Eau Claire Hometown Media

The Altoona School Board is still reeling from a stunning defeat and frustration is starting to show within the board and community.

Also, Chik-fil-A and Costco are about to open and Scott is all for it while others are "hating"

Leslie Huntington – UWEC Softball Head Coach

Leslie is the legendary head coach of the Blugolds softball team and hops on the podcast to discuss adversity.  The importance of facing adversity and overcoming the challenges. Entering her 23rd season with the Blugolds, she provides an important perspective that comes from years of experience.

These podcasts are sponsored by Pillar Bank

#ncaa #coaching #softball #adversity #youthsports #eauclaire #podcast #westernwisconsin #blugolds

More Shows: echometownradio.com/vsa

Business bankers Jack and Blake talk the Money Donuts hosts through a variety of business banking topics, including business credit cards, resources for starting or growing a business, business operating accounts, what to expect when banking with Royal, and much more! Whether you're just starting on your entrepreneurial journey or you're an established business, you're sure to learn something new!

Dr. David Usher takes us through a case-study of a local employer that he onboarded ReforMedicine.  Over the last year, 64 of the employees entered into the weight-loss treatment program and Dr. Usher details their experience. From medications used to lifestyle changes. 40 out of 64 have already lost 10% or more of their body weight.

Nearly all of the options used are at a lower cost by taking advantage of less expensive options.

#diet #lifestyle #eauclaire #wisconsin #podcast #contrave #saxenda #Xenical #Alli #Osymia #Wegovy #Imcivree

Presented by Herrick and Hart in Eau Claire, WI

Kevin, Stephanie and Allison host this episode!

Allison touches on some celebrity legal gossip before we head into the main topic for this episode.

If you drive, its likely at some point you’ll be involved in some type of accident at some point.  Even the most minor of fender benders can lead to stress, anxiety and frustrations dealing with insurance companies.

Allison gives us a recent personal experience after having an accident.

The City of Altoona has adopted an energy action plan to address energy needs.  Julie Thoney Community Service & Economic Manager Manager from Xcel Energy joins the podcast to discuss the Partners in Energy program that is being put in place. Similar programs exist with other municipalities in the region.

Every fair is different with different themes, missions, objectives and focuses.  Rusty takes us through how the origins of fairs as agriculture competitions remain a driver but how other factors have evolved fairs over the years and what future challenges exist.

Guests: Anne Sadowska and Emma Flury representing Encompass Health

Joe and Kelly help us learn about this business that is one of the “secrets” of Eau Claire. Encompass is located inside Sacred Heart and are basically a “hospital within a hospital” that focuses on inpatient rehab. Physical, occupational and speech therapy.

Why having this service fits the needs of community, keeping patients from having to travel to other areas like the Twin Cities.  And they serve patients who have traveled here from other states

#medical #health #rehabilitation

We’ve all seen legal dramas on television. How accurate are they? Members of the Herrick & Hart legal team discuss common misconceptions surrounding the law and those who practice it. #lawandorder #court #judges #legalsystem #trials #wisconsin #podcast

Jeff and Marie from Estillo Salon (among others)return to the podcast to chat about a number of topics covering Menomonie and the area. These two active members of the community provide updates on some of their projects and the goings on with organizations they are tied too.

These two young entrepreneurs are constantly trying to expand and grow.  They discuss their successes and what they are yet to get.

We also hear about a fun trip to Poland!

This week’s beverage of choice:  Kul Mocks Craft Mocktails

Guest  Elaine Coughlin: Director of Investment and Entrepreneurship with the Pablo Group

Elaine has a unique role within the Pablo Group as she works hand-in-hand with entrepreneurs.  How has business-development, and entrepreneurship in the Chippewa Valley evolved over the last decade?

Our weekly visit with Brian and Linda. 

-         Be wary of “doom and gloom” local real estate forecasts

-         Brian’s dominance at Monopoly,  his strategy to winning and a full breakdown of his rules.

Oh BLEEP! My Dog Bit Someone, what should I do?  Heather takes us through what dog owners need to be prepared for.  No matter preventative steps taken, dog bites can always occur.  Some 4.5 million dog bites happen per year.

#dogs #puppies #dogtraining #animals #wisconsin #eauclaire

Why gymnastics would factor into Scott's 1st 100 days in office...thoughts on the controversy with Chippewa Falls hockey...updates on Blugolds basketball and hockey

Happy Thanksgiving! Dan is back for the start of the holiday season and filling you in on what you should know about the immigrants, crime, and more with future plans. Hamas is a terrorist organization and recent protests in support of them has Dan talking

Kelly and Joe talk with Elaine Geissler with Rescued & Redeemed which is an Anti-Sex Trafficking Organization.  We learn about the issue’s impact in the Chippewa Valley. Elaine has a personal experience that shaped her involvement that she shares, along with detailing this deep topic that has many layers and forms of abuse. Many of which occur in front of us daily that we may not even think about.

