WIZM - La Crosse Talk Interviews

La Crosse Mayor Shaundel Washington-Spivey in studio discussing the sacrifices made in passing the 2026 budget and what future budget talks will look like.  We also discussed Burns and Cameron parks being closed now for over two months due to violence and drug use and how that gets resolved. And, in between that, we talked about the downtown corridor study, and the city council putting off for 90 days a recommendation to the Wisconsin DOT on how 3rd and 4th streets could look in the figure — with parking, bike lanes and sidewalks.  The mayor was part of the council meeting Monday finalizing the 2026 budget, where most of the attention was on closing of the north branch library and north side pool. That was Washington-Spivey’s first budget as mayor and he talked about how he wants to see that plan evolve going forward with earlier talks on future budgets.   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

La Crosse School superintendent, Dr. Aaron Engel, joins to discuss state report cards, the district’s needs in terms of hiring, and American Education Week programs. Engel is also on the library board and discussed the decision last week to close the north branch. We began, though, talking quick about education week and what the district has planned. After that, we got into district needs in terms of hiring and also a recent Wisconsin Policy Forum report on the state using a lot of emergency teacher licenses. We then spent some time on state report cards coming out for each school — which are not graded A-F, oddly enough. The School District of La Crosse has 18 schools under its umbrella. Lastly, we discussed Engel being on the library board and its decision to close the north branch. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

From ways to save the north branch library to more bicycle lanes as everyone rides e-bikes to removing tech from the classroom with economist, Dr. Adam Hoffer. We’ve hit on the concept of “creative destruction” a couple of weeks in a row in different areas. This week, we talked about the Wisconsin DOT taking public comments on a reconstruction of downtown La Crosse along 3rd and 4th street. A few options are to include bike lanes. We discussed how e-bike tech is making bicycling more popular and how the city could benefit from a robust bicycle lane network. We also talked about downtown parking in La Crosse — as these DOT plans could cut street parking downtown in half. We opened the show talking about ways to save the north branch library. Lastly, we discussed the reverse of using tech — mainly in the classroom. As Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers has signed, essentially, a school cellphone ban. We talk about moving tech out of the classroom altogether — going back to good ole’ notebooks and pencils. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

La Crosse city council member Erin Goggin in the WIZM studio for La Crosse Talk with Kevin Millard on the closing of the north branch library and the budget. Earlier this week, the library board voted to close the north branch in June with the system needing to cut nearly $175,000 — a decision Goggin disagreed with. Goggin, who represents District 2 on the north side, also discussed the city being in a budget crunch for 2026.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

La Crosse library director Dawn Wacek in studio to discuss the closing of the north branch, the budget situation its in and what this all means for the future of the library. Wacek has been library director the past year and with the La Crosse Public Library the past five years. Earlier this week, the library board voted 6-2 to close the north branch in June with the library facing a $174,705 budget crunch for next year — and the city facing a $2 million budget shortfall for 2026. Wacek talks about the public meeting before the board made its decision, the options the board had and what happens now with the Main Street library. We also talk about some of the reasonings heard for wanting to keep the library open, how utilized the north branch was and how the role of the library has changed over the years.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Central High School planetarium director Chad Wilkinson in studio spoiling how things went for the dinosaurs and hyping up their upcoming shows, which are selling out fast. We talk about Central upgrading its planetarium recently and what it can do — like flying to exoplanets to find other life. The planetarium, which was upgraded three years ago, will soon be the only one in town — with UW-La Crosse losing its facility next semester. While Central’s November shows are sold out, the public can still get tickets for either show on Dec. 12 — Dinosaurs at Dusk (5:45 p.m.) and the Artistic Universe (7:15 p.m.) — and Wilkinson will soon have January’s tickets available on the website. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Kathleen Graham in the WIZM studio hyping up Friday’s Downtown Holiday Open House in La Crosse. The event kicks off at the Cathedral at 4 p.m. The event throughout downtown La Crosse goes until 8 p.m. Graham, the director of community engagement for Downtown Mainstreet Inc., runs through some of her favorites, including a tree lighting ceremony with Santa at the Grounded patio at 6 p.m. Downtown Holiday Open House4-8 p.m. Friday Cathedral Holiday Kickoff (4-5:30 PM) Organ & caroling Bonfire & sweet treats Holiday shopping & boutique finds Seasonal bites & festive sips Student musicians performing throughout downtown Tree Lighting at Grounded Patio Café (6 PM) Nightcap at The La Crosse Club (until 9 PM) Holiday planters + décor by our Design & Beautification Committee Follow Downtown Mainstreet on Facebook and Instagram, and RSVP to Downtown La Crosse Holiday Open House on Facebook for updates. La Crosse Talk airs weekdays at 6-8 a.m. Listen on the WIZM app, online here, or on 92.3 FM / 1410 AM / 106.7 FM (north of Onalaska). Find the show on Apple Podcast, Spotify or here.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

