A $1.3 million jail redesign to better handle severe mental health challenges and the future of 111 acres of county farmland in West Salem are two of the big topics discussed with La Crosse County Board Chair Tina Tryggestad.

Beyond the big policy votes, Tryggestad shares a personal connection to the old Shelby ball fields on 33rd Street as the county considers a new lease agreement. Plus, a lighthearted look at why steady, "boring" county government is usually a sign that local operations are actually working.

Key Topics:

• $1.3 Million Jail Redesign: Why the county is drawing $1.3M from current budget savings for redesign blueprints—a project expected to cost around $10 million total—to address severe mental health challenges, safely separate inmate populations, and protect jailers.

• 111-Acre West Salem Farmland Review: Where things stand with 11 concept proposals (RFIs) submitted to potentially build housing on county-owned farmland, and how county leadership is partnering with the Village of West Salem on next steps.

• Personal Connections at Hillview Ball Fields: Tryggestad reflects on her adult kids playing Shelby youth baseball on 33rd Street as the county considers transferring the field lease to the School District of La Crosse for Central High School athletics.

• Sunsetting SMRT Bus Funding: The practical factors behind ending La Crosse County's financial support for Scenic Mississippi Regional Transit by December 31 due to low ridership metrics and dropped contributions from neighboring counties.

• $22.3M ARPA Impact Report: A recap of how federal pandemic relief funds were deployed—including $12M toward the Hillview redesign, transitional housing units, and regional childcare grants.

• Why "Boring" Government Works: Rick and Tina open with a lighthearted look at why steady, reliable county operations rarely generate chaotic headlines—and why consistency is the ultimate goal.