Eye on Oshkosh - Day by Day homeless shelter, taped 11-20-2025

On the most recent edition of Eye on Oshkosh, host Cheryl Hentz spends the hour chatting with Molly Yatso Butz, executive director of the Day by Day Shelter in Oshkosh. 

You’ll hear a brief history of the homeless shelter and be brought up-to-date on changes that have happened in recent years, especially since building and moving into the current location in May 2023. 

You’ll also get to hear the touching story of Phoenix Charles, the shelter’s facility dog, trained for them by Journey Together Service Dog, another nonprofit based in Oshkosh, Wisconsin.

Being open 365 days a year, as opposed to only six months when the shelter was first created back in 2011, and providing a multitude of services as well as two meals a day – one of which is a Continental breakfast – comes with many needs, not the least of which is donations and volunteers. Learn how you can help Day by Day, either by donating food, supplies, or money, or by volunteering on a meal team or in some other capacity. They never have too much help.

Watch the show here or by going to this link: https://youtu.be/8C5A5Xmro1A.

Eye On Oshkosh - State Rep Lori Palmeri discusses state issues, taped 11-6-2025

On the most recent edition of Eye on Oshkosh, host Cheryl Hentz welcomes Wisconsin State Assemblywoman from the 54th Assembly District Lori Palmeri. During the hour, Palmeri gave important updates on the SNAP / FoodShare program and other efforts being made to help those in need of finding food to feed themselves and their families. That includes a grassroots food drive effort she is working on with the Greater Oshkosh Healthy Neighborhoods Initiative and others in the community. 

Between November 3 and November 14, food donations may be dropped off at the Healthy Neighborhoods office located at 135 Church Ave., just a few doors down from City Hall, during their hours of Monday-Thursday 8:30 am to 3:30 pm. Palmeri’s office has also coordinated with the Oshkosh Area Community Food Pantry so they can open outside of their normal hours on Saturday, Nov. 8 and Saturday, Nov. 22 from 10 am to 2 pm. 

Hentz and Palmeri also discussed housing issues, mostly those related to folks with moderate to low income, the Affordable Care Act and the effect the federal government shutdown has on it, and the recent election, among many other things. It’s a very informative hour. The show can be seen here or by following this link: https://youtu.be/jUu2z4-CyH4. 

Eye on Oshkosh - The Grand, taped 10-16-2025

The Grand Oshkosh (formerly and affectionately known as The Grand Opera House) is going to get a brand new look, beginning in 2026. At the time this show was taped, a capital campaign was underway to raise approximately $10 million to make some major improvements to and to reconstruct part of the 142-year-old historic performing arts center. 

Groundbreaking will take place in May 2026 and The Grand will re-open to the public in fall 2027. 

Among the improvements:

The entrance will be moved from High Avenue to what is now the side of the building, making it safer for people, especially busloads of children coming to The Grand, as they won't have to unload/load on a busy street like they do now.

The property on the side of the building will be purchased, allowing for ample off-street parking and a covered entrance for people coming to enjoy a performance.

Seating inside the theater proper will be made more comfortable for folks and give them more room.

There will be a lounge area added, giving The Grand the ability to do smaller shows without using the theater itself.

A garage door will be built, allowing for shows with bigger set designs and props to be booked at The Grand.

There will also be two outdoor terraces where people can gather to socialize before and/or after performances. 

During this hour-long show, The Grand Oshkosh's president and CEO Joe Ferlo, talks in depth with host Cheryl Hentz about the renovations and reconstruction, including why they are necessary and how they will benefit The Grand -- now and for decades to come. He'll also talk about the capital campaign and how citizens can get involved.  

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

Eye on Oshkosh - Fire Safety, Senior Expo - taped 9-18-25

On the latest edition of Eye on Oshkosh, host Cheryl Hentz spends time with Oshkosh Fire Department Chief Tim Heiman, discussing a wide variety of topics. We also talked briefly with the organizer of the 9th annual Senior Expo in Oshkosh. There’s truly something for everyone in this jam-packed show.

