Police and fire departments in southeast Minnesota joined forces to spread some holiday cheer this week.

The organization is called Bluff Country Hidden Heroes.

The police and fire volunteers come together to help Santa Claus deliver presents to 86 local kids in Winona, Houston and Fillmore counties.

The group is led by Investigator Chris Frick of the Houston County Sheriff’s Office. 

He stopped by the La Crosse Talk studio to talk about the uniformed philanthropists and what that day means to him and the others. 

"It is, by far, my favorite day of the year," said Frick. "You cannot leave that night without a smile on your face. The kids are smiling, the first responders...20-year vets that are out there, they're kind of gruff but they can't leave that night without a smile. Mom and dad, a lot of times, get kind of teary-eyed but it reminds us all why we got into that field of public service."

Frick said they reach out to schools who select two or three children who then receive presents from the group. 

They work with Walmart in Onalaska and Pepsi in La Crosse and other donations to help get together all the presents needed for delivery. 

On the "Holidays with the Heroes" day, emergency vehicles help escort Santa around to help deliver gifts to the families.

Police and fire departments in southeast Minnesota joined forces to spread some holiday cheer this week.
The organization is called Bluff Country Hidden Heroes.
The police and fire volunteers come together to help Santa Claus deliver presents to 86 local kids in Winona, Houston and Fillmore counties.
The group is led by Investigator Chris Frick of the Houston County Sheriff&rsquo;s Office.&nbsp;
He stopped by the La Crosse Talk studio to talk about the uniformed philanthropists and what that day means to him and the others.&nbsp;
"It is, by far, my favorite day of the year," said Frick. "You cannot leave that night without a smile on your face. The kids are smiling, the first responders...20-year vets that are out there, they're kind of gruff but they can't leave that night without a smile. Mom and dad, a lot of times, get kind of teary-eyed but it reminds us all why we got into that field of public service."
Frick said they reach out to schools who select two or three children who then receive presents from the group.&nbsp;
They work with Walmart in Onalaska and Pepsi in La Crosse and other donations to help get together all the presents needed for delivery.&nbsp;
On the "Holidays with the Heroes" day, emergency vehicles help escort Santa around to help deliver gifts to the families.

Bluff Country Hidden Heroes

This time of year means family dinner, Christmas parties and gatherings with friends.And often times that involves drinking alcohol.  Emplify Population Health Expert Katie Young says moderation or choosing not to drink at all is a wise and health choice.  Young says another reality is that as we age our bodies metabolize alcohol differently.  Young shared some other tips and suggestions on La Crosse Talk AM with Sean Dwyer.  

This time of year means family dinner, Christmas parties and gatherings with friends.And often times that involves drinking alcohol.&nbsp; Emplify Population Health Expert Katie Young says moderation or choosing not to drink at all is a wise and health choice.&nbsp; Young says another reality is that as we age our bodies metabolize alcohol differently.&nbsp; Young shared some other tips and suggestions on La Crosse Talk AM with Sean Dwyer.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Why a drink with alcohol hits harder with age

Only a few days remain before the La Crosse Skyrockers light up the skies above the city with their fireworks shows on New Year's Eve. 

Vice President Marty Schmal and Sonya Mix joined La Crosse Talk's Sean Dwyer in the studio to talk about what people can expect to see this year, how the group chooses the fireworks, and how the public can help support their work. 

https://www.skyrockers.org

Only a few days remain before the La Crosse Skyrockers light up the skies above the city with their fireworks shows on New Year's Eve.&nbsp;
Vice President Marty Schmal and Sonya Mix joined La Crosse Talk's Sean Dwyer in the studio to talk about what people can expect to see this year, how the group chooses the fireworks, and how the public can help support their work.&nbsp;
<a href="https://www.skyrockers.org">https://www.skyrockers.org</a>

Skyrockers prepping for New Year's Eve shows

Courtney Vaaler from Coulee Region Cooks shared a segment of her show talking about baking some tasty mint kiss meringue cookies for the holidays. 

