2009 Travels
November 5, 2009 - "Shawano County Rural Health Initiative"
This week we focus on the Shawano County Rural Health Initiative, a non-profit program designed to address growing concerns regarding health care issues facing today's farm families. At the center of this program is a Rural Health Coordinator who makes free "house" calls to interested farm families to provide health information, education, and referrals to area services.
October 29, 2009 - "Ocean Explorer, Jean-Michel Cousteau"
This week Route 51 will be broadcast statewide, as host Glen Moberg interviews Jean-Michel Cousteau, live from our studio at UW-Stevens Point. The son of ocean explorer Jacques Cousteau, Jean-Michel spent much of his life with his family exploring the world’s oceans. Cousteau is a marine explorer, activist, educator and filmmaker, and he founded Ocean Futures Society in 1999, a non-profit marine conservation and education organization, to carry on his family’s work and passion.
Glen was filling in as guest host for "At Issue with Ben Merens" October 26 - 30. Hear the shows on the "At Issue" Archives Page.
October 22, 2009 - "Hiking the Appalachian Trail"
Imagine walking the entire length of the Appalachian Trail from Georgia to Maine… a distance of 2175 miles… at the age of 62. That’s what Wausau area writer George Sandul did… and he shares his amazing story this week on Route 51. Sandul will talk about the new book he wrote about his odyssey, “The Road to Damascus… and Beyond,” and will also share his life story, which took him from the upper Midwest to Antarctica as a mapmaker with the U.S. Geological Survey.
October 15, 2009 - "The Legend of Paul Bunyan"
Minnesota always claims Paul Bunyan, but did Wisconsin loggers really invent America's best-known folkhero? This week, Route 51 will explore the roots of the Paul Bunyan legend with Michael Edmonds, author of the beautifully illustrated new book on the legendary lumberman, “Out of the Northwoods: The Many Lives of Paul Bunyan.” We'll discuss how the tall tales moved from wilderness logging camp stoves into print, and why publication changed them forever. Edmonds is an expert on researching archival material, and is the deputy administrator of the Library and Archives at the Wisconsin Historical Society.
October 8, 2009 - "Prairie Chicken Population at Buena Vista"
This we'll look at efforts to save endangered species through habitat restoration in North Central Wisconsin. This past weekend marked the culmination of a four year project to save the prairie chicken population at the Buena Vista grasslands near Plover, with a final shipment of birds from the Nature Conservancy’s Glacial Ridge project in northwestern Minnesota. Guests will be Mary Jean Huston, executive director of the Nature Conservancy of Wisconsin; Brian Winter, director of the Nature Conservancy’s Northern Tallgrass Prairie Ecoregion office in Glyndon, Minnesota; and Lesa Kardash, Wildlife Biologist and prairie chicken expert with the DNR.
October 1, 2009
"Route 51" will not air this week as Glen is in Madison to accept an award. Glen and the show will be back on October 8th. Enjoy "At Issue with Ben Merens" which airs on WPR Ideas Network Stations.
September 24, 2009 - "World of Opera"
Route 51 regional talk radio explores the world of opera, for those who love it, and for those who know nothing about it. Host Glen Moberg is joined by George Tepping, executive director of the Wausau Conservatory of Music , and by Wisconsin Public Radio classical music host Lori Skelton, who will introduce listeners to some of opera’s most popular and influential arias and overtures, and explore one of the world’s great mass entertainment art forms. Both Tepping and Skelton have experience with the genre: Tepping is a tenor who has performed in 22 operas; Skelton is a mezzo soprano who sings with the Milwaukee Symphony Chorus.
September 17, 2009 - "Biomass Energy"
This Thursday Route 51 regional talk radio follows up on the recent announcement that a biomass power plant will be built using pulp waste products at the Domtar paper mill in Rothschild. We'll explore the concept of generating power through recyclables and alternative energy with a panel of experts that includes Thad Nation, executive director of CREWE (Clean Responsible Energy for Wisconsin’s Economy)and Walter “Doc” Musecamp, local affairs account manager for WE Energies, which is a partner in the Rothschild biomass project. CREWE is an umbrella organization working to implement the recommendations of Governor Doyle’s Task Force on Global Warming. WE Energies is also involved with two wind generation projects that have been proposed in Wisconsin. The panel will also include representatives of the paper industry.
