Eau Claire Hometown Media

Thoughts on the MLB playoff races on the final weekend, from the mind of a South Middle Schooler

EduCast presented by the Altoona School District

Guests:  

                Jen Carey – School Social Worker

                Kyle Rundquist – Dean of Students for Middle School

The roles Jen and Kyle fill are relatively newer concepts in education and they explain what it is they do. Both bring very unique backgrounds to the district.

Their roles are at the forefront of the issue of school safety.  Specifically, what are aspects both physically and emotionally that are focused on at Altoona?

How are threats handled?

As parents themselves, what are things they want other parents to know.

Dr. David Usher reintroduces himself and the unique way he and his office practice family medicine. 

It’s a different method of handling healthcare costs, while still providing modern care with a more personal touch.

It’s a plan that more employers have been providing as an option for their employees.

The Chippewa Valley's Talk Show of record. Are free-roaming cats killing off area birds? That and more...

Banker with a Beer, presented by Northwestern Bank

This week’s beverage of choice:  Paulaner Salvator Double Bock

Guest Aaron White – Community Development Director w/ Eau Claire

Economic growth continues to explode in the city of Eau Claire and Aaron joins us to provide updates and where we go from here

-         Where do things stand with the transit center?

-         Finally having a grocery store downtown

-         Plans for the mall area

-         The Cannery District and the creation of  “artist suites”

-         Redevelopment of “Shopko Plaza”

-         Industrial projects

-         What needs does the city have?

-         Impact of the UW-Eau Claire

-         The future of Carson Park

The fairgrounds strives to be a year-round facility and Rusty details how the NWSFA operates during the colder months. How infrastructure improvements allow for new opportunities including the fact the grounds serves as a storage facility for boats and trailers.

What is the staff’s focus during the winter months.

The Chippewa Valley housing market place is competitive, but Brian and Linda take a look at it from a different angle.  The market is becoming stagnant in both quantity and in pricing.

-         How long are properties on the market in the Chippewa Valley?

-         Its still a “seller’s” market but where are buyers seeing gains?

-         Selling homes “as is” vs. sellers doing pre-inspections

-         Importance of office space in homes, and impacton commercial space

-         Appraisal issues and what is shows

Chamber Chatter presented by the Menomonie Area Chamber of Commerce

Govin’s Farm has become a staple for people to visit each year so John and Julie join the podcast. They discuss their entrepreneurial spirit and the transition they made years ago to what their farm has developed into.

One area of particular interest, you will learn how are the corn mazes built

Farmer John also tells the story of the famous video he was in. It involves a happy story centering on an Alpaca and the surprising legal twist that comes from having a "viral" video

Talk of the Town recaps what happened with the Travis Hakes situation over the weekend.

Also, good news for Chippewa Valley Technical College and despite the rain, various events went off successfully in the region over the weekend

Kathy Wright details how the first few weeks have gone at the new Eau Claire Event District. Including a review of the 2023 Country Jam weekend, the debut of the Reverb Music Event and the opening of the various event spaces.

What are they already working to improve on...and what is this about a "ghost" and wondering if it made the move too?

Is the Regis Rambler football program done dominating?

Will Eau Claire North squeeze into the playoffs?

Why this week is a "must win" for UW-Eau Claire Football

Dan weighs in on the situation surrounding Chippewa County Sheriff Travis Hakes.

Don’t forget about the upcoming dinner happening October 26th, get your tickets now!

Marcon Unleashed

Guests

Kevin Schmidt – Local board member with Northwest Wisconsin Junior Achivement

Susan Peterson – Regional Director for Northwest Wisconsin Junior Achievement

We learn about a wonderful organization, Junior Achievement, and its regional presence which covers over 18,000 students.  Susan and Kevin explore the role JA plays in the educational process.  The way the organization brings real world experience into the classrooms.  The real-life, practical knowledge that Junior Achievement provides.

Why this is a wonderful experience for volunteers, who are able to give back simply by sharing their stories with area students.

