715 NEWS MAKERS Podcast

Guests on the March 22nd  Episode of 715 Newsmakers included:  Travis Hilton, General Manager, ROCK FALLS RACEWAY Galen Kliciowicz, Organizer Chippewa Valley Bee Expo  Brian Maki, Northern Wisconsin State Fair Executive Director about BBQ Fest in May  Semone Thomas, Executive Director, Family Promise of the Chippewa Valley  Shelley Sutley, MS Takes Charge Founder, MS Survivor and Thrive along with Melinda Wilson, MS Takes Charge Executive Director 

The March 15th Edition of 715 NEWSMAKERS featured:  Shelley Sutley and Melinda Wilson of MS TAKE CHARGE coming to the Sonnentag Center later this Month. Michelle Reinen, Wisconsin DATCP Policy Initiatives Advisor  Brett Geboy of Hope Gospel Mission and Matt, a resident who is one the committee to help plan the 2nd Annual STRIDES FOR HOPE Run/Walk on April 25th Brian Maki, Executive Director of The Norhern Wisconsin State Fair, Hosts for the 2nd Annual BBQ FEST coming up May 2nd. 

On the March 8th Episode of 715 NEWSMAKERS:  Chelsea Higley, Founder/Creator/Owner BOOKED EAU CLAIRE Michelle Reinen, Policy Initiatives Advisor , Wisconsin DATCP  Dan Ekblad, Organizer/ Promoter Collector's CON (Eau Claire)  Lisa Gill, Founder/Organizer, Wisconsin Sports Show  

Guests on the March 1st Episode of 715 Newsmakers included:  Dale Karls, Comminications Coordinator Western Dairyland EOC and Anna Cardarella, Chief Executive Officer, Western Dairyland EOC. Jeff Milas, Owner of North Country Enterprises, Organizer for 62nd Annual Eau Claire Farm Show Michelle Reinen, Wisconsin DATCP Policy Initiatives Advisor  Mary Behling, Founder/Organizer  Cancer Care Bag Project and Katelyn Anderson and Jewell Cosiquien. Co Presidents  Eau Claire Memorial High School Key Club  

Guests on the February 22nd Episode of 715 Newsmakers included:  Wisconsin Senator Jesse James Anna Cardarella, Chief Executive Officer WESTERN DAIRYLAND and Dale Karls, Communications Director WESTERN DAIRYLAND  Astri Graceheart, Executive Director HOME FOR GOOD 

Guests in the 2/15 Episode of 715 Newsmakers included:  Dale Karls, Western Dairyland EOC  Communications Director Anna Cardarella, Western Dairyland EOC  Chief Executive Offcer  Michelle Reinen, Wisconsin DATCP Policy Initiative Advisor  Stacy Marcum, Spokesperson, TOSSING HIGH FOR CRI  Logan Toftness, Director, Chippewa Valley Theatre Guild Production of TWILIGHT BOWL

Guests on the February 8th Edition of 715 Newsmakers included:  Toni Mattson, Trinity Equestrian Center Executive Director Lisa Gill  Creator/ Owner of Wisconsin Sport Show Spring Edition Jeff Milas, who along with his wife Morgan, is the new owner/operator of North Country Enterprises, the organization behind the Eau Claire Farm Show  Michelle Reinen--Wisconsin DATCP Policy Initiatives Advisor about the To 10 Consumer Complaints from 2025 ( we start with part 1, featuring complaints 10 through 5) 

Guests on the February 1, 2026 edition of 715 Newsmakers included: Rhea Losano, Creative Director, United Way Greater Chippewa Valley Mary Jane Thomsen, Executive Director, NW Wisconsin Chapter American Red Cross TNTina--Chippewa Valley Roller Girl  Jill Welke of WAXX and 95-9 THE FARM with Tay Fadke, Farer Education Manager Marbleseed Conference  Sherry Jasper of Camp Our Nawakwa along with Kim Helgeson , Mother of Autumn's Kitchen Name Sake, The late Autumn Helgeson

