We hit the big main issues with La Crosse city council candidate Doug Happel in terms of housing, homelessness and city administrator on WIZM, but also another that he’s dealt with in his district and an older issue that could be reintroduced. Happel, who has been on city council since 2011, is running for reelection in District 12. His opponent is Lisa Weston. You can read more about both candidates on the WIZM election page. Happel spent the first part of the conversation discussing a sidewalk issue in District 12 — where he says most of his neighbors did not want sidewalks. We also discussed re-pursuing talks with the Town of Shelby on a boundary agreement with La Crosse — conversations that fell off around 2018. Happel also expressed his opinion on whether to hire a city administrator, where he is mostly opposed to the idea. That discussion led to a conversation about the budget situation in La Crosse now and into the future. Lastly, we discussed both housing and homeless. With housing, Happel talked of some upcoming projects and the need for more diverse housing. He brought up the old Kmart property that could soon begin development and a need he sees to upgrade the roads in that area. In terms of homelessness, Happel mentioned his sponsoring of the camping ban on city property and also his support of the Pathways Home plan between the city, county and other entities that work with those in need.

La Crosse city council candidate, Lisa Weston, in the WIZM studio breaking down her stances on things like city administrator, housing, homeless and representation, plus her experience with home construction, building codes and contractors.  Weston is running for council in District 12 and her opponent is Doug Happel. You can read more about both candidates on the WIZM election page. The biggest topics we discussed included her position on the potential hiring of a city administrator, and the homeless situation in La Crosse and her conversation with the city's homeless coordinator. Weston also talked about the past council's decision to ban camping and how that affected the Pathways Home plan. Another city employee Weston said she spoke at length with was in the utilities department who helped her navigate the situation District 12 recently had with a water main break.  Other topics included the housing situation in the city and both her work experience in housing, plus some personal experiences with contractors and their take on city building codes.  Weston also discussed the council voting not to appoint a rep. in District 5, where she works, leaving that seat vacant for eight months.

City council candidate Roseanne Northwood stopped in studio discussing why she's running, her position on potentially hiring a city administrator, housing, and homelessness.  Northwood is running in District 13 against Paul Brown. You can read more about both candidates on the WIZM election page. This is the seat being vacated by Mark Neumann.   Began the conversation talking about Northwood's experience — both through nonprofits and lived experience — and how that translates to being on city council.  We then got her position on council possibly hiring a city administrator after the election.  After that, Northwood talked about homelessness and housing. Lastly, Northwood talked about the dilemmas of childcare in the community.

Clara Gelatt and Katie Bitner in the WIZM studio helping preview the No Man’s Land Film Festival happening Friday evening at the Rivoli in downtown La Crosse. Doors open for the free event at 5 p.m. and films begin at 6 p.m. (reserve tickets here). The festival features nine short films ranging from just over a minute to just under 20 minutes, celebrating the voices of women, men, and gender-diverse individuals in the outdoor industry. Gelatt, the co-owner of the Rivoli, and Bitner, part of the on La Crosse Adventure Film committee, discuss some of their favorites — because of course they got to preview them — but we made sure ‘no spoilers.’ This is the 10th year of the No Man’s Land Film Festival but first year it’s come to La Crosse. It’s goal is to empower marginalized voices and spark conversations to create a more inclusive outdoor community. 

La Crosse County Circuit Court judge candidate Eric Sanford in the WIZM studio discussing his experience, the role of a judge and trusting in the courts. Began the conversation discussing Sanford’s experience, before getting into some of the roles a judge can play in a community and how high-profile cases should be handled. We talked about whether judges are too lenient and if their decisions can be a factor in tamping down things like gun violence or drug dealing in La Crosse. Sanford is currently a court commissioner for La Crosse County’s family court. He was formerly an assistant district attorney in the county and a public defender.

La Crosse County Circuit Court judge candidate Joe Veenstra in the WIZM studio discussing his experience, the role of a judge and trusting in the courts. We began the conversation talking about Veenstra’s experience and then veered off into how both the Wisconsin Supreme Court and the US Supreme Court have gotten more political. We then got into the role a judge could play locally in terms of things like drug dealing or gun violence and, of course, we had to talk about the scrutiny judges get sometimes when it comes to cash and signature bonds.  Veenstra, currently a partner at Johns, Flaherty & Collins, is also a La Crosse County supplemental court commissioner and a former La Crosse County Board member. His Branch 1 opponent is Eric Sanford.

