SEVERAL OTHER JUDGES ALSO RECEIVED PIZZA DELIVERIES UNDER
ANDERL'S NAME. MCCONNELL SAYS THAT WAS JUST ONE
OF MULTIPLE DEATH THREATS HE'S RECEIVED.
THEY BEGAN ESCALATING IN 2025 WHEN HE TEMPORARILY BLOCKED A
TRUMP ADMINISTRATION FREEZE ON BILLIONS OF DOLLARS IN FEDERAL
FUNDING. TO DISCUSS, JUDGE MCCONNELL
JOINS ME NOW, ALONG WITH JUDGE ESTHER SALAS.
THANK YOU BOTH SO MUCH FOR BEING HERE.
JUDGE MCCONNELL, I WOULD LIKE TO START WITH YOU, WHAT WAS GOING
THROUGH YOUR MIND WHEN YOU SAW YOUR NAME ON THIS UNSOLICITED
PIZZA DELIVERY? >> HEARTBREAK ORIGINALLY THAT
SOME PEOPLE FOR POLITICAL REASONS WHAT INVOKE THE NAME OF
JUDGE SOLACE' BELOVED SON WHO WAS MURDERED WHEN A PERSON WAS
ACTUALLY ATTEMPTING TO MURDER HER AND ULTIMATELY WANTING TO DO
THE SAME TO JUSTICE SOTO MAYOR, SO IT WAS HEARTBREAK TURNED TO
OUTRAGE TURNED TO DISAPPOINTMENT THAT WE HAD GOTTEN TO THAT STAGE
IN OUR DISCOURSE IN THE COUNTRY. >> JUDGE SALAS, WHAT WAS GOING
THROUGH YOUR MIND WHEN YOU HEARD THAT SOMEONE HAD RECEIVED A
PIZZA DELIVERY UNDER YOUR LATE SON'S NAME?
AND ALSO TO FIND OUT THAT THERE HAVE BEEN OTHER CASES LIKE THIS.
>> JUST SADNESS, BUT ANGER BECAUSE DANIEL STANDS FOR LIGHT
AND LOVE AND HE GAVE HIS LIFE AS AN ACT OF LOVE FOR HIS DAD,
MARK, MY HUSBAND, AND ME. AND FOR PEOPLE TO BE USING HIS
NAME TO INFLICT FEAR ON JUDGES ALL THROUGHOUT THIS COUNTRY JUST
TELLS ME WHERE WE ARE AT IN TERMS OF TRYING TO INTIMIDATE
THE JUDICIARY AND STRIP IT OF ITS CONSTITUTIONAL INDEPENDENCE.
>> THE PRESIDENT AND MEMBERS OF HIS ADMINISTRATION HAVE LAUNCHED
, JAMES PERCIVAL WROTE A LIST ON X THAT HE SAID WERE THE WORST OF
THE WORST. YOU WERE TALKING ABOUT THIS AND
THE HARMFUL INFLAMMATORY RHETORIC THESE ADMINISTRATION
OFFICIALS ARE USING. HAVE THINGS CHANGED IN YOUR
OPINION? IF SO, HAVE THEY GOTTEN BETTER
OR WORSE? >> THEY HAVE GOTTEN A WHOLE HECK
OF A LOT MORE DANGEROUS FOR JUDGES.
I THINK WE ARE DEVOLVING AS A NATION WITH THE LEADERSHIP THAT
CHOOSES TO CONTINUE TO DEHUMANIZE JUDGES.
FOR THE GENERAL COUNSEL OF DHS WHO ENJOYS A CERTAIN LEVEL OF
RESPECT FOR THE POSITION, FOR DHS TO BE USING GOVERNMENT
WEBSITES AND USING OFFICIAL HANDLES TO SPREAD DISINFORMATION
, IT IS JUST A SAD STATE AND I THINK WE NEED TO PUMP THE BRAKES
HERE AND WE NEED TO START COMING BACK TO A PLACE WHERE WE CAN
AGREE TO DISAGREE AND WE CAN MAYBE DISAGREE ON THE MERITS,
BUT WE HAVE TO STOP PERSONALIZING AND VILLAIN ICING
JUDGES. >> JUDGE MCCONNELL, THIS PIZZA
DELIVERY WAS NOT THE FIRST THREAT YOU RECEIVED.
YOUR OFFICE HAS BEEN FLOODED WITH CALLS AND EMAILS LEAVING
THREATENING MESSAGES. THEY REALLY PICKED UP AFTER YOUR
RULING TO BLOCK THE FREEZE ON FEDERAL FUNDING LAST YEAR.
I WANT TO PLAY A PART OF ONE OF THOSE VOICEMAILS.
>> SO YOU BETTER TELL LITTLE -- JUDGE MCCONNELL, I DON'T KNOW
WHO THE HELL HE THINKS HE IS. I DOUBLE DARE YOU TO TRY TO PUT
CHARGES ON DONALD J. TRUMP, YOU SON OF A -- AND I WISH SOMEBODY
WOULD -- ASSASSINATE YOUR -- . ALI: THAT IS DEEPLY DISTURBING
TO HEAR, DO YOU THINK ATTEMPTS TO INTIMIDATE YOU ARE A RESULT
OF THE RHETORIC COMING FROM THE TRUMP ADMINISTRATION?
>> THERE IS NO DOUBT IN MY MIND THAT THE FACT THAT CERTAIN OF
OUR LEADERS IN THIS COUNTRY HAVE CHOSEN DOG WHISTLES, THERE IS NO
OTHER WAY TO DESCRIBE IT WHEN THEY TALK ABOUT JUDGES.
OUR NEW ATTORNEY GENERAL SAYING WE ARE AT WAR WITH THE COURTS.
WE HAVE BEEN CALLED TRADERS, WE HAVE BEEN CALLED ALL SORTS OF
NAMES THAT SERVE AS DOG WHISTLES TO THE POPULATION THAT SAYS THAT
JUDGES ARE FAIR GAME FOR GOING AFTER, FOR ATTACKING.
WE KNOW THAT WHEN THESE PERSONAL ATTACKS ON JUDGES INCREASE,
THREATS ON JUDGES GO UP. THEY DOCKS TO MY DAUGHTER, MY
WIFE GOT THREATENED. I'M NOT THE ONLY JUDGE, JUDGES
ACROSS THIS COUNTRY HAVE BEEN SUGGESTED TO WHAT I'VE BEEN
SUBJECTED TO. ALI: AND HAVE YOU HAD TO CHANGE
THE WAY YOU DO ANYTHING WITHIN THE CONFINES OF YOUR WORK OR
YOUR LIFE MORE GENERALLY? >> THE ANSWER IS YES, I'M
CERTAINLY NOT GOING TO GO INTO IT FOR SECURITY REASONS AT ALL,
BUT THE WORK IS THE WORK. WE BOTH AS DID HUNDREDS OF
DISTRICT COURTS OF APPEALS JUDGES THROUGHOUT THE COUNTRY,
OUR NORTHSTAR IS THE RULE OF LAW.
WE FOLLOW THAT REGARDLESS, BUT IT SURE DOES MAKE IT A LOT
HARDER TO SAFELY LIVE IN THIS WORLD AND DO OUR JOBS WHEN WE
ARE CONTINUALLY UNDER DEHUMANIZING ATTACK FROM
GOVERNMENT LEADERS AND THE EXECUTIVE, FROM THE TOP ON DOWN.
