Travel Calumet Original Podcast

On episode 79 of the Travel Calumet Original Podcast, listen in to part 2 of a special 2-part podcast.  

Host Rick Sense is joined by Jon Woelfel and Kerri Futch, the visionary minds behind Wolf & Fox Winery located at the beautiful and historic Woelfel Homestead in New Holstein, Wisconsin. Jon, a winemaker who brought 16 years of California experience back to his roots, and partner Kerri transitioned this incredible sixth-generation family farm into a sustainable, grape-to-glass destination.  

Make sure to listen to part 1 of the conversation (episode 78) of the Travel Calumet Original Podcast to capture the entire conversation.

On episode 78 of the Travel Calumet Original Podcast, listen in to part 1 of a special 2-part podcast.  

Host Rick Sense is joined by Jon Woelfel and Kerri Futch, the visionary minds behind Wolf & Fox Winery located at the beautiful and historic Woelfel Homestead in New Holstein, Wisconsin. Jon, a winemaker who brought 16 years of California experience back to his roots, and partner Kerri transitioned this incredible sixth-generation family farm into a sustainable, grape-to-glass destination.  

Look for part 2 of the conversation on the upcoming episode of the Travel Calumet Original Podcast-episode 79 to be released on Friday, Oc...

On this episode we are talking about the recently opened world-class, championship-level disc golf course at the Ariens Nordic Center in Brillion, which has been officially selected to host the prestigious 2028 U.S. Women’s Disc Golf Championship. Joining host Rick Sense today are Lindsey Krause, the President and Founder of the Lakeshore Ladies Disc Golf Corporation and representing AriensCo, Fred Krause, the Operations Coordinator for the course.

Santa Claus (yes, that Santa) and Clara Hedrich join host Rick Sense on Episode 76 of the Travel Calumet Original Podcast.  The three discuss an upcoming great fun-filled day celebrating the rich heritage of America's Dairyland with a Christmas twist! On Saturday, June 20, community members and families are invited to the Calumet County Dairy Pop-Up. The event kicks off at 10:00 A.M. and runs until 2:00 P.M., offering an array of free treats, games, unique seasonal surprises and special event guest Santa Mac, also known as Jeff McMullen.

The Fifth Friday Music Fest, taking place on May 29th represents a key regional collaboration between Dave Willems, curator of Appleton's Mile of Music Festival, and Eric Krueger, managing partner of The Crystal Ballroom in Hilbert/St. John. This concert event acts as an expansion of the "Mile of Music Presents" series, bringing original, independent live music into Calumet County’s historic 1928 dance hall.

Listen in as Dave and Eric discuss with host Rick Sense, the Fifth Friday Fest event's organization, logistics, and its long-term significance for the local music community. The three talk about the performance ve...

Now that spring has sprung, people visiting Calumet County are starting to see the trees leaf out, flowers bloom, dandelions pop, and orange road construction signs appear.  The important work that the road crews do in Calumet County is the topic of this episode as discussion centers on the projects on the docket for the 2026 road construction schedule in Calumet County and their impact on tourists visiting the area.

Joining host Rick Sense for this episode are Chad Scheinoha, Highway Commissioner for the Calumet County Highway Department, and Spencer Loebel, Highway Superintendent for the Calumet County Highway D...

Pat Rowland from Rowland’s Calumet Brewing Company in Chilton, joins host Rick Sense to talk about the Wisconsin Microbrewers Beerfest, scheduled for May 17, 2026, from 1–6pm at the Calumet County Fairgrounds in Chilton.  Pat is the organizer of this long-running festival (celebrating its 35th year in 2026) that features up to 30 Wisconsin breweries with more than 100 craft beers on tap. Attendees can enjoy unlimited sampling, live music from bands like Copper Box, and local food. Must be 21 or older to sample.

Dion Block, Director of Operations, for Waverly Beach Bar & Grille and Banquets joins host Rick Sense to talk about one of Calumet County's true treasures, Waverly Beach.  