Wisconsin Supreme Court candidate Susan Crawford in the WIZM studio, discussing her campaign, going against — not just opponent Brad Schimel — but Elon Musk, who has now spent around $19 million in the race, since this interview. Began the interview telling Crawford the best strategy for campaigning in what’s supposed to be a nonpartisan race, and that’s going to a each county’s best Friday Fish Fry spot.  We then discuss Crawford’s experience, but also how difficult it is to campaign on issues, when you’re supposed to be an impartial judge, and can’t comment on what cases the state Supreme Court will likely hear, including the 176-year-old abortion ban, Act 10 and redistricting. We also make light of her campaign strategy compared to Schimel, talking about what giant blowup doll Crawford might stand in front of that shows her support.  Finish the conversation talking about how to regain public trust, as both the courts seem to be more and more partisan.

Jill Schams, co-president of the La Crosse teachers’ union, joined to tell a story about the mysterious thing on the wall in her classroom — a pencil sharpener. We also discuss the big statewide races that could impact schools, including one that could eventually restore bargaining rights for public workers. And, lastly, Schams noted there’s still time to nominate school staff for the year’s final Golden Apple award. In regards to the two Wisconsin elections, Schams discusses how the Wisconsin Education Association Council (WEAC) — the statewide teachers' union — is endorsing Susan Crawford in the race. The state Supreme Court could hear a case after the elections in regards to repealing some of Act 10.  Schams also talked about WEAC endorsing current state schools superintendent, Dr. Jill Underly and how the state has moved up in nationwide rankings with her leading the Department of Public Instruction. As for the Golden Apple awards, the deadline to nominate is March 26. More info can be found here. Schams, a music teacher at Southern Bluffs Elementary School, is co-president of the La Crosse Education Association, along with Jesse Martinez. 

UW-La Crosse political science professor, Dr. Anthony Chergosky, joins to discuss Buc-ee’s vs. Kwik Trip, the best place for a photo op in the Coulee Region, making Elon Musk fix the roads and the $100 million Wisconsin Supreme Court race. Began the show on Wisconsin having the most expensive state Supreme Court race in the U.S. history — breaking second place, which was Wisconsin last year.   And we got into the infestation of politics in the race, but we veered away from that and theorized on the best spot for national campaigns to show how local they can be, and it has to do with Friday fish fires. After that, we switched gears and talked about how in Miami they scalp their tickets in line to the DMV. That somehow led back to the state Supreme Court race, where Elon Musk has donated over $13 million for Republican Brad Schimel and a way we can turn that into fixing Wisconsin's roads instead of this gas tax. To end the show, we talk about the Texas-based Buc-ee's going up on the other side of the state and how that community is fighting it. Plus, could Buc-ee's ever overtake Kwik Trip and why hasn't the La Crosse-based gas station given Chergosky a sponsorship deal.  Lastly, we hit on getting rid of, not just the penny, but all change.

La Crosse mayor candidate Chris Kahlow in the WIZM studio discussing her top priorities, what to do about homelessness, and her stance on hiring a city administrator, plus dog parks and city outreach.  Kahlow is running against Shaundel Washington-Spivey in the spring election, which concludes April 1. You can read more about the candidates on the WIZM election page. Washington-Spivey also joined La Crosse Talk last week. The first big topic we hit on was Kahlow's priority list, which included a focus on small business, strengthening neighborhoods, and investing in parks, pools, libraries and the like to improve residents' quality of life. We then got into some of the places where Kahlow and Washington-Spivey differentiate, as we have learned since the last debate. The first of those was a bit on the homeless issues in La Crosse, and Kahlow talks about what has been done and what to do going forward. After that, we discuss the potential hiring of a city administrator and things she sees that should happen beforehand. We began the show, though, as Kahlow trekked in the day after the snowstorm last week, discussing the snow emergency rules and city outreach through emails and text. We also ended up having a conversation about dog parks in La Crosse, as well.

La Crosse mayor candidate Shaundel Washington-Spivey in studio discussing how to handle homelessness, hiring a city administrator, his lived experiences as both a black and a gay person, and the idea of bringing community together to solve local issues. Washington-Spivey is running against Chris Kahlow in the spring election, which concludes April 1. You can read more about the candidates on the WIZM election page. Kahlow also joined La Crosse Talk last week. We spent the first half of this conversation discussing homelessness in La Crosse, some of the council’s decisions on banning camping and how the Pathways Home plan is doing to help solve the issues. After that, we discussed how his life experiences have shaped him in terms of being La Crosse’s mayor.  We then got into the potential hiring of a city administrator in La Crosse and how Washington-Spivey and Kahlow differ on that issue and how it might work for the city. The last big thing we hit on is Washington-Spivey’s idea for bringing community together to both solve current issues and get out in front of things on the horizon. Ended the conversation with Washington-Spivey discussing his experiences he believes make him ready to be mayor.

