La Crosse Talk PM WIZM

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.

La Crosse mayoral candidates Mitch Reynolds and Vicki Markussen are questioned by the WIZM news staff as we lead up to the April 6 election. UW-La Crosse political science professor Dr. Anthony Chergosky moderates the hour-long live debate.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

UW-La Crosse political science professor Dr. Joe Heim joined to help break down some of the things the GOP-controlled state legislature is doing when it comes to drinks-to-go and voter suppression. We also talk about how the La Crosse mayoral race is going, as WIZM hosts a debateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A year later, coming out of a pandemic, where perhaps a lot of us — Rick included — sat around, we bring on some experts to talk us through what to do now. From rec sport athletes or those trying to get back into things like running, Dr. Jake Erickson, the sports doc, and personal trainer Amy Venner (RealWellnessWithAmy.com) give advice on how to get back into the swing of sports.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Spent a lot of time talking PFAS mess in La Crosse with UW-La Crosse political science professor Dr. Anthony Chergosky, but did have to make fun of Joe Biden tripping on the Air Force One steps. Mayor Tim Kabat called in to talk about a breaking story in reference to the PFAS mess in the area, and some internal emails that were made public that don't paint what the city is doing in a great light.     See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Defund the police? See, that gets your attention. That's one of the things we talked with La Crosse mayoral candidate Mitch Reynolds about. We also talked La Crosse native Jonathan Davis and the Badgers.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A Rush Limbaugh resolution meant to divide and a "cocktails-to-go" bill that's literally a year too late. These are a couple items Wisconsin's state Legislature is working on, after going almost 10 months without even debating, let alone passing a single piece of legislation, as the state -- the world -- endured the worst of the pandemic. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

La Crosse teachers' union president and long-time Central High Spanish teacher John Havlicek joined. Yes, we did talk Celtics but also the emotion of those first days back in school, the difficulties from online learning and the relationships teachers and students build that sort of took a year off -- in a way. But the show started with La Crosse County Democratic Party chair William Garcia with an announcement about the city's mayoral race. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Cancel culture at it again, the board of public works moves to cancel bills people were charged for not shoveling their city sidewalks. We went from Mr. Potato Head and Dr. Suess to watch porn to shoveling La Crosse sidewalks. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

UW-La Crosse polysci prof. Dr. Anthony Chergosky joined. Talked about everything from a Hatched Baby (big blue baby) situation going up in Stevens Point to the one-year anniversary of the great toilet paper shortage in the US to groups endorsing La Crosse mayoral candidates and whether that's a good thing or not.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Opened with a story from PdC Lt. Timothy Deluhery Jr., about a unique rescue they performed last Saturday on the Mississippi River. After that, talked with Keonte Turner about his experience with racism, what we should do, after a pair of racist incidents happened to a Viterbo student.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

La Crosse mayoral candidate Vicki Markussen joined. Spent a lot of the show talking about social media — such as the Steve O'Malley situation — media attention — as WIZM hosts a debate March 23 with her and Mitch Reynolds — and how the candidates are utilizing their own accounts to get their positions out there. Also hit on a north-south corridor and some county vs. city taxes from a caller.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Had 95.7 The Rock's Jean Taylor and Hunger Task Force of La Crosse's Shelly Fortner on to talk about the .01-kilometer charity "race" happening Saturday from 4-6 p.m. at Riverside Park. Sort of the perfect length for everyone coming out of a very lazy pandemic. Started the show talking about the weird motorized unicycle I saw cruising down 2nd Street. After that, talked about how we should be blowing our stimulus checks. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Talked a lot about the PFAS situation on French Island, as the city has some lawsuits out now on those forever chemicals. Also broke down some ideas around a public market in La Crosse and where that would best fit. Lastly, did bring up the Steve O'Malley situation in regards to policing everyone's social media activity. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

UW-La Crosse political science professor Dr. Anthony Chergosky joins as we talk (Mr.) Potato Head, Dr. Suess, Star Trek vs. Star wars and actually some politics — Ron Johnson, the $1.9 trillion relief package, Foxconn and U-haul finding a new home, after bailing on the old La Crosse K-Mart plan.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

La Crosse mayoral candidate Mitch Reynolds joined, talked some shop — literally — as well as some of the issues that city of La Crosse is going through right now, including the PFAS situation and businesses coming (or not coming) to the city.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Talked about the city's snow czar and La Crosse County administrator Steve O'Malley -- again. We did brainstorm a couple punishments for O'Malley, after his Facebook comment. Also, should we not let the public go and shovel the sidewalks that are still snowy 24 hours after a storm and collect the $75 fee, plus $2.50 a foot? That would solve the problem really quick.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Discussed the La Crosse County Board holding an ethics meeting on County Administrator Steve O'Malley's Facebook comment about Rush Limbaugh. Also talked about how Target made more money last quarter than it has in the past 11 years combined. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.