Waverly Beach Bar & Grille is known for serving up some of Wisconsin’s best lunch and dinner favorites including the popular Wisconsin fish fry.  Waverly is also known for having one of the coolest beach-bar venues and atmospheres north of Florida as it is situated on the north end of Wisconsin’s largest inland lake, Lake Winnebago.  Dion and Rick discuss this atmosphere, the amenities, and Waverly Beach hosting its annual...

Jackie Hering, the guest on Episode 70, makes a return visit to the Travel Calumet Original Podcast on an abbreviated Episode 71, as she joins host Rick Sense to discuss her winning the US and World Snowshoe Championship events at the 2025 World Snowshoe Championship presented by Nicolet National Bank and hosted by Ariens Nordic Center.  

Jackie is one of the elite athletes from all around the world that competed in the event organized by the North Country Sports Council, held December 19th-21st, in Brillion, Wisconsin. 

Jackie, a professional triathlete, has competed at an elite level in nu...

Jackie Hering, one of the elite athletes that will be competing in the 2025 World Snowshoe Championship Presented by Nicolet National Bank, the North Country Sports Council, and in partnership with Ariens Nordic Center the weekend of December 19th-21st, joins host Rick Sense for Episode 70 of the Travel Calumet Original Podcast.  

Jackie, a professional triathlete, has competed at an elite level in numerous sports, including snowshoe, where she is a former US Snowshoe Racing National Champion.  She also has competed in Ironman all over the world and is known for recording the fastest time ever by an Am...

The Travel Calumet Original Podcast focuses on the holiday season as the organizers of the 30th Annual Chilton Christmas Parade of Lights join host Rick Sense on the program.  Jerry Mallmann of Chilton Furniture and Terry Friederichs & Paula Mortimer of Friederichs Abstract & Title Service are the program's special guests.

Paula, known by most everyone in the Chilton Area as Elf Mort, shares her Christmas spirit and enthusiasm while Jerry, Terry, and Rick all try to keep up in this great discussion about the 2025 edition of this iconic Chilton and Calumet County institution, the Chilton Christmas Parade of L...

Dan Ariens, Chairman and CEO of AriensCo in Brillion joins host Rick Sense on episode 68 of the Travel Calumet Original Podcast to discuss the recently, AriensCo published, “The Nature of Business” - its Corporate Conservation Report.  The report is a beautiful and interesting review of the efforts underway at AriensCo to reclaim local native biodiversity.  Dan discusses the work, planning behind the efforts, the impact it is having on tourism in our area and how it is important to the quality of life in Calumet County and beyond.

Matt Dougherty, Executive Director of the North Country Sports Council, joins host Rick Sense to discuss the upcoming World Snowshoe Championship Presented by Nicolet National Bank, to be held December 19th-21st, at Ariens Nordic Center in Brillion.

The World Snowshoe Championships draws elite athletes from around the world. In 2024 the event was held in central Spain with athletes participating from not only Spain, but also the US, Italy, France, Great Britain, Argentina, India, Canada, and Sweden.

As part of this year's World Snowshoe Championship Presented by Nicolet National Bank, the North Country Sports Council...

Part 1 of 2 - Episode 65 (Part 2 is Episode 66)

In episodes 65 and 66, host Rick Sense and his guests delve into the dramatic arts in Calumet County as they discuss the upcoming production season of the Chilton School District’s vibrant performing arts programs and why these programs are a great reason to travel to Chilton to take in a performance and enjoy the amenities of Calumet County to make it a total evening experience.

Joining in the discussion are:

Part 2 of 2 - Episode 66 (Part 1 is Episode 65)

In episodes 65 and 66, host Rick Sense and his guests delve into the dramatic arts in Calumet County as they discuss the upcoming production season of the Chilton School District’s vibrant performing arts programs and why these programs are a great reason to travel to Chilton to take in a performance and enjoy the amenities of Calumet County to make it a total evening experience.

