Chain to Main Podcast

With your local Waupaca news for this Friday, June 19th, I'm Durant Popple.
It's that time again, the annual Strawberryfest is here.  Many activities will be taking place during the fest, 9am until 4, now back on Main Street.  A few of the things you can expect is the strawberry lane food court, with of course, fresh local strawberries, arts, crafts, and vendor booths, tons of kids activities, and a few other nearby events including the farmers market on the city square or the model railroad show and swap meet in the rec center.  This information and more can be found on the chamber's website, Waupaca chamber dot com.
Given that summer is just about to start, it feels unusual to be thinking about fall already, but Waupaca's fall-o-rama takes a while to get ready.  The call has gone out for anyone who wishes to be a vendor or have a food truck at fall-o-rama to sign up.  This will be Saturday, September 19th at South Park, or in the rec center in the case of inclement weather.  Early bird registration must be completed by August 17th.  As the major annual fundraiser for friends of Waupaca parks, their website contains more information on pricing or registration, at friends of Waupaca parks dot com.
The Weaver Awards 2026 applications are now open.  The Weaver Awards are part of a constellation of activities designed to celebrate and support weavers—everyday neighbors who are building relationships, strengthening belonging, and weaving trust into the social fabric of their communities.  The Awards are open to individuals and small grassroots groups.  While many people in Northeast Wisconsin are serving their neighbors, the Weaver Awards look for those whose projects also create lasting relationships and build trust as people work together to strengthen their community and weave a tighter social fabric.  People can apply themselves, or recommend another community member or group online at awards dot weavers dot org.  Applications must be in before August 31st.
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.

Good News Waupaca 6.17.26

Good News Waupaca 6.17.26

Waupaca City Council Tuesday evening received an update on public transportation in Waupaca County from Valerie Lefler, operator of Pheonix Mobility Rising, who operates Waupaca County Catch a Ride.  This service took over public transportation at the start of 2026, after discontinuing service from Waupaca Taxi.  Lefler explains the new transportation service, provides transportation county-wide, further, an important metric is on-time performance, lastly, a wide criticism of the new service is the inability to make same-day ride requests.
Movie night is taking off at the Waupaca Airport. The City of Waupaca will host an outdoor showing of Brad Pitt's new racing film, F1, this evening at 8 o'clock. Residents are invited to bring lawn chairs or blankets and enjoy the movie under the stars at the airport on Runway Drive. The no-cost community event is part of the city's summer outdoor movie series.
The longest day of the year will shine a light on Alzheimer's awareness in Waupaca tomorrow. The Aging and Disability Resource Center and the Waupaca Area Public Library are hosting "The Longest Day" community event from 9:30 to 11 a.m on City Square. Activities include a symbolic walk, a live concert by the Waupaca Rotary COGS Band, and a panel discussion featuring dementia care experts. Organizers encourage participants to wear purple in support of those affected by Alzheimer's disease.
 

Good News Waupaca 6.17.26

Good News Waupaca 6.17.26

Local Waupaca News

Local Waupaca News

Local Waupaca News

With your local Waupaca news for this Friday, June 12th, I'm Durant Popple.
The Waupaca City band concerts are starting up again.  Fridays through July, you can hear a free concert from the city band taking place at Upper South Park, starting at 7pm.  The first concert is even tonight.  Should any of these Friday's have inclement weather, the concert will instead be moved to the Waupaca middle school.  You will also be responsible for bringing your seating of choice.  Additional information, including if there are scheduling changes, will be posted on the city's Facebook page, Facebook dot com slash city of Waupaca.
The Waupaca farmers market is ongoing, and is taking place each Saturday through the end of October.  The market takes place on the street next to the library, 9am through 1.  Throughout the year, there can also be entertainment or activities, such as live music.  For those of you who use SNAP, Senior and WIC F M N P checks, the market will match their value, so you can get double the normal fruits and vegetables.  You can check out the Waupaca farmers market on Facebook for details.
The Waupaca Library will be hosting Job Center of Wisconsin, who will be running a mini job fair at the library. Coming up on Monday, between 1 and 3, employers from different industries will be in the lower level meeting rooms to answer your questions and discuss employment opportunities.  More information about the fair or other events like this can be found online at Wisconsin job center 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.

Waupaca tourism is proving to be a major economic engine. New data from the Wisconsin Department of Tourism shows visitors to the Waupaca Chain O’ Lakes area generated $180 million in economic impact during 2025. Tourism supported more than 1,180 jobs and produced over $11 million in state and local tax revenue. Waupaca Area Chamber and Visitor Bureau President Jeff Anderson says continued investment by local businesses, from downtown Main Street to the Chain O’ Lakes, is creating new attractions and experiences that draw visitors year after year. Officials say tourism growth continues to benefit local businesses, residents, and the regional economy.
City officials in Waupaca are reminding residents that a feral cat trapping campaign near the Oman Street area will continue through the end of June. Live traps are being used to help address a growing feral cat population. Pet owners are reminded that cats and dogs must be leashed or kept on their property when outside. If a pet cat goes missing, contact the Humane Society of Waupaca County. Officials also warn that tampering with city-owned traps could result in fines. For questions, contact Code Enforcement Officer Dan Hansen at Waupaca City Hall.
Looking for something fun to do today? The Waupaca Area Public Library is hosting an Instrument Petting Zoo from 1 to 3 p.m. today, giving people of all ages a chance to hold, explore, and try a variety of musical instruments. The no-cost, hands-on event is designed for anyone curious about music or interested in finding out which instrument might be right for them. The Instrument Petting Zoo takes place this afternoon at the Waupaca Area Public Library in the exhibit room.

Local Waupaca News