WXCO News

We are joined by Julie Bollmann from the Children’s Imaginarium discussing ‘Constructed Kids,’ an interactive STEM event for children to explore construction careers firsthand. The event, featuring hands-on activities with cranes and carpentry stations, aims to inspire young minds amidst Wausau’s ongoing construction boom. Later, the political landscape takes the spotlight with Nancy Stencil from the Marathon County Democratic Party discussing Fred Clark’s candidacy for the 7th Congressional District. The conversation critiques Tom Tiffany’s gubernatorial ambitions, emphasizing a need for bold Democratic leadership to address economic inequalities and environmental policies.

We are joined by Sherry Johnson and Terry Hellrood of the River of Hope Clothes Closet to talk about the organization that operates out of Mount Calvary Lutheran Church in Rothschild and provides free, gently-used clothing and coats to neighbors in need. We talk about how the services and needs have grown and more.

Further information on the River of Hope Clothes Closet can be found at https://www.mtcalvaryrothschild.org/clothes-closet.html

Also by calling Sherry at 715-571-2620 or the church at 715-359-4500.

The River of Hope Clothes Closet is open on Mondays from 1 to 4 pm and Thursdays from 9 am to 12 noon.

We talk to 98.9 WXCO News Reporter Isabela Nieto about her first weeks in central Wisconsin, covering events with Governor Evers, Senator Baldwin and Representative Tiffany plus what differences she has seen in local government from what she covered in Illinois.

Plus, the Wausau School Board has narrowed the field to four to fill the vacant seat on the board and we report on disturbing comments made by Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth this morning that, basically, rejects the rules of war.

It was a big weekend for Ian with the CenterStage at the Grand Theater concert. We talk about how great it is to have such a fantastic free show that showcases local talent. Also, a new Democrat joins the Governor’s race. Could 2026 be a year that allows an outsider or generally little-known candidate a chance to win like 50 years ago with Jimmy Carter and the Presidential campaign? A handful of new polling shows bad news for Donald Trump. Why does it always sound and feel like he’s more popular than he is? Finally it was a great weekend for both the Wausau East and Wausau West football teams in wins we broadcast on 98.9 WXCO.

We head to the weekend talking about high school football broadcasts with Wausau East tonight and Wausau West tomorrow afternoon on 98.9 WXCO. Also some thoughts about local radio owner Rick Muzzy, who passed away yesterday. Muzzy owned three Stevens Point radio stations and believed in local radio. Also Chad got his first fulltime radio job there and shares thoughts. Paul Michlig joins us to talk about the weekend sports slate and talks about the Packers and Badgers.

We talk to Sean Wright, Executive Director of the Grand Theater, about a very busy October of great shows coming to Wausau. Also, Tom Tiffany was in Wausau last night for one of his first campaign appearances after announcing his bid for Governor. We talk about how important it is to focus on real issues and real solutions during the 2026 campaign. Finally, we talk to Ian about opening night for the CenterStage Band and Show Choir production at the Grand tonight.

Reese Aarthun and Kayla Michiel of the CenterStage Band and Show Choir on this weekend’s annual show at the Grand Theater. Quinn Suchon of the Marathon County Literacy Council joins us for an interview on an upcoming Adult Spelling Bee. Tom Tiffany announces his candidacy for the Republican nomination for Governor. What kind of campaign will “Toxic Tom” run?

For info on CenterStage Band and Show Choir: https://www.facebook.com/CenterStageWausau/

For info on the Adult Spelling Bee and Marathon County Literacy Council: https://mclitofwausau.org/

We are joined by Jim Force and Tucker Diedrich of the Wausau Curling Club to talk about an open house the group is having on October 11th plus “Learn to Curl” events on October 13th, October 15th and October 20th. We also talk about the different leagues for curlers at all levels to join for the new season and more.

To get more information on the open house and “Learn to Curl” events go to https://wausaucurling.org/

Complete interview at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=umTJhMpZNrE

A wet and dark start to the work week and the start of the latest “Go for the Green and Gold Text-to-Win” contest sponsored by Ho-Chunk Gaming of Wittenberg. Also we acknowledge the one year anniversary of Wausau mayor Doug Diny removing the ballot drop box on September 22, 2024 and talk about where we are in that continuing issue. Plus, Ian takes the Number for the Day quiz.

Talking Wisconsin sports with Paul Michlig. Brewers stay hot, Badgers not so much and the Packers look to make it three wins in a row Sunday at Cleveland. Plus thoughts on Jon Stewart’s Daily Show response to the Kimmel suspension and Ian Welsh looks for a winning week in the Number of the Day quiz.