September 10, 2009 - "Health Care Reform"
Route 51 regional talk radio features a forum on health care, with State Representative Donna Seidel (D-Wausau), who has made the issue of universal health care one of her top priorities, and Dr. Fernando Riveron, a Wausau area surgeon who is opposed to a government run health care option. The program comes one day after President Barack Obama delivers his health care address before a joint session of Congress. Host Glen Moberg will ask Seidel and Riveron about the President’s remarks, Democratic sponsored legislation that include a government plan to cover the uninsured, and Republican alternatives that emphasize a market based approach.
September 3, 2009 - "Salute to Labor Day"
Our guests this week will include author and historian James Lorence, professor emeritus at UW Marathon County, and Don Cline, president of the Marathon County Central Labor Council. Lorence will discuss the extensive research behind his books on the history of the labor movement and Cline will update us on the current challenges facing working people in North Central Wisconsin. The show will be an opportunity to explore the real reasons for Labor Day, which has become increasingly identified with backyard barbecues and shopping mall sales events.
August 27, 2009 - "Congressional Candidate, Dan Mielke"
We wrap up our series of programs on the Seventh District congressional candidates with Republican Dan Mielke, who is making a second run for the seat in North Central Wisconsin. Mielke will be questioned on the subjects of health care reform, the economic recovery, the effects of the stimulus package, and the ongoing wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. Mielke is the third and final congressional candidate to appear on Route 51 this month, following appearances by incumbent Democrat Dave Obey and Republican challenger Sean Duffy.
August 20, 2009 - "Jazz Vocalist, Janet Planet"
This week we welcome jazz singer extraordinaire and Stellar recording artist Janet Planet. Planet was hailed by Jazziz Magazine as a “voice of the New Jazz Culture… amazingly powerful with seemingly limitless expression.” We will listen to selections from her 24th release, a new CD entitled “Of Thee I Sing”, featuring fresh arrangements of great American songs celebrating the sites, cities and landscapes of the United States. Planet’s long recording and performance career in her home state of Wisconsin results in live performances that are frequently standing room only. The Route 51 program will offer her many regional fans a rare chance to connect with her directly with live on-air phone calls.
August 13, 2009 - "Republican Congressional Candidate Sean Duffy"
This week's show features Republican candidate for Congress, Sean Duffy. Duffy is the District Attorney for Ashland County and is one of two announced Republican candidates working to unseat longtime Democrat Dave Obey in the Seventh Congressional District. Duffy faces a primary challenge from organic farmer Dan Mielke. Host Glen Moberg will question Duffy on health care, the economy, and foreign policy.
August 6, 2009 - "Understanding & Overcoming Poverty in Wisconsin"
Route 51 examines some of the issues raised at a conference in Wausau on Understanding and Overcoming Poverty in Wisconsin. Guests will be comprised of conference participants, including Congressman Dave Obey, one of the keynote speakers. Discussion will incorporate the ongoing threats to the banking system, housing and homelessness, education, and the national debate on universal health care. Conference information can be found here.
July 30, 2009 - "South Beach Up North"
Route 51 continues an annual tradition by welcoming Florida’s South Beach Chamber Ensemble into our studio for an hour of live classical chamber music and conversation with orchestra leader Michael Andrews, who grew up in Wausau. Discussion will revolve around Central Wisconsin’s commitment to the fine arts and the efforts of South Beach to spur interest in chamber music around the world. The South Beach Up North tour will also feature free live performances on August 1st at the Yawkey House and August 2nd at the Woodson Art Museum, both in Wausau.
July 23, 2009 - "The Peace Sculpture"
Taking a look at the issues and inspiration behind the new Peace Sculpture being planned for downtown Wausau. The design calls for the word “peace” to be written in English and Arabic on the wings of a dove. Host Glen Moberg will talk to Moustafa Saleh, the visiting Egyptian student who designed the monument; Patrick Plunkett, the visual artist who’s helping him build it; and Kimberly Reed, a teacher at Northcentral Technical College who has been a mentor for international students.