ALI: RIGHT AT THE TOP WE HAVE SEEN SUPREME COURT JUSTICE'S
BARRETT AND KAGAN TESTIFY ABOUT THE NEED FOR INCREASED SECURITY
BUDGETS. JUSTICE BARRETT RECOUNTED HOW
HER SON SAW HER PUT ON A BULLET-PROOF VEST.
WHAT DO YOU THINK CAN AND SHOULD BE DONE WITH LARGER SECURITY
BUDGETS TO PROTECT JUDGES? WHAT DO YOU THINK THE BALANCE IS
BETWEEN THE NEED FOR MORE SECURITY MEASURES, BUT ALSO THE
NEED TO TONE DOWN THE RHETORIC? >> FIRST OF ALL, I THINK THAT
THE WORST OF THE WORST SERIES LAUNCHED BY THE GENERAL COUNSEL
OF THE DHS CAME WEEKS AFTER THESE TWO JUSTICES HISTORICALLY
TESTIFIED TO CONGRESS ABOUT THE THREATS TO THE SUPREME COURT.
IT DOESN'T SEEM TO MATTER, WHETHER IT IS A JUDGE APPOINTED
BY A REPUBLICAN PRESIDENT OR A JUSTICE APPOINTED BY OR
NOMINATED BY A DEMOCRAT PRESIDENT.
WE ARE SEEING THAT THIS TYPE OF RHETORIC JUST GIVES PEOPLE
LICENSED TO TAKE MATTERS INTO THEIR OWN HANDS.
THE PERSON WHO KILLED MY DANNY, THE PERSON WHO CAME TO MY HOME
AND MURDERED MY ONLY CHILD FELT EMBOLDENED, IF YOU WILL, TO TAKE
MATTERS INTO HIS OWN HANDS. SO IT NEEDS TO HAPPEN IS OUR
LEADERS NEED TO LEAD BY EXAMPLE. AND WE NEED TO WALL START TONING
DOWN THE RHETORIC. YOU WANT TO CRITICIZE US ON THE
MERITS? BY ALL MEANS APPEAL LAST AND
CRITICIZE US ON THE MERITS, BUT THAT IS NOT WHAT DHS IS DOING.
IT IS A RESPONSIBLE, IT IS NOT TRUE LEADERSHIP AND I WOULD ASK
OUR LEADERS, LET'S START LEADING IN A RESPONSIBLE WAY.
ALI: THANK YOU BOTH SO MUCH FOR JOINING US AND SHARING.
>> THANK YOU SO MUCH. >> THANK YOU SO MUCH.
? AND JAZZ STANDARDS ON HIS
VIOLIN, TO SINGING FOLK AND ROCK ANDREW BIRD IS CONSTANTLY
WEAVING TOGETHER DIFFERENT STYLES AND GENRES.
SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT MIKE CERRE CAUGHT UP WITH BIRD PERFORMING
WITH THE SAN FRANCISCO SYMPHONY IT'S PART OF OUR ARTS AND
-- CULTURE SERIES, "CANVAS." MIKE: A CLASSICALLY TRAINED
VIOLINIST, HE HAS BEEN IMPROVISING WITH HIS VIOLIN.
>> I DISCOVERED THIS TECHNOLOGY THAT CAN ALLOW ME TO PLAY THE
STACCATO PARTS AND THEN LAYER ON OTHER PARTS AND YOU ARE KIND OF
CREATING THIS SKELETON OF A SONG.
MIKE: NEVER INTENDING TO REPLACE A BAND OR ORCHESTRA HE COULDN'T
AFFORD EARLY IN HIS CAREER, HIS ONSTAGE RECORDED MUSIC LOOPS
WITH HIS VIOLIN SINGING AND WHISTLING BECAME HIS LIVE
PERFORMANCE SIGNATURE. A ONE-MAN ORCHESTRA OF THE
IMAGINATION. ANDREW: THE CLASSICAL MUSIC AS
PART OF MY ROOTS BUT ALSO THESE OTHER THINGS AND THIS ALSO STEWS
IN THERE AND COMES OUT. MIKE: TELL ME ABOUT YOUR
LOVE-HATE RELATIONSHIP WITH SYMPHONY ORCHESTRAS.
WHY DIDN'T YOU WANT TO GO THAT ROUTE ANDREW: I QUICKLY REALIZED
I WASN'T CUT OUT FOR IT. I THINK IT WAS A LITTLE TOO
INDIVIDUALISTIC. MIKE: THIS YEAR HE IS GOING FULL
CIRCLE PLAYING WITH MAJOR ORCHESTRAS LIKE THE SAN
FRANCISCO SYMPHONY. MAKING HIS MILLENNIAL FAN BASE
AND EVER SUPPORTIVE AND PATIENT PARENTS VERY HAPPY.
ANDREW: NO MATTER WHAT I WAS DOING MY DAD WAS LIKE ARE YOU
SURE YOU DON'T WANT TO PLAY THE BROOK CONCERTO WITH THE DUBUQUE
SYMPHONY OR SOMETHING LIKE THAT? ?
MIKE: WHILE GROWING UP IN THE CHICAGO AREA AND STUDYING VIOLIN
HE GRADUATED MORE TO PICK UP SESSIONS AT IRISH PUBS, JAZZ
CLUBS AND JOINING A PUNK SKA BAND.
ANDREW: I WAS INTERESTED IN ABSORBING HUNGARIAN GYPSY MUSIC
OR EARLY JAZZ OR IRISH MUSIC OR ANYTHING, ANYTHING EXOTIC OR
DIFFERENT. MIKE: IT LED TO 18 VERY
DIFFERENT ALBUMS OVER THE YEARS. DIFFERENT MUSIC GENRES STILL
CHALLENGE THE DIGITAL MUSIC ALGORITHMS, THE GRAMMYS, AND
EVEN HIS FAN BASE TO CATEGORIZE. >> I WOULD PUT HIM IN THE FOLK
CATEGORY. >> HE IS A TALENTED
MULTI-INSTRUMENTALIST AND I WOULD LEAVE IT AT THAT.
>> INDIE FOLK. >> HE HAS TOUCHED ON JAZZ, A LOT
OF THAT LIKE NEW ORLEANS SOUND. >> I DON'T THINK HE CAN BE
CATEGORIZED. THAT IS THE GREATEST THING ABOUT
IT, HE CAN'T. EVERY TIME IT IS SOMETHING
DIFFERENT. >> I LEARNED EARLY ON THAT
STAYING IN ONE PLACE TOO LONG IN A GENRE JUST BECOMES A DRAG.
IF YOU ARE READY TO MOVE ON AND YOU GET STUCK IN THAT GENRE.
