La Crosse Talk PM WIZM

La Crosse teachers’ union president Jill Schams in studio discussing how political groups like theirs needs to be, how things might be different without Act 10 and her thoughts on historic status of district buildings. Schams, who’s president of the La Crosse Education Association, also talks about the school cellphone ban, new names and mascots for the new and renovated elementary schools, and staffing as the district consolidates buildings.  We spent most of our time, though, on politics on various topics. Generally, though, just how schools, teachers and students are all affected by what happens in Madison and Washington, DC., and how teacher groups, union groups and school districts need to navigate those waters. That discussion includes a look at Act 10, which could be struck down by the Wisconsin Supreme Court, and how things might be different without it. There is also the matter of the $600 million deal struck by three retiring politicians in the state for education funding and how details are needed to take a stance. In terms of direct La Crosse School District issues, Schams is asked about potential complications that come with buildings getting historic status. When Logan Middle School closed, it was deemed historic after the fact, and the same thing is happening with Emerson Elementary, which will close after next school year. The Lincoln building is still going through a selling process years later, and the district is currently fighting historic status for Emerson.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

City council president Tamra Dickinson in studio helping discuss regulating e-bikes, defining downtown, and the missing public meeting on city admin while the public hears about pools and Pearl Street. We open the show though with a quick nugget about why United Airlines is delaying flights between La Crosse and Chicago until October. We also talked quick about filling city committee roles and whether to consolidate some of those meetings. The two big topics though were about the council meeting Thursday over e-bike regulations, which deal somewhat with whether Riverside Park is part of downtown (because you can't bike on sidewalks downtown).  After that, Dickinson was asked where the city administrator conversation is happening. While the city conducts public meetings on a potential indoor aquatics center and a new look for Pearl Street downtown, nothing has come on city administrator — which has been a focal point of city government talks for two years.  Also, with the city council having intensive conversations in committee and at monthly meetings over the budget, we talked about how a city administrator might facilitate those talks. We also hit on the council having final say on historic status of buildings, including Emerson Elementary School, the city cutting down trees on Rose Street, Drift Cycle spots on the north side.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mac Kiel in studio helping break down what’s happening in La Crosse city government, including a look at e-bike regulation and why the seems to be no city administrator conversation, while we’re conducing pool and Pearl Street meetings. First, though, Kiel talks a bit about the Finance and Personnel Committee meeting’s discussing Thursday about the budget. Kiel talks about how the council had some good questions for the finance director on why the city puts its budget together the way it does. This was a topic last year, as the city scrambled to balance the budget and talked about the same dilemma with the order it’s constructed. After that, we weaved a city administrator conversation into the public meetings the city is having surrounding the potential building of a $30 million indoor aquatics facility and the other public meeting about a new vision for Pearl Street downtown. Lastly, we talked about the Judiciary and Administrative Committee’s look at what could be considered regulation or deregulation when it comes to e-bikes and e-scooters. It’s illegal to bike in Riverside Park? That was one part of the conversation.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sam Scinta wears a few different hats in the Coulee Region. He’s the CEO of the La Crosse Area Chamber of Commerce. He's a political science professor at both UW-La Crosse and Viterbo, where he's also involved with servant leadership. So, naturally, we brought Scinta on the Rick Solem Show to spend most of our time talking about ... movies? It'll make sense when you listen, but we did eventually wrap up with the state of the Chamber. Scinta co-hosts the Civics and Cinema program that's been going on the past two years at the Rivoli Theatre. Along with Dr. Rick Kyte — director of the D.B. Reinhart Institute for Ethics in Leadership — the two invite the public to come watch a historical movie, followed by a group discussion about its impact. Scinta sees the series as a way to step back from the current political noise and use classic films to talk about the fundamental building blocks of a healthy community. It’s less about a current events Q&A and more about a shared experience in a dark theater that gets people thinking about our civic responsibilities in a different way. This month, they'll be watching the 1976 Watergate classic, All the President’s Men. We talked why Hollywood doesn't really make "adult" movies — Scinta's word — like this anymore — films that drive real conversation. The screening will happen at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday at the Rivoli. The cost is $5 and 100% of the proceeds go back to local nonprofits. We did wrap up the conversation by getting into what exactly the Chamber of Commerce is and who is actually involved. Scinta admits it’s a bit of a "mystical entity" to some, but it's really a network that includes thousands of local employees — from the big corporations down to the one-man shops and even college students. We also hit on the "big three" issues the Chamber is looking at right now, like the push for a city administrator in La Crosse and how the region is going to handle the "demographic cliff" and keep young talent in the area.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We learn a little bit about Parkinson's Disease and how to stave it off with Bri Holden. She's the program coordinator at the Star Center in La Crosse. The Center has its 4th Annual Parkinson's Walk and Awareness event from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. Saturday at Myrick Park in La Crosse. Holden talks to us a little bit about the disease, which isn't curable, and how to fight it off through exercise — which is exactly what they do at the Star Center. Click here for info and to take part in Saturday's event, which will feature a 1-mile walk, along with food trucks, live music, exercise demonstrations, resource booths and children's activities.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ingrid Lyons, executive director of Save the Boundary Waters, joined to talk about a renewed mining threat to the pristine wilderness area that encompasses 1.1 million acres in northern Minnesota. We start off with the unique landscape of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness and the new dilemma with a foreign mining company (Antofagasta/Twin Metals) wanting to mine upstream. Lyons explains the havoc that sulfide-ore mining wreaks on the region and the irony of branding it a "national security" project when the extracted minerals are destined for China. Next, how we got here: Republicans leveraged a legislative tool that previously had never been used to overturn a mineral withdrawal — the Congressional Review Act (CRA) — to undo a 20-year protection order put in place in 2023. Then Republicans in the U.S. Senate and U.S. House (with only one exception) passed the legislation and President Donald Trump signed it into law last week — essentially throwing out 675,000 public comments overwhelmingly against mining the area and years of scientific study pointing to its ill effects. Lastly, we try to understand the end game, because very little of this will benefit the U.S. or Minnesota — and maybe not even the mining company. Lyons addresses whether the project is even economically viable, noting it doesn't appear to benefit the Chilean billionaire's company directly since they have zero-dollar smelting contracts to send those minerals to China.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

