Eye On Oshkosh - Care and resources for people with disabilities, famili...

On the most recent edition of Eye on Oshkosh, host Cheryl Hentz talks with Marla Kopecky Penney, founder of Focus on Freedom and Empower Freedom, two companies designed to assist people and families who have disabilities.

Focus on Freedom helps foster independence and improve one’s quality of life by helping individuals with disabilities gain as much freedom, independence, and joy as possible. They do that by providing a variety of customized disability-focused services, such as daily living skills training, personal futures planning, communication, respite care for caregivers, etc.

Empower Freedom points folks in the right direction when looking for resources, products and other information to make lives easier when a disability is involved.

Watch the show here or by following this link: https://youtu.be/tbyI3VsUBgY. 

Eye on Oshkosh - Emergency Preparedness, taped 11/7/2024

Would you know what to do if a tornado was sighted near your community? If you need to evacuate your home do you know what to take to keep your family, including your pets, functioning as normally as possible while you're away? If you lose electrical power at your home, do you know how best to protect your home and belongings? Do you know why you should have a weather radio in your home even though you may receive weather alerts on your phone?

If you answered no to any of these questions you need to watch this episode of Eye on Oshkosh. Guest Winnebago County Emergency Management Director Eric Rasmussen not only answers those questions, but also explains how to best prepare yourself and your family for any type of major disaster or emergency and how to make a disaster supply kit. 

You can see the show here or by following this link: https://youtu.be/jekB0DAjaXY.

Eye on Oshkosh - Emergency Preparedness, taped 11/7/2024

Would you know what to do if a tornado was sighted near your community? If you need to evacuate your home do you know what to take to keep your family, including your pets, functioning as normally as possible while you're away? If you lose electrical power at your home, do you know how best to protect your home and belongings? Do you know why you should have a weather radio in your home even though you may receive weather alerts on your phone?

If you answered no to any of these questions you need to watch this episode of Eye on Oshkosh. Guest Winnebago County Emergency Management Director Eric Rasmussen not only answers those questions, but also explains how to best prepare yourself and your family for any type of major disaster or emergency and how to make a disaster supply kit.

You can see the show here or by following this link: https://youtu.be/jekB0DAjaXY.

Eye On Oshkosh - Democratic State Senate District 18 candidate Kristin Alfheim, taped 10-17-2024

On the latest edition of Eye on Oshkosh, host Cheryl Hentz spends the hour chatting with and getting to know Democratic State Senatorial candidate for the 18^th State Senate District Kristin Alfheim.

She discusses why she’s seeking office and what she brings to the table that her Republican opponent does not. She also talks about her views on the state budget surplus, funding K-12 education, the new district maps, the affordable housing problem, and campaign finance reform, among others.

You can watch the show here or by following this link: https://youtu.be/tDEzburUFSs.  

The election is coming up on Tuesday, Nov. 5, 2024. If you are registered to vote, please make sure you exercise your right and privilege to vote, either by going to the polls on Election Day; or by early voting either in person or by absentee ballot. If you’re not registered, contact your city, town, or village clerk ASAP to get registered. The clock is ticking.

EyeOnOshkosh: Oshkosh City Manager Mark Rohloff, taped 10-3-2024

On the most recent episode of Eye on Oshkosh, host Cheryl Hentz discussed an array of issues with Oshkosh City Manager Mark Rohloff. Besides his plans for his impending retirement from the City, the two discussed his accomplishments and those things that were challenges and still not resolved, like homelessness and race issues.

They spent a fair amount of time discussing revaluation of properties in the coming year and the reasons why, especially when they were just done, and at what cost for some. They also discussed the possible tax implications for people who saw a big jump in the worth of their property, based on the revaluation done earlier this year. Affordable housing was another big issue that rounded out the discussion.

 

You can see the show here or by following this link: https://youtu.be/f6QWInNVVRE.

Eye On Oshkosh - Senior Expo and BEAMING events (taped 9-19-2024)

On the most recent episode of Eye on Oshkosh we focus on many upcoming events in the community.

