WXCO News

The Grand Theater in Wausau is abuzz with holiday cheer and exciting transformations. Executive Director Sean Wright shares nostalgic tales of the theater’s vibrant history, from memorable performances to celebrity encounters with icons like Vince Gill. Wright reflects on how the theater has evolved, with successful shows and a growing patron base thanks to diverse programming. The holiday season kicks off with beloved traditions like ‘The Nutcracker’ and a sold-out Oak Ridge Boys farewell tour. Meanwhile, the WXCO morning show teases a local holiday giveaway, adding festive spirit to the chilly December air.

Chad Holmes and Ian Welsh kick off the WXCO morning report with a chilly weather forecast and a flurry of upcoming holiday contests offering cash and local prizes. They delve into Giving Tuesday’s aftermath, urging donations to nonprofits like the Good News Project and NAMI. The duo then shift gears to politics, criticizing Donald Trump’s derogatory comments about Somali immigrants and the media’s inadequate coverage. They stress the importance of empathy during the holiday season, contrasting Trump’s wealth privilege with the struggles of everyday Americans. Sports highlights round out the episode, with updates on local high school games and upcoming events.

Miss Marathon County, Alicia Hoffmann, champions community service with a focus on aiding local nonprofits and animal shelters. Her latest project is a festive fundraiser at Ringle Town Hall to support a local animal shelter, featuring vendors and family-friendly activities. Meanwhile, the podcast also highlights Giving Tuesday, spotlighting three key organizations: the Good News Project, NAMI Northwoods, and the Women’s Community, urging listeners to contribute. Additionally, the episode touches on the political landscape with Mandela Barnes’ gubernatorial bid, raising questions about candidate biases and political endorsements, as well as media strategies in Wisconsin’s upcoming elections.

Chad Holmes kicks off December with a chilly forecast and hot topics, featuring Nancy Stencil from the Marathon County Democratic Party. They delve into local politics, critiquing the Wausau mayor’s veto struggles, and the county’s ICE partnership. Stencil voices optimism for 2026, hoping for political change as Trump’s approval wanes. The podcast also highlights two festive contests: Civic Media’s ‘Grown-Up Christmas List’ and WXCO’s local holiday giveaway, offering listeners chances to win from local businesses. The episode wraps with a discussion on dream lengths and a teaser for tomorrow’s guest, Miss Marathon County.

It’s a brisk Black Friday in Wausau, filled with post-Thanksgiving reflections and sports chatter. We are joined by Paul Michlig to discuss the Green Bay Packers’ critical win against the Detroit Lions, potentially altering their playoff prospects. High school basketball takes center stage with a doubleheader featuring Newman Catholic and Wausau West. Meanwhile, winter storm warnings loom, threatening to blanket the region with heavy snow. On a lighter note, the hosts dive into a whimsical debate about Bigfoot’s existence, with a surprising 28% of Americans believing in the creature. As temperatures drop, listeners are reminded to drive safely and bundle up.