This Week in Waukesha

Waukesha South Band Director Mike DeBruin and Booster Mom Laurie Loeschman talk about their preparations for the April 7th visit and concert from the U Wisconsin Badger Marching Band plus more updates on the band and music program at South. In our second hour, Waukesha North and South Varsity Baseball Coaches Don Radomski and Jon Stillman discuss the prospects for the 2024 season and who will take home “the Big Bat” in this year’s rivalry games between North and South.

Dr. Daytona Crebo is a chiropractor who’s new to Waukesha but loves making house calls, and Waukesha West grad Colleen Kubiak makes social media magic for local businesses with her Kula Creative.

March 16, 2024 – Don talks with Dr. Kelly Piacsek and Anthony Zenobia, School Board Members seeking reelection on April 2nd vote, and includes leading public policy scholar, Dr. Robert Kaufman of Pepperdine University. Kelly and Anthony talk about their records in their first term as well as opportunities for future growth, and take on the difficult questions including parents’ rights, life after COVID and more.

In this vibrant episode, we capture the essence of civic engagement and education through the lens of two inspiring school board candidates, Angelique Byrne and Stephanie Fidlin, amidst Women’s History Month celebrations. Their insightful dialogue sheds light on the critical role of school boards in shaping educational policies, emphasizing the importance of community involvement, transparency, and the need for innovative educational programs. By intertwining discussions on parental rights, mental health in schools, and the significance of historical and cultural education, the episode serves as a beacon for those passionate about the future of education in Waukesha. The narratives of Burn and Fiddlin, from their personal motivations to their visions for the school district, resonate with the broader themes of empowerment and change, offering listeners a compelling call to action to participate actively in their local educational communities.

He came to Waukesha to become a middle school art teacher. A chance encounter with a local telephone book inspired him to become a detective of our city’s history and the foremost expert on Waukesha’s Springs Era. On this episode, John Schoenknecht shares precious gems from his treasure of Waukesha history that he transformed into many published books, including a collection of columns he wrote for The Waukesha Freeman called “From Prairieville to Waukesha.” And in honor of Irish-American History month, John tells of a “rough” Irish neighborhood that existed in the bluffs of Waukesha’s north side, as well a few golden nuggets on JFK’s visits to Waukesha and Milwaukee that were captured by The Freeman. John also sheds new light on the first forward pass ever thrown in all of football history at Carroll University’s original field at what is now Saratoga Park, and the ongoing search for the authentic story behind Waukesha South’s “Blackshirt” nickname. 

On This Week in Waukesha, hosted by Don Browne, we’re treated to an inspiring conversation with Tyree Pope III, a local talent and the creative force behind the comic series, “The Fair Fight.” Pope shares his evolution from a Waukesha South High School alum to a comic book creator, detailing the development of his series that pits its characters against an alien government. His journey from an athlete to a storyteller is a testament to following one’s passion, overcoming challenges, and the importance of storytelling.

Listeners will be intrigued by the creation process of “The Fair Fight,” including Pope’s collaboration with co-creator Keenan Butler, from the concept phase to publishing and working on an animated pilot. Pope emphasizes the power of perseverance, justice, and the role of community support in the arts.

In the latest episode of “This Week in Waukesha,” hosted by Don Browne, the show delves into a variety of local events and initiatives that highlight the vibrant life of the Waukesha community. The episode kicks off with a warm welcome from Don, setting the stage for a morning filled with engaging discussions and insightful interviews. Among the highlighted topics, the 70th annual Rotary Club pancake festival takes center stage, with Don announcing his role as the MC for the event and inviting listeners to join in the community celebration. This festival is showcased as a significant gathering, emphasizing its importance as a longstanding tradition in Waukesha.

Further into the episode, the conversation turns to the music scene with a segment on Max Inc. radio’s upcoming appearance at Maddy’s, marking another notable event for the community’s calendar. This discussion not only promotes the event but also underscores the thriving cultural landscape in Waukesha. The episode wraps up with a special call-in by James Santelle, setting the scene for his own show and providing a smooth transition for listeners looking to continue their audio journey. Throughout the show, Don Browne and his guests offer a comprehensive overview of what makes Waukesha a unique and dynamic place to live, from community events to cultural highlights, ensuring that residents are well-informed and engaged with the local scene.

Tune in for another exciting episode of This Week In Waukesha!

Today’s agenda is packed with local news, sports updates from three public high schools, and a special Carol moment featuring news from the 20th-ranked pioneer women’s team. But first, the spotlight is on Kenny Maciejewski, a skilled musician from the Black and Blue Hearts band, as they discuss the band’s new single and Waukesha’s rich guitar tradition. They’re exploring ways to further promote Guitar Town, USA, and hint at the possibility of a Les Paul guitar festival in the summer.

Additionally, don’t forget the “Coco with the Cops” event on February 3rd at the Steaming Cup, offering an opportunity to meet Walkishah police officers, enjoy free cocoa, and learn more about the police department.

Today, This Week In Waukesha has the honor of hosting Candace Strong, the founder of Tricia’s Troops. Candace shares with us the inspiring story behind the charity, which she established in memory of her sister, Tricia Wright, who bravely fought cancer but sadly lost her battle in 2012.

Tricia’s Troops began by offering simple yet heartfelt gestures, like providing fresh bouquets to newly diagnosed cancer patients. Over time, this project has expanded its mission to offer substantial financial assistance, providing over $100,000 in direct support to individuals facing the challenges of cancer in Southeast Wisconsin in 2023.

Candace reveals how a recent grant from the American Cancer Society and Cole’s Healthy Families has allowed Tricia’s Troops to delve into wellness programs. These programs focus on controllable factors such as nutrition and exercise, not only for current cancer patients but also for survivors.

As Don Browne and Candace delve into the organization’s comprehensive support, they discuss the importance of mental health services. Candace shares her vision for the future, including plans to provide holistic assistance to families affected by cancer.

Listeners are encouraged to get involved with Tricia’s Troops, whether through volunteering, participating in supply drives, or exploring the various ways to support the organization’s impactful initiatives. To learn more, visit https://triciastroops.org/.

Tune in to “This Week In Waukesha” for an uplifting and informative episode highlighting the resilience of the human spirit and the unwavering support available in the Waukesha community.