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.