State Assembly Rep. Tara Johnson in studio discussing whether Wisconsin should get into the gerrymandering wars, ways to better communicate with constituents and some of the dilemmas she’s hearing from those in her district. We started the show discussing outreach — holding office hours, hosting town halls and other ways to reach constituents. That conversation started because Johnson has put 70,000 miles on her car, including hosting town halls throughout the state on her proposal for a BadgerCare public option. After that, we got into some of the issues she’s hearing, including one that’s a big off the radar but relatable to the housing crisis happening everywhere — outside entities are coming into Wisconsin, buying up mobile home parks and jacking up the rent and utilities.  The second half of the show dealt a bit with the gerrymandering wars, as Republican states are changing their voting maps and stopping elections in the middle of voting, while Democratic states are going to the polls and asking voters if they want to change their maps. An issue started by Donald Trump telling Texas Republicans to change their voting maps.  Johnson was asked multiple times if she would be in favor of changing voting maps if things kept getting worse for Democrats. In Wisconsin, politicians who control the Legislature decide how the maps are drawn but Gov. Tony Evers called a special election a month ago to change this process to a nonpartisan voting commission. Though Republicans have gaveled in and immediately out of all 13 prior Evers’ special elections, this one remains open. And Johnson talks about where she stands on the issue. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

One of the biggest events that happens in La Crosse every year is going to remain a staple of the city through the year 2034. The WIAA and UW-L worked out its longest deal ever, eight years, to keep the state track and field meet here. La Crosse is always looking to expand the types of events it can host but state track has been a staple since the early 1990s. But, recently we've seen the addition of the WIAA state team wrestling meet in town, as well as other regional and national events. Helping bring those events to the region is Explore La Crosse. Jeremiah Burish is the sports sales director there. He joined to help discuss getting the state track deal done, what other events could be in the works — like potential bids for state gymnastics or cross country — and some of the high-profile competitions coming to the area. That includes a massive showcase later this month, as UW-La Crosse prepares to host the NCAA Division III Outdoor Track & Field National Championships at Roger Harring Stadium from May 21–23, and the La Crosse Center will host the DIII wrestling championships next year.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

