La Crosse Talk PM WIZM

Rick Solem
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Listener conversations about the days events in and around the La Crosse area. Weekdays from 5-6pm on WIZM 1410AM and 92.3FM

  1. 14h ago

    Reps. Doyle, Johnson discuss priorities as Democrats take control in Wisconsin

    After 15 years in the minority, Wisconsin Democrats are finally in control of state government.    But will they use that power to push back against Republicans after years of being shut out, or take a different approach? State Assembly Reps. Steve Doyle (D-Onalaska) and Tara Johnson (D-Shelby) stopped in studio the day after their reelection victories to talk about the Democratic takeover of the governor's office and both chambers of the Legislature.  Doyle looks back on the last time Republicans took control in 2011, when he was just starting to serve in the Assembly, and what that experience could mean for the new Democratic majority.  The two also discuss the agenda they've been preparing and how they expect the new majority to approach governing. Part of that agenda could include capping the millions of dollars flowing into Wisconsin elections and the campaign finance loopholes that allow big contributions from billionaire donors.  Doyle and Johnson also share their thoughts on incoming Gov. David Crowley, his background in Milwaukee County government and what kind of working relationship they expect with him. In this episode: The blue blizzard: Democrats have been preparing for a possible majority, with a 100-day plan and hundreds of bills previously introduced. Johnson explains why their priorities shouldn't come as a surprise. Learning from 2011: Doyle recalls the atmosphere when Republicans took control under Scott Walker, including committee changes, Act 10 and the redrawing of legislative maps. Will Democrats avoid repeating that approach? Campaign finance and big money: The $42 million spent in Wisconsin's 3rd Congressional District race raises questions about campaign finance loopholes, unlimited contributions to political parties and what lawmakers can do about it. Tiffany's loss and Crowley's win: Doyle offers his take on why Republicans went with Tom Tiffany for governor, while both Democrats discuss the competitive Democratic primary and how the party rallied behind Crowley. Getting to know David Crowley: Doyle and Johnson talk about the new governor's background, his experience in Milwaukee County and why they believe he'll work well with the Legislature. No retirement plans: After 15 years in the minority, Doyle says finally having the opportunity to get things accomplished in the majority has him rejuvenated. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Reps. Doyle, Johnson discuss priorities as Democrats take control in Wisconsin

  2. 2d ago

    Getting Mt. La Crosse ready for ski season — and helping 4th graders hit the slopes

    How much work goes into getting Mt. La Crosse ready for another ski season? General Manager Darcie Briedel and Ski Patrol member Keachen Abing stopped in studio to talk about the behind-the-scenes work of preparing the mountain for winter — plus a new youth program that will give kids the chance to learn to ski for free. Briedel and Abing discuss everything from making snow, and the costs involved,, to what it takes to become a Ski Patrol member — with members like Toddy Hilby being so over the hill he usually needs others on Ski Patrol to also rescue him on calls. The two also break down their first-of-its-kind Learn to Ski for Free program in Wisconsin, which won La Crosse SOUP last month and is getting additional support from the La Crosse Community Foundation to get 200 fourth graders outside and on the slopes. Lastly, we hit on the annual Ski and Snowboard Swap this Saturday and Sunday at Mt. La Crosse. In this conversation: Getting ready for winter: How snowmaking works, why humidity matters, the costs involved and what it takes to get the mountain ready for opening day. Fourth-grade ski program: How the new program will work, why fourth grade was chosen and how families can sign up. La Crosse SOUP: How the Ski Patrol pitched its idea, won $2,378 and secured additional community support. Ski and Snowboard Swap: What to expect November 7-8 and how families can find affordable equipment. Beyond the hill: How Ski Patrol volunteers help with emergency preparedness and community safety throughout the year. Life on the mountain: What Mt. La Crosse offers outside ski season, including uphill running events, yoga, Pilates and weddings. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Getting Mt. La Crosse ready for ski season — and helping 4th graders hit the slopes

