WIZM - La Crosse Talk Interviews

On this edition of Music Friday on La Crosse Talk, Heidi Barreyro and Rich Pinski of the Tri-State Accordion Club visited the WIZM studio to share some of their stories and music. There were some traditional songs that most would recognize but one that was a fun surprise. 

The La Crosse Women's Fund Spring Fling celebrates and unites women in the community.  Executive Director Jamie Schloegel discussed the fun fundraiser with WIZM LaCrosseTalk host Sean Dwyer.

Live Aid, New Coke, Mikhail Gorbachev and Microsoft Windows #1, let's go back to the future and remember 1985.

Rock and Roller has message about suicide prevention and addiction.

Michigan Religious attack and hate crime.

Pump House performs play this weekend.

That is according to U.S. News and World Reports

Westby Creamery is big deal in Small curd.

Attorney Brent Smith of Johns Flaherty and Collins spoke to WIZM LaCrosseTalk host Sean Dwyer about Wisconsin's judicial system and his volunteer role as Oktoberfest Festmaster. We're calling it legal and leather.

On La Crosse Talk on Wednesday, Tena Bailey, the Executive Officer of the La Crosse Area Builders Association, and Becky Dagendesh, the Chair of the Build My Future, joined Kevin Millard to discuss how the program gives high school students hands-on opportunities to explore skilled trades. This is the fourth year of the program, held at the end of April at the Omni Center in Onalaska. More than 1,600 students are signed up from schools in a five-county region for this year's event. Bailey said that while not every student who attends goes on to a career in the skilled trades, the day gives them an appreciation for those professions. It also provides them with some skills they may have to use someday as homeowners themselves.  

St. Patrick was a gentleman, he came from decent people. He built a church in Dublin town and on it  put a steeple. His Father was a Gallagher, his mother we was a Grady. His Aunt was an 0'Shaughnessy and his uncle was a Brady.

Terry Doering talks about upcoming concert parties and remembers his friends John and Ralph on WIZM LaCrosseTalk.

Snow totals were significant all across Western Wisconsin and Southeast Minnesota. But as CBS Radio reports Michigan's Upper Peninsula was took the brunt of the storms snow totals. 

Nutrition and dietetics  students and faculty at Viterbo will host a symposium Friday March 20th at the nursing center. The event is designed for public participation.  Tiffany Lein joined WIZM LacrosseTalk host Sean Dwyer to talk about how and why you can participate.

Amadan is an Irish word that means fool or buffoon.  But a local band has taken the name and transformed into a fun Irish Minstrel show.

YWCA's Rosanne Northwood joined WIZM LaCrosse Talk host Sean Dwyer to discuss how the YWCA works to improve the life of women and our community.

March is a great time to take a drive along the Mississippi River and Eagle watch. But to get up close and personal with a Bald Eagle you should visit the National Eagle Center in Wabasha, Minnesota. Ed Hahn of the family friendly center was on WIZM La Crosse Talk with Sean Dwyer talking turkey about Eagles. 

A few glasses of alcohol are enough to start fragmenting the way the brain works, leading to more localized information processing and reducing brain-wide communication, a new study discovered. The report was published in Science Alert.  Population Health Expert Katie Young of Emplify Health by Gundersen stopped by the WIZM studio to discuss and help explain the study.

Heather Jordan from EmerJ360 talks tax tips on WIZM La Crosse Talk with host Sean Dwyer.

La Crosse county invites you to join a  practical tips program to make caregiving easier and safer.  Caregiver Support Specialist Kristine Meyer spoke about the education series on WIZM La Crosse Talk with Sean Dwyer.

Pam Jahnke is the Farm Director of the Mid-West Farm Report Network.  She joined WIZM LaCrosse Talk with Sean Dwyer on Tuesday.  Ms. Jahnke updated listeners about Hemp, bird flu concerns and how Ginseng farmers are hard hit by tariffs.