In the first, very brief segment, we talk with Jeanne Tondryk, director of the 2024 Senior Expo coming up in Oshkosh on Tuesday, Oct. 1 from 9 am to 1 pm. She will talk about some of the presenters and vendors she had lined up, in addition to the giveaways that will be held.

In the second segment, three people from BEAMING – Katie Samuelson, center director; Dr. Janet Hagen, clinical director; and Shelly Rhode, operations specialist – join host Cheryl Hentz to talk about what BEAMING is and to share with the audience how their equine-assisted therapy has helped thousands of people in the 20 years they’ve been in existence. In addition to sharing specific information about BEAMING, they talk about several important events coming up:

Saturday, Oct. 5 is their 20th birthday celebration starting at 1 pm. With other activities for the rest of the afternoon, including all kinds of things to see and do as part of their Fall Festival event. They’ll also be officially kicking off their “Raise the Ranch” capital campaign this day. All this will be held at the ranch, located at 2692 County Road GG, Neenah.

On Friday, Nov. 1 from 5 to 8 pm is their Holiday for Horses major fundraising event at Bridgewood Resort in Neenah

On Saturday, Dec. 7 from 9am to noon they’ll be hosting their annual Santa at the Ranch event and that will be at the ranch.

This is one show you don’t want to miss because BEAMING has done some very incredible things for people in our community. You’re encouraged to visit their website at BeamingInc.org for more information, to see all they do and read about it in greater detail or to make a donation. 

One more thing promoted on this show is a communitywide Pet Remembrance/Pet Blessing service held by First Congregational Church in Oshkosh and Trinity Episcopal on Saturday, Oct. 5 from 10 to 10:30 am. It’s sponsored by the Animal Ministries group at First Congregational and is the 11th one they’ve done.

Whether you have a beloved pet you’d like blessed or you have lost a pet that you’d like remembered, we welcome and encourage you to attend this special service to honor the pets in your life that you’ve loved and cared for.  

All pets attending should be well-behaved and either on a leash or crated. If required, they should be current on their rabies vaccinations.

If wanting a pet blessed that you can’t bring with you for some reason, you’re invited to bring a photo of them, or other special possession of theirs, such as a collar, favorite toy, etc.

Weather permitting, the service will be held outside in Trinity Episcopal's green space. Otherwise, it will be held indoors in Trinity’s sanctuary.

All are welcome. You don’t need to belong to any church at all to come.

While the service is free, we will be collecting donations of cash and most-needed items for the Oshkosh Area Humane Society. Please visit the shelter’s website at oahs.org to see what items they most need right now.

Trinity Episcopal is located at 203 Algoma Blvd., Oshkosh, right across the street from First Congregational and the Christine Ann Center. Feel free to park in either church’s parking lot, or on the street. We hope to see you on Saturday, Oct. 5 at 10 a.m.

You can watch the show here or by following this link: https://youtu.be/ZaWRDaEKoHk 

EyeOnOshkosh - Rebuilding Together Fox Valley and the Oshkosh Civility Project

On the most recent edition of Eye on Oshkosh, host Cheryl Hentz spends part of the hour with Chip Wood, executive director of Rebuilding Together Fox Valley. This is a nonprofit program designed to make, free of charge, critical and other safety repairs in homes owned by people who meet certain income requirements and nonprofits in the region. Learn more about the work this organization does and if you or someone you know qualifies.

In the second segment, Hentz talks with Sue Panek and Alex Hummel from the Oshkosh Civility Project about what the project is and what it was created to do. We live in a society where people are short-tempered, often frustrated and not always polite. Sometimes that may come about from disagreements or misunderstandings, but OCP tries to teach people how to find what they have in common with someone as opposed to what they don’t have in common, and how to settle differences in a way that leaves people feeling positive instead of tearing each other down to feel better about themselves.

You can see the show here or by following this link: https://youtu.be/ABRRxgEe9UE. 

