Told some animal stories with Heather Drievold, executive director of the Coulee Region Humane Society. Some of the weirder animals that she's seen there. Also, some of the needs the group has right now, with over 200 animals in care — like  events "Rounds for Rescues" and "Sip to Save."

Told some animal stories with Heather Drievold, executive director of the Coulee Region Humane Society. Some of the weirder animals that she's seen there. Also, some of the needs the group has right now, with over 200 animals in care &mdash; like&nbsp; events "Rounds for Rescues" and "Sip to Save."

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

Talking animals with the Coulee Region Humane Society

After nine months of construction, the "pardon our mess" signs at the La Crosse Public Library are finally coming down.

Library director Dawn Wacek stopped in studio Monday to preview the grand reopening of the facility on Main Street happening from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesday — with tours every hour. The $3.1 million interior renovation covered about 40% of the building's footprint — all funded through a competitive state grant from the Wisconsin Department of Administration’s Flexible Facilities Program. Wacek noted the funding allowed the library to "fast-track" upgrades without hitting local property taxes or the city's day-to-day operating budget.

Listen live weekdays at 5:06 p.m. Find the pod on Spotify, Apple Podcast or here. Tune in on the WIZM app or on air at 92.3 FM / 1410 AM / 106.7 FM (north of Onalaska)

The conversation touched on the new "vibe" of the space, which Wacek described as more modern and flexible. One of Wacek’s favorite upgrades are the "Brody chairs" — semi-enclosed private nooks with built-in desks and lighting. Beyond the new seating, the renovation added several specialized areas, including:


A 100-seat auditorium and classroom space on the main floor.


An updated "CREATE" maker space for hands-on projects.


Eight new meeting and study rooms spread across both floors.


A refreshed public computer area and a second-floor computer lab.


Two first-floor meeting rooms dedicated to community service access.


Renovated, more accessible first-floor restrooms.

We also half joked about one thing that didn't make the blueprints: a coffee shop. Wacek explained the "pluses and minuses" of bringing in a cafe partner, noting that while it's a popular request, the risk of a partner going out of business often leads to "wasted space" in public buildings.

Beyond the renovations, we discussed how the library is pivoting to meet people where they are. Wacek highlighted a new pilot program for "library lockers" at the Main branch, where patrons can pick up materials after hours using a keycode. The goal is to eventually expand those kiosks to the north and south ends of the city to provide access even when the physical buildings are closed.

We also got into city budget talks, as the mayor has made it a focus to tackle that early on in the year. With the library making up about 8% of the city’s total budget, Wacek talked about being "at the table" for 2026 planning and the long-term goal of launching a fundraising campaign to modernize the "desperately undersized" children’s, teen, and tween areas.

To wrap up, we went through some of the books currently featured on the library's new "face-out" display shelving, plus looked at some of the stats from library use the past few years and went over the logistics of Wednesday's reopening, which will include guided tours each hour from various library staffers.

After nine months of construction, the "pardon our mess" signs at the La Crosse Public Library are finally coming down.
Library director Dawn Wacek stopped in studio Monday to preview the grand reopening of the facility on Main Street happening from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesday &mdash; with tours every hour. The $3.1 million interior renovation covered about 40% of the building's footprint &mdash; all funded through a competitive state grant from the Wisconsin Department of Administration&rsquo;s Flexible Facilities Program. Wacek noted the funding allowed the library to "fast-track" upgrades without hitting local property taxes or the city's day-to-day operating budget.
Listen live weekdays at 5:06 p.m. Find the pod on Spotify, Apple Podcast or here. Tune in on the WIZM app or on air at 92.3 FM / 1410 AM / 106.7 FM (north of Onalaska)
The conversation touched on the new "vibe" of the space, which Wacek described as more modern and flexible. One of Wacek&rsquo;s favorite upgrades are the "Brody chairs" &mdash; semi-enclosed private nooks with built-in desks and lighting. Beyond the new seating, the renovation added several specialized areas, including:
<ul data-path-to-node="7">
<li>
A 100-seat auditorium and classroom space on the main floor.
</li>
<li>
An updated "CREATE" maker space for hands-on projects.
</li>
<li>
Eight new meeting and study rooms spread across both floors.
</li>
<li>
A refreshed public computer area and a second-floor computer lab.
</li>
<li>
Two first-floor meeting rooms dedicated to community service access.
</li>
<li>
Renovated, more accessible first-floor restrooms.
</li>
</ul>
We also half joked about one thing that didn't make the blueprints: a coffee shop. Wacek explained the "pluses and minuses" of bringing in a cafe partner, noting that while it's a popular request, the risk of a partner going out of business often leads to "wasted space" in public buildings.
Beyond the renovations, we discussed how the library is pivoting to meet people where they are. Wacek highlighted a new pilot program for "library lockers" at the Main branch, where patrons can pick up materials after hours using a keycode. The goal is to eventually expand those kiosks to the north and south ends of the city to provide access even when the physical buildings are closed.
We also got into city budget talks, as the mayor has made it a focus to tackle that early on in the year. With the library making up about 8% of the city&rsquo;s total budget, Wacek talked about being "at the table" for 2026 planning and the long-term goal of launching a fundraising campaign to modernize the "desperately undersized" children&rsquo;s, teen, and tween areas.
To wrap up, we went through some of the books currently featured on the library's new "face-out" display shelving, plus looked at some of the stats from library use the past few years and went over the logistics of Wednesday's reopening, which will include guided tours each hour from various library staffers.

La Crosse library's Dawn Wacek previews $3.1 million renovation ahead of Wednesday grand reopening

Guests on La Crosse Talk PM previewed Irish events in La Crosse, including the St. Patrick’s Day Parade, Shamrock Club traditions and the Coulee Hoolie.

Guests on La Crosse Talk PM previewed Irish events in La Crosse, including the St. Patrick&rsquo;s Day Parade, Shamrock Club traditions and the Coulee Hoolie.

Irish in March guests preview parade, Shamrock Club traditions and Coulee Hoolie 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

Talking animals with the Coulee Region Humane Society

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