Newsmakers: Recent Episodes
Wisconsin Public Radio
"Newsmakers" is a weekly news and current affairs talk show produced by WPR's La Crosse News Bureau. Interviews on the program explore politics, education, the environment and other regional issues relevant to southwest Wisconsin and adjacent portions of Minnesota and Iowa. The program airs Fridays at 10 a.m. on The Ideas Network 90.3 La Crosse, with repeat broadcast Fridays at 7 p.m. on NPR News & Music 88.9 La Crosse.
For some fifty years, radio listeners in the greater La Crosse area have heard in-depth discussions on important public affairs topics on “Newsmakers,” first on UW-La Crosse’s radio station WLSU, […]
A new production at the Commonweal Theatre in Lanesboro, Minnesota is bringing attention to the plight of the modern military service veteran. From Commonweal’s online description of “Ugly Lies the […]
With Hospital Sisters Health System (HSHS) closing both Sacred Heart (Eau Claire) and St. Joseph’s (Chippewa Falls) hospitals and Prevea health centers in Western Wisconsin also closing, business and healthcare leaders are scrambling to fill the gaps. Today on “Newsmakers,” David Minor, President and CEO of the Eau Claire Area Chamber of Commerce, talks with […]
In this episode of Newsmakers, we’re talking about multiple aspects of the ongoing challenge of finding affordable housing. First, why is it so hard for many in the Driftless Area to afford a home to rent or buy? Guests from Habitat for Humanity and Extension La Crosse County are among those participating in an upcoming […]
In southwestern Wisconsin, two basketball teams are getting ready for their spring season. But the teams are not bitter rivals. In fact, many of the players are friends. And unlike the March Madness action currently occupying TV and mobile screens, these players participate in a gentler version of the sport. In this “Newsmakers” conversation, host […]
In June, the Wisconsin-based High School Racing Association will be off to the races for their fourth season. The Association allows high school students to get behind the wheel of a real stock car and race in authentic, sanctioned events at local tracks in Wisconsin and Illinois. That includes tracks in La Crosse and Tomah […]
The UniverCity alliance is a program that marshals the research capacity of UW-Madison students in service of the unique needs of cities, counties, villages, townships and others across the state of Wisconsin. The Alliance has helped some communities learn how government bodies can operate more efficiently, and others determine how to address needs like childcare […]
A new resource aimed at providing information about behavioral health is now available, following an eight-year project funded by the Advancing a Healthier Wisconsin Endowment. Joining us to talk about it are Diana DiazGranados, Project Director of Better Together in La Crosse County; and Catherine Kolkmeier, Executive Director of the La Crosse Medical Health Science […]
A planned addition to the Terry Errickson branch of the Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater La Crosse will provide area youth access to important workforce readiness skills. The project is slated to break ground in the summer of 2024. Brian Fukuda is the Director of Workforce Readiness for the Boys and Girls Clubs of […]
The Enduring Families Project uses dramatic monologues, short films and other means to bring to life the stories of Black people who lived in the La Crosse area in the second half of the 19th century. Denise Christy is the organization’s producer and co-founder. She and her team will be depicting several characters at a […]
Langston Hughes was an American poet and activist known as a key figure in the Harlem Renaissance of the 1920s and 1930s. Among his later works was an epic poem called “Ask Your Mama: 12 Moods for Jazz.” An effort to compose musical accompaniment to the poem, following Hughes’s own written instructions, has been led […]
Members of the Coon Creek Community Watershed Council join “Newsmakers” host Ezra Wall to raise awareness of the importance of maintaining a healthy watershed. The Council says farmers, recreators and government entities all have a role to play in protecting it. They also talk about a new proposal that would decommission some of the dams […]
The Coon Creek Watershed was established 90 years ago, becoming a conservation model throughout Wisconsin and beyond.
Mr. Blink, a La Crosse band with more than 30 years behind them, has won a WAMI award for their new album, "Shine."
La Crosse native and New York-based jazz pianist Dave Marck returns home for his annual free concert at Viterbo University.
Addiction recovery help is available. One advocate recommends La Crosse area residents call 2-1-1 for assistance.
Schizophrenia is a chronic and severe brain disorder that interferes with the ability to think, feel and behave clearly. Shereen Siewert welcomes Stevens Point author Kenneth Farmer, a retired public defender and prosecutor to discuss his new book, Lee.