July 16, 2009 - Kathleen Paris and "The Clover Practice"
Today's show features Kathleen Paris, a Madison based business writer with a critically acclaimed new book, Staying Healthy in Sick Organizations: The Clover Practice. Paris has been a management consultant for more than 25 years and is the University of Wisconsin’s Office of Quality Improvement’s Distinguished Consultant Emeritus. Paris will discuss the revolutionary management techniques she outlines in her book, and will preview the Women’s Only Business Executive Wellness Retreat she’s leading later this month in St. Germain.
July 9, 2009 - "Living in Shadows"
This week's show features Sue Reetz, the creative force behind the locally produced documentary Living in Shadows, which details the lives of children who grow up in homes with drug addicted parents. The film was produced by Rucinski and Reetz Communications of Mosinee, and was funded by Ministry Health Care, the U.S. Attorney’s Office- Western District of Wisconsin and the Wisconsin Alliance for Drug Endangered Children. Reetz will share real life stories of the people in the documentary, the trauma experienced by their drug ravaged families and the self perpetuating cycle of drug abuse from generation to generation.
July 2, 2009 - "Outdoor Cooking"
Many people will be enjoying their upcoming fourth of July weekend with burgers, brats and whatever else you can throw on the grill. But this week on Route 51, we give you several other options for your outdoor cooking pleasure. Whether you're camping out by the lake or simply relaxing in the driveway, the possibilities are seemingly endless with cast iron... and even a cardboard box. Fill-in host Bill Martens welcomes Frank Larson of the Samoset Council of the Boy Scouts of America to share some cooking tips, recipes and stories.
June 25, 2009 - Route 51 on hiatus
Host Glen Moberg is on vacation.
Please enjoy an extra hour of At Issue with Ben Merens.
June 18, 2009 - Author Alan Weisman
We talk with Alan Weisman, author of the number one best-selling book The World Without Us, and keynote speaker at this weekend’s Midwest Renewable Energy Fair. Weisman’s reports from around the world have appeared in Harper’s, The New York Times Magazine, The Atlantic Monthly, The Los Angeles Times Magazine, Vanity Fair and Audubon. Discussion will revolve around the book’s intriguing thought experiment: an examination of what would happen to the Earth if the planet’s number one invasive species, human beings, disappeared.
June 11, 2009 - Folk Singer: David Dall
This week features singer/songwriter David Dall, an educator who grew up in Rhinelander, and who has written songs about the experience. The subjects of Dall’s compositions include our harsh Wisconsin winters, local ghost stories, and rites of passage like drive-in theaters. Dall also uses his music to reach young children as a kindergarten teacher for the Rhinelander School District. Host Glen Moberg will join Dall and his acoustic guitar for an hour of live music in our Wisconsin Public Radio studio, and lively conversation with our listeners.
June 4, 2009 - Wisconsin Regional Writers Association
This week we will celebrate the power of the pen with members of the Wisconsin Regional Writers Association. The 60 year old organization has hundreds of members across the state, dedicated to encouraging literary expression, supporting the fine arts, and preserving local history and folklore. We will discuss the creative process with Writers Association president, Dr. Robin Butler of Manitowoc, secretary Boyd Sutton of Siren and regional coordinator Earle Garber of Wisconsin Rapids.
May 28, 2009 - e-Marketing
A look into the brave new world of electronic marketing with Brad Kleinman. Kleinman is currently the Associate Director of the Key Entrepreneur Development Center at Cuyahoga College and the Chief Marketing Officer at WorkSmart e-Marketing. Kleinman will take calls from listeners who want to start their own web based businesses, and from those already in business who want to better market their products and services with the new technology.
May 21, 2009 - Gardening and Landscaping
It is time again for our annual gardening show, featuring the always informative and entertaining David Ryle of the Jung Seed Company in Stevens Point. Host Glen Moberg and David will have gardening and landscaping tips aimed specifically at northern Wisconsin listeners, who can call in live on the air with their questions and comments.
May 14, 2009 - Big Eau Pleine Reservoir
We take a look at the chronic water problems and the recent massive fish kill in central Wisconsin’s Big Eau Pleine Reservoir. The Wisconsin DNR has estimated that 70 to 80 percent of the fish in the reservoir were killed because of low oxygen levels over the winter, leaving homeowners with a huge mess on their shorelines, and local recreation businesses worried about their future. Guests will include Tim Garrigan, a local homeowner and president of the Big Eau Pleine Citizens Organization; Dave Coons, director of environmental affairs for Wisconsin Valley Improvement; Ed Hammer, Marathon County Regional Planning Director; and Tom Meronek, DNR fisheries biologist.
