WIZM - La Crosse Talk Interviews

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The La Crosse County Youth System of Care is a voluntary early intervention program designed to ensure at risk kids remain in school.  The theory is that consistent  attendance will  improve students chances to be ready to learn, provide support and keep troubled kids out of the criminal justice system.  It is an approach which integrates mental health , basic needs ands advocate for at risk students.  Bridget Todd-Robbins joined Sean Dwyer on LaCrosseTalk Friday morning to discuss how and why the program works.

Joe Cody is an iconic performer in the musical scene of the Coulee Region.  He has performed at festivals, charity events, nursing homes, night clubs and restaurants.  Joe is also well known as a mentor to local musicians.  He has a long and rich local history.  And his experience means there is no moss growing on this rolling stone.

New fundraiser for Children's Miracle Network is happening later this month.

Diplomatic dialogue at the Holy See.  Fred Bodimer has details in the week's Report on Religion.

Do you have a will?  How do you decide if you need to create a trust? What responsibilities does a medical power of attorney have?  These are important questions which many people ignore or avoid. That is a bad decision according to local attorney Steve Doyle.  Doyle appeared on LaCrosseTalk with Sean Dwyer to explain why the discourse is prudent.

Like many outdoor spaces cemeteries need oversight maintenance and care.  That work requires a plan and purpose.  Jeff Reinhart operates the Catholic Cemetery on Losey Boulevard and oversees other nondenominational cemeteries in Western Wisconsin. He talked about his important work with host Sean Dwyer on LaCrosseTalk.

Several communities across Wisconsin and Minnesota are marking the National Day of Prayer. In La Crosse the Day of Prayer event connected believers and community leaders to commemorate the day and acknowledge the Power of Prayer.  Pastor Libby Howe spoke to the importance and power of Prayer on LaCrosseTalk Thursday morning.

This weekend features one of the biggest plant sales in our community.  The "Grow" plant sale will be held on the WTC campus.  Bonnie Martin talked to Sean Dwyer on LaCrosseTalk about the important and colorful fundraiser.

My nose is a scholar of pollen and dust, it studies each speck with obsessive mistrust.  One whiff of spring air and achoo! I declare my sinuses simply were not built for fresh air.

Drop the stone and get onto the ice to understand and possibly sample curling in the La Crosse community.

Dave Edwards, Christy Patton and Jonathon Rose joined LaCrosseTalk to share Mother's Day gift ideas.

California to insurance regulator says the state is seeking millions of dollars in penalties from State Farm. This follows an investigation which found the insurance company violated state law while handling claims from the 2025 Los Angeles area wildfires.  CBS's Nicole Comstock has the story.

LADCO leader Vicki Markussen discussed development, housing, old radios and Zoning on LaCrosseTalk with host Sean Dwyer. 

The annual mail carrier's food drive takes place this weekend.  The event is a collaboration between Great Rivers United Way, Hunger Task Force and local mail persons. Connor Glassen joined Sean Dwyer on LaCrosseTalk to discuss the need, logistics and history of the event.

Asphalt driveway scams typically involve onsolicited contractors, high pressure tactics and untruthful claims by uninvited scammers. 

La Crosse needs to build more than 200 new units of housing every year through 2030 to meet current demand. How will the community get there? Habitat for Humanity and City of La Crosse are hosting housing week events to discuss the issue and possible answers. Natalie Heneghan talks about events which happen all week long.

Women Showed their fashionable muscle at the movies. CBS's Deborah Rodriguez explains.

The La Crosse YMCA offers a number of summer programs for young people in the area.  That includes summer camps, swim lessons and outreach lunch programs.  YMCA CEO Bill Soper discussed how the "Y" continues its mission and works to be a safe third place for all age groups in the area.  He joined Sean Dwyer on LaCrosseTalk Monday morning.

The La Crosse County Historical Society fosters appreciation of the past with an emphasis on local history.  One effort involves remembering how citizens remembered and predicted possible changes in the upcoming century.  It's is part of celebrating the 250th anniversary of the United States.  Amy Vach discussed the society's efforts on WIZM LaCrosseTalk with Sean Dwyer. 

Mary Beth Hensel brings her story and her music to WIZM's Music Friday.

The King's Speech. Fred Bodimer has more on that in this week's Report on Religion.

At the time of its completion the Empire State building was the world's tallest skyscraper. In 1972 the Empire State lost it's title as the world's tallest building to New York's World Trade Center, which was the tallest building for a year.  Today the honor belongs to Dubai's Burj Khalifa tower, which soars 2,716 feet into the sky.

A hunting conversation with a local turkey hunter. Topics include equipment, weather, strategy and bagging a big bird. Kirk Donskey shares his hunting experiences.

DNR Warden talks about the Turkey season including rules, outlook and safety tips.

