Route 51

"Route 51" welcomes State Senator Patrick Testin, of Stevens Point, and State Rep. Scott Krug, of Nekoosa, to discuss their efforts to tackle the health risks of nitrates in drinking water.

Year after year, studies show that Wisconsin is the most segregated state in the nation, but how does that translate in central Wisconsin?

Wisconsin is host to dozens of festivals throughout the summer months, as residents celebrate their heritage, their favorite foods, and their favorite music. “Route 51” host Shereen Siewert welcomes Travel Wisconsin Secretary Designee Sara Meany to the show for tips on the best picks for summer festival fun.

As a growing nationwide movement, locally grown food has a range of benefits to offer.

In every state except Wisconsin, first-time drunken driving is a criminal offense. Here, it’s treated as a traffic ticket. “Route 51” host Shereen Siewert welcomes State Rep. Jim Ott (R-Mequon), Portage County District Attorney Louis Molepske, and Wisconsin Public Radio Reporter Corrine Hess to discuss Wisconsin's complicated relationship with alcohol.

Book enthusiasts know that summer is high season for juicy fiction and gripping tell-alls. Wisconsin Public Radio “Route 51” host Shereen Siewert welcomes local author Victoria Houston and Marathon County Public Library Marketing Specialist Dan Richter to talk about the most highly anticipated reads of the summer. Houston, who is the author of the popular “Loon Lake” mystery series, will offer a preview of her latest book, set for a June release. Then, Dan Richter will offer up a list of must-reads for the upcoming summer season, with an emphasis on new releases you won’t want to miss. "Route 51" Summer 2019 Reading List "Route 51" Summer 2019 Reading List

Gardening in north central Wisconsin can be complex, especially when winter lasts longer than we expect it to. “Route 51” host Shereen Siewert welcomes master gardeners Pat Mroczinski and Sharon Omernik for our annual gardening show, offering tips for best growing practices in north central Wisconsin.

Schools can be extremely stressful settings for students, creating a strain on resources that can help young people cope with emotions, disorders or relationships. Therapy dogs provide an inexpensive way to assist students in focusing on their education. They provide a comforting presence for young people in need and are increasingly being used in addiction therapy and treatment centers. On Thursday, April 25 at 10 a.m., “Route 51” host Shereen Siewert welcomes Wausau Deputy Chief of Police Matt Barnes, Lakeside Recovery Manager Daniel Shine, Wausau East School Resource Officer Nick Stetzer, and Nick's dog, Badge. Siewert and her guests will discuss how therapy dogs are being used to transform the way schools are helping students deal with stress and anxiety, and why they’re now being used in the addiction treatment setting.

This kind of cannabis won’t get you high. But there’s an undeniable buzz about growing industrial hemp in Wisconsin, a product that has uses ranging from textiles to bio-fuels and body products. On Thursday, April 18 at 10 a.m., Wisconsin Public Radio “Route 51” host Shereen Siewert welcomes Sen. Patrick Testin (R-Stevens Point) and hemp farmers Mike Omernick and Deb Tanis. Siewert and her guests will discuss efforts underway in Wisconsin to ease restrictions for Wisconsin farmers interested in growing hemp.

Hunting, fishing, and other outdoor activities have for years been thought of as male-dominated pastimes. But in recent years, there’s been a dramatic shift in the demographics of outdoor recreation. Thursday, April 11 at 10 a.m., Wisconsin Public Radio “Route 51” host Shereen Siewert welcomes Peggy Farrell, the director of Becoming an Outdoors Woman, and Marty Moses, the state coordinator of Pheasants Forever. Siewert and her guests will discuss efforts underway in Wisconsin to encourage women and youth participation in outdoor recreational activities, and will offer information on upcoming events designed to make enjoying the great outdoors truly all-inclusive.