Hosts Maureen McCollum and Omar Granados join us to talk about "WPR Reports: Uprooted." The award-winning podcast tells the story of Cuban refugees who settled in the La Crosse area.
Larry Sebranek, Dan Sebranek and Larry Liebl talk about this year's Larryfest - the 26th.
Today we're talking with The Shovelmen of Sparta. And later, season three of "Cooking with Bao."
Lawmakers in Wisconsin are trying for the second time to pass legislation that would allow residents enrolled in the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program to become law enforcement officers in the state, a bipartisan proposal that is seeing significant support from police.
A conversation about how the La Crosse area community serves people living with disabilities.
A local power company is asking the Public Service Commission for permission to raise its rates again this coming January. But will the rate hike be approved? And will the public have a chance to weigh in before it is? We’re talking about that today on Newsmakers. Then, we’ll revisit a conversation with art historian Jo Artel, who wrote about and worked with the late Wisconsin artist, Truman T. Lowe.
A Wisconsin Veterans Museum’s traveling exhibit program pays tribute to the 1,161 men and women of the state officially listed on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C., going above and beyond by putting a face to the names listed on the wall.
A conversation about how the La Crosse area community serves people living with disabilities.
Looking back on the career of local theater director, professor and advocate Mary Leonard. UWL and Viterbo University students and members of the greater La Crosse community are auditioning for roles in Rogers and Hammerstein's "Cinderella."
Newsmakers plays and interview between "Route 51" host Shereen Siewert in which she welcomes Vera Klekovkina, UW-Stevens Point associate professor of world languages and literatures, and Cary Elza, UW-Stevens Point associate professor of media studies, for an exploration into the world of artificial intelligence, its processes and its implications for the future.
The show features an interview with Jay Rothman, the University of Wisconsin System president and conversations about sexual violence and domestic partner violence.
"Newsmakers" looks at resources available to older adults looking for ways to thrive in our community.
A discussion about phase two of the UW-La Crosse’s Prairie Springs Science Center project.
Today on Newsmakers we’re taking a closer look at our area’s OWI Treatment Courts, a system of courts that offer court supervised treatment programs for people with multiple alcohol-related driving infractions. We’re talking to Judge Elliott Levine, who oversees the program in La Crosse county, and two coordinators from La Crosse and Monroe counties. Then we’ll talk to a graduate of the treatment court who has found his way back into society, helping others with drug and alcohol problems.
A conversation about the next phase of the City of La Crosse's "Forward La Crosse" plan.
An exploration of the 100th Anniversary of a La Crosse area ski jumping club and a conversation about winter birding.
A repeat of the conversation about a new partnership between the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse and the J.F. Brennan Company that originally aired on Nov. 18, 2022.
This week, "Newsmakers" is looking at food insecurity in the Coulee Region. First, we’ll talk about what’s available through government programs like FoodShare . Then, find out how the WAFER Food Pantry is helping hungry households this holiday season.
Rick Reyer welcomes Michael “Laughing Fox” Charette to share his music and the stories in the oral tradition of the Anishinaabe, also known as Ojibwe, that have been passed down for generations.
A conversation about a new partnership between the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse and the J.F. Brennan Company.
A conversation about a new partnership between the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse and the J.F. Brennan Company.
An interview with members of a local group aimed at helping displaced Ukrainians settle in the area.
Conversations with candidate Drad Pfaff-D, Onalaska, (3rd U.S. Congressional District), Elizabeth Riley-D, Hayward, (87th Wisconsin Assembly), and Wisconsin U.S. Senate Race coverage by Rich Kremer
Newsmakers talks about how you can get involved in climate change activism in the La Crosse area.
State Assembly incumbent Loren Oldenburg, a Republican, debates Democratic candidate Jayne Swiggum in a debate hosted by the La Crosse Debate Coalition, which includes WPR's "Newsmakers."
Ho-Chunk sculptor Truman T. Lowe has the fine arts center at the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse dedicated in his honor. Candidates for the 91st State Assembly District were invited to be interviewed.
Ezra Wall hosts conversations about independent bookstores and an all-ages concert venue. This show is a repeat from the spring.
Newsmakers talks about how you can get involved in climate change activism in the La Crosse area.
Two Republicans are on the show before the Aug. 9 primary. The founder of a youth development organization speaks with Ezra Wall.