Specifically, do you have working smoke detectors in your home, as recommended – one on each floor and one outside of bedrooms? If a fire broke out in your house, apartment, mobile home, or wherever you live, would you know what to do? If you live with a significant other, roommate or have a family, do you have an escape plan and do you practice it, so that it’s like second nature in the event something happens? If you have pets, do you have a decal on your doors and/or windows close to doors alerting firefighters that you have pets inside, how many and what kind? 

Our discussion with Chief Heiman covered many different topics, including the above questions, general fire prevention and safety tips; pet safety tips as they relate to fires and fire prevention; how to take a tour of any fire station in the city of Oshkosh; and when the National Fire Prevention Month is held and what week and day are Fire Prevention Week and Fire Prevention Day. Those are good times to put an escape plan in place and make sure your home has good fire prevention practices in place and, if not, do so. Finally, websites were given as to where to go to find safety tips for you and your family, including your pets. Those websites are: Ready.gov and Ready.gov/pets; humaneworld.org and search for Disaster Prep; HumaneSociety.org/resources/PetDisasterPreparedness; and NFPA.org  

Decals for doors and windows can be purchased through places like Amazon, Walmart, or elsewhere on the Internet. And if you need a smoke detector and cannot afford one, call the fire department at (920) 236-5240 and arrange to get one.  

There was a short discussion with the organizer of the upcoming Senior Expo in Oshkosh. This is the 9th annual expo and it will be held on Wednesday, Oct. 1 from 9 am to 1 pm at the Oshkosh Convention Center, 2N. Main St., Oshkosh. A free lite breakfast is served from 9 am to 10 am. Attendees will be able to get free flu and COVID vaccines at Walgreen’s on-site clinic that day. There will be hearing and other health screenings available at no charge. There will also be short seminars on Medicare, estate planning, annuities and CDs, neuropathy, and general wellness. In all, 70+ exhibitors will be there showcasing their products and services designed for seniors. Lots of giveaways throughout the day, which you must be present to win. The grand prize will be given toward the day’s end and it will be $250 in gift cards for any Piggly Wiggly.   

You can either watch the show here or by going to the following link: https://youtu.be/siZfnno3xcE

Eye on Oshkosh - MADD, taped 8-21-25

We often hear about traffic accidents where alcohol was a factor in the crash. How bad is the problem on a nationwide basis? Consider these statistics from the National Highway Safety Traffic Administration:
* Approximately every 42 minutes at least one person in the United States dies in a drunk driving crash, totaling more than 12,000 lives lost each year.
* In 2021, 13,384 people died in alcohol-impaired driving traffic crashes – a 14% increase from 2020.
* Drunk driving deaths in 2022 represented 30% of all traffic fatalities.
* Drunk driving deaths are up 22% since 2019.

These deaths were ALL preventable.

Mothers Against Drunk Driving® (MADD) is a national nonprofit leading the movement to end impaired driving for good. Since 1980, MADD has helped reduce drunk driving deaths in America by more than 40%, saved nearly 500,000 lives, and served nearly one million victims and survivors.

On this edition of Eye on Oshkosh, host Cheryl Hentz chats with Karl Krull, program manager for MADD’s Wisconsin chapter about the growth MADD has realized since it was first started in 1980 by one mom who lost a child to drunk driving, and the various services the nonprofit provides. That includes their 24-hour Victim Help Line at 877-MADD-HELP.

Later in the show, Hentz welcomes Ieva Engel, executive director of the Oshkosh Area Humane Society to discuss the shelter’s upcoming annual Walk for the Animals on Saturday, Sept. 13. They are trying to raise $65,000 this year for their medical fund. People do not have to walk – they can just raise money by getting pledges from people or by making a donation of their own to the Walk for the Animals fund.

