715 NEWS MAKERS Podcast

Guests on the July 26th Edition of 715 Newsmakers included:  Joe Lustek, Spokesman/Organizer CLEARWATER JAZZ AND ART FESTIVAL Kathy Wright,  Pablo Center for the Arts Talent Booker  Mary Jane Thomsen, Executive Director American Red Cross, NW Wisconsin Chapter

Guests on the July 19th Edition of 715 Newsmakers included: Heather Flashinski, ONE FEST Director Darrell Marrier, Band Member/Spokesman for ROSEWATER about upcoming events for Veterans. Angela Payne, Director of Development Boys and Girls Club of the Chippewa Valley about Lemonade Day August 6th Travis Austad, Chief Executive Officer, Big Brothers/Big Sisters  Tracy Smiskey, Chief Executive Officer, Northwestern Bank 

On the July 12th Episode of 715 Newsmakers:  Matt and Sam Redetzke talk with WAXX 104.5's Bob Bosold about Wisconsin Farm Techology Days 2026 July 14-July 16 at their farm NO JOKE DAIRY near Stratford Wiscolnsin Melissa Ploeckelman Brown, Research Education Outreach Specialist about Marshfield Clinic FRESH area at Wisconsin Farm Technology Days ( a conversation with Jill Welke of WAXX 104.5)  Eau Claire Cavaliers President Aaron Zook 

Guests on the July 5th Episode of 715 Newsmakers included:  Travia Austad, Chief Executive Officer, Big Borthers/ Big Sisters of Northwestern Wisconsin Tracy Smiskey, Chief Executive Officer, Northwestern Bank  Aaron Zook, President Board of Directors Eau Claire Cavaliers   WAXX 104.5/ 95-9 THE FARM Assistant Farm Director/ Anchor/Reporter Jill Welke with Wisconsin FFA "star" Elizabeth Zimmerman of Osseo-Fairchild FFA  Andy Brown, Co Founder/ Co Creator Clearwater Clues Scavenger Hunt 

Guests on the June 28th Episode of 715 Newsmakers included:    Betsy Ottman and Bailey Waldera, Event Managers, Ashley for the Arts Cat Morgan, Fierce Freedom Executive Director 

Guests on the June 21 Episode of 715 Newsmakers included:  Heather Flashinski, Founder/Organizer  ONE FEST Kenzi Havlicek, VISIT EAU CLAIRE   Michelle Reinen, Wisconsin DATCP 

Guests included: :  Michelle Reinen, Wisconsin DATCP   Policy Initiatives Advisor Matt Siverling, Garding against Cancer Golf Outing  Tim Sexton, President Chippewa Valley Veterans Tribute Foundation and Benny Anderson Summer jam Marketting and Promotion Consultant.   

Special Edition of 715 Newsmakers: Listener Discretion advised . This episode features talk about Mental Health, Suicide and does have some brief explicit language. Topic: Strength in Service Summit, coming in September to the Eau Claire Event District  Guests: Toni Mattson, Founder of Trinity Equestrian Center              Cheryl Cramer, Wife of the Late Eau Claire County Sheriff  Ron Cramer 

Guests on the May 31st Episode of Newsmakers included:  Jason Boehm, Director of 12 ANGRY MEN for Chippewa ValleyTheatre Guild. Tim Sexton, President Chippewa Valley Veterans Tribute Foundation and Benny Anderson Marketting and Events Consultant Eau Claire Event District  Carol Lendle and Tom Guelzow representing the June 6th ALS Walk in Carson Park 

On the May 24th Episode of 715 Newsmakers !    Susie Haugley, Communications Manager  FEED MY PEOPLE about the upcoming Empty Bowls FundRaiser on May 28th. Brian Maki, Executive Director of the Northern Wisconsin State Fair  715 Newsroom Director/Anchor and Reporter Morgan McCarthy sits down with Science Whiz and $ 10,000 Scholarship Winner William Engel of Boyceville 

