Current Festmaster Brent Smith and last year's leader Mike Bakalars stopped in the WIZM studio for The Rick Solem Show to preview the final countdown to La Crosse’s Oktoberfest — and show how the sausage is made, literally.

The two shared what it's really like to keep one of the city's biggest secrets for six months — being selected Festmaster — from an anonymous front-door beer drop to joking about being the "last resort" on the list.

Beyond the ceremonial torch passing at next Wednesday's Festmasters Ball, the pair shared stories about minus-30-degree festival tours in Winnipeg, running into UW-L Chancellor James Beeby downtown in full Lederhosen, and the infamous 2 a.m. heist of the festival's 80-pound golden brat.

Episode Highlights:
Learning Their Festmaster Status: How both men got the secret news—from a front-door German beer drop to a joke about being fifth choice. 
The 80-Pound Heist: The chaotic 2017 story of when thieves actually stole the massive golden brat off the grill.
Designing the Button: How Festmasters select custom symbols — from scales of justice to Navy logos — to engrave on thousands of official Festmaster buttons.
Chancellor Encounter: Getting caught driving UTVs through downtown La Crosse in full festival gear and running straight into UW-L Chancellor James Beeby.
Missing Gambrinus: The morning-after panic when King Gambrinus was accidentally left unattended in a hotel hallway.

The Heart of Tour Week: Brent Smith reflects on why visits to local nursing homes and schools mean more than any parade crowd.Serving the Community: Mike Bakalars shares what it really feels like to spend a year as an ambassador for the city of La Crosse. 

Current Festmaster Brent Smith and last year's leader Mike Bakalars stopped in the WIZM studio for The Rick Solem Show to preview the final countdown to La Crosse&rsquo;s Oktoberfest &mdash; and show how the sausage is made, literally.
The two shared what it's really like to keep one of the city's biggest secrets for six months &mdash; being selected Festmaster &mdash; from an anonymous front-door beer drop to joking about being the "last resort" on the list.
Beyond the ceremonial torch passing at next Wednesday's Festmasters Ball, the pair shared stories about minus-30-degree festival tours in Winnipeg, running into UW-L Chancellor James Beeby downtown in full Lederhosen, and the infamous 2 a.m. heist of the festival's 80-pound golden brat.
Episode Highlights:
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">Learning Their Festmaster Status: How both men got the secret news&mdash;from a front-door German beer drop to a joke about being fifth choice.&nbsp;</li>
<li aria-level="1">The 80-Pound Heist: The chaotic 2017 story of when thieves actually stole the massive golden brat off the grill.</li>
<li aria-level="1">Designing the Button: How Festmasters select custom symbols &mdash; from scales of justice to Navy logos &mdash; to engrave on thousands of official Festmaster buttons.</li>
<li aria-level="1">Chancellor Encounter: Getting caught driving UTVs through downtown La Crosse in full festival gear and running straight into UW-L Chancellor James Beeby.</li>
<li aria-level="1">Missing Gambrinus: The morning-after panic when King Gambrinus was accidentally left unattended in a hotel hallway.</li>
</ul>
The Heart of Tour Week: Brent Smith reflects on why visits to local nursing homes and schools mean more than any parade crowd.Serving the Community: Mike Bakalars shares what it really feels like to spend a year as an ambassador for the city of La Crosse.&nbsp;

Listener conversations about the days events in and around the La Crosse area.  Weekdays from 5-6pm on WIZM 1410AM and 92.3FM

La Crosse Talk PM WIZM

Rick Solem talks about the days events in and around the La Crosse area. Weekdays from 5:07-6pm on 1410 WIZM

Rick Solem talks about the days events in and around the La Crosse area. Weekdays from 5:07-6pm on 1410 WIZM

WIZM - La Crosse

A peek inside La Crosse Oktoberfest with Festmasters Smith, Bakalars

What does the La Crosse School District do with the gigantic Trane property?

Economist Dr. Adam Hoffer in studio with a hot take: Turn the 40-acre site into a high school.

