Newberry on city admin plan

A week ahead of the La Crosse common council voting on creating a city administrator position, there’s dueling legislation on the matter.

City Council member Aron Newberry stopped in studio to discuss his separate proposal for creating the position. Also joining the conversation is Mac Kiel, helping break down that role, plus what’s happening in city government throughout February.

The city admin position has been a topic of study and discussion within La Crosse government for about two years now.

Newberry presents his charter ordinance proposal as a more simplified version versus the one the council put on the February agenda last spring.

With Kiel, aside from the city admin debate, we talk about the airport landing United Airlines and how the council next week will vote to confirm Lauren Koss as the official airport director.

We also discuss the Wisconsin DOT’s hybrid plan for downtown La Crosse, which is currently going through committee.

Lastly, Kiel brings up two other items: the Feb. 5 Executive Committee meeting happening right before the monthly council vote — which could provide a way to publicly discuss the city admin position further — and a special strategic planning meeting happening Feb. 18.

A week ahead of the La Crosse common council voting on creating a city administrator position, there&rsquo;s dueling legislation on the matter.
City Council member Aron Newberry stopped in studio to discuss his separate proposal for creating the position. Also joining the conversation is Mac Kiel, helping break down that role, plus what&rsquo;s happening in city government throughout February.
The city admin position has been a topic of study and discussion within La Crosse government for about two years now.
Newberry presents his charter ordinance proposal as a more simplified version versus the one the council put on the February agenda last spring.
With Kiel, aside from the city admin debate,&nbsp;we talk about the airport landing United Airlines and how the council next week will vote to confirm Lauren Koss as the official airport director.
We also discuss the Wisconsin DOT&rsquo;s hybrid plan for downtown La Crosse, which is currently going through committee.
Lastly, Kiel brings up two other items: the Feb. 5 Executive Committee meeting happening right before the monthly council vote &mdash; which could provide a way to publicly discuss the city admin position further &mdash; and a special strategic planning meeting happening Feb. 18.

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

Aron Newberry and Mac Kiel on creating city admin position in La Crosse

Garrett Paulson, pictured above, stopped by the WIZM studio Thursday on La Crosse Talk PM to talk about financial responsibility, healthy money habits, and why giving back to the community matters.

Jason Spangler hosted the conversation, focusing on practical, behavior-first ideas listeners can use in everyday life — from building a plan and avoiding common money traps to staying consistent and tying financial decisions to personal values.

During the interview, Paulson broke down what “financial responsibility” looks like in real life, emphasizing discipline, routines, and small steps people can take to feel more in control of their money. The discussion stayed centered on education and mindset rather than specific products or personal financial advice.

The conversation also explored habits that can help people make progress over time, including budgeting in a realistic way, building an emergency fund, managing debt without feeling overwhelmed, and using systems like automation and routines to stay on track when life gets busy.

Paulson also spoke about the connection between financial discipline and community involvement. In addition to his work as a financial advisor with Northwestern Mutual, he is involved with the Delta Sigma Phi Alumni Board, Rotary, Next Steps for Change, and the Sons of the American Legion. He shared why service matters to him and encouraged listeners who want to give back locally to start small, stay consistent, and lead with purpose.

The interview wrapped with practical takeaways listeners can put into action right away, including ways parents can model healthy financial behaviors at home and how success can look different when money is aligned with values, purpose, and community.

Listen to the full interview below.

Listen live weekdays at 5:00 p.m. Tune in on the WIZM app or on air at 92.3 FM / 1410 AM / 106.7 FM.

More information: Garrett Paulson, Northwestern Mutual, 608-797-4512, 2737 National Dr, Onalaska, WI 54650

Garrett Paulson, pictured above, stopped by the WIZM studio Thursday on La Crosse Talk PM to talk about financial responsibility, healthy money habits, and why giving back to the community matters.
Jason Spangler hosted the conversation, focusing on practical, behavior-first ideas listeners can use in everyday life &mdash; from building a plan and avoiding common money traps to staying consistent and tying financial decisions to personal values.
During the interview, Paulson broke down what &ldquo;financial responsibility&rdquo; looks like in real life, emphasizing discipline, routines, and small steps people can take to feel more in control of their money. The discussion stayed centered on education and mindset rather than specific products or personal financial advice.
The conversation also explored habits that can help people make progress over time, including budgeting in a realistic way, building an emergency fund, managing debt without feeling overwhelmed, and using systems like automation and routines to stay on track when life gets busy.
Paulson also spoke about the connection between financial discipline and community involvement. In addition to his work as a financial advisor with Northwestern Mutual, he is involved with the Delta Sigma Phi Alumni Board, Rotary, Next Steps for Change, and the Sons of the American Legion. He shared why service matters to him and encouraged listeners who want to give back locally to start small, stay consistent, and lead with purpose.
The interview wrapped with practical takeaways listeners can put into action right away, including ways parents can model healthy financial behaviors at home and how success can look different when money is aligned with values, purpose, and community.
Listen to the full interview below.
Listen live weekdays at 5:00 p.m. Tune in on the WIZM app or on air at 92.3 FM / 1410 AM / 106.7 FM.
More information: Garrett Paulson, Northwestern Mutual, 608-797-4512, 2737 National Dr, Onalaska, WI 54650

Northwestern Mutual’s Garrett Paulson talks money mindset and giving back in the Coulee Region

Dave Larsen and Tess Larsen, pictured above, stopped by the WIZM studio Wednesday on La Crosse Talk PM to talk about Freedom Honor Flight — and how the Coulee Region can help local veterans take a powerful, one-day trip to Washington, D.C. to visit the memorials built in their honor.



