La Crosse Talk PM WIZM

Housing market is crazy right now. Real estate agent Ben Bockenhauer with Gerrard Hoeschler Realtors joined to discuss what is going on. We also asked him if he's sold any of those Shopkos yet. At least one? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Talked mostly education but worked in some minimum wage talk with La Crosse Education Association President John Havlicek. Funding K-12 schools at the state level, Critical Race Theory and a minimum wage conversation that turned into teachers' starting pay at $70k, just some of the things we talked about. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After a bit of state budget talk, we got serious (#Sarcasm) with UW-La Crosse political science professor, Dr. Anthony Chergosky discussing how cities should be selling out to big corporations for updating their artwork, like La Crosse's Eagle statue at Riverside Park and Rochester's expensive fix for the corn on the cob water tower. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Spent most of the show talking about the stupidity of health care in the U.S. Obamacare was "saved." But it seems like we have a long way to go before health care is fixed ... universally, for everyone. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Had some fun talking with Mya Curtis and Shy Jackson as we get set to celebrate Juneteenth this weekend in La Crosse at Riverside Park. The two are founders of Hope Restores in La Crosse, which does a lot of great things for the community. And when asked if white guy Rick should feel comfortable coming to Juneteenth or volunteering at Hope Restores, they had a pretty great answer! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hit a lot of topics, all on dogs, with the Dvoraks from the Monroe County Dog Shelter. From their weirdest calls to Adam's dog rescue boot camp, which is coming soon. Before that, however, talked a bit about photography, and how I was so proud of my Airfest pics until I saw Aperture by Steve Davis' post on Facebook.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How many corndogs would your kid eat if he was at the Kwik Trip daycare, which included a "Hot Spot" bar? Talked mostly about how things like childcare and healthcare being lumped into our jobs is kind of burden on both the employer and the worker. A story recently about Kwik Trip having daycare is great news for those at Kwik Trip but not great news if you still have a child and want to leave Kwik Trip. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We always save the toughest debates for UW-La Crosse political science professor, Dr. Anthony Chergosky. This episode, we discuss the BK vs. Chick-Fil-A chicken sandwich wars, which La Crosse can't participate in, having only half the equation. Plus, those restaurants are owned by the same parent company. We also discuss fried chicken. Oh, and some Wisconsin state politics and how the phrase Critical Race Theory is just thrown around now, despite nobody knowing what it is.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The pilot of the military's newest toy, the F-35 Lightning II, joins in studio. Major Kristin Wolfe talks about taking selfies while pulling 7 Gs and if Top Gun is a terrible depiction of pilots. After that, Airfest announcer Phil Dacy and Dave Larsen talk about the rest of the air show.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A whirlwind of news out of Madison today, we cover to start, before bringing on a couple people to talk about gerrymandering, the stupidest name for rigging legislative maps. Peter Cameron from the Badger Project joined, followed by UW-Madison political science professor Ryan Owens, who mentioned he has three golden retrievers, and we did provide some advice for him at the show's end.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

First, had to vent about the Milwaukee Bucks, down by as many as 49 points ... in a playoff game. After that, Airfest's Dave Larsen joined to break down what to expect from this weekend's shows. After that, we had some fun with earlier conversations about bringing in a Popeyes Chicken and if Costco were to come to the area. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

La Crosse Mayor Mitch Reynolds stopped by to break down the Bucks-Nets series and pickup basketball. We also did talk city stuff, like temporary speed bumps and getting a Popeyes Chicken downtown. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

UFOs in the sky, UFOs in the theaters again, as we can feel good about going back to the movies. La Crosse County Democratic Party Chair William Garcia joined to talk some nonsense and some politics, including Wisconsin Republicans vs. Evers and a bit of Donald Trump vs. Facebook news.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Discussed Verizon wanting to put a 30-foot cellphone tower in Riverside Park, which we don't really want versus a developer wanting to put a 16-unit apartment complex on King Street, which neighbors in the area don't really want. Also talked with WIZM's Brad Williams about the Moon Tunes opener.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Vented about broken appliances and needing a permanent three-day weekend, before La Crosse County DA Tim Gruenke joined to explain those 16 voters in the city that registered from a UPS store. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Running against Ron Kind, the difference between running for Congress and City Council, Dr. Mark Neumann joined. We discussed a little bit of everything from those races to health care to COVID to a pig farm trying to expand just south of La Crosse.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We bring in the political expert to talk about a scenario in which you steal your friend's car for a weekend. UW-La Crosse political science professor, Dr. Anthony Chergosky, also discusses the Wisconsin state Legislature's week of rejection.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

