Chain to Main Podcast

With your Chain to Main News for Wednesday, October 21st, I’m Elijah.
The Waupaca Area Public Library is helping families celebrate the Wisconsin Science Festival with Science in a Bag kits. Available through the 24th while supplies last, the kits include hands-on science activities and experiments for students in kindergarten through 12th grade. One bag is available per family, with materials provided in partnership with the Morgridge Institute for Research.
Tonight, the Waupaca County Suicide Prevention Coalition hosts “Thomas Farley: Beyond the Laughter” at the Waupaca Middle School Auditorium. Drawing on his experiences with his brother, comedian Chris Farley, Thomas Farley will share a message of hope, resilience, and the importance of mental health conversations. A community resource fair begins at 6 p.m., followed by Farley’s presentation from 7 to 8 p.m. The event aims to connect community members with local resources and foster understanding and support for those facing mental health challenges.
Friends of Waupaca Parks is holding a pair of fundraisers this week at local restaurants. On Wednesday, October 21st, Crystal River Pub and Grill is participating, followed by Filling Station Pizza on Thursday, October 22nd. Twenty percent of sales from the events will be donated to Friends of Waupaca Parks to support local parks and recreation efforts.
Lastly, the Waupaca Library board meets this afternoon at 4:30pm in the City Council Chambers, lower level of Waupaca City Hall. On the agenda this afternoon is a review of Library Statistics, monthly bills and agreement for a Job Pod. The meeting is open to the public and the agenda may be viewed online at Waupaca Library dot org.
That’s your latest news from the Chain to Main, get your news on air or anytime online on the Chain to Main Podcast.

Local Waupaca News

Local Waupaca News

With your local Waupaca news for this Friday, October 16th, I'm Durant Popple.
The 20th annual Bluegrass Bash, hosted by the Manawa FFA alumni is tomorrow.  Running from noon to midnight at the Bear Lake Campground and Resort, featured bands include Noah Johns and Ringing Iron, the Mark Hembree Band, the Barred Owl Stringband, Dig Deep, and Soggy Prairie.  Additionally, a free pre-bash party takes place tonight starting at 8:30 featuring the Stray Bales.  This information and more can also be found on the Manawa FFA Alumni Facebook page.
The Waupaca Historical and Genealogical Societies jointly present Hike Through History, honoring our veterans.  This is a free self-guided cemetery walk at Lakeside Cemetery.  This is open tomorrow, from 2 to 4pm; refreshments will be provided.  For more details, you can visit either of their websites, at Waupaca historical society dot org, or wags W I dot org.
The Friends of Hartman Creek State Park are holding their annual Pumpkin Hike tomorrow.  Running from 6 to 8pm, this will be a family-friendly evening of park trail hiking, lit by candlelight.  Over 500 luminaries decorated by local grade school students light the 1.2 mile trail around Hartman lake.  There is no scary stuff, and leashed pets are allowed.  This free event will also include a photo op with Smoky Bear, apple cider, donut holes, campfires, and popcorn.  Though the event itself is at no cost, a state park pass is still required to enter the park.  More information, including links to get a park pass, can be found online at friends of Hartman creek dot org.
That's your local news update, you can always get your news on air or online with your favorite podcast platform.  Get started at Waupaca dot Podbean dot com.

Piggly Wiggly in Waupaca is partnering with the Waupaca Fire Department and Waupaca Police Department for a special fundraising event today. The grocery store says five percent of sales will be donated to the two public safety agencies. The event also features a number of day-only specials on grocery, deli, and meat items as the community shows support for local first responders.
 
The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources is inviting the public to a free open house at the Wild Rose Fish Hatchery Education Center on October 31st. The event will celebrate the annual fall salmon migration and feature hands-on activities, including fish identification, casting practice, and interactive exhibits for all ages. Visitors can also tour the historic 1908 hatchery and learn about the modern operation, which raises a variety of fish species including salmon, trout, walleye, muskies, and lake sturgeon.
 
Lastly, The Waupaca County Aging and Disability Resource Center is seeking volunteer drivers to help deliver meals to local seniors through its home-delivered meals program. Officials say there is a critical need for volunteers, with delivery routes taking about an hour to complete. The program offers flexible scheduling, allowing volunteers to participate when it fits their availability. For questions or to volunteer the phone number is 715-942-1900.