La Crosse’s foodie expert, Abram Dyke of Abe’s Raves in studio, discussing what some area establishments are doing to help those in need, the negative posts about restaurants that go viral locally, and some of the cozy places to go as winter comes. Dyke also talks about some of his ‘best of” surveys he’s done, including the most recent “Best Old Fashioned.” He crowd sources the votes to see what places have the best wings, best burger and best “curated cookie.” See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A show dedicated to bike lanes in the city with Andrew Ericson in studio, discussing downtown La Crosse bike lanes, the 2nd Street cycle track and talking through the frustrations people have with them. Ericson is on the La Crosse Bicycle-Pedestrian Advisory committee, the Climate Action Steering committee and the MTU Board. The La Crosse city council, Thursday, will recommend one of four Wisconsin DOT plans to overhaul for 3rd and 4th streets downtown that could include bike lanes. Ericson talks about how important it is to get it right, because downtown won’t get ripped up again for 50 years. The plan is part of a Downtown Corridor Study. We also discuss the council accepting DOT grant money to update the 2nd Street cycle track and go over some of the common complaints people have with bike lanes.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We covered a lot with La Crosse city council president Tamra Dickinson in studio, including the potential downtown public market and US House Rep. Derrick Van Orden’s comments about the Salvation Army expansion being held up by the council. We also hit on bike lanes through downtown, the situation with the Kmart lot, the north side pool situation and the upcoming, potentially “complicated” final budget meeting. Dickinson also brought up some good things happening on the north side — where her council district is located. The city council meets at 6 p.m. Thursday for its monthly meeting and then on Nov. 17 will meet to finalize the 2026 budget, where departments have had to come up with $2 million in cuts.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Wisconsin state Assembly Rep. Tara Johnson in studio discussing legislative priorities, role in helping local governments and Democrats' focus heading int next year's elections. Began the show focused on how local governments are struggling with funding — with the city potentially closing another library branch and the county had been looking at cutting the SMRT bus — and if the Legislature should be doing more. After that, Johnson talked about bills going through the Legislature, including the Tavern League trying to regulate its competition that's making "hemp drinks." That led to talk about how Republicans who control the Legislature flooding the zone with all the bills going through just a couple of days in sessions. Johnson said she'd like to see more session days and a better focus on legislation.  Lastly, we discussed the government shutdown, last Tuesday's election wins, Gov. Tony Evers fight with the Trump administration on SNAP and how Democrats need to focus on affordability.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