Eye On Oshkosh - ESTHER-Fox Valley, taped 8/29/2024

On the most recent edition of Eye on Oshkosh, host Cheryl Hentz spends the hour talking with representatives from ESTHER-Fox Valley, an interfaith nonprofit that seeks to find social justice in all areas of life – whether it be in affordable housing, the prison and court systems, environmental, mental health, race and sexual identity, even transportation. ESTHER works to identify leaders who can focus on and lead others in working to correct problems and injustices in these very issues. You can see the show here or by following this link: https://youtu.be/lvdPtX_C7Hw.

Eye On Oshkosh - Oshkosh Area Humane Society, taped 8-15-2024

On this edition of Eye on Oshkosh, host Cheryl Hentz visits with Cheryl Rosenthal and Ieva Engel from the Oshkosh Area Humane Society. 

One of the things discussed is the shelter’s upcoming annual Walk for the Animals on Saturday, Sept. 14, the theme of which this year is “Make the Magic Happen.” With almost 100% of the animals that come into the shelter needing some type of medical attention, even minor, the money seeking to be raised - $60,000 – is much needed to fund their basic medical care fund. 

Other things discussed during the hour are some of the recent staffing changes, mainly changes in titles, to make things easier for the public to understand the various jobs people are doing at the shelter; the shelter’s recent renovations, and services the shelter provides, including vaccination clinics, rehoming, their Canine Crusaders and Shy Cat programs; the importance of spaying or neutering your pet; and so much more. Please also check out their newly-designed website at oahs.org.

You can watch it here or by going to this link: https://youtu.be/eE4H81MkymE.

Eye On Oshkosh - Journey Together Service Dog fundraisers and Winnebago County K9 unit

On the most recent episode of Eye on Oshkosh, host Cheryl Hentz welcomes Robin Milner, a volunteer with Journey Together Service Dog, who shares information about some upcoming fundraisers the group is holding.

A major one is on Saturday Aug. 17 at Barley & Hops in Oshkosh from 11 am to 3 pm. People will have a chance to meet some of the service dogs they’re training to eventually be given free of charge to Wisconsin residents diagnosed with PTSD or who are victims of crime and have anxiety issues. There will also be some items raffled off including a very special item – a Packers football, signed by the players and coaches from the past NFL season. As an added treat, WBAY Channel 2 evening news anchor, Cami Rapson, will act as a celebrity bartender from 11 am to 1 pm, serving up Bloody Marys and Mimosas to people in attendance.

Hentz spends the balance of the hour chatting with Winnebago County Sheriff John Matz and K9 handler, Deputy Devin Wilson and his K9 partner, Gracie, who is in training to be a therapy dog for the department. Only 11 months old at the time of this taping, Gracie is on schedule to finish her training and become certified by sometime this fall. Currently, she spends a lot of her time comforting employees of the sheriff’s department and inmates at the jail, helping to keep them calm and relaxed in otherwise very stressful situations. Once certified, Gracie and Deputy Wilson will go on calls in the community where citizens are having an emotional crisis of some kind or to help diffuse other tense situations in the field.

Much of this discussion’s focus was on the sheriff department’s K9 program – how many dogs they have, the approximate cost for obtaining and training a dog, what jobs the dogs are assigned, and the STAR program. This program – the county’s 16-month-old sobriety-assisted treatment program – is offered to any inmate who is serious about becoming clean and sober. K9 Gracie is a unique part of the STAR program.

You can watch this fascinating and information-filled show here or by going to the following link: https://youtu.be/rPuJn6Dpvdk. 

Eye OnOshkosh - Fall prevention, pet fire safety, fire safety tips, etc ...

