Fire safety tips from the Oshkosh Fire Chief

On the latest edition of Eye on Oshkosh, host Cheryl Hentz spends the entire hour with Oshkosh Fire Department Chief Tim Heiman, 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 answers many calls every year related to someone falling. During this show, fall prevention tips are offered and, in case you didn’t know, if you live in the city of Oshkosh or Winnebago County, Wisconsin, and you’d like your home or apartment assessed for areas that could cause a fall, just call the Oshkosh Fire Department or the Winnebago County Health Department. They will send someone out to do a risk assessment – completely free of charge. General fire safety tips were also discussed during the hour, including developing and practicing an escape plan, and having working smoke/CO detectors and fire extinguishers in your home or apartment. Hentz and Heiman discussed how to keep pets safe in the event of a fire, too. That includes placing a sticker on your doors advising the fire department the pets you have and how many, so they can be on the lookout for them in the event of a fire; and you should be sure to include your pets in your escape plan. So many products these days come with rechargeable batteries. But, if not charged correctly they can cause fires. Chief Heiman shared with folks the best way to charge something so you’re eliminating those risks, including using charging devices made for the products you’re charging – especially in the case of charging cell phones or tablets – and making sure they are UL (Underwriter Laboratories) rated/approved/recommended. And with the holidays right around the corner, Chief Heiman talked about how they’ve teamed up with the Salvation Army this year for their annual food and toy drive. Just buy a toy for a child, or clothing and donate it or food stuffs and drop them off at the Salvation Army or any of the local fire stations. For more information about any of the subjects discussed during this show visit the following websites: oshkoshwi.gov/Fire The National Fire Protection Association’s website is NFPA.org For Pet fire safety tips: Ready.gov/pets OR humaneworld.gov  

You can watch the show here or by going to the following link: https://youtu.be/35KmA3XJqok 

Winnebago County Sheriff John Matz visits Eye on Oshkosh 10-15-2026

On the most recent edition of Eye on Oshkosh, host Cheryl Hentz spends the hour visiting with Winnebago County Sheriff John Matz, who will be leaving office right after the start of the new year. 

After 36 years in law enforcement – 16 of which have been as our county sheriff – Sheriff Matz has decided to retire and enjoy the fruits of his labor with his wife and family – not just his children, but his ever-growing number of grandchildren, as well.  

The two discuss how law enforcement has changed during his time on the job and some of the various programs and initiatives started by and under him in his role as sheriff. They also talk about the Citizens Academy the sheriff’s department recently started and how citizens can get involved. 

You can see the entire episode here or by going to this link:  https://youtu.be/F07oZoo_7Hg  

Oshkosh Area School District topic of recent Eye on Oshkosh

On this episode of Eye on Oshkosh host Cheryl Hentz chats with Oshkosh Area School District (OASD) superintendent Bryan Davis and president of OASD’s Board of Education, Mike Ford. 

Topics include what enrollment looks like as the new school year has just kicked off, along with information about the Oshkosh Schools Academy for interested Oshkosh residents. An update on the various construction projects at the district’s schools was given; the Carl Traeger Elementary ribbon-cutting ceremony was discussed, along with the school’s new all-inclusive playground; and the public’s ability to submit their suggestion for the name of the new (future) westside middle school was discussed. One other topic covered was about accusations made by taxpayers that when schools are closed for whatever reason, the desks, bookshelves, chairs, etc. are just thrown out instead of being repurposed or donated somewhere.

You can see the episode here or by following this link: https://youtu.be/1MRJMcOJJhc 

Eye on Oshkosh topic for 8/20/26 - Senior issues and care solutions

On the most recent edition of Eye on Oshkosh, hosts Cheryl Hentz and Sarah McAninch spend the hour talking with Jen Marty, recruiting and training manager for Senior Stride Home Care, about the various issues surrounding seniors as they age. 

That includes the various stages of care that can be accessed as someone ages; any state, federal, county resources that can be utilized to help pay for services; the importance of having Long-term Care insurance, if you are at the age where you could apply; the importance of having a caregiver for someone when their situation calls for it; the importance of that caregiver having respite when they need it; utilizing the free services that are available, including your county’s Aging, Disability and Resource Center (ADRC) and all it offers; why it’s important to spend an hour or so with an attorney that specializes in elder care law; etc. 