Derek gives his thoughts on the National Hockey League

Dr. David Usher takes us through a case-study of a local employer that he onboarded ReforMedicine.  Over the last year, 64 of the employees entered into the weight-loss treatment program and Dr. Usher details their experience. From medications used to lifestyle changes. 40 out of 64 have already lost 10% or more of their body weight.

Nearly all of the options used are at a lower cost by taking advantage of less expensive options.

An advocate for Menomonie, Amber hops on the podcast to tell us about the Farmer to Farmer organization. They’ve existed for over 30 years and are based in Western Wisconsin. She dives into their initiative involving coffee. Along the way, she touches on her overall involvement in the area including her work with Lake Menomin projects, Menomonie School Board and once upon a time selling yak meat.

Emily Menz – Owner of La Dee Dah

This wife, mother and entrepreneur sits down with Tammy to discuss her involvement in the local music scene.  She also dives into her unique boutique store, located in downtown Menomonie and her advocacy for the local business community. How she got started and the creative way her store gets its inventory.

#wisconsin #podcast #eauclaire #holidays #parking

This week’s beverage of choice:  Saranac Root Beer

Guest  Tobi LeMahieu – Fund Manager w/ West Central Wisconsin Regional Planning Commission

Tobi leads the regional business funding arm of WCWRP that serves to help local businesses and entrepreneurs reach their goals. She joins the podcast to explain the various resources they have that are available for organizations and individuals to take advantage of.

Nikki Jackson, a volunteer researcher at the museum, joins the podcast to talk about an interesting character from the area’s past.  Frederick Bancroft, the Prince of Magicians.

Sponsor:  H&R Electric

Guests:    Miles Flanagan – Senior

   Alex Baierl – Counselor and JV Boy’s Basketball

Molly introduces us to first-year McDonell counselor Alex Baierl as well as senior Miles Flanagan.

-         The role of counselors in the modern school environment.

-         The off-court value that extracurriculars (ie basketball) play for students

-         The role faith plays for each.

#education #faithbased #psychology #parents #students #highschool #basketball #catholic

Joleen Sterk Director of Menomonie Public Library

Emilie is joined by Joleen to talk all things about the library, which is 40 years old at its current location.  The library acts as a community “living room” covering a wide variety of services and needs right down to simply being a place to hang out at.

An avid hunter, Brian discusses what the deer opener means to him and memories over the years.

The pair also breaks down their upcoming Thanksgiving table and what absolutely has to be included their annual tradition and fun stories they have. Including Linda’s story of once trying “turkey loaf” and the time they crammed their families into a small house.

Scott opens with a HOT TAKE on a national issue...then locally, refugee controversy takes over Eau Claire City Council Meeting...And movement in the saga of Travis Hakes at Chippewa County

One of the top goal scorers in all of women’s college hockey, Sophie Rausch hops on the program.  Sophie serves as one of the skills instructors at VSA in addition to playing with the Blugolds. She tells us about the other sports she played growing up and the role her brothers & sister played in her background. She also shares insight into the life of a Division III athlete and the path towards college hockey.

These podcasts are sponsored by Pillar Bank

#ncaa #eauclaire #blugolds #uwec #uw-eauclaire #wisconsin #girlshockey

The milestone 100th episode!

Dan, a veteran, gives his thoughts on the numerous free meals for Veterans Day and the overall state of the service industry (and society’s reaction to it). He also touches on what “dad life” has been looking like lately.

The Chippewa Valley's sports podcast hosted by a seventh grader

Alexia takes us through baking and eating chocolate chip coffee cake

Scott breakdown the saga of Mick Marlow, a CHI-HI senior athlete caught in a legal case over his eligibility.

Also, Scott explains why a young candidate for EC County Board needs to refocus his priorities.

Banker with a Beer, presented by Northwestern Bank

This week’s beverage of choice:  Lazy Monk Scottish Ale

Guest  Brian and Lance with Play it Again Sports

The operators of Play it Again Sports jump on the podcast to discuss youth sports in the Chippewa Valley. Brian and Lance are lifelong sports fans who have been able to mix their passion with business.

-         Why more expensive equipment isn’t always better value?

-         Their own passion for volunteering with youth sports

-         What trends are they noticing in participation in youth sports?

-         When should parents get their kids involved in sports?

-         Where are youth sports going?

Brian and Linda discuss Fall chores (and trying to avoid them) such as raking leaves, stacking wood. 

Also, why better interest rates are perhaps on the horizon.  The excitement over Costco coming to town and disappointment over the recent closures of some local businesses.