From the city losing its north branch library to the University of Wisconsin no longer existing if the football program died with economist, Dr. Adam Hoffer. We spent most of the show discussing the city’s budget situation and the possible closing of the north branch library, which could happen at a 5 p.m. meeting Tuesday. We also worked in how the library could be part of an article Hoffer wrote a few weeks ago on “creative destruction,” and just how new technologies change the way of life as we know it — like cars replacing the horse and buggy or what happens next with A.I. In between that, we discussed the hot take that if the Badgers football program died, that means the university, too, would die. Hoffer explains how ridiculous a notion that would be.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A special Veterans Day event Tuesday evening at the Rivoli in downtown La Crosse. The locally created documentary, “Come Here, Brother Wolf: A Veterans' Pilgrimage,” follows a multi-generational group of U.S. military veterans and civilians on a physical, emotional, and spiritual journey through Rome, Poggio Bustone, Assisi, La Verna, and Gubbio. Co-creator Dustin Luecke joined WIZM to talk about making documentary with Viterbo's Martha Boehm, how the idea for the doc came about, and what audiences can expect at the Rivoli event.  Doors open at 5 p.m., and the 60-minute film starts at 5:30 p.m. Admission is $5, with proceeds going to support local veterans programs. The premiere is part of Civics and Cinema, an ongoing series dedicated to sharing films, bringing the community together, and fostering civic conversations. The program is sponsored by the Rivoli Theatre, Rebuilding American Civics, and the D.B. Reinhart Institute for Ethics in Leadership at Viterbo University, with additional support from Franciscan Pilgrimage Programs.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Shelly Fortner, executive director of the Hunger Task Force of La Crosse, in studio to talk about food insecurity right now, they virtual food drive for November and hopefully getting a pie in the face. Shelly Fortner, executive director of the Hunger Task Force of La Crosse, in studio to talk about food insecurity right now, they virtual food drive for November and hopefully getting a pie in the face. Fortner has been talking about the “perfect storm” hitting families hard for a couple months now, and with FoodShare benefits currently in question in Wisconsin, the challenge has only grown. The Hunger Task Force is extending its virtual food drive through November with a $10,000 matching donation. If the drive brings in $30,000, one coordinator will get a pie in the face. If it reaches $50,000, Fortner herself will take a pie in the face. And we’ve even set our own goal — if $100,000 is raised, Fortner will have to do a TikTok dance. Fortner, who has been with the Hunger Task Force for the past 18 years, also talked about the “little free food pantries” — similar to little free libraries — that are popping up, and how they might not always be the safest option. While Fortner says they can stretch a $1 donation into $5 worth of food, for those who prefer to donate items, the most needed foods include tuna, peanut butter, soup, pasta, pasta sauce, canned fruit, and cereal. The Hunger Task Force is the only food bank between Madison and Rochester, distributing goods to 120 meal sites, food pantries, youth programs, and backpack programs throughout the region.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We dive deep into the government shutdown with UW-La Crosse political science professor, Dr. Anthony Chergosky, looking at the optics, who’s “winning,” how it might end and the repercussions to those choices between Republicans and Democrats. We also looked at the Tuesday elections a bit and began the show discussing Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers signing into law a school cellphone ban, how that was a Friday news dump last week and his hesitation in doing so. In between all that, there are two quick rants — one, a story on how not having Halloween candy is embarrassing when a caravan of 20 kids walk up your 100-yard driveway, and the other about all the city issues going on now. Those include: — Build public market — Build indoor pool / close pool — Closed parks — $2 million budget short fall  — Close a library branch — TIF Kmart district — Bike lanes downtown 3rd and 4th street  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Bull riders Cody Nance and Matt Palmer, and rodeo clown, Nick Kaup, in studio as they get set for the Professional Championship Bull Riders event at the La Crosse Center on Friday and Saturday night. All three talk about how they got into the profession and, of course, some of the incidents they’ve had riding or dodging bulls — how that eight seconds can seem like an eternity. Nance, a Paris, Tenn., native, has been riding bulls for 23 years and is a 12-time professional Bull Riders finalist in Las Vegas. Kaup, from Arlington, Neb., has been a rodeo clown the past two years and was a bullfighter for 10 years before that. And Palmer, a Claremore, OK, native, has been riding bulls for around 20 years. The three also noted the first 300 kids each night will get a free cowboy hat. The competition starts each night at 7:30 p.m. It will include bull riding and barrel racing. Get tickets on the La Crosse Center website here.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

