La Crosse Talk PM WIZM

You'll see the story on WIZMNews.com on The Badger Project managing editor Peter Cameron's story about how 200 police in Wisconsin were fired or let go, then rehired at another department/agency.  ----La Crosse Talk PM with Rick SolemSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Told some animal stories with Heather Drievold, executive director of the Coulee Region Humane Society. Some of the weirder animals that she's seen there. Also, some of the needs the group has right now, with over 200 animals in care — like  events "Rounds for Rescues" and "Sip to Save."See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It was the Democrats' turn to head to Fort McCoy and tour facility that now houses about 8,000 evacuees. Also talked about Labor Day and how a whole lot of people were working. Did they get double time or holiday pay?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We bring in UW-La Crosse political science professor, Dr. Anthony Chergosky to break down why McDonald's ice cream machines are always breaking and how important it is the federal government is looking into that. We also talked some politics, because, well, political science professor. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Threw everything at Jared Flick with La Crosse's parks and rec., from Riverside Park updates (big boat docks, Eagle statue, Fish Hatchery building) to Trane Park to swimming pool season to Winter Rec. Fest. ...See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Started the show with WIZM's Brad Williams, who was at North Woods Elementary today to watch Gov. Tony Evers shoot hoops with students. After that, talked about the event recognizing International Overdose Awareness Day and how to deal with addicts. Ended talking about Wisconsin taxpayers being on the hook for $676,000 for an election that happened 10 months ago.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A bid, a contract, a job hiring ... La Crosse city council member Doug Happel joined to discuss how the city goes about these things, in reference to Mayor Mitch Reynolds pulling an agenda item off Thursday's committee meeting to hire a PR firm. After that, La Crosse Schools superintendent, Aaron Engel, the night before the first day of school, in person for him for the first time here in the city.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Started the show talking about rezoning a property near the La Crosse Y, that's not going to happen, it appears. Also brought up the dilemma at a grocery store while you're waiting in line and a new checkout opens up — who gets that spot? And spent most of the show talking about a Wisconsin school's ending free lunch for kids because of ridiculous reasons. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We bring in the expert, UW-La Crosse political science professor, Dr. Anthony Chergosky to discuss the cow that was seen in a McDonald's drive-thru in Marshfield. We did also discuss the partisan delegations that headed to Ft. McCoy this week and whether public comment is useful for city government.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

La Crosse Fire Chief Ken Gilliam in studio. Started the show talking about how hotdogs are not so good for you, but he didn't want to take one side or the other. We did have a productive conversation after that, however, on some of the things that might happen if the area got hit with a forest fire — like what is happening in northern Minnesota. We also discussed some of the new fire buildings and how public comment sessions work leading up to decisions in the city. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What's La Crosse County doing with the Biden bucks and might it help Afghan refugees? La Crosse County Administrator Steve O'Malley joined. We talked the 2022 county budget, the $23 million Biden bucks the county has coming and how La Crosse might help Afghan refugees. Began the show talking about Republicans visiting Ft. McCoy, Ron Johnson pig shaming and how no Democrats from the La Crosse area were invited.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A Chilean-billionare's company is trying to mine upstream of Minnesota's Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. Becky Rom, National Chair of the campaign to Save the Boundary Waters joined to break everything down with that. Before her interview, however, Ambassador Gus Fimple opened the show talking about how the Italian government selected him to rep. the US at a food conference there. Fimple is the founder of Aris Global Imports here in La Crosse.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

La Crosse Education Association president John Havlicek joined. Over his 25 years in teaching, we talked about the evolution of cellphones in the classroom, and the idea of teaching kids Spanish early vs. in high school. We also discussed the district starting the year with masks. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Pretty good deal when you're fired but also still get a vote on your own severance package. Talked about that, along with the Jeopardy host, a rotating waterslide and Afghanistan with UW-La Crosse political science professor, Dr. Anthony Chergosky.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Viterbo biology professor and immunologist, Dr. Chris Mayne joined to talk COVID-19, the vaccine and questions people are having as the pandemic continues into maybe now an epidemic.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