On the January 25th edition of 715 Newsmakers : 3rd Winter Olympian Ben Loomis- Nordic Combined Ski Jumper from Eau Claire Michelle Reinen, Wisconsin DATCP Policy Initiatives Advisor  Billy Gardell " Mike" from Mike and Molly, Comedian/Actor  Jeannine Taylor, PROJECT LINUS Chippewa Valley Chapter Coordinator 

The January 18th Episode featured these guests: Sherry Jasper of Camp Our Nawakwa and Kim Helgeson, Mother of Autumn Helgeson, the namesake of AUTUMN's KITCHEN at Camp Our Nawakwa. Michelle Reinen, Wisconsin DATCP Policy Initiatives Advisor  Jeannine Taylor, PROJECT LINUS Chippewa Falls Chapter Coordinator  TNTina, Chippewa Valley Roller Girl  

Guests on the January 11th episode of 715 Newsmakers included:  Frank Bartella, Director Chippewa Valley Theatre Guild  production of THE 39 STEPS Michelle Reinen, Policy Initiatives Advisor, Wisconsin DATCP  Lauren Otto, Attorney Otto Family Law 

Guests on the January 4th episode of 715 NEWSMAKERS included:  Mary Jane Thomsen, Executive Director American Red Cross NW Wisconsin Chapter. Jerry Miner, Pittsville Fire Chief about Farm Safety ( with WAXX 104.5's Jill Welke)  Billy Gardell, MIKE on MIKE AND MOLLY. Billy is coming to the Pablo Center January 30th. 

Guests on this 12/28 edition of 715 Newsmakers included:  Jeff Staads, Executive Director , SOFAS FOR SERVICE :Lauren Otto , Otto Family Law about their Hat and Mitten Tree to benefit Bolton Refuge House in Eau Claire and Benjamin's House in RIce Lake  Sherry Jasper, Director CAMP OUR NAWAKWA , about Autumn's Kitchen !  And Happy New Year from all of our at 715 Newsmakers !       

Guests on this 12/21 Episode of 715 Newsmakers included:  Retiring Northwestern Bank Presideent/CEO Jerry Jacobson First Presbyterian Church Pastor Rev. Kathryn Reid Walker  Michelle Reinen, Wisconsin DATCP Policy Initiatives Advisor  TNTina--Chippewa Valley Roller Girl spokesperson Bob Lesniewski, Organizer  Memorial Service for the Homeless

Guests on the December 14th Episode of 715 NEWSMAKERS included:  Retiring NORTHWESTERN BANK President/ CEO and Community Leader Jerry Jacobson (Photo from the Chippewa Falls Area Chamber of Commerce)  Lauren Otto, Otto Family Law talks about the annual Hat and Mitten Tree to benefit BOLTON REFUGE HOUSE in Eau Claire and BENJAMIN'S HOUSE in Rice Lake. Bob Lesniewski, Organizer Memorial Service  on December 22nd in Wilson Park in Eau Claire for Homeless People who have passed away this past year. 

Guests on this December 7th Episode included:  Mary Jane Thomsen, Executive Director American Red Cross NW Wisconsin Chapter about Winter Safety Amanda Radle, Salvation Army Eau Claire Community Outreach Director  Michelle Reinen, Wisconsin DATCP Policy Initiatives Advisor about HOLIDAY CONSUMER CAUTIONS 

Guests on this episode included:  Matt Hasenmueller, VOLUME ONE about Santa Cycle Rampage Sherry Jasper, Girl Scouts/ Our Camp Nawakwa about Autumn's Kitchen Nathan Plummer, Artistic Director Chippewa Valley Theatre Guild  about WINTER WONDERETTES Jeff Staads, Executive Director, Sofas for Service  Billy Gardell , Comedian/ Actor "Mike" from Mike and Molly 

Guests on the November 23rd Edition of 715 Newsmakers included:  Amanda Radle Social Outreach Coordinator   Salvation Army of Eau Claire Jeff Staads, Executive Director Sofas for Service  Nathan Plummer, Artistic Director Chippewa Valley Theatre Guild  Diane Pederson, Program Coordinator and Editor Chippewa Valley Museum 

This episode of 715 Newsmakers features:  Part Two of our conversation with returning WEAU 13 Anchor/ Reporter. Mentor and Local Broadcast Legend Judy Clark Michelle Reinen, Wisconsin DATCP Policy Initiatives Advisor  Joe Lustek, Organizer and spokesman for Clearwater Jazz and Art Festival November Edition.