Viterbo immunologist, Dr. Chris Mayne, in the WIZM studio discussing the measles outbreak happening in the U.S. right now, and the origins of the conspiracy linking vaccines to autism.  Mayne, an associate professor of biology at Viterbo, says the measles is the most contagious virus known to man, and talks of how the MMR vaccine nearly eliminated it.  He also breaks down Andrew Wakefield's 12-child, illegal study and how he tried to link autism to the measles portion of the vaccine, basically to get rich. 

La Crosse Education Association co-president Jesse Martinez joins to talk about the plans for the new elementary, what it probably won’t be named, plus their process to endorsing school board candidates. Martinez is a seventh-grade social studies and math teacher at Logan Middle School, along with being the teachers’ union co-president, so we also talked about some funny stories he’s experienced in the classroom. In discussing the school board elections, Martinez told us the process for why they endorsed Merideth Garcia, Jeff Jackson and Molly Fuchs.  Part of that was filling out their questionnaire but only four of the seven candidates — the three listed here, plus Kevin Hundt — took the time to answer the teachers’ union. In regards to the new elementary school building, Martinez talked about the teachers' union input into those plans and how they used Northside Elementary as a reference point.

La Crosse Mayor Mitch Reynolds joins with less than a month left in office. We discuss what he’s most proud of over the past four years, and things he wish he could have accomplished. Plus whether he’s going to get back into politics and some city business currently happening. Started out with the big unknown, ‘Is Reynolds going to get back into politics at some point?’ After that, we talked about former Mayor John Medinger’s endorsement in the current mayor’s race and his being a role model for Reynolds. We then got into the La Crosse Regional Airport. That included the city council's decision to put aside $250,000 for the revenue guarantee fund for airlines, in case they don't break even on flights. The rest of the show included some of the ups and downs as mayor, including additions to the police and his thoughts on the council not hiring a city administrator. 

La Crosse city council candidate Paul Brown in the WIZM studio for La Crosse Talk, discussing his background and priorities in running. Some of the highlights include his background in mental health, which he feels gives him an educated perspective on some of the dilemmas the homeless experience.  Brown also talked about his perspective on hiring a city administrator, plus some of what he calls inconsistent decisions made by the city council when it comes to expenditures — such as recently setting aside $250,000 for the La Crosse Airport’s “minimum revenue guarantee” fund to ensure airlines don’t lose money on flights. Brown is running in District 13. His opponent is Rosanne Northwood. Read about the La Crosse mayor, city council and school board candidates on the WIZM election page.

We preview the Seven Rivers Regional Robotics competition, called Reefscape, happening at the La Crosse Center Friday and Saturday. Planning committee chair Jason Jones describes how these 51 high schools, including 11 from the area, have created robots to perform a certain task in order to win the competition and move on to the world championships in Texas. The Reefscape is meant to simulate exploration beneath the ocean's surface, having robots harvest algae, seeding coral on their reef then returning to the barge — scoring points along the way, including cooperating with opponents if need be.  The free-to-watch event takes place from 9 a.m.- 6 p.m. Friday and Saturday at the La Crosse Center.   Last year's regional winner was from Arcadia High School.

Shirley Hefti joined in studio, just days ahead of her 100th birthday. She shared a couple of La Crosse childhood memories with us, including being born at Grandview in La Crosse and going to Franklin Elementary School. She'll be celebrating from 11-:12:30 p.m. Wednesday at the Harry J. Olson Senior Center on the north side, before her actual birthday on Sunday. And she said she's taking it easy that day.

UW-La Crosse political science professor, Dr. Anthony Chergosky in studio reacting to the La Crosse mayor candidate debate hosted by WIZM last week. We also discussed Rebecca Cooke getting back into the US House race in Wisconsin’s 3rd District, more reaction for the Wisconsin Supreme Court debate and why a Cheeto sold at auction for $87,840. Started the show with Cooke getting back into the race against Derrick Van Orden and how the two never debated. With the mayor’s debate, we broke down some of the questions, including one that came off pretty racist.  After that, we talked about how the Wisconsin Supreme Court debate went between Susan Crawford and Brad Schimel, and the money flowing into that race. Lastly, the flaming hot Cheeto that sold for nearly $90k because of what it looked like.