This is an important show that anyone can benefit from. You can see the show here or by following this link: https://youtu.be/-2RqMTCq6BM

Oshkosh Area Humane Society visits Eye on Oshkosh, taped 8-6-2026

 On the most recent edition of Eye on Oshkosh, host Cheryl Hentz spent the hour chatting with Cheryl Rosenthal, cat counselor and Outreach and Education Coordinator at the Oshkosh Area Humane Society. 

Of the topics they talked about was the upcoming annual Walk for the Animals, the shelter’s fundraiser for money to help fund the shelter’s medical fund. Almost every animal that enters the shelter needs some kind of medical care, even if it’s just as simple as a rabies vaccination. But some veterinary care can be on the expensive side. As you can imagine, that can start depleting their medical fund rather quickly. So each year, this walk is held to help replenish those funds. This year’s walk will be held on Saturday, September 12 at the Sunnyview Expo Center (in Barn A). They hope to raise $75,000 this year. If you want to help the cause but don’t want to walk, or don’t have a pet to walk with, you can make a donation to the shelter anyway – either online or in-person. Just please make sure to let them know that your donation is for the Medical Fund. If you are walking, registration begins at 8:30 a.m. If you want more information, visit oahs.org. 

Other topics the women discussed included the number of animals the shelter has already taken in, even just in recent weeks; the importance of spaying or neutering your pet; why microchipping your dog or cat is important; the importance of actually talking to staff if you need to surrender a pet instead of just leaving it outside the shelter facilities, and being honest in providing information to staff during the surrender process as that better helps them rehome your pet; the importance of having an established relationship with a veterinarian, especially if you’re adopting a pet now or in the future – make sure the veterinarian you pick is accepting new clients; etc.

You can see the show here or by going to this link: https://youtu.be/Gfm-rwxawuM.

Eye on Oshkosh - Future of Oshkosh Media's LifeTV2, taped 7-16-26

On this edition of Eye on Oshkosh hosts Cheryl Hentz and Sarah McAninch discuss with their guests, Tony Palmeri and Andy Thoman the issue of Oshkosh Media's LifeTV2. Specifically, they chat about the various reasons the city manager and her newly-hired communications and engagement director have given as to why this channel needs to be shut down -- each reason has been rebutted and solutions given, but to no avail. They also discuss why LifeTV2 is so important to the Oshkosh community -- in particular the older population and others who don't rely on the Internet or other technology for watching the channel's programming -- and what lies ahead if LifeTV2 is done away with by the Oshkosh Common Council at its August meeting. Watch the episode here or by following this link: https://youtu.be/LJkuQjLzF-E.

Community incentives help make relocating to Oshkosh easier

 MEDIA RELEASE: "City of Oshkosh Awarded Grant for Innovative Recruitment Plan" is attached. A plain text version is provided below:

City of Oshkosh Awarded Grant for Innovative Recruitment Plan

“Onboard to Oshkosh” helps make relocating to Oshkosh easier through community incentives

OSHKOSH, Wis., July 7, 2026 – A state grant of $117,500 will help the City of Oshkosh launch its “Onboard to Oshkosh” initiative, a community attraction and relocation program designed to welcome new residents to Oshkosh.

The funds from the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) will support relocation incentives and community engagement efforts designed to attract new residents to Oshkosh. The initiative reflects the City’s continued commitment to workforce development and economic growth, and recognizes that attracting new residents is only the first step. Helping them build connections and feel at home encourages them to stay in Oshkosh long term.

Eligible applicants will apply through the City of Oshkosh Community Development Department. To be eligible, applicants must live outside Wisconsin at the time of application, move to Oshkosh, and have a job with an annual individual income of at least $55,000.

Approved applicants may receive reimbursement of relocation expenses and other community-based incentives. The program will connect them with local resources and organizations that help new residents become active members of the community. More information about the application process and participating employers will be announced once the program fully launches in 2027.

Local program partners include the Oshkosh Chamber of Commerce, Discover Oshkosh, the Oshkosh YMCA, and Wagner Market. Local partners are helping provide community-based incentives and promote the program. Additional community partnerships will be announced as they are finalized.

“This investment gives Oshkosh an important opportunity to strengthen our workforce and support long-term economic growth,” said City Manager Rebecca Grill. “Onboard to Oshkosh is about more than recruitment—it is about helping new residents successfully join our community, build local connections, and see Oshkosh as a place where they can thrive.”

For more information about the Onboard to Oshkosh initiative, contact Economic Development Specialist Hannah Schueler at (920) 236-5028 or hschueler@oshkoshwi.gov.