La Crosse Talk PM WIZM

Laura Godden joins to talk about the upcoming release of La Crosse’s Top 10 most endangered buildings, plus she discusses the city’s most untouchable structures, as well. Godden is an archivist at UW-La Crosse and on the city’s Heritage Preservation Commission. Among the buildings we discuss are two that are very much threatened to get demolished soon — Glory Days Sports Pub, downtown, and the La Crosse School District’s Hogan Administrative Center. The latter could be part of a $54 million referendum question going on the November ballot, where the district will ask voters to approve the capitol project of demolishing the 104-year-old Hogan building, putting up a new elementary there and updating State Road Elementary with eight new classrooms and a new gym. The other half of that plan would be closing Spence, Hintgen and Emerson elementary schools. Godden also discussed some of the incredible history of Longfellow Middle School. Lastly, we had Godden give her most coveted buildings list — buildings that are basically untouchable in the city, like the Hixon House. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

La Crosse Education Association president, Jesse Martinez joined to talk about the school board elections, with their write-in candidate winning, plus how the teachers’ union feels about the $54 million new elementary school plan potentially going on the ballot. Martinez, a seventh-grade math and science teacher at Logan, started the show talking about how he handles giving students standardized tests in the midst of one of the nicest days of the year. After that, we spent quite a bit of time on the election, where there was only two candidates for three spots on the school board. Martinez discussed the possible need for the union to get more involved in finding candidates and how much influence they should have in the board elections. The school board talk seamlessly led to a conversation about the potential for the upcoming $54 million referendum question going on the November ballot, to tear down the Hogan Administrative site for a new elementary, updating State Road school and closing three others. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

La Crosse Mayor Mitch Reynolds in studio discussing the Wagon Wheel Trail expansion to the city, rethinking sidewalks and bike paths and the riverbank cleanup from homeless encampments. Began the show with Reynolds talking about the FIRST Robotic Competition that was held at the La Crosse Center last weekend. After that, we talked a bit about the NCAA women’s basketball tournament and the phenomenon of Caitlin Clark, and made the smoothest transitions into sidewalks and news that the Wagon Wheel Trail will be extended from La Crescent to downtown La Crosse. Then we talked about one piece of legislation on Thursday’s city council agenda about enacting a new state law about supermajority votes at the local level, which would have affected legislation at last month’s council meeting dealing with the YWCA. In the second half of the show, we went back to sidewalk talk, as a southside neighborhood doesn’t want to see them installed in front of their homes, while the city’s comprehensive plan is transitioning to alternate forms of transportation. That led to a bit of a discussion on if there was a better way to create sidewalks and bike paths. The last big topic discussed was about the 180 tons of cleanup along the riverbank from homeless encampments, and the Wisconsin DNR’s enforcement threat if it didn’t happen.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

UW-La Crosse political science professor, Dr. Anthony Chergosky, recapping the local elections and how negative campaigns played a part in the judicial race, how school referendums did across Wisconsin and the tight rope Eric Hovde is walking in his US Senate race in the state. We also hit on Wisconsin US House Rep. Mike Gallagher's "timely" retiring to perhaps sabotage his own GOP party. Ended the show talking about Kansas City voting against the Chiefs and Royals new stadiums, while Wisconsin didn't get that vote with the Brewers.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

La Crosse County Administrator, Jane Klekamp, in studio discussing what happens now with a new county board, plus updates on homeless plan, healthcare center renovations and strategic plan. Spent the first half of the show talking about the La Crosse County Board elections, that included six brand new members and how they will get initiated. After that, we got updates on the Pathways Home plan to end homelessness, the timeline for the Hillview Healthcare Center and a bit about the upcoming strategic plan, which the county hired a consultant to compile.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Rep. Steve Doyle joins to announce he’s running for reelection in the state Assembly and how attack ads backfired in the La Crosse County elections. Doyle, just reelected to the La Crosse County Board, talks about the fliers that went out attacking him and others and how the results show those tactics just don’t work in local elections. Doyle also discusses what both the Republican and Democratic county parties might do, as almost a truce, so as to not deter people from wanting to run for local office. We also discuss some, what seemed like simple legislation, that took Doyle six years to get passed — and with a Republican as the lead sponsor. Wrapped up the conversation talking a bit more about the Civilian Review Board that’s being put together.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The man known as Brucie Bumchuckles on the radio, joins to talk about the April Fools' hoax in La Crosse that went viral before viral was a thing. Marty Severson relives the 1986 bit, where he fooled everyone with a radio ad from the "phone company" to bag your phone, because they were going to blow the dust out of the phone lines. A hoarding of bags from Quillins ensued. Phone companies wanted to sue. People left work to go home and bag their phones. Here's the ad. After that (22:05), La Crosse County clerk Ginny Dankmeyer breaks down some info on the spring election cycle ending Tuesday that includes a circuit court judicial race, county and school board races and the already over presidential primary. We also asked Dankmeyer, Can you vote "uncommitted" instead of Joe Biden? What's the turnout going to look like? How would the two Constitutional Amendments effect the clerk's office?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jane Powell kicks off the show, talking about how the League Of Women Voters of the La Crosse Area is involved in the spring elections, including its views on the two Constitutional Amendments that are on the ballot. After that, Tim Alberts joins to discuss his run for La Crosse School Board. That conversation included his not wanting to be named on the 1776 Pac flier that went out to voters. He also talks about the potential $54 million referendum question that would go on the November ballot. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A few days from committee week, Mac Kiel joins first, to discuss some upcoming items on the Judiciary and Administration Committee, as well as a bit of a homeless update. After that, Amber Peterson joins as a write-in candidate running for La Crosse School Board. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

