La Crosse Talk PM WIZM

La Crosse School Board president Dr. Juan Jimenez joins. Two big topics included the upcoming elections where four new school board members will be elected out of the pool of nine currently running. Before Jimenez joined, WIZM's Brad Williams talked about the last time he remembers that many new board members coming on, back during the 1992 school board special recall election in July. Along with the election, Jimenez spoke about what entails being a school board member. We wrapped up the conversation in how administration is beginning to discuss the future of the La Crosse School District, post the $194.7 million new high school, consolidation plan was voted down last November.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

La Crosse County Democratic Party chair William Garcia in studio. Big topic of the day was Garcia revealing he'll be using his electric snow shovel — or "power broom" as we learned — as we get set for snow-pocalypse 2023. Politically, we spent some time on three proposals offered by freshman US House Rep., Republican Derrick Van Orden of Wisconsin's 3rd District here in the La Crosse area. We also compared and contrasted what Wisconsin and Minnesota will do with their billion-dollar budget surpluses — Wisconsin's projected over $6.6 billion, while Minnesota is three times that at $17.6 billion. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Wisconsin Democracy Campaign executive director Matt Rothschild joined for a bit to discuss Wisconsin Republicans and voter suppression. After that, a rant about the last video rental stores closing in Minnesota. Wrapped up talking about politicians crying about politicking in an argument about dueling ballot measures that apparently only want to turn out the vote.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

La Crosse city council member Dr. Mark Neumann in studio, discussing city development moving forward — like River Point District — as well as the council decisions on the eight-year Climate Action Plan and the senior center building sale offer. Neumann also discussed Mayor Mitch Reynolds' state of the city address. Began the show talking about Neumann the retired pediatric critical care doctor, who spent quite a few years working in Africa.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

UW-La Crosse political science professor, Dr. Anthony Chergosky joins. Hit on an array of topics from the removal of most cameras in the US House to some new businesses popping up in La Crosse. In regards to the House, we also talked about one Congressman lying about his volleyball accolades at a college he didn’t go to and Wisconsin's Derrick Van Orden proposing his first legislation. La Crosse is getting another Starbucks and are you more excited about a Five Guys or Five Below opening here? Republicans are shrinking on the likelihood of legalizing any marijuana in Wisconsin, while it’s almost a done deal for Democrats in Minnesota. A couple other things we talked about included Republicans proposing a flat tax in Wisconsin and Missouri’s GOP banning women from baring — not bearing — arms.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

La Crosse County District Attorney Tim Gruenke joins. The big topics we hit on all had to deal with potential law changes across the state in regards to theft, drugs and letting people out of jail — bonds/bail. In regards to drugs, Wisconsin is thinking about proposing legislation to legalize medical marijuana, while just about every territory around the state already has it fully legalized. With theft, lawmakers want to decrease the amount stolen that results in a felony. And, with bail/bonds, the Legislature is trying to change the system through a Constitutional Amendment in regards to bail, in reaction to the Waukesha parade massacre. Is it far enough? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

UW-La Crosse outreach coordinator Spencer Wilken joins to talk science. Among the topics was bored scientists trying to determine how smart a Tyrannosaurus rex actually was. We also discussed the Great American Beaver Drop, as well as how beavers are wreaking havoc in the wake of climate change. And in the midst, we hit on space talk, including a green comet that will fly by soon, new black hole info and how old — or young — the universe might be, thanks to the new James Webb telescope.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Vicki Markussen in studio to discuss her new podcasts that dives into the business world. It dropped last week, BizCast Greater La Crosse, where Markussen talks with business owners and others in the industry about, well, just about anything. We, too, dived into some of those dilemmas local businesses face, like downtown restaurants hampered because of remote work or different aspects of tipping or tipped workers. Markussen is a former reporter, before working for business groups like the 7 Rivers Alliance and Chamber of Commerce. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

La Crosse Mayor Mitch Reynolds in studio. Spent a majority of the show going over situation between the city, the mayor and the Harry J Olson Senior Center. The city council takes up a proposal to sell the senior center group the city-owned building for $1. Its lease ran out at the end of 2020, and it since rejected a $1 proposal from the mayor since then. Before that, we discussed another council agenda item on how the city is updating its TIF policy. Opened the show venting a bit about the Packers loss, but that led to a funny conversation about how Reynolds "mayors" (the verb) — essentially how he "coaches."See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