Guests included: Retiring WEAU 13 News Anchor Judy Clark Michelle Reinen, Wisconsin DATCP Policy Initiatives Advisor  Mike Lee, CEO Childrens Museum of Eau Claire  Mary Jane Thomsen, Executive Director NW Wisconsin Chapter of the American  Red Cross 

Guests included:  Angela Payne, Director of Development Boys and Girls Club of the Greater Chippewa Valley Mary Jane Thomsen. Executive Director NW Wisconsin Chapter of the American Red Cross Joe Lustek, Spokesperson/ organizer  Clearwater Jazz and Art Festival November Edition. Ingrid Kundinger, Spokespersn Senior Medicare Patrol  

Guests on this episode included:  Sali Bluse, Executive Director RESCUED AND REDEEMED and Elaine Geissler of RESCUED AND REDEEMED Mary Jane Thomsen, Executive Director NW Wisconsin Chapter of American Red Cross Jay Bouley, Spokesman St. Olaf Mens Club Fish Fry  Michelle Reinen, Wisconsin DATCP Policy Initiatives Advisor 

Guests included:  Jim Ignarski, Director of Development  Chippewa Valley Family YMCA in Chippewa Falls Cathy Reitz, Founder Stand in the Light Memory Choir  Sean Vanderwaal, CVTC Landscape and Turf Management Instructor  Michelle Reinen, Policy initiatives Advisor, Wisconsin DATCP

Guests included:  Mary Jane Thomsen, Executive Director American Red Cross NW Wisconsin Chapter Michelle Reinen, Policy Initiatives Advisor, Wisconsin DATCP  WAXX 104.5's Bob Bosold talks with Jim  Van Dyken of Weatherby Farms in Warrens about the 2025 Cranberry Harvest.  Rep. Jodi Emerson about Housing for the Homeless 

Guests included:  Katie Schumacher , Director Chippewa Valley Theatre Guild  production of JERSEY BOYS Michelle Reinen, WIsconsin DATCP  Policy Initiatives Advisor  Rep. Jodi Emerson about Housing and Homelessness  Dennis Johnson, Eau Claire Kiwanis Club, Paul Bunyan Flapjack Feed 

Guests included:  Reigning OKTOBERFEST Festmeister and Festmeisterin Mike and Lisa Stoffelt Jackie Minor, LE Phillips Senior Center Executive Director  State Representative Jodi Emerson 

Guests included:  91st Assembly Representative Jodi Emerson Dennis Johnson, Spokesperson Eau Claire Kiwanis Paul Bunyan Flapjack Feed  Olaf Lind, Chippewa Valley Museum  Jay Bouley, Spokesperson St. Olaf's Men's Club Fish Fry 

Guests included:  Reigning OKTOBERFEST-CHIPPEWA FALLS  Festmeister and Festmeisterin  Mike and Lisa Stoffel WAXX Farm Director Bob Bosold talks with Samantha Bloominconie originally from Steve's Point about 4-H and how its different in Alaska.  Alisha Neinfeldt, Wisconsin History Teacher of the year--Chippewa Falls Middle School History Teacher 

Guests included:   * Mary Jane Thomsen, Executive Director NW Wisconsin Chapter of American Red Cross Dennis Johnson, Eau Claire Kiwanis Club, Paul Bunyan Flapjack Feed Mike Gianni, Morrie's Subaru-Back to School Bucks and Books-Fueling the Classroom  Tasha Weiss, Chiuppewa Valley Boys and Girls Club- Back to School Bucks and Books  Michelle Reinen, Policy Initiatives Advisor, Wisconsin DATCP 