You can see the show in its entirety here or by following this link: https://youtu.be/1w6oaXPGSvM

Eye On Oshkosh - Goodwill NCW, taped 8-7-2025

On this episode of Eye on Oshkosh, host Cheryl Hentz talks with folks from Goodwill of North Central Wisconsin to learn more about what they do. You may think of Goodwill as a place to buy all kinds of neat stuff at super low prices, or where you can make charitable donations when you’re doing spring cleaning and wanting to get rid of things around your house. But Goodwill is so much more than that. From internships to direct hires they employ people in many different capacities and have different training programs that teach transferable skills to folks who can then use them at other jobs. Here's something else I’ll bet you didn’t know: approximately 90 cents of every dollar generated in Goodwill stores in NCW goes right back into the Goodwill mission. Additionally, protecting the planet and its resources is at the core of Goodwill NCW operations. Each year, through items being donated to Goodwill NCW, they divert, on average, 35 million pounds of items from going into our local landfills. Wonder how much that is? Imagine more than 800 semis filled with items and that is a visual that’s hard to forget. This just scratches the surface of what these folks at Goodwill North Central Wisconsin do to help local communities and the people who live here. Watch this important episode here or by following this link: https://youtu.be/1USdHZSdiqw.

Eye on Oshkosh Emergency Preparedness, taped 7-17-2025

On this episode of Eye on Oshkosh, we look at how to prepare for almost any kind of emergency, including having a first aid kit and the proper kind of emergency supply kit for whatever disaster or emergency you’re dealing with.

Host Cheryl Hentz and her guests from the American Red Cross and the Winnebago County Emergency Management department also discuss the importance of having a weather radio, even if you receive weather-related alerts on your phone; where you should go in the event of an emergency or disaster, including if someone has no basement or is homeless; and they share information about a variety of apps you can get for your smartphone or mobile device that can help you in a disaster or emergency, and various alerts you can sign up for.

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

We thank Audrey Erdmann from the American Red Cross and Amy Houle from the Winnebago County Emergency Management department for providing all this information; and thanks to their entire departments, colleagues and staff for always being there to help keep us safe – before, during, and after a disaster or emergent situation.

Eye On Oshkosh - Oshkosh City Manager Rebecca Grill, taped 6-5-25

On the most recent edition of Eye on Oshkosh, host Cheryl Hentz welcomes new Oshkosh City Manager Rebecca Grill. She has been on the job since February, and even though many people are familiar with her and where she came from, we wanted to give viewers and radio listeners a chance to hear those things again – just in case they missed some of the introductions made early on, or in case someone would like to hear them again. 

Also part of the discussion was a new city ordinance for the Fox River as it runs through the community and as it relates to shoreline erosion; some street construction projects happening this summer and a couple of other infrastructure projects; planned renovations for The Grand Oshkosh; and the Municipal Services Payments program, a program directed at state-owned properties in Oshkosh such as the prison and university. 

These properties are tax-exempt, yet they receive city services such as police and fire protection. At one time, under the Municipal Services Payments program (MSP), the State fully paid Oshkosh to provide those services, but over the years the amount of money reimbursed has dwindled to about 37%, leaving city residents who own properties holding the bag for the remaining nearly 63%. There is a movement calling on Madison to start refunding the city at 100% for these services which, if done, would reduce each person’s annual property tax bill by about $72. A resolution asking the state to begin paying 100% for their own buildings’ fire and police protection has been signed by members of the Common Council and several other elected officials are in full support of this, as well. You can let your local lawmakers know that you’re in favor of Madison fully-funding the MSP program by contacting them or by reaching out to Joint Finance Committee members directly in Madison. Think of the difference approximately $72 would make to you on your own property tax bill!  And thank you City Manager Grill for bringing this to everyone’s attention!

Also on this show is a brief discussion of the potholes in so many city streets and how to report them to the city, short of calling the road division on the phone. 

You won’t want to miss this show. You can see it here or by clicking on this link: https://youtu.be/YCtcq82O6Kg 

Eye On Oshkosh - Parks and Library summer activities - taped 5-15-2025

On this edition of Eye on Oshkosh, host Cheryl Hentz talks with Oshkosh Parks Director, Ray Maurer, and Oshkosh Public Library director of library development, Lisa Voss, about the dozens of activities happening in the community this summer. No matter your age and no matter your interests, you are absolutely sure to find something fun, creative or educational to do within the parks department or library. Summer is right around the corner. This is your chance to learn about the many activities they have to offer so you, your kids, or your entire family can jumpstart your summer the moment the calendar says “First Day of Summer.” 

