La Crosse Talk PM WIZM

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 Legis...

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 &...

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/list...

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. L...

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 Solem See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.