From why it’s theatre and not theater to working on our British accents and Muppet voices to the upcoming musical “tick, tick … BOOM!” getting underway this weekend with UW-La Crosse assistant professor of theatre and production director, Dr. Nic Barilar.  The show — which is also a Netflix movie — opens at 7:30 p.m. Friday from the Frederick Theatre in Morris Hall, which is unique in itself. Barilar said they haven’t had a musical in that theatre, which has a three-sided stage surrounded by the audience. If it wasn’t obvious, we get into all kinds of things with Barilar from the backstory of tick, tick … BOOM! to just being a theatre professor and what that all entails — like teaching dialects and accents.  UW-L students will perform tick, tick … BOOM! this Friday-Sunday and next week Thursday-Sunday - the Sunday shows being 2 p.m. matinees. Get tickets here.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jay Locken and Ken Riley in studio to talk about the United Fund for Arts and Humanities — better known as UFAH — and its annual fundraising campaign. The organization serves as a vital source of support for La Crosse’s arts and cultural community, providing funding to a dozen local nonprofit member groups, including theatre companies, music ensembles, museums, and historical societies. This year, UFAH’s campaign goal is $140,000, with every dollar raised going directly toward helping these organizations sustain performances, exhibitions, and educational programs that enrich the Coulee Region’s cultural life. This is the third campaign for Locken and Riley with UFAH, which relies on donations from individuals, businesses, and workplace giving programs, allowing residents to collectively invest in the arts. The two noted that even modest contributions have a meaningful impact, since UFAH operates with low administrative costs and channels the majority of its funds straight to its member organizations.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

La Crosse School Board president Deb Suchla in studio discussing the process of what to do with three close schools, naming a new elementary, student truancy, the state’s new school cellphone ban and the 2026 budget. Suchla also talked about food scarcity in the district, as SNAP benefits have been cut off, and some of the ways students and teachers can get help. Suchla, who announced she’s running for reelection in the spring, noted that the board recently recognized local businesses for their contributions to students and schools. Last Friday, Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers signed into law a type of school cellphone ban that “requires public school boards to adopt policies that generally prohibit students from using wireless communication devices, including cellphones, during school.” The district already has some of these policies in place, but the school board may have to formally recognize them under the new law. Like the city of La Crosse, the district faces a $2 million budget shortfall next year. The board passed a budget last week and Suchla explained how the plan to close three elementary schools and build a new one will help bridge that gap. That led to a discussion about the school board’s process for deciding what to do with those three buildings — Hintgen, Spence and Emerson — and land.  In 2023, the board closed Lincoln Middle School and eventually voted to sell the building to a company for affordable housing — a deal that has yet to be finalized. The developer did not acquire grant money from the state needed to approve the project and is reapplying this year. With those three schools closing, a new elementary will be built, along with State Road Elementary being renovated. Suchla discussed the process for naming, not just the new school, but possibly renaming State Road, since the Hintgen community will be integrated there.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

La Crosse County Administrator Jane Klekamp in studio discussing how the government shutdown is affecting the county — including food stamp distribution. We also talked the upcoming vote to pass the 2026 budget, homelessness and the 111-acre “county farm” that could be put up for sale. Began the show discussing the budget with the county board meeting this coming Monday for passage. After that, we talked quickly about some city-related issues — like the council reviewing the DOT’s plan with downtown bike lanes, and why that’s not on a county board agenda. The city is facing a $2 million budget shortfall, which led us back to talking about the county’s budget process.  The second half of the show, we explored how the government shutdown is affecting county government. Klekamp explained that the most significant impact has been through FoodShare — Wisconsin’s version of food stamps or SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) — and she detailed how the county plays a key role in verifying eligibility and processing applications for those benefits. We wrapped up the conversation discussing the Pathways Home initiative — a coordinated plan to address and ultimately end homelessness in the city of La Crosse — and provided an update on the county’s consideration of selling 111 acres of land in West Salem, commonly referred to as the “county farm.”See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.