Artist Kevin Knopp is being featured in a new exhibit at the Waupaca Area Public Library this fall. The collection will be on display in the library’s Lower-Level Exhibit Room from October 10 through December 5. An opening reception is scheduled for this evening from 6 to 7:30 p.m., followed by an afterglow event at the Grand National Lounge featuring music by 3 Clowns/No Circus.
The Waupaca Police Department has issued a community notification regarding the release of a registered sex offender into the City of Waupaca. According to the bulletin, 42-year-old Christopher Martz is scheduled for release on October 13 and will be under supervision by the Wisconsin Department of Corrections. Police emphasized that the notification is intended to enhance public safety and noted that the individual is not currently wanted by law enforcement. Conditions of supervision include electronic monitoring, restrictions on contact with minors, and compliance with sex offender registry requirements.
Piggly Wiggly in Waupaca is partnering with the Waupaca Fire Department and Waupaca Police Department for a special fundraising event on October 15. The grocery store says five percent of sales during the one-day promotion will be donated to the two public safety agencies. The event also features a number of day-only specials on grocery, deli, and meat items as the community shows support for local first responders.

Local Waupaca News

Local Waupaca News

With your local Waupaca news for this Friday, October 9th, I'm Durant Popple.
The 6th annual 715 Harvest fest is tomorrow.  Starting at 10am, this event will be taking place on Highway QQ between the harbor bar and king road.  Consequently, QQ will be closed during this event.  It will be a fun filled fall day full of food, family fun, local shopping, and live music; all while supporting the Waupaca county Dive and rescue team.  There will be over 50 vendors featuring pop up shops, makers, artists, home and garden, kids activities, produce, jewelry, BBQ, beer and cocktails, and plenty more, in addition to the 20+ local businesses.  Parking is available at the Harbor lots and Veterans Home, with a shuttle service.
Tomorrow also marks the start of a new exhibit in the library's lower level exhibit room.  This exhibit will feature the works of artist Kevin Knopp.  All are invited to an opening reception in the exhibit room on the 14th, starting at 6pm, then moving to the Grand National lounge at 8 with live music by 3 Clowns No Circus.  This exhibit will run through December 5th.  For more information on this and future exhibits, you can visit the library's website at Waupaca library dot org.
The United Nations has declared that 2026 is the international year of the woman farmer.  The Wisconsin farmers union will be celebrating with Women Farmers Day.  This will be taking place Saturday, October 17th, 2-6pm at the Stayer Dining Room at Marian University in Fond Du Lac.  This statewide gathering is open to all women, including farmers, agricultural advocates, community leaders, and land stewards, and will spotlight the essential roles women play across agrifood systems, from production to trade, while often going unrecognized.  Registration for this event closes Monday.  For more information, including the agenda or to register, you can visit their website at Wisconsin farmers union dot com slash events.
That's your local news update, you can always get your news on air or online with your favorite podcast platform.  Get started at Waupaca dot podbean dot com.

Waupaca City Council Tuesday evening approved the hiring of the city’s next Parks and Recreation Director.  Kaylee Boltz will join the city beginning November 2nd to fill the role vacated by Laura Colbert when she transitioned to City Administrator.  Kaylee is a Waupaca native who is presently following her career in Colorado. 
The Waupaca Senior Center will see a modest increase in annual membership fees for 2027. Waupaca City Council approved to raise resident memberships from 25 to 28 dollars and non-resident memberships from 50 to 57 dollars. Officials say this modest increase would help offset rising operating and program costs while supporting services, staffing, equipment, and supplies. The change is expected to generate about 8,000 dollars in additional annual revenue.  The Waupaca Senior Center hit a record in membership levels this year, surpassing 800 members.
The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources is highlighting International Bat Week, October 24th through 31st, and the important role bats play in the state's ecosystems. Four of Wisconsin’s eight bat species are listed as threatened, with populations hit hard by white-nose syndrome. However, DNR surveys show little brown bat numbers are rebounding at some hibernation sites. Biologists say protecting bats benefits farmers, forests, and even helps reduce mosquito populations during the summer months.

Good News Waupaca 10.7.26

Good News Waupaca 10.7.26