A group of prominent northsiders are proposing what they’re calling a long-term investment in the community at the Northside Community Library building.   Speaking exclusively on La Crosse Talk with Sean Dwyer on Monday morning were Scott Neumeister and Chris Weiss.  Their group is proposing a public/non-profit partnership that would keep the building open for a variety of uses.   Neumeister said the space would contain a number of different elements that the community could access.   “We want to have a museum type in there, a little section where we celebrate our history. We’ll still continue to have a smaller functioning library. We want to have computers, free wi-fi access, and a community gathering space. And it’s important for this to continue to be something the community can utilize. And we’re going to fight all we can to keep it that way.   Neumeister clarified that any kind of library would be separate from the city’s library but may work on some kind of cooperative book sharing arrangement at some point.    Both said they’ve been meeting for months with the mayor and other city officials on ways to keep the building available to the community.   Weiss said they’ve created a board and foundation with members from the business, non-profit, political, and leadership communities that’s already gathering funding.   “We have an initial capital fund. We have a sustaining operating fund, and then eventually we’d like to create an endowment that would be, you know, keep this thing in perpetuity,” Weiss said.   When asked, Neumeister said this isn’t just about northside versus southside.   “This isn’t just about the north side. It affects the entire city. As one of my other jobs in life is being a real estate agent, people are moving away from our city. And we need to drive people back here. We need to give them opportunities. Young families, whether it's the south side or the north side. We can’t tear apart our neighborhoods and lose anchors like this. We need to come together as a city and work together and save these kinds of things.” 

IrishFest and St. Patrick's Day Parade and celebration is coming.

Most of us tune up our vehicles in the Fall, but Spring is a good time to give your vehicle maintenance.

The League of Women Voters is working on a couple of civic engagement projects to encourage voter interest and participation in the upcoming April 7th election. Leslie Wegener of the League talked to WIZM La Crosse talk host Sean Dwyer about Wisconsin's safe and accurate elections.

This Friday the Bjerke Brothers joined Host Sean Dwyer on WIZM La Crosse Talk to play music on the AM-1410 and FM dial 92.3. Listen to the brothers sing and check them out at local music venues.

The World's shortest Run/Walk is coming up and you can participate and make a difference. Shelly Fortner of HTF explains how and why.

The southeastern Minnesota town of Houston becomes the center of the owl world this weekend with the annual International Festival of Owls.   It is an opportunity for people young and old to learn about the many different species of owls from around the world.  Even before you get to either the Houston High School or the International Owl Center where most of the events are taking place, you’ll quickly get the idea you’re in owl country.  “We have public owl sculptures. We have an international children’s owl art contest, which has taken on a life of its own, with amazing art. And it’s actually on some of the street banners around town also in addition to being in storefronts and at the high school and at the owl center. So, it’s just owl everything,” said Karla Bloem, who created the International Owl Center and the festival.   There are events Friday through Sunday. Click here for a schedule of events. One of the features at the festival is the live owl programs. On Friday, there are live owls on display at the Center. On Saturday and Sunday, there are several live owl programs at both the Center and Houston High School.    This year, some of the owls shown during the programs are a Snowy Owl, Barred Owl, Eastern Screech Owl, and a Great Horned Owl. The Illinois Raptor Center is returning with some of their owls along with a Red-tailed Hawk and a Kestrel for a presentation this year.   Beyond the popular live owl programs, there are plenty of activities for kids to enjoy, too.   “We’ve got a boatload of things for kids to do. So, there’s kid’s crafts, there’s face painting, there’s a kid’s owl calling contest. We have nest box building, pellet dissections. We have a scavenger hunt around town. And then, we’ve got a lot of stuff for all ages, and adults, too.   Two special programs are on Saturday and Sunday. On Saturday, David Lei and Jacqueline Emery share the story of Flaco, a Eurasian eagle-owl in New York City. On Sunday, Marjon Savelsberg from the Netherlands has a presentation about how she’s able to identify individual Eurasian eagle-owls by how they speak.    As mentioned before, the town does embrace the owl theme. Besides the artwork, Bloem said that the places that serve food in Houston bring out specials over the weekend such as owl-faced burgers or pizza. The Lutheran Church in town has a Saturday morning pancake breakfast featuring owl-faced pancakes.  Karla also talked about the latest fundraising efforts in getting a new International Owl Center in Houston.    Find out more about the International Festival of Owls here.   

As marijuana use among teens has grown in the past decade researchers have been trying to better understand the health risks of the drug.  Now a new study finds that cannabis use among teens increases the risk of psychotic disorders as well as anxiety and depression in later years.  Doctor Michael Dolan of Emplify Health by Gundersen discussed the emerging mental health trends of pot use and teens with WIZM La Crosse Talk host Sean Dwyer 

The C-E-O burger wars are expanding. Do you like a fast food burger every once in awhile. Well this is a story you can sink your teeth into. CBS's Deborah Rodriguez a has the update.

