WXCO News

Chad Holmes chats with Shane Saari of Four Seasons Golf of Wausau about his ambitious expansion plans, transforming a seasonal indoor golf facility into a year-round entertainment hub with 20 heated outdoor bays, a full bar, and diverse sports simulation. Shane shares the challenges and joys of entrepreneurship, including taking risks and family support. As they gear up for a 2026 opening in Rothschild, Shane reveals his excitement about enhancing local entertainment options. The episode also touches on Christmas plans, NFL streaming woes, and a chance to win a Four Seasons gift card as part of a holiday giveaway.

Dive into the story of Kristen Zaal, the brains behind Wausau’s ‘The Chocolate Shop’ and ‘The Chocolate Cafe.’ Kristen chats about her journey from cruise ship performer to chocolate connoisseur, importing the finest European chocolates and crafting delightful Dutch stroopwafels. Her passion for evolving the chocolate business shines through as she discusses importing challenges and the delicious differences between American and European chocolates. The episode also highlights a festive giveaway, while offering listeners a taste of community theater connections, a sprinkle of holiday cheer, and the thrill of a local high school hockey showdown.

Anosognosia and Understanding Mental Health Challenges
Dive into the complexities of mental health with Tracy Schlegel, Executive Director of NAMI Northwoods, as she unravels the enigma of anosognosia, a condition where individuals are unaware of their mental illness. Discover the challenges facing families trying to help loved ones who reject their diagnosis, and the critical need for empathy and research funding. Schlegel stresses the importance of understanding mental health beyond stigmas, highlighting the intertwined issues of homelessness and substance abuse. With a call for action on M

edicaid’s role in mental health care, this episode sheds light on the urgent need for systemic change.

NAMI Northwoods serves residents across Marathon, Lincoln and Langlade Counties with free mental health support, online groups, resources and education.

For more information: https://www.naminorthwoods.org/

As 2025 wraps up, the podcast dives into winter’s icy grip and the overuse of road salt, featuring insights from Carol Lukens of the Wausau Sustainability Energy and Environment Committee. The conversation highlights the environmental havoc wreaked by excessive salt, including water toxicity and infrastructure damage, costing the U.S. $5 billion annually. Lukens stresses the importance of alternative methods like pre-wetting roads with brine and using sand for traction. We are also joined by Paul Michlig to talk Wisconsin sports as the Packers face a big matchup with the Bears amid injuries, and basketball talk with the Bucks, Badgers and Marquette.