This week on Newsmakers, we hear from Habitat for Humanity of the La Crosse Area. They’re looking for the next new Habitat homeowners. Find out how you can apply. Then, two southwestern Wisconsin Democrats are running for their party’s nomination in the 96th State Assembly district. We’ll hear from Jayne Swiggum and Mark Fritsche.
WPR hosts a debate between Democratic Party primary candidates Rebecca Cooke, Deb McGrath, Mark A. Neumann and Brad Pfaff.
(Encore) We discuss the large-scale hog farm planned for Crawford County on today’s “Newsmakers” program, after it was recently approved by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. Host Ezra Wall speaks with Howard “AV” Roth, owner of Roth Feeder Pig, Inc., on this plan to build a second concentrated animal feeding operation, or CAFO, that will house 8,160 swine. The facility will generate around 9.4 million gallons of manure and wastewater each year. Wall is also joined by Forest Jahnke of the Crawford Stewardship Project, who talks about the concerns of many that the CAFO will negatively affect air quality, groundwater and waters within the Kickapoo River Watershed. We then hear from Peter Cameron, Managing Editor of The Badger Project, who discusses a report on Wisconsin’s 3rd Congressional District since completion of redistricting in the state. With the upcoming retirement of Democratic Congressman Ron Kind, who held the district for 25 years, Cameron shares the current outlook as the election approaches.
Today on “Newsmakers,” we learn about the advocacy services of New Horizons Shelter and Outreach Centers in La Crosse and Trempealeau County. Host Ezra Wall speaks with Executive Director Ann Kappauf about the troubling statistics of abuse, accessing help when needed, and how the organization is highlighting support of the LGBTQ+ community during pride month. Next, we continue our new ‘Meet the Mayor’ series as Wall is joined by Sparta Mayor Kevin Riley. Riley shares many interesting aspects that make the small town unique, including having the oldest ‘rails to trails’ path in the country with the 32+ mile Elroy-Sparta State Trail. We then hear from members of the La Crosse Juneteenth Planning Committee ahead of this year’s celebration taking place Saturday, June 18, at Riverside Park. Wall speaks with Shaundel Spivey of Black Leaders Acquiring Collective Knowledge and Mia Davis of Black Student Leaders about the history of Juneteenth and what to expect at this year’s celebration.
As June gets underway, we celebrate Pride month on this week’s “Newsmakers” program. Host Ezra Wall is joined by the Executive Director of ‘The Center: 7 Rivers LGBTQ Connection’ advocacy organization in La Crosse. They discuss the mission and work of The Center as well as upcoming pride related events, including a family picnic on June 11. Wall also speaks with the organizer of Lake Pepin Pride Celebration in the Park, taking place June 11. This is the second annual Pride event for the small Stockholm, Wisconsin community of 79 residents. We then learn about several awards received by the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse Theatre Department for its production “Severe Clear: September 11 from Memory to History.” We hear audio from last October’s interview with those involved with the original documentary drama written by UWL students and faculty.
As the warmer weather leads to summer, this week’s “Newsmakers” show features several area communities about to kick-off their annual concerts in the park series. Host Ezra Wall speaks with the Co-founder of Moon Tunes La Crosse, as they announce 10 years since the first series began at Riverside Park. We then hear from Sparta Chamber’s Executive Director about what to expect at this year’s “Concerts in the Park" downtown, and organizers with Vernon County’s “Music in the Park” series, which begins Wednesday, June 1 at Sidie Hollow Park. That series also includes concerts at Esofea Park, and organizers mention other outdoor concerts planned for this summer in Viroqua.
We discuss the large-scale hog farm planned for Crawford County on today’s “Newsmakers” program, after it was recently approved by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. Host Ezra Wall speaks with Howard “AV” Roth, owner of Roth Feeder Pig, Inc., on this plan to build a second concentrated animal feeding operation, or CAFO, that will house 8,160 swine. The facility will generate around 9.4 million gallons of manure and wastewater each year. Wall is also joined by Forest Jahnke of the Crawford Stewardship Project, who talks about the concerns of many that the CAFO will negatively affect air quality, groundwater and waters within the Kickapoo River Watershed. We then hear from Peter Cameron, Managing Editor of The Badger Project, who discusses a report on Wisconsin’s 3rd Congressional District since completion of redistricting in the state. With the upcoming retirement of Democratic Congressman Ron Kind, who held the district for 25 years, Cameron shares the current outlook as the election approaches.
