A few weeks ago, an emu (an ostrich) got loose in West Salem. Cody Ratkovich, a La Crosse County Sheriff's Deputy was first to the scene. He joined to talk about the viral videos of him wrangling this thing to the ground, how he was getting married two days later and what the guys in the office have now nicknamed him. After that, we talk developing the old Kmart site.

A few weeks ago, an emu (an ostrich) got loose in West Salem. Cody Ratkovich, a La Crosse County Sheriff's Deputy was first to the scene. He joined to talk about the viral videos of him wrangling this thing to the ground, how he was getting married two days later and what the guys in the office have now nicknamed him. After that, we talk developing the old Kmart site.

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

Just your everyday conversation about wrangling an EMU

La Crosse city admin debate

Local projects & case for city admin

Fixing City Hall efficiency

Kmart development update

He's worked with the city of La Crosse on many projects. A popular one right now is redeveloping the old Kmart lot.

Marvin Wanders, CEO of Three-Sixty Real Estate Solutions, stopped in studio to talk about his experience working with La Crosse and other municipalities in the region, and how he feels about the need for a city administrator position.

City administrator is back in front of council during the August cycle, beginning next week with the Judiciary & Administrative Committee. It could be on the City Plan Commission agenda, as well. That one isn't up yet.

IN THIS INTERVIEW:


Why a City Administrator? How professional management, clear structure, and department alignment impact city growth and $80M budget efficiency.


Old Kmart Site Update & Timeline: Where the Copper Rocks project currently stands with the city, what needs to happen with the development agreement, and the timeline for when demolition and site work could potentially start next spring.


New Local Housing Projects: A look at the newly openedCNC Residences near Mayo and the ORI studio micro-apartments at Badger West near UW-La Crosse.


La Crosse Housing Trends: Meeting the demand for one- and two-person households and shifting demographics in the region.

He's worked with the city of La Crosse on many projects. A popular one right now is redeveloping the old Kmart lot.
Marvin Wanders, CEO of <a href="https://www.threesixty.bz/">Three-Sixty Real Estate Solutions</a>, stopped in studio to talk about his experience working with La Crosse and other municipalities in the region, and how he feels about the need for a city administrator position.
City administrator is back in front of council during the August cycle, beginning next week with the <a href="https://cityoflacrosse.legistar.com/MeetingDetail.aspx?ID=1363293&amp;GUID=807E21D7-49BA-426D-8531-96742119A7E7&amp;Options=info|&amp;Search=">Judiciary &amp; Administrative Committee</a>. It could be on the City Plan Commission agenda, as well. That one isn't up yet.
IN THIS INTERVIEW:
<ul data-path-to-node="7">
<li>
Why a City Administrator? How professional management, clear structure, and department alignment impact city growth and $80M budget efficiency.
</li>
<li>
Old Kmart Site Update &amp; Timeline: Where the Copper Rocks project currently stands with the city, what needs to happen with the development agreement, and the timeline for when demolition and site work could potentially start next spring.
</li>
<li>
New Local Housing Projects: A look at the newly opened CNC Residences near Mayo and the ORI studio micro-apartments at Badger West near UW-La Crosse.
</li>
<li>
La Crosse Housing Trends: Meeting the demand for one- and two-person households and shifting demographics in the region.
</li>
</ul>

Marvin Wanders on Kmart timeline, new housing, and whether La Crosse needs a city administrator

Electability in the Wisconsin governor's race has taken center stage as state Sen. Kelda Roys stopped in studio to discuss her bid to lead the state.

With the race reshaped, we talk to Roys about candidate electability and how Francesca Hong's "Democratic socialist" label plays into the strategy to win next month, and in November.

Roys also breaks down her proposal to end private school voucher funding and her priorities for lowering living costs and reforming classroom technology.

UW-La Crosse political scientist Dr. Anthony Chergosky was also in studio helping decode the high percentage of undecided voters and break down the race for Wisconsin's 3rd US House District.

We analyze how Republican incumbent Derek Van Orden is posturing against Democratic primary candidates Rebecca Cook and Emily Berge, including financial disclosure extensions and debate challenges.

Key Topics:


The Democratic Primary: Sen. Kelda Roys on campaign finance, debate strategy, and navigating a shifting candidate field.


Voucher School Reform: Inside Roys' plan to phase out tax-funded private school vouchers and re-invest in public education.


Electability & Strategy: Dr. Anthony Chergosky breaks down how Francesca Hong's "Democratic socialist" label and outside ad spending impact primary voters vs. the general electorate.


3rd Congressional District: A look at financial disclosure extensions, debate challenges, and general election strategies involving Derek Van Orden, Rebecca Cook, and Emily Berge.

