2008 Travels
December 25, 2008 - "Merry Christmas!"
Route 51 is on a Holiday Hiatus and will not be aired today. Happy and Safe Holiday wishes to our loyal listeners!
December 18, 2008 - "Route 51's Year End Review"
A look back at the people, places and politics that made 2008 a memorable year in North Central Wisconsin. You’ll hear a review of the year’s top news stories, and the highlights and special moments of Route 51’s most memorable shows, including our live forums and debates, and in-studio music performances by jazz violinist Randy Sabien, bluesman Otis McLennon, and our favorite classical group, the South Beach Chamber Ensemble.
December 11, 2008 - "Climate Change Summit"
Discussion of the Climate Change Summit: Wisconsin Communities Take Action taking place at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point, December 12, 2008. This historic summit will call for a creation of regional and local collaborations to combat global climate change. Our guest will be Ron Burke, director of the Midwest Office for the Union of Concerned Scientists, discussing topics of climate change, clean vehicles, clean energy and sustainable agriculture.
December 4, 2008 - "The Importance of Writing Letters"
Guest Samara O'Shea, a passionate advocate for the written word will talk about her book, For the Love of Letters: A 21st-Century Guide to the Art of Letter Writing. We will also welcome Kathy Foley, director of the Woodson Art Museum on their latest exhibit, More than Words, containing illustrated letters from the Smithsonian's Archives of American Art.
November 27, 2008 - "Happy Thanksgiving!"
Route 51 will not be aired today as host Glen Moberg will be enjoying the holiday. We hope you enjoy WPR's special Thanksgiving Broadcast of the Third Coast Festival from Chicago Public Radio. This program highlights winning documentaries of 2008.
November 20, 2008 - "Talking Turkey with Chef Ann"
This week we talk turkey with Chef Ann Liebmann, food writer for the Wausau Daily Herald. Chef Ann will share her favorite Thanksgiving recipes… and give you valuable tips on how to prepare the big holiday meal for a big household without big headaches. Call in and share your favorite family recipes and holiday traditions live on the air.
November 13, 2008 - "Karl Pnazek of Cap Services"
A conversation with Karl Pnazek, who is retiring after 32 years as C.E.O. of CAP Services, a regional Community Action Agency based in Stevens Point. Pnazek will talk about the groundbreaking public and private partnerships he pioneered in his years of helping those in need in Central Wisconsin. We’ll also get his perspective on how the country’s economic downturn has impacted the agency’s clients, and his perspective on the challenges and opportunities facing the new Obama administration.
November 6, 2008 - "And the Winner is..."
2008 Election Analysis
Discussion and analysis of the results of Tuesday’s presidential, congressional and state elections and what they mean for North Central Wisconsin. Guests will be: Mark Baldwin, executive editor of the Wausau Daily Herald; Dr. Jim Lorence, Professor Emeritus of History at UW Marathon County; and Bob Williams, Republican political analyst from Stevens Point. Lorence helped Democratic Congressman Dave Obey with his recent autobiography. Williams managed the political campaign of former Wisconsin Governor Lee Dreyfus.
October 30, 2008 - 69th and 87th Assembly District Debates
Presenting highlights from two recent State Assembly candidate debates. Incumbent Republican Scott Suder of Abbotsford and Democratic challenger Tim Swiggum, the mayor of Owen, square off in the 69th Assembly District. Then, incumbent Republican Mary Williams of Medford and Democratic challenger Judy Reas of Park Falls square off in the 87th Assembly District. Both debates were moderated by Wisconsin Public Radio’s Mary Jo Wagner.
October 23, 2008 - Holperin vs. Tiffany
Rebroadcast of the September 25th debate between the candidates for the 12th State Senate District, Democrat Jim Holperin and Republican Tom Tiffany. The debate was originally broadcast live from the Campanile Center in Minocqua. Wisconsin Public Radio’s Glen Moberg moderated the event.
October 16, 2008
"The Final Days of the Presidential Campaign"
Analysis of the final debate and the final days of the campaign for Presidential candidates John McCain and Barack Obama. Guests include: Dennis Riley, professor of political science at UW-Stevens Point and Eric Giordano, professor of political science at UW-Marathon County. The program will also feature recent visits to central Wisconsin by John McCain and Michelle Obama, and an interview with former Defense Secretary, Congressman and Marshfield native Melvin Laird on the economic crisis.