On the latest edition of Eye on Oshkosh, host Cheryl Hentz spends the entire hour with Oshkosh Fire Department Chief Mike Stanley, discussing a wide variety of topics. There’s truly something for everyone in this jam-packed show. The first topic discussed was falls and fall prevention, especially as it relates to people 60 years and older. The OFD has worked closely with experts in developing an app and/or online tool that can help people reduce their risk of falls by improving their physical coordination. The app is called NYMBL and it is free to download and use from your app store. You can also use it online if you don’t have a smartphone or would prefer to use it via your computer. There’s also lots of other good information that can help preserve or improve cognitive health. It is strictly for people in the Oshkosh area. Also discussed during the hour were pet fire safety tips, especially as National Pet Fire Safety Day is coming up on July 15th. The tips are wonderful not just on July 15th but year-round and any pet owner should pay close attention because the information is invaluable. General fire safety tips are also discussed as is National Fire Prevention Month and Week which aren’t happening until October, but there is good information about smoke detectors because the theme for this year’s campaign is “Smoke Alarms: Make Them Work for You.” Lastly, there was a discussion about an insert recently sent out to City of Oshkosh water utility customers in their monthly bills. The insert focused solely on preparing your pets for disasters. This information can also be found at Ready.gov/pets or at HSUS.org and doing a search there for disaster prep. You can either watch the show here or by going to the following link: https://youtu.be/ySU4VEbXULI

Eye On Oshkosh - Overdose deaths in Winnebago County highlighted in recent report

On the latest edition of Eye on Oshkosh, two folks from the Winnebago County Health Department talk with host Cheryl Hentz about the results of the most recent annual survey of Overdose Deaths in Winnebago County; what the Winnebago County Overdose Fatality Review (OFR) team is doing to curb or reduce these numbers; what the most common drugs were that our neighbors and fellow community members overdosed from; and what the public can do to help, even if they don’t know anyone who uses or is addicted to drugs. You can watch the show here or by clicking on the following link: https://youtu.be/QOnJza9sl00. This is one show you’ll want to see.

Eye On Oshkosh - Damascus Road and Human Trafficking, taped 6-6-2024

On the latest edition of Eye on Oshkosh, host Cheryl Hentz visits with two directors from Damascus Road Project about the work they do with adult women who have been trafficked. It’s frightening to learn how easy it is for people to get trafficked to begin with and how difficult it can be to escape from that situation once it’s occurred.

They talk about how common trafficking is even in Oshkosh or our surrounding communities, and how it could be happening in anyone's community, red flags to watch for, where to reach out for help if you think someone might be getting trafficked and how you can get more involved with Damascus Road Project, even as a volunteer, which they need a lot more of. They also share information about the kinds of donations they need to put together baskets for women they’re working with, including just very basic things like deodorant, soap, shampoo, etc. A complete list of those things is on their website at DamascusRoadProject.org.

Watch the show here or by following this link: https://youtu.be/XiCr3cCnDQc.

Eye On Oshkosh - author Carmen Leal, guests share dog rescue stories - t...

On the most recent episode of Eye on Oshkosh, host Cheryl Hentz spends the hour chatting with author Carmen Leal about her latest book “When Love Wags a Tail” and two contributors to the book – Dr. Gerald Hendrickson and Quentin Wood - who share their stories about rescue dogs and the profound difference they’ve made in each of their lives. It’s a heartwarming show that you don’t want to miss. Even if you’re not a dog person, the stories can’t help but tug at your heartstrings. You can either watch the show here, or by following this link: https://youtu.be/Bn9kcE46bAI. 

Eye on Oshkosh - guest Wisconsin State Rep. 54th Assembly District Lori ...

On this edition of Eye on Oshkosh, host Cheryl Hentz spends the hour talking with Lori Palmeri, State Representative for the 54th Assembly District. This visit covered nothing short of very important information for people living here to have.

After years of fighting to have, what many believed to be gerrymandered district maps redrawn, new maps were finally drawn and signed into law. With the maps redrawn, you may no longer be in the 54th Assembly District or the 18th State Senate District come 2025. Or, you may have been in other districts previously and are now the 54th and/or 18th.  There are different websites you can visit to learn what district(s) you are in. Those sites include the following: legis.wisconsin.gov; house.gov; or myvote.wi.gov.