Mint Kiss Meringue Cookies

Ingredients

5 egg whites

¼ tsp cream of tartar

1 ¼ cup sugar

¼ tsp peppermint extract

Green food coloring

Hershey Kisses

 

Directions

In mixing bowl, add egg whites

- Beat egg whites on med/high until egg whites become glossy. Just after the foam stage.

Add cream of tartar and beat until soft peaks begin to form

Add peppermint extract, a few drops of food coloring, and sugar a little at a time.

Beat until stiff peaks form

Add a few drops of food coloring to the inside of a piping bag. Put mixture in a piping bag

On parchment paper, pipe small disks. Disks should be wider than the base of a Hershey Kiss

Place a Hershey kiss on the center of the disk. Press down slightly to get it to stick in place.

Pipe around the Hershey Kiss.

Optional: put sprinkles on the meringue to decorate the “trees”

Bake for 2 hours at 175 degrees F

To remove from parchment paper, give a gentle twist

Courtney Vaaler from Coulee Region Cooks shared a segment of her show talking about baking some tasty mint kiss meringue cookies for the holidays.&nbsp;
Mint Kiss Meringue Cookies
Ingredients
5 egg whites
&frac14; tsp cream of tartar
1 &frac14; cup sugar
&frac14; tsp peppermint extract
Green food coloring
Hershey Kisses
&nbsp;
Directions
In mixing bowl, add egg whites
- Beat egg whites on med/high until egg whites become glossy. Just after the foam stage.
Add cream of tartar and beat until soft peaks begin to form
Add peppermint extract, a few drops of food coloring, and sugar a little at a time.
Beat until stiff peaks form
Add a few drops of food coloring to the inside of a piping bag. Put mixture in a piping bag
On parchment paper, pipe small disks. Disks should be wider than the base of a Hershey Kiss
Place a Hershey kiss on the center of the disk. Press down slightly to get it to stick in place.
Pipe around the Hershey Kiss.
Optional: put sprinkles on the meringue to decorate the &ldquo;trees&rdquo;
Bake for 2 hours at 175 degrees F
To remove from parchment paper, give a gentle twist

Time to make Christmas cookies

On Christmas Day, the Sparta American Legion is expecting to serve more than 700 meals for Christmas for the Sparta community. The free meal is served from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. at the Legion at 1116 Angelo Rd. (Highway 21).

One of the organizers, Commander Tym Hyma of the post, joined Sean Dwyer on La Crosse Talk to talk about the event and why it is important for the community. 

Delivery or carry out options are available. A few volunteers are needed, too. Call 608-269-4411 for reservations, questions, deliveries, or volunteer information. 

They're accepting donations. Any extra proceeds go to support local charities in the Sparta area.

On Christmas Day, the Sparta American Legion is expecting to serve more than 700 meals for Christmas for the Sparta community. The free meal is served from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. at the Legion at 1116 Angelo Rd. (Highway 21).
One of the organizers, Commander Tym Hyma of the post, joined Sean Dwyer on La Crosse Talk to talk about the event and why it is important for the community.&nbsp;
Delivery or carry out options are available. A few volunteers are needed, too. Call 608-269-4411 for reservations, questions, deliveries, or volunteer information.&nbsp;
They're accepting donations. Any extra proceeds go to support local charities in the Sparta area.

Sparta Legion home for Community Christmas Dinner

Joel Brennan, a former top official in Gov. Tony Evers' administration is running to succeed the two-term Democrat. He joins a crowded primary field for the 2026 election.   Brennan was a guest on Thursday's La Crosse Talk.  He used the often-used talking "affordability"   to set his candidacy apart from other Democrats.   Brennan is president of the Greater Milwaukee Committee.  Thursday, he said he would be a governor who both fights President Donald Trump's agenda and works across the aisle with Republicans.  He says that he has a history of rolling up his sleeves and getting things done during his work in government.  Brennan used the word temperament to describe his approach to the Governor's office, saying having the right temperament means the ability to work effectively with legislators and cabinet.  Brennan says the economy and cost of living is what he is hearing from citizens as he campaigns around the state. An August primary will narrow the field ahead of the November general election. Wisconsin is a politically divided state that went for Trump in 2016 and 2024 and President Joe Biden in 2020. All three elections were decided by less than a percentage point.