From A New Hope to The Mandalorian, it's a Star Wars day on this May the 4th with Rivoli Theatre co-owners Jon and Clara Gelatt in studio. What's your first Star Wars memory? Did mom also throw all your toys away? Are the old movies still the best? Is the Star Wars universe oversaturated thanks to Disney?  The Rivoli is playing A New Hope at 5 p.m. and 7:40 p.m. with discounts for those who dress up or bring their lightsabers. The night will feature specialty drinks — perhaps some blue milk — and preshow trivia. A New Hope will also play through Thursday. Aside from Star Wars, we wrapped up the show looking ahead to a massive month at the Rivoli including: May 9 — The Greatest Showman: Sing and Dance Along! May 12 — Civics and Cinema Presents: All the President's Men, that will include a discussion following the movie led by political scientist Dr. Sam Scinta and Viterbo's Dr. Rick Kyte. March 18 — Kings of Kubb: about the Nordic lawn game. The night will feature documentary Upper Midwest Emmy Award filmmakers B.J. Hollars and Steve Dayton for a brief Q&A following the showing.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Todd Fergot joined to talk about the big role he was just awarded, becoming the executive director of the Wisconsin Basketball Coaches Association and some their priorities, like implementing a shot clock and expanding the state tournament. Fergot has been the boys basketball coach at Central High in La Crosse for 22 years and that’s not changing. But he now takes over this statewide organization that oversees both boys and girls basketball. We talk the WBCA’s big priorities, including the positives and negatives around implementing a 35-second shot clock, what it means to expand the state tournament and getting participation back up in girls basketball. Along with state tournament expansion, we also talked about the idea of playing at other venues, like Lambeau Field or the Brewers stadium.  Fergot noted part of the deal to take on the WBCA role was to remain coach at Central and we discuss some of his legacy there, like getting to state six times, winning and losing titles and coaching players like Johnny Davis, who was taken No. 10 in the NBA draft. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's not often you randomly go to interview someone and learn she's the wife of your old high school coach, but that's just what happened in talking with Stephanie Hauser. Not only is she the WIAA's executive director, but her husband is my old basketball coach from Hortonville High School. But we skipped right over how much Dave Hauser may have yelled at me in gym class and immediately had to talk about their son, Sam Hauser, who's a starter for the Boston Celtics, an NBA champion and one of the best 3-point shooters in the league. Then we talked about their daughter Nicki Hauser being an assistant volleyball coach at Missouri, which is playing Nebraska at Wrigley Field this fall. After that, we got into some WIAA business, including keeping state track and field at UW-La Crosse through 2034 — an eight-year deal and one of the longest deals they've ever done. Before we discussed that deal — which she told me after the podcast (because she was off on her figures at the end) is for $145,000 a year — we talked about my idea to have state football at Lambeau Field or state baseball at the Brewers stadium.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The director of "sin" tax — or excise taxes — joins to talk about the effects of a gas tax holiday, what Wisconsin gains and is missing out on with legalizing sports betting and marijuana, plus Adam Hoffer is on a mission to walk every street in the city of La Crosse. We start with the definition of sin or excise tax, and why Hoffer views the gas tax differently as a "user fee" for road maintenance. We then examine calls Hoffer has been taking at the Tax Foundation lately about a gas tax holiday, and what that could mean to our road infrastructure when nearly every dollar of that tax is funneled directly into transportation budgets. After that, we discuss Hoffer’s walking tour and his goal to cover all 250 miles of city streets, plus how he leads the Emerson Elementary students to school on Wednesdays. The conversation then turns to the proposed indoor aquatic center at the Northside Community Pool site, as the first of five public meetings was happening just after we recorded. Hoffer, who sat on the UW-La Crosse Faculty Senate during the construction of the $49 million field house, offers perspective on potential funding hurdles, recalling how a single bid jump added $6 million to that project's bottom line. Lastly, we break down Wisconsin’s legalization of sports gambling and the tens of millions in windfall the state could see, as well as how much it loses by not legalizing marijuana — as all of Wisconsin's neighbors move toward established legal markets.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