? MIKE: SOME OF HIS IMPROVISATIONS
HAVE BEEN INSPIRED BY HIS FOCUS ON ACOUSTICS AND HIS FIELD
RECORDINGS AND WHAT HE CALLS ECHOLOCATION'S, LIKE UTAH'S
COYOTE GULCH CANYON. AND THE AQUEDUCTS ALONG THE LOS
ANGELES RIVER. >> SO I WOULD MAKE THESE FIELD
RECORDINGS AND THEN PLAY THE FIELD RECORDING AND THEN START
IMPROVISING IN THE STUDIO. MIKE: YOU HAVE BEEN NOMINATED
FOR AN EMMY FOR YOUR BEST ORIGINAL SONG FOR THE PITT COME
A VERY POPULAR SERIES. >> THEY SENT ME THIS SCENE WITH
THIS VERY EMOTIONAL SCENE WHERE EVERYONE STOPS AND REFLECTS ON
THE PASSING OF THEIR BELOVED CHARACTER.
? THAT TO ME IS LIKE AN IDEAL USE
OF WHAT I HAVE TO OFFER, IT HAS TAKEN ME A WHOLE LIFETIME TO BE
ABLE TO WRITE THAT SONG THAT TOOK AN HOUR TO WRITE.
MIKE: INSTEAD OF A MEDLEY OF HIS HITS AND SOUNDTRACKS, HIS
SYMPHONY PERFORMANCES FOCUS ON THE 20TH ANNIVERSARY OF HIS
FIRST CONCEPT ALBUM, MYSTERIOUS PRODUCTION OF EGGS.
HE COMPOSED IT WHILE ON A CAREER RESET IN 2001 ON HIS FAMILY'S
FARM IN WESTERN ILLINOIS. >> I DIDN'T BRING ANY OF MY
RECORD COLLECTION WITH ME AND I WAS JUST DRYWALLING THIS BARN
AND I WAS EXTREMELY ISOLATED AND I HAD THIS LOOPING PEDAL AND I
EXPERIMENTED ALL DAY LONG FOR WEEKS AND WEEKS ON END AND I
CHALLENGED MYSELF TO WRITE SONGS THAT HAD ONLY TWO CHORDS OR ONLY
THREE NOTES IN THE MELODY, LIKE STRIPPING AWAY ALL THAT GENRE
STUFF. THAT IS WHY IT IS KIND OF COOL
TO COME BACK ALL THESE YEARS LATER AND DO THIS PARTICULAR
ALBUM BECAUSE THERE ARE SO MANY INTERWEAVING PARTS AND DETAILS
THAT I COULD NEVER DO SOLO. MIKE: SAN FRANCISCO'S DALY
SYMPHONY HALL, A LONG WAY FROM THAT ILLINOIS BARN AND
PERFORMING AS A ONE-MAN ORCHESTRA.
THE MYSTERIOUS PRODUCTION OF EGGS AND HIS FULL BODY OF WORK
ARE ON FULL DISPLAY WITH A SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA WITH THE
RECORDED SOUND LOOPS NOT AS ESSENTIAL.
FOR THE PBS NEWS HOUR I'M IN SAN FRANCISCO.
WILLIAM: WE'LL BE BACK SHORTLY FOR A CONVERSATION WITH A
>> Hi, I'm James Steinbach,T
Wisconsin. We're justat PBS
the news. You know, at home
every night, probably for
because we trust it. We
NewsHour, we're going tothe
We're going to get news.
can trust that we can, that
about what we want to dong
happen in this country. And
is harder and harder tohink
on your TV, for goodnessurn
watching us and seeou're
trust. I'm going to use
because I think it is the
NewsHour. If you believe
you do because you'relieve
This is the challenge break
up to $50,000 can bebution
you want to do that, callIf
>> Hi, I'm Alison Tyler, a
Wisconsin. And when youS
you are providing financial
coverage you're hearingat
NewsHour. And tonight, as a
a month, we would love to12
awesome PBS Wisconsin,
media, blue t shirt or for
get this vintage logo PBS
feeling extra generous. Oh,
awesome. So if you'ret's
tonight, you can get both
as well as the mug for $20
we would love to send youou,
can share with yourcan, you
Wisconsin. As you can tell,
our volunteers are liveand
So call now. The numberlls.
>> Hi, I'm Linda Berman, a
Wisconsin, and we depend on
It's rational. You reallye.
the important thing is you,
We're hoping that you will
this type of information.
going on. But it does start
have a way of doing thislso
call in every pledge drive.
sustainer. It comes out
credit card or your bank
can control how much youu
the opportunity to get get
gifts as Alison is talking
you become our sponsor. Soy,
waiting to talk to you.
call at one (800) 236-3636.
when federal funding wasar
It was a millions ofdeal.
Wisconsin. But with your
I want to say us altogether
like you are. That support
important thing that moves
time, one person at a time.
works. It's a really simple
doing this terrific workep
you can trust, and we need
really is a pretty simplet
now to call us atrt right
challenge break. We're ahis
$50,000. I keep on sayingto
big number, but whatever a
important. Whatever your
the right level. Call ust's
>> That's right. With that
time to join your neighbors
Wisconsin again at that $12
beautiful PBS Wisconsinhis
that we would love to send
at the $12 a month mark,lso,
Wisconsin needs. Public
says here. Blue t shirt.t
It's a wonderful shirt to
Also, again, with the gift
love to send you that as a
We will happily send you.
shirt to add to your t
neighbors also wearing the
that you have fellowknow
PBS Wisconsin. So please
phones are ringing off the
The number here again isch.
>> So the thank you gifts
one of the benefits.out is
important benefit quality
become our sponsor become a
"Airwaves" magazine.o get
know what's going on our to
it. It's a calendar. Itat
shows. It's our way to know
really going to beow what's
little synopsis. Anothera
Passport. Passport gives
titles such as. We wereng
at the end of Grantchester.
we going to do? We went to
the end because it's like,
you're like me, you want to
Passport. But again, starts
You can go online atsupport.
a call with our greative us
1-800-236-3636.are here at
by our fabulous producerd
all busy. So if you'reare
busy signal, don't give up
comes in during this it
that match. It'll countrds
pledge up to $50,000. Have
I have. So please call nowk
you know, the money iscause
why we're talking to you
thing is that you watch and
using this program. I think
way of getting a window on
get anyplace else. It's not
not arguing. It's not It's
It's people who respect you
things better. So call usd
now 1-800-236-3636.
WILLIAM: SAM ROBERTS HAS WRITTEN REPORTER FOR "THE NEW YORK
TIMES." HIS NEW BOOK "ARE THEY DEAD
YET?" DETAILS THE ART OF OBITUARY WRITING, HOW THE TIMES
-- WHAT HIS BOOK HAS TAUGHT HIM ABOUT LIFE.
GEOFF BENNETT SPOKE TO ROBERTS FOR THE LATEST EPISODE OF OUR
PBS NEWS PODCAST, "SETTLE IN." >> YOU START THE BOOK WITH THIS
WONDERFUL CONTRADICTION. YOU SAY YOU HAVE BEEN AFRAID OF
DEATH FOR MOST OF YOUR LIFE SO HOW DOES SOMEONE WHO HAS HAD
THIS LIFELONG AVERSION TO DEATH AND UP ON THE OBIT DESK?
>> I WOULDN'T SAY AFRAID OF DEATH AS MUCH AS COMING FROM
WHERE DEATH IS DENIED. MY DAD DIED ABOUT SIX MONTHS
LATER, HIS SISTER MIAMI WAS ASKED HOW HE WAS.