Peter Feigl joined to tell us his incredible story of surviving the Holocaust — the many ways his life was saved — losing his parents to the Auschwitz concentration camp and what he did after WWII.  Feigl will be in La Crosse on Wednesday, telling this story and answering audience questions at 7 p.m. Wednesday at the Viterbo University Fine Arts Center. People should get there at 6 p.m., because every seat will be filled for the free event. It will also be livestreamed here. Also joining is Darryle Clott, Holocaust educator at Viterbo, who helped set this conversation up. After Feigl tells his story, Clott talks about some of the new details he shared, the importance of his telling this story and how Viterbo prioritizes Holocaust education to teachers with workshops throughout the year. 

Aron Newberry in the WIZM studio to talk about why he’s running for city council, his experiences and a couple of his top issues including city administrator, housing and past votes on the REACH Center. Newberry is running in District 9 against incumbent Chris Woodard. Read more here about the candidates, who answered the WIZM questionnaire. We began the conversation talking about Newberry’s work experiences and what he feels would help in his role on the council. After that, we got into some of the top issues looking ahead, including the potential creation of a city administrator position, the city’s zoning changes, city taxes and housing. We ended on a past city council issue that involved the REACH Center, which also had to do with zoning changes but went to vote a few different times.

Kahya Fox, executive director of Habitat For Humanity of the Greater La Crosse Region, in the WIZM studio Thursday for La Crosse Talk discussing all things housing, as they get set for the Women Build Program this weekend, plus the first-ever housing week, preceded by Neighbor’s Day next month. We also discussed Habitat’s first-time homebuyers program, which just led to a discussion about housing in general and the dilemmas that La Crosse — and everywhere — are facing. In the midst of that conversation we began to highlight the first-ever La Crosse Housing Week that’s happening at the end of next month (April 28-May 3) with Habitat, Coulee Cap, AARP and the city of La Crosse. Fox mentioned some of the events scheduled and that more are to come. We ended the show talking about Neighbor’s Day, which is April 26. That’s a program where volunteers help spring clean the houses and yards of those in need. Habitat is looking for volunteers, as well as those who would need a hand in getting things cleaned up.

Wisconsin state Assembly Rep. Tara Johnson in the WIZM studio this week on the impact potential federal funding freezes will have on Wisconsin farms and businesses, city taxes vs. regional assets and hospital performing exams without consent — legally. It was an interesting start to the show with Johnson (D-Shelby), just bringing up when La Crosse and Shelby were working on a boundary agreement years ago. But that led to a conversation about city taxes, which then led to us talking about regionalizing assets, like the airport and La Crosse Center. The city council this week voted on contributing $250,000 to an airline revenue fund, which the county passed a few weeks ago. After that, we discussed the fallout that could come from a potential federal funding freeze. This conversation happened a day after Johnson was in Westby talking with business leaders, farmers and school superintendents about the impacts they have seen and would see in the future from different federal funds being halted without warning. Lastly, we hit on some important legislation that should move rather quickly through the state Legislature banning hospitals from being able to perform exams on people under anesthesia without their consent. 

La Crosse School Board candidate Jeff Jackson in studio discussing what he feels is needed in the district, that includes public relations, student learning gaps and the future budget situation. Jackson served on the school board for a year, filling the term of a member who resigned, but a job change prevented him from running again. Now he's back, as one of six candidates vying for three seats on the board. The big things Jackson sees with the district is a need to better promote all the good things it's been doing. We talk about some of the negativity that seems to hover around the district, but he doesn't feel that's all warranted. Jackson also talks about how the district is in OK shape right now financially, but needs to work and look ahead 2-3 years, as it will be in a budget crisis again if things aren't addressed. Part of that conversation also included the school building plans and the process we went through to get to this current $53.5 million referendum to build a new elementary school and update another. We also discussed the school report cards and the student learning gap and how he feels pretty good about La Crosse schools but there is a need with younger students to get them better acclimated to being ready to learn.

Rock Mornings host Brian Simpson dropped in to help preview Saturday's 20th Annual St. Patty's Day .01K down Pearl Street — deemed the world's shortest race, at 32.8 feet. Simpson talks about some of the whacky things participants have done in the past, some of the crazier ideas they've had in putting on this race and what it all goes for, which is the Hunger Task Force of La Crosse.  Every year, proceeds have gone to the Hunger Task Force, the only food bank between Madison, Eau Claire and Rochester, and serves 120 meal sites, food pantries, youth programs and backpack programs in the region.  Registration is open online or beginning at 3 p.m. Saturday at Brother's Bar on Pearl Street. The race starts at 6 p.m.

