Kinni Cast

Officer Adam Amaro, River Falls Police Department

It’s back to school time for students in River Falls – and for Officer Adam Amaro, who will also be heading back to school this fall as the School Resource Officer for the River Falls Police Department. Officer Amaro is the guest on this episode of the Kinni Cast, where he shares more about what his role as School Resource Officer entails, what inspired him at an early age to pursue a career in law enforcement, and how he’s come to love living in Wisconsin after growing up in Massachusetts. All of that and more on a brand-new Kinni Cast episode. Learn more about the City of River Falls at www.rfcity.org. Follow the City of River Falls on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.

Wayne Siverling, Electric Superintendent

Electricity is something most of us take for granted…until the power goes out. That’s when Wayne Siverling and his team jump into action to ensure the residents of River Falls have their power back as quickly – and as safely – as possible. Wayne is the electric superintendent with the City of River Falls, overseeing the electric utility and the City’s crew of lineworkers. Wayne joins this episode of the Kinni Cast to share more about public power and why he enjoys the job so much. He also talks about squirrels and the issues they cause with power lines, shares some safety tips relating to electricity, and more. Learn more about the City of River Falls at www.rfcity.org. Follow the City of River Falls on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.

Josh Woll, Matt Cernohous, and Andy Rineck, River Falls Fire Department

For members of the River Falls Fire Department, the call to jump into action can come at any moment. It could be on the first day of a new job, or as the three firefighters on this podcast experienced, it could just hours before they were scheduled to sit down for an episode of the Kinni Cast. Josh Woll, Matt Cernohous, and Andy Rineck are the guest on the latest Kinni Cast episode, where they each share what inspired them to join the fire department, what it’s like when their pager goes off for a fire call, and what they’re each looking forward to most with the new fire station. Learn more about the City of River Falls at www.rfcity.org. Follow the City of River Falls on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.

Rosa Magnus, River Falls Chamber of Commerce and Tourism Bureau

For over 25 years, non-profit work has been near and dear to Rosa Magnus. After starting her non-profit journey in her home state of Texas, Rosa eventually found her way north to Wisconsin, and last year she became the new CEO of the River Falls Chamber of Commerce and Tourism Bureau. Rosa joins this special episode of the Kinni Cast to share more about why non-profits are important to her, discusses the impact the Chamber has on more than 300 member businesses, and takes us behind the scenes of what it’s like to plan for a big event like the upcoming River Falls Days. Learn more about the City of River Falls at www.rfcity.org. Follow the City of River Falls on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.

Ken Thill, Facilities and Fleet Manager

48 structures. 236,000 square feet of space. 115 vehicles. Those are all part of what Ken Thill and his team maintain each and every day for the City of River Falls. As the Facilities and Fleet Manager for the City, Ken is responsible for keeping all City buildings and the fleet vehicles running smoothly – both for the employees who utilize them, as well as the public who visit City buildings. On this episode of the Kinni Cast, Ken shares more about the teamwork it takes to thoughtfully maintain all those buildings, talks about his involvement with recent projects like the new fire station, and discusses what he’s enjoyed most about working for the City for more than 20 years. Learn more about the City of River Falls at www.rfcity.org. Follow the City of River Falls on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.

Alison Page, Mayor

When Alison Page was elected Mayor of River Falls earlier this year, she didn’t allow herself much time to celebrate. Instead, she immediately hit the books to study municipal laws as she prepared to take office. When she did so in April of 2026, Mayor Page became just the second female mayor in River Falls’ history – with the first being her older sister, Katie. On this episode of the Kinni Cast, Mayor Page talks about being born and raised in River Falls, discusses what drew her to a career in healthcare, and shares more about what she envisions for her time as the Mayor of her hometown. Learn more about the City of River Falls at www.rfcity.org. Follow the City of River Falls on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.

Charles Larson and Nate Herum, Public Works

For the staff of the River Falls Public Works department, every day is a little different. Sometimes they’re out late, clearing the streets during a snowstorm. In the summer, they might be mowing the parks one day and putting up new street signs the next day. And as was the case just last week, they might even have to pick up a giant dead trout that somehow appeared on a sidewalk outside of City Hall. As we celebrate Public Works Week, we’re joined on this episode of the Kinni Cast by Charles Larson and Nate Herum, two of our public works employees who share more about the work that goes on behind the scenes to help keep River Falls clean and beautiful each and every day. Learn more about the City of River Falls at www.rfcity.org. Follow the City of River Falls on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.

