La Crosse Talk PM WIZM

Before we dived into Ukraine-Russia with Deb McGrath, who is running in the 3rd Congressional District for a US House of Representative seat, we had to talk about news on the Wisconsin Supreme Court accepting Gov. Tony Evers redistricting maps, and what that means for McGrath's campaign. After, we got McGrath's expertise from being in the CIA and Army for 25 years, how realistic those Jack Ryan moves and TV shows are. We also picked her brain the Russian invasion of Ukraine.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Viterbo history and political science professor, Dr. Keith Knutson joined to try and explain the Russia-Ukraine conflict. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

UW-La Crosse economics professor Adam Hoffer joined to discuss the value of the Valley View Mall, as it's up for auction March 8. We also talked about inflation, wages and thriving corporations vs. dying ones -- like the ones no longer at the mall.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Just over a week ago, the city designated Houska Park in La Crosse a temporary campground, which will allow the unsheltered to stay there. A committee resolution for Tuesday wants to undo that. We talked to the author of that resolution, Chris Woodard. After that, state Rep. Jill Billings joined to discuss the Legislature cramming a ton of bills through so it can be done for the year -- by the way, it's Feb. 28.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

UW-La Crosse political science professor Dr. Anthony Chergosky in studio. Had to, of course, talk about the 500-pound bear, Hank the Tank. Also hit on an Apple ring that tracks your spouse. After that, hit on potential new Wisconsin laws penalizing jerks who harass healthcare workers, mandatory jail time for shoplifters, and 3rd-party food delivery services taking orders from restaurants that have no idea they're available for delivery.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dr. Mark Neumann joined. He's the District 13 city council member, representing the area that includes the motel La Crosse just purchased to help the homeless through bridge housing. He's also running in the 3rd Congressional District for US House of Representatives. A lot of the discussion around issues affecting the area centered around how the community interacts with its representatives or how its reps interact with the community. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Spent most of the hour talking about the homeless issue in La Crosse, as the city just approved the purchase of a south-side motel to use for bridge housing. Also ranted about the Wisconsin state Legislature cramming what must be hundreds of bills right before they hit the campaign trail. Late in the show, WIZM's Brad Williams reports live on a body found in the Black River near Clinton Street. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tom Manley with the MOSES Organic Farming Conference joined. We discussed a slew of issues that deal with farming, food, food production. We also, of course, talked about coming back to to the city for what is one of the, if not the biggest event at the La Crosse Center.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

La Crosse Education Association president John Havlicek in studio. We talked about some of the history in La Crosse dealing with school boards and the endorsement by the Education Association of three candidates. Also discussed therapy dogs in school and some of the hot button issues that schools and school board races are dealing with.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

UW-La Crosse political science professor, Dr. Anthony Chergosky joined. Started off the show with another important topic, as someone in the UP stole an entire cabin. After that got into the death of a US Congressman who represents Minnesota right here in La Crescent, then talked a lot about the Wisconsin state Legislature’s not doing, then overdoing everything.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Talked mental health with Sam Seefeld. He's the La Crosse County Crisis Program supervisor. Hit on an array of issues when it comes to mental health, especially the dilemma of how you even diagnose it to where you go if you determine you have a problem. Also hit on the impact farming, veterans and remote work/learning have on mental health.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Two guests today. Wisconsin state Sen. Brad Pfaff stopped in studio quick to talk about the governor's $150 checks to residents. After that, University of Minnesota geologist, climate scientist, Dr. Peter Neff, was on to discuss his work in Antarctica, drilling two miles into the ice to study the air. Neff is a glaciologist. They pull up these ice cores to study what the climate, what the air was like as far back as 800,000 years ago.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Talked quite a bit about Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg and the Super Bowl halftime show. Also hit on how overrated Valentine's Day is for some, and awful for others, plus how all V-day candy is terrible. Lastly, did touch on the fake flyer made to draw attention to the Holmen School Board race.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A Friday news dump so important, we had to bring on Wisconsin state Assembly Rep. Steve Doyle to join UW-La Crosse political science professor, Dr. Anthony Chergosky. After that, Chergosky and Solem discussed partisan politics continuing to trickle into local races, what to do with Valley View Mall and how Ron Johnson DGAF.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Chris Haskell, chair of the Voter Services Committee for the League Women Voters of the La Crosse Area joined. We discussed a bit how partisanship has trickled down to local elections, which are deemed nonpartisan. We talked what the League does, not just with elections, but in general. Also discussed how to get informed on local races, the importance of taking part and some info on when and where to vote. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

La Crosse County District Attorney Tim Gruenke joined. We discussed the Wisconsin state Legislature's reaction to the Waukeshau parade tragedy and bail bonds, the Minneapolis Police / Amir Locke killing, in regards to no-knock warrants, as well as a county police oversight board and the show 48 Hours looking at the Todd Kendhammer murder of his wife in West Salem.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

La Crosse Mayor Mitch Reynolds joined. He explains the news of a citywide tax assessment and how that differs from an individual property owner assessment. Also hit on housing in La Crosse, childcare, and the government's potential role on those issues. Also spent quite a bit of time on the unsheltered situation in La Crosse, as the motel deal ends in 2 months.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