The way Terry Visger tells it, Saturday's Celtic Stories and Songs at the Pump House in downtown La Crosse sounds like an amazing time put on by the Bluff Country Tale Spinners. Vizger is on the La Crosse Story Telling board and she popped into the WIZM studio to tells us everything they're up to over the next couple months when it comes to the art of telling a story. Visger also shared a little taste of the story she's going to tell, describing the devil coming into a room, surprising its occupant. Celtic Stories and Songs will feature several entertainers reciting tales related to Ireland, as well as other activities — and some beer.

UW-La Crosse women's track and field sprints coach, Katie Wagner joins to talk about the extraordinary junior, Lauren Jarrett, and what recently accomplished on a world level, plus the dynasty the Eagles have in the sport. Jarrett, a Logan High grad, may be the best sprinter in UW-L history. Wagner is in her 15th season coaching UW-L, which is headed to New York to compete in the Division III Indoor Championships, which they won in 2023 — actually they swept both the indoor and outdoor championships that year. 

Shelly Fortner's run in the St. Patty's Day .01k before, but this year, the executive director of the Hunger Task Force of La Crosse will be drinking a green beer and observing from the sidelines. It's the 20th anniversary of the race, happening at 6 p.m. Saturday on Pearl Street, downtown, and Fortner joined WIZM's La Crosse Talk on Wednesday discussing what that 32.8 feet means to the Hunger Task Force. We also talked about the struggles with food scarcity now and some of the other ways people can help keep people fed in the area. 

UW-La Crosse political science professor, Dr. Anthony Chergosky in studio, discussing the outrage surrounding town halls, a new Marquette Law poll about how the spring election candidates are virtual unknowns, plus do yard signs work — especially when the ground is frozen. We also hit on a new furry police officer at UW-L, we tried to keep the #CurdWar between Kwik Trip and Culver's going — something we've done on La Crosse Talk PM — and we hit on springing forward, as well.

The smells from the brewery, upcoming city development, and running for reelection on city council with Chris Woodard in studio. Woodard, who represents District 9 and is running against Aron Newberry, recaps some committee work that was done last week, some development projects that are in the works by Three-Sixty Real Estate Solutions, including the Kmart lot and more housing by Mayo. We also talk about his first term on city council, some legislation he's led — "fixing" feral cats and banning big animals in shows — and how he feels about the direction the city is headed, including on homelessness. We also discussed City Brewery and the smells that have come from that building. Since this conversation, the La Crosse Board of Public Works did make a decision on the parking situation that we talked about that coincided with the brewery smells.

UW-La Crosse men's basketball coach JT Gritzmacher joins to talk about his team being in the Sweet 16 for the first time in school history, and playing that game at home, as well as setting the single-season record for wins at 24-5 and being ranked No. 5 in the NCAA.  UW-L plays at 7 p.m. Friday against ninth-ranked Illinois Wesleyan (24-5) at Mitchell Hall. The winner will play at 7 p.m. Saturday against either No. 22 Wisconsin Lutheran or 17th-ranked Washington-St. Louis. Of UW-L's five losses this season, all have come to teams ranked 11th or better. The fell to No. 9 Nebraska Wesleyan, No. 3 UW-Platteville three times and No. 11 Calvin by a point. To get to the Sweet 16, UW-L blew out Greenville University 120-93 at the La Crosse Center last Friday, then took down St. Norbert 77-67 at the Center on Saturday. The Eagles are now 3-3 all-time in the NCAA D-3 tournament. This is their fourth-ever trip to the postseason.

Astronomy educator, John Heasley, who runs Driftless Stargazing, joins to talk about the upcoming lunar eclipse and other things we might see in the sky from the La Crosse area in the next couple of days and weeks.  Heasley runs the Driftless Stargazing page on Facebook and also works live events at state parks, libraries and schools about Astronomy.  He, of course, breaks down the lunar eclipse that's happening Thursday night into Friday morning this week and the best way to see that — plus why we're seeing that. What is a lunar eclipse? We also get into Dark Sky parks, which there are a few in the making in Wisconsin, and also why La Crosse can't really be part of that plan. And, one other thing we covered was the possibility of spotting the Northern Lights again in the next couple of weeks, plus why we've seen this phenomenon so often the past year or so.  