Other issues discussed include recently-passed vehicle registration fee for residents of Oshkosh, the ERA, affordable housing, and possible ways to get developers to include housing for low- to moderate-income people in their developments, etc.

Constituents can reach Rep. Palmeri by email at rep.palmeri@legis.wisconsin.gov or by phone at 608-237-9154. By way of reminder, she will be holding her monthly office hours in the district on May 17 from 10 am to 2 pm at the Oshkosh Seniors Center.

Watch the show here or by following this link: https://youtu.be/gLjdlPiV-8k

Eye On Oshkosh - Healthy Aging - taped 4-18-2024

On the most recent episode of Eye on Oshkosh, host Cheryl Hentz talks with women from the Winnebago County Health Department and the Winnebago County’s Aging & Disability Resource Center about healthy ways to age. This is great information for anyone – whether you’re 62 or older, or have parents, other relatives or friends who are in that same age bracket. Someone might be perfectly healthy and want to do whatever they can to stay that way. Or they might be feeling stiff and sore and not able to move as well as they once did. The county has exercise programs to help anyone at any ability. If someone is still in their home and wants to stay there, the county can come out – free of charge – and assess your home to make sure there aren’t trip hazards or other issues that could be problematic for someone as they’re aging. There are a lot of offerings – again, free of charge – for people who have dementia and who want to have an outlet for them and their caregiver, or other family member.

The women also discussed a new smart phone app for people in Winnebago County called Nymbl. It offers wonderful information and easy-to-do exercise to keep your body and mind active and to help prevent falls from occurring. Go to your app store and download it for free. It’s also free to register and use.

There are so many services that the county and the ADRC offer that many people have no idea about. The ADRC also publishes an absolutely wonderful Resource Directory each year of any and all services that a person 50 or older might need or want.

Here are two websites for more information: co.winnebago.wi.us/health;  co.winnebago.wi.us/adrc.

Watch the show here or by following this link: https://youtu.be/MBh0AU6bHy4

Eye on Oshkosh - Oshkosh City Manager Mark Rohloff discusses City Issues...

On this episode of Eye on Oshkosh, host Cheryl Hentz spends the hour chatting with Oshkosh City Manager Mark Rohloff. Much of the discussion is on large, multi-family developments, TIFs and TIDs. They also discuss the recently-approved vehicle registration fee (commonly called a "wheel tax" by some); soon-to-be increases in water bills; applications for COVID money and how much money is left to disperse; the upcoming State of the City event; ways in which the City tries to be transparent and informative with the residents; how the City ensures city services meet all residents' needs; and more. Check it out here: https://youtu.be/seYO_omR0ik

Eye On Oshkosh - Oshkosh Common Council Candidates Jacob Floam and Tom A...

On this edition of Eye on Oshkosh host Cheryl Hentz and citizen guest co-host Roxanne Rolph talk with two of the remaining candidates for Oshkosh Common Council. They’ll get their opinions on what the City is doing right and wrong; how they’d fix what’s wrong; their position on affordable housing and how we can develop more housing that people with an income of $50,000 to $75,000 or even less than $50,000 can afford; ever-rising utility costs and more fees/taxes Oshkosh residents are expected to pay for road repairs when those doing the most damage get off scot-free, etc.  

You can watch the show here, or by going to this link: https://youtu.be/EjFaFXMYr2k

Eye on Oshkosh - Winnebago Cty Br. 1 Judicial Race candidates Michael D. Rust and Eric Heywood answer questions

On the latest edition of Eye on Oshkosh, host Cheryl Hentz talks with two candidates vying for a judicial spot in Winnebago County Circuit Court Branch 1 this spring. Michael D. Rust and Eric Heywood, both current Court Commissioners in Winnebago County, spend the hour discussing their background and position on different issues facing them, if elected to the bench this April 2024.

Besides their qualifications and experience, the candidates field questions about justice and fairness in our court system and what they’ll do to ensure it; how they’ll manage a very heavy caseload; what they most and least like about their job as Court Commissioner; what reforms they feel are necessary to our justice system; courthouse security, order and decorum; and how they stay abreast of changes within the legal and court system; among other topics.