The annual JA Heros Gala, which honors long time friends of the program, is coming up in November.

Collections means so much more than just past-due payments! The Money Donuts® team meets with Kevin, Anthony, and Mitch from Royal’s collections to team to learn how they help borrowers understand their options to bring loan payments current, adjust to changing circumstances, and build sustainable budgets.

National Football League update through the first two weeks

No need to visit the local donut shop when you take the time to make your own cake donuts. Our fourth grade baker take us through the process to create your own little "donut stop" in your own home.

Scott explains why Travis Hakes shows some signs of guilt, but also why patience is necessary from community before final judgement

Frank Smoot, longtime local historian and the museum developer for the Chippewa Area History Center, visits with Jodi and Olaf. He guides us through a discussion of the area’s indigenous population heritage.

People have lived in this region for 11, 000 years yet it may be under researched and the reason why, is fascinating.

Why the Ojibwa can be considered “immigrants” to Wisconsin?

The Dakota’s history in the area.

The relationship between various white settler groups and indigenous peoples

It’s a competitive housing market, especially in Eau Claire and the Chippewa Valley, but that doesn’t mean its automatically difficult for prospective first time home buyers.  With the right preparation and expectations, first timers can be very successful in the market place.

-         Money lending and understand there are many options

-         Time frame expectations.  How long does the process take

-         The tax advantages to home ownership

-         Is a pre-approved letter necessary?

-         Is the Spring still the time to “buy & sell”?

-         What is the “perfect time” to buy and sell

Sponsor  Stelter Inc

Guests: Sean, Paula and Megan Hanson

The Mack Community feels like a family, and the school truly is a “family-experience” for the Hansons.  Sean is the band director at McDonell.  Paula teaches elementary music at Holy Ghost. Megan is a recent graduate and currently works at Holy Ghost.

How has the school, and their faith, shaped their relationship.

The interesting stories that led to Sean and Paula working at the school and why they elected to send all their kids here.

Sean and Paula also discuss their deeper dive into the Catholic faith that has occurred over the years.

The role music has played for them.

A major Chris Kroeze concert, delayed from this last summer, is finally going off this weekend in Menomonie in conjunction with the MHS Homecoming Celebration.  Here is how this rescheduling came to be and the partnership between MHS and the city.

In addition to the concert, hear about all the other exciting things happening around homecoming.

The talk show of record for Eau Claire and the Chippewa Valley.

News out of Chippewa Valley Technical College with the announcement of a new mascot...important physical improvement at Regis High School...and the Eau Claire Area School District takes a look at graduation GPAs and what can be done to improve the numbers

Brian Seubert, the owner of VSA, visits the podcast to give us insight on who he is.

-         Who is Brian?  How having his (non-sports) dream career ripped from him, gives him important perspective he can share with VSA families.

-         The scope of all the businesses he owns, which goes far beyond VSA. 

-         His mentors and inspirations

-         Where did the idea from VSA come from?

-         The future plans and his end goal with VSA

Giving a rescue dog a forever home is rewarding experience.

Heather is joined by La Crosse area accredited dog trainer Kerrie Hoar on this episode. Kerrie is the owner of the Crimson Hound, dog training service. The two discuss rescue dogs on this episode and what goes into adding one to your family.

What are key things to know when adopting a rescue dog?

Have an idea of how you see the dog working with you family. For instance, do you have children…do you want a dog that is a running partner…do you want your dog to be active or one that is more calming.

Don’t under estimate the work involved with bringing a rescue dog home.

Check out Kerrie’s business at crimsonhound.com

The podcast returns, introducing us to another member of the team, Allison. A native of the Upper Peninsula who was steered towards becoming a lawyer thanks to success in a unique high school extra-curricular. Her focus is family law and she details the particulars of that type of discipline.

The team then turns its attention to discussing a recent case from the Wisconsin Court of Appeals that involves a 2019 Rusk County Dispute.   Wiemer vs. Zeeland Farm Services.

What is statute of limitations and how does it apply to this case?