Presented by Menomonie Chamber of Commerce

Guest: Ian Edwards – Manager of Project Development for Elk Creek Solar

Ashley talks to Ian to get more information on the Elk Creek solar project for Dunn County, part of a plan to generate clean, emission-free energy for the area.  This 300-megawatt project is one of the largest and was recently approved. The project is expected online in a few years.

Why was this particular piece of land selected? Why Dunn County?

How will area residents benefit from this?

What actually is solar energy and how does it work?

#wisconsin #solarenergy #renewalenergy #commercial #business #eauclaire #twincities

A downtown business closes...is mulching your leaves enough...local youth athletes find success and much more

Scott discussed UW-Eau Claire Blugolds football, hockey and basketball. He also talks about a long overdue honor for local broadcast legend Mike Sullivan.

Plus, an interview with Eau Claire Memorial Old Abes volleyball coach Juliana Nichols

The 99th edition of Marcon Unleashed!  The first episode of November hits on

-         Dan discusses a 5-year old who uses an AR-15 he has had since he was an infant, as a painting instrument and makes collectible art.  Money from his paintings goes to charity!

-         Don’t forget that the Israel/Gaza War is about Hamas and their threat, which played out in horrific fashion.

-         Screw the United Nations

-         The mess at the Southern border and worry for local law enforcement

-         Dan details his experience with a Ukrainian refugee at the store.

The sports perspective of a South Middle School student. No contrived "hot takes" just the brutal honesty of a kid

Heidi talks with Chief Bakken about safety tips and issues parents should be aware of.  How those issues have changed over the years and what is most prevalent now.  Especially with the rise of technology, what are things parents should be aware of? What exactly should parents do for “monitoring” the apps their kids are using?

The importance of maintaining situational awareness but not building fear and anxiety.

Giving teenagers their independence but maintaining their safety.

What if its your child that is going the bullying?

#education #teenagers #safety #internet #cyberbulling #parentalcontrol

Scott details how an upcoming decision may signal a seismic shift in summer activities in the regionAlso, the Altoona School district now facing repercussions from failed referendum from the spring

This week’s beverage of choice:  Central Waters Brewing Company Stout

Northwestern Bank Eau Claire Market President Tracey Smiskey joins the program to discuss the economic growth and opportunities in the Chippewa Valley.  Working in the financial sector, Tracey sees first hand what is happening and what can still take place. How does the average area resident benefit from growth?

Guy Wood, whose family was instrumental in the stages of aviation in Eau Claire, shares stories about the aviation history in our area. The family played a pivotal role in creating the area’s various airports and eventually bringing passenger service to town.  We get a deeper understanding of the timeline of airports and air services in Eau Claire.

Randy Eide joins Emilie to talk about his decades of work with the City of Menomonie, as well as his military career. An Air Force Veteran who was deployed all over the world.   Randy most recently retired from as the Director of Public Works in early 2023. His wife, a Lutheran pastor, also recently retired.

He details the fortuitous break that led to him coming to Menomonie. Working with two mayors.  His accomplishments. What is he doing in retirement?

Sponsor:          Fries Financial

Guests:            Jenna Proue  8th Grader

                        Justin Kuehl – English Language Arts Teacher

An opportunity for us to meet with a McDonell student and teacher.  We learn about their passions and how Justin ended up at McDonell and the role a fortuitous encounter played. Jenna gives us a student’s perspective of being a student.

They also touch on the role of media and technology in education. What is a healthy view of the amount of tech that should be used?  The role schools play in teaching how to use technology (don’t assume students know how to do things).

Lea and Dale Nelson, Chase’s parents join the podcast to discuss the role of parents in youth sports. The importance of being a good role model and setting the proper example for your child(ren).

These podcasts are sponsored by Pillar Bank

La Crosse area certified trainer Kerrie Hoar joins the program again (check out episode #68) and expands on that episode. You’ve added a rescue dog to your family, what are the next steps once the dog is in the home. Some of the steps are similar to any new dog, but others have caveats unique to rescue dogs.

Recognizing when the dog is afraid is essential. What are signs to look for?

When is professional help and getting a trainer involved necessary?

Check out Kerrie’s business at crimsonhound.com

Jay, Allison, Stephanie and Kevin discuss a few things

-         The Shane Helmbrect case and explaining things from a law perspective.  Charged with homicide in 2016, but found not competent to stand trial. The case has returned to the news as Shane has left a halfway house and his whereabouts aren’t known.

-         They discuss the ongoing Wisconsin Supreme Court case regarding state political maps and the controversy around Wisconsin Supreme Court Justice Janet Protaseiwicz

-         A very visible example of mediation working in a divorce case.