October 9, 2008 - Assembly Forum
Exerpts from an Assembly Forum held Monday, October 6 at University of Wisconsin-Marathon County. Panelists included candidates for: Assembly District 69, Challenger, Tim Swiggum (D) vs. Incumbent, Scott Suder (R); Assembly District 85, Challenger, Jess Kufahl (R) vs. Incumbent, Donna Seidel (D); and Assembly District 86, Challenger, Nate Myszka (D) vs. Incumbent, Jerry Petrowski (R). Route 51 host, Glen Moberg was the forum moderator.
October 2, 2008 - Our National Economy
This week's show focuses on the faltering national economy, its effect on North Central Wisconsin, and its political implications for the upcoming November elections. Guests include two top analysts from UW-Stevens Point: Randy Cray, Professor of Economics and Director of the Central Wisconsin Economic Research Bureau, and Ed Miller, Professor of Political Science.
September 25, 2008 - Jim Holperin vs. Tom Tiffany
Route 51 will be broadcasting live from the Campanile Center for the Arts on Thursday, September 25 from 5:00 – 6:00 pm. Hosted by Glen Moberg, this week's show will be a political debate between the candidates vying for the 12th State Senate District seat, Jim Holperin (D) and Tom Tiffany (R). This Senate seat was vacated by Roger Breske after Gov. Jim Doyle appointed Breske State Railroad Commissioner.
September 18, 2008 - WPR Documentary:
Bridging the Shores: The Hmong-American Experience
As many Americans watched the fall of Saigon in 1975, it was widely believed that a major chapter of history -- the Vietnam War -- was over. But for the Hmong who served as allies to U.S. forces, the end of the conflict signaled a whole new beginning for their people. Forced to flee their native Laos due to Communist persecution, thousands of Hmong began arriving in the U.S. in the late 1970s. The immigrants have since struggled to adapt to American customs, yet retain their traditions. This duality has given the Hmong their share of sacrifices and triumphs, within their communities and even within their families. This radio documentary explores some of the most important aspects of the Hmong-American experience. Created in collaboration with the Wisconsin Institute of Public Policy, the web component, developed by WIIPPS, is available at their site, www.wiipps.org.
September 12, 2008 - James Carville & Mary Matalin
An interview with the political odd couple James Carville and Mary Matalin… who haven’t let their marriage get in the way of their political opinions. Carville is a former advisor to President Bill Clinton and presidential candidate Hillary Clinton. Matalin is a former assistant to President George W. Bush and counselor to Vice President Dick Cheney. Both have hosted CNN’s critically acclaimed political talk show Crossfire, with Carville on the left and Matalin on the right. Discussion will include the latest developments in the presidential campaign, and about how they balance their political differences with their personal lives. Joining the program for analysis will be Obama supporter Christine Bremer-Muggli, who served as a Wisconsin delegate to the Democratic Convention, and McCain supporter Kevin Hermening, who is the former chair of the Marathon County Republican Party.
September 4, 2008 - Breast Cancer
Taking a look at the latest advances in the treatment of breast cancer with a renewed call for early detection. Guests will be Susan G. Komen for the Cure: Central Wisconsin Affiliate President Susan Ford-Hoffert and Dr. Pam Galloway, a surgeon at the Breast Cancer Health Center of Central Wisconsin. The program will also detail the experiences and challenges of local breast cancer survivors and look ahead to a forum on the topic September 16th in Wausau.
August 28, 2008 - Riverfront Jazz Festival
We'll be getting the low-down on the Riverfront Jazz Festival, taking place this weekend at Pfiffner Park in downtown Stevens Point. Our guest will be Robert Kase, trumpet artist and festival performer. Kase will profile the artists that are on tap as well as offer his input to the enduring attraction and continuing evolution of jazz music in America.
August 14, 2008 - "Big Bull Falls Blues Fest"
Preview of this weekend’s Big Bull Falls Blues Fest in Wausau. Emcee, musician and veteran blues man Otis McLennon will be our guest and will talk about the artists appearing on Friday and Saturday, and discuss the enduring and expanding attraction of this unique American art form.
August 7, 2008 - "The Meaning of Mission"
Tonight's show highlights an inter-denominational panel discussion held this week in Wausau. Christian and Jewish traditions of mission were opened to discussion, with consideration given to the motivation and significance of 'serving' and 'being served'.