Jason Spangler hosted the conversation, focusing on what Freedom Honor Flight is, who qualifies, what the day in D.C. looks like, and clear ways listeners can get involved — whether that’s applying, volunteering, donating, or supporting local fundraising efforts.



Freedom Honor Flight is an all-volunteer nonprofit based out of La Crosse. The organization serves 22 counties across Wisconsin, Minnesota, and Iowa, flying 200+ veterans annually and helping more than 3,000 veterans since 2008, with both spring and fall flights.



During the interview, Larsen helped listeners picture “flight day” — from the early morning airport send-off, to a full day of meaningful stops in the nation’s capital, and an emotional welcome home. Veterans typically visit key memorials (often including WWII, Korea, Vietnam, and more) plus Arlington National Cemetery, with medical support available throughout the day and a guardian paired with each veteran.



The discussion also covered eligibility and how the priority system works, how families can start the application process, and the important role guardians play in making the trip safe, comfortable, and memorable — especially for veterans with mobility challenges or ongoing medical needs. Larsen emphasized the heart behind the mission: “This is how we say thank you.”

Dave Larsen and Tess Larsen, pictured above, stopped by the WIZM studio Wednesday on La Crosse Talk PM to talk about Freedom Honor Flight &mdash; and how the Coulee Region can help local veterans take a powerful, one-day trip to Washington, D.C. to visit the memorials built in their honor.
 
Jason Spangler hosted the conversation, focusing on what Freedom Honor Flight is, who qualifies, what the day in D.C. looks like, and clear ways listeners can get involved &mdash; whether that&rsquo;s applying, volunteering, donating, or supporting local fundraising efforts.
 
Freedom Honor Flight is an all-volunteer nonprofit based out of La Crosse. The organization serves 22 counties across Wisconsin, Minnesota, and Iowa, flying 200+ veterans annually and helping more than 3,000 veterans since 2008, with both spring and fall flights.
 
During the interview, Larsen helped listeners picture &ldquo;flight day&rdquo; &mdash; from the early morning airport send-off, to a full day of meaningful stops in the nation&rsquo;s capital, and an emotional welcome home. Veterans typically visit key memorials (often including WWII, Korea, Vietnam, and more) plus Arlington National Cemetery, with medical support available throughout the day and a guardian paired with each veteran.
 
The discussion also covered eligibility and how the priority system works, how families can start the application process, and the important role guardians play in making the trip safe, comfortable, and memorable &mdash; especially for veterans with mobility challenges or ongoing medical needs. Larsen emphasized the heart behind the mission: &ldquo;This is how we say thank you.&rdquo;

Dave and Tess Larsen talk Freedom Honor Flight and supporting local veterans

Joanna Drazkowski, pictured above, stopped by the WIZM studio Tuesday on La Crosse Talk PM to talk fitness, yoga, running, and how small, consistent habits can make a big difference—especially for busy parents. Drazkowski teaches at Root Down Yoga Studio and also instructs group fitness classes at the La Crosse Area Family YMCA’s Houser Branch.

Jason Spangler hosted the conversation, which began with Drazkowski’s personal story—how she found her way to the La Crosse/Onalaska area and why yoga became a natural extension of her background as a runner. At Root Down, she’s been described as a “calm creator,” with a guiding mindset of “embrace the discomfort.” The interview also touched on what she hopes students feel when they walk out of class—both physically and mentally.

In the second segment, Drazkowski shared practical encouragement for listeners who feel intimidated by the idea of getting back into a workout routine, along with approachable first steps people can try this week. The discussion included injury-prevention habits for runners, how to safely “lean into discomfort” without pushing past what’s smart, and what a simple 20-minute at-home routine can look like.

The conversation also included a brief, informational look at Drazkowski’s candidacy for La Crosse County Board Supervisor in District 18, and how community wellness connects to local priorities.

Joanna Drazkowski, pictured above, stopped by the WIZM studio Tuesday on La Crosse Talk PM to talk fitness, yoga, running, and how small, consistent habits can make a big difference&mdash;especially for busy parents. Drazkowski teaches at Root Down Yoga Studio and also instructs group fitness classes at the La Crosse Area Family YMCA&rsquo;s Houser Branch.
Jason Spangler hosted the conversation, which began with Drazkowski&rsquo;s personal story&mdash;how she found her way to the La Crosse/Onalaska area and why yoga became a natural extension of her background as a runner. At Root Down, she&rsquo;s been described as a &ldquo;calm creator,&rdquo; with a guiding mindset of &ldquo;embrace the discomfort.&rdquo; The interview also touched on what she hopes students feel when they walk out of class&mdash;both physically and mentally.
In the second segment, Drazkowski shared practical encouragement for listeners who feel intimidated by the idea of getting back into a workout routine, along with approachable first steps people can try this week. The discussion included injury-prevention habits for runners, how to safely &ldquo;lean into discomfort&rdquo; without pushing past what&rsquo;s smart, and what a simple 20-minute at-home routine can look like.
The conversation also included a brief, informational look at Drazkowski&rsquo;s candidacy for La Crosse County Board Supervisor in District 18, and how community wellness connects to local priorities.

Aron Newberry and Mac Kiel on creating city admin position in La Crosse

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