Joining in the discussion are:

Ben and Sharon Henke, the owners of the new tourist start-up destination Our Little Farm, located on 5 acres just outside of New Holstein, join host Rick Sense for episode 64 of the Travel Calumet Original Podcast.  

Our Little Farm specializes in growing ancient Einkorn wheat along with other fruits and vegetables.

Additionally, Ben and Sharon are in the process of building a commercial kitchen and farm store at their location with a tentative completion date of spring, 2026. The kitchen will specialize on products sourced from Einkorn Wheat.  

Mike Buboltz, part of the ownership/management group behind the new Circle of Friends Luxury Suites facility in Brillion, joins host Rick Sense for Episode 63 of the Travel Calumet Original Podcast.  In addition to the interview, Mike provides listeners a tour of the facilities available at the venue.

Circle of Friends Luxury Suites is the exciting and newest short-term rental facility to come online in Calumet County, a facility that caters to tourists, athletes, wedding attendees, corporate retreats, business travelers, and others visiting the Travel Calumet area year-round.  

On October 1, 2005, Patrick and Bonnie Keyes opened the barn doors on Hilbert’s beloved hands-on educational petting zoo and pumpkin patch called Mulberry Lane Farm.  And, just around the corner, Bonnie and Patrick will be leading the celebration of the 20th Anniversary of this iconic Calumet County destination.

Joining host Rick Sense for the 62nd episode of the Travel Calumet Original Podcast is Bonnie Keyes, who along with her husband Patrick, own Mulberry Lane Farm.  In addition to answering some questions about the upcoming milestone, Bonnie also provides listeners with a tour of the facility.

List...

Pull up a barstool and listen in as participants in the Harvest to Holiday Shopping Season happening from September 25th-27th join host Rick Sense at Schumacher's Shanty in Stockbridge.  

The Harvest to Holiday Shopping Season invites you to ditch the frantic crowds and the click-happy world of online shopping and instead, Shop, Sip & Savor your way through fabulous gift shops, cocktail spots, orchards, boutiques, and more along Lake Winnebago’s East Shore. Snag exclusive deals, holiday-inspired goodies, and chances to win prizes, gift cards, and even cash!

So, learn why you will want to gra...

Join us onstage for part 2 of this special 2-part episode focusing on the Engler Center for the Performing Arts.  Bill and Mike Engler, patrons of the state of the art and intimate performing arts center located in Chilton; Brian Bartel, the president of the Friends of the Engler Center and the technical genius behind the scenes at the Engler Center; Brady Kees, the Secretary of the Friends of the Engler Center and alum of the theatrical program at ECPA; and Jenie Farrell, the PAC Director at the Engler Center for the Performing Arts all join host Rick Sense in t...

On episode 59 of the Travel Calumet Original Podcast host Rick Sense is joined by Bill and Mike Engler, patrons of the state of the art and intimate performing arts center located in Chilton.  Additionally, Brian Bartel, the president of the Friends of the Engler Center and the technical genius behind the scenes at the Engler Center joins the conversation. This is part one of a special two-part episode focusing on the development and history of Chilton's Engler Center for the Performing Arts and on why it is such a great destination for visitors.

Making cameo appearances are B...

Jerry Mallmann, owner and CEO of Chilton Furniture and past president of the Chilton Chamber of Commerce, joins host Rick Sense on the Travel Calumet Original Podcast.  Jerry discusses the 23rd annual Crafty Apple Fest happening on Saturday, September 6th from 9am to 4pm in Chilton.  Jerry explains why you don't miss this craft show, and family fun event that includes a car show, great food, Rowland's Calumet Brewing Co.'s apple and pumpkin beer, pumpkin bowling and so much more!

Additionally, Jerry relates that this year's event is dedicated to the late Tammy Pethan who passed aw...