July 31, 2008 - "Baseball"
This week's show will try to capture some of the excitement of America's favorite summer pastime, Baseball. Guests will include Matt Blanchette, sports reporter for the Wausau Daily Herald and Dale Ryman, sports reporter for WSAW-TV, Channel 7. Topics will include the latest in the Milwaukee Brewers pennant race and the success of the Wisconsin Woodchucks here in central Wisconsin.
July 24, 2008 - "Wisconsin's Black Bear"
Learn more about our fellow Wisconsin inhabitants with Chuck McCullough, Headwaters Wildlife Supervisor for the Wisconsin DNR and Jeff Traska, founder of the Wisconsin Black Bear Educational Center. Traska has been following and studying the Black Bear since the early 1980's. Discussion will focus on misconceptions about these familiar, fascinating and sometimes frightening denizens of our north woods.
Contact Traska through highlighted website above or at (715) 573-7663.
July 17, 2008 - "Conversation with Mort McBain"
This week's show features a conversation with Mort McBain, who recently retired as Marathon County Administrator following 33 years of public service. Topics will include McBain's accomplishments, his role in forging consensus among 38 politically diverse county supervisors, and about ongoing challenges facing Central Wisconsin like jail overcrowding, smart growth, and providing public services during tough economic times.
July 10, 2008 - "Oxycontin - the new drug problem"
Route 51 discusses the latest drug craze, Oxycontin. Guests will include Dave Forsythe, special agent with the Narcotics Bureau of the State Division of Criminal Investigation and Matt Barnes, a Detective with the Wausau Police Department.
July 3, 2008 - "Glen on Vacation"
Route 51 host, Glen Moberg was on vacation.
We hope you enjoyed the extra hour of At Issue with Ben Merens.
June 26, 2008 - "South Beach Up North"
Join us for a live broadcast of Route 51 in the theatre at University of Wisconsin-Marathon County, 518 S 7th Avenue in Wausau, from 5:00 - 6:00 pm. Performing will be the Chamber Ensemble, South Beach Up North.
June 19, 2008 - "MREA Energy Fair and Gas Prices"
Preview of this weekend’s Midwest Renewable Energy Fair in Custer, WI; looking at the promise of alternative fuel sources in these days of record high gas prices. Guest will be Amy Heart, Program Director of the Midwest Renewable Energy Association and representatives from the petroleum industry.
June 12, 2008 - "Paul & Susanna Gilk"
Featuring the words and music of Paul and Susanna Gilk. Paul is an author, newspaper columnist, and self described independent intellectual. Paul and his wife Susanna live in the woods of northern Wisconsin as practitioners of “voluntary poverty” - in a log home without electricity, or running water. Accomplished folk musicians, they will bring Paul’s guitar and Susanna’s violin into our studio for some live music.
June 5, 2008 - "Lt. Governor Barbara Lawton"
Join us for a discussion with Lt. Governor Barbara Lawton and an update on her Wisconsin Women Equal Prosperity Initiative, a plan that ties the state’s economic development to the improving financial status of women. Other topics will include issues of importance facing North Central Wisconsin and getting Lawton's reaction to the day’s top political stories.
May 29, 2008 - "Author Justin Isherwood"
"Route 51" welcomes Justin Isherwood: author, philosopher, historian and farmer. Isherwood is a grower/ packer for the Isherwood Farm Company, which has been farming in Central Wisconsin for six generations. He spends his days writing, growing vegetables and tapping maple trees on his family farm in Plover. Two of his books include Book of Plough and Christmas Stones and the Story Chair.
May 22, 2008 - "Author Dale Van Atta on Melvin Laird"
This week's guest is Dale Van Atta, the author of an impressive and exhaustive biography of Marshfield native Melvin Laird, entitled “With Honor, Melvin Laird in War, Peace, and Politics.” Van Atta will discuss Laird’s years as a Wisconsin congressman, as Defense Secretary under President Richard Nixon, and his role in making his hometown of Marshfield a worldwide center for health care innovation.
May 15, 2008 - "Jail Overcrowding"
Taking a look at the criminal justice system in Wisconsin, jail overcrowding, and the possibility of reform. Guests will include LaCrosse County Circuit Judge John Perlich, an advocate for reform and the use of alternative sentencing for convicted felons. Judge Perlich will be joined by Marathon County District Attorney Jill Falstad and Marathon County Administrator Mort McBain, who are both working locally to balance the high cost of incarceration with the need for public safety.