Electability in the Wisconsin governor's race has taken center stage as state Sen. Kelda Roys stopped in studio to discuss her bid to lead the state.
With the race reshaped, we talk to Roys about candidate electability and how Francesca Hong's "Democratic socialist" label&nbsp;plays into the strategy to win next month, and in November.
Roys also breaks down her proposal to end private school voucher funding and her priorities for lowering living costs and reforming classroom technology.
UW-La Crosse political scientist Dr. Anthony Chergosky was also in studio helping decode the high percentage of undecided voters and break down the race for Wisconsin's 3rd US House District.
We analyze how Republican incumbent Derek Van Orden is posturing against Democratic primary candidates Rebecca Cook and Emily Berge, including financial disclosure extensions and debate challenges.
Key Topics:
<ul data-path-to-node="7">
<li>
The Democratic Primary: Sen. Kelda Roys on campaign finance, debate strategy, and navigating a shifting candidate field.
</li>
<li>
Voucher School Reform: Inside Roys' plan to phase out tax-funded private school vouchers and re-invest in public education.
</li>
<li>
Electability &amp; Strategy: Dr. Anthony Chergosky breaks down how Francesca Hong's "Democratic socialist" label and outside ad spending impact primary voters vs. the general electorate.
</li>
<li>
3rd Congressional District: A look at financial disclosure extensions, debate challenges, and general election strategies involving Derek Van Orden, Rebecca Cook, and Emily Berge.
</li>
</ul>

Electability: Kelda Roys on "Democratic Socialism," school vouchers; Plus UW-L's Chergosky on Van Orden vs. the Dems

Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley in studio, following his dramatic re-entry into the Democratic primary for Wisconsin governor.

Crowley breaks down the whirlwind timeline of stepping back into the race, after Lt. Gov. Sara Rodriguez dropped out. That includes his post-late-night decision with his wife and how it came about getting the endorsement from Gov. Tony Evers — and if the governor used any of his key phrases during that phone call.

Crowley also addressed recent reporting regarding a decade-old shared Twitter handle, disavowing crude posts made under the account and emphasizing his record of public service.

We did reel the conversation in, turning to La Crosse’s $8 million budget shortfall for next year and a proposal to hire a city administrator. That discussion highlighted Wisconsin’s broken shared revenue system — noting how state lawmakers rushed to approve $500 million for the Milwaukee Brewers stadium, while local schools and municipalities face deficits — and examined how Crowley would address the funding gap.

We also got Crowley's clear thoughts on AI data centers — the giant one operational now and what regulations he wants to see for them in the future.

We began, though, with the recent police killing in Madison and potential reform policies.

Topics covered in this show:


Re-Entering the Primary: The full story behind jumping back into the race, dealing with campaign chaos, and receiving Gov. Tony Evers' endorsement.


The Twitter Controversy: Addressing the "Dirt McGirk" handle, explaining the shared account access, and condemning the offensive posts.


Contrasting Against Tom Tiffany: Calling out "MAGA" Tom Tiffany’s 100% alignment with Donald Trump, reproductive rights, and setting up the general election matchup.


Public Safety & Madison Shooting: Balancing initial reactions with official investigations, state funding for body cameras, and investing in community violence interrupters.


Shared Revenue & Budget Surplus: Why local municipalities like La Crosse are struggling with budget shortfalls, and how the state surplus should ease local property taxes.


Regulating Data Centers: Requiring tech companies to pay for 100% of their clean energy infrastructure and subsidizing ratepayer costs.


Milwaukee Bucks Landscape: Local fallout after Giannis Antetokounmpo's departure and rebuilding around hometown star Tyler Herro.

Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley in studio,&nbsp;following his dramatic re-entry into the Democratic primary for Wisconsin governor.
Crowley breaks down the whirlwind timeline of stepping back into the race, after Lt. Gov. Sara Rodriguez dropped out. That includes his post-late-night decision with his wife and how it came about getting the endorsement from Gov. Tony Evers &mdash; and if the governor used any of his key phrases during that phone call.
Crowley also addressed recent reporting regarding a decade-old shared Twitter handle, disavowing crude posts made under the account and emphasizing his record of public service.
We did reel the conversation in, turning to La Crosse&rsquo;s $8 million budget shortfall for next year and a proposal to hire a city administrator. That discussion highlighted Wisconsin&rsquo;s broken shared revenue system &mdash; noting how state lawmakers rushed to approve $500 million for the Milwaukee Brewers stadium, while local schools and municipalities face deficits &mdash; and examined how Crowley would address the funding gap.
We also got Crowley's clear thoughts on AI data centers &mdash; the giant one operational now and what regulations he wants to see for them in the future.
We began, though, with the recent police killing in Madison and potential reform policies.
Topics covered in this show:
<ul data-path-to-node="7">
<li>
Re-Entering the Primary: The full story behind jumping back into the race, dealing with campaign chaos, and receiving Gov. Tony Evers' endorsement.
</li>
<li>
The Twitter Controversy: Addressing the "Dirt McGirk" handle, explaining the shared account access, and condemning the offensive posts.
</li>
<li>
Contrasting Against Tom Tiffany: Calling out "MAGA" Tom Tiffany&rsquo;s 100% alignment with Donald Trump, reproductive rights, and setting up the general election matchup.
</li>
<li>
Public Safety &amp; Madison Shooting: Balancing initial reactions with official investigations, state funding for body cameras, and investing in community violence interrupters.
</li>
<li>
Shared Revenue &amp; Budget Surplus: Why local municipalities like La Crosse are struggling with budget shortfalls, and how the state surplus should ease local property taxes.
</li>
<li>
Regulating Data Centers: Requiring tech companies to pay for 100% of their clean energy infrastructure and subsidizing ratepayer costs.
</li>
<li>
Milwaukee Bucks Landscape: Local fallout after Giannis Antetokounmpo's departure and rebuilding around hometown star Tyler Herro.
</li>
</ul>

Just your everyday conversation about wrangling an EMU

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