Voices of Peace Gospel Music Fest organizers Bud & Carolyn McAtee, Pastor Marc & Jeanne Axelrod, and Bud Wieting join Travel Calumet Original Podcast host Rick Sense in a conversation about the 2025 event that is taking place August 15-16, at Hilbert Civic Park.  The Voices of Peace Gospel Music Fest is one of the Midwest's largest annual gospel music festivals and has drawn performers from across the U.S. and other parts of the world.

Paul Schommer, bi-athlete, member of the US Biathlon Team and veteran of the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympic Games, joins host Rick Sense on this episode of the Travel Calumet Original Podcast.  Paul talks about his Appleton and Calumet County roots, his training regimen, U.S. Biathlon Olympic Team training at Ariens Nordic Center, the upcoming 2026 Milano Cortina Olympic Games, and life after Olympic competition.  Make sure to catch Paul's advice to young athletes as well! 

Perry Welch, owner of Welch’s Aviation, and the Airport Manager of the New Holstein Municipal Airport, joins host Rick Sense to talk about the airport and 2 upcoming special events-July's Airport Day and September's Wings & Wheels event.

Join host Rick Sense in part two of a special two-part series from the AriensCo Museum in Brillion, Wisconsin.  Alissa Beyer, Senior Director of Hospitality & Corporate Communications for AriensCo and former AriensCo employees and current AriensCo Museum committee members and tour guides, Bob Denor and Mel Edinger, provide an insightful and interesting tour of the museum to listeners of the Travel Calumet Original Podcast.  Alissa, Bob, and Mel share anecdotes and insights of the fascinating history gathered at the AriensCo Museum, a museum 90+ years in the making.

In honor of the opening of Brillion's AriensCo Museum to the general public you are invited to take a special virtual tour of the museum!  Joining host Rick Sense in part one of a special two-part series is Alissa Beyer, Senior Director of Hospitality & Corporate Communications for AriensCo and former AriensCo employees and current AriensCo Museum committee members and tour guides, Bob Denor and Mel Edinger. Alissa, Bob, and Mel provide an insightful and interesting tour to listeners of the Travel Calumet Original Podcast, sharing anecdotes and insights of the fascinating history gathered at the AriensCo Museum, a museum 90+ y...

While immersed in the collected history of the city of Brillion at the Brillion Historical Society's Museum at 110 N. Francis Street, Jane Fuhrmann, president of the society joins host Rick Sense to discuss the summer season at the museum for this episode of the Travel Calumet Original Podcast.

Joining host Rick Sense for episode 51 of the Travel Calumet Original Podcast are Mike Pichee and Terry Friederichs from the Calumet County Historical Society to discuss the historical society's museum and the upcoming open house taking place on site (N3327 Irish Road in Chilton) on Sunday June 8th, from 1-4pm. 

Joining host Rick Sense for episode 50 is Jerry Mallmann, the owner of Chilton Furniture and member of the Chilton Chamber of Commerce.  Jerry discusses the upcoming Chilton Summer Festival taking place June 12th-15th, the work done behind the scenes by members and staff of the Chilton Chamber of Commerce and the support received from event sponsors.

Bruce Keller, the owner of the World-Famous Keller’s Retired Tractor Museum, a collection of nearly 600 rare collectible farm tractors featuring John Deere and Minneapolis Moline Tractors joins host Rick Sense on episode 49 of the Travel Calumet Original Podcast.  Bruce also talks about the upcoming Classic Green Reunion event taking place from June 12-14, 2025, that includes organized motorcoach tours originating from the event to the museum in Calumet County.

Troy Campbell, the creator of The North Pole Christmas Village in Chilton joins host Rick Sense on this episode of the Travel Calumet Original Podcast.  Troy discusses this past Christmas season, some changes happening at the North Pole Christmas Village and some exciting fun summer news that is an early Christmas present to everyone listening to the Travel Calumet Original Podcast.