Harley Mehlhorn, Senior Planner

Even though he’s lived in River Falls for just two years, Harley Mehlhorn has a deep appreciation for the City’s history. That guides him in the work he does as the Senior Planner, helping shape the future of River Falls by drawing on its past. It’s also part of the work he’s involved with as a member of the city’s Historic Preservation Commission, which helps highlight and preserve the history of River Falls. On this episode of the Kinni Cast, Harley joins to share more about the work of a City Planner, discusses the role of the Historic Preservation Commission, and shares some of his favorite facts about River Falls’ history. Learn more about the City of River Falls at www.rfcity.org. Follow the City of River Falls on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.

Todd Nickleski, City Engineer

As the son of engineers, Todd Nickelski’s career took shape from watching the work his parents did. After years of working as an engineer in the private sector, Todd has now been with the City of River Falls for nearly five years as the City Engineer – and as a resident of the city, he gets to see firsthand the finished projects that he’s been involved with since joining the city. On this episode of the Kinni Cast, Todd shares about the most memorable projects he’s worked on, discusses a few big upcoming projects for the City, and talks about how the engineering department plans for the growth of River Falls in the work that the city does. Hear why Todd describes himself as a “jack of all trades and a master of none” right now on the Kinni Cast. Learn more about the City of River Falls at www.rfcity.org. Follow the City of River Falls on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.

Kyle Mackey, Recreation Coordinator

Despite what the weather might tell us, summer will be here before we know it – and that means summer camps for kids, as well as summer activities for residents of all ages here in River Falls. Leading the recreation programming with the City of River Falls is recreation coordinator Kyle Mackey, who oversees everything from the recently released activity guide, the campground at Hoffman Park, the City’s various shelters available for rental, and plenty else. On this episode of the Kinni Cast, Kyle talks about what drew him to a career in recreation, what makes the city’s rec programs unique, the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board’s role within the city, and more. Learn more about the City of River Falls at www.rfcity.org. Follow the City of River Falls on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.

2026 State of the City Address

Every March, the City of River Falls holds its annual State of the City Address, which provides an opportunity to look back at the past year and highlight the projects and accomplishments that took place in River Falls. The 2026 State of the City was held on Tuesday, March 3 at Tattersall Distilling and used LEGOs as the theme to tell the story. The following is the audio from the event, which includes an introduction by Mayor Dan Toland, followed by the address from City Administrator Scot Simpson. Throughout the address, you’ll hear how City staff, councilmembers, our partners, and residents are all working together to build River Falls one brick at a time. Learn more about the City of River Falls at www.rfcity.org. Follow the City of River Falls on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.

Amy White, City Clerk/Community Services Director

Elections are an important part of local government, and City Clerks are the people who make sure those elections run smoothly. In River Falls, that role belongs to Amy White, who has been the City Clerk for the past 9 years. But as you’ll hear in Amy’s episode of the Kinni Cast, she also wears many other hats in her role with the City. Tune in to hear why she feels local elections are so important, what River Falls residents can expect in the upcoming April election, and much more. Learn more about the City of River Falls at www.rfcity.org. Follow the City of River Falls on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.

Karen Bergstrom, Human Resources Director

When Karen Bergstrom joined the City of River Falls nearly 14 years ago as the human resources director, she was able to build the City’s human resources department from scratch. Having worked in HR for another city as well as the private sector, she brought a wealth of experience as she helped establish the HR culture at River Falls. On this episode of the Kinni Cast, Karen shares more about the workplace culture at the City, talks about the importance of promoting a work-life balance, and reveals what her favorite question to ask prospective employees in a job interview. All of that and more on a brand-new Kinni Cast. Learn more about the City of River Falls at www.rfcity.org. Follow the City of River Falls on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.