SHE AT BEST COULD REPLY SO SO. THAT WAS THE KIND OF CULTURE I
CAME FROM. I WASN'T PLEASED WHEN THE TIMES
ASKED ME TO WRITE ADVANCED OBITUARIES BUT THEN I REALIZED
OBITUARIES ARE NOT ABOUT DEATH. DEATH IS MENTIONED IN ONE
SENTENCE. THEY ARE ABOUT PEOPLE'S LIVES.
WHAT THEY WERE EMBLEMATIC OF IN TERMS OF TRANSFORMATION AND THE
IMPACT ON SOCIETY. AND THEY ARE MANY BIOGRAPHIES
AND THAT IS WHAT MAKES THEM SO FASCINATING.
MOST OF THE PEOPLE I'VE WRITTEN ABOUT AT THE TIMES AND MENTIONED
IN THE BOOK ARE PEOPLE I HAD NEVER HEARD OF.
OBVIOUSLY WE DO OBITUARIES OF CELEBRITIES AND PROMINENT PEOPLE
AND POLITICIANS, BUT THERE ARE SO MANY INTERESTING, QUIRKY
PEOPLE WHO YOU WOULD JUST NEVER KNOW HAD EXISTED.
THOSE ARE THE PEOPLE I LOVE WRITING OBITUARIES ABOUT THE
MOST. >> WHEN DID YOU REALIZE THAT
WRITING OBITUARIES MIGHT BE ONE OF THE GREATEST JOBS IN
JOURNALISM? >> IT DIDN'T TAKE LONG.
SOME PEOPLE THINK OF OBITUARY WRITING AS A DEAD END AT THE END
OF A CAREER OR SOMETHING FOR NEOPHYTES AT THE BEGINNING.
I THINK IT IS ONE OF THE MOST COVETED POSITIONS IN JOURNALISM.
WE HAVE NINE REPORTERS AT THE NEW YORK TIMES WRITING
OBITUARIES AND THEY GET ONLINE TO BE HIRED FOR THAT DEPARTMENT.
THEY ARE MANY BIOGRAPHIES, THEY ARE STORIES ABOUT PEOPLE'S LIVES
, WHAT MAKES THEM INTERESTING. ONE OF THE THINGS I DISCOVERED
IN DOING THIS ASSIGNMENT IS THERE REALLY ARE NO ORDINARY
LIVES. PEOPLE HAVE IMPACTED EACH IN HIS
OR HER OWN WAY. AFTER 9/11 WHEN WE DID OUR
SERIES OF PORTRAITS OF GRIEF OF THE VICTIMS OF THE WORLD TRADE
CENTER ATTACK INTO DURING COVID WHEN WE WROTE ABOUT THOSE WE
LOST, WE DID LITTLE OBITUARIES ON PEOPLE WHO MIGHT ORDINARILY
BE CONSIDERED ROUTINE WHO WE NEVER WOULD HAVE DONE OBITUARIES
ON AND THE IMPACT IS SUBSTANTIAL.
WHO WOULD YOU MISS MORE, YOUR MAYOR OR YOUR MAILMAN?
WE TAKE A LOT OF PEOPLE FOR GRANTED AND THESE ORDINARY
PEOPLE WHO DO HAVE AN IMPACT ON OUR OWN LIVES.
THOMAS CARLYLE WHO IS THE ORIGINATOR OF THE GREAT MAN
THEORY OF HISTORY SAID HIMSELF WHO IS MORE IMPORTANT, HANNIBAL
WHO DROVE HIS ELEPHANTS ACROSS THE ALPS OR SOME POOR ANONYMOUS
CHARACTER WHO INVENTED THIS FADE?
I WOULD GO WITH THE SPADE MAN WHO PROBABLY HAD A MUCH GREATER
IMPACT OVER CENTURIES THAN HANNIBAL DID.
SO, THESE ARE IMPORTANT THINGS TO TAKE INTO CONSIDERATION, THAT
EVERYONE IS INTRINSICALLY INTERESTING IN HERS -- IN HIS OR
HER OWN WAY AND THAT COLLECTIVELY THOSE OBITUARIES
REFLECT WHAT OUR CULTURE CARES ABOUT, WHAT WE VALUE IN PEOPLE.
WILLIAM: YOU CAN WATCH THAT FULL EPISODE WHEREVER YOU GET YOUR
PODCASTS. AND THAT'S THE "NEWS HOUR" FOR
TONIGHT. I'M WILLIAM BRANGHAM.
THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR JOINING US.
[MUSIC]R FUNDING FOR THE "PBS
I'm a volunteer here at PBS
The NewsHour is a greatour.
that's all I need to say.
please call us ato say,
know that you agree. It's a
want to keep it on the air,
comes from PBS and wet
for that matter. So you and,
that. And that's how this
the NewsHour going is keep
to do really requires yourt
challenge break. So if
now as a new member, then
to $50,000. So maybe you're
but whatever you can do is
please call us during this
great time to do it. One
your pledge. You know, we
NewsHour doesn't coverd the
touch on things, but public
all about local news andare
count on us between the can
level, international level
Wisconsin on "Here& Now" on
the fullest picture you can
nationally, internationally,
Those are things worth.
that we really believe ing
important thing we do. All
but the most importanttant,
informed about what'sp you
call us at 1-800-236-3636.
volunteer here at PBSan, a
generations NewsHour has
information on the worldble
again, as James said, we
We will have that when weow.
through radio. But most
let you know about youre to
families throughout the
joined us, and we're asking
do, we have a very special
month. You get this2 a
like the throwback logo. I
handed and a right handed
hand you hold it in, youich
have an option of gettingou
media. This is the t shirt.
It's really soft. Andr blue.
month. At $20 a month, youa
shirt. This is your way to
world that you believe in.
Public Media, we are herein
to take the time right now
show, to give us a call.t
It's a member challenge. We
reason it seems low to you
the phones are busy. So all
1-800-236-3636 and stay on
>> You know that number
used to work here, fullI
started, which was about 35
20 or 25,000 families,had
was a lot. We thought that
has happened because people
support public media in
media was invented in thisc
Radio before it was called,
well, 2014, 2017, you can
14, 1917. I'm a century9,
the way through up till now.
and the reason it's here
that we're able to bringn
because of you and me,
too. This is why thismember,
why this service isthis is
we ask you to support us by
Whatever level you can do
level, whether it's $50,000
1-800-236-3636 and tell us
the NewsHour and that yout
support
the NewsHour and that yout - The following program
is a PBS Wisconsin Original Production.
[wind brushes prairie grasses]
[birds chirping]
? ?
- A flutter of wings...
A glimmer of sunlight...
A well-worn path...
A secluded glen...
[bird chatters]
The landscape calls...
? ?
...with a beckoning to explore.
Out across Wisconsin
lie valleys and prairies just within reach.
[bird calls]
A richness of sights and sounds...
[Sandhill Cranes make rattling bugle calls]
...awaiting discovery.
Along the trail,
beside the shore,
beneath the open skies,
Wisconsin Scenic Treasures:
Southern Vistas.
- Funding for Wisconsin's Scenic Treasures: Southern Vistas
is provided by
Bitzer Family Legacy Fund,
in honor of Lloyd and Jo Ann Bitzer,
Greg and Carol Griffin,
Elizabeth Olson,
Colleen and Ron Weyers,
Eleanor and Thomas Wildrick Family,
the Nature Conservancy in Wisconsin,
Roger and Lynn Van Vreede,
Alliant Energy,
Cherish Wisconsin Outdoors Fund,
Jim Slattery,
Focus Fund for Wisconsin Programming,
and Friends of PBS Wisconsin.