May 7, 2009 - Stan Tekiela
Just in time for the spring migration, we welcome naturalist, author, syndicated columnist and wildlife photographer Stan Tekiela as our guest. Tekiela is the author of Birds of Wisconsin, Wildflowers of Wisconsin, Mammals of Wisconsin, Fascinating Loons and dozens of other best selling field guides and nature books. Discussion will include Wisconsin bird lore and where to look for the newly arriving spring migrants, and also photography tips for capturing those elusive wildlife shots up close and in focus.
April 23, 2009 - Arbor Day 2009
Celebrating Arbor Day! Guest will be R. Bruce Allison, arborist and author of “If Trees Could Talk.” "If Trees Could Talk" is a children’s book which, through stories, shares the significance of some of the most important trees in Wisconsin’s history. Allison will also talk about tree care and the value of forests to Wisconsin’s economy. Listeners are encouraged to call into the show with comments on the book or questions on tree planting advice or general tree care.
April 16, 2009 - Dave Obey
U.S. Congressman Dave Obey will be our guest, taking live calls and comments from listeners on a special edition of Route 51. Host Glen Moberg will ask Obey about the stimulus and budget bills he helped write as the powerful chair of the House Appropriations Committee, the Republican opposition to President Obama’s economic agenda, and about Obey’s forty years in office representing North Central Wisconsin.
April 9, 2009 - Highlights of an interfaith forum on Peace in the Promised Land, which was moderated by host Glen Moberg this past weekend in Wausau. You’ll hear intelligent, provocative discussion of the ongoing conflict between Israel and the Palestinian people from a panel that consisted of Mideast expert Neil Lewis, professor emeritus and former chair of the History Department at UW-Stevens Point; Rabbi Dan Danson of central Wisconsin’s Mount Sinai Synagogue, who is a frequent visitor to Israel; John Viste and Elaine Strite, who lived and worked together helping Palestinians in the West Bank and Gaza; singer/songwriter Tracy Feldman of UW-Stevens Point, who describes himself as an American Jew troubled by Israeli government policy; and Jeff Leigh, associate professor of history at UW-Marathon County, who recently returned from a student exchange trip to Lebanon.
April 2, 2009 - Live Coverage of Kennan Forum
Route 51 will not be broadcast today so we can bring you live coverage of The George F. Kennan Forum on International Issues being held in Milwaukee. The discussion of "The U.S. and the Changing Global Order" will by moderated by WPR's At Issue host, Ben Merens.
March 26, 2009 - "Illiteracy"
Illiteracy is a problem that’s affecting North Central Wisconsin in many ways: our current level of unemployment, our hopes for economic recovery, and even the quality of our health care. That’s the opinion held by Sarah Halstead and Tom Parker of the Portage County Literacy Council, who are the featured guests on this week's show. Halstead and Parker are also trying to raise public awareness for the Literacy Council’s fifth annual Un-scrabble fund raiser (April 2nd at the Holiday Inn in Stevens Point).
March 19, 2009 - "Back from Lebanon"
They’re back from the Middle East, and they’ve got some stories to tell! This week features Wausau East High School students Mary Baldwin and Michael Reyer, who just returned from a state department student exchange trip to Lebanon. In addition, their guide, UW Marathon County Associate Professor of History Jeff Leigh, will join us to discuss their reactions and experiences.
March 12, 2009 - "Judicial Debate: Falstad vs. Rotter"
The public is invited to attend the live Route 51 broadcast debate between the candidates for Marathon County Judge, district attorney Jill Falstad and defense attorney Peter Rotter, at 5:00 p.m. in the UW Marathon County Theater in Wausau. Moderator Glen Moberg will be joined by a panel of questioners with broad experience in county judicial procedures, the criminal justice system and drug and alcohol issues: Jeff Starck, court reporter for the Wausau Daily Herald; Ron Connolly, instructor and facilitator with Northcentral Technical College’s criminal justice program; and Sue Nowak, certified prevention specialist with Premier Recovery Services of Wausau.