Matt Walker, UWRF Football Coach

Matt Walker didn’t grow up in River Falls – he’s an Indiana native – but after living here for 15 years, River Falls is now home for Matt and his family. Recently, Matt helped put River Falls on the national stage as the head coach of the UW-River Falls Falcons football team, which won its first-ever Division III national championship in early January. Being in the spotlight gave Matt the opportunity to showcase River Falls and the community that he’s a big part of. On this special partner spotlight episode of the Kinni Cast, Matt shares more about his love of River Falls, talks about how the relationship between the university and the community has grown since he first arrived, and of course he recaps the excitement of his team’s national championship. Learn more about the City of River Falls at www.rfcity.org. Follow the City of River Falls on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.

Erica Ellefson, Public Works Manager

When it snows, we often take for granted that the snow gets cleared from our city streets. But that job gets done thanks to the public works crew at the City of River Falls. Plowing the snow is one of just many things the public works team does. They stay busy year-round with tree removal, street sign maintenance, mowing the grass at city parks, and much more. To learn more about the Public Works team, Erica Ellefson joins this episode of the Kinni Cast. As the public works manager, Erica oversees the operations of the public works crew and helps ensure that the city’s streets, parks, and other resources are well-maintained for the residents of River Falls. Settle into the first episode of the Kinni Cast in 2026 as we dive into all things public works. Learn more about the City of River Falls at www.rfcity.org. Follow the City of River Falls on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.

Brooks Ostendorf, Conservation and Parks Manager

In River Falls, the parks and natural resources are something residents routinely say is an important part of the community. Helping maintain those aspects of the City is the job of Brooks Ostendorf, who joined the City staff earlier this year as the manager of the newly-created Conservation and Parks Department. On this episode of the Kinni Cast, Brooks talks about how his background in landscape architecture translates to the work he does for the City, shares more about the City’s response to Emerald Ash Borer, discusses what he thinks makes our park system so unique, and much more. Tune in now to hear a conversation with Conservation and Parks Manager Brooks Ostendorf on the Kinni Cast. Learn more about the City of River Falls at www.rfcity.org. Follow the City of River Falls on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.

Josh Solinger, Finance Director

Numbers are Josh Solinger’s thing – which is perfect since he serves as the finance director for the City of River Falls. On this episode of the Kinni Cast, Josh joins to share his passion for helping residents understand how their tax dollars support the services and projects shaping our community. He discusses the city’s annual budget, how the City funds major projects like the upcoming fire station renovation, and gives his outlook on the long-term financial health of River Falls. So get your calculators out as you tune into this brand-new Kinni Cast episode with finance director Josh Solinger. Learn more about the City of River Falls at www.rfcity.org. Follow the City of River Falls on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.

Diane Odeen, Alderperson at Large

Before she ran for City Council in River Falls, Diane Odeen actually had aspirations of holding office at the state level of government in Wisconsin. While that didn’t ultimately work out, that experience eventually helped her land a spot on the City Council – a role she’s held for more than a decade. On this episode of the Kinni Cast, Diane takes us behind the scenes of what it’s like to be a City Council member in River Falls, discusses some of the projects she and other council members have helped bring to life over the years, and shares how River Falls residents can get involved in local government and connect with their City Council representatives. Learn more about the City of River Falls at www.rfcity.org. Follow the City of River Falls on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.

Emily Shively, Assistant Director of Community Development

Growth in a city like River Falls doesn’t happen overnight. It takes a balance of planning, partnerships, and community values. Tying all of those together is part of Emily Shively’s role as the Assistant Director of Community Development for the City of River Falls. On this episode of the Kinni Cast, Emily joins to share more about how development works in the city, examines the current housing market in River Falls, and discusses how the City plans for growth while preserving what makes the community special. Learn more about the City of River Falls at www.rfcity.org. Follow the City of River Falls on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.

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Gordon Young, Police Chief

Since he was a kid, Gordon Young knew he wanted to be in law enforcement. He saw his dad and grandfather in the profession and seemed destined to follow in their footsteps. After getting his start in his home state of Michigan, he eventually found his way to River Falls in 2015 as the City’s new Police Chief. On this episode of the Kinni Cast, Chief Young talks about his introduction to River Falls a decade ago, shares how the new police station has been a major upgrade for the department, discusses why he’s passionate about mental health, and much more. Learn more about the City of River Falls at www.rfcity.org. Follow the City of River Falls on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.

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