? ?
- Southern Wisconsin
holds a bounty of scenic treasures.
With each day, fresh views are revealed.
Behind each blade of grass,
new worlds to explore.
A richness of sights,
of sounds,
of movement.
[water ripples]
Vistas just within reach.
? [peaceful acoustic guitar] ?
[Swamp Swallows twitter in a high-pitch]
[insects chirping]
[water ripples gently]
[Marsh Wren trilling, buzzing]
[insects chirping]
[Heron calling "roh, roh, roh"]
[wind rustling in tall grasses]
[Belted Kingfisher repeats rattle]
[wind gently brushes grasses]
The ease
of a Wisconsin summer day.
Time spent near the water,
restorative,
no matter the catch.
[birds chattering]
? [bouncy melody] ?
[river burbling over rocks]
[paddling gently]
? [synthesizer tones weaving together] ?
Though just a few miles away,
the landscape here,
a new vista
holding unique treasures.
Within the tall tamaracks:
an undisturbed bog--
a Northern Wisconsin view in a southern locale.
[Green Frog croaks "ribbit, ribbit, ribbit"]
? [intricate synthesizer beats] ?
[bird cheeping in high pitch]
[Green Frog ribbits like a plucked banjo string]
[ribbit, ribbit]
[faint splash]
[birdsong]
? [playful strings and woodwinds] ?
The variety of vistas abounds
as our view turns
to Kettle Moraine State Forest.
Here, a prairie comes to life
on a brilliant Wisconsin day.
A complex community of blossoms and grasses,
home to a web of wildlife.
[Willow Flycatcher sings "fitz-bew"]
? [cheery instrumental] ?
[footsteps treading on grass
[Eastern Kingbird sputtering metallic calls]
? [playful plucked strings and woodwinds] ?
[bee buzzing]
[buzzing]
? [playful strings and percussion] ?
[flapping wings]
[American Goldfinch twitters and warbles]
[Sedge Wren chips, trills]
? [poignant classical music] ?
[Dog Day Cicadas chirping]
Oak savannas once covered five-and-a-half million acres
of southern Wisconsin.
This iconic landscape
of scattered oaks
among a sea of prairie grasses,
a harbor for wildlife
and uncommon plants,
is now a rare sight,
in danger of disappearing from view.
? ?
? [poignant classical music] ?
? [dramatic classical music swells] ?
[Eastern Bluebird warbles]
[wind blowing grass]
[heron squawks "roh-roh-roh"]
? [warm resonating melody] ?
Thousands of acres of open water
and marsh grasses.
Nesting area for waterfowl
and resting grounds for migratory birds.
[cacophony of honking geese]
[Bald Eagle flaps wings]
[insects chirping]
[bullfrog croaks a low two-part drone]
[bullfrog bellows]
[sandpiper chirps "wheet-wheet- wheet peet"]
? [warm resonating melody] ?
[wind whispers through grasses]
[Red-Winged Blackbird twitters in distance]
[gentle current]
[crickets chirp]
? ?
? [gentle weaving piano and strings] ?
Rising high,
above the surrounding landscape:
a beacon of stone,
holder of history.
? [gentle weaving piano and strings] ?
This rock, this place,
served as a gathering spot,
a conduit of messages through the ages.
[White-Breasted Nuthatch chirps]
Native American rock paintings.
Ancient markings
etched in the sandstone.
Traces of a mystery
left behind.
[American Crow caws, Blue Jay whistles]
? [emotive piano chords] ?
[American Crow caws]
? [gentle weaving piano and strings] ?
[Great Blue Heron croaks]
Nearby,
a vision of the once vast Wisconsin wilderness.
? [sparkly keyboard melody] ?
As far as the eye can see
only forest, wetlands, horizon.
? [gentle rippling piano and guitar] ?
[birds chirping]
? [plucked strings, percussion] ?
? ?
[wind whispering]
? [music tempo accelerates] ?
[waves crashing]
[waves swash sand]
[waves backwash]
[waves breaking loudly]
? [haunting, atmospheric instrumental] ?
We meet land's end.
Wisconsin's eastern shore.
A rugged stretch of undeveloped coastline.
Lake Michigan's waves
create an ever-changing view
as the power of water
meets the stillness of land.
[waves breaking]
[wind rustles leaves]
? [slow wistful violin] ?
[gull croons]
[waves brush sand]
[waves whoosh on sand and rocks]
I'm a volunteer here at PBS
Wisconsin, and we're taking
this. I got to tell you, I
lot of our programs, but Ia
producer for a lot of years.
never made anything as good
awesome to me how this
Because it doesn't haver.
eruptions, and it doesn't
What it does is reallykind.
attention. I think that's a
of make a segue here,o kind
this gentle reminder to pay
This is a terrific time to.
supporting this program,
all the programs you lovend
notice I have a hat here.ou
you a bit. This will beng
talk to you. So stay tuned.
team member at PBSTyler, a
like this that make me so
Wisconsin. And I know you
feeling the love for this
make a gift today. And we
you gifts to send your way.
get the guidebook, thean
tours you through all 80
recreation areas. It has
has absolutely fun Ranger
great for any of your state
We'd love to send that to.
also love state parks like
$15 a month, we would love
pass that would get youk
Wisconsin State parks. But
two things together andose
state parks for $20 a month.
things together. We will
pass as well as the book,k
more if we would love to
both the book and the State
both of this show, and ofs,
Northwoods, the second
well as this really greats
learned. Please call now.e
volunteer here at PBSan, a
how much love and care ite
I mean, it is amazing. It.
investment by PBS Wisconsin
you, our viewers. But, your
money to begin with. So now
in PBS Wisconsin byo invest
Yes. We have 85,000 members.
now it's an opportunity for
do. You can become asy to
out of your bank account or
or you can do it a one time
for you. The most important
let us know that you're,
by calling atou can do it
>> We're joined now by an
about this, and also is the
very important. Jimwhich is
book, the book, and is a
you set out to write this
inspiration for this book?
themselves, I think,tors
the 40 some years I've been
to know, what can I do ind
trail?rk? What's a good
every day to talk tohere
>> I was not. No. Yeah.
the inspiration I think is
guide that they could go to
to a new park, you're notgo
you come having a guide,en
>> I have to tell you that
state parks, I did not know
had. This is exactly what
some of these little books,
the at the ranger stationt
out. But this is somethingd
kids on the way there. We
just a wonderful thing. So
labor of love? Or was it
through?s slog to get
although it took me a good
all the photos in there and
park, of course. So but ite
my kids, grandkids, my wife
trails, so it was enjoyable.
book and as you know, you
So call us nowfor a pledge.
be right back with Jim.ll
today is inspiring you to
environment that we live in,
gift of $12 a month, youa
Rangers guide book. It's
wants to go out and explore
wildlife, all recreationals,
We will send you both this.
Pass as a thank you gift.
you can get both the book
of these Blu ray DVD sets,
wonderful Sage Green dad
called a floppy little dad
this great little buckle on
this will help you enjoyf
everything this great state
You can call our volunteers
ringing, but they still
That phone number is onel.