William Garcia, the Democratic Party chair for both La Crosse County and the 3rd US House District, in studio to discuss accusations that the Democratic Party is recruiting candidates to run for La Crosse County Board. Before that, however, I rant a bit about partisanship in nonpartisan races and WIZM's Brad Williams joins to talk about the Biden campaign's reelection co-chair, Mitch Landrieu, stopping in La Crosse. Began the show talking about the end of the spring election cycle coming Tuesday and how both La Crosse County political parties have gotten involved and if there's a way to keep politics out of the nonpartisan races. After that (5:40), Williams joins to discuss Landrieu's visit to the bus barn and the oddity that this is the third visit by prominent Democrats, including President Joe Biden in 2021, to the bus barn. The other visit was from transportation secretary Craig Thompson back in May. And, lastly (20:20), Garcia joins, responding to accusations made the day before on WIZM's La Crosse Talk, from La Crosse County Board member Dennis Jacobsen, that the Democratic Party recruited and helped a candidate run against him and others. Garcia recently discussed, on the Democratic Voice podcast, his view of the differences in spring election involvement between the La Crosse County Republican Party and the Democratic Party.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

La Crosse County Board candidate Kristie Tweed kicks off the show Tuesday and Jake Williams, a write-in candidate for La Crosse School Board wraps up, as we’re a week from the spring election voting cycle ending. Tweed, running in District 24 against Kevin Hoyer, dropped in studio to talk about why she’s running for county board, how she wants to get the word out on all the things the county can offer that people might not know about, and some of the issues the county has or is dealing with — ATVs on roads, roads in general and the Hillview Healthcare Center revamp. After that (18:25), Jake Williams joins to get the word out that he’s running as a write-in candidate for school board and what his priorities are, his feelings on the big issues right now with the district — including the upcoming November referendum. Williams is one of many write-in candidates, while two are actually on the ballot — Tim Alberts and Adam Manka. There are three open seats for La Crosse School Board, where people can cast a vote for one, two or three candidates.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Wisconsin state Sen. Brad Pfaff in studio discussing work that Legislature — that's out of session the rest of 2024 — could be doing, work he is doing, like Lansing bridge repair updates, and what needs to happen with EV charging stations. Got into it first with Pfaff (7:40) on the Senate being out of sessions for a few weeks now and just what kind of work there is to do. The Legislature is adjourned for the year. Lawmakers won't be making any laws. So, any work being done now, there's no guarantee that legislators up for re-election would even be in Madison next year to use knowledge gained now to pass laws next year. One of the things Pfaff did talk about he's working on is the Lansing bridge repairs (8:50) and getting an update from the Iowa DOT and Wisconsin DOT on how that's going. As for what the Legislature needs to do yet (13:14), Pfaff said Badgercare expansion, his bill capping insulin prices at $35, codifying Roe v. Wade and getting rid of the state's 175-year-old abortion ban law or helping with childcare (23:15). Lastly, we talked about the state passing legislation last week to use $80 million in federal funds to being creating an EV charging network at businesses. But, does that do enough? Mentioned to Pfaff that EVs are better utilized at homes and for people who rent, landlords have little incentive to install EV chargers, so renters waste time and money having to charge their EVs somewhere else.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

UW-La Crosse political science professor, Dr. Anthony Chergosky, in studio discussing the US House passing $1.2 trillion to keep government open, right before vacation, and how politicians and candidates use social media fairly unproductively — like making NCAA picks. Began the show right there, to a degree, and how Instagram is not showing political posts anymore, unless you go through five sub-menus to turn that option back on. After that, a lot of US House talk, with Green Bay GOP Rep. Mike Gallagher retiring early now for to “spend time with family,” and how the politics surrounding Republican Mike Johnson’s ability to keep his House Speaker seat. Ended the show talking about politicians on social media and how it’s more of the magazine US Weekly “they’re one of us,” versus them posting about substantive issues they’re governing bodies are dealing with, how they’re voting or would vote and their thoughts on those issues. Republican US Senate candidate Eric Hovde posted a video about his NCAA Tournament picks. The AP decided that was worth a story because he didn’t pick a Wisconsin team — though, he didn’t troll all Democrats by picking a California team, either. That is just one example of how politicians are on social media showing us they’re human but really not informing the public on their stances for the seats they hold or want to hold in much of a substantive way consistently.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A two guest Thursday, as we discuss some big events surrounding the Hunger Task Force of La Crosse, before one of the many write-in candidates for La Crosse School Board joins to talk about his priorities. First off, Shelly Fortner, the executive director for the Hunger Task Force talks about two big March events — 95.7 the Rock’s .01K down Pearl Street that raised $4,381 and the upcoming Food Drive Friday by Interact students from Central, Logan, Aquinas, Onalaska and West Salem. The St. Patty’s Day event last weekend saw about 350 “runners” show up to race 32.8 feet to raise money for the Hunger Task Force. Over 19 years of the event, over $100,000 has been raised. Food Drive Friday will happen from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. March 29 — Good Friday — at the Valley View Mall parking lot. The students who run iFeed in November asked Fortner if there was something they could do heading into summer, and this is it. After that, Jeremiah Galvan joined to discuss the La Crosse School Board. Only two candidates are on the ballot for three open seats, so around a dozen people are now running write-in campaigns hoping to get on the board. One of the big responsibilities of the next school board will be the passage of a November referendum to renovate State Road Elementary with eight new classrooms and a gym, as well as build a new elementary school at the Hogan Administrative Center site. The cost for both projects is about $54 million.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Political scientist, economist and small business owner Adam Murphy joins to talk about the news how Wisconsin is funding an EV charging network, the US House's ban of TikTok and running the government like a business. Murphy owns Big Bang, LLC, out of Milwaukee. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