La Crosse Fire Chief Ken Gilliam on all things fire ... and duck related. The fire department did rescue some ducks in a storm drain recently. Also discussed building new stations, possibly at the old Kmart site, shared services with surrounding departments and how the city basically uses the game Sim City to model their coverage area.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A few weeks ago, an emu (an ostrich) got loose in West Salem. Cody Ratkovich, a La Crosse County Sheriff's Deputy was first to the scene. He joined to talk about the viral videos of him wrangling this thing to the ground, how he was getting married two days later and what the guys in the office have now nicknamed him. After that, we talk developing the old Kmart site.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

La Crosse County DA Tim Gruenke on a citizens' police oversight board, soliciting prostitution citations and the Todd Kendhammer murder appeal.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We covered a host of topics with UW-La Crosse political science professor, Dr. Anthony Chergosky, including Republicans getting set to skip out on their fourth special session called by Gov. Tony Evers in about the past year -- this one on accepting federal money to expand Badger Care. Also discussed the GOP voting against Wisconsin Capitol police officers getting bodycams and $300 a week federal unemployment.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

If you're vaccinated, you don't have to wear a mask. But who's going to wear one if they're not vaccinated? Why aren't you vaccinated? Meghan Buechel, infection preventionist at Gundersen Health System in La Crosse, talked masks, vaccines for a little bit. More questions came afterward. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We talked ticks, bees, cicadas ... we talked bugs with Viterbo University biology chair, entomologist, Dr. Ted Wilson. What happens after the tick falls off your dog? What are these things living underground for 17 years and are starting to emerge now? And what can you do to help the pollinators? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Talked with La Crosse Parks and Rec's Jared Flick about everything from the transient dock at Riverside Park to the pools getting set to open, as well as Trane All-Abilities Park nearly ready for its grand opening. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Rick, back after a week off, talks about road tripping, automated cars and Cleveland. Yeah, Cleveland. They've got a pretty sweet Public Market, something La Crosse is looking to do. But, to get there, driving a car that basically does everything for you, was different.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Always important to discuss when West Salem police bring down an emu (just call it an ostrich) with UW-La Crosse political science professor Dr. Anthony Chergosky. Also discussed was the Wisconsin state budget battle between Gov. Tony Evers and Republicans, who control the Legislature. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Two guests, two interesting interviews. First we talked with International Owl Center executive director Karla Bloem ... not so much about owls, but about some, essentially, ATV trails that could go up in Houston, Minn., that might be fun for some, but no good for people and animals that live in the area. After that, Wisconsin state Sen. Brad Pfaff joined to talk about how the GOP-controlled Legislature just axed Gov. Evers budget, what he in the minority can do. We also discussed the PFAS situation. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

La Crosse Mayor Mitch Reynolds debuts. We discussed Aaron Rodgers, banning weapons at the La Crosse Center and how important the new mayor sees the River Point district, as well as other vacant areas in La Crosse that could be business and housing.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Bring up the vaccine, and people tend to call in about why they're not taking the vaccine. Speaking of that, also discussed La Crosse priest James Altman and his COVID-19 denial. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Talked quick about this 240-pound sturgeon caught in the Detroit River, before jumping around with La Crosse City Council president Barb Janssen on all the committee hearings this week.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

UW-La Crosse political science professor Dr. Anthony Chergosky joined. We discussed the gun show no longer coming to La Crosse, and the idea of having city-wide internet among other things.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After talking for a few about the fact that Aaron Rodgers wants out of Green Bay, U.S. Congressman Ron Kind discussed the story of a business in La Crosse being called out for its advertising practices -- a business that rents from Ron Kind. Also discussed when Kind is going to start drafting legislation for universal healthcare. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