Watch the show here or by going to this link: https://youtu.be/E1BkIu7M5pA

Eye on Oshkosh - World Relief refugees, taped 5-1-2025

On the most recent edition of Eye on Oshkosh, host Cheryl Hentz spends the hour visiting with three staff members of World Relief in the Fox Valley and Chippewa Valley region of Wisconsin. 

During this highly-informational hour, we’ll find out what World Relief is and who the many refugees they assist are, as well as the various countries they come from. These people are doctors, dentists, lawyers, and other professionals, as well as people who possess various skilled trades. It might also interest viewers to know that anything these folks get in the way of financial compensation they are expected to repay and they must apply for U.S. citizenship within a specific period of time after arriving in the U.S. 

This is a show that will dispel many beliefs or myths. You’ll definitely want to watch this. You can watch it here or by clicking on the following link: https://youtu.be/KapPfEhVlHk

Eye On Oshkosh - Pups on the Runway, Writers Conference - taped 4-17-2025

On the most recent edition of Eye on Oshkosh, host Cheryl Hentz talks with her guests about two exciting events coming up in Oshkosh.

First is the Pups on the Runway event at Becket’s Atrium in City Center on April 24 from 5 to 8 pm. For a mere $10 you can enjoy an evening of fun as dogs and their parents strut their stuff on the runway, as well as refreshments and raffles. A cash bar is also available that evening. Clothing is furnished by several boutiques in the Oshkosh area. The money raised goes to help pay for the ongoing care for Phoenix Charles, the facility dog at the Day by Day Shelter. Ongoing care includes his veterinarian visits, immunizations, prescriptions he may need from time to time, food and other miscellaneous costs. Phoenix was on the show too. This Boxer, donated by Journey Together Service Dog, Inc., helps to keep staff, volunteers and guests calm and relaxed. He can easily turn a bad, sad, or frustrating day into one filled with love and doggie hugs and kisses. 

The second segment was a discussion about the Writer’s Conference in Oshkosh on the first Friday and Saturday of May. It’ll be held at the Oshkosh Convention Center, And this year, they will offer a large Book Fair that will be open to the public on Saturday, May 3 from 9 am to 4 pm. If you’re a writer or would like to explore the world of writing, you can also attend the conference. Registration information for the conference is talked about during the show, but you can always access it at https://lakeflywriters.org/2023-conference-schedule-coming-soon. 

Check out this show to see Phoenix Charles and hear all the fun things associated with these two events that are right around the corner. You can either watch it here OR by going to this link: https://youtu.be/5sJxx5JHQ-E. 

Eye on Oshkosh - Oshkosh Common Councilors, taped 4-3-2025

On this edition of Eye on Oshkosh, Cheryl Hentz visits with sitting Oshkosh Common Council members Kris Larson and Jacob Floam who share news about some of the many housing developments going on or soon-to-start in the city. These are developments that have something to offer for everyone, no matter their income level, including those with low-to-moderate income. 

They also discuss the recent valuations of residential and commercial properties in the city and what property owners could expect when all is said and done; as well as the idea of creating a Tenant-Landlord Resource Center in the city. Information is also provided about the water project happening soon that may temporarily change the taste of city water, but stressed it is still safe to drink. 

If you want an update on things happening in the city of Oshkosh, this is one show you’ll not want to miss. It can be seen here or by following this link: https://youtu.be/_u5_lURbtFo. 

Our thanks to Kris and Jacob for taking time out of their busy schedules to come on the show. 

Eye on Oshkosh - Spring election, county exec and school board candidates

On the latest edition of Eye on Oshkosh, host Cheryl Hentz chats with Jon Doemel and Gordon Hintz, candidates for the position of Winnebago County executive, and Molly Smiltneek, Michael Ford and Jacob Wolf, candidates for the Oshkosh Area School District Board of Education. 

Due to some technical problems earlier in the month, we were unable to tape a show earlier in the month where we could have had more time with the candidates. So on this episode, we were crunched for time and could not explore all the things we had wanted to with the candidates, but we tried to cover the more salient points. Some of you submitted questions to us to ask the candidates and we tried to dovetail them with some of our own questions. Please accept our apologies if we didn’t get to a particular question you may have sent in. We and the candidates did the best we could with the time we had. On that note, we want to thank the candidates for being as concise as they were in answering questions so we had more time to cover other topics.