UW-La Crosse political science professor, Dr. Anthony Chergosky, in studio, while retired-US Congressman calls in. On the show, we break down the US House Speaker drama. We get Kind's opinion on the matter, after he served 26 years in the US House. Also Kind recalls his experience at the Jan. 6 Capitol riot, as well as his opinion on the new, bipartisan-talking Derrick Van Orden. And we, of course, check in on Kind's plans post retirement or if the President Joe Biden White house is calling. After that, we discussed Wisconsin's state Legislature's 8-month gap in 2024, where it doesn't meet in session, as well as Assembly Speaker Robin Vos' justification to using the state's $6.6 billion budget surplus on tax cuts. Vos: "Just to be clear: [A flat tax is] not about rewarding the wealthy, even though there's absolutely nothing wrong with that." Lastly, we discuss a "Florida (wo)man" story of a House member accused of being a literal witch, and a butter factory in Wisconsin clogging the sewers.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Environmental planner, Lewis Kuhlman in studio to talk about the city's Climate Action Plan. The city is working on a goal to become carbon neutral by 2050. A stepping stone to that is a multi-faceted, seven-year plan as sort of a road map to get there. Kuhlman discusses that plan — highlighting some of those 170 pages — which goes to the full city council on Jan. 12.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

UW-La Crosse political science professor, Dr. Tim Dale, joins. Spent most of the show breaking down Republicans in the US House selecting the Speaker. We touched on the 20 or so defectors, why they don't want Kevin McCarthy, Donald Trump's role and how this might come to an end. Also, we briefly talked about talk radio, sports vs. political coverage and whether or not the Wisconsin has a full-time state Legislature.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

UW-La Crosse political science professor Dr. Anthony Chergosky and Wisconsin state Assembly Rep. Steve Doyle join. Chergosky had to be summoned a few days early to help break down Republicans in the US House not agreeing on a Speaker — something that hasn't happened in literally 100 years. Doyle joined to talk about the Legislature meeting for the first time in what seems like 100 years — though is technically about 10 months.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

First show of 2023, so we recap 2022 one last time with WIZM's Brad Williams — some of the biggest themes of the year will continue on in the area through this and next year. After, Wisconsin Assembly Rep. Jill Billings joined to quickly break down some of her priorities and assignments this term and the Legislature getting back together after 10 months off.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

UW-La Crosse political science professor, Dr. Anthony Chergosky, and the WIZM year-in-review. We discuss the top clicked WIZMnews.com stories of 2022 and also go over Chergosky's Top 10 story themes of the year. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Our "political blowhard," Adam Murphy joined for the hour. Murphy is the owner of Big Bang LLC, ran for US Senate in Wisconsin and holds degrees in economics and political science. On the show we discussed Wisconsin's $6.6 billion budget surplus and the low unemployment rate. Also talked about a US House member lying about everything imaginable to get elected and how political power plays a role in his potentially being kicked out of Congress. Also talked about a GOP-selected Wisconsin DNR board member costing taxpayers $76,000. And ended with some electric vehicle talk. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Wisconsin state Sen. Brad Pfaff in studio. Among the topics covered, including the the projected $6.6 billion budget surplus, whether the state Legislature will have a 10-month "holiday" like it did in 2022 and what Pfaff has for ideas, after just being appointed to the WEDC Board of Directors.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Recovering from the Christmas holiday weekend complaining about not getting that Mercedes in the driveway, or any new Lego sets. WIZM's Brad Williams joined to talk about the Lego Masters out of Holmen and how Legos evolved but the Erector set didn't. Also ranted about how Wisconsin's DNR is politicized, somehow, and what the state is missing out on without sports gambling. Ended talking about the "free shipping" myth.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

