
You can find out more at datcp.wi.gov.
The Wisconsin DNR is reminding snowmobile operators to be extra careful on the ice.
January 10th through the 18th is International Snowmobile Safety Week.
Ice conditions can be unpredictable with fluctuating temperatures and no ice is ever completely safe.
The DNR does not monitor ice conditions, but local baitchops, fishing clubs, and outfitters do.
The DNR also urges snowmobiliers to ride sober.
Not only is it illegal, but it also puts you and your passengers and others enjoying winter sports at risk.
The Wisconsin Rapids Area Tourism Development Grant Program is now open with grant awards of up to $2,500.
The grant program is designed to assist community-focused organizations to develop interactive hands-on experiences, events, attractions, or amenities that encourage overnight stays and increase local business activity.
Grant applications will be accepted through February 28th.
They must be submitted online by email or in person at the Wisconsin Rapids Area Convention and Visitors Bureau Office on the corner of Jackson Street and Second Street North.
You can find more information at visit wisrapids.com
McMillan Memorial Library in Wisconsin Rapids has several special events this week.
On Wednesday, Dallahan will be holding an evening concert at 7pm in the Fine Arts Center.
They traverse music styles and countries of the world in an entertaining live show.
On Thursday, you can hear an honest and engaging talk from former PBS host, Inga Orth.
She'll share her journey from burnout to breakthrough in the all-purpose room on January 15th from 630 to 730.
Local news at the top and bottom of every hour throughout the day or on demand any time at WFHR.com and WIRI.FM.
From the Wisconsin Rapids Local Newsroom, I'm Melissa K.
Badgers basketball tonight, high on Mike Clemens with sports NCAA.
The Wisconsin Badgers on the road at Minnesota, the golfers with a record of 10 and 6.
The Badgers now 11 and 5 after that huge win over the weekend against number 2 ranked Michigan.
NBA, the Bucksert Hall, they're taking on the Timberwolves, NFL, the Packers players, beginning their off season.
Should Matlow Fleur be back as the head coach, I asked Michael Parsons.
Yeah, I believe so.
I've had my fair share of coaches and people around this league that I've been around.
And Matt's one of the best guys and people like as a person.
I've been around since I've been in his league.
I've reached out to him when I started seeing this and I said, when I agreed to come here,
you were part of the reason why I came here.
I want you a part of this and I love you.
I think you're a great coach and he appreciates those words and we had a brief conversation.
But Matt is a great guy.
As Packer's defensive end, Michael Parsons with sports on Mike Clemens.
I'm meteorologist Brandon Bourments, mostly cloudy and breezy today with highs in the upper 30s.
For tonight a few flurries possible, otherwise mostly cloudy and breezy lows down into the teens,
much colder on Wednesday, partly sunny highs only in the upper teens.