School District of La Crosse superintendent, Dr. Aaron Engel, in the WIZM studio Tuesday for La Crosse Talk PM, discussing the newest referendum plan, lunch debt, are there too many administrators and if school starts too early in the day. Began the show talking a bit about a huge concert that happened right after the show, but then got into a text question (5:30) on if the school district has too many administrators and is their pay more than what teachers make. After that, we discussed the school lunch debt situation in the district (11:45) and how it’s ebbed and flowed the past year. We also talked about the state or feds coming in and making school meals free again. The state has a budget surplus of between $4 billion and $7 billion but Engel said that one-time money wouldn’t be ideal for a school meals plan. But, in terms of using budget surplus money, it would work well in terms of the district trying to update consolidate its building plans. The second half of the show (20:10) consisted of the La Crosse School Board’s decision to add to the referendum question that’s going on the November ballot to consolidate elementary schools, as well as build a new one at the Hogan Administrative site. The plan to renovate State Road elementary, while closing Emerson, Spence and Hintgen and build a new elementary would cost around $53.5 million — which is about $44 per $100,000 in property value. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Wisconsin state Assembly Rep. Jill Billings in the WIZM studio Monday for La Crosse Talk PM discussing some of the bills passed in the final session, including one that has La Crosse roots. We also talked how she's getting to know her new district. One of the bills we discussed that Billings got passed, after years of work, is named Steve's Law, after Steve Johnson. He was a Coulee Region native who lost his sight as an adult and passed away in 2019. The law helps those with disabilities make outdoor recreation more accessible. Billings will also have a new district upon winning in November, so she talked a little about getting to know those voters by telling a story about Deke Slayton, as she went to the 100th birthday celebration in Sparta a few weekends ago. We also discussed a couple of funning things, like whether men ever put their coats over puddles for women to walk over, do men still lead when dancing and how we don't need wait staff singing happy birthday at a restaurant. Oh, and how Billings is about to see her first NBA game — the Timberwolves-Cavs on Friday — so we played her some Anthony Edwards highlights. Later in the evening Edwards had what he called the best dunk of his career and also dislocated his finger — so we may have jinxed Billings' first game.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

UW-La Crosse political science professor, Dr. Anthony Chergosky, in studio talking about conspiracy theorists running for office — Aaron Rodgers for VP — the House banning TikTok, Eric Hovde’s new plan running for US Senate in Wisconsin and a pizza flavored beer. Began the show a bit on the conspiracy theorist running for office, in Robert F. Kennedy Jr. running for president and picking possibly Aaron Rodgers or Jesse “the Body” Ventura as his vice president. Then we got into (12:30) another candidate running for office in Eric Hovde, Republican for US Senate in Wisconsin. The controversy has been how “Wisconsin” is he, as we talked about in the past, but now he’s donating his salary if elected. So, we discussed how dumbed down these campaigns have been so far and if they’ll actually start talking about issues that affect people. In the second half of the show (24:00), we began with two Friday news dumps — one involving Boeing and another on Mike Pence not endorsing Donald Trump. But that led to a conversation about a TikTok ban, and how money in politics is affecting all of these things — Boeing making big contributions, Congress investing in TikTok competitors, a billionaire invested in TikTok looking to give money to Trump’s campaign. Ended the show (35:40) talking about New Belguim making a pizza flavored beer and then continued the conversation (37:30) about RFJ Jr. possibly picking Rodgers as his running mate.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's PI Day, and Spencer Wilken is back on La Crosse Talk PM to discuss the upcoming solar eclipse, how her PhD is going in Astronomy at the University of Illinois and, we’re still doing our regular segment, where we break news that happened from 50-150 years ago. We saved that for last, but it has to deal with the invention of the jetpack and how the three men involved ended up being, kidnapped, murdered and serving jail — all while the original jetpack was hidden and has still never been found. Wilken also gives me a basic astronomy quiz that college students take, including knowing the difference between astronomy and astrology. She also gives a kind of amazing fact about astrology, for those who identify with a certain sign — you may not actually be that sign anymore. But, we began the show just getting an update on studying for an astronomy PhD and how Wilken takes to heart being a woman in science and inspiring girls to also be interested in the field. After that, we discuss multiple facets of the eclipse, including the weird things animals do — like tortoises getting down. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Talked about the world’s shortest race back for its 19th year this Saturday in downtown La Crosse, plus what it was like when downtown La Crosse wasn’t one-way streets and the top priorities for Rick Cornforth, as he seeks reelection on the La Crosse County Board. Began the show with Bags from 95.7 the Roc to talk about the 19th “running” of the St. Patty’s Day .01K that happens down Pearl Street at 2 p.m. Saturday. Proceeds for the event go to the Hunger Task Force of La Crosse — the only food bank between Madison and Rochester, distributing goods to 120 meal sites, food pantries, youth and backpack programs in the region. After that, WIZM’s Brad Williams joined, as we discussed some comments from La Crosse Mayor Mitch Reynolds on Monday’s show about wishing 3rd and 4th streets in downtown La Crosse could be two-way streets again. Williams also talked about the La Crosse County Judiciary and Law Commission meeting Tuesday, discussing how to implement a Citizen Review Board of law enforcement. Lastly, Cornforth joined to talk about some of his top priorities working on the La Crosse County Board, as he seeks reelection for a fifth term in District 19. That conversation hovered around the aforementioned Citizen Review Board, road funding, childcare and the Hillview Healthcare Center renovation and modification. Cornforth’s opponent in the race is Brooke Bahr.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

La Crosse Mayor Mitch Reynolds in studio discussing the sale of the former south side library, an update on the homeless situation, parking minimums and rethinking traffic — including making downtown two-way streets again. Began the show, however, talking about Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers visiting La Crosse to tour the wastewater treatment plant, which is set to open in late summer. We also spent some time discussing the $68 million plant’s features — like it powering itself and coming coming off the grid. That also led to a conversation about electric vehicles, including city busses. After that (16:45), we talked the potential sale of the south side former library and just how that process will work and how it’s decided who to sell to. The bottom half of the hour (20:10) started with how this month is the 24th year of the show — which Mitch started in 2005 — followed by some city council business coming up Thursday, including committee approved funding for the Legal Action of Wisconsin to assist with evictions. Then (22:15) we got into a bit of an update on the city-count effort’s Pathways Home plan to end homelessness in the city. Lastly (28:15), we began talking about the city’s parking minimums for residential properties but that led to a traffic conversation, including Reynolds’ wish that 3rd and 4th streets downtown could go back to two-way traffic. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