Guests on the May 17th Episode of 715 Newsmakers included:  Lisa Wells, Dementia Care Specialist with Eau Claire ADRC Michelle Reinen, Policy Initiatives Advisor, Wisconsin DATP  Tiffany Hoage and Scott Revoir, UW STOUT about Steam Camps this Summer  WAXX 104.5's Jill Welke interviews World Champion Livestock Auctioneer Dean Edge  Travis Hilton, Rock Falls Raceway General Manager 

Guests on the May 10th Episode included:  Erin Klaus, Executive Director of Downtown Eau Claire, Inc. and Kate Felton, Civic and Strategic Communications Coordinator for Downtown Eau Claire,Inc, Brian Maki,  Executive Director of Northern Wisconsin State Fair Association, Organizer of BBQ FEST, Dan Kasper, Creator of SportsTalk 105.1's BACKYARD DREAMS and Host of The Dan Kasper Show 6-10 am weekdays on SPORTSTALK 105.1 Lisa Wells, Dementia Care Specialist  Eau Claire County ADRC  Tiffany Hoege and Scott Revoir  of UW Stout about STEAM Camps coming to Stout this Summer. 

Guests on the May 3rd Episode of 715 Newsmakers included:  STAMP OUT HUNGER representatives: Rhea Losano, Creative Director of United Way of Greater Chippewa Valley, Heather Eslinger, Volunteer Recruiter FEED MY PEOPLE, Corey Grotte, Area STAMP OUT HUNGER coordinator for United States Postal System. Elizabeth Hart, Executive Director Literacy Chippewa Valley Nick White, Board Member CAUSE FOR CELEBRATIONS Chippewa Valley Lip Sync Battle. Michelle Reinen, Wisconsin DATCP Policy Initiatives Advisor  Frank Bartella, director of GRUMPY OLD MEN-The Musical for Chippewa Valley Theatre Guild.

Guests on the April 19th Episode of 715 Newsmakers included:  Semone Thomas, Executive Director FAMILY PROMISE OF THE CHIPPEWA VALLEY Chelsea Higley, BOOKED EAU CALIRE  Dennis Graham, Founder/Organizer ROCKONSIN Michelle Reinen, Wisconsin DATCP Policy Initiatives Advisor 

Guests for the April 26th Episode of 715 Newsmakers included: Tammy Schmitz, Organizer/Coach Odyssey of the Mind WORLD FINALS teams from Eau Claire Michelle Reinen, Wisconsin DATCP Policy Initiatives Advisor  Jim Ignarski, Organizer/spokesman SPRINGFEST for Chippewa Falls Rotary Foundation.   

Guests on the April 12th Episode of 715 Newsmakers included:  Riley and Adeline, Figure Skaters with the Eau Claire Figure Skating Club Nick White, Organizer/ Board member Cause for Celebrations, producers of the Chippewa Valley Lip Sync Battle  Dennis Graham, Founder/Organizer of ROCKONSIN  Elizabeth Hart, Executive Director, Literacy Chippewa Valley  Frank Rineck, Manager of Revival Records about RECORD STORE DAY  

Guests on the April 5th Edition of 715 Newsmakers include: Dr. Francis Cardenas, Mayo Clinic Health System Colon-Rectal Surgeon regarding Early and Often Screening. Galen Klicinowicz, Chippewa Valley Bee Expo Organizer  Tami Syverson, Children's Museum Guest Expierience Manager  Frank Rineck , Manager Revival Records.

The March 29th Episode of 715 NEWSMAKERS included:  Brett Geboy of Hope Gospel Mission and Hope Gospel Resident MATT about the upcoming STRIDES FOR HOPE Run/Walk WAXX 104.5 Farm Director Bob Bosold with Amy Schaumberg and Jackie Plank , Robotic Experts with Seehaver Dairy Technologies Dr. Ann Radunz , Vice President of National Cattlemen's Beef Association, about Beef Checkoffs and Return on Investment  ( with Jill Welke of 95 -9 THE FARM )  Michelle Reinen, Wisconsin DATCP Policy Initiatives Advisor  

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