May 8, 2008 - "Spring Gardening"
Despite the slow start to the season, it is time to get down and dirty, as spring gardening is the topic for this week's Route 51. Our guest will be the always informative and entertaining David Ryl of the Jung Seed Company in Stevens Point, giving gardening and lawnscaping advice for our challenging northern climate.
May 1, 2008 - "The Ghandi of Iraq"
This weeks guest is Sami Rasouli, a former Minneapolis businessman who has been described as the “Gandhi of Iraq.” Rasouli was a successful restaurant owner who returned to his native country in 2004 after the U.S. invasion. Sami will talk about his travels during the past four years and his work to bring peace to the people of his homeland.
April 24, 2008 - "Bioethics"
Focus today is on bioethics, and the ethics of embryonic stem cell research. Guests include: Frank Lasinski, Chair of the Aspirus Wausau Hospital Bioethics Committee, and Mark Brown, Chair of the Department of Philosophy, UW Marathon County. Lasinski and Brown will discuss the issues raised in a conference on the subject held this week at the Westwood Center and UW Marathon County in Wausau.
April 17, 2008 - "Wisconsin Wildlife"
Route 51 enters the world of wolves and prairie chickens. Guests will include wildlife biologists from the DNR: Adrian Wydeven, the state’s top wolf expert who will talk about the removal of the species from the endangered list, and the possibility of a wolf hunt to control their growing population; and Lesa Kardash, the state’s top prairie chicken expert who will look ahead to this weekend’s Prairie Chicken festival at the Mead Wildlife Center near Milladore, and examine the challenges facing the birds on the nearby Buena Vista grasslands.
April 10, 2008 - "Wisconsin's General Assembly"
Route 51 takes a look at the last session of the General Assembly. Discussion will focus on accomplishments and unfinished business, with an eye on how the Assembly’s agenda meshes with priorities in North Central Wisconsin. Guests will be: Republican Assemblyman Don Friske of Merrill, and Democratic Assemblyman Louis Molepske of Stevens Point.
April 3, 2008 - "Media, Religion and Politics"
Discussion of the larger issues behind the controversy involving Barack Obama’s former minister, the Reverend Jeremiah Wright, including media coverage, religion and politics, and the role of the church in addressing inner city poverty. Guests will be: Eric Giordano, Associate Professor of Political Science at UW Marathon County; Darryl Mayfield, a Wausau area businessman who teaches courses on multi-cultural issues at Upper Iowa University; and the Reverend Paul Beckel of the First Universalist Unitarian Church of Wausau.
March 27, 2008 - "Daniel Mielke: Republican for Congress"
This week, Route 51 talks to Daniel Mielke, an organic sustainable farmer from Portage County, a self employed businessman, and a property rights advocate. Mielke is running as a Republican in Wisconsin’s Seventh Congressional District against Dave Obey, longtime Democratic incumbent.
March 20, 2008 - "The Iraq War: 5th Anniversary"
Route 51 marks the fifth anniversary of the Iraq War. Guests will be two local men who served in the conflict and had their lives changed by it. Brian Jopek of Merrill is a Staff Sergeant and Public Affairs Officer with the Wisconsin Army Guard who spent a year in Mosul and is scheduled to be deployed next week to Guantanamo. In August of 2006, he lost his 20 year old son Ryan to a roadside bomb. Steve Horvath also served in the Iraq War, after a three year stint in the Peace Corps. He is currently an Assistant Professor and Youth Development Agent for UW Extension Wood County.
March 13, 2008 - "The Future of Farming"
Route 51 examines a recently released report titled "The Future of Farming and Rural Life in Wisconsin." The 238 page booklet was compiled from a 30 month public policy initiative undertaken by the Wisconsin Academy of Sciences, Arts and Letters. It contains both a factual look at the status, trends and issues currently facing rural Wisconsin, and a set of 83 recommendations on how to address the challenges and opportunities they pose. Guests will be: Stan Gruszynski, Keith Langenhahn and Sandy Cihlar.