>> And it's so easy to give
online at pbswisconsin.org.
that you are connectingg is
connect with you, theseo
just the southern vistases,
for you. It is a labor ofis
And we've got many for you.
idea of being a Passportthe
stream shows that you may
are coming up. Also, youat
magazine. It's from Airways.
our airwaves. This is soon
husband because then we can
this, we need to see here
But you can do that too.
member first. So give us a
online at pbswisconsin.org.
little QR code in thehat
most important thing isThe
with us.a call, connect
Buckholtz and author of the
program we're watching is
part of the state. So, you
pretty easily from fromt to
more about how the book ist
>> Sure. Well, the book is
like a lot of chapters, but
was one for each and everye
and recreation areas. Andts,
similar. So I start out
what's in the book at each
guess you'd call it all, I
you can kind of get an idea
reading a paragraph or two
chapter.of the whole, whole
>> In and then dive in. We
geology. I talk about the
people are interesteds that
facilities are available in
accessibility? Just about
>> We're going to be able
thing I want to know isne
questions that you get?n
it because you're going to
don't know. How much time
seconds. We probably won't
we'll get back to it soon.
1-800-236-3636 and make
this beautiful program. And
1-800-236-3636. Thank you.
>> That you want to.
1-800-236-3636. Thank you. Dawn's glow
begins to find its way across the landscape.
A blanket of fog lifts,
leaving a touch of morning dew.
Out across the Baraboo range,
this rolling terrain of forest
and ancient rock.
Nature stirs awake.
[leaves crunch]
Moving into the new day.
? [strings and percussion building] ?
? [optimistic instrumental] ?
[high-pitched Tree Swallow chirps]
? [evocative piano] ?
? [rapid rippling piano] ?
Formed through the ages and tested by time,
these hills hold many treasures.
Here, soaring vistas atop steep slopes.
Nearby,
more intimate riches are to be found.
[Acadian Flycatcher trills]
? [celestial instrumental] ?
[creek burbling]
Within this deep forest,
a winding creek provides shelter
for winged travelers.
Listen carefully,
as their calls may be as close
as they allow you to venture.
[Pileated Woodpecker clucks loudly]
[Hooded Warbler sings "weeta"]
[water babbling]
[Winter Wrens sings cascade of bubbly notes]
[current flows swiftly]
Water plays across Wisconsin's hollows and dells.
Shaping the landscape:
drop [drip]
by drop. [drip, drip]
[drip]
? [light-hearted piano melody] ?
[Eastern Phoebe whistles]
Carved in sandstone .
Dressed in moss.
The name "Fern Dell"
emblematic of the encircling scenery.
? [jolly, folksy melody] ?
[Gray Catbird rasps "mew"]
Above, towering cliffs stand watch along Dell Creek.
Where the waterway finds its path
through the pines
to Mirror Lake.
[paddle splashes water]
[birdsong]
? [delicate piano] ?
[American Woodcock buzzes and chirps]
[paddle splashes water]
[paddling]
? [warm rolling marimba] ?
[Gray Catbird chatters "chek"]
A short journey away, stands another marker of time.
And secrets locked in sandstone.
Created by forces of wind and weather,
this breathtaking arch,
the largest natural bridge
known to exist in Wisconsin.
[wind whistling]
? [uplifting marimba] ?
Roaming, from this lesser traveled landscape
to a beloved destination.
The vistas are wide,
the landmarks abound,
and the water [motorboat rumbles]
calls out to play.
[boaters chatting]
? [bright plucky instrumental] ?
[ducks quacking]
[paddling]
[motorboat engine]
? [glistening instrumental] ?
? [cheerful chords] ?
? [pensive acoustic guitar] ?
[waves swashing]
[paddle splashes gently]
Beyond the more frequented sites
lie quiet worlds to explore.
A lush green canyon
of tucked away treasures.
[Eastern Wood-Pewee and Eastern Phoebe chirping]
? [wistful acoustic guitar] ?
Deeper still,
here,
where the light barely reaches,
and yet,
soft life abounds.
? [light flowing piano] ?
[Eastern Phoebe chirps "fee-bee"]
? [restful piano] ?
[Eastern Phoebe chirps "chip"]
[Eastern Wood-Pewee chirps]
[Eastern Phoebe chirps "fee-bee"]
? ?
In the warmth of the sun,
the prairie comes alive.
And the pollinators take on their work.
? [clock-like electric bass] ?
Drawn to the bloom of color.
? [industrious electric bass] ?
[bee buzzing]
[butterfly's wings flapping]
[White-Breasted nuthatch and Eastern Kingbird chirping]
[Red-bellied Woodpecker chirps]
[bee buzzing]
[Red-bellied Woodpecker chirps "kwirr, kwirr, kwirr"]
[geese honking]
? [warm piano] ?
Nestled in the countryside,
a ridge stands alone.
A path etched along its spine.
With wild colors...
[Eastern Bluebird chirps]
...and delicate wonders to explore.
[brushing prairie grass]
[Common Yellowthroat chirps]
[Eastern Bluebird chirps "tu-a-wee"]
[camera shutter clicks]
[wind blowing gently]
? [warm piano] ?
[crickets chirping]
? [delicate piano] ?
[uplifting percussion]
[wind gusting]
? ?
[Turkey Vulture flapping wings]
? [uplifting instrumental] ?
Wisconsin's natural areas,
an abundance of treasures for the eye to behold.
Small wonders to stop and notice.
The curve of a branch,
the texture of a tree.
Edges and hues in layers of stone.
Raptors ride the thermals as they glide across the sky.
Take note.
Be witness to the myriad of wonders
of our state's southern vistas.
? [ethereal music] ?
[Juvenile Red-Tailed Hawk calls "kee-eeeee-arr"]
I'm a volunteer here at PBS
Wisconsin. We're going toBS
show in just a couple ofous
beautiful landscapes so far,
you've seen is this program
crafted. Now, you're not
technique. Technique is bad
But in this case, if you
it's put together, I mean,
remember whether it was in
coming up, but there's an
And then just at the exact
tight shot of a flower.o a
unexpected transition. This
find when you haveyou only
confident, but reallyt just
want to make an impressiony
really there to look at,'s
that you may not get a way
now. This is a challengeus
that. Call us atmention
>> Hi, I'm Alison Tyler, a
Wisconsin. And today, when
you're inspired by our our
you become a member, we can
thank you gifts to help you
that is in Wisconsin. And I
book a little bit. For $12
Rangers guide to the to 80
local recreation areas. I
the way that this is laidh
learned that Jim actually
himself. So if you open it
favorite mirror lake, you
photos and these really
you can really hone down So
state parks. I know my son
Derek, if you're listening,
month to get this wonderful
month, you can get the
together at $20 a month,
and the book. And for $30 a
pass the book. Both DVDs,rk
Vistas as well ashern
the PBS Wisconsin Dad Hat
>> Hi, I'm Linda Berman, a
Wisconsin. And this is a
can get 30 new members towe
member, it's a greateady a
membership. You can evenr
in your name and then havep
else, especially if youody
just remember, this is aBut
dollar for dollar when you
especially if you're a
mean? It means that monthly,
decide will be taken out of
your credit card. You get
you are continuing qualityt
it's all about. Number one,
you're watching. And we're
especially during thisl now,
do volunteers are here to
1(800)2 363636. to you.
with Jim Buckholtz. And the
our challenge break is youn
kind of questions you gote
common question or mostmost
that, that you got when you
out in the woods?out in the
originally, where did I go
the beach? Other than that,
know. Some want a strenuous
with small children. What's
it's easy to hike? Or we'll
disabilities, and most of
accessible trails that they
one would be I have a dog.r
dog. So where can I go with
almost all the properties
available to go. Dogs can
except state nature trails
them also have picnic areas
pet too. can go with the
ask different kind ofkids
>> Oh yeah, they'll come
something they found, or a
what's this? You know,d
they have the bestthe field,
really do. That's terrific.