It’s been a La Crosse staple for 50 years and to celebrate that anniversary, the Hungry Peddler is going to start knocking down some walls. “The best way to celebrate 50 years is to spend some money,” Hungry Peddler operator Jared Burish said Monday on WIZM’s La Crosse Talk.   The south side restaurant is about to go through some renovations this summer. Burish said they’ll be doing some outside construction work to the building beginning in June and will close down for the month of August to update the interior. “That’s when we’re going to be busting through the wall, and updating the bathrooms and a full kitchen renovation,” Burish said. The renovation will mostly happen where staff work — the kitchen, wait station and dish area. Burish added that hometown feel the Hungry Peddler won’t change. “We’re not trying to change any part of the good, comfy feel,” he said. “We’re not trying to change that environment for our patrons at all. We’re only trying to make things better for them.” On the show, Burish also talked about the ups and downs of being in this type of business over the past few years. Burish and his wife also run Vik’s Bar and the Mirage, which just moved into a new building on the south side. La Crosse Talk airs weekdays at 6-8 a.m. Listen on the WIZM app, online here, or on 92.3 FM / 1410 AM / 106.7 FM (north of Onalaska). Find all the podcasts here or subscribe to La Crosse Talk wherever you get your podcasts.

La Crosse School superintendent, Dr. Aaron Engel, joins to discuss how loop kids are after changing the clocks, the new elementary school going up in the district, and the idea of ending the Department of Education. Began the conversation about Daylight Saving, how it affects students and if it would be bad for kids riding the bus, if we kept the clocks the way they are now, permanently.  After that, we discussed part of the recently passed $53.5 million referendum. There's an open house from 6-8 p.m. Wednesday at the Hogan Administration building in the district, where people can learn what the new elementary school there would look like. Attendees can also provide feedback.  Lastly, we discussed what would happen to schools if the Department of Education closed. 

It's 10 years into the future, and aliens have arrived at Earth's doorstep. How does the world react? That's the simulation UW-La Crosse history club president Jake Williams is running Saturday at the student union. Over 100 UW-L students are taking part, playing different roles, as presidents, military leaders, the media and more. It's called a mega game and this is the largest one Williams is hosting. The premise is, again, aliens are in Earth's orbit, but that's all we know. Are they hostile, friendly? Nobody participating knows, and anything can happen from peace to nuclear fallout.

Sarah Butler with Around River City stopped in studio to highlight what’s happening in the area this weekend from a 1970s themed roller skate night to a chili cookoff. With spring around the corner, Butler also noted two golf cards on the site — both $79 with one for 10 rounds at Coulee Region course and another for 12 rounds in the Tri-State area. There’s also the St. Patty’s Day .01k around the corner on March 15, happening down Pearl Street, for those who want to say they ran in a “kilometer” race and have a shirt to prove it. Happening Friday, Butler highlights the 1970s theme night at the High Roller Skating Center of La Crosse, plus Bryce Thomaschefsky playing at Cat Daddy's Bar & Grill in Trempealeau. Saturday features the Spunky Bumpkins at the Alpine Inn and Pulse 8 at Our Corner Bar. And, on Sunday, a chili cookoff at the Mirage Sports Bar.  

What a joy it was to talk with Aimee, who is nothing short of an optimistic juggernaut.  She's been through many physical challenges, she's been underestimated at almost every turn and she hasn't let any of that stop her from making her dreams happen.   She is the current APTIV Miss Remarkable.  She'll be handing the crown over on Saturday, May 10th, during a ceremony in the Union Bluffs Room at UW-La Crosse.  If you'd like to meet Aimee and many other amazing women, you can get tickets to the pageant right here Listen to my conversation with Aimee and you'll be inspired, she's pretty cool.

We talked with Diane Breeser about this unique theater project.  Diane is one of 6 playwrights from around the country who have created a collection of 6 short plays, addressing environmental impacts on reproductive health in humans. This includes climate change, forever chemicals and, well know around here, PFAS.  You can learn more about our local readings here.  Diane is a very talented local artist and we talk about her journey on the La Crosse stage as well. 