UW-La Crosse political science professor, Dr. Anthony Chergosky joined. We discussed the billionaire battle between Amazon's Jeff Bezos — and his mega-yacht potentially destroying a historic Dutch bridge — and Facebook's Mark Zuckerberg, who might want to move to the Metaverse after he lost $31 billion in a day. We also talked some Foxconn news, as Wisconsin still waits for all the tech, it looks like there is some potential expansion into the food coloring business. Lastly, we discussed more news about the fake electors in Wisconsin casting ballots for Donald Trump in 2020.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Lori Stern, the executive director of the MOSES Organic Farming Conference joined. We talked about the upcoming event at the La Crosse Center (Feb. 24-26) and then deep dove into some farming and food issues, like how four multinational meatpackers in the US control 54% of poultry processing, 66% of pork packing, and 85% of beef packing.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Alex Lasry is one of about a dozen candidates running for US Senate in Wisconsin. He's also the Senior VP of the Milwaukee Bucks -- when he's not running. Had to ask him about the Bucks a bit, but then we did dive into a lot of the issues surrounding the Senate race, including healthcare, taxes, Citizens United and, of course, Ron Johnson.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Got some numbers on drug overdose deaths in La Crosse County. Tied that into a conversation with Wisconsin state Assembly Rep. Jill Billings passing some fentanyl legislation over the past week. One of those was increasing penalties for dealers, while a caller suggested we just end the war on drugs and legalize it all. Something that's being done with marijuana everywhere around here, but Wisconsin.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

UW-La Crosse economics professor Adam Hoffer joined. Talked about the idea of Congress trading stocks and governing its own ability to trade stocks. Also hit on Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers plan to spend a budget surplus vs. the Republican plan, and hit on "inflation."See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

UW-La Crosse political science professor Dr. Anthony Chergosky joined. We discussed the strange analogies from Kevin Nicholson, the newest candidate in the GOP governor's race — calling someone Scooby-Doo and another a "bag of hammers." Also hit on the Jan. 6 committee subpoenas for a couple of Republican cosplay officials who pretended to cast electoral votes for Donald Trump. Lastly, we hit on a semi dumping potatoes onto I-94.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Wisconsin state Assembly Rep. Steve Doyle joined. We hit on a mess of topics the state Legislature is dealing with — from the very unimportant (dogs vs. cats allowed in stores) to actual issues (catalytic converter thefts). We also hit on Gov. Evers making it rain $150 checks to Wisconsinites and the fight over absentee ballot drop boxes. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Rebecca Rom, the National Chair of the Campaign to Save the Boundary Waters joined to talk about some breaking news from the US Dept. of the Interior. We also dug into the foreign billionaire's company that's trying to mine Minnesota's Boundary Waters. Took some calls and digested that news on the back half of the show.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

City of La Crosse Police Chief Shawn Kudron joined. Discussed the responsibility police might have if marijuana is legalized. Also hit on the recent drug bust with 11 pounds of meth, how traffic cams might help police and what happens to the gun after an arrest. Get all these shows by searching La Crosse Talk PM wherever you download podcasts or go to WIZMNews.com/podcastsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Talked with the development group that's working on the old Kmart site in La Crosse at State Road and Losey Blvd. Brainstormed some ideas for the site, a new name for that area and what's going to happen to the Kmart building.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Lt. Gov. Mandela Barnes joined the show, along with UW-La Crosse political science prof. Dr. Anthony Chergosky. Discussed an array of things, including the state Legislature being quite indecisive about whether Colby cheese should be the state cheese, while also passing other somewhat controversial legislation. Also asked Barnes about a CEO salary cap and his thoughts on Mitch McConnell's "he said the quiet thing out loud," on African-Americans voting just like Americans.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Talked with RepresentUs Connor Glassen about the redistricting process in Wisconsin and the gerrymandered maps. After that, Mark Neumann came on to announce he's running for Congress in the 3rd Congressional District. And, capped things off with La Crosse Democratic Party chair William Garcia on gerrymandering.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Megan Danaher is the new coach of Viterbo's newest sport, E-Sports. We dive into just about every aspect of e-sports and gaming. What her parents think of her new profession and what e-sports will look like at Viterbo.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

La Crosse County Board chair Monica Kruse joined to discuss the meeting happening Thursday, where they will look at the definition of Lake Onalaska, a potential dog kennel expansion and how the county plans to allocate $22 million in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding -- or Biden Bucks. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dr. Keith Knutson joined to discuss Martin Luther King, Jr., as Viterbo hosted a community celebration. We also discussed, toward the end of the podcast, some of the political battles happening in Wisconsin — including gerrymandering, as well as senate, congressional and governor races.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