Solo pianist Andrey Gugnin is set to perform at the Saturday La Crosse Symphony Orchestra concert. Mr. Gugnin sat down with La Crosse Talk host Sean Dwyer to talk about his musical journey and why he likes performing in the Coulee Region.

The Coulee Region Woodturners club provides education information and demonstrations to people who have an interest in Woodturning.  The members use lathes to turn wood and turn scrap pieces into a wide ranging pieces of wood items.  These can include bowls, boxes, toys and wooden sculptures.  The CRW is always looking for new members.  President Aaron Gesicki joined WIZM LaCrosseTalk host Sean Dwyer to talk about the organization. 

Taylor Swift just sealed her fate as a billion dollar artist and she made sure others get their due. CBS's Deborah Rodriguez has details.

Remembering the most recent Freedom Honor flight with WIZN news' Brad Williams.

A new airplane exhibit is kicking off a busy summer season at the fun museum in La Crosse. It's a great place to share moments and experiences for children and those young at heart adults.

Oasis is a local organization that works with Causeway Caregivers to coordinate and organize events for persons with the beginning to middle stages of dementia or memory issues.  The community based program relies on volunteers and the generosity of local churches.  Oasis provides a service which many don't know about. To Learn more listen to this discussion on WIZM LaCrosseTalk. 

Viterbo choirs under the direction of Dr. Michael Sauer will perform Sir Karl Jenkins' The Armed Man: A Mass for Peace.  The performance is free and open to the public. It takes place Sunday, May 3 at the Holmen High School Auditorium.  To learn more listen to this WIZM LaCrosseTalk interview and hear Anastasia Sieren and Sky Hermsen sing.  You are gonna want to listen. 

For more than 60 years the Boys & Girls club has and continues to make a positive contribution to our community.  Jake Erickson joined WIZM LaCrosseTalk to discuss the club's past, present and future.

River Clean Up has been completely volunteer-run since 1993 and volunteers have removed almost 1 million pounds of trash from our communities.

Domestic violence is a pattern of controlling behavior that can include p[physical abuse, emotional abuse, sexual abuse or financial exploitation.  Ann Kappauff, the executive director of New Horizons talks with LaCrosseTalk host Sean Dwyer about the nagging and abusive problem.

A surgery resident is tapping into some unconventional skills to help pay off a huge school debt.  CBS' Jarred Hill has the story.

As we wrap up April a reminder that it is Donate Life Month.

A new movie is juicing music sales. Deborah Rodriguez explains.

You are going to want to listen for the story about the down on the farm naked beauty contest. Dan of Dan's deals is plowing new fields with his partner and their podcast as they spread the manure, we mean the word about Wisconsin Farming.  

Heather Armstrong and Julie Nelson discuss Salvation Army on LaCrosseTalk.

UW-L's chapter of Delta Sigma Phi fraternity in partnership with the Sara Hougom Foundation to present Sara's Golf Outing a fundraising event dedicated to honoring Sara's life and advance violence awareness and prevention.

As April comes to an end a reminder April is National Donate life month.  Mike Anderson is the executive director of UW Organ and Tissue Donation. The donation team works to increase the chance that those who are waiting for a transplant will get one. Listen to Mr. Anderson's conversation with WIZM LaCrosseTalk host Sean Dwyer.

"Me and Bobby McGee" is a 1969 Kris Kristofferson song that became world famous through Janis Joplin's 1971 posthumous No. 1 hit, celebrated for its themes of freedom, love and loss.

Steppin' Out in Pink is the subject of a conversation on WIZM's LaCrosseTalk with Sean Dwyer.

The incredible history and promise of inter-species organ transplantation, from an award winning transplant surgeon. Doctor Joshua Mezrich explores the possibility of unimaginable scientific achievement in his new book "Every Living Creature."

Where to draw the line between church and state? Fred Bodimer has more on that in this week's Report on Religion.

Dr Erik Gundersen was a pioneering cardiac and pediatrician surgeon from Gundersen Hospital. This weekend there is a celebration of  life event remembering the doctor's life.  Doctor Erik was a teacher, philanthropist, visionary and kind person.  Two local doctors joined LaCrosseTalk host Sean Dwyer to remember and recall how Erik Gundersen influenced medicine, Gundersen foundation, hospital and community.   

There are some simple tips to help your 20-somethings plan for their future and make wise choices. 32/30 financial planner shares some ideas and choices that can make a big difference for their and your retirement. 

Driftless Recreation LLC is a business program that connects adults with disabilities to volunteering opportunities and community activities.  Pat Killian discussed the unique business plan with LaCrosseTalk Sean Dwyer about the Driftless. 

You will not want to miss this unique opportunity to see beautiful Tiffany, rose and storied stained-glass windows.  There windows a source of contemporary delight and make the past present.