>> Challenge, break. Call
>> Thank you. Yes, we are
love to hear from you. And
many great, wonderful,e so
that you can that you can
a month, we have the guide2
Buckles. This is such aJim
thank you gift. If you
local state parks, forests,
sorry, for $20 a month youm
state Park Pass, which gets
state parks that we have.
can get the book The Pass,
Blu ray DVD sets. Just to
Blu ray, Blu ray, and a DVD
can enjoy it however you
PBS Wisconsin branded hats,
looking stylish andrails
So call our volunteersnsin.
really busy, but I'm sure
as they can. So please hang
number here again isne
>> And when you remember at
you will get Passport. Sols,
opportunity to streams an
maybe you've missed or are
exciting. Now just take a
>> You're watching PBS
what you find here. Fromve
travel and journalism, what
even more shows you loveut
wherever you stream TV?them
us anywhere. You selectnd
and we have free on demand
anytime. Plus, when you
member benefits can open up
PBS Passport. It includes
new favorites from PBS and
around the world.as from
yet.ou ain't seen nothing
PBS Wisconsin possible for
community. So join with ar
we're suggesting, and then
adventures with PBS
>> So, Jim, 40 years in the
>> With the Department of
>> You were a ranger
kind of a big Ranger, Is
off interested in the parks.
were a kid on a farm.you
didn't go to state parks
because we didn't have time,
to college, I got a jobnt
time ranger when I went to
decided to switch majors
ranger up at the Northernrk
State Forest. It was the
permanent rangers up there,
little while for the DNR in
this is right out of high
a long time.. So it's been
>> So yeah, I had an
lot of state parksthrough a
State Park, and I knowke
Wyalusing is in the program
there. Yeah. And lastly.er
I mean, I know you loveite?
>> You ever. Well, yeah, I
course the ones that I
are some of my favorite.se
everybody else likes.hat
know, Mirror Lake, Governor
There's so many of them.s.
>> When I first came here,
number of parks, but alsohe
maintained all of that. And
it was easy. You know, it
did a lot of camping atd we
I thought, this is aed it.
wonderful state, but the
wonderful part of it. This
can't remember. I can't
at 1-800-236-3636.. Call us
inspired you to get out and
Wisconsin can give you, do
member. With $12 a month,
The back of this guidebook
Crown Jewels, and it really
There's still time this
explore our state parks,
recreation areas. So $12 a
you this as a thank yousend
you can get this, as well
state parks with ourthose
And for $30, you can gets.
DVDs, the one that we're
Scenic Treasures, Southern
Wisconsin Scenic Treasures,
PBS Wisconsin Floppy hat.
hat, but moms can wear it
grandparents and so can
great one. Please call. Our
they're ringing off the
you so much for all of your
so excited to welcome them
>> 1-800-236-3636 PBS.
our eyes to many, many new
tonight's program with the
but also your pledge ofs,
help to continue programing
dramas, quality journalism.
learning about the best of
funding comes from fore the
encouraging you now, I'm
member challenge, where we
$50,000. Wouldn't that be
When you call and pledge0?
it online at, you could do
now. We've got wonderful us
to you. 1-800-236-3636.alk
them a call. do. So give
been on just about every've
what are some of yourm. So
which we've seen in this
>> Yeah, well, Devil's Lake
can't beat that, especially
you go up the trail and you
Balanced Rock and all the
busy park. There's 2.5t's a
every year at Devils Lake.
ones, but are still famous.
Grant County is one of them,
be. I think that's featured
cave. But my favorite. Sand
Park has to be the Sugarate
down to pictured Rock cave.
colored sandstone cave with
and reds and a littleranges
top of it. And in winter it
waterfall. Oh yeah. Yeah,
everybody should go see.ink
about this program isI love
being out in the wild, outn
important. But if you can't
time, whatever, thisason,
But it also lets you see
see either close or, or far
that's, I think, anir. And
television and PBSg about
here to do the best we can
show you the things that
you've been there, but you
Call us 1-800-236-3636.
>> I seven.
[American Robin sings] Call us 1-800-236-3636.
? [poignant piano and strings] ?
[water trickling briskly]
[snake hissing]
- Atop a bluff,
overlooking the meeting of two great rivers...
Wyalusing State Park offers a bird's eye view
at Wisconsin's western edge.
[footsteps crunching]
More treasures are to be found
by venturing further into its deep forests.
[treading]
[wind whooshes]
? ?
[water trickling]
? [introspective piano] ?
[water drizzling]
[water cascading]
[water streaming]
? [reflective acoustic guitar] ?
[train chugging]
? [contemplative strings and piano] ?
[paddling quietly]
[Tree Swallow chirping]
? [uplifting acoustic guitar] ?
[waterdrops plinking]
Our journey continues
to another state park.
Here, too, water sets the scene,
as it falls along the fern covered canyon walls
of this Driftless region delight.
[water rippling]
[Red-bellied Woodpecker chirps "kwirr, kwirr, kwirr"]
[water pitter-patters]
[water drips noisily]
? [ethereal, meandering guitar] ?
[water deflecting off rocks]
[drenching water torrents]
[voices chatting happily]
[dog's collar and tag jangle]
[dog's collar jingles]
[water rains down]
[cheering "Whoo!"]
? [guitar melody] ?
[quiet traffic sounds]
Towering bluffs line the horizon.
Below,
a Midwestern prairie
harbors an abundance of activity.
? [strings plucked playfully, energetically] ?
[Dickcissel chirps]
[Eastern Meadowlark whistles]
? [staccato strings] ?
[Eastern Meadowlark calls "dzert"]
[wings fluttering]
[wind brushing grasses]
Hidden among the prairie grass,
Spring Green Preserve holds unique treasures.
A sandy floor and shifting dunes,
create Wisconsin's very own desert.
? [plucky, driving instrumental] ?
A place where desert, bluff, and prairie converge.
With the call to adventure
ready for those willing to explore.
? [inspiring piano melody] ?
? [sparkly piano] ?
Traveling on,
from open prairie
to dense pine forest.
A different view,
a new vista.
Here, in southern Wisconsin's Driftless region
stands a discrete vision
calling to mind northern forests.
Beneath the thin layer of soil,
bold colors of sandstone burst forward.
? [interleaving piano and violin] ?
? [contemporary melody] ?
? [beat picking up] ?
Gently rolling terrain
at the edge of the Baraboo Hills.
Wetland, prairie, savanna...
A balance of habitats creating a wildlife corridor
to the Wisconsin River.
[breeze rustles grasses]
[Song Sparrow chirps]
[Sandhill Crane "snoring" chatter]
[prairie grass shushes and murmurs in wind]
[wind swishes grasses back and forth]
? [wintry acoustic guitar] ?
