La Crosse School Board president Trevor Sprague in the WIZM studio for the Rick Solem Show on Thursday, discussing what comes next with the old Trane headquarters that was recently donated to the district.

The 41.5-acre, 210,000-square-foot building on the south side was once the centerpiece of the school district’s failed $194-million plan to combine Logan and Central high schools.

Sprague puts the high school consolidation notion to bed fairly quickly, before getting into immediate and future uses of the property.

Sprague also addresses the argument regarding the property coming off the tax rolls instead of being developed into something like affordable housing. Additionally, he shares the story of how the Blank family initiated the massive donation, and explains how the district plans to protect and honor a Ho-Chunk heritage site located on the northeast corner of the property.

While a permanent, long-term plan for the massive facility could take up to five years of community feedback to finalize, Sprague outlines some of the immediate, low-cost uses the district is eyeing — including soccer fields, warehousing, and professional development spaces.

Also on the show, Sprague talked about a couple of groups that are meeting to discuss school matters (unofficial names):
Countywide School Board Collaboration (unofficial title): Board presidents and vice presidents from districts like Holmen, Onalaska, and West Salem are teaming up to lobby the county to put voucher school dollars directly on local tax bills for transparency, following the lead of Eau Claire and Green Bay.
The Tech Advisory Committee (TAC): A diverse group of teachers, parents, and experts discussing how to balance screen time in classrooms, including the potential for “no-tech” days, and how the district currently handles cell phone policies.
Indoor Aquatics Center committee (unofficial title): Sprague explains why the school board is hitting pause on a proposed indoor aquatics facility after lukewarm community survey support, and why they are looking for partners.

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)

La Crosse School Board president Trevor Sprague in the WIZM studio for the Rick Solem Show on Thursday, discussing what comes next with the old Trane headquarters that was recently donated to the district.
The 41.5-acre, 210,000-square-foot building on the south side was once the centerpiece of the school district&rsquo;s failed $194-million plan to combine Logan and Central high schools.
Sprague puts&nbsp;the high school consolidation&nbsp;notion to bed fairly quickly, before getting into immediate and future uses of the property.
Sprague also addresses the argument regarding the property coming off the tax rolls instead of being developed into something like affordable housing. Additionally, he shares the story of how the Blank family initiated the massive donation, and explains how the district plans to protect and honor a Ho-Chunk heritage site located on the northeast corner of the property.
While a permanent, long-term plan for the massive facility could take up to five years of community feedback to finalize, Sprague outlines some of the immediate, low-cost uses the district is eyeing &mdash; including soccer fields, warehousing, and professional development spaces.
Also on the show, Sprague talked about a couple of groups that are meeting to discuss school matters (unofficial names):
<ul>
<li>Countywide School Board Collaboration (unofficial title):&nbsp;Board presidents and vice presidents from districts like Holmen, Onalaska, and West Salem are teaming up to lobby the county to put voucher school dollars directly on local tax bills for transparency, following the lead of Eau Claire and Green Bay.</li>
<li>The Tech Advisory Committee (TAC):&nbsp;A diverse group of teachers, parents, and experts discussing how to balance screen time in classrooms, including the potential for &ldquo;no-tech&rdquo; days, and how the district currently handles cell phone policies.</li>
<li>Indoor Aquatics Center committee (unofficial title):&nbsp;Sprague explains why the school board is hitting pause on a proposed indoor aquatics facility after lukewarm community survey support, and why they are looking for partners.</li>
</ul>
<hr>
Listen live weekdays at 5:06 p.m. Find the pod on&nbsp;<a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/1k1QCGhGrFA5KH9Rxh6fIO">Spotify</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/la-crosse-talk-pm-wizm/id1445077021">Apple Podcast</a>&nbsp;or&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wizmnews.com/la-crosse-talk-pm-with-rick-solem/">here</a>. Tune in on the WIZM app or on air at 92.3 FM / 1410 AM / 106.7 FM (north of Onalaska)

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

What’s next for La Crosse Schools’ new Trane property with board president Sprague

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>

David Crowley on getting Gov. Evers' endorsement and his reaction to La Crosse's budget situation

Marker 01

Ahead of his upcoming appearance at the Cappella Performing Arts Center with Ben Wikler, political commentator Todd Allbaugh stopped by The Rick Solem Show to break down an unprecedented stretch in Wisconsin politics.

Allbaugh will be in La Crosse with Ben Wiklker, the former chair of the Wisconsin Democratic Party, for an event Sunday (details below).

Allbaugh — a former Republican legislative chief of staff turned independent — gives his insider perspective on the rapid twists in the governor primary, how campaigns inoculate candidates before a general election, and why local voters in Western Wisconsin could shape the entire fall election.

IN THIS INTERVIEW:


Unprecedented Democratic Primary Chaos: Allbaugh breaks down the historic nature of Lt. Gov. Sara Rodriguez’s sudden campaign exit, Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley re-entering the race after suspending his run, and how Madison Rep. Francesca Hong emerged as the frontrunner.


The "Inoculation" Strategy of Tom Tiffany: Why Tiffany’s campaign spent months running warm, rural-focused TV ads across Wisconsin, and how it sets up his general election strategy.


Voter Suppression & The SAVE Act: Drawing on his time inside the state Capitol during the 2011 voter ID debates, Allbaugh outlines how election law changes disproportionately impact voters and local clerks.


Western Wisconsin 3rd District Battle: Why Republican strategists are keeping a close eye on the 3rd District primary between Rebecca Cook and Emily Berge following a dramatic local straw poll shift in La Crosse County.

IF YOU GO


What: Ben Wikler book tour stop for This Is The Plan, hosted by Todd Allbaugh


When: Sunday, July 26 | Doors open at 11:30 a.m. | Live conversation & Q&A at 12:30 p.m.