Joel Brennan, a former top official in Gov. Tony Evers' administration is running to succeed the two-term Democrat. He joins a crowded primary field for the 2026 election.&nbsp; &nbsp;Brennan was a guest on Thursday's La Crosse Talk.&nbsp; He used the often-used talking "affordability"&nbsp; &nbsp;to set his candidacy apart from other Democrats.&nbsp; &nbsp;Brennan is president of the Greater Milwaukee Committee.&nbsp; Thursday, he said he would be a governor who both fights President Donald Trump's agenda and works across the aisle with Republicans.&nbsp; He says that he has a history of rolling up his sleeves and getting things done during his work in government.&nbsp; Brennan used the word temperament to describe his approach to the Governor's office, saying having the right temperament means the ability to work effectively with legislators and cabinet.&nbsp; Brennan says the economy and cost of living is what he is hearing from citizens as he campaigns around the state. An August primary will narrow the field ahead of the November general election. Wisconsin is a politically divided state that went for Trump in 2016 and 2024 and President Joe Biden in 2020. All three elections were decided by less than a percentage point.

Governor candidate Brennan visits La Crosse Talk

La Crosse County government sets aside funding for economic development with each budget.  That money is set aside to foster development, housing and community planning.  Community development specialist for La Crosse County Sam Bachmeier spoke about the process during a conversation on Wednesday's La Crosse Talk.  Bachmeier talked about citizen and business applications, art and culture ideas and hopes for 2026. Listen to the conversation, and you reach out to Sam atSbachmeier@lacrossecounty.org.

La Crosse County government sets aside funding for economic development with each budget.&nbsp; That money is set aside to foster development, housing and community planning.&nbsp; Community development specialist for La Crosse County Sam Bachmeier spoke about the process during a conversation on Wednesday's La Crosse Talk.&nbsp; Bachmeier talked about citizen and business applications, art and culture ideas and hopes for 2026. Listen to the conversation, and you reach out to Sam atSbachmeier@lacrossecounty.org.

How La Crosse County provides economic grants 

A collaboration of local businesses held and event to raise funds for the Hunger Task Force.  The event is called "Scenes from an Italian Restaurant: An evening with Joshua McFadden."  McFadden is a James Beard Award winning chef.  His newest cookbook is called "Six Seasons of Pasta" and is a bestseller recognized by Amazon, Barnes and Noble and Bon Appetit. The event featured a book signing and social gathering before the ticketed multi-course dinner. It was in collaboration with Organic Valley, and Pearl Street books.  La Crosse Talk host Sean Dwyer interviewed Chef McFadden and Osteria Emilia restaurant owner Mitchel Weber about the local charitable event.

A collaboration of local businesses held and event to raise funds for the Hunger Task Force.&nbsp; The event is called "Scenes from an Italian Restaurant: An evening with Joshua McFadden."&nbsp; McFadden is a James Beard Award winning chef.&nbsp; His newest cookbook is called "Six Seasons of Pasta" and is a bestseller recognized by Amazon, Barnes and Noble and Bon Appetit. The event featured a book signing and social gathering before the ticketed multi-course dinner. It was in collaboration with Organic Valley, and Pearl Street books.&nbsp; La Crosse Talk host Sean Dwyer interviewed Chef McFadden and Osteria Emilia restaurant owner Mitchel Weber about the local charitable event.

Fundraiser for Hunger Task Force features James Beard Award Winning Chef

La Crosse Police Chief Shawn Kudron joined to talk about enforcement in Burns and Cameron parks, and policy in dealing with homeless people. Burns Park recently reopened, while Cameron remains closed indefinitely. 

La Crosse Police Chief Shawn Kudron joined to talk about enforcement in Burns and Cameron parks, and policy in dealing with homeless people. Burns Park recently reopened, while Cameron remains closed indefinitely.&nbsp;

La Crosse Police Chief Shawn Kudron on city closing parks

Vernon Area Rehabilitation Center (VARC) president and CEO Liz Filter stopped by the studio to hype their 4th Annual New Year's Eve gala.

