Vaccination rates in Wisconsin lag behind national goals, especially for children in rural areas in central and north central Wisconsin. Efforts are underway to change that, including a proposed bill that would allow pharmacists to vaccinate children. In addition, a new proposed mandate would add the meningitis vaccine to the list of required vaccinations for students entering the seventh grade.

Cannabadiol , the non-psychoactive compound derived from hemp plants now grown legally in central and northern Wisconsin, is surging in popularity as CBD oils and other products are offered everywhere from boutique shops to convenience stores. Shereen Siewert welcomes Wausau Wellness Center co-owner Bonnie Hastings and Marathon County Alcohol and Other Drugs Partnership Coordinator Melissa Moore for a discussion on the uses, efficacy and legal issues surrounding CBD.

Shereen Siewert welcomes Steve Bauder, director of engineering for the Wisconsin Educational Communications Board; Phil Hejtmanek, who served on the Joint Committee on Rural Broadband; and Stacey Johnson, executive director of the Oneida County Economic Development Corporation to discuss ongoing efforts to improve broadband access in our area, especially in rural areas.

Shereen Siewert welcomes Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources Research Scientist Gina LaLiberte, Open Medicine Institute’s Dr. Andreas Kogelnik, and Howard Young Foundation President Erin Biertzer to explore the indirect threats posed by climate change in central and northern Wisconsin.

“Route 51” host Shereen Siewert welcomes Marathon County Circuit Court Judge Michael Moran, Marathon County District Attorney Theresa Wetzsteon, and Ashland attorney Blake Gross for a look at how low pay for state public defenders is causing gridlock on the entire Wisconsin court system.

Wisconsin Public Radio’s Route 51 will feature an hour of music and conversation with the Miami, Fla.-based South Beach Chamber Ensemble. Led by Wausau native and cellist Michael Andrews, the group returns to central and northern Wisconsin for their 14 th annual chamber music festival.

Paco Fralick developed a deep appreciation of music at an early age while growing up in Rhinelander. Although he spent more than two decades as a dentist, he ultimately returned to music. Fralick is now an award-winning singer and songwriter who performs throughout Wisconsin and beyond.

Art therapy has experienced tremendous growth over the past two decades, not only advancing treatment options but also advancing into different populations and treatment settings. In particular, art therapists have been working with a very special and unique population — the military.

Once considered a relic of the past, vinyl records are making a huge comeback in central Wisconsin. Shereen Siewert welcomes longtime radio broadcaster Duff Damos and vinyl enthusiast Jaron Childs, a WXPR-Rhinelander volunteer, to discuss the magic of LP records.

This year marks the 30 th anniversary of the Midwest Renewable Energy Fair, an event that draws thousands of visitors to the Portage County community of Custer. Host Shereen Siewert welcomes Nick Hylla, Executive Director of the Midwest Renewable Energy Association, to discuss this year’s more than 200 workshops and speakers.