Route 51

Fort McCoy in Wisconsin is one of eight military installations offering temporary assistance to refugees who fled Afghanistan to avoid persecution by the Taliban government. Up to 13,000 refugees are expected to pass through the state as part of the resettlement process. At 10 a.m. on Friday, Sept. 17, Wisconsin Public Radio’s “Route 51” host Shereen Siewert welcomes Bojana Zoric Martinez from the Wisconsin Department of Children and Families Bureau of Refugees for an in-depth look at the efforts now underway. We’ll discuss how refugees are vetted, how their emerging humanitarian needs are being met and how the resettlement process is expected to play out in the coming weeks and months. Listeners are encouraged to call in at 800-780-9742 or email questions to [email protected] .

An encore presentation of Shereen Siewert's conversation with Dr. Fernando "Fritz" Riveron. Dr. Riveron shares the story of his journey from Cuba to Wausau, where he has become a renowned surgeon and community leader.

Shereen Siewert welcomes Wisconsin Public Radio Rural Communities Reporter Rob Mentzer for a behind-the-scenes look at the reporting process and discussion about the today’s top stories, including what to watch for in the coming weeks.

Shereen Siewert welcomes vaccine expert Dr. Jonathan Temte, of the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, for a review of the latest science surrounding vaccination and the COVID-19 pandemic, and Professor Edward Fallone, Associate Professor of Law at Marquette University Law School, to address the legal implications of vaccine mandates.

Shereen Siewert welcomes Art Stevenson and Dale Reichert of Highwater, along with Stef Lee and Jimer of Sloppy Joe, for a preview of Bluegrass in the Pines and Jackpine Jamboree.

Shereen Siewert welcomes Holly de Ruyter, Producer of PBS Wisconsin's "Old Fashioned: The Story of the Wisconsin Supper Club,” Amy Wimmer, a third-generation owner of Del-Bar in Wisconsin Dells and architectural historian Jim Draeger of the Wisconsin Historical Society for a look at the history and staying power of supper clubs throughout Wisconsin.

Shereen Siewert welcomes Christopher Janssen, planetarium director at the Wausau School District, and Aaron Steffen, associate professor of astronomy at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point, for an introduction to the cosmos and a preview of what to see in the sky this summer.

Shereen Siewert welcomes Democratic State Rep. Janet Bewley, of Mason, and Republican State Rep. Jerry Petrowski, of Marathon, for a discussion of upcoming legislative decisions and their impact on local residents

Shereen Siewert welcomes Farmers Market of Wausau Vice President JoJo Vang and Chef Christian Czerwonka, whose restaurants in the Stevens Point area are known for spotlighting fresh, seasonal food, for a lively conversation about making the most of summer’s bountiful crops.

Fishing is a time-honored tradition in north central Wisconsin, which is home to thousands of lakes, streams and rivers filled with a variety of species. Fly fishing elevates the sport to a true art form, with its own relaxing rhythm and style, offering a connection to the outdoors that some enthusiasts say borders on obsession. Host Shereen Siewert welcomes Heidi Oberstadt, Trout Unlimited diversity initiative coordinator for the state of Wisconsin and upper Midwest, and Dan Perkins, a former fly fishing guide and professor at the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire, for an in-depth look at the appeal of fly fishing.