UW-La Crosse political science professor, Dr. Anthony Cherosky, in studio discussing Republican US Senate candidate for Wisconsin, Eric Hovde’s odd campaign challenge, Wendy’s and Kellogg’s CEOs trying to normalize a dystopian society, and the La Crosse Steam gearing up for softball, in need of a celebrity fan. Began the show, though, talking a bit averting a government shutdown by kicking multiple cans down the road or into the future, how 82-year-old Mitch McConnell is stepping down as leader, but not retiring and how doorbell cams play into campaigns. Then we got into Republican US Senate candidate, Eric Hovde, in multiple ways — his moustache, his shirtless campaign challenge, where takes a dip in Lake Mendota to prove how Wisconsin — not California — he is, and the GOP’s need for rich people to fund their campaigns. We began the second half of the show (19:00) talking about the La Crosse Steam softball team getting ready to start and how it needs a celebrity fan in the front row, like the Lakers with Jack Nicholson or the Knicks with Spike Lee. After that, we got into the dystopian society talk with Wendy’s CEO (26:10) talking about surge pricing but not surge wages during those busiest hours, and the Kellogg’s CEO trying to normalize eating cereal for breakfast if food is too expensive. Lastly (34:50), we chatted about how many times the GOP-led US House is going to partially fund the government to avoid a shutdown. US House Rep. Derrick Van Orden (R-Prairie du Chien) voted against the last partial funding but for this one. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mac Kiel and Mackenzie Mindel in studio discussing the culture of La Crosse’s city council, three years into the first-ever female majority. We also talked about the city’s EV busses in the cold, homelessness and recapping last month’s meeting and next week’s Judiciary and Administration (J&A) Committee. Mindel is the chair of the J&A committee and Kiel is also on it. Toward the end of the show we talk about two items on Tuesday’s agenda — essentially rezoning proposals for a UW-La Crosse parking ramp and updates at the REACH Center. Before that, however, we began the show with the most important thing from the February meeting — (2:45) allowing us to drink and play pickleball — the saga of Blue Zone Pickleball getting their alcohol license at the north side building that used to be Shopko. After that, (7:20) we talk about how things have changed three years into a female majority on La Crosse’s city council. Began the second half of the show with a couple of updates from Kiel on how the city’s EV busses handled last month’s very cold spell, along with a bit of a homeless update (25:50), as she goes out with the outreach team weekly. We then recapped (29:30) a couple of items passed in the February council meeting, including allowing Accessory Dwelling Units and setting aside $7.6 million for Phase 3 of the River Point District (32:50) and how that came to be. Lastly, a look at the J&A meeting Tuesday and a quick breakdown (34:20) of the UW-La Crosse and REACH Center rezoning requests.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Wisconsin state Assembly Rep. and La Crosse County board member Steve Doyle joins to discuss the details of a civilian review board of law enforcement, the state Legislature’s leftover priorities as its off the rest of the year and new voting maps. Doyle represents the 94th Assembly District, which will change to some extent and we talked about those changes and how representatives can best get to know their new constituents. Before that, however, we complained about priorities the state could and should tackle if it were still in session, but the Assembly adjourned last week for the rest of the year, while the state Senate works one more day next month. In the second half of the show, Doyle breaks down what the Civilian Review Board is all about. It was passed recently by the La Crosse County Board and will be more of what Doyle calls a liaison between people and law enforcement. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Wisconsin state Sen. Brad Pfaff in studio talking about his new district, how the Legislature gives itself the next 10 months off and what still needs to be done. We start the show with the ridiculous 60-degree weather but also what this lack of winter means for farmers. Then we get into the Wisconsin Legislature having the next 10 months off and what Pfaff sees as a priority list of things that need to get done during that time. But that would mean calling the Legislature back into session, and if Pfaff sees that happening. The second half of the show, we got into one of the big things the state still needs to work on and that’s PFAS “forever chemicals.” Pfaff talks about the Town of Campbell being on bottled water the last four years due to that and what the state could do to fight PFAS. After that (27:15), we hit on a couple other priorities the Legislature could deal with over the next 10 months, instead of campaigning, which included childcare funding and tax relief. Pfaff talks (30:15) about a property tax relief bill he’s proposed for working class that’s sort of a combination of income and property value.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Candice Tlustosch in studio discussing her run for judge in La Crosse County. Tlustosch, an attorney out of La Crosse, talks about the big issues she sees in the courts, what could be improved and how her experience makes her the right fit for Circuit Court Branch 3. Of course, we start the show with some nonsense and what lawyer-like TV shows are the best and worst, and her answer may or may not surprise you. Tlustosch was appointed by then-Gov. Scott Walker to the District 5 bench in La Crosse County and served out that term. So, we also talked about the race being nonpartisan but also having hints of partisanship. Tlustosch got her law degree in 2005 from the University of Wisconsin and has been practicing ever since. Her opponent, current Branch 5 Judge, Mark Huesmann, was appointed by Gov. Tony Evers back in July to replace Judge Todd Bjerke, who retired.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