March 5, 2009 - "Tracy Feldman, singer/songwriter"
This week features the live music and conversation of signer/songwriter Tracy Feldman of Stevens Point. Feldman is an American Jew who is concerned about the future of peace in the Middle East and the ongoing struggle between Israel and the Palestinians. Feldman is also an assistant professor of biology at the University of Wisconsin Stevens Point. Feldman, a "modern version of the 60's folk poet" will perform music from his latest CD “Survivin’ in the ‘Burbs”, live in our Wausau studio, and will discuss the inspiration behind his lyrics.
February 26, 2009
"Crossfire: Federal and State Money Woes"
Taking a look at the battle over the budget... with viewpoints from the left and the right on President Barack Obama's bank bailout and federal stimulus packages and Governor Jim Doyle’s proposed budget for the state of Wisconsin. Joining host Glen Moberg will be Dan Mielke, former Republican candidate for Congress in North Central Wisconsin’s 7th congressional district and John Smart, School Board member from Park Falls representing the Democrats.
February 19, 2009
"David E. Guggenheim, Ocean Doctor"
The Ocean Doctor is “in” and making a house call to Route 51. David Guggenheim is an internationally renowned marine scientist, ocean explorer, and submarine pilot whose organization 1planet 1ocean is dedicated to sustaining the oceans through international partnerships. Guggenheim will discuss his experiences in underwater exploration, the environmental threats to the ocean, declining fish stocks, and the effects of global warming on ecosystems and coral reefs.
February 12, 2009 - "OWI Laws"
Today we'll focus on the current effort to toughen drunk driving laws in Wisconsin. Guest will be Shannon Young, a Wausau area woman who has been an activist in the fight against alcohol and drug abuse through her organization BRAVO, Building Responsible Alcohol Values and Options. Also joining the discussion: Jim Maas, Chairman of Wisconsin’s Libertarian Party, who opposes sobriety check points, and increasing the number of people who are incarcerated in the state’s prison system. Listeners will also hear from State Senate Majority Leader Russ Decker (D-Weston), who is co-sponsoring OWI legislation in Madison, and from Jim Treu of the Marathon County Tavern League.
February 5, 2009 - "Guantanamo Bay"
We welcome back to our studios Army National Guard Staff Sgt. Brian Jopek, who is currently serving as the Public Information Officer in Charge at the detention facility in Cuba. This will be Jopek’s third appearance on Route 51. Jopek will discuss current conditions at Guantanamo, the charges leveled by critics of constitutional rights violations, the status of the prisoners there, and the national security issues raised by the decision to close the facility last week by President Obama.
January 29, 2009 - "Pommeranian Society"
We explore Wisconsin’s Pomeranian heritage with Don Zamzow, the president of the Pomeranian Society of Central Wisconsin, which is dedicated to preserving the culture and language of an old European province that played a major role in the development of the greater Wausau area. The Society currently boasts a membership of more than 500 people, and operates a library and cultural center in the old Berlin school building.
January 22, 2009 - "Obama Inauguration"
On January 20, a new era was ushered in with the inauguration of the first African American president, Barack Obama. We'll discuss the hoopla, the hype, the hope and the hard facts with two local Obama supporters who attended the Washington D.C. festivities- Christine Bremer-Muggli, attorney and member of Wisconsin's elctoral college and Jim Rosenberg, Wausau alderman.
January 15, 2009 - "Domestic Violence"
Marathon County is ranked second only to Milwaukee County in the number of domestic homicides in the state of Wisconsin. We will examine the disturbing reality of domestic violence with guests Marathon County District Attorney Jill Falstad, Jane Graham Jennings, executive director of the Women's Community, and Lee Shipway of Peaceful Solutions, a counseling organization that deals with abusers and their victims.
January 8, 2009 - "Garden Lunacy!"
Our guest today will be Art Wolk, the author of an amusing book called Garden Lunacy, A Growing Concern, with tips and advice for those addicted to backyard cultivation in our challenging northern climate. Wolk is the keynote speaker at "Garden Visions" that takes place the weekend of January 31st at Wausau’s Plaza Hotel and Suites. He will be joined on the air by Kris Mrozek, Master Gardener from Portage County, and Marcia Kosmerchock of North Central Wisconsin Master Gardeners.
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