We discuss the culture and politics of gambling and drinking in La Crosse with UW-L political science professor, Dr. Anthony Chergosky, and WIZM’s Brad Williams, and then feature another woman-owned business "for no reason whatsoever" Friday on the Rick Solem Show.
The "sin taxes and vices" conversation went in a bunch of different directions, including a look back at when La Crosse residents voted twice by referendum, in 1995 and 2000, on whether to allow a casino in the city—and discussing if that would pass today.
Another reason for the conversation stems from the La Crosse City Council recently denying liquor license renewals for two local establishments, plus whether Wisconsin’s sports gambling legalization gets fully implemented before Gov. Tony Evers leaves office.
After that, Chergosky breaks down the politics of the Wisconsin governor’s race. Now that there are seven Democrats and two Republicans on the ballot, less popular candidates face a dilemma: do they try to go viral to make a name for themselves — does that have to be negative — or is the responsible thing to do "for the party" to drop out?
Lastly, we talked to another women-owned business in the area “for no reason whatsoever," and we've compiled a list of over 500 in the area here.
Our seventh business featured is Scrappin’ on the Ranch, in Pickwick, Minn. — tucked in the bluffs between La Crosse and Winona. Jolene Danca joins to tell us about her bed and breakfast and beyond, that was created for scrapbookers to get away for a weekend — and she has everything there a scrapbooker would need — but has evolved to host everything from bachelorette and graduation parties to weddings and business retreats.
Check out Scrappin’ on the Ranch here.

Farming in Wisconsin, a week after Trump — plus hyping another woman-owned biz “for no reason whatsoever”
35:20

The nerdy political drama of Wisconsin's nomination paper season
30:48

Hyping women-owned businesses "for no reason whatsoever"
27:27