[wind sweeps leaves]
[bee buzzing]
[bee's wings hum]
? [warm acoustic guitar] ?
[water gurgling]
Along the river valley,
water snakes its way through the landscape.
Something new is revealed with each twist in the river.
Sights only visible from a paddler's vantage point.
? [ethereal piano] ?
[paddle sweeps water]
[water sloshes]
[paddle gently splashes]
[White-Breasted Nuthatch chirps "wha-wha"]
[Tufted Titmouse chirps "tsee-day-day"]
[water bounces off rocks loudly]
[breeze whispers softly]
An endless vista of treasured lands.
Preserved and protected.
Explored and cherished.
? ?
[water current gurgles]
[wind brushes grasses]
[geese honking]
All across Wisconsin
lie scenic vistas and natural landscapes
to explore.
Forests.
Prairies.
Wetlands.
[waves wash back and forth]
Trails to wander,
streams to paddle.
Journeys await, just there.
Nearby.
Steps outside your door.
With a new day and another adventure,
on the horizon.
I'm a volunteer here at PBS
really delightful show.this
reminds me how lucky we are
beautiful state. And theis
the more I feel this way. I
appreciate it. We want to
grandkids out. This is a
love. What can I say? And I
of that also for PBSle bit
are here for is to bringwe
Wisconsin to you, bring the
dance, the world of theater,
documentary outdoors,sm,
things for everybody.gs,
is about. We can't do itn
We need all of us in this.
>> Hi, I'm Alison Tyler, a
Wisconsin. Now, your love
Wisconsin does not have to
go out and enjoy all of the
to offer. Some may even say
of the wonders this state
become a member of the PBS
like to say thank youwould
lovely gifts. For $12 ase
ranger guide. That is all
recreational areas. A guide
tonight, Jim Buckles. We
month mark the book as well
I do want to say something
State Park Pass that is
for an entire year. Onceid
at the end of 2026. It'send
So remember that for $20 a
we would love to send you,
both of the the DVDs, asass,
Little cute cap here. Son.
a call at 1-800-236-3636.s
volunteer here at PBSan, a
just the scenic wonders ofg
amazing. But you know,s
your support. That's why is
few times a year to say, a
supporter and sponsor of a
one way to do that is. And
program. This way, ar
we can see programs thatOh,
from your being a sustainer.
programs we're going to do
Sustainers call in, pledge
your support comes outs
credit card or your bank
predict what productionsn
and it's because of you. So
give us a call and pledgeto
1-800-236-3636.
Buckholtz. We're going tom
first, Alison, I need thet
about this hat. It's a dad
look? You know, I can'ts it
not watching. I'll ask her.
How am I doing? Anyhow,ome.
things. Oh, this is good.
a long time, and one of the
come up is, if you're nott
you're in a wheelchair or
other kind of inability or
recommend? Can they still
>> Oh, definitely. Yes. Way
started Disability Act and
to state parks. So a lot of
some trails that arerk has
are better. Some are paved.
the local area is the in
State Forest. They've got a
the Springs Trail. And if
It goes around a beautiful.
water coming in from aresh
spring and a spring housea
>> Oh, nice.100 years old.
too. There's accessiblere,
>> It's got everything.
Rainbow trout.ou bet.
good. You're golden. Calle
be more golden.we want to
to have to give this back
Here's your hat. you go.
>> James loves the hat. I
the programing and we allve
love PBS Wisconsin as muchu
please become one today by
appreciation of this
watching tonight. At the
happily send you as a thank
Rangers guide, Wisconsin
recreational areas. It's a
absolutely love it. At $20
receive the book plus the
would love to send you oure
beautiful State Park
have the books. We have the
Blu ray sets, and we haveD
please, you can donate So
pbswisconsin.org or call
are working on the phones
>> In addition to all those
been hearing about, youu've
magazine when you pledge at
to remind you that yourant
It produces we can produce
programs, programs like
Scenic Treasures with the
know what? Coming up inu
program, Wild Waters,
Wild Waters will be coming.
support. So it's important
now we're going to have a
sneak peak. So let's look.
Treasures Wild Waters
the series at PBS. Explore
>> Let's take one final
you gifts we have to offer
gift to Wisconsin Public a
sorry, to PBS Wisconsin.'m
talking there. Okay, we
Parks Rangers guideState
month gift level for $20 a
as well as Wisconsin Statek
We would love to send you.
Blu ray DVD, and I do wante
quick that we also havelly
So if that is somethingDVD.
ask one of our volunteers.
for you as well. We cannott
Green dad hat look super
and protect your head from
a call today. OurSo give us
you at 1-800-236-3636.or
strikes me that we have
between the parks and PBS
parks belong to everybody.
>> And over time, they've
still the parks. They'rere
>> Right. The policies
reservations has gone
things change. But when you
you went 50 years ago orher
to look the same in 50oing
Devils Lake, Governor Dodge
to be familiar. all going
really, what a treasure.an,
about public broadcasting,
programs change the way you
changed or hear them on the.
what hasn't changed is ourt
of us, to Wisconsin, ourl
programs that you, I think,
That's what we're here for..
need you to stay with us,y
us. Call us now at support
pledge of support for PBS
Wisconsin.
pledge of support for PBS
and we're looking for some bald eagles and flowers
and flying the drone today.
Should be fun!
- James: Are we just going to run to the top then?
- Thomas: Yeah, ready?
- Laurie: I think "run" is the wrong word, but...
- James: A little short, steep hike up to the top
and then you've just got this amazing vista.
[water burbling]
- Lina: Alright, I'm going to do some slow-mo now.
- Ethan: Just flying a drone from a canoe, you know.
Day at the office. [laughs]
[electronic beep]
- Thomas: Get a shot of him.
- Laurie: Wait, stay right there.
[group laughs]
- James: Way too early in the morning.
I'm driving really long distances.
- Thomas: I'm just looking at these clouds.
- James: Hiking really far with heavy equipment
to go get a couple of shots.
- Ethan: We hiked up and it was just surreal.
- Laurie: Shooting some pretty stuff.
- Funding for Wisconsin's Scenic Treasures: Southern Vistas
is provided by
Bitzer Family Legacy Fund,
in honor of Lloyd and Jo Ann Bitzer,
Greg and Carol Griffin,
Elizabeth Olson,
Colleen and Ron Weyers,
Eleanor and Thomas Wildrick Family,
the Nature Conservancy in Wisconsin,
Roger and Lynn Van Vreede,
Alliant Energy,
Cherish Wisconsin Outdoors Fund,
Jim Slattery,
Focus Fund for Wisconsin Programming,
and Friends of PBS Wisconsin.
??
[ Applause ]
-Thank you!
Thank you so much. Wow.
Alright. Hey, I'm so excited to be here
because I'm going to share the lessons I've learned
from a lifetime of traveling in Europe.
I just love doing this. I love going to Europe.
I go to Europe every year for 100 days.
I make all the mistakes. I take careful notes.
Now I get ripped off.
And when I get ripped off, I celebrate
'cause they don't know who they just ripped off.
I'm going to learn that scam and come home
and share it with all of you, okay?
So, how many of you have been to Europe before?
Can I see a show of hands?