Voters shot down a Trane site high school back in 2022, but with the company donating the land and the district facing facility challenges, we debate why Hoffer thinks having this property changes the math — and why past district planning hasn't worked out.

We also question some La Crosse city logic — like laying off $400,000 in library staff to cover a budget deficit while approving $600,000 in TID money for a public market study. 

Hoffer, the excise tax director at the Tax Foundation, also discusses what a per-mile tax might look like — as Michigan experiments with that formula in place of a gas tax / EV tax — plus how prediction market state tax revenue is different from sports gambling. 

Also, with the start of the Green Bay Packers season, Hoffer talks about why their ownership model is so unique, it will never happen in pro sports again — but should happen with every franchise. 

Episode Highlights:
TID Funding Maneuvers: Is the city prioritizing its actual needs when shuffling TID cash — like funding a public market study over people's jobs at the library? 
Trane Site Opportunity: Acquiring a 40-acre property with a 220,000-square-foot building reopens a major debate for the La Crosse School District.
Wasted Community Input: Bringing the public together for a year-long Facility Advisory Committee only to toss out their plan creates massive local frustration.
Per-Mile Driving Tax: Replacing state gas taxes with a per-mile fee sounds great at the pump — until heavy EVs and annual registration bills enter the math.
The "Packer Rule" Paradox: Why the NFL literally rewrote its constitution to ban fan-owned nonprofits — and how that rule protects billionaire owners from public accountability.
Prediction Markets vs. Sports Gambling: How federally regulated prediction markets bypass state gambling taxes — and why state regulators are scrambling to stop it.

What does the La Crosse School District do with the gigantic Trane property?
Economist Dr. Adam Hoffer in studio with a hot take: Turn the 40-acre site into a high school.
Voters shot down a Trane site high school <a href="https://www.wizmnews.com/2022/11/09/la-crosse-school-district-holding-news-conference-at-10-am-as-194-7-million-referendum-fails-holmen-onalaska-bangor-passed/">back in 2022</a>, but with the company donating the land and the district facing facility challenges, we debate why Hoffer thinks having this property changes the math &mdash; and why past district planning hasn't worked out.
We also question some La Crosse city logic &mdash; like laying off $400,000 in library staff to cover a budget deficit while approving $600,000 in TID money for a public market study.&nbsp;
Hoffer, the excise tax director at the <a href="https://taxfoundation.org/">Tax Foundation</a>, also discusses what a <a href="https://taxfoundation.org/data/all/state/gas-taxes-state/">per-mile tax might</a> look like &mdash; as Michigan experiments with that formula in place of a gas tax / <a href="https://taxfoundation.org/data/all/state/electric-vehicle-ev-taxes/">EV tax</a> &mdash; plus how prediction market state tax revenue is different from sports gambling.&nbsp;
Also, with the start of the Green Bay Packers season, Hoffer talks about why their ownership model is so unique, it will never happen in pro sports again &mdash; but should happen with every franchise.&nbsp;
Episode Highlights:
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">TID Funding Maneuvers: Is the city prioritizing its actual needs when shuffling TID cash &mdash; like funding a public market study over people's jobs at the library?&nbsp;</li>
<li aria-level="1">Trane Site Opportunity: Acquiring a 40-acre property with a 220,000-square-foot building reopens a major debate for the La Crosse School District.</li>
<li aria-level="1">Wasted Community Input: Bringing the public together for a year-long Facility Advisory Committee only to toss out their plan creates massive local frustration.</li>
<li aria-level="1">Per-Mile Driving Tax: Replacing state gas taxes with a per-mile fee sounds great at the pump &mdash; until heavy EVs and annual registration bills enter the math.</li>
<li aria-level="1">The "Packer Rule" Paradox: Why the NFL literally rewrote its constitution to ban fan-owned nonprofits &mdash; and how that rule protects billionaire owners from public accountability.</li>
<li aria-level="1">Prediction Markets vs. Sports Gambling: How federally regulated prediction markets bypass state gambling taxes &mdash; and why state regulators are scrambling to stop it.</li>
</ul>

La Crosse should turn Trane property into new high school

As La Crosse's Oktoberfest gets underway, we look back on how it all started — and Brad Quarberg reveals the festival wasn't actually a secret ploy for G. Heileman Brewery to sell beer. 