Where: Cappella Performing Arts Center (721 King St., La Crosse)


Details: Free admission (register here). Books available for purchase on-site through Pearl Street Books.

Ahead of his upcoming appearance at the Cappella Performing Arts Center with Ben Wikler, political commentator Todd Allbaugh stopped by The Rick Solem Show to break down an unprecedented stretch in Wisconsin politics.
Allbaugh will be in La Crosse with Ben Wiklker, the former chair of the Wisconsin Democratic Party, for an event Sunday (details below).
Allbaugh &mdash; a former Republican legislative chief of staff turned independent &mdash; gives his insider perspective on the rapid twists in the governor primary, how campaigns inoculate candidates before a general election, and why local voters in Western Wisconsin could shape the entire fall election.
IN THIS INTERVIEW:
<ul data-path-to-node="6">
<li>
Unprecedented Democratic Primary Chaos: Allbaugh breaks down the historic nature of Lt. Gov. Sara Rodriguez&rsquo;s sudden campaign exit, Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley re-entering the race after suspending his run, and how Madison Rep. Francesca Hong emerged as the frontrunner.
</li>
<li>
The "Inoculation" Strategy of Tom Tiffany: Why Tiffany&rsquo;s campaign spent months running warm, rural-focused TV ads across Wisconsin, and how it sets up his general election strategy.
</li>
<li>
Voter Suppression &amp; The SAVE Act: Drawing on his time inside the state Capitol during the 2011 voter ID debates, Allbaugh outlines how election law changes disproportionately impact voters and local clerks.
</li>
<li>
Western Wisconsin 3rd District Battle: Why Republican strategists are keeping a close eye on the 3rd District primary between Rebecca Cook and Emily Berge following a dramatic local straw poll shift in La Crosse County.
</li>
</ul>
IF YOU GO
<ul data-path-to-node="9">
<li>
What: Ben Wikler book tour stop for This Is The Plan, hosted by Todd Allbaugh
</li>
<li>
When: Sunday, July 26 | Doors open at 11:30 a.m. | Live conversation &amp; Q&amp;A at 12:30 p.m.
</li>
<li>
Where: Cappella Performing Arts Center (721 King St., La Crosse)
</li>
<li>
Details: Free admission (<a href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/this-is-the-plan-book-tour-la-crosse-tickets-1990507099317">register here</a>). Books available for purchase on-site through Pearl Street Books.
</li>
</ul>

Ahead of La Crosse visit, former GOP insider Todd Allbaugh breaks down WI Dem primary chaos

As the La Crosse City Council prepares to vote once again on creating a city administrator position, Dr. Mike Ford joins to help break down what the role actually is, why cities have them, and whether La Crosse truly needs one.

Dr. Ford, a professor of public administration at UW-Oshkosh and Director of the Whitburn Center for Governance and Policy Research, is one of the state's leading experts on municipal governance. He offering clear insight into the practical mechanics of local government—explaining how administrators manage multi-million dollar budgets, navigate council dynamics, and why La Crosse remains an outlier among Wisconsin cities of its size.

With La Crosse facing a projected $8 million budget shortfall, rising healthcare costs, and major long-term decisions ahead, the conversation centers on what having a professional manager actually means for how the city runs on a day-to-day basis.

Key Points Covered in the Episode:


Politics Decides, Administration Does: How the city administrator role originated during the Progressive Era to separate day-to-day operations from political bickering.


Why La Crosse is in the Minority: Why more than 100 Wisconsin cities already rely on a professional manager or administrator to handle multi-million-dollar budgets.


The Cost vs. Savings Debate: Can hiring a high-level administrator actually save the city money in the long run through operational efficiencies and long-term planning?


Charter Ordinance vs. Simple Ordinance: The procedural differences, supermajority requirements, and how city residents hold the legal power to trigger a referendum on the decision.


Tackling the $8 Million Deficit: How an independent administrator presents objective budget-cutting options to the city council without a political agenda.

As the La Crosse City Council prepares to vote once again on creating a city administrator position, Dr. Mike Ford joins&nbsp;to help break down what the role actually is, why cities have them, and whether La Crosse truly needs one.
Dr. Ford, a professor of public administration at UW-Oshkosh and Director of the Whitburn Center for Governance and Policy Research, is one of the state's leading experts on municipal governance. He offering clear insight into the practical mechanics of local government&mdash;explaining how administrators manage multi-million dollar budgets, navigate council dynamics, and why La Crosse remains an outlier among Wisconsin cities of its size.
With La Crosse facing a projected $8 million budget shortfall, rising healthcare costs, and major long-term decisions ahead, the conversation centers on what having a professional manager actually means for how the city runs on a day-to-day basis.
Key Points Covered in the Episode:
<ul data-path-to-node="11">
<li>
Politics Decides, Administration Does: How the city administrator role originated during the Progressive Era to separate day-to-day operations from political bickering.
</li>
<li>
Why La Crosse is in the Minority: Why more than 100 Wisconsin cities already rely on a professional manager or administrator to handle multi-million-dollar budgets.
</li>
<li>
The Cost vs. Savings Debate: Can hiring a high-level administrator actually save the city money in the long run through operational efficiencies and long-term planning?
</li>
<li>
Charter Ordinance vs. Simple Ordinance: The procedural differences, supermajority requirements, and how city residents hold the legal power to trigger a referendum on the decision.
</li>
<li>
Tackling the $8 Million Deficit: How an independent administrator presents objective budget-cutting options to the city council without a political agenda.
</li>
</ul>

What’s next for La Crosse Schools’ new Trane property with board president Sprague

La Crosse Talk PM WIZM

In 1 playlist(s)

WIZM - La Crosse

Social links

Follow podcast

Recent clips