WFHR and WIRI News

Wood County Sheriff Shawn Becker discusses a new crypto regulation bill aimed at curbing scams, now awaiting the governor’s signature. The bill, driven by bipartisan support, limits daily transactions and mandates refunds for victims. Becker also highlights the county’s 15th Crisis Intervention Training (CIT), enhancing law enforcement’s mental health crisis response. Reflecting on unsolved cases and officer memorials, Becker underscores community vigilance and law enforcement’s challenges. On a lighter note, a successful canine bingo fundraiser exceeded expectations, showcasing community support. Lastly, a preview of the upcoming Cops episode filmed in Wood County jail reveals the dedication of corrections staff. Guests: Melissa Kaye, Shawn Becker

The WFHR Friday News Roundup is your state and local news, weather, and sports for the region, WI. Listen live over the air, via your smart speaker, or on the Civic Media app for more, or find your favorite news and shows wherever you find your podcasts.

The WFHR Thursday News Roundup is your state and local news, weather, and sports for the region, WI. Listen live over the air, via your smart speaker, or on the Civic Media app for more, or find your favorite news and shows wherever you find your podcasts.

The WFHR Wednesday News Roundup is your state and local news, weather, and sports for the region, WI. Listen live over the air, via your smart speaker, or on the Civic Media app for more, or find your favorite news and shows wherever you find your podcasts.

The WFHR Tuesday News Roundup is your state and local news, weather, and sports for the region, WI. Listen live over the air, via your smart speaker, or on the Civic Media app for more, or find your favorite news and shows wherever you find your podcasts.

Wood County Board Chair Lance Pliml joins Melissa Kaye to discuss recent developments. Key projects include the nearly finished Powers Bluff all-purpose building and Cera Park’s new shelter. Edgewater Haven undergoes a costly but necessary remodel to provide more transitional care. Fundraising for a Safe Haven Baby Box is complete, promising lifesaving potential. The Wisconsin Rapids Downtown Farmers Market seeks a grant to boost public art, enhancing the area’s allure. Guests: Melissa Kaye, Lance Pliml

Wisconsin Rapids Schools are busy as spring approaches. 4th graders Kane Jensen and Jennings Davis, 5th grader Jacob Barse and their coach Kelly Bluell talk about the Math 24 competition. Superintendent Ron Rasmussen gives district updates and referendum information and Pitsch Elementary Principal Teri Thomas shares information on 4K registration. Guests: Melissa Kaye, Ron Rasmussen, Teri Thomas

The WFHR Monday News Roundup is your state and local news, weather, and sports for the region, WI. Listen live over the air, via your smart speaker, or on the Civic Media app for more, or find your favorite news and shows wherever you find your podcasts.

The WFHR Friday News Roundup is your state and local news, weather, and sports for the region, WI. Listen live over the air, via your smart speaker, or on the Civic Media app for more, or find your favorite news and shows wherever you find your podcasts.

The WFHR Thursday News Roundup is your state and local news, weather, and sports for the region, WI. Listen live over the air, via your smart speaker, or on the Civic Media app for more, or find your favorite news and shows wherever you find your podcasts.

The WFHR Wednesday News Roundup is your state and local news, weather, and sports for the region, WI. Listen live over the air, via your smart speaker, or on the Civic Media app for more, or find your favorite news and shows wherever you find your podcasts.

The WFHR Tuesday News Roundup is your state and local news, weather, and sports for the region, WI. Listen live over the air, via your smart speaker, or on the Civic Media app for more, or find your favorite news and shows wherever you find your podcasts.

Senator Patrick Testin outlines recent legislative achievements in Wisconsin. With the session ending, discussions on the state’s $2.5 billion surplus hint at potential rebates and educational funding boosts. As political landscapes shift with upcoming elections, Wisconsin braces for new leadership. Guests: Melissa Kaye, Patrick Testin

The WFHR Monday News Roundup is your state and local news, weather, and sports for the region, WI. Listen live over the air, via your smart speaker, or on the Civic Media app for more, or find your favorite news and shows wherever you find your podcasts.

Mayor Matt Zacher of Wisconsin Rapids discusses the city’s new cooperative initiative to hire additional firefighter paramedics, budgetary issues, and the upcoming 4th of July celebrations. Guests: Melissa Kaye, Matt Zacher

The WFHR Friday News Roundup is your state and local news, weather, and sports for the region, WI. Listen live over the air, via your smart speaker, or on the Civic Media app for more, or find your favorite news and shows wherever you find your podcasts.

Port Edwards School District is buzzing with activity. James Bena, District Administrator and Principal of Ed Hoyer Elementary, highlights the Do Good Wisconsin Cereal Box Challenge, where students donated over a thousand cereal boxes to a local food pantry, complete with a domino video entry. March Book Madness brings literary excitement akin to a basketball tournament, while math whizzes shine in the Math 24 competition. High spirits continue as John Edwards High wins the prestigious Spirit of Excellence Award, lauding student achievements across various pillars. Meanwhile, students prepare for state-level solo and ensemble contests, and Spanish learners embark on a cultural adventure to Costa Rica during spring break. Guests: Melissa Kaye, James Bena

Matt Zakowski from Assumption Catholic Schools talks about the upcoming Run the Rapids 5K event supporting child abuse prevention. He gives an update on school happenings at Our Lady Queen of Heaven School and St. Vincent de Paul School. The high school sports teams are thriving, with notable achievements in basketball and wrestling. Spring break, CPR training, and prom are also on the horizon for students. Guests: Melissa Kaye, Matt Zakowski

Wood County Sheriff Shawn Becker discusses cryptocurrency scams in the area over the past 3 years and legislative efforts to curb them. Reflecting on a past tragedy, he honors Deputy Michael Shannon, emphasizing interdepartmental training’s evolution. Uplifting notes include the introduction of a new School Resource Officer at Auburndale School and creative community engagement with a K-9 bingo event in March. Guests: Melissa Kaye, Shawn Becker

Rep. Scott Krug discusses the controversial approval of the Rome solar project by the PSC, despite local opposition. We talk about Assembly Bill 493 to restore local control over renewable projects, housing issues, and tackling PFAS contamination. Guests: Melissa Kaye, Scott Krug

Local historian John Berg delves into Wisconsin’s transformation from a fur trade hub to a timber powerhouse in the 1800s. He highlights the complex interplay between indigenous tribes like the Menominee and Ho-Chunk and European traders. Guests: Melissa Kaye, John Berg

Mayor Matt Zacher talks about the recent ambulance chase that ended in an arrest. Common Council updates from the recent meeting and news about plans for the Fourth of July celebration. Guests: Melissa Kaye, Matt Zacher

Matt Zakowski Director of Advancement/Alumni relations with Assumption Catholic Schools talks about upcoming school events and fundraisers as well as February being enrollment month for Assumption. Guests: Melissa Kaye, Matt Zakowski

Port Edwards School District Administrator Jim Bena outlines referendum projects coming up this summer and some already underway. Elementary music teacher Jeff Erdmann gears up for the annual ‘Opera for the Young’ performance. Guests: Melissa Kaye, Jim Bena, Jeff Erdmann

Representative Scott Krug brings an update from the 72nd Assembly District on election bills, property tax relief, and funding for technical colleges across Wisconsin. Guests: Melissa Kaye, Scott Krug

Chief Deputy Quentin Ellis discusses work being done on crypto kiosk legislation to protect against scams. New Coordinated Response Specialist Cherith DeFabbio gives an overview of the Deflection Care Initiative and how it can help reduce incarceration for non-violent offenders. Guests: Melissa Kaye, Quentin Ellis, Cherith DeFabbio