Guests included:  Angela Payne, Development Director Boys and Girls Club Chippewa Valley  BACK TO SCHOOL BUCKS feature Dustin Olson, Executive Director United Way of Chippewa Valley BACK TO SCHOOL BUCKS feature  Elizabeth Hart, Executive Director Literacy Chippewa Valley BACK TO SCHOOL BUCKS feature  Colleen Weber, Development Director Family Promise of the Chippewa Valley  Hike for the Homeless 

Guests included:  Mary Jane Thomsen, Executive Director NW Wisconsin Chapter of AMERICAN RED CROSS Michelle Reinen, Policy Inititatives Director  , Wisconsin DATCP  Jason Woodford, Spokes, SEYMOUR FEVER FEST  Heather Flashinski. Founder/Creator  ONE FEST  

Guests included:  * Cole Bawek, Event Director Ashley for the Arts  Mary Jane Thomsen, Executive Director NW Wisconsin Chapter of American Red Cross * 95 9 THE FARM and WAXX 104.5's Jill Welke talks with Eau Claire County Fair Coordintaor Tammy Schlewitz  Michelle Reinen, Wisconsin DATCP Policy Initiatives Advisor 

Guests included:  Michelle Reinen, Wisconsin DATCP Policy Initiatives Advisor Cat Morgan, Executive Director FIERCE FREEDOM  Mary Jane Thomsen, American Red Cross NW Wisconsin Chapter Executive Director  Andy Brown and Jed Steutzman, Eau Claire Area educators and creators of Clearwater Clues.

Guests included: Retiring Executive Director of The Northern Wisconsin State Fair RUSTY VOLK Creator/Founder/Director ONE FEST HEATHER FLASHINSKI  Go Chippewa County  Tourism Manager  SUE LEONARD Go Chippewa County Marketing and Communication Director ELLE PEABODY  Visit Eau Claire Sports Relationship Manager LUCAS CONNELLY 

Guests included:  Cat Morgan, Executive Director FIERCE FREEDOM Nate Plummer, Artistic Director Chippewa Valley Theatre Guild  US Senator Tammy Baldwin Michelle Reinen, Consumer Polciy Initiatives Advisor, Wisconsin DATCP 

Guests included: * State Senator Jesse James  State Senator Jeff Smith Ali Abraham, performer with JONAH AND THE WHALES Michelle Reinen, Wisconsin DATCP Policy Initiatives Advisor Bailey Waldera, Ashley for the Arts Event Management 

Guests Included:  Bailey Waldera, Ashley for the Arts Event Manager Michelle Reinen, Wisconsin DATCP Policy Initiatives Advisor  Andy Brown and Jed Steutzman,  Clearwater Clues Medallion hunt Organizers Jason Woodford, Seymour Fever Fest spokesperson Ellie Peabody, Go Chippewa County Communications and Marketing Director  Lucas Connelly, VISIT EAU CLAIRE Sports Relationship Manager Sue  Leonard, GO Chippewa County Tourism Manager 

Guests included:  Ingrid Kundinger, Senior Medicare Patrol Officer Ellie Peabody, Communications and Marketing Director GO CHIPPEWA COUNTY Sue Leonard, Tourism Manager GO CHIPPEWA COUNTY  Lucas Connelly, Sports Relationship Manager Visit Eau Claire  Bob Bosold. WAXX Farm Director with Leonard Polsin, Dairy Markets and Policy Outreach Specialist, University of Wisconsin Jason Woodford, Seymour Fever Fest spokesperson 

Guests included: Dan Mattoon Owner of Prestige KIA, promoter/creator of GRAD's GOOD CHOICE program. Michelle Reinen, Wisconsin DATCP Policy Initiatives Advisor  Sue Leonard-Tourism Director GO CHIPPEWA COUNTY  Lucas Connelly-Sports Relationship Manager  VISIT EAU CLAIRE  Ellie Peabody, Communications and Marketing Manager GO CHIPPEWA COUNTY  Ingrid Kundinger, Spokesperson, SENIOR MEDICARE PATROL 