UW-La Crosse political science professor, Dr. Anthony Chergosky, in studio discussing the Wisconsin state Legislature being out of session the next 10 months, a look at the most famous person in La Crosse County, and the nonpartisan judge race. Began the show with the legislative calendar and how Wisconsin’s full-time state Legislature is taking the final 10 months of the year off. The Assembly’s last day was this week and the Senate will meet for one day in March. So, we discussed how that might go over, hitting the campaign trail on issues such as PFAS and legalizing marijuana, while being a full-time Legislature that could actually legislate, instead of campaign with the promise to legislate. Does this give an advantage to Democrats, who don’t control the Legislature, or outside candidates who want to take someone’s seat? In the second half of the show, we began with a story about how Joe Biden’s dog, Commander, has bitten an exorbitant amount of Secret Service members. What happens if we bit that many people? After that, we talked about the judge race in La Crosse County between Mark Huesmann and Candice Tlustosch — who both recently were interviewed on the show — and how partisanship comes into play. Then, we finally got into La Crosse County’s most famous person (27:50), and the most famous people in each Wisconsin county. Sadly, three of the top four spots are literal killers. Ended the show with a message to Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers (32:45), and how he could use the state Legislature being out of session for the next 10 months to his advantage.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

La Crosse County administrator, Jane Klekamp, in studio discussing the new civilian review board of law enforcement, a bit of an update on the city-county homeless project, Pathways Home and details on the county board strategic plan. Began the show, however, talking a bit about the spring elections, how every board member is up for election but also how the board works with the county administrator — as part of the ongoing theme where Klekamp describes how government works to talk show host. After that, we hit on the county board strategic plan, how a consultant firm is going about it and just what might be some priorities with it. In the second half of the show, started off asking Klekamp what the county could do with some of the state’s $7 billion in budget surplus. After that, we got some dates and details into the Pathways Home project to end homelessness, and an optimistic outlook on how it might come to a conclusion. Spent the last part of the show discussing some of the details on the citizens review board of law enforcement, which has been two years in the making.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Two topics merged into one with Wisconsin’s billions in budget surplus and how schools get funded, as the La Crosse School Board this week voted to go back to a referendum for a new school. Helping us navigate the two topics on La Crosse Talk PM is UW-Oshkosh Public Administration professor, Dr. Mike Ford. We began the show having a bit of fun about why Ford last joined the show — if you recall the Joe Gow porn video scandal. After that, we got into Wisconsin’s budget surplus, which the Legislature has been mostly sitting on for over two years, and what the state should and shouldn’t do with it. That led into a conversation about school funding, as La Crosse taxpayers could vote in the spring election to build a new elementary school. We also talked about how taxpayers pay for voucher school students and how Republicans in the Legislature are trying to propose a new way to pay for vouchers — but not use that same model to pay for public education. Lastly, we spent some time on school boards, in general, and how local elections have become more politicized, despite being nonpartisan.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Democratic Party chair of La Crosse County and Wisconsin’s 3rd US House District, William Garcia in studio, reminiscing about Spaceballs, after news of new Russian space tech, the GOP rolling back child labor laws in the state and if he wants Gov. Tony Evers to pass his maps. Began the show talking about some potential new Russian space tech that could take out satellites, which got us talking about the movie Spaceballs. After that, a challenger to US Sen. Tammy Baldwin in Wisconsin in Eric Hovde — a multi-millionaire with businesses in California. We also talked some Wisconsin legislation both good and bad — rolling back child labor, allowing top high schools entry into UW colleges — and how new voting maps hasn’t really shown to change what things get passed that Gov. Tony Evers would sign. And lastly, with the news maps, Garcia talks about whether or not he wants Evers to sign them.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

UW-La Crosse political science professor, Dr. Anthony Chergosky, in studio on the multiple angles how new voting maps plays out in Wisconsin, Donald Trump ordered to pay another $355 million and how partisan politics keeps trickling into local elections. The whole show kind of centers around power in politics. Began with Trump in that regard, as he loses another lawsuit. Trump’s argument is something like the system is going after him, while others argue this is how the system should work. After that, Wisconsin Republicans’ power is about to be lessened, but by how much? They passed the Democratic governor’s maps and now the conundrum for Gov. Tony Evers is if he’ll sign them. What are the ramifications if he does or doesn’t? Then we got into local elections becoming more partisan. Is that a result of the structure of the system to some degree? La Crosse County Judge, and Branch 3 candidate, Mark Huesmann was just on the show last week — appointed by Evers. Next week, his opponent, Candice Tlustosch, who was a judge appointed by Republican Gov. Scott Walker. Is that political in a nonpartisan race, or just the system? Beyond that, we talked about the county board races and the local political parties getting involved there, as well, both as candidates and with endorsements. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

If no politician is completely happy and the fringes of both parties are mad, then it’s probably a good deal. That sums up what Common Cause Wisconsin’s Jay Heck said Wednesday on La Crosse Talk PM, explaining the play by Republicans, who control the Legislature, to willingly pass Democratic Gov. Tony Evers’ voting maps. Heck also discusses why Republicans went this route, instead of rolling the dice on flipping the Wisconsin Supreme Court in two years and challenging the maps with potentially a conservative majority there. It’s obvious why this is good for Democrats and Heck talks about why it’s a great deal for voters, but he is floated the idea that these maps are also good for Republicans. There are, too, of course predictions on how the numbers will shape up and if Democrats can win a majority in the Legislature. Common Cause Wisconsin is a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization that’s been working to hold “power” accountable through lobbying, litigation, and grassroots organizing.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