La Crosse County and Wisconsin farming, agriculture will soon be getting millions in COVID-19 relief funding. Talked to county board member Rick Cornforth about how the board plans to distribute what looks to be about $22 million. Also discussed with Wisconsin Farmers Union president, Darrin Von Ruden, some of the struggles and how that relief will be used in their industry. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Matt Rothschild, executive director of the Wisconsin Democracy Campaign joined. We discussed the state's multiple election investigations, along with a slew of other things, including campaign spending in the state, gerrymandering, and the origins to the phrase "Six ways from Sunday."See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A Cardinal, someone pretty high up in the Catholic Church in Rome, who headed the La Crosse Diocese, is on a ventilator due to COVID-19. This person has been outspoken about precautions surrounding the virus. Discussed the moral conundrum we face when these people are hospitalized. Also talked about getting rid of tickets for minor traffic violations as well as the situation in Afghanistan.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Viterbo political science professor, Dr. Keith Knutson, joined. Put up with talking about some nonsense, before discussing Congressman Ron Kind's not seeking re-election, gerrymandering, the situation with pulling troops out of Afghanistan, and a few other things on a Friday.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Finding the Holy Grail of plants, one that hasn't been seen in Wisconsin since 1958. Ryan O'Connor with the DNR joined, to tell us how he found it, what happens after that and how it was a note from his 6-year-old daughter that may have been the key to it all. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Covered a lot of interesting topics with La Crosse County District Attorney Tim Gruenke, including how crime has changed over the past couple years, the idea that jurors' names should or shouldn’t be made public, the hate-crime enhancer in a recent incident at Copeland Park, a citizens police oversight board and updates on the triple homicide in the county and the Todd Kendhammer murder appeal.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After nearly 25 years, Ron Kind (D-La Crosse) announced he's not seeking reelection to the US House. Political scientist Joe Heim and La Crosse County Democratic Party chair William Garcia both joined to discuss the impact that has for both Republicans and Democrats in the state and the House. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

La Crosse Mayor Mitch Reynolds joined, discussed flooding in the city and how to better relay problems like that to the public, the homeless situation in Houska Park, as well as where the city is at with a public market and the River Point District's future.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Duct taping unruly passengers on a flight and Lake Tahoe shuts down because too many squirrels have the bubonic plague. Covered a lot of ground Friday with UW-La Crosse political science professor Dr. Anthony Chergosky. The La Crosse Airport director chimed in on whether you can carry on duct tape. A Viterbo biology professor gave us the scoop on the bubonic plague. We also covered some Wisconsin politics.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Talked about the just-released "The Suicide Squad" movie with La Crosse County Democratic Party chair William Garcia. After that, we did talk some politics, including corporate campaign contributions in Wisconsin, the state's voter purge and the now deemed "hate crime" that happened at Copeland Park.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A cream puff and a vaccine? Is that the best incentive for getting vaccinated? Also discussed the fight against having wedding receptions or a bed and breakfast in Riverside Park — at a now vacant building there. And a bit more on pushback against police in schools, while city leaders have already agreed to it. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Police in schools, a police oversight board, committee week in La Crosse ... city council member Doug Happel joined to talk about all that and more. We also discussed changing the rules to allow weapons at the La Crosse Center and a bit on the Verizon cell tower going up in Riverside Park.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The end of the eviction moratorium. What's that mean for the La Crosse area? Coulee Cap's Kim Cable joined to discuss that, as well as the homeless situation in La Crosse. They recently went and did a head count of homeless in the city.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

UW-La Crosse political science professor, Dr. Anthony Chergosky as an Olympic pole vaulter or sprinter is one of the many things we explored. We also talked about Robin Vos' downplaying the idea of another review of the election that took place eight months ago. Spent last segment talking about Wisconsin Republicans and Gov. Tony Evers doing a little bit of nothing in holding sessions that everyone knew wouldn't get done.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Discussed the La Crosse County triple homicide, as the sheriff briefed media on how the arrests were made and how the murders on July 23 happened. In the middle of that, Wisconsin state Assembly Rep. Jill Billings joined to talk about a host of things, including fentanyl dealer penalties and the "politics" of Madison with the recent special session vs. ending $300 weekly unemployment bonuses. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Test riding an e-bike and eliminating all downtown La Crosse parking Robbie Young on La Crosse's Bicycle-Pedestrian Advisory Committee stopped by and talked about of the city's plans in making La Crosse more "user" friendly. Also discussed the E-Bikes I test rode from Coulee Bicycle Co in Onalaska. And we did a bit of a deep dive on how one might transform a downtown if you simply removed on-street parking, which could be done in La Crosse. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Started talking about the two suspects identified in the La Crosse County triple homicide. After that, Adam Lorentz, MTU Czar, joined to talk Joe Biden's visit — how stingy the secret service were, when it sounds like Biden's team wanted to have some fun — bus ridership and a new ranking system the city is using for future projects.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Should we end the $300 added benefits for the unemployed in Wisconsin? The GOP-controlled Legislature is going to try and end that, while Gov. Tony Evers holds a special session on education funding. Also discussed the triple-homicide that occurred in La Crosse County late last week, and if we, as a society, are becoming numb to these atrocities.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