UW-La Crosse political science professor, Dr. Anthony Chergosky, in studio to break down the most disliked Christmas songs, most liked Christmas movies and the US House rep that seemingly lied about everything to get elected. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Central Cares czar and success coach Brad Bryan in studio to talk about food insecurity and running the Central High School's food pantry. Also dropping in was Economic Support Manager Lorie Graff to talk about all the things La Crosse County does to help those in need, including food share, health care, child care and energy assistance. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Erin Goggins, executive director of the Harry J Olson Senior Center, and her lawyer, Terry Collins, in studio to discuss the ongoing dispute/negotiations between them and the city of La Crosse on the future of that building. The lease ended in 2020, and the senior center is hoping to stay in the building permanently, buying the property at 1607 North Street from the city for $1 — an offer that was previously offered to them, which they did not accept.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Micheal Kurz, the Warning Coordination Meteorologist at the National Weather Service La Crosse in studio. Aside from reviewing the best/worst weather movies -- and he has yet to see Sharknado -- we previewed the bitter cold, snowy upcoming weather heading into Christmas, and we recapped what's perhaps La Crosse's craziest weather systems, which happened on Dec. 15, 2021. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

UW-La Crosse political science professor Dr. Anthony Chergosky joined to discuss everything from meeting with US House-elect Derrick Van Orden to bipartisan legislation coming from, perhaps, the most opposite US Senators in the history of our country — Tammy Baldwin and Ron Johnson. And that legislation: The FDA doesn’t deem cranberries healthy. That bled into a Mariah Carey Christmas conversation and the show ended talking about Uncrustables PB&Js. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Coulee Region Wildlife Rehabilitator Kathy KasaKaitas dropped in to tell some stories about rescuing animals. She's working with 1,000-1,200 rescues a year and is pretty much self-funded through donations and grants. She told us two big stories over the past year they've helped with, including a bald eagle that was hit by a train and some baby barn owls nesting in Onalaska — the first nest found in Wisconsin in 21 years. We also discussed the city of La Crosse ending its contract with Coulee Region Humane Society to take animal calls and how that affects them going forward.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

UW-La Crosse outreach coordinator, Spencer Wilken, nicknamed Mrs. Photon, in studio to talk science. The big news for, not just the week, but the century, maybe ever, is scientists at a lab in California, have fused the atom -- they did fusion. We try to dissect. Before that, we talked about the diminishing snow in Wisconsin over the past few decades, as well as some snow facts from the state. Ended the show, quick, talking about real Christmas tree vs. fake tree.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Viterbo economist John Robinson joined the show to help explain how Wisconsin ended up with a $6.6 billion projected budget surplus. In reference to that conversation, we also had to dive into how inflation has played a role in the surplus, as well as record-corporate profits happening at the same time. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Kathy Harris, the Clean Vehicle and Fuels advocate for the NRDC, joined to talk about why the world needs to transition to electric vehicles. First, of course, the why — the impact of oil/gas vehicles versus electric. After that, some of the ins and outs about that transition, including the need — or lack thereof — for charging stations at every "Kwik Trip" (gas station), how the tax credit has changed recently for buying an EV and how the US compares to the rest of the world in the transition, among other things.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

La Crosse Fire Chief Jeff Schott in studio. He's six months into the job, but 22 years with the department. As the Chief, he did not drive the giant ladder truck to the studio, but he did say he can take it out now whenever he wants. It's been a busy week for the department and we talked about why that might be. There have also been two huge downtown La Crosse fires in the past two years, so we discussed those, as well. We got a little bio from him, as he's the new chief and we also discussed what involves becoming a firefighter, the city's future plans for new fire stations and if the department gets a lot of "cats in tree" calls, as the police department is about to take animal control responsibility in the city.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Longtime La Crosse Central Spanish teacher John Havlicek joined. Among the topics discussed included the state of teachers and the teaching profession right now, where the La Crosse School District goes with a consolidation plan, and just some interesting aspects Havlicek experiences in teaching. In the middle, however, we also talked politics, including the effects of rigging district lines for one party or another.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Wisconsin state Rep. Jill Billings of La Crosse in studio. Among the topics discussed included running for local office versus campaigning in state races. We also hit on the lack of Democratic voices being heard, when statewide races are 50-50, yet the 99 Assembly sets only have 35 Democrats. Billings also talked out where the state will go with a projected $6.6 billion budget surplus, and we hit quick on topics like marijuana legalization and PFAS. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