A third candidate, LaKeisha Haase, is also vying for this seat. There is a primary election on February 20, 2024, and one or both of the candidates appearing on this show will go on to the general election on April 2.  

You can see the show here or by following this link: https://youtu.be/qn7L9W-NVvI.

For more information about this election or how to register to vote, vote early, or get an absentee ballot contact your local city, town, or county clerk or visit MyVote.wi.gov.

Eye on Oshkosh - Oshkosh Common Council Candidates Ulrich and Larson - taped 2-1...

On the most recent edition of Eye on Oshkosh, host Cheryl Hentz talks with Kristopher Ulrich and Kris Larson, two of the five candidates running for Oshkosh Common Council in the upcoming April 2024 election.

The two candidates talk about why they're running for Council, and share their thoughts on development in the city and affordable housing, landlord-tenant issues, proposed vehicle registration fees, what they feel is working well in the city and what isn't, etc. They also discuss what experience they've had serving on other boards, commissions, or groups and how that experience will lend itself to their service on the Council, if elected.

There are three Council seats available this Spring, so three of the five candidates running will be elected to serve a two-year term.

You can see this show in its entirety here or by following this link: https://youtu.be/TPVKeTNycJk.  

Anyone needing to register to vote or who needs more information about early voting, absentee voting, their precinct or voting place, etc. should contact either the City Clerk for Oshkosh, the Winnebago County Clerk, or visit myvote.wi.gov.

Eye on Oshkosh - Lake Butte des Morts Drive development, and Day by Day ...

On this edition of Eye on Oshkosh, host Cheryl Hentz talks in the first segment with Kathy Brewer and Cheryl Borchardt – two neighbors and concerned citizens – about a high-density planned development of several different apartment buildings – 522 units in all – along Lake Butte des Morts Drive. Their concerns are numerous, including what such a project will do to their neighborhood and property values, the lake water quality, and the fact that the current wildlife habitat in that area will be threatened, possibly eliminated. They also have been frustrated with the lack of notice the City of Oshkosh gave residents in the area, and how the Oshkosh Common Council approved one plan, then basically undid that vote and approved something they consider more invasive.  

In the second segment, Hentz chats with Molly Yatso Butz, executive director of the Day by Day Shelter in Oshkosh about the current homeless population in the community, how their new year-round facility is helping those in need, and how you can help. You can see the show here, or by following this link: https://youtu.be/TkO8xAcsdEw

Snow emergency declared for City of Oshkosh

 

City of Oshkosh declares General Snow Emergency

 

OSHKOSH, Wis., January 12, 2024 – The city of Oshkosh has declared a General Snow Emergency, effective Friday, January 12, at 12:00 p.m. The snow emergency will be in effect for all streets in the city of Oshkosh. In accordance with Section 27-33 of the Municipal Code of the city of Oshkosh, the snow emergency will remain in effect for 48 hours unless lifted sooner.

Snow emergency parking restrictions on city streets will be as follows: Friday, January 12, starting at 12:00 p.m., vehicles must park on the side of the street with even-numbered addresses.

On Saturday, January 13, at Noon, vehicles will be required to park on the side of the street with odd-numbered addresses.

The overnight “No Parking” restriction on all city streets from 2 a.m. – 5 a.m. remains in effect throughout this Snow Emergency.

The Oshkosh Police Department may authorize the removal, including towing, of vehicles parked in violation of Snow Emergency Parking Restrictions. The operator or owner of the vehicle shall pay the reasonable charges for moving or towing or any storage of that vehicle parked in violation of Snow Emergency Parking Restrictions.

City of Oshkosh Public Works Director James Rabe requests your cooperation during this snow emergency, “If you are able to safely move your vehicle to off-street parking, our plow drivers can clear the streets more efficiently and effectively.”

This Snow Emergency is subject to change based upon weather conditions. Please follow the City of Oshkosh Department of Public Works Facebook page for further updates to the snow emergency and weather announcements.