March 6, 2008 - "National Peace Corps"
This week we celebrate National Peace Corps Week, with a look at the organization and its effect on American interests and reputation overseas. Guests include two North Central Wisconsin residents: Steve Horvath, Youth Development Agent for UW Extension Wood County, who spent three years with the Peace Corps in the West African country of Benin, and recently completed a tour of duty in Iraq; and John Smart, who served three years with the Corps in the Middle Eastern Republic of Uzbekistan, and was later appointed by Governor Doyle to serve on the Governor’s Commission on the United Nations.
February 28, 2008 - "Trial Lawyers"
Route 51 looks at trial lawyers and their political influence in Wisconsin and America with Wausau attorney Christine Bremer Muggli, who recently assumed the position of President of the Wisconsin Association for Justice. The program will focus on the constitutional role attorneys play in our criminal justice system, and their impact on the political process, including the Wisconsin race for Supreme Court Justice.
February 21, 2008
"Maggie Turnbull, Astrobiologist"
This week we turn to outer space and the possibility of life on other planets, as we welcome Maggie Turnbull, a world renowned astrobiologist whose published work includes research for NASA and the Carnegie Institution of Washington. Her database of potentially habitable star systems could be used as a target list for NASA’s upcoming Terrestrial Planet Finder mission. She is a native of Antigo who has recently moved back to her hometown, and plans to continue her research right here in North Central Wisconsin.
February 14, 2008 - "Love that Lasts"
What is the secret to lifelong love? That’s the question to be posed to two of Central Wisconsin’s most beloved couples on a special Valentine’s Day edition of Route 51. The couples, Walter John and Rose Chilsen and Phil and Margaret Carpsecken, have both been married for more than half a century. We’ll be asking them for their perspectives on love and marriage and for their advice on how to keep a relationship strong over the course of a lifetime.
February 7, 2008 - "Presidential Politics"
Just two days after Super Tuesday, the talk on Route 51 turns to presidential politics and the upcoming Wisconsin primary. Host Glen Moberg welcomes Price County Democratic Chair John Smart, Bob Williams and Connie Sexauer, UWMC Asst. Professor of History to handicap the races, and look at the Badger State’s influence on America’s choice for Commander in Chief.
January 31, 2008
"The New Challenges of American Immigration: What Should We Do?"
Route 51 will set the stage for the upcoming forums on the thorny issue of immigration to be presented by the Wisconsin Institute for Public Policy & Service (WIIPPS) and the Marathon County Public Library. Guests will include the Forum moderators: Eric Giordano, WIIPPS director and assistant professor of political science at UWMC and Jim Veninga, chair of the WIIPPS advisory board and associate professor of religious studies at UWMC.
January 24, 2008
"Poverty and Domestic Violence in North Central Wisconsin" This week Route 51 addresses the problems of poverty and domestic violence in North Central Wisconsin, and how they affect children. The recently released LIFE study report in Marathon County shows that those issues continue to be among our region’s greatest problems. Guests: Tom Rau, Executive Director of The Neighbor’s Place; Jane Graham Jennings, Executive Director of The Women’s Community; and Jeff Sargent, the North Central Area Director of the Children Service Society of Wisconsin.
January 17, 2008 - "Reporters Round Table"
Reporters from around the North Central Wisconsin region join Route 51 host, Glen Moberg to discuss the big stories of 2007; anticipate the big stories of 2008; and to analyze the 2008 political scene during this presidential election year. Guest reporters will be: Pete Wasson, Opinion Page Editor of the Wausau Daily Herald; Richard Moore, Investigative Reporter of the Lakeland Times of Minocqua; and Mikel Lauber, Anchor/Reporter for WSAW TV Newschannel 7 of Wausau.
January 10, 2008 - "Remembering Lee Sherman Dreyfus"
Route 51 looks back on the life and local impact of our late Wisconsin governor, Lee Sherman Dreyfus, focusing on his years as Chancellor of UW-Stevens Point. Guests include: Mary Williams, who helped hire Dreyfus and served as his office manager during his years as governor; Helen Godfrey, former Associate Dean of Students and former Assistant Chancellor; and Bob Engelhard, retired Professor of Forestry in the College of Natural Resources, who also knew Dreyfus in high school in the forties.
January 3, 2008 - "Jazz Violinist, Randy Sabien"
Route 51 brings jazz violinist Randy Sabien into the studio for an hour of live music and lively conversation. Sabien has been called "the past, present, and future of jazz violin," with a style that also incorporates classical, rock, blues, bluegrass and country swing influences.
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