National Weather Service La Crosse meteorologist Todd Shea in the studio discussing the ever-more common weird weather, a first-ever February tornado, no snow and how the job has changed. Shea has been doing weather in La Crosse since 1995 but he's been in the business since 1988. Part of what we talked about is the job itself, are there more or less people interested in the profession and how the profession has changed, even just in his time as a meteorologist. We also talked the first-ever February tornado to happen in Wisconsin — there were two a few days ago — and if these weird weather phenomenon are becoming more common. Lastly we got into a discussion about weather versus climate and whose responsibility is it to look into each of those things.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Wisconsin state Assembly Rep. Jill Billings in the WIZM studio Monday for La Crosse Talk PM, discussing new voting maps, ranked-choice voting, La Crosse Hometown Heroes being honored in Madison and bills she’s got hearings on. Began the show talking a bit about winter tourism, with Wisconsin not having a winter. After that (5:10), we discussed ranked-choice voting a bit, as it’s both getting a bipartisan committee hearings, as well as trying to be banned altogether by other Republicans. Then we talked about Hometown Heroes (8:30) that Billings has nominated — UW-La Crosse Fine Arts Department instructors Joe Anderson and Mary Leonard Anderson — who will be honored Thursday in the state Capitol. The second half of the show (19:30), Billings listened to a rant about car insurance, before we got into a talk about new voting maps, and how Republicans in the state are apparently considering agreeing to use the Gov. Tony Evers’ drawn maps. Lastly (36:05), Billings has a couple of bills that could pass the Legislature. One having to deal with exempting minors from being charged with prostitution — because they’re minors — and another on Xylazine test strips. Xylazine is a new drug, typically called tranq.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

La Crosse County Judge Mark Huesmann in studio discussing treatment courts, mental health, bonding out of jail and just what exactly a judge does. We also talked about the drug problem in the county, the makeup of the court system and a veterans court that Huesmann helped create. Huesmann is running for reelection for the Circuit Court Branch 3 seat he currently holds. He was appointed by Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers in July and took over in August for retiring Judge Todd Bjerke. Former appointed Branch 5 judge and La Crosse attorney Candice Tlustosch is also running for the Branch 3 seat.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Political scientists, Marquette’s Dr. Charles Franklin and UW-La Crosse’s Dr. Anthony Chergosky, join Friday's La Crosse Talk PM to break down the latest Marquette Law School Poll, where we find Wisconsin voters don’t like any of the candidates, love marijuana and Nikki Haley would win the whole thing in a landslide. Franklin is, what we call, the architect of the Marquette poll, which is one of the most prestigious in the country and one that all eyes look to, since Wisconsin is arguably the most important state to win in 2024. Along with some of the poll results — Haley destroying Biden and Donald Trump even with Biden — we also talk about how these things compare to polls of the past. Plus, how some of the most important issues in the state are things many polled don’t know much about — like “redistricting.” We started the show with Chergosky on just why this poll is so important and trusted. And, when Franklin joined, we had to throw some ridiculousness at him — like why there was no Taylor Swift question — and if he could throw all prestige out the window, what would he love to get polling on that, perhaps, isn’t political.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Onalaska native and North Carolina shooting guard Lexi Donarski joined to talk the rise of women’s sports and guarding the most popular athlete in the U.S., Caitlin Clark, and getting ready for Cameron Indoor Stadium and the Duke-North Carolina rivalry. After that WIZM’s Brad Williams talks about the new plan for the La Crosse School District. With Donarski (2:15), we dive into how she’s lived through a lot of experiences that past athletes have not gone through — good and bad. That includes losing a potential state championship in high school due to COVID, playing as a college athlete through COVID, watching women’s sports rise to its most popular time in history, and what it was like guarding the most popular athlete, in Iowa’s Clark. Plus, she’s about to play at Cameron against Duke as a member of the Tar Heels, a year removed from that Iowa-Iowa State rivalry. She’s also taken 18 summer credits to get her degree, then gone through the transfer portal, and we talk about trying to get her an NIL (Name, Image and Likeness) deal highlighting defense. After that (20:05), Williams joins to talk about the recent decision by the La Crosse School Board to potentially put to a referendum building a new elementary school, instead of the plan that was studied for eight months to close Hintgen and North Woods. Is the school board trying to escape making a tough decision or are they doing the right thing putting the decision to voters? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A healthy conversation on what to eat and when to eat it Tuesday on La Crosse Talk PM with the YMCA’s Dr. Gretchen Newhouse and Laurie Nelson. The two will be hosting a pair of nutrition workshops at the La Crosse Y on Thursday at 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. (sign up here). And, no, they won’t teaching you how to pig out during the Super Bowl. The workshop will focus on the “timing of food” — when you should eat something before an activity and what you should be eating. We did, however, have some fun with the idea, taking it another level with the Super Bowl. While marathoners need to think about what they eat heading into those 26.2 miles, what does the opposite of that look like? What do we need to do to prepare for a marathon of eating on Super Bowl Sunday? Also, part of that workshop will be a bit about the La Crosse YMCA’s food forest and how this is the time to start thinking about gardening — and starting those seeds. Newhouse is the wellness director at the YMCA, while Nelson, a registered nurse, is the Y’s Food Forest coordinator.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

La Crosse Mayor Mitch Reynolds in studio discussing pickleball and beer — which is sort of on the council agenda — bringing developers into the city — as all those vacant box stores are filling up — and approving accessory dwelling units. We began the show, however, asking Reynolds who he thinks the most popular athlete in the U.S. is right now, a few days from the Super Bowl. After that (5:30), we got into some city council stuff, just touching the pickleball conversation for a bit, before discussing accessory dwelling units (ADUs or granny flats or in-law suites — basically converting your garage that isn’t attached into a living space. And, for some reason, we also worked in chicken coupe regulations into that conversation. Then we started to get into vacant buildings in La Crosse (14:20). There used to be three vacant Shopkos, a vacant K-Mart and vacant box stores in the Valley View Mall. But then an argument about how to zone areas to better attract developers to the city. The second half of the show (22:20), we got into the conversation about pickleball, and a company converting the Bridgeview Plaza Shopko into a pickleball facility and wants a liquor license — but a city committee last week couldn't approve it. Quickly, we discussed the probability that the school district would have vacant buildings and if the city would want one of them. Lastly, we talked about Wisconsin Gov. Tony Every state of the state address and one of those workforce topics being childcare, and how the city continues to see that as a need, though the conversation in the state legislature has died down. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