This week on “Newsmakers,” we hear from U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin as she spends the day in La Crosse. Baldwin joins host Ezra Wall to discuss plans to help residents in the area respond to PFAS contamination in local drinking water sources, particularly in the town of Campbell. Then, we discuss getting outdoors and enjoying nature with silent sports, including hiking and paddling. Wall speaks with guests from ORA Trails about their trail restoration and other work. We are also joined by the owner of La Crosse’s Island Outdoors shop, located right on the water and renting canoes, kayaks, water bikes and more on French Island. Wall then talks to paddler Bobbi Rathert (pictured), who is about to kayak the entire length of the Mississippi River in a benefit called ‘Paddling for Hope.’ The effort will raise awareness and funds for Hope Restores, a La Crosse nonprofit advocacy group aimed at empowering the African American community.
Today on “Newsmakers,” we speak with officials from the city of La Crosse to discuss homelessness, and also the new Forward La Crosse future planning campaign and process. Our guests include La Crosse Mayor Mitch Reynolds, Homeless Services Coordinator Brian Sampson, and Tim Acklin, La Crosse Planning Administrator. We then hear about the annual La Crosse River Cleanup Day from Russ Wilson, Co-chair of the planning committee, and how to become involved with the event scheduled for Saturday, May 7.
We celebrate Independent Bookstore Day on today’s “Newsmakers” program by speaking with the owners of Driftless Books and Music in Viroqua, Paperbacks and Pieces in Winona, and acknowledging Pearl Street Books La Crosse. Guests join host Ezra Wall to discuss the annual recognition, Saturday, April 30, as a one-day national party in independent bookstores across the country to recognize and celebrate their uniqueness and importance. They also share how they each got started and what plans they have in store (literally) moving forward. Next, Wall speaks with musicians and organizers of the annual Mid West Music Festival in Winona, April 29 and 30. We hear from Dylan Hilliker, executive director of the festival, and performing musicians Luke Callen, formerly of La Crosse, and Siri Undlin of Humbird. They share what it was like to live in Minneapolis during the 2020 social justice uprisings, and how resulting deep self-reflection impacted their creativity.
This week on “Newsmakers,” we hear from guests involved in the 2022 Holocaust Remembrance event on April 28, at the Congregation Sons of Abraham in La Crosse. Show host Ezra Wall speaks with Rabbi Brian Serle, who will lead the service at the synagogue, and Olena Belka (pictured), a native of Ukraine, who will be honored at the event. A La Crosse resident of eight years, Belka helps coordinate the Ukraine Food Relief Campaign in response to the ongoing war there. We then honor Earth Day in a conversation with Casey Meehan and Carrie Thompson, both with the Sustainability Institute La Crosse. They share details with Wall on this year’s Earth Fair celebration in Myrick Park on Sunday, April 24. The discussion includes year-round efforts to help mitigate climate change and why it’s so important.
We hear from three different area Habitat for Humanity organizations on this week’s “Newsmakers” program. Host Ezra Wall speaks with executive directors from locations in La Crosse, Winona, and Adams/Juneau County about their efforts to assist with the ongoing housing crisis, including associated discount home-improvement Re-Stores. They also discuss recent news of the large transformational donation from philanthropist MacKenzie Scott to Habitat for Humanity International, and 83 U.S. Habitat affiliate organizations, including La Crosse. Next, Wall speaks with multi-disciplinary artist Akiko Ostlund (pictured) about her work examining how racism is normalized in daily life. Ostlund is the current Artist in Residence for Lanesboro Arts in southeast Minnesota. Also joining the discussion is Melissa Wray, program director for Lanesboro Arts.
Two uniquely different La Crosse youth centers are featured this week on our “Newsmakers” program. Host Ezra Wall speaks with the founder and executive director of The Good Fight Community Center, providing at-risk youth with hope, encouragement, and a safe environment to develop personal goals. We also hear from the center’s program coordinator and how her involvement eventually led to an opportunity to join the staff. Wall then talks to founding executive director of the Warehouse, an all-ages no alcohol concert venue that opened its doors over 30 years ago in the historic district of downtown La Crosse. Joining the conversation is also one of the Warehouse Alliance Board members. Next, enjoy listening to the world premiere of “Stella Teegarden,” a work for choir and percussion by Estonian composer Urmas Sisask, and performed last month by the University of Wisconsin-Superior Music Department. Percussionist and professor Brent Jones tells WPR “Simply Superior” host Robin Washington of the significance of the work, which is presented on the program in full.