La Crosse’s housing crisis is a multi-front battle involving soaring rents, stagnant inventory, and a lack of available homes. To highlight these challenges and explore potential solutions, Natalie Heneghan, community outreach director at Habitat for Humanity of the Greater La Crosse Region, joined us in studio to preview Housing Week. From the drivers behind high rent to the struggles of local builders and the city’s pending zoning code updates, Heneghan broke down the upcoming seminar schedule. Before diving into the policy, we recapped the impact of last weekend’s Neighbor’s Day and then turned our attention to the unique culture at Habitat La Crosse. The organization is powered by a team of 12 — 11 of whom are women. Then there’s Ralph, the dog. We talked about the dynamic of being a women-led organization and Ralph’s official role on the website: “Director of First Impressions.” we spoke with Heneghan regarding the Heritage Preservation Commission’s recent vote to grant historic designation to Emerson Elementary School. The seven-member commission voted in favor of the designation, with Heneghan and Mackenzie Mindel casting the only two “no” votes. The school is slated to close after the next academic year. The school district is currently fighting the historic status, arguing that the designation will restrict future redevelopment options for the site.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

WKTY's Grant Bilse from the Wisco Sports Show joins and we debate the Dem Debate. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Viterbo political science professor, Dr. Keith Knutson in studio, talking Trump's impeachment, Ron Kind and Bucks-Lakers? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The aftermath of talking about the Donald Trump impeachment inquiry.  But, also talked about how volleyball courts, not tennis courts, would suit La Crosse's needs, as the city looks to build on the south side. Giannis had another triple-double but not as sweet as Shaq's back in 1993. And, Gov. Tony Evers vetoed a bill that very much needed to be vetoed, dealing with violent sex offenders. Why are we trying to let them live closer to schools?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Is the Green Island Ice Arena getting torn down for tennis courts? Rick Ruins everything. And why is Donald Trump blocking people on Twitter. The courts have ruled on whether he can or not.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The day after the Fourth.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We saved a duck and her six ducklings. Rick gives the play by play, as the humane society comes downtown to save a duck who put her nest in a planter outside our studio. Also, fireworks stories - some funny, some not so much.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dave rips on Rick and then plays word association with WIZM's newest Ag reporter, Kaitlyn Riley.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Pope weighs in on whether priests should divulge information from confessions if it has to do with harming others. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Rick is joined with Mid-West Family Broadcasting's newest edition, Kaitlyn Riley. She talks about her life growing up on a farm, her time as "Alice in Dairyland" for the state of Wisconsin, and what she'll be doing over with Phil Costigan on KQ98, as well as here on WIZM. Oh, and we also introduced her to some clips from somewhat regular callers: Eric from Sparta and Mary.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Social media, Mike's good and bad. Also, Mary hates on Rick and debating Tremp. Tom on the lame-duck sessions Republicans used to change the rules in Wisconsin.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There's a great story about how Sea Otters eat lumped into how plastics are destroying the earth, which should be a problem. It's not. Why aren't these things problems we worry about?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hayes and Rick talk a little about their dads. Then funding for things like the La Crosse Center and how it gets paid for.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Talking about your pets. And Rick's pets. Also, the roads are being fixed, so let's complain about road construction.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Talking the Mueller Report with Viterbo University political scientist Keith Knutson.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mexican tariffs are going to increase the cost of your JEANS. Also, people aren't moving anymore, for various reasons -- like financial instability but also to stay close to family.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

State track is coming.  Do you go to the doctor? An interview with Grant Golson and the Penguin Project at the La Crosse Community Theatre.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dave running solo on the day after Memorial Day See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Bring on solar farms and wind farms ... unless it's in my backyard?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Rick is joined by Viterbo political scientist, Keith Knutson --- talking Wisconsin gerrymandering and the Mueller Report.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mike Maier hosts, trying to fire up the left, the right and the middle.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mike Maier in for a free-for-all Friday on the precursor to rainy, icy snowstorm of weekend.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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