Council candidates discuss shocking closure of Oshkosh Community Media on Eye on Oshkosh

On this episode of Eye on Oshkosh, host Cheryl Hentz continues interviewing Oshkosh Common Council candidates for the April 7 general election. The candidates featured on this episode are Paul Esslinger and Tim Neubauer.

One of the more immediate issues discussed is the closure of Oshkosh Media, effective May 15, 2026. This decision appears to have been made unilaterally by the current city manager of Oshkosh, Rebecca Grill. The “announcement” was made by email to local producers of programs on Oshkosh Media Thursday morning, and which also took the board of the Friends of Oshkosh Community Media by total surprise when announced to them at their meeting that same morning. This decision was made without public discussion or input, no public discussion by the Oshkosh Common Council, and certainly no vote by that governing body. (As a side note, Eye on Oshkosh host/producer Cheryl Hentz DID NOT receive the email other producers were sent. Hentz learned of the news upon walking into Oshkosh Media to tape this very show.) Needless to say, both candidates were stunned by this news. Besides explaining why they are seeking a seat on the Council, the candidates shared their views about Oshkosh city manager Rebecca Grill and her salary, as well as the fact that she not only doesn’t live in Oshkosh, and how she publicly states she wants greater transparency to the citizens of Oshkosh, while her actions speak otherwise. Other items discussed by the candidates were the direction the City is going; what they would like to see done differently, whether they’re elected or not; why they view there is a lack of transparency from the City toward the taxpayers and ways that could change; the recent restructuring of City Hall and the various departments within it; affordable housing; and the recent cuts to the Oshkosh Area Humane Society’s budget; This election, like all of them, is important and you are urged to make sure you’re registered to vote and, if not, get registered now. You can contact the clerk for your community to make sure you’re registered or visit myvote.wi.gov. Then you need to vote in the April 7 election. You may vote on election day, or vote during the early voting period – which your clerk can tell you when it is and where to go to cast your ballot – or vote by absentee ballot. You may request an absentee ballot either from your clerk or through the website just referenced. You can see this show here or by going to https://youtu.be/e79S1xoRY48. Those running for the Oshkosh Area School District’s Board of Education will be interviewed on a future show.

Oshkosh Common Council candidates visit Eye on Oshkosh, 2-26-26

On this episode of Eye on Oshkosh, host Cheryl Hentz begins interviewing Oshkosh Common Council candidates for the April 7 general election. The candidates featured on this episode are Meredith Scheuermann and Logan Jungbacker. 

Besides explaining why they are seeking a seat on the Council, the candidates shared their views on the direction the City is going; what they would like to see done differently, whether they’re elected or not; why they view there is a lack of transparency from the City toward the taxpayers and ways that could change; the recent restructuring of City Hall and the various departments within it; what they believe should be the role of the City Manager, especially a lot of residents/taxpayers believe the lack of transparency is both within the City Manager’s office and among the Common Council members; affordable housing and economic development; what they think about the future of City Hall and the different options for it moving forward; the recent cuts to the Oshkosh Area Humane Society’s budget; and what they’re hearing from citizens/taxpayers as they’re out there campaigning.

This election, like all of them, is important and you are urged to make sure you’re registered to vote and, if not, get registered now. You can contact the clerk for your community to make sure you’re registered or visit myvote.wi.gov. Then you need to vote in the April 7 election. You may vote on election day, or vote during the early voting period – which your clerk can tell you when it is and where to go to cast your ballot – or vote by absentee ballot. You may request an absentee ballot either from your clerk or through the website just referenced.   

You can see this show here or by going to https://youtu.be/nUrrwyTv5XE. Other Council candidates and those running for the Oshkosh Area School District’s Board of Education will be interviewed on future shows.

Dementia topic of most recent Eye on Oshkosh - taped 2-5-2026

On the latest edition of Eye on Oshkosh, the topic of dementia and related issues are explored with Sheri Fairman, MSW, CMDCP, dementia care consultant and owner of Dementia Care Solutions (DementiaCareSolutions.org).  

According to the Alzheimer’s Association (alz.org) over 7 million Americans are living with Alzheimer's. By 2050, this number is projected to rise to nearly 13 million. That means that about 1 in 9 Americans age 65 and older has Alzheimer's. 

What are the symptoms that might indicate someone is starting to have real memory issues that could be the result of some form of dementia? At what point should memory issues be discussed with a doctor? When should you consider getting help for yourself or a loved one who may be living with a form of dementia? Did you know that you can have a memory screen baseline done for free at your county’s Aging, Disability and Resource Center? 

These are just a few of the many things discussed during this important hour. You can see the show in its entirety here or by following this link: https://youtu.be/fPD22zEHTQM 

Eye on Oshkosh - City Manager Rebecca Grill and City Councilor Jacob Flo...

On this edition of Eye on Oshkosh, we discuss various city-related issues with Oshkosh City Manager Rebecca Grill in the first segment and City Councilor Jacob Floam in the second segment. Many of the same topics were discussed with each, including the current city manager’s salary increase after only six months on the job and her being allowed to live in Menomonee Falls until her daughter graduates high school. 

They also discussed a reorganization of city departments, why it was done, and the implications of that restructuring; the plan to hire a communications person (Public Information Officer) for the City at a cost of $100,000-$125,000, why this position is being created and whether Grill will remain as the face and voice of the city with the public and media; the budget cut with respect to the Oshkosh Area Humane Society; the recent pay raise for non-represented city employees; the desire for greater transparency by the City; the future home of City Hall; etc. 

The show can be seen in its entirety here or by going to this link: https://youtu.be/XzoAKkW5iJo

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