Today on “Newsmakers,” host Ezra Wall welcomes guests to speak about a new center named in honor of Sister Thea Bowman. A Canton, Mississippi native, Sister Thea came to La Crosse in the 1950s to join the Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration and eventually became one of the leading voices for Black Catholicism in America. Wall speaks with ValLimar Jansen, a nationally recognized singer and composer who portrays Thea Bowman in a theatrical performance taking place April 5 at Viterbo University. Also joining the discussion is Sister Laura Nettles, assistant professor of religious studies at Viterbo. Then, find out what’s going on this spring at the National Eagle Center in Wabasha, Minnesota. Wall speaks with Ed Hahn, marketing director for the center, who lets us know about the spring program series happening weekends throughout April and May for an opportunity to learn about raptors from experts.
This week on “Newsmakers,” we discuss the decline of farmland in Wisconsin. Host Ezra Wall speaks with guests from the U.S. Dept. of Agriculture’s Wisconsin field office, the Wisconsin Farmer’s Union, and the Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation. They discuss what factors are at play and what the outlook is moving forward. We then hear about the upcoming “Take Back the Night” event in La Crosse, designed to raise awareness and support survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault. Wall speaks with Tom Berkedal of LevelUP, and event guest speaker Kyle Richard, a former college athlete who was shot while intervening in a sexual assault. The march and rally take place on Tuesday, March 29, at 8 p.m. at UW-La Crosse’s Mitchell Hall.
We discuss water quality and flood mitigation on our “Newsmakers” program today. Host Ezra Wall first speaks with guests about an upcoming symposium in La Crosse called ‘What’s in our Drinking Water.’ The discussion includes how issues of pollution are impacting water, and a ballot initiative which puts water quality front and center. Wall then speaks with the director of the Monroe County Land Conservation Department on efforts taking place to mitigate flooding in our area, including weather stations that have been installed, and how funds from the recent infrastructure law will further help.
On today’s “Newsmakers” program, we speak with guests about the “Human Rights Policing” certification course available through UW-La Crosse Graduate & Extended Learning. Host Ezra Wall speaks with course creator and instructor, Peter Marina (pictured), a UWL associate professor of sociology and criminal justice, and his father Pedro Marina, a retired lieutenant with the New Orleans Police Department. The course is designed to build compassion among police officers and address systemic issues in policing by training law enforcement to uphold each person’s human rights. Wall then speaks with two La Crosse area police sergeants who’ve completed the class and share their experiences.
This week on “Newsmakers,” we hear from guests about the City of La Crosse’s Climate Action Plan 2022. Host Ezra Wall speaks with several guests, including two city officials and the consultant helping to shape the vision. We also learn about opportunities for community input. Plus, Wall talks with Jess Reed, executive director with the Historic Temple Theatre in Viroqua, on the theatre’s first show in two years coming up March 11. Reed shares how the last two years have been and the excitement of welcoming back the same popular group from Ireland, We Banjo 3, that was also the last band to perform March 13, 2020 as things shut down due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
We hear from contributing authors of a new book titled Hope Is the Thing: Wisconsinites on Perseverance in a Pandemic on today’s “Newsmakers” program. Host Ezra Wall speaks with the editor, an associate professor of English at UW-Eau Claire, and how his call for contributing writers resulted in one hundred essays and poems gathered. We also hear from several La Crosse area and beyond writers who read excerpts of their contributions. They each share experiences of their own reflection as they explored hope in the era of COVID-19. This program is an encore repeat broadcast.
We welcome guests from La Crosse’s Enduring Families Project on our “Newsmakers” program this week. Host Ezra Wall speaks with four involved actors, including producer Denise Christy, who cofounded the theatre project involving a public school-based educational program and community-based historical reenactments. With the support of La Crosse County Historical Society, the Enduring Families Project presents positive portrayals of the contributions, struggles and perseverance of early non-white settlers.
We feature La Crosse’s Winter Roots Festival on our “Newsmakers” program this week. Host Ezra Wall speaks with guests involved with organizing and performing at the event taking place Saturday, Feb. 12 at the La Crosse Center. We also hear from members of the Driftless Makers Exchange, as they share details on their artistry and wares which will be available during the festival.