  3. 5d ago

    Teaching elementary school during Halloween week isn't easy

    What happens in an elementary school when Halloween rolls around? According to Southern Bluffs music teacher Jill Schams, there's a lot of planning around keeping kids focused — especially with a full moon, late-night Brewers games and trick-or-treating all happening in the same week. Hopped up on candy, worried about their costumes, a lot of distractions but Schams says they find a way to keep kids focused. Sticking with Halloween, we also discussed how old is too old to trick-or-treat and what kind of things are families handing out this year — Ramen noodles?  There was some school-related conversation, as well, including the debate over private-school vouchers and public education funding. Schams points out that La Crosse spends nearly $3 million in taxpayer money for private-school vouchers while the public school district faces a budget deficit of about the same amount. She is also asked about student performance, declining enrollment and the value of music and arts education. Also in the conversation: Halloween at school: Why some schools allow costumes and others don't, and how teachers plan around the distractions. The voucher debate: Why Schams believes taxpayer money should go to public schools — or that private schools receiving public funds should follow the same rules. School funding: The impact of rising costs and a lack of new state funding on staffing, class sizes and programs. The budget surplus: How extra state money could help school districts, including rural communities. Student performance: La Crosse's reading scores and graduation rate, and why Schams says test scores don't tell the whole story. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Teaching elementary school during Halloween week isn't easy

  4. 6d ago

    Mac Kiel on dueling city administrator proposals, ending Flock in La Crosse

    Mac Kiel joins the show to preview the latest in La Crosse city government, including two competing proposals to create a city administrator — one from Mayor Shaundel Washington-Spivey and another from council members Aaron Newberry and Larry Sleznikow. The proposals take different approaches to who would oversee the administrator, how the position would work and whether voters could weigh in through a referendum. We also get into the city's decision to end its Flock camera contract, the questions that remain about the cost and what comes next, plus early discussions about a possible sauna and campground near Houska Park and the latest on a proposed public market. To start the show though, we have a little fun with Halloween coming up and what should and shouldn't go in your trick-or-treat bag. On the show: City administrator showdown: What separates the mayor's proposal from the council members' charter ordinance — and what happens next? Flock cameras: Public opposition helped push the city toward ending its contract, but questions remain about the costs and the future of license plate surveillance. City budget: The latest on the proposed property tax increase and the next opportunity for public input. Sauna and campground: La Crosse is considering an early-stage concept for a new city-run outdoor facility near Houska Park. Public market: A new feasibility study could help determine whether the idea makes sense for La Crosse. Kiel is a former La Crosse City Council member, who is an advocate for providing the public with what is happening with city government. She also serves on some city boards and works with the unsheltered population. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Mac Kiel on dueling city administrator proposals, ending Flock in La Crosse

  5. Oct 28

    Wisconsin politics, election security and the influence of billionaires

    With voters headed to the polls in just days, there could be drama that comes afterward — but not from the election results. Citizen Action Wisconsin executive director Robert Kraig joins, and warns that the Trump administration could intervene in the midterm elections by targeting ballots after voting ends — a scenario he says could threaten the ability to verify results in closely contested races, including Wisconsin’s 3rd U.S. House District. We also talked about what Democrats could accomplish if they win control of Wisconsin state government and how different those expectations compare to if Dems control Congress while Trump remains president. Kraig also draws a distinction between Trump using federal funding as political leverage — including threats involving veterans’ funding — and Democrats promising policies such as universal health care. We also get into campaign finance, including Elon Musk’s spending on Republicans compared with George Soros’ political contributions, elected officials trading stocks, and the policy changes Kraig wants to see in Wisconsin. Topics include: Election security: Kraig’s concerns about possible federal intervention involving ballots after the midterms, and what that could mean for Wisconsin’s 3rd U.S. House District. Tiffany and Donald Trump: How Tiffany is balancing his relationship with Trump against the political risks of having him campaign in Wisconsin. If Dems control Congress: What Democrats could do with Trump still in the White House, including investigations and oversight. Wisconsin Dems’ policy agenda: Health care, including a BadgerCare public option, child care, education and the minimum wage if Democrats win control of the governor’s office and Legislature. Political corruption: Kraig’s criticism of elected officials trading stocks, campaign finance practices and the need for more meaningful anti-corruption reforms. Elon vs. Soros: Why Kraig says billionaires shouldn’t have outsized political influence — and argues Musk is using his wealth to enrich himself. Energy costs and policy: Kraig’s criticism of the Trump administration’s approach to wind power and coal. Citizen Action Wisconsin: How the organization works through local organizing co-ops, including the Driftless Area Organizing Co-op, and its priorities for health care, wages, energy and democracy. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Wisconsin politics, election security and the influence of billionaires

