Efforts led by passionate people are ongoing to restore theonce large scare Fourth of July celebration in Menomonie.  Plans are falling into place to have a full day of events and fun that lead into the annual fireworks show.

Emilie talks with Jon Menz, who is one of these dreamers, todiscuss the efforts and why its something he and others are working hard to achieve.  Who are all the people behindthese efforts and what activities should people expect to see? From fun runs to a water ski jump to a hot dog eating contest…so much is on the table.

Watch where you put that fence post in! Plus kudos to a national monolith and some local natives achieving success

Presented by Keystone Financial in Eau Claire, WI

Many retirees assume they will pay less in taxes in retirement because they've stopped working, but that may not be the case. Pat and Jesse take a deep dive into the way tax rates on retirement income can affect not just what you pay on withdrawals, but also on Social Security, Medicare premiums and more. They also discuss how tax planning can help possibly lower the amount you legally owe.

Getting the word out about the Axemen is a responsibility forlocal native Michael Horecki, who is assisting the team with communications and sales.  He runs Confluence Communications and is helping the Axemen organization communicate and introduce themselves to the area.  Identifying the best ways to gain attention and rise above the clutter.

Growth in the region over the last several years is unmistakable which brings both excitement as well as questions. Where does Eau Claire grow from here and what should the priorities be?  Peter Hoeft the CEO of Hoeft Builders has a window view in the commercialconstruction and development business.

We learn about the progress that has been made on “TheSevens” project since it was announced in 2024. What are the specific needs for office space in our area? Why is our area still projected to grow and what needs to be done to maximize it?

And lubricating the conversation is Montucky Cold SnackLager…the official beer of Montana

They just appear as our medical professionals follow apath.  Dr. David Usher brings on Brian Crowleywho is graduating medical school this spring and entering the field of orthopedics.  What is being covered inmedical schools now?  What is the completeschooling and degrees required along the path? Using A.I. to better prepare for exams and learn the practice. Facing student debt.

Oh, and Brian is David’s son-in-law, adding a fun layer tothe conversation.

The power of wool pellets in gardening is one you probablyhave no clue of and for earth conscious people, it’s a must know.  How can wool pellets power your garden andwhy they are a viable alternative to commercial fertilizer in both results and environmental reasons. Beth Ivankovic runs a local company, Ewe and Me Wool Company which is working to get wool pellets in the hands of consumers.

Wool is perfect for that home garden as well as creatingthat lush lawn.

We learn through Beth that wool has traditionally been usedin agriculture for centuries. Shepards have been doing it for eons and fairly recently, entrepreneurs have started to officially “pellet” the wool to make itcommercially feasible.

Sponsor:  Cobblestone Hotel & Suites/ Wissota High Shores

We celebrate the successful career of McDonelleducator Mary King, who is retiring after 50 years at the school. Her time at McDonell goes all the way back to being a student and grew into the teaching profession working the multiple generations who came through the hallways.  What advice would she give a new teacher?  Her most memorableexperiences?  What is she looking forward in retirement?

 To add depth to the conversation, senior student Alex Fischer joins the chat. His own experiences as he readies for graduation and the next chapter.

The Eau Claire Area Economic Development Corporation is alocal entity that works closely with both existing and prospective businesses in the area.  To that end, they have afront row seat to what various industries are in need of when it comes to workforce skills from the next generation. The skills an area’s population has is a major component when businesses are looking to invest in the area.

Emily Fliehr and Luke Hanson from ECAECD join Heidi for thisepisode

Stephanie Hirsch has received a vote of confident from the city council and remains on the job...leaders present downtown parking study results...Emilie Berge throws her hat in the ring...and why the closing of an elementary school in Menomonie highlights why it may be time for a change in leadership