Also, is there a difference between alimony and maintenance?  How does a court go about determining the amount of alimony/maintenance?

Dan is back with you today catching you up on what you need to know about the presidential candidates for the upcoming election.  Dan continues to have his concerns about Trump’s ability to defeat Biden and his track record in politics the last two years hasn’t been stellar.  But, will anyone else be able to rise above him?

Also, he reminds you to support the VFW on Starr Avenue which has re-opened.  The Marcon crew helped raise over $1,100 dollars for the VFW and Dan encourages you to reach out to them to help with your fundraiser.

Derek takes at look at the Major League Baseball races and his thoughts as the UW-Eau Claire Blugolds hit week #3 of the football season at 1-1

EduCast presented by Altoona School District

Guests:  

Michelle Parks – Instructional coach

Jen Nelson – Instructional Coach

A pair of educators inside the Altoona School District visit to discuss ways parents can augment what kids have learned at school, back at home.  Learning outside the classroom has a very valuable role.

What are specific things parents can do and the importance of being curious and simply asking questions. 

A parent DOES NOT have to know everything and why engagement is the key.

They also give what they feel is the single most important piece of advice.

A must listen for any Chippewa Valley business owner!

Dave Usher breaks down new concepts in assisting employer’s with their healthcare costs.  Providing medical coverage is one of any company’s biggest budget items.

Health Roseta is one of the leaders in adopting new practices for employer’s and Dave discusses why he likes their model and what they are trying to do.

Why “not changing” is not an option.

This week on the Menom Podcast The Dunn County Sheriff Kevin Bygd joins Dustyn and Becca to talk about what it means to be a County Sheriff. How Kevin likes to have a sense of community for office and that it means to a lot to be a part of the community as an officer. How he got to become the County Sheriff. What does the County Sheriff do? That an officer in uniform will always be there for an officer in uniform to work together. A great episode about community on the Menom Podcast.

Scott fires back at online commentators taking shots at the way downtown Eau Claire has developed. He also discusses the City of Altoona's decision to remove "back in" parking from River Prairie

Banker with a Beer presented by Northwestern Bank

This week’s beverage of choice:  Paulaner Oktopberfest Bier

Guest Brad Hentschel – City Planner in Chippewa Falls

Exciting projects continue to develop in Chippewa Falls. Brad is here to update on what is going on and what is still to come. The Chippewa Crossing development features prominently in the conversation. It was a process, 20 years in the making.

He also provides updates on exciting downtown projects, including the Wisconsin Farmer’s Union building.

Brad details the arrival of a unique, new battery factory.

People, Places & Passions Podcast presented by the City of Altoona, Wisconsin

Returning to River Prairie on Saturday September 23rd is the annual Ginormous Pumpkin Festival, a full day of activities headlined by farmers showcasing the largest pumpkins they can grow.

Shannon Engel, a local farmer and member of the Wisconsin Giant Pumpkin Growers Association, visits to discuss the passion for growing “ginormous” pumpkins.  What is the largest pumpkins ever grown?  Scientifically, how does this happen?  

Also, the other activities taking place. From baking contests, to costume contests, an artist market, Rubber Duck race and much more is in addition to the pumpkins.

The 20th Octoberfest this weekend.  Rusty Volk details working with outside promotors that bring events to the Fairgrounds.  How does that relationship develop and operate?

What are the factors that ultimately create “annual” events that are desired.

Northern Wisconsin State Fairgrounds

Chippewa Falls

Scott Rogers - VP Government Affairs with Eau Claire Chamber

Gretchen Yonko - Menomonie City Council Rep for Ward 4

With plans beginning to be built for a potential passenger rail line through Western Wisconsin, two local experts join to discuss the ins and outs of the project. The current status of the project, the need for it, the benefits, and the holds ups.

Scott is feeling numb and little depressed, but he picks himself up to provide commentary and the latest happenings around Eau Claire and the Chippewa Valley

The Eau Claire North Huskies are showing signs of a football renaissance...UWEC football has a humbling experience but does that blunt the program's momentum...UWEC men's soccer takes on the best.