Jane Klekamp in studio, as we dissected her role as La Crosse County administrator, particularly in relation to the city of La Crosse potentially creating a similar position. We also discussed the potentially devastating impact of federal funding cuts to the county, and entertained the hypothetical of trading the La Crosse Center. The first half of the conversation focused on Klekamp's role as county administrator, how the position was established, and what the city of La Crosse might consider if it decides to create its own administrator role. Next, we delved into a hypothetical of the city trading ownership of the La Crosse Center to the county — a topic that stemmed from a past La Crosse Talk conversation on regionalizing assets to reduce the tax burden on city residents. We then shifted to the county board’s ongoing work on funding requests from outside organizations. In the last budget cycle, several nonprofits asked for and received funding through last-minute amendments, but the board is now considering changes to that process. Lastly, we examined the potential consequences of federal funding cuts on the county, with Klekamp highlighting how reductions in Medicaid funding could significantly affect residents in county-run nursing homes. Since this conversation, Republicans in the US House passed a resolution that included directing the committee that handles Medicaid health care spending to come up with $880 billion in savings over the decade, which would be the bulk of what’s needed to offset the cost of the tax breaks.  

Kat Craugh and Special Olympics athlete Renee Cappetto in studio discussing unique ways we can Polar Plunge on Saturday. This will be the 27th annual Polar Plunge, where the community raises money for Special Olympics Wisconsin and dives into the Black River. Last year, La Crosse raised over $100,000 for the Special Olympics. Kat and Renee talked about the traditional way of running into the water, but they've carved out ways everyone can participate by having the 'toe dip," which is exactly what it sounds like. But, we also brainstormed another idea, that maybe we'll see next year, "the cheek dip." Kat had a brilliant idea in terms of doing that.

Here's a clip from Wisconsin state Rep. Jill Billings on what she calls manufactured Republican outrage over the term "inseminated person." In his budget proposal, Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers changed terminology from "the husband of the mother" to "the spouse of the inseminated person," and Billings describes why that had to happen.  

It's the ninth year of La Crosse Soup, and director Josh Court joins to break down just how this "crowd funding on steroids," local version of Shark Tank actually works. It begins at 5 p.m. Thursday at the Rivoli, downtown, where community members are welcome to come, donate $5, get a bowl of soup and hear pitches from four groups in how they'd make La Crosse a better place to live. Those four groups and their pitches are:  La Crosse Area Family Y This project aims to upgrade the kitchen at the Community Youth Center with modern equipment and improved storage, creating a safer and more functional space for preparing nutritious meals and snacks. The kitchen will serve as a hands-on learning environment where youth can gain essential life skills in cooking and nutrition while also providing consistent, family-style meals that support their physical, emotional, and social well-being.Their desired amount is $2,000. This will be used to purchase new kitchen equipment, including countertop appliances, silverware, knife sets, dishware, and cooking tools. Any extra funds will support baking and cooking ingredients and programming for various youth clubs. The Professional Fire Fighters of Wisconsin Charitable Foundation (PFFWCF). The PFFWCF will host a Mental Health Peer Support Training in La Crosse from June 4-6, 2025, aimed at equipping local firefighters with essential skills to address mental health challenges such as anxiety, depression, PTSD, and self-harm. The training will enable participants to provide peer support, recognize behavioral health warning signs, and guide colleagues to professional resources.The desired amount is $2,500. The money will cover participation costs for 10 La Crosse-area firefighters, contributing to a healthier and more resilient first responder workforce. La Crosse Robotics They aim to teach high school students essential skills through participation in the First Robotics Competition, where they build robots and collaborate with other teams to complete challenges.  This project focuses on developing engineering, communication, teamwork, leadership, and problem-solving skills among students. Their desired amount is $2,000, and it will be used to build the robot and enhance advertising efforts, particularly by improving the team's competition pits to foster connections with other teams and streamline workflow. The Diaspora Project The Diaspora Project aims to retell American history through the perspectives of minorities, immigrants, and refugees, empowering minority writers to document their communities' experiences. Currently focused on Hmong experiences during the Secret War and American resettlement, the project plans to expand to include other minority groups in La Crosse, collaborating with the La Crosse County Historical Societyand the La Crosse Tribune to produce a book, exhibit, and op-eds. Funding will help diversify the narrative of American history, foster understanding and appreciation of diverse communities, and empower local minority writers to share their unique perspectives. The project is expected to be completed within 12 months, with final delivery in December 2025.Their desired amount is $2,500 and will be allocated for research and story collection, writer development, publication or exhibit creation, outreach and promotion, and administrative costs