  6. Oct 27

    From Braves to Brewers — Dan Kapanke on baseball in Milwaukee

    La Crosse Loggers co-owner Dan Kapanke has been a Milwaukee baseball fan — since listening to the Braves on WKTY radio as a kid working on his family's farm. Now, with the Brewers on the brink of their first World Series championship, Kapanke looks back at the 1957 Braves title, the heartbreak of 1982 and what makes this year's Brewers team different. Kapanke also shares stories from his time with Brewers manager Pat Murphy, including Murphy's unconventional approach to keeping players loose while holding them accountable. Plus, why the Brewers' old-school style of baseball is working, how the team has come together and what a championship would mean to Wisconsin fans after more than four decades of waiting. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    From Braves to Brewers — Dan Kapanke on baseball in Milwaukee

  7. Oct 27

    Zajkowski, Graham preview La Crosse YMCA Giving Day

    The La Crosse Area Family YMCA is aiming to raise $375,000 during its fifth annual Y Giving Day, with donations supporting 13 projects focused on food access, mental health, cancer survivorship and youth programs. Becca Zajkowski, director of development, and Kathleen Graham, volunteer and donor experience director, explain what those projects provide to the community — from delivering meals to people facing transportation barriers to supporting cancer survivors and veterans' mental health. The 36-hour fundraiser runs from noon Tuesday, Oct. 27, through 11:59 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 28. The YMCA also has several matching gift opportunities planned to help reach its goal. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Zajkowski, Graham preview La Crosse YMCA Giving Day

  8. Oct 23

    UW-L's Chergosky breaks down debates, plus threats against elected officials

    UW-La Crosse political science professor Dr. Anthony Chergosky in studio breaking down the Wisconsin governor’s debate between David Crowley and Tom Tiffany and the 3rd U.S. House District debate between Rebecca Cooke and Derrick Van Orden.  Which candidates helped themselves, which had awkward moments, and what did we learn about their positions on taxes, spending, guns and the 2020 election?  Chergosky also explains why the governor’s debate may have left voters wanting another round. Before that, though, we got into a growing concern for elected officials: threats against their safety and their families.  Madison Mayor Satya Rhodes-Conway says the threats have become a factor in her decision not to seek reelection. Van Orden has described death threats that led him to move his home. How widespread is the problem, and what can be done to hold people accountable without making things worse? We started the show with WIZM’s Brad Williams to talk about La Crosse Public Schools potential lawsuit against social media companies over claims their platforms are designed to be addictive. Williams also shares what he’s seeing on the campaign trail, with candidates and high-profile political figures making stops every day in the Coulee Region. Topic highlights: The governor’s debate: Why Chergosky thinks another debate — or a different format — could give voters a better look at Crowley and Tiffany. Crowley and the Democratic Socialists: Why Crowley struggled when asked which parts of Francesca Hong’s Democratic Socialist agenda he supports. Tiffany and the 2020 election: How his explanation involving Zuckerberg-funded election grants compares with the reasons he gave at the time for challenging the election results. Taxes and spending: Both candidates promise to fund Wisconsin’s priorities. Chergosky examines the unanswered questions about how they would make the numbers work. Cooke’s position on assault rifles: Why her debate answer stood out and prompted a response from Van Orden’s campaign. Van Orden’s answer on government: What his comments about becoming more disgusted with the federal government reveal about the challenges of getting legislation passed. Threats against elected officials: Why Rhodes-Conway says she won’t seek another term, Van Orden’s account of threats against his family, and the difficult question of how to hold perpetrators accountable. La Crosse Schools and social media: Brad Williams explains the potential lawsuit and the legal argument that social media companies designed addictive platforms. Williams on the campaign trail: Williams recounts a busy week of campaign appearances, including visits from members of the Trump administration and candidates running for statewide office. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    UW-L's Chergosky breaks down debates, plus threats against elected officials
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Ratings & Reviews

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About

Listener conversations about the days events in and around the La Crosse area. Weekdays from 5-6pm on WIZM 1410AM and 92.3FM

Information

  • Creator
    Rick Solem
  • Years Active
    2018 - 2026
  • Episodes
    1.7K
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 WIZM
  • Show Website
    La Crosse Talk PM WIZM

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