For More Information s1

July 17, 2014 For More Information: Jonna Mayberry, WPT publicist, [email protected]

Video: Wisconsin Life “Planetarium Builder” http://video.wpt.org/video/2365274307/

Wisconsin Life on Wisconsin Public Television Features Monico Planetarium Builder Frank Kovak Wisconsin Life continues to highlight the stories of notable Wisconsinites — from Waukesha to Washburn and everywhere in between — bringing to life the humorous, surprising and sometimes emotional tales of those who call Wisconsin home. With the return of new episodes of Wisconsin Life, viewers can see all-new stories from different communities across the state. These stories include that of Frank Kovak in the new episode premiering 8 p.m. Monday, July 21 on Wisconsin Public Television (WPT). Frank Kovac’s passion for astronomy first blossomed when his family left Chicago to visit the Wisconsin countryside. Before that trip, Kovac had never seen a clear night sky untouched by city lights. Years later, the passionate stargazer began taking groups outdoors for tours of the skies above the Northwoods. Yet, even in the wilderness, clouds occasionally obscured the otherwise pristine views. That’s when Kovac decided to take matters into his own hands. From the blueprint stages to the final touches, Kovac singlehandedly crafted the “Kovac Planetarium,” which now welcomes 3,000 visitors each year. Tune into Wisconsin Life to learn how Kovac made his dream a reality. This episode of Wisconsin Life will also feature other stories from across the state, including a glider pilot who’s taking sports to new heights, and a hula hooper whose technique is on fire … literally.

-MORE-

WISCONSIN LIFE/add one

A service of the MADISON ECB and UWEX provide Access releases and images Educational Communications 821 University Ave. equal opportunities for programs online in Board and University Madison, WI 53706 in employment and the WPT Press Room and University of Phone 608.263.2121 programming, including http://www.wpt.org/pressroom Wisconsin-Extension Fax 608.263.9763 Title IX requirements Wisconsin Life is a partnership project of Wisconsin Public Television and Wisconsin Public Radio. In addition to the television program, audio reports can be heard on Wednesday and Friday at 6:35 a.m. and 8:35 a.m. during Morning Edition, and on Central Time at 4:45 on Mondays and Wednesdays. Funding provided by the Alliant Energy, Lowell and Mary Peterson, the L.E. Phillips Family Foundation, the Wisconsin Humanities Council, and Friends of Wisconsin Public Television. WPT is a service of the Educational Communications Board and University of Wisconsin-Extension. Wisconsin Public Television is a place to grow through learning on WHA-TV, Madison; WPNE-TV, Green Bay; WHRM-TV, Wausau; WLEF-TV, Park Falls; WHLA-TV, La Crosse; and WHWC-TV, Menomonie-Eau Claire. -END-

A service of the MADISON ECB and UWEX provide Access releases and images Educational Communications 821 University Ave. equal opportunities for programs online in Board and University Madison, WI 53706 in employment and the WPT Press Room and University of Phone 608.263.2121 programming, including http://www.wpt.org/pressroom Wisconsin-Extension Fax 608.263.9763 Title IX requirements