Route 51

The COVID-19 pandemic confronts every level of the economy with unprecedented fiscal fallout in every corner of the state. City leaders throughout north central Wisconsin are now faced with business closures, high unemployment and potentially crippling revenue losses. How will they cope with these challenges?

Shereen Siewert welcomes Theresa Hebert from The Highground Veterans Memorial Park in Neillsville, and Mary Haupt, a counselor at the La Crosse Veterans Center, to discuss the work they’re doing to help women veterans affected by Military Sexual Trauma cope with their experiences – and begin the healing process

Shereen Siewert hosts a mini energy fair featuring Central Rivers Farmshed Executive Director Jenny Riggenbach and Midwest Renewable Energy Association Executive Director Nick Hylla.

Shereen Siewert welcomes Marathon County Circuit Judge Mike Moran and Marathon County District Attorney Theresa Wetzsteon for a discussion on the far-reaching impacts of Marsy’s Law, and the resulting changes in courtrooms across the region.

Shereen Siewert welcomes Marathon County Public Library Marketing Specialist Dan Richter and University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point films expert Cary Elza to talk about the summer’s most-anticipated books, movies and shows, great escapes for the season ahead.

Shereen Siewert welcomes Greater Wausau Chamber of Commerce President Dave Eckmann, and Heart of Wisconsin Chamber of Commerce President Angel Whitehead, of Wisconsin Rapids, for a discussion on the re-emerging economy.

Shereen Siewert welcomes Democratic State Representative Katrina Shankland, of Stevens Point, and Republican State Representative Pat Snyder, of Schofield, for a discussion on upcoming legislative decisions and their impact on local residents.

Shereen Siewert welcomes gardening experts Nick Schultz and Marissa Ashbeck for our annual gardening show, with tips for best growing practices in north central Wisconsin.

On Monday, May 4, WPR hosted a debate between the candidates for Wisconsin's 7th Congressional District, Republican Tom Tiffany, Minocqua, and Democrat Tricia Zunker, Wausau. Co-moderated by Shereen Siewert, host of WPR’s Wausau-based regional news and talk show “Route 51,” and Robin Washington, host of WPR’s Superior-based regional issues show "Simply Superior," the hour-long debate was in partnership with the Greater Wausau Chamber of Commerce. Tiffany was elected as State Senator for Wisconsin’s 12th District in 2012 and has served two terms. He previously served one term in the State Assembly. Zunker is an Associate Justice of the Ho-Chunk Nation Supreme Court and president of the Wausau School Board. Wisconsin’s 7th Congressional District includes Ashland, Barron, Bayfield, Burnett, Clark, Douglas, Florence, Forest, Iron, Langlade, Lincoln, Marathon, Oneida, Polk, Price, Rusk, Sawyer, St. Croix, Taylor, Vilas, and Washburn Counties. It also includes portions of Chippewa, Jackson, Juneau, Monroe and Wood Counties. The special election was called by Gov. Tony Evers to replace Republican Sean Duffy, who resigned for family reasons last fall. The election is on May 12.

"Route 51" presents an encore broadcast with Shereen Siewert, welcoming long-time central Wisconsin broadcaster Duff Damos of NRG Media and musician and producer Mitch Viegut to discuss the multi-generational appeal of Classic Rock and its continuing influence on our culture today.