UW-La Crosse political science professor, Anthony Chergosky, Ph.D., in the WIZM studio, discussing how Republicans perfectly rigged new voting maps and Democrats screwed up the process, plus all the Taylor Swift political phenomenon and Democrat Dean Phillips getting on the Wisconsin presidential ballot. Began the show with the Friday news dump from the Wisconsin Supreme Court, allowing Minnesota state Rep. Phillips on the presidential ballot, after the state Democratic Party tried to exclude him, unless he got the signatures. There was a very funny conversation on how strange Phillip’s argument was about the cost of getting signatures. After that (5:40), the fascination of Taylor Swift in politics — though she has not really inserted herself, yet. But, we mention how Donald Trump just got into the Swifty conversation, and the conspiracy that Joe Biden rigged the entire NFL playoffs to assert the Swift Army. After that (25:10), we discussed the consultants hired by the liberal-controlled Wisconsin Supreme Court throwing out the two GOP submissions for new voting maps and taking all the other submissions — and how Democrats should have had one group submit a ridiculously leftist map. Lastly (34:00), back more funny Taylor Swift ridiculousness, including how she’s gotten the GOP to admit to climate change.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Shaundel Spivey in studio, discussing the evolution and programs run by B.L.A.C.K., Inc., He’s the co-founder and executive director of the La Crosse-based nonprofit. We also talked about the La Crosse School Board and the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion fight in Madison and beyond. Spivey is a Milwaukee native who moved here to attend UW-La Crosse, where he got his Bachelor’s in political science and a Master’s in Student Affairs Administration, and never left the city. He’s also working on his doctorate. We talked about the evolution of B.L.A.C.K. and some of the programs it’s doing that he’s most proud of. In terms of the school board, we got his perspective from his time there, but also how the upcoming election only has two candidates for three open seats. We also hit on the fight — which is now over — in Madison, where Republicans coerced the University of Wisconsin Board of Regents into severely rolling back D.E.I. initiatives for already approved pay raises that were behind withheld and building projects that had already gotten bipartisan support.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Joella Striebel, the public affairs regional coordinator for Planned Parenthood Advocates of Wisconsin, in studio on reproductive health, how to talk about it, a sex education bill, the abortion debate and free condoms. Striebel, last week, organized a Gov. Tony Evers’ roundtable discussion with UW-Eau Clarie students last week. So Striebel recapped some of the things Evers discussed and what students had to say about reproductive health. We also talked about the ongoing fight in Wisconsin over abortion access, as the Legislature debated last week imposing a 14-week abortion ban.That included this state Legislator comparing women to animals. Currently the law is 20 weeks, but that only came after a court fight that struck down the state’s 175-year-old abortion ban. Also, other news happening in Madison, we talked about a sex education bill proposed called the Healthy Youth Act. Began the show hitting on the abortion debate in general and how front and center it always seems to be in and some of the misconceptions of Planned Parenthood. That led into what Planned Parenthood Advocates of Wisconsin is about.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

La Crosse Police Chief Shawn Kudron in studio discussing some of their priorities, what police in the city are dealing with the most lately, some of the recent shootings and the prevalence of guns. We wrapped up with talk on more roundabouts here, plus changing back the speed liming on Losey Boulevard. Began the show talking about police priorities, and some of the things they’re dealing with the most. That led to a discussion about mental health and the new expansion of the co-responder units between city police and the La Crosse County Health and Human Service Department. The second half of the show hovered around guns, as the city has seen two shootings — including one homicide — this month. Are guns more prevalent and how far do police go to find out where the guns are coming from. Ended the show with talk about the five new roundabouts on the south side and how the public is handling those. Also, not that this was at all recent, but we also talked about how much police have to deal with people speeding on the 25 mph section of Losey Boulevard.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

