Wisconsin Life

It’s peak county fair season in Wisconsin. For many children at the Dane County Fair, it’s more than the Tilt-A-Whirl and deep-fried treats. The event showcases all their hard work as they show their arts and crafts, and animals…ranging from the smallest guinea pigs to fully-grown beef cattle. Christina Lieffring spoke with some of the children about the lessons learned raising cows, pigs, sheep and ducks through Dane County’s 4-H Club programs.

Over the last several years, many profound experiences that typically would be shared with loved ones were lost in the pandemic. Rachel Poston of Milwaukee experienced this when her husband wasn’t allowed to come with her to any of her appointments.

Poston shared her story as part of the Pandemic Pregnancy Project, which is documenting the stories of families and their babies and how they’ve been affected by COVID-19.

Editor’s note: This story contains language that may be inappropriate for some audiences.

Writer Jill Sisson Quinn and her son had a summer routine. They would go to their local lake for a chilly, early morning swim almost every day. But last summer, they tried somewhere new. The experience opened Quinn’s eyes to the joys of both new and old loves.

The poetry in Daniel Smith’s book “Ancestral” reflects on life and farming in the Driftless area of southwestern Wisconsin. WPR’s Tim Peterson spoke with him about his poetry in the early spring in his barn near Arena, Wisconsin, overlooking a light dusting of snow on his farm and the nearby woods. 

Smith shared three poems about heritage, loss and an appreciation for the wild.

Ever feel like you’re constantly battling garden invaders? Dealing with the weeds, bugs, and critters can be a never-ending, daunting task. Or, you can roll with it, just like author BJ Hollars and his family.

Wisconsin is home to many firsts. The first blender, the first typewriter, and even malted milk was developed and introduced to the world right here in the dairy state. Two Rivers is the home of the first ever ice cream sundae. Well that last one is debated by some. Dean Robbins explains.

The pandemic has been hard on many parents. For N’Jameh Russell-Camara of Milwaukee, her parenting started earlier than she expected, when a pregnancy related illness sent her to the emergency room during the height of the pandemic. 

Russell-Camara shares her experience as part of the Pandemic Pregnancy Project, which is documenting the stories of families and their babies and how they’ve been affected by COVID-19.

Writer Crystal Chan loves to cook. During the pandemic, she traveled home often, enjoying long stays with her parents. To show her gratitude, she would cook delicious and comforting dishes for family dinner. She shares a story celebrating the labor of love that goes into making a great pot of stew.

There are few fishermen like Mike Valley left on the Mississippi River. Valley is a third generation fisherman, the work is in his blood. He’s one of the many people who have fished this water for more than a thousand years. WPR’s Mary Kate McCoy brings you more.

Summer camps are a big deal in Wisconsin. Whether it’s playing sharks and minnows, roasting marshmallows while sitting around a bonfire, or tying off a completed friendship bracelet, summer camp activities have bonded youth together for years — and sometimes even generations.