On this episode, you’ll hear why the candidates are seeking the positions they are and why they believe they’re the best-qualified. You’ll also hear what the county is trying to do currently and what it will be doing in the future in partnership with others to create more housing in the area. 

Meanwhile, the school board candidates discuss the upcoming referendum, the district’s huge $1.2 million misstep with regard to purchasing homes for an expansion or construction of a new South Park school, and behavioral problems with some students at Vel Phillips Middle School, resulting in the police being called on numerous occasions. 

Whatever your position on issues or candidates in the April 1 election, PLEASE make sure to vote and let your voice be heard. If you have any questions about polling places, or how to register to vote, contact your local clerk of courts and they can help you.

You can watch the show here or by following this link: https://youtu.be/Qzve2xPpHR4

Eye On Oshkosh - Oshkosh Area School District issues - taped 2-20-2025

On this edition of Eye on Oshkosh, host Cheryl Hentz spends the hour visiting with Dr. Bryan Davis, superintendent of the Oshkosh Area School District. 

One topic heavily discussed was the recent discovery that the $1.2 million spent to purchase five homes to either enlarge or rebuild South Park Middle School, was wasted because of zoning changes that occurred more than a year ago which don’t allow buildings with large numbers of people in them to be located in the runway/departure zone of Wittman Regional Airport.  The district assumes full responsibility for this mistake and Dr. Davis explains what they’re going to do about this moving forward.

They also talked about the school referendum going on the ballot this past April 1, 2025, in which the district is asking voters to approve $197.8 million for the construction of a new middle school and, additions and improvements to other schools. If the referendum fails in April, Dr. Davis explains what that means to the district and that they’ll put together another referendum to bring forward next April.

They also talked about the recent activity of two school board members who created fake Facebook accounts to oppose the upcoming referendum and the district’s policies, in general; the district’s recent report card; school safety issues; etc.

You can see the show here or by following this link: https://youtu.be/SJA3h8umBkw

Eye on Oshkosh - Kids museum and Seniors Center - taped 2-6-2025

On this episode of Eye on Oshkosh, host Cheryl Hentz visits in the first segment with Lisa Heller and Tina Fillmore, two women who are part of a small group of folks dedicated to creating a Kids Museum in the city of Oshkosh. They explain how the idea came about and the steps they’ve taken thus far to make this dream a reality by sometime in 2027. Find more information about them, including how you can join them in this effort or donate to the cause, at oshkoshkidsmuseum.com.

In the second segment, Hentz chats with Jane Wells, program supervisor at the Oshkosh Seniors Center about the many programs and services this 50-year-old center has to offer to people 50 years and older. From balance and fall prevention screening, fitness and wellness programs, and social events to providing assistance with technology, woodworking instruction, and educational seminars, the Oshkosh Seniors Center offers something for everyone.

People can take a free tour of the facility by calling them at 920-232-5300, or pick up a copy of their monthly newsletter, “The Current,” to see what’s happening each and every month. You can also find the newsletter online at oshkoshwi.gov/seniorservices.  

Watch the program here (if offered) or by going to this link: https://youtu.be/bSPWotq6H50. 

EyeOnOshkosh - Habitat for Humanity, taped 1-16-2025

On the most recent edition of Eye on Oshkosh, host Cheryl Hentz discusses with Tom Simon, executive director of Habitat for Humanity of Oshkosh, the affordable housing crisis – homes that people with low-to-moderate income or those with income of $100,000 or less can afford. This includes the Washington Elementary School site, where the school is being demolished, and -- as part of a public-private partnership between Habitat and the City of Oshkosh -- 18 new homes will be built there – 9 by Habitat and 9 by the City. The proposed cost of these new homes, especially by the City is ridiculous and will do little to nothing to help those with low to moderate income.

Other topics included projects Habitat recently finished and ones they are about to embark upon.  

Check it out here or by following this link: https://youtu.be/hYrKJToSNok.