Plus, Scott talks with Chippewa Steel head coach Chris Ratzloff

Dan is back on Marcon Unleashed and catching you up on the latest with the upcoming banquet. Also Marcon is educating you on what you need to do in emergency situations and who to call for the best outcome of the situation.

Stu Cline is a local Army veteran, a Purple Heart recipient and a regular at Cabin Coffee.  With River Prairie the home of the Veterans Tribute Trail Memorial Kelly and Joe felt it important to bring on a person whom the trail honors.

Stu is an individual who has lived a full life and he shares some of his stories with us. Losing and regaining his confidence as a helicopter pilot in Vietnam.  Being wounded. Finding and flying in his helicopter years after the war had ended.

These stories will captivate you for the entire episode!

Derek tells us where he sees teams finishing (including the Green Bay Packers and Minnesota Vikings) in the 2023 NFL Standings

Did County make right decision with Kathryn Schauf...Local Breakfast Favorites...a problem for HSHS that flew under the radar and much more Eau Claire and Chippewa Valley Talk Show

On the debut of this new podcast series, Jodi and Olaf from the Museum are joined by Margaret Becker for a conversation about growing up in the area and in the model town of Ojibwa Pre WWII. Margaret’s father was instrumental in the planning of the town.

-         Ojibwa was a model town in Seymour County, what does that mean?

-         How did the town develop and the original vision?

-         Traveling from Eau Claire to Ojibwa regularly and differences in living arrangements

-         What was life like in Ojibwa

-         “The Mall” in Ojibwa

-         The story of the white Train Depot

-         What was the highest population the town achieved

-         The last time she visited

-         What she likes about modern day Eau Claire

A Menomonie native, Dave took over his current role at the start of 2023 after many years working for private companies in and around the area.  He updates listeners on a variety of projects that are ongoing and in the future. The challenges he faces, adapting to change and the wide array of different departments he oversees.

The first ever episode of the GET Real podcast with Brian and Linda.  A podcast that will touch on real estate, but also dive into all the great aspects of what makes life great in the Chippewa Valley?

On the debut episode, we get learn more about these two realtors including how they came to meet. Let’s just say, Brian liked to play jokes that Linda didn’t always take kindly too.

-         Their different areas of focus in the industry and where they share passions. - Where does the local real estate market stand and where has it changed over the last few years

Sponsor:  Thaler Oil

Guests:     Krista Misener – Kindergarten teacher at St. Charles

                    Jamie Dodge – Principal at St. Charles

This episode turns its attention to the St. Charles Preschool & Primary School. We meet the new principal and the perspective of a veteran educator in the building.

 Jamie has been in the district in a variety of roles since 2016 and is now taking over at St. Charles. Her make-up that includes being an adopted child, a mother, wife and lifelong learner.  She also once struggled as a reader in her younger days and why that experience motivates her and helps in her current role.

Krista has 20 years of experience in education and is an alum of McDonell.  A lifelong career in education was sparked by a trip to a daycare center in college, thus shifting her off the initial path of interior design.

Eau Claire and Chippewa Valley Talk Show!

Local schools and colleges are in session...someone has decided to run for Congress seat and it should annoy us...and bragging rights for some Eau Claire residents.

Phil and Chase welcome the community to this new podcast series.  Meet two of members of the administration at Valley Sports Academy. 

The goals of this podcast and the inside scoop at VSA.

On this debut episode, they interview each other and dive into the more interesting aspects of their backgrounds and their passions.

They also touch on the fact this operates as a “not for profit” wherein many of the monies from programs and community partners goes right back to the building.

“Money Should Never Stop a Kid from Playing Sports”

The experience of the staff where they come from.

Legal advice in a fun and entertaining format from this long time Chippewa Valley law firm

Dan is catching you up with the latest news on the upcoming Second Amendment Banquet and what to expect at Marc-On for the next month. Along with talking about the situation that occurred in Colorado with the child wearing a certain patch on his backpack.