City council members Mackenzie Mindel and Mac Kiel in studio, ahead of committee week, where they'll be discussing accessory dwelling unit (ADU) rules. We also talked chickens, selling Lincoln Middle School and a homeless update. Mindel and Kiel are both on the city’s Judiciary and Administration committee, which meets at 6 p.m. Tuesday. Began the show with a quick rundown, but did talk about chicken coup regulation quick. After that (6:50), we discussed the recent sale of Lincoln by the La Crosse School District to a group that is looking to build affordable housing, and what that would mean for the city. We also talked about Transit Equity Days (12:45) in the city, where riding the bus is free, and how Mindel and Kiel are taking council office hours during rides. We also discussed the city’s electric busses and, since it was so cold a few weeks ago, if there were problems, would the council know about it. Speaking of cold, Kiel then gave us an update on homelessness (15:45) — as she goes out weekly with an outreach team. It also comes a few weeks after the city-county put out their five-year plan to end homelessness, called Pathways Home. The second half of the show (19:25) consisted mostly of ADU talk, as the council two months ago put off any decision on changing regulations for property owners. In that time, the city held two public hearings on ADUs.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Threw UW-La Crosse political science professor, Dr. Anthony Chergosky, two strategies both Donald Trump and Wisconsin Republicans should have or, perhaps, still could take heading into the 2024 election. Spent quite a bit of time on federal politics, including Donald Trump having to pay $83 million in a defamation lawsuit — what was deemed on the show as “Hush up” money, as opposed to the hush money Trump paid to porn star Stormy Daniels. After that, we discussed Trump’s involvement in tanking a Congressional deal on the southern border situation and how that’s a GOP political calculation. But, that’s where Republicans have it wrong and where the first strategy in winning 2024 for Trump was thrown at Chergosky — even taking a shot at the latest cold open from Saturday Night Live, where it mimicked Trump. Then, Wisconsin politics, involving the new voting maps, and this is the second strategy thrown at Chergosky, where Republicans could have rigged elections in Wisconsin forever, had they had their act together. This hovers around news a few months ago when the Wisconsin GOP proposed what they called the “Iowa model” for drawing maps. Before all that, however, does gum stay in your stomach for seven years? That’s how we started the show. And, we ended in the same vicinity, where a story out of Lambeau Field lost and found — found many interesting things, including dentures. Who loses their dentures at a football game? La Crosse Talk PM airs weekdays at 5:06 p.m. Listen on the WIZM app, online here, or on 92.3 FM / 1410 AM / 106.7 FM (north of Onalaska). Find all the podcasts here or subscribe to La Crosse Talk PM wherever you get your podcasts.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Citizen Action of Wisconsin executive director Robert Kraig joined to discuss some of the details on Republicans’ fast-tracked effort to pass what they call Gov. Tony Evers’ maps, plus how they’re trying to put a binding referendum on ballot for a new abortion ban. Began the show just setting up the interview on both issues, as well as talking quick about President Joe Biden in Superior, Wis., campaigning on the infrastructure bill he got passed by helping get a $1.8 billion bridge built. After that, Kraig joined and we started with the voting maps issue. While we wait for the state Supreme Court to draw new maps or pick from seven submitted maps, Republicans have already chosen — saying they’ll take the maps Evers drew. Only problem, those aren’t the maps Evers drew. Then we got into school funding for a few minutes, as districts across the state are continually forced to make cuts to balance budgets — as we learned the day before when La Crosse Schools superintendent Dr. Aaron Engel joined. Wrapped up with Kraig talking about Republicans in the Assembly quickly passing a 14-week abortion ban — one that doesn’t have exceptions for rape or incest. The GOP want to put the measure on April’s ballot — which comes months after Republicans denied Evers putting an abortion question on the ballot and the state Legislature passing a bipartisan shared revenue bill that took away local communities’ ability to put any nonbinding referendum on a ballot. La Crosse Talk PM airs weekdays at 5:06 p.m. Listen on the WIZM app, online here, or on 92.3 FM / 1410 AM / 106.7 FM (north of Onalaska). Find all the podcasts here or subscribe to La Crosse Talk PM wherever you get your podcasts.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

La Crosse Schools superintendent, Dr. Aaron Engel, joins to talk about the news that the district sold Lincoln Middle School, what that deal encompasses and future building plans the school board is in the midst of discussing. Began the show, however, talking about escalating world conflict, as Engel is a Lt. Col. in the National Guard — for 20 years — and battalion commander. So we talked a bit about how they prepare for everything from floods, riots to conflicts overseas. After that, we discuss the group that bought Lincoln for $2.2 million and the plan for that historic building. Then we get into some of the options the school board has been discussing for what’s called the district’s long-range facility plan. The hope is to make a decision on the next steps in that plan by Feb. 19 — after two more regular Monday school board meetings. La Crosse Talk PM airs weekdays at 5:06 p.m. Listen on the WIZM app, online here, or on 92.3 FM / 1410 AM / 106.7 FM (north of Onalaska). Find all the podcasts here or subscribe to La Crosse Talk PM wherever you get your podcasts.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Habitat’s Kahya Fox in studio to discuss housing, including the city-county homeless plan and Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs), which is back on La Crosse agenda’s next week. Two weeks ago, a five-year homeless plan was unveiled called Pathways Home, where the city and county have taken a leadership role, bringing in other related groups to help get to what’s called Functional Zero. Fox and herself have been involved. Spent a good portion of the show on ADUs, which the city has zoning rules against. The city council, back in December, put a decision on rezoning off for 60 days. La Crosse Talk PM airs weekdays at 5:06 p.m. Listen on the WIZM app, online here, or on 92.3 FM / 1410 AM / 106.7 FM (north of Onalaska). Find all the podcasts here or subscribe to La Crosse Talk PM wherever you get your podcasts.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Wisconsin state Sen. Brad Pfaff in studio discussing the peculiar timing of a vote in the Legislature for the “Iowa model” of drawing voting maps. We also took a ton of calls on budget surplus, government priorities, and Pfaff proposals that aren’t getting committee hearings. Began the show, though, talking about legislation Pfaff helped get passed renaming a portion of I-90 the “Ho-Chunk World War II Code Talkers Memorial Highway” in honor of the 14 WWII veterans from the Ho-Chunk Nation that have been recognized as Code Talkers. And, we discussed how these are sometimes the only things that government can do. We then got more into the electoral college and how it’s not representing states in a totally different way — where a majority of campaign and ad money now only flows to the 50-50 states, like Wisconsin. That was a lead in to talking about the Wisconsin Supreme Court ordering new voting maps and the timing of which Republicans have now proposed a new way to draw maps. We also discussed the budget surplus and priorities Pfaff would like to see it used for, plus legislation he has proposed that can’t even get a committee hearing. All while the GOP in the state is voting on 14-week abortion bans, a “parental bill of rights” and this new system to drawing maps — all things the governor has already said he’d veto it.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

UW-La Crosse political science professor, Dr. Anthony Chergosky, in studio with a wild show that began intermixing potholes, rat burials and the 2011 Oktoberfest squirrel toss. Then we got into some politics, including US House Rep. Derrick Van Orden upset and voting against the partial government funding bill, saying it's just kicking the can down the road. But what does it mean to "kick the can?" That led to how this Congress is one of the most unproductive ever, but we do we blame for that — Democrats, who control the Senate or Republicans in charge of the House? Then we took a quick break from politics to talk about what seems to be an amazing restaurant subscription but wondering about the fine print. We ended talking about Wisconsin GOP US House Rep. Glen Grothman trying to use the federal government to pass a bill to talk about aliens — because he loved that as a kid, he said — but not in a way that seems productive. And, speaking of unproductive, State Republicans are at odds with even being able to pass a medical marijuana bill, while Minnesota, Michigan, Illinois and Canada have all legalized it recreationally. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.