Since 1993 the Saint Clare Health Mission has served more than 20,000 patients delivering healthcare and wellness where our community needs it most.  Volunteers meet with people where they are, in the clinic and therapy offices and with the mobile unit in parks street corners and beyond.  Jason Larsen is the executive director of Saint Clare. He talked to WIZM La Crosse Talk host Sean Dwyer on Wednesday.

Winona County Sheriff Ron Ganrude spoke with WIZM News Director Kevin Millard as he looked back on his career in law enforcement.   He announced earlier this year that he wouldn’t seek another term in office.   During the conversation, Ganrude said he ran this term to see the completion of a big project for the county-the new jail.   When asked, it was one of the things he wanted to be remembered for and is proud of its construction. He said he wanted to see it up and running and running smoothly before there was a new sheriff.   “I’m very satisfied with the facility we have now. It will take us far into the future. It’s well designed and well-built and it’s very manageable for the staff. We didn’t add any staff which was huge for me and our jail administrator. We told the board we wouldn’t add any staff, which we didn’t.”  They also added a new expanded dispatch center as well.   He also talked about some of the cases that stand out. The one he spoke about was the Baby Angel case, which is still working its way through the court system. A Winona woman was arrested in 2025 after DNA evidence linked her to the body of an infant found in the Mississippi River in 2011. With the body were angel figurines.   Ganrude also spoke about how technology has changed over the years. Today, deputies use computers and cell phones, where before, when he first started, all reports were handwritten.   As far as the future goes, Ganrude said he’s going to enjoy spending time with his family, especially his eight grandchildren. There’s also plenty of time on the river fishing.   Listen to the full interview below as Sheriff Ganrude shares more stories and memories of his career in law enforcement.    

Emplify Health by  Gundersen is collaborating with the La Crosse and Onalaska fire departments is teaming up for a community initiative to address hazards posed by throw rugs, especially for seniors. The goal is to simply reduce the number of injuries that end up in emergency rooms. Residents can drop off rugs at many local coffee shops and get a free cup of coffee and mug. How it all works was discussed on WIZM La Crosse Talk with Sean Dwyer.

Dani Smith is donating her kidney to save her Mom's life.  Paula Smith needs a kidney. Later this month the couple will undergo a transplant Surgery at UW Health in Madison.  It is a life changing decision and a life saving choice.  But Mom Paula shared a heartwarming story on WIZM La Crosse Talk with Sean Dwyer about their journey.  Be prepared to laugh.

James Rathburn is a liver transplant recipient.  The generosity of a unknown family gave Mr. Rathburn a new lease on life.  Mr. Rathburn returned to his hometown to share the story of his transplant journey and to encourage you to "check the box."  Listen, share and check out his tale of hope, faith and tenacity which he shared on WIZM La Crosse Talk.

Local Mom and Daughter share their transplant journey to encourage donation.  It is a family affair that has a life changing and life saving message.  The Smiths join  WIZM and host Sean Dwyer on La Crosse Talk Monday morning.  Listen to their story of love and hope and share.,

Dr. Nikole Neidlinger is the Medical Director of UW-Organ and Tissue Donation at UW-Health.  She is a transplant surgeon. Doctor Neidlinger organizes organ procurement for most of Wisconsin, parts of Illinois and the UP.  Nikole Neidlinger believes transplant surgery is technology driven, but requires the human spirit of hope and generosity.  She shared her message on WIZM La Crosse Talk.

A man she didn't know and had never met saved Jill Graewin's life.  Now Jill and her husband Al are encouraging people to sign up to be a bone Marrow Donor. This month it become easier as Al and Jill Graewin explain how and why, while sharing their life saving story with La Crosse Talk host Sean Dwyer on WIZM.   

Dr. Mezrich is the author of When Death Becomes Life: Notes from a Transplant Surgeon, which details his experiences with both deceased and living donors. Dr. Mezrich has done numerous media appearances, to discuss the history of transplantation, personal stories, and the ethical/clinical aspects of both living and deceased organ donation. Doctor Mezrich joined La Crosse Talk Sean Dwyer on WIZM to discuss the life changing choices made by generous donors.

Alcoholics Anonymous have long suggested that taking a spiritual path to sobriety can make a big difference in the journey to beat addiction.  Now a new medical report supports "AA" that conviction. Listen to CBS Report on Religion.  

Tom Conrad began playing the guitar when he was 12 years old.  At that time his father bought him a guitar at Leithold Music store for under $20.  He remembers his first lessons and practicing and being excited about music.  Tom has performed with various bands including Big City, Wildfire and his well known duo band The Journeymen.  Now Tom performs at various clubs and is well known for performing at charity events and local nursing homes. Tom brought his talents to La Crosse Talk on WIZM with host Sean Dwyer.