La Crosse Mayor Mitch Reynolds in studio. We discussed an upcoming lobbying effort to get the federal government to address drought along the Mississippi River. We also talked about how development is going in the River Point District, which is the old Mobil Oil site. The mayor comes on the Monday before the monthly city council meeting, which will be addressing a new contract and responsibilities with the Coulee Region Humane Society, as well as Pearl Street funding. Lastly, we hit on a south side building the city owns, and the lack of an agreement for years with the group that runs a senior center there.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

UW-La Crosse political science professor, Dr. Anthony Chergosky in studio. Began and ended the show on the important topics, including Dunkin' Donuts in La Crosse and suing Kraft because it takes too long to microwave Mac n Cheese. In between that, we discussed the "nonpartisan" spring elections coming up that are becoming all too partisan and why Donald Trump didn't campaign for losing GOP candidate Tim Michels, up against Gov. Tony Evers.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Another outside, multi-billion-dollar corporation, this time in Switzerland, is trying to come into northern Minnesota and create a copper-nickel (sulfide) mine. It's controversial in many ways — from the company itself to even state agencies skating rules — as explained by WaterLegacy Advocacy Director Paula Maccabee. She spent a majority of the show talking about the Polymet mining project that is being proposed upstream of the St. Louis River, which drains into Lake Superior. She also made arguments recently fighting the project to the Minnesota Supreme Court.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

John Siegel, who will become La Crosse County's sheriff on Jan. 2, spent the hour in studio. A lot of the conversation centered around how Siegel wants to create and expand lines of communication with the public through town hall-like events, social media and the media. We also talked about the county being the first in the state to allow free phone calls for people in jail, and the makeup of the jail, in general. We did open the show talking about football, however, as John's son, C.J. just wrapped up his senior year a standout corner at North Dakota. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

La Crosse School District superintendent, Dr. Aaron Engel, joined for the hour. We hit on a lot of topics, beginning with whether we still have snow days, being students can "remote learn" now. We spent the second half of the show going over the aftermath of not passing the $194.7 million question, to build a new high school on the south side, and where the district — and when — goes from there. Also talked about the lack of state funding that affects every other aspect of the school district. And, in there, we hit on some of the programs La Crosse does with apprenticeships that perhaps weren't a thing back when their parents were in school.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Common Cause Wisconsin executive director Jay Heck joined to talk about "gerrymandering," a term that does not elude to what is actually happening in Wisconsin and other states. Map-rigging, a better phrase, as Heck explains how this past election exploited power even more and how an upcoming Wisconsin Supreme Court race becomes the most important in the country.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

UW-La Crosse political science professor, Dr. Anthony Chergosky, in the WIZM studio. Capping off the holiday week, we talk a lot of nonsense about Black Friday and Thanksgiving themed movies. We did, however, get very serious for a bit on the La Crosse County sheriff's race that was recently and seemingly reluctantly conceded by Republican Fritz Leinfelder, giving Democrat John Siegel the win.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

La Crosse Education Association President Jesse Martinez and Wisconsin Assembly Rep. Steve Doyle on the show. Spent most of the time with Martinez talking about the future consolidation plans of the school district and how combining and middle and high school might work — or not work. Doyle joined to talk about Wisconsin's ever-growing budget surplus, that is projected to hit $6.6 billion by July. Doyle has said repeatedly the Legislature should be doing something with this money yesterday. We hear his ideas.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

La Crosse County Board chair Monica Kruse in the WIZM studio. Kicked off talking quick about what she's learned in her 14 years on the board. After that, discussed the news that Wisconsin has a $6.6 billion budget surplus and what the state Legislature could do for counties with that money it has been sitting on since January in an election year. After that, we highlighted the board's passing of a $208 million 2023 budget and ended with where they're at in the hiring process for administrator — the county's most important position.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

UW-La Crosse political science professor, Dr. Anthony Chergosky in the WIZM studio. Opened the show following up on a conversation from last week about a Florida man packing a gun in a raw chicken while going through airport security. So, we brought in La Crosse Regional Airport director Ian Turner to walk us through what kind of meats we can and can't bring through TSA. After that, WIZM's Brad Williams described the scene at the La Crosse County sheriff's race recount began this morning and dueling lawyers for both parties were present. We also discussed whether Congress is trying to break up the monopoly that is Ticketmaster or is it just trying to appease the hundred million Taylor Swift "Swifties" out there who can't get tickets. Lastly, recapped the amount of money on the ballot in terms of school referendums — and how many passed, which in La Crosse it did not — while the GOP-controlled state Legislature continues to sit on what's estimated to be a $6 billion budget.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