Milwaukee Brewers president Rick Schlesinger joined WIZM's La Crosse Talk PM to discuss ideas for maximizing the year-round use of an upgraded American Family Field, the Sausage Races coming to in La Crosse, remembering Bob Uecker, and how the team is handling rising player salaries. Began the show with Schlesinger sharing insights into how the team plans to utilize an upgraded stadium. He explains that it needed to be winterize, which was part of the $500 million taxpayer-funded upgrades passed by the state Legislature last year. Those plans of utilizing the stadium outside the MLB season include — not just concerts — but the potential for hosting state tournaments, hockey games, and even video game competitions on the stadium’s massive outfield screens. One idea even had players competing in MLB The Show on the big screen during games. We also touched on the Sausage Races coming to La Crosse, which were recently canceled due to a snowstorm in Milwaukee. Following the recent blockbuster NBA trade of Luka Dončić, we asked Schlesinger about trades the Brewers have made, some of which haven’t always been popular—such as letting Willy Adames leave for free agency or trading Devin Williams to the Yankees. This led to a conversation about the challenges the Brewers face in competing with teams signing players to $700 million contracts, and whether the MLB might eventually need a salary cap. We ended the show remembering Bob Uecker, who recently passed away at 90, and what the team is doing to honor him.  

You've heard of wine pairing dinners and even dinners with pairings of bourbons and other spirits.  Now, from the folks at Carbon Cannabis comes The Green Table Dinner series. An infused dinner party series rooted in local tradition and elevated by nature. This plant focused dinner series was born in an effort to offer an elevated and alcohol free dining experience by blending gourmet cuisine with the artistry of cannabis infusion. Their debut event will take place on Sunday, March 2, 2025, from 6:00 to 8:00 PM, at the iconic Charmant Hotel.   Curious?  Listen in to the conversation with Natalia and Stephanie to have some myths busted and get a better idea of what to expect.

A unique opportunity for School District of La Crosse students, through a one-of-a-kind program in Wisconsin. Kathi Millard runs the Futures Center in the district through a nonprofit called La Crosse Promise. Millard joined the show to talk about the opportunities and challenges high school students face as they prepare for post-graduation and what La Crosse Promise does through its Future Center, including what's called a Futures Fair happening Thursday at Logan and next week at Central. It's there, multiple local businesses, colleges, along with military recruiters are on hand to 

We chatted with La Crosse city clerk Nikki Elsen after she was done with primary voting duties for the night Tuesday. We recapped how everything went, the voter turnout and compared this La Crosse mayor election to some recent past races.  Elsen has been the city clerk the past five years and was deputy clerk 21 years before that. So, we asked her about any interesting election night stories, and she did have a pretty good one about voting machines being switched in 2020. Which prompted just a few jokes.

Z93's Tracy Ballzer in studio helping preview the improv show, Heart of La Crosse, which opens Thursday at the Pump House, downtown. Heart of La Crosse is made up of six cast members and is best described as skits similar to shows like Whose Line Is It Anyway and Saturday Night Live, including some audience participation.  The members write all the material — except the improv, of course. Some fan favorites are back, including Doris and Betty, Cletus and Lurleen, plus 819 News — Heart's version of local news, which Ballzer says will change each of the three performances. Heart of La Crosse has been going for over 40 years. Its upcoming shows happen Thursday, Friday and Saturday at the Pump House. Tickets can be purchased at Around River City.

Covered a lot with School District of La Crosse superintendent, Dr. Aaron Engel, including statewide proficiency tests and how students are doing, plus a timeline on tearing down the Hogan building and getting public input on renovating State Road Elementary.  We also discussed last week's visit to La Crosse from Dr. Jill Underly, the Wisconsin State Superintendent of Public Instruction, and just exactly what that job entails. Plus the Wisconsin Supreme Court race and the outlook Engel has from the district's perspective.  An open house at State Road Elementary happens from 4-6 p.m. Thursday, as that building is getting ready for eight new classrooms and a new gymnasium — per the fall $53.5 million referendum. Also, Thursday, Logan High students can participate in a futures job fair in the afternoon. 

Ahead of voting day Tuesday, we grabbed each of the four La Crosse mayor candidates for seven minutes. Here's Shaundel Washington-Spivey. You can read more about her here, as well.

Ahead of voting day Tuesday, we grabbed each of the four La Crosse mayor candidates for seven minutes. Here's Vicki Markussen. You can read more about her here, as well.

Ahead of voting day Tuesday, we grabbed each of the four La Crosse mayor candidates for seven minutes. Here's Ellie McLoone. You can read more about her here, as well.