In fact, the brewery once ran the numbers on how much beer fest-goers actually drank, and how long it took to brew — and Quarberg’s reveal of those the results will shock you.

It’s our annual Oktoberfest preview with 2016 Maple Leaf Parade Marshal, Quarberg, and 2013 Festmaster Dave Ring in studio to break down the five biggest myths about the fest.

Plus, a look back at the year milk was served instead of beer, when the medallion was held ransom, and how Ring managed to ruin the 10-day schedule.

From how the Royal Family brightens up local nursing homes with an accordion player to the hilarious story of an eight-foot golden brat getting dropped in a parking lot, the duo shared why this community tradition remains so special after 65 years.

Episode Highlights:
Sealed Fest Secrets: Ring jokes about the "sealed documents" and good-natured shenanigans from the year Oktoberfest made the jump from 10 days down to four.
100-Pound Brat Heist: The hilarious true story of how a massive eight-foot golden brat was "heisted" in 2017 right before its official slicing ceremony — and how the five-second rule saved the day.
The 5 Big Fest Myths: Quarberg tackles the most common misconceptions locals still hold about Oktoberfest, from who actually qualifies for the Royal Family to what counts as an official event.
Ransom in the Park: A look back at the 1991 medallion hunt where masked "Heistermeisters" held the medallion ransom for charity using magazine-cutout notes—and kept their identities a secret for 20 years.
Spreading the Joy: We don't actually build accordion players in a lab, but the Royal Family still takes live polka into local schools and nursing homes for a full week after Sunday.
Miss La Crosse Oktoberfest: How the selection evolved from a 1960s "trad-wife" contest into a modern program for community leadership. 

Milk over Beer: Why Oktoberfest banned beer and replaced it with milk on year.
10 Days to 4: We joke how the fest cut to four days after Ring’s reign — but also why it happened.

As La Crosse's Oktoberfest gets underway, we look back on how it all started &mdash; and Brad Quarberg reveals the festival wasn't actually a secret ploy for G. Heileman Brewery to sell beer.&nbsp;
In fact, the brewery once ran the numbers on how much beer fest-goers actually drank, and how long it took to brew &mdash; and Quarberg&rsquo;s reveal of those the results will shock you.
It&rsquo;s our annual Oktoberfest preview with 2016 Maple Leaf Parade Marshal, Quarberg, and 2013 Festmaster Dave Ring in studio to break down the five biggest myths about the fest.
Plus, a look back at the year milk was served instead of beer, when the medallion was held ransom, and how Ring managed to ruin the 10-day schedule.
From how the Royal Family brightens up local nursing homes with an accordion player to the hilarious story of an eight-foot golden brat getting dropped in a parking lot, the duo shared why this community tradition remains so special after 65 years.
Episode Highlights:
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">Sealed Fest Secrets: Ring jokes about the "sealed documents" and good-natured shenanigans from the year Oktoberfest made the jump from 10 days down to four.</li>
<li aria-level="1">100-Pound Brat Heist: The hilarious true story of how a massive eight-foot golden brat was "heisted" in 2017 right before its official slicing ceremony &mdash; and how the five-second rule saved the day.</li>
<li aria-level="1">The 5 Big Fest Myths: Quarberg tackles the most common misconceptions locals still hold about Oktoberfest, from who actually qualifies for the Royal Family to what counts as an official event.</li>
<li aria-level="1">Ransom in the Park: A look back at the 1991 medallion hunt where masked "Heistermeisters" held the medallion ransom for charity using magazine-cutout notes&mdash;and kept their identities a secret for 20 years.</li>
<li aria-level="1">Spreading the Joy: We don't actually build accordion players in a lab, but the Royal Family still takes live polka into local schools and nursing homes for a full week after Sunday.</li>
<li aria-level="1">Miss La Crosse Oktoberfest: How the selection evolved from a 1960s "trad-wife" contest into a modern program for community leadership.&nbsp;</li>
</ul>
Milk over Beer: Why Oktoberfest banned beer and replaced it with milk on year.
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">10 Days to 4: We joke how the fest cut to four days after Ring&rsquo;s reign &mdash; but also why it happened.</li>
</ul>

FACT OR MYTH: Did Heileman start Oktoberfest just to sell beer?