The fundraiser takes place at the Waterfront's Cargill Room in downtown La Crosse.

Filter says it's a black-tie event, but added to just can come as you are and celebrate the holiday and organization.

Tickets for the event is $125 per person. Proceeds go toward the amazing work VARC does for children and adults with disabilities. Last year the event raised $60,000. This year's goal is $75,000.

VARC helps over 850 people across nine Wisconsin counties.  

VARC's mission is to develop and provide meaningful employment, skill-building, and community inclusion services for individuals with varying abilities and other life barriers. 

Vernon Area Rehabilitation Center (VARC)&nbsp;president and CEO Liz Filter stopped by the studio to hype their 4th Annual New Year's Eve gala.
The fundraiser takes place at the Waterfront's Cargill Room in downtown La Crosse.
Filter says it's a black-tie event, but added to just can come as you are and celebrate the holiday and organization.
Tickets for the event is <a href="https://my.onecause.com/event/organizations/b9062d81-2111-4029-81bb-e02445d8c68d/events/vevt:324f993a-df9e-44e0-b097-c0fbf1a02555/home/story">$125 per person</a>. Proceeds go toward the amazing work VARC does for children and adults with disabilities. Last year the event raised $60,000. This year's goal is $75,000.
VARC helps over 850 people across nine Wisconsin counties.&nbsp;&nbsp;
VARC's mission is to develop and provide meaningful employment, skill-building, and community inclusion services for individuals with varying abilities and other life barriers.&nbsp;

VARC president Liz Filter on New Year's Eve gala

WIZM's LaCrosse Talk. News and talk about the issues of the day for Western Wisconsin.

WIZM's LaCrosse Talk. News and talk about the issues of the day for Western Wisconsin.

WIZM - La Crosse  Talk Interviews

Kamala Harris is now calling for unity. Isn’t that adorable? This is the same party that turned Trump’s presidency into their own personal blood sport, dragging out every weapon in the federal arsenal, the FBI, the DOJ, the IRS. They used them, like it was their own political hit squad. Heck, if they could have deployed the post office against them, they would have. For eight years, unity wasn’t a suggestion let alone on the table. They dragged this country through two impeachments, hearings, investigations, and one baseless witch hunt after another. And after all of that, the Democrats ended up with a big bad zero. But now because they’re in the hot seat, they think they can slap a co-exist bumper sticker on the last eight years and expect us to start singing “Kumbaya.” Not a chance. Democratic party is out of touch with reality and they’re out of touch with everyday Americans.

— By Andy Parrish

Kamala Harris is now calling for unity. Isn’t that adorable? This is the same party that turned Trump’s presidency into their own personal blood sport, dragging out every weapon in the federal arsenal, the FBI, the DOJ, the IRS. They used them, like it was their own political hit squad. Heck, if they could have deployed the post office against them, they would have. For eight years, unity wasn’t a suggestion let alone on the table. They dragged this country through two impeachments, hearings, investigations, and one baseless witch hunt after another. And after all of that, the Democrats ended up with a big bad zero. But now because they’re in the hot seat, they think they can slap a co-exist bumper sticker on the last eight years and expect us to start singing “Kumbaya.” Not a chance. Democratic party is out of touch with reality and they’re out of touch with everyday Americans.
— By Andy Parrish

Kamala Harris now says the USA needs unity

Wisconsin has a massive $4.6 billion budget surplus, and legislators in Madison are already more excited about spending your money than a kid’s first time in a puppy, fireworks, and candy store.

But here’s a crazy idea: Give it back to the hardworking Wisconsinites you took it from.

Imagine every Wisconsin household getting a check for $1,650. You could pay off some debt, buy those new tires before the snow flies, or you could even donate to your favorite charity. Returning the surplus not only stops government from growing yet another size, but it helps our local economy. You know, supporting those lacrosse businesses that provide jobs, vital services that keep our community strong. Madison politicians, listen up. This is not monopoly money. It belongs to hardworking Wisconsinites. Send it back, or we’ll find somebody who will.