LeAnne Andersen is the Chief People Officer of Emplify Health by Gundersen.  Ms. Andersen stopped by La Crosse Talk WIZM with host Sean Dwyer to discuss the volume, needs shortages and efforts to recruit employees into the healthcare profession.

Terry Bauer joined Kevin Millard in the La Crosse Talk studio on Thursday morning to talk about the upcoming Moon Tunes season.  It's a special one, the 15th anniversary of the weekly summer concerts in Riverside Park.  Terry spoke about some of the acts that were scheduled to perform-some fan favorites-and some of the fun things they have planned to mark the year. He also talked about an upcoming event on April 2nd at the Rivoli Theater in downtown La Crosse where they're showing video highlights of the past 14 years of the best performances from Moon Tunes.  Get more details on Moon Tunes on their website. Follow along also on their Facebook page.

New Horizon Shelter and Outreach Centers serve La Crosse and Trempealeau counties.  It does face funding challenges as it helps victims of domestic violence.  The shelter's Hotline phone number is (608)791-2600. Executive Director Ann Kappauf was a guest on WIZM's La Crosse Talk discussing how New Horizons makes a difference in our community.

The 20216 Polar Plunge is coming.  The event is set for March 7th.  The La Crosse Polar Plunge is one of the oldest in the Upper Midwest.  Proceeds go to support Special Olympic athletes in the area. Kat Craugh from the La Crosse Parks and Recreation department was on La Crosse Talk discussing how you can get involved, volunteer or contribute.  She joined La Crosse Talk host Sean Dwyer on WIZM 92.4 AND 106.7 to take a deep dive into this year's  Polar Plunge.

Chancellor James Beeby is enthusiastic and excited about the Spring semester on the UW-L campus. Discussing topics like, culture, students, enrollment and funding challenges on WIZM La Crosse Talk. He shared his insights with host Sean Dwyer.  

Habitat for Humanity of the Greater La Crosse Region is not a home give away program.  It is an effort to increase home ownership and create a ripple effect for families, community and volunteers.  Ms. Natalie Heneghan is the Community Outreach Director for Humanity.  She discussed the benefits of the program on WIZM La Crosse-Talk with host Sean Dwyer 

On Saturday, members of the Onalaska Hilltopper Rotary Club helped people outside Puerto Vallarta with filters that provided clean water to drink. They distributed nearly 300 filters to people in the region and educated them on the filter's use.   On Sunday, violence came to the resort town on the sea.   For Lisa Kind, who was heading to breakfast with a friend, had seen smoke in the distance, didn’t think much of it. Then they ran into a man who tried to explain to them in Spanish what was going on.   “He was saying, ‘Vamanos, vamanos, get back to your hotel’. It was just one of those moments of like, ‘Is that exactly what he’s saying? He’s saying the cartel is taking over the city and we need to get back to our hotel. We hightailed it back to our hotel. We were only about two or three blocks away from our hotel.”   The violence stemmed from the death of Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, called “El Mencho,” who was the boss of one of the fastest-growing criminal networks in Mexico. It is known for trafficking fentanyl, methamphetamine and cocaine to the United States.   Kind said she’d spoken to other people who had been out of the hotel who told her the town was, for the most part, shut down on Sunday and Monday. Most of the businesses were closed. There was very little traffic on the street. There was still a threat of more violence occurring according to reports.  While the members, friends, and family are staying in different places, Kind said everyone was OK on Monday afternoon when she spoke to WIZM News.   “Everybody’s safe, everybody’s checked in, everybody’s shelter in place,” she said. “The five Rotarians that are with us are all safe. We’ve all checked in with each other. We’re all doing fine. Just would like to know when we’re going to get out of here, when the airport is going to open so we can get on the airplane back home.”  Some of the group did have different travel plans. Kind was supposed to fly out on Sunday afternoon. She said the flight was eventually cancelled. Now the earliest she can get a flight back to the United States is this coming Sunday.

Interview with Viterbo President on La Crosse Talk with Sean Dwyer.

Winter is in full swing especially after Friday's n snowfall.  The waterpark capital of the world is pitching some winter getaway ideas especially for you if you are an outdoor enthusiasts.  Wisconsin Dells spokesperson  Andy Larsen says the Dells may be one of the most diverse winter getaway destinations in the Midwest.  He was a guest on WIZM La Crosse Talk with Sean Dwyer talking about fun things to do in the Dells that do not include an innertube.