The demolition of the old Kmart might have a due date, and La Crosse leadership is about to restart the city administrator conversation again.

Council president Tamra Dickinson stopped in studio, ahead of Thursday’s monthly meeting, where the council will vote on giving final approval to a development agreement over the old Kmart lot, while also looking at a charter ordinance that isn’t city administrator — but could be related.

Following two failed charter votes to create a traditional administrator post, city leaders are pivoting to a special Sept. 22 meeting on broader municipal structures to fix city hall inefficiencies. 

Dickinson also breaks down how the city’s initial $8 million budget shortfall for next year is more of a department wishlist — but real cuts are still hitting, like over $400,000 next year for the library. Plus, Dickinson gives updates on King and Gillette street construction, and city-owned property sales including the old Northside Library and former Girl Scout headquarters.

Episode Highlights:
Kmart Demo Timeline: Dickinson breaks down the development agreement going before council to set a timeline for site demolition and spring 2027 construction. 
Beyond City Admin: How an upcoming municipal structure meeting finally opens the floor to discuss city operations after repeated charter votes failed to pass.
Budget Reality Check: Dickinson plays down an initial $8 million shortfall as a department "wishlist," even as departments like the library are meeting on making staff and giant budget cuts.
King Street Pitfall: How an unrecorded, water-filled underground cistern near the Pump House derailed downtown paving plans.
Gillette Street Gridlock: Why bridge repairs over the railroad tracks will stretch Northside construction delays right up into November.
Girl Scout Exit: The city moves to dissolve a 99-year lease for $1 to clear the way for a surplus property sale.

The demolition of the old Kmart might have a due date, and La Crosse leadership is about to restart the city administrator conversation again.
Council president Tamra Dickinson stopped in studio, ahead of Thursday&rsquo;s monthly meeting, where the council will vote on giving final approval to a development agreement over the old Kmart lot, while also looking at a charter ordinance that isn&rsquo;t city administrator &mdash; but could be related.
Following two failed charter votes to create a traditional administrator post, city leaders are pivoting to a special Sept. 22 meeting on broader municipal structures to fix city hall inefficiencies.&nbsp;
Dickinson also breaks down how the city&rsquo;s initial $8 million budget shortfall for next year is more of a department wishlist &mdash; but real cuts are still hitting, like over $400,000 next year for the library. Plus, Dickinson gives updates on King and Gillette street construction, and city-owned property sales including the old Northside Library and former Girl Scout headquarters.
Episode Highlights:
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">Kmart Demo Timeline: Dickinson breaks down the development agreement going before council to set a timeline for site demolition and spring 2027 construction.&nbsp;</li>
<li aria-level="1">Beyond City Admin: How an upcoming municipal structure meeting finally opens the floor to discuss city operations after repeated charter votes failed to pass.</li>
<li aria-level="1">Budget Reality Check: Dickinson plays down an initial $8 million shortfall as a department "wishlist," even as departments like the library are meeting on making staff and giant budget cuts.</li>
<li aria-level="1">King Street Pitfall: How an unrecorded, water-filled underground cistern near the Pump House derailed downtown paving plans.</li>
<li aria-level="1">Gillette Street Gridlock: Why bridge repairs over the railroad tracks will stretch Northside construction delays right up into November.</li>
<li aria-level="1">Girl Scout Exit: The city moves to dissolve a 99-year lease for $1 to clear the way for a surplus property sale.</li>
</ul>

A peek inside La Crosse Oktoberfest with Festmasters Smith, Bakalars

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