UW-La Crosse political science professor, Dr. Anthony Chergosky in studio. The professor sort of dropped a bomb on if Tommy Thompson were the Republican nominee for governor. Also talked about potential penalties for Republican electors in Wisconsin, including La Crosse's GOP Party Chair, Bill Feehan, casting votes for Donald Trump for president. Was there a bigger conspiracy? And, perhaps most importantly, the story about grandma stealing grandson's brownies, taking them to the senior center and ... they weren't just brownies. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Peggy Wirtz-Olsen, President of the Wisconsin Education Association Council, joined the show to talk about the ongoing dilemma teachers are facing in Wisconsin, exasperated by the continuing COVID-19 pandemic that's shut down schools. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Viterbo history professor and computer guru there, Dr. Eric Weinberg, joined and we had a fun conversation about online gaming and that as a collegiate sport. After that, we discussed Viterbo hosting the MLK Day community celebration in La Crosse and what keynote speaker Dr. Sylvia Hood Washington could focus on. Also hit on the road situation in downtown La Crosse with 4-way stops and speed bumps.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Pete Marra is a Georgetown biologist and author of Cat Wars: The Devastating Consequences of a Cuddly Killer. He discussed the proposal up for the La Crosse city council on saving feral cats. The city is looking to catch, vaccinate, fix and release feral cats back into the city, which Marra believes is wrong for a plethora of reasons.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Started, again, with La Crosse Mayor Mitch Reynolds on hometown stud Johnny Davis and the Badgers. Got into the city/county effort losing out on the perfect property for a Homeless HQ (though Reynolds didn't call it that). And, of course, another session of Cat Talk PM, as city wants to save feral cats.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

UW-La Crosse political science professor, Dr. Anthony Chergosky, joined. Discussed the city's legislation on feral cats, Robin Vos turning over a new leaf for 2022 and Ron Johnson finally confirms he's running for his Senate seat, though he said he wouldn't. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Had some fun talking about a fifth grader in La Crosse taking over as principal for a day. Was hoping she could come up but I got stood up. Sarah Godllewski, however, did show and we talked about a bunch of things as it pertains to running for US Senate. That included the filibuster, healthcare, a $750 billion bloated military budget and, of course, the Jan. 6 insurrection and how some people pretend it was just your everyday tour of the Capitol.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Assembly Rep. Jill Billings joined for the hour, talking about everything from the north-south corridor and the year anniversary of drinking bottled water bc of PFAS on French Island to a partisan Wisconsin election investigation that's still going and Republicans dissolving another (semi-)nonpartisan group that oversees elections. Oh, and we did do Cat Talk PM for the third consecutive day!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As the city debates a plan to catch-and-release cats, after spay/neuter and vaccinating them, we talk with Coulee Region Humane Society executive director Heather Dreivold about it. The city ordinance change does not mention the word "feral," though that's what the change would be. Before that, a bit on La Crosse's Johnny Davis dropping 37 for the Badgers on No. 3 Purdue.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Started the show talking about the evacuation of Central High School due to a bomb threat. After that, city council member Chris Woodard joined to explain a committee agenda item about re-releasing neighborhood cats back onto the streets, instead of keeping them for adoption and possibly being euthanized. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

UW-La Crosse political science professor, Dr. Anthony Chergosky, joined to break down the best and worst local stories of 2021 -- from Trane Park opening to Biden's visit on the good side and a triple-homicide and an abduction downtown on the bad. We also got a really late, New Year's Eve, Friday news dump.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ranted a bit about political candidate texts and emails nonstop asking for donations. After that, WIZM's Brad Williams joined to talk about the 2021 political stories, including, instead of stopping for ice cream,  how Joe Biden's La Crosse visit could have grabbed more headlines. After that, discussed some city projects that made news in 2021 -- La Crosse Center, Fish Labs and the north-south corridor.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After I mourned the loss of John Madden, brought on Dawn Wacek, who's been a librarian for 20 years and is the La Crosse Library's deputy director. We got into a banning books discussion and how the library handles things like that, as the Holmen Middle School is going through a conversation about banning a certain book. Before that, though, we talked about some of the more interesting books of 2021 and what ELSE the library does.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

La Crosse Education Association President and Central High Spanish teacher John Havlicek joined to talk about school threats, how students and teachers are coping a year after what was supposed to be the toughest year on schools, as well as some other issues — healthcare, teachers quitting, masks.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Cried a bit about not getting any GI Joes or Legos, again, for Christmas. Must be 30 years in a row. After that, Dr. Michael Dolan, executive vice president and in internal medicine at Gundersen Health System in La Crosse, discussed a host of health topics, mainly centered around the dilemmas that COVID-19 creates. After that, a peculiar tweet  from the CDC about health care in the US.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Did some Christmas movie rankings, and dived right into the political talk and school threat talk with UW-La Crosse political science professor, Dr. Anthony Chergosky. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Wisconsin state Sen. Brad Pfaff joined. He's also running for Ron Kind's seat in the US House of Representatives for the 3rd District. We discussed issues like PFAS, healthcare, campaign finance among other things that he's dealing with as both a Senator and a Congressional candidate.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Fire Chief Ken Gilliam joined. Talked a bit about what goes into a fire investigation, after someone was charged with arson this week after a house fire. Also got updates on where La Crosse is at with new fire stations, as well as some fire safety, after 7 were found dead in Moorhead, Minnesota, after being possibly exposed to carbon monoxide.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.