La Crosse County Democratic Party chair William Garcia joined. We ended up talking gun safety, minimum wage, education funding and gerrymandering ... a breakdown of the first four episodes of The Democratic Voice podcast, which can be found at WIZMnews.com or wherever you get podcasts.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Back after a week off, Rick talks a bit about Ron Johnson's comments on getting vaccinated, and vaccinations in general. Also talked a bit about Gerrymandering. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Talked bikes and vaccines ... but not at the same time. Had Robbie Young, owner of Coulee Bicycle Company on Main Street in Onalaska on to talk about the bike share program, as well as other projects La Crosse has in the works for bicyclists. After that, Viterbo immunologist Dr. Chris Mayne joined to talk about the COVID vaccine. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Outgoing La Crosse city council president Martin Gaul breaks down what happens next week with swearing in the mayor and new council, where a near-majority will be rookies. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Covered quite a bit today, highlighted by Carolyn Dvorak joining to talk about the bike share program you might have seen throughout the downtown La Crosse area. Also talked about the Twin Cities-area police accidentally shooting someone, instead of using a taser. Started the show talking about how odd it is to get a "REAL ID."See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We're only 579 days 'til 2022 elections. UW-La Crosse political science professor Dr. Anthony Chergosky joined to talk about campaigns already starting for November of 2022. Also talked about the La Crosse's mayor's race and how low voter turnout was despite half the city council and a brand new mayor being on the ballot.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Talked with Heritage Preservation Commission commissioner Laura Godden — AKA Commissioner Godden — about preserving and losing some of La Crosse's historic buildings. The commission has a Top 10 Endangered Buildings list, but there needs to be more lists. Top 10 best historic buildings, Top 10 buildings already lost. We also touched on some buildings that could be considered historic — like the La Crosse Center and City Hall. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mitch Reynolds joined a day after winning the city of La Crosse mayor's race. We talked some nonsense and some 'shop.' Also, city council member Andrea Richmond came on to discuss bringing in six new members, as well as who might be the council president -- replacing Martin Gaul.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Grilled La Crosse Parks and Rec. sports czar Jared Flick on everything from re-opening the city's pools to a boat dock at Riverside Park to new tennis and volleyball courts in the city. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tim Kabat's last show as mayor. We talked about Hatched Baby's anniversary, the weirdest things he's had to do as mayor, and he -- as he always has -- took a disgruntled call, this one on the PFAS situation. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Talked about my April Fool's gag from Thursday with UW-La Crosse political science professor Dr. Anthony Chergosky, and the idea that maybe we should play 80s-90s Rush Limbaugh classics instead of some new host. Also discussed the burning-mask rally and voter suppression laws based on the notion of voter fraud pushed by Republicans, when there was no mass voter fraud. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Started the show with a big announcement, Rick Solem's run on La Crosse Talk PM is over. He, along with La Crosse County Democratic Party Chair William Garcia, will be taking over Rush Limbaugh's time slot on WIZM. Aside from that news, Mayoral Candidate Vicki Markussen joined to talk about wrapping up her campaign. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mitch Reynolds joined, talked about how the Lincoln Middle Schoolers ran the candidates through the ringer earlier in the day. Also broke down some of his campaign finance numbers that came out earlier. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hit a ton of things today, including being on the treadmill at the Y the past couple days and seeing Fox News on one TV and CNN on the other ... and in between that HLN coverage of the Derek Chauvin murder trial. Plus, sounds like there are vaccines available in La Crosse for those who can get them. Also talked about the $1 million one state schools superintendent candidate has in campaign cash. Lastly, hit on the idea of a per-mile gas tax and our elected officials hiding Facebook comments that they don't agree with -- is that legal? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Shared a story about coming across a couple of pups on Highway 16 in Houston County in the middle of the night, and a little bit of frustration on the lack of ability from the County Sheriff's office to provide much help. After that, ranted about the Booze-to-go bill that's a year late and the PDF-happy city council committee agenda. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We discuss Peep flavored soda with UW-La Crosse political science professor Dr. Anthony Chergosky. We also talked some politics. And the Blue Angels coming to La Crosse.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Blue Angels are flying into La Crosse on Friday morning, as WIZM's Brad Williams joined to talk about the Deke Slayton Airfest being back. Talked about Onalaska native Matt Thomas being traded to the best team in the NBA. And Fire Chief Ken Gilliam joined to talk PFAS on French Island, as well as changing plans for building new fire stations.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A good mix of fun and informative conversation with La Crosse mayoral candidate Vicki Markussen. Did have someone message in a video of her walking on a lawn. The scandal of this decade. Lots of calls on bumpouts, City Hall, Hiawatha and police. ----La Crosse Talk PM with Rick SolemSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.