Joining host Rick Sense on the Travel Calumet Original Podcast is Lori Lamers, the creator of Fauna Farm Family Day at the Fauna Farm in Hilbert.  Fauna Farm Family Day is taking place on Saturday, June 7 from 10am-2pm.  Taped while sitting with Lori in one of her animal barns, it was great to have her four-legged and web-footed friends chime in from time to time during the conversation. Lori and I discussed all the fun things that are planned for the event, from education stations to animal experiences to mini golf and so much more!

Lindsay Meyer and Louise Marum from the Calumet County Parks Department join Travel Calumet Original Podcast host Rick Sense to talk about the exciting summer 2025 tourism season in Wisconsin's beautiful Calumet County.  The three talk camping on the shores of Wisconsin's largest inland lake, Lake Winnebago, and about the 6 caves, trails, and fossil-rich quarry at Ledge View Nature Center.  Louise also discusses Ledge View Nature Center's on-going remodel.

Joining host Rick Sense for this episode of the Travel Calumet Original Podcast are guests John Pakala, Sommelier, and Angela Brandenburg-Halbach, Marketing & Event Coordinator, at Calumet County’s Village Hearthstone, located in Hilbert, Wisconsin.  Angela and John talk about the fine dining experience at Village Hearthstone, the wine culture of Calumet County, agritourism, and what wines are great for those summer evenings with friends. 

Joining host Rick Sense on the Travel Calumet Original Podcast are Dana and Eric Krueger, owners of the beautiful and historic Crystal Ballroom in St. John, just outside of Sherwood. Dana and Eric share what's new at The Crystal and talk about some of the exciting things on the horizon at the iconic venue, like the Daddy Daughter Dance and an upcoming A Mile Down the Road event brought to you by the same folks that are responsible for Appleton's highly successful Mile of Music event.

Joining host Rick Sense is Pat Rowland from Rowland’s Calumet Brewing Company in Chilton. Rowland’s is an iconic Calumet County institution.  

Every May, the iconic Rowland's Calumet Brewing Company hosts the Wisconsin Micro Brewers Beer Fest in Chilton, Wisconsin at the Calumet County Fairgrounds. Over its 30+ years, the long-running fest has provided tens of thousands of patrons the opportunity to sample more than 100 types of beers brewed by more than 20 Wisconsin Breweries.  This year’s fest is to be held on May 18th from 1-6pm, at the Calumet County Fairgrounds in Chilton.

Kortney Woldt, from Woldt Farms in Brillion, joins host Rick Sense on episode 42 of the Travel Calumet Original Podcast.  Kourtney is a 4th generation farmer on the Woldt Farm which was established in 1911.  Kortney discusses the travel destination that Woldt Farms has become and the upcoming 2025 Meet Your Local Farmer event taking place in numerous locations, including Woldt Farms, in Calumet County and beyond on April 26th.

Joining episode 41 are some of the organizers and participants in the 2025 Meet Your Local Farmer event taking place in Calumet County and beyond on April 26th.   Guests include Anna Zastrow from Chilton's KidFarm, Katie Furmann from Salchert Meats in St. Cloud, Greg Vollmer from Midlakes Custom Services in Hilbert, and Clara Hedrich from LaClare Creamery in Pipe.

Meet Your Local Farmer is an event hosted in the Calumet County Area that was created to educate consumers about various aspects of agriculture in Wisconsin.  Participating farmers, producers, and suppliers host an "open house" to welcome visitors to their loc...

Home to some of the coolest and best thrift stores in all of Wisconsin, spending the day thrifting in Calumet County is a great way to find those forgotten treasures, super bargains, and unique finds that are the stuff of legend. 

Calumet County's leading thrifting experts sat around the table with host Rick Sense and discussed thrifting in Calumet County. Guests included Becca Mosier from Full Circle Community Closet in New Holstein, Julie Urness from Kiel's St Vincent De Paul Thrift Store, Lisa Martin from Wild Corgi in Chilton, and Susan Wittmann from Hilbert's St Vincent De P...