La Crosse County Democratic Party chair William Garcia joined today. We did talk about a very expensive grilled cheese sandwich, as well as the Goodyear blimp flying over Onalaska. Started the show discussing the triple homicide that happened overnight just north of West Salem and Garcia had a good explanation about hate crimes, stemming from the Copeland incident against a transgender girl.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hit a bunch of topics with La Crosse Fire Chief Ken Gilliam, including the difficulties the fire dept. has with traffic circles (not roundabouts) on, for example, King Street. We also did a sidebar on how Mayor Mitch Reynolds is doing and what's the more difficult job, mayor of a city or Congressman. Started the show discussing share service planning with Holmen's fire dept. and ended with where La Crosse is at with new fire stations. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Riding high after Giannis Antetokounmpo carries the Milwaukee Bucks to their first NBA title in 50 years. Talked about the lovable character he is, including his Instagram Live video ordering 50 chicken nugs. Also discussed all the odd Olympic stories that basically go after women unfairly. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In the midst of a dedication ceremony where La Crosse Mayor Mitch Reynolds was speaking outside the fire department, a car accident. We asked him about that. About the Bucks. And, sure, why not some city stuff.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

City council member Mac Kiel joined. We discussed her District 7, which contains the old Kmart site, and what feedback she's getting for redeveloping that site. Also talked about the American Rescue Plan pumping $22 million into La Crosse — what should be done with that money. And the capital budget for the next five years.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Talked about a host of topics with UW-La Crosse political science professor, Dr. Anthony Chergosky, including a guy who cancelled his $28 million trip to fly with Jeff Bezos to space. Also, the Iowa man who had a huge cache of guns on a Chicago hotel window sill, overlooking Navy Pier, but he was actually there to propose to his girlfriend. Also discussed the ridiculous amount of money flowing through Wisconsin campaigns.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Viterbo University immunologist, Dr. Chris Mayne joined to discuss the COVID, how he's become increasingly more popular since the onset of the virus and how he handles questions pertaining to it, which we watched him do on this show. Then we talked Bucks basketball.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Wisconsin Democratic Party chair Ben Wikler joined La Crosse Talk PM to discuss the child tax credit, how it will help Wisconsin families and how Republicans wanted no part of it.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When the shelter gets a call from someone they can't take care of their cats ... and then you discover it's 50 cats. That's what the La Crescent Animal Shelter is dealing with right now. We talked with Diane Foerster about it. After, Ben Wikler, the Democratic Party Chair of Wisconsin joined to talk child tax credits and the hipocracy of Ron Johnson being against those but for tax cuts on himself back in 2017.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Re-hashed some of the environmental stories from the past week, including the pipeline portal to hell swirling in the Gulf of Mexico, relating that to Enbridge's Line 5 plan to build a oil pipeline tunnel under the Great Lakes -- and another Enbridge line 3 leak in Minnesota. After that, hit on a bunch of whacky topics from a crazy Wisconsin judge to an odd Minnesota lawmaker ignoring some simple laws, then claiming racial profiling.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Car shows: Great for reminiscing but getting out of hand with the 1980s "classics," like your Chrysler LeBaron. Aside from the tangent on old cars, we did discuss the La Crosse River Marsh with "Friends of the Marsh" board president Chuck Lee. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

They spelled PLOVER wrong on the water tower. It's the second consecutive Friday of water tower talk with UW-La Crosse political science professor, Dr. Anthony Chergosky. We also discussed the Joe Biden visit, the Republican version of the Wisconsin budget and why some Democrats signed onto it.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Since Joe Biden didn't talk about bicycle infrastructure on his trip to La Crosse, we decided to with Robbie Young, owner of Coulee Bicycle Company on Main Street in Onalaska. Discussed e-bikes quite a bit, biking rules on the trails and how, perhaps, downtown should be better utilized for people, not cars.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

No Joe Biden on La Crosse Talk PM, but we did have Police Chief Shawn Kudron for the hour, as well as Mayor Mitch Reynolds. Obviously spent most of the show talking about Biden's visit to the city, but also discussed the murder in Houska Park that happened overnight, as well as where the La Crosse PD is at with some of the police reform bills that went through the state legislature. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

US Congressman Ron Kind of La Crosse joined, talking about the Joe Biden visit to La Crosse. Not a ton of new info, however, on when and where he'll be. Did tell him to get a Happy Gilmore-sized check from Biden for La Crosse Police security detail. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

UW-La Crosse political science professor, Dr. Anthony Chergosky joined. We talked the brewing controversy of Dan Bongino, now on WIZM in the Rush spot, blocking Chergosky on Twitter. We also discussed, or tried to dissect, just what Sen. Ron Johnson is, or is doing. And, lastly. the cramming for the big test that Wisconsin's state Legislature is currently doing, passing a flurry of bills.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's a question, we've all wondered: Does a fire chief automatically take over the grill at a cookout? La Crosse Fire Chief Ken Gilliam was put on the spot with that one. We also talked about fire station plans in the city with building costs being so high. And there was a bit of Fourth of July fireworks safety mixed in there.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.