Wisconsin is the only state in the U.S. that mandates a wolf season when the animals do not appear on the list of endangered species - and one of five that allows wolves to be hunted at all. In August, the state’s Natural Resources Board set a quota for the fall wolf hunt of 300 animals, more than double the amount recommended by the Department of Natural Resources. Half of the quota belongs to the state’s tribal nations - six of which are suing to keep the hunt from happening at all. W e take a look at the issues and controversies surrounding the state’s wolf hunt with guests Pat Quaintance, from the Wisconsin Wildlife Federation, A drian Wydeven, Chairman of the Timber Wolf Alliance and Paul DeMain, an award-winning investigative journalist of Ojibwe descent and a member of the Oneida Nation living at Lac Courte Oreilles. We’ll hear their differing perspectives on wolf management and the upcoming November hunt, along with a discussion on the impact of wolves on conservation and management.

Route 51

Oct. 15, Wisconsin Wolf Hunt

Every day, about 130 Americans die by suicide, the 10th leading cause of death in the U.S. National surveys show the number of people who have seriously considered suicide in the past 30 days has increased dramatically since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, with veterans and farmers among the hardest hit. "Route 51" host Shereen Siewert welcomes Sara Kohlbeck, director of the Division of Suicide Prevention at the Medical College of Wisconsin, Brian Michel, director of prevention services at Mental Health America of Wisconsin and Bertrand D. Berger, Mental Health Division manager at the Zablocki VA Medical Cener, for a discussion on suicide prevention strategies for children and adults, with a special emphasis on farmers and veterans coping with suicidal thoughts. Resources: National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 800-273-8255 Available 24/7 The Crisis Text Line: Text "HELLO" to 741741 Available 24/7 Prevent Suicide Wisconsin Veteran Task Force on Suicide Prevention Reach Out Wisconsin Mental Health America of Wisconsin

Oct. 8, Preventing Suicide

Shereen Siewert welcomes vaccine expert Dr. Jonathan Temte, of the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, for a review of the latest science surrounding vaccination and the COVID-19 pandemic, and Professor Edward Fallone, Associate Professor of Law at Marquette University Law School, to address the legal implications of vaccine mandates.

Oct. 1, COVID Vaccine Questions Answered (Encore Broadcast)

Wisconsin Public Radio takes a look behind the scenes at the NFL’s only community-owned team, hearing from players, journalists, super fans and other Packer enthusiasts.

September 24, The People And Their Packers

Fort McCoy in Wisconsin is one of eight military installations offering temporary assistance to refugees who fled Afghanistan to avoid persecution by the Taliban government. Up to 13,000 refugees are expected to pass through the state as part of the resettlement process. At 10 a.m. on Friday, Sept. 17, Wisconsin Public Radio’s “Route 51” host Shereen Siewert welcomes Bojana Zoric Martinez from the Wisconsin Department of Children and Families Bureau of Refugees for an in-depth look at the efforts now underway. We’ll discuss how refugees are vetted, how their emerging humanitarian needs are being met and how the resettlement process is expected to play out in the coming weeks and months. Listeners are encouraged to call in at 800-780-9742 or email questions to route51@wpr.org .

Sept. 17, Afghan Refugees

An encore presentation of Shereen Siewert's conversation with Dr. Fernando "Fritz" Riveron. Dr. Riveron shares the story of his journey from Cuba to Wausau, where he has become a renowned surgeon and community leader.

Sept. 10, Journey From Cuba

Shereen Siewert welcomes Wisconsin Public Radio Rural Communities Reporter Rob Mentzer for a behind-the-scenes look at the reporting process and discussion about the today’s top stories, including what to watch for in the coming weeks.

Sept. 3, A Look Behind The Headlines

Aug. 27, COVID Vaccine Questions Answered

Shereen Siewert welcomes Art Stevenson and Dale Reichert of Highwater, along with Stef Lee and Jimer of Sloppy Joe, for a preview of Bluegrass in the Pines and Jackpine Jamboree.

Aug. 20, Live Bluegrass Returns

Shereen Siewert welcomes Holly de Ruyter, Producer of PBS Wisconsin's "Old Fashioned: The Story of the Wisconsin Supper Club,” Amy Wimmer, a third-generation owner of Del-Bar in Wisconsin Dells and architectural historian Jim Draeger of the Wisconsin Historical Society for a look at the history and staying power of supper clubs throughout Wisconsin.

Aug. 13, Supper Clubs In Wisconsin

Shereen Siewert welcomes Christopher Janssen, planetarium director at the Wausau School District, and Aaron Steffen, associate professor of astronomy at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point, for an introduction to the cosmos and a preview of what to see in the sky this summer.

Aug. 6, Backyard Stargazing

Shereen Siewert welcomes Democratic State Rep. Janet Bewley, of Mason, and Republican State Rep. Jerry Petrowski, of Marathon, for a discussion of upcoming legislative decisions and their impact on local residents

July 30, Legislative Roundup

Shereen Siewert welcomes Farmers Market of Wausau Vice President JoJo Vang and Chef Christian Czerwonka, whose restaurants in the Stevens Point area are known for spotlighting fresh, seasonal food, for a lively conversation about making the most of summer’s bountiful crops.

July 23, Farmers Market Celebration (Encore)

Fishing is a time-honored tradition in north central Wisconsin, which is home to thousands of lakes, streams and rivers filled with a variety of species. Fly fishing elevates the sport to a true art form, with its own relaxing rhythm and style, offering a connection to the outdoors that some enthusiasts say borders on obsession. Host Shereen Siewert welcomes Heidi Oberstadt, Trout Unlimited diversity initiative coordinator for the state of Wisconsin and upper Midwest, and Dan Perkins, a former fly fishing guide and professor at the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire, for an in-depth look at the appeal of fly fishing.

July 16, Fly Fishing

Shereen Siewert welcomes Wisconsin Department of Tourism Acting Secretary Anne Sayers to the show for tips on the best picks for summer festival fun.

July 9, Summer Festivals Return

"Route 51" is a regional talk show focusing on issues important to the north-central Wisconsin area, as well as featuring regional music, culture, and arts. It can be heard on 930 AM Auburndale/Stevens Point, 91.9 and 101.3 Wausau, 99.1 Stevens Point, 100.9 Marshfield, 90.3 Park Falls, 89.9 Rhinelander/Eagle River, and 89.1 Adams/Wisconsin Rapids Thursdays at 10 a.m. It is also repeated Fridays at 7 p.m. on 90.9 Wausau.

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