— Andy Parrish

Wisconsin has a massive $4.6 billion budget surplus, and legislators in Madison are already more excited about spending your money than a kid’s first time in a puppy, fireworks, and candy store.
But here’s a crazy idea: Give it back to the hardworking Wisconsinites you took it from.
Imagine every Wisconsin household getting a check for $1,650. You could pay off some debt, buy those new tires before the snow flies, or you could even donate to your favorite charity. Returning the surplus not only stops government from growing yet another size, but it helps our local economy. You know, supporting those lacrosse businesses that provide jobs, vital services that keep our community strong. Madison politicians, listen up. This is not monopoly money. It belongs to hardworking Wisconsinites. Send it back, or we’ll find somebody who will.
— Andy Parrish

Wisconsin budget surplus? Give it back!

Besides the costume choices each year, what has really changed when we celebrate Halloween?  Remember when it was against the rules to have Halloween on any other night but the 31st?  And you really weren’t supposed to start until after it was dark?  And was the cutoff time determined when candy was gone or when the trick-or-treaters became few and far between and the house turned off their porchlight? 

I do remember that one of the goals was to try and get to as many houses as quickly as possible.  And to try not to fall down into the gulleys that were in the front of a lot of the houses.  Who needed a flashlight, even though we didn’t have street lights?  And, didn’t you feel just a little disappointed when you were asked “who are you supposed to be” when it was obvious to you that you were a ghost or goblin or a hobo? 

When I was in grade school, my grade school friends Luke and Freddie Prindle decided one year that the little plastic bags and pails were too small.  So they both brought pillow cases.  I was impressed on the school bus in the morning but they didn’t look so good on the ride home that afternoon.  Happy Halloween.   — Bill Dollar

Besides the costume choices each year, what has really changed when we celebrate Halloween?  Remember when it was against the rules to have Halloween on any other night but the 31st?  And you really weren’t supposed to start until after it was dark?  And was the cutoff time determined when candy was gone or when the trick-or-treaters became few and far between and the house turned off their porchlight? 
I do remember that one of the goals was to try and get to as many houses as quickly as possible.  And to try not to fall down into the gulleys that were in the front of a lot of the houses.  Who needed a flashlight, even though we didn’t have street lights?  And, didn’t you feel just a little disappointed when you were asked “who are you supposed to be” when it was obvious to you that you were a ghost or goblin or a hobo? 
When I was in grade school, my grade school friends Luke and Freddie Prindle decided one year that the little plastic bags and pails were too small.  So they both brought pillow cases.  I was impressed on the school bus in the morning but they didn’t look so good on the ride home that afternoon.  Happy Halloween.   — Bill Dollar

Have Halloween traditions really changed that much?

WIZM’s La Crosse Talk brings you the voices shaping Western Wisconsin.
Broadcast live weekday mornings on WIZM News Talk 92.3 FM, 106.7 FM, 1410 AM, and streaming at wizmnews.com and on the WIZM app, La Crosse Talk dives into the headlines, local politics, community issues, and conversations that matter most to listeners in the Coulee Region. Hosted as part of the La Crosse Talk Morning Show, each episode features in-depth interviews with newsmakers, elected officials, experts, and everyday citizens offering real perspectives on the events and decisions impacting La Crosse and surrounding communities. Whether it's breaking news, civic discussions, or community stories, La Crosse Talk keeps you informed and connected to the place you call home.

WIZM&rsquo;s La Crosse Talk brings you the voices shaping Western Wisconsin. Broadcast live weekday mornings on WIZM News Talk 92.3 FM, 106.7 FM, 1410 AM, and streaming at <a href="https://www.wizmnews.com/">wizmnews.com</a> and on the WIZM app, La Crosse Talk dives into the headlines, local politics, community issues, and conversations that matter most to listeners in the Coulee Region. Hosted as part of the La Crosse Talk Morning Show, each episode features in-depth interviews with newsmakers, elected officials, experts, and everyday citizens offering real perspectives on the events and decisions impacting La Crosse and surrounding communities.&nbsp;Whether it's breaking news, civic discussions, or community stories, La Crosse Talk keeps you informed and connected to the place you call home.

WIZM - La Crosse

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