Eau Claire Hometown Media

Presented by Toycen Ford

Ryan Parker, the head coach of the Eau Claire North Huskies hockey team, discusses this current season and the milestone he recently achieved.

Plus, updates on the overall local prep sports landscape

Dan opens the month of December with another great episode.

Opinions on the Chik-fil-A and Costco that have just opened. What are his thoughts on the excitement?

He also gives his review of a new movie he recommends..."Lady Baller" and his hopes for putting an event on in the area.

Plus, he touches on various deals and specials he has at the store this Christmas season. Deals on AK47s of up to $1,000 off!

Kristin Carnes-Frederickson Big Brothers & Big Sisters

What are the issues and the greatest areas of needs with the local Big Brothers & Big Sisters organization.  Generally 150 matches are served at any given time, but numerous others are on a wait list. 

What specific types of mentors and volunteers are of particular need?

Kristin details what “bigs” like her get back from the experience.

Presented by the Altoona School District

Amy Dahms – Director of Curriculum and Instruction

Heidi and Amy discuss testing and assessment levels for students.  What does “assessment” look like now as compared to years ago.  What are the objectives of testing and how is this data utilized? What are some alternatives?

Recorded LIVE in front of an audience inside the Spirit Room at the Mabel Tainter Theatre a fun conversation that touches on area history & gossip! Andrew Mercile, Dunn County Clerk & Mabel Tainter President and Melissa Kneeland from the Dunn County Historical Society join Becca and Dustyn.

The Menomonie “Tunnel System”, the constant rumors of KFC coming to town, dead bodies under the Clock Tower, the photoshopped picture that has fooled many locals for decades and theatre ghost stories.

This week’s beverage of choice:  Tweak Bourbon Barrel Aged Coffee Stout

Guest  Bill Bertrand – One Automotive Group Chippewa Valley

Well known local personality, Bill Bertrand stops by to enjoy a beverage and discuss a wide range of topics.

-         How he went from not wanting to live in this area to now loving it!

-         Challenges of selling various brands

-         The role of dealerships in a growing online buying age

-         Sunday traffic on the car lot

-         The future of electric cars in the valley

-         What brand would he like to bring to the area

-         How is car buying experience evolving

-         What does he drive.

More Episodes: echometownradio.com/northwesternbank

Rusty looks ahead at “what ifs” with the Northern Wisconsin State Fairgrounds Facility. The fairground operation is no different than any business or organization in that forecasting for future needs and wants is important.  The horse arena and successful CHI-HI Equestrian team factor prominently in this episode.

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

What is the point of home inspections in the real estate world and while they are very valuable, are they something that can be skipped in order to have an offer accepted? From a seller’s perspective, there are also risks involved if a pre-inspection is skipped. Brian and Linda guide us through the benefits of inspections to help you decide if they are worth it.

#realestate #realtors #homemarket #buyingahome #sellingahome #wisconsin

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.

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