This week on “Newsmakers,” it’s part two of our two-part series on bees. We speak with a conservation biologist from the Wisconsin DNR about the hundreds of native bees in our state, including where they nest and how to help them thrive and prevent decline. We also hear from the agriculture educator with UW-Extension La Crosse who discusses pollinator friendly plants and tips for your gardening and landscaping. Joining the discussion as well is the Executive Director of The Prairie Enthusiasts, who shares what the organization is all about and how their work can positively impact bees. We also hear about their upcoming annual conference “Inspired by Resilience,” which takes place online Feb. 16-19.
It’s a discussion all about honeybees on our “Newsmakers” program this week. We hear from area beekeepers involved with the Wisconsin Honey Producers Association, including one who is teaching an upcoming class in Holmen. We are also joined by a Wisconsin state apiary inspector who discusses the apiary program and what services are available to benefit interested beekeepers. Host Ezra Wall then speaks with local activist and actor Shaundel Spivey about his lead role in La Crosse Community Theatre’s “The Mountaintop,” on stage through Feb. 6. Spivey discusses what it’s like to portray the legendary Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in the production, and how it ties in to his lifelong dedication to social justice work.
On today’s “Newsmakers” program, we discuss issues related to the overuse of salt to keep pavement safe in winter and to soften water in homes year-round. As ‘Salt Awareness Week’ approaches, Jan. 24-28, we learn about how chloride from salt is infiltrating our lakes, streams and groundwater and causing toxicity (it only takes 1 teaspoon of salt to pollute 5 gallons of water). We speak with guests from Wisconsin Salt Wise and the city of La Crosse to learn more about what can be done. Next, we highlight the traveling statewide exhibit “Immigrant Journeys from South of the Border” a Wisconsin Humanities project with a tour stop in La Crosse and Richland Center this month. We hear from two guests who share more about the personal stories featured in the exhibit.
We hear from regional health experts for a Covid pandemic update on this week’s “Newsmakers.” Listen to the latest information from the La Crosse County Health Dept. Director, Gundersen Health System’s CEO and Mayo Clinic’s Regional Vice President. We also get the latest on how the pandemic is impacting local schools from La Crosse School District Superintendent Dr. Aaron Engel. Host Ezra Wall then speaks with Driftless Area author S.K. Kruse about her latest book “Tales from the Liminal.”
This week, we look back over the last year and feature a highlight of topics covered on “Newsmakers” throughout 2021. Our year-in-review includes an interview by WPR La Crosse-based reporter Hope Kirwan with national civil rights leader Rev. Dr. William Barber II (pictured). We also hear excerpts from programs on bicycle advocacy, homelessness, birding, Hmong farmers, and learn about the documentary film “Amplifying the Voices of Black Youth and their Parents in the La Crosse Area.” Congressman Ron Kind is featured discussing the recent passing of the Infrastructure Bill, and we talk with folks involved with the Afghan refugees at Fort McCoy. Finally, we honor Gene Purcell, who was Wisconsin Public Media’s Director until his untimely passing last July, following a motor vehicle crash. Purcell, who worked in La Crosse for many years before relocating to Madison, is memorialized by his sister in a special “Wisconsin Life” piece.
This week on “Newsmakers,” we discuss end-of-life planning, including advanced health directives, estate and financial legalities, funeral pre-planning, and home funerals and green burials. Our guest panel includes experts speaking on all aspects of life and legacy planning and what resources are available to assist.
This week on “Newsmakers,” we discuss the recent Infrastructure Law and its impact on western Wisconsin. Guests include U.S. Representative Ron Kind of Wisconsin’s Third Congressional District, La Crosse County Administrator Steve O’Malley and UW-Madison Professor of Public Affairs Manny Teodoro. Host Ezra Wall speaks with them about how the law will affect issues in our area such as water quality, roads, bridges, broadband and more.
WPR La Crosse's “Newsmakers” host Ezra Wall speaks with guests about life-enriching activities and programs for seniors. Our guests include a representative from Monroe County’s ADRC speaking about their Music and Memory program, and a life-enrichment coordinator with Eagle Crest Communities’ long term care facilities in La Crosse. We then speak with a resident of Westby, who recently received a Governor’s service award for her many years volunteering as a foster grandparent at Westby Elementary. We also talk with the coordinator of the foster grandparent program, administered by Wisconsin’s Southwest Community Action Program and AmeriCorps Seniors.