UW-La Crosse Outreach Specialist Spencer Wilken in the WIZM studio to talk science. We hit on everything from space to the Earth, or water. The world now has 8 billion people. Is that sustainable? In relation to that, scientists are growing meat — not the plant-based stuff you see, but basically chicken breasts. Spencer also had to get her take on Betelguese (not the movie Beetlejuice), though that did spark a debate about sci-fi movies. Ended the show talking about the 5,000 Tundra Swans on the Mississippi River near La Crosse right now.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Our political blowhard, Adam Murphy joins. Murphy ran as a Democrat in the Wisconsin US Senate race for what is now Ron Johnson’s seat for the next six years. We discuss how that happened, as the same batch of voters also elected a Democratic governor. We also talk about how Wisconsin got what’s projecting to be a $6 billion budget surplus and what to do with that now. Murphy owns a small business called Big Bang LLC. He also has degrees in economics — working on his Masters there — and political science from UW-Milwaukee.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hit on a lot of topics with La Crosse County District Attorney Tim Gruenke. That included Democrats taking control of state government in Minnesota and the almost certainty that recreational marijuana will be legalized, as Wisconsin barely even discusses it on a medical level. What kind of issues does that pose for law enforcement, with people traveling just a few miles to get a drug illegal in Wisconsin? Also hit on election fraud and the kind of cases La Crosse County has seen. Talked about an OWI case in Winona where the driver hit and killed a Winona State student and how that four-year prison sentence came to be and what it might have been in Wisconsin. Lastly, asked if we may take up, again, racial disparities in arrests in La Crosse County, four years after a previous study. Gruenke is part of the Criminal Justice Management Council that meets monthly and it sounds like that may be discussed this week. La Crosse County will also have a new sheriff, after the midterm election results are certified and a potential recount is finished. Gruenke talked about what a new sheriff and the DA may have to discuss as far as potential priorities and needs.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

UW-La Crosse political science professor, Dr. Anthony Chergosky in studio with a midterm election recap. Most of the conversation was about voter turnout, young voters, Wisconsin state government gridlock vs. Minnesota Democrats taking full control. Capped off the conversation with a story out of Florida, where a man was caught hiding a gun in a raw chicken going through TSA.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

UW-La Crosse political science professor, Dr. Tim Dale in the WIZM studio, recapping the midterm elections. Why are Democrats happy when Republicans won back a majority? How did Wisconsin's elections go? How much more engaged are young people? And do the yard signs work?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

La Crosse County Clerk Ginny Dankmeyer on WIZM broke down election day, what she thought of voter turnout and the processes that happen next.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Spent most of the show on the referendum by the La Crosse School District's to build a new high school for $194.7 million not passing. WIZM's Brad Williams broke down the news conference the district had Wednesday. We also worked in La Crosse County clerk Ginny Dankmeyer and her post-election day hangover to discuss how everything went and what's left to do, including a possible La Crosse County sheriff race recount.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Wisconsin Democracy Campaign executive director Matt Rothschild joined (24:00) to talk about the money floating around Wisconsin politics, as the governor's race has the most money in the U.S. Began the show, however, just breaking down election day, which included a quick elections update (20:45) La Crosse County Clerk Ginny Dankmeyer.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

County clerk Ginny Dankmeyer on La Crosse Talk PM at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday for a quick elections update. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

La Crosse Mayor Mitch Reynolds in studio Monday covering a lot of ground. Spent the first part of the show talking about the homeless situation and, perhaps not related, the messaging around a person who died in the park last week. Discussed the La Crosse School District plan some more, and how that will affect the city. In relation to that — and homelessness — we hit on affordable housing in the city a couple different times. And, somewhere in there, we discussed the state's potential $6 billion budget surplus that's been lying around since January, while the Legislature has been out of session the past nine months. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.