Guests included:  Ginger Slota, Eau Claire Garden Club  Carol Lendle, ALS Walk in Chipopewa Falls  Michelle Reinen, Policy Inititiave Advisor, Wisconsin DATCP Sammy Costello, General Manager Eau Claire Express  

Guests included:  Nathan Demming, Film  Maker and Advocate, Wisconsin Tax Incentives for Filmmakers Michelle Reinen, Wisconsin DATCP Policy Initiatives Advisor Dan Mattoon, Owner Prestige KIA/ Prestige Auto  Tom Manus and Kristi Flick Manus, Authors Historic Wisconsin Roadsides   

Guests included:  Julian Emerson, Spokesperson KEYS TO UNLOCKING  AFFORDABLE HOUSING Tom Manus and Kristi Flick Manus, Authors WISCONSIN HISTORIC ROADSIDES  Padrig Gallagher, Executive Director FEED MY PEOPLE  Western Dairyland Chief Executive Officer Anna Cardarella and Dale Karls, Communication Coordinator Western Dairyland. 

Guests included:  Members of the MORRIES SUBARU staff including General Manager Katherine Alexander Odyssey of the Mind Coach/ Facilitator  Tammy Schmitz  Trinity Equestrian Center Fonder/ Executive Director Toni Mattson with Ryan and Courtney Patrow, fund raising partners from OFF THE TRACK Coffee. Lisa Gill, Executive Director Eau Claire County Aging and Disability Resource Center.

Guests included:  WEAU 13 News Anchor and Local Broadcast Legend Judy Clark Carrie Ronnander, Executive Director Chippewa Valley Museum  Evening Snow, Public Relations Coordinator ,Hope Gospel Mission.  Galen Plisocwicz, Coordinator Chippewa Valley Bee Expo 

Guests included:  Dean Robbins, Author of WISCONSIN IDOLS Angela Payne,  Boys and Girls Club of Greatest Chippewa Valley  Toni Mattson and Rachel Mattson, Trinity Equestrian Center  Michelle Reinen, Wisconsin DATCP Policy Initiatives Advisor  Tammy Schmitz, Coach/Facilitator  Oddyssey of Mind Team  

Guests included: * Wisconsin Broadcasters Association LOCAL BROADCAST LEGEND Judy Clark of WEAU 13 Carrie Ronnander, Executive Director, Chippewa Valley Museum WAXX Farm Director Bob Bosold with a report from his Holiday Vacation Tour to Austrailia and New Zealand 

Guests included:  Dennis Graham, Founder/ Creator/ Organizer  ROCKONSIN Rusty Volk, Executive Director Northern Wisconsin State Fair  Michelle Reinen, Policy Initiatives Advisor, Wisconsin DATCP  Evening Snow, Spokesperson Hope Gospel Mission-Easter Dinner  Kate Larson, Director Stand in the Light Memory Choir 

Guests included: Rusty Volk, Executive Director  Northern Wisconsin State Fair Michelle Reinen, Policy Initiatives Advisor, Wisconsin DATCP  Tim Wuecher, Eau Claire County Land and Conversation Office Billie Hufford, City of Eau Claire Neighborhood Services Manager with Street Ambassador representatives Stephanie Brick and Marcus Troy. 

Guests included:  Travis Hilton, General Manager ROCK FALLS RACEWAY  Lisa Gill, Founder/ Owner/Organizer Wisconsin Sports Show Spring Edition  Michelle Reinen, Policy Initiatives Advisor, Wisconsin DATCP  Billie Hufford, City of Eau Claire Neighborhood Services Manager Block by Block Street Ambassador Managers Marcus Troy and Stephanie Brick  Dave Lemanski and Stacy Marcom, C-R-I Industries, Tossing High for C-R-I. 

Guests included:  Ashley Lodzinski, Special Olympics Wisconsin Alisha Klemish, Education Manager Junior Achievement NW Wisconsin Michelle Reinen, Policy Initatives Advisor, Wisconsin DATCP  Barb Goings, Director 37 Postcards Chippewa Valley Theatre Guild Mary Behling, Prisha Pael  and Katelyn Anderson, Cancer Cares Bags Project.