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News and current affairs discussions with an emphasis on issues, events and guests of particular interest to listeners in western Wisconsin and the adjacent portions of Minnesota and Iowa.

WPR's NEWSMAKERS: ONLINE

December 29, 2011: WISCONSIN'S LEGISLATIVE AGENDA

La Crosse-area state lawmakers Senator Jennifer Shilling (D-La Crosse) and Representative Steve Doyle (D-Onalaska) talk with local reporters about their views on the state of the Wisconsin Legislature and the 2012 agenda. Listen to part one of Newsmakers here. Part two can be heard here.

December 22, 2011: THE ISSUE OF "FRAC MINING" IS RAISING LOCAL CONCERNS; WORK UNDERWAY ON A NEW LA CROSSE THEATRE

Hydraulic fracturing, or "frac mining", is capturing headlines in many parts of the country, including western Wisconsin; it's not necessarily the frac mining itself that's at issue in this region, but the mining of local sand deposits that provide a key part of the frac mining process taking place elsewhere in the country. Learn more here.
Listen to this part of Newsmakers here.

In part two, the latest on a new partnership to build a community theater in downtown La Crosse. Our guests are La Crosse Community Theatre executive director David Kilpatrick and Viterbo University vice present for academic affairs Barb Gayle. Hear the conversation here.

December 15, 2011: TECHNOLOGY JOBS IN WISCONSIN; GETTING BACK TO NATURE

The state of Wisconsin may never be confused with California's Silicon Valley when it comes to creating technology jobs. Nonetheless, the head of the Wisconsin Technology Council , Tom Still, was in La Crosse to urge area business leaders to consider technology and venture capital to support job growth. He shares his ideas in part one of Newsmakers, available here.

In part two, a rebroadcast of our September interview with author and journalist Richard Louv. Louv coined the phrase "nature deficit disorder", a topic he addresses in his most recent books, Last Child in the Woods and The Nature Principal. He shared his insights in September with La Crosse audiences at Viterbo University and with WPR's Newsmakers which can be heard here.

December 8, 2011: LA CROSSE PONDERS ADDING A CITY ADMINISTRATOR, WHILE THE COUNTY CONSIDERS DIGITAL BILLBOARDS

An ongoing debate about whether to add the position of a city administrator to run the city of La Crosse will be put to voters; the La Crosse city council has set a referendum on the question for April. Prior to the city's decision to move forward with the referendum, we talked with council members Jim Bloedorn, who opposes the idea, and Dick Swantz, who favors it. Part one of Newsmakers is available here.

WPR's update to this story is available here; additional background can be found here. You can also read about the upcoming referendum at the La Crosse Tribune.

Meanwhile, La Crosse County continues to debate the future of digital billboards and will hold a public hearing to gather input from residents this next week. In this part of Newsmakers , the perspectives of resident Rich Kastenschmidt who lives within sight of a controversial digital billboard along Highway 16, and that of Jerry Wachtel, president of the California-based Veridain Group, whose organization conducted a federal study of how digital signs impact traffic safety. Hear the conversation here.

To learn more about the December 12 public hearing, visit here. The proposed new sign ordinance is available here. An extended interview with Jerry Wachtel is available here.

December 1, 2011: SEASONAL CHARITIES ARE IN FULL SWING; PUBLIC SCHOOL EDUCATION FOUNDATIONS MAKE ENDS MEET

Local charities have entered their busiest time of the year. With the holidays, cold weather, and a poor economy, so many people are reaching out for assistance whether they need help buying their children Christmas presents or need a place to sleep and survive. In this first part of Newsmakers, we talk with representatives from several Coulee Region nonprofits that are helping people make ends meet. Listen to part one here.

Learn more about these and other charities:

Rotary Lights

Salvation Army; volunteer here.

Bethel Home (Westby)

In part two, a discussion on the growing importance of public school education foundations; our guests are Geva Thole, executive director of the La Crosse Public Education Foundation, and Lauri Berg, president of the Onalaska Foundation for Educational Excellence. Listen to part two.

November 17, 2011: COULEE REGION VETERANS - SUPPORTING THEIR NEEDS

In the second of two programs about western Wisconsin's veterans, a panel discussion addresses the physical and mental needs of area vets who return from war. Listen to part one. Listen to part two.

Learn more at the La Crosse Vets Center or the Tomah VA Center.

November 10, 2011: COULEE REGION VETERANS - EDUCATION AND EMPLOYMENT OUTLOOK

On the occasion of Veteran's Day, we look at education and employment opportunities for veterans in the Coulee Region, especially those recently returning home from combat. Our guests address Veterans' benefits, education support, and job placement. Part one of this conversation can be heard here. Listen to part two here.

November 3, 2011: ELECTION FORUM

Jill Billings (D-La Crosse) has been elected to represent the La Crosse area, filling western Wisconsin's 95th District Assembly seat previously filled by now-State Senator Jennifer Shilling. Just days ahead of the November 8 special election, an "election eve" candidates forum featuring Jill Billings (D-La Crosse) and Dave Drewes (R-La Crosse) was hosted by WPR. Wondering what they had to say? Listen to part one here. Hear part two here.

Earlier in the campaign, WPR's La Crosse News Bureau discussed a wide range of issues with each of the candidates; archives of extended interviews with the candidates can be found below, in alphabetical order:

Jill Billings (D-La Crosse)
Billings is vice chair of the La Crosse County Board of Supervisors. She spoke with WPR's Maureen McCollum.

Hear her interview here.

Dave Drewes (R-La Crosse)
Drewes is retired from sales and was the chairman of the watchdog group Citizens for Responsible Government, but says he has stepped down while campaigning to avoid a conflict of interest. He spoke with WPR's John Davis.

Hear his interview here.

October 27, 2011: LA CROSSE COUNTY BUDGET PREPARATION; FOUNDING FATHERS REVISITED

The process of formulating a 2012 budget for La Crosse County is underway; we visit with county administrator Steve O'Malley who discusses the challenges of balancing a budget with needed services in a challenging economy. Listen to the conversation here.

In part two, an encore broadcast of an interview with the author of a book that takes a fresh look at the settlement of La Crosse in the 19th century. The book -- "Hinterland Dreams" -- suggests the city's founding fathers relied as much on government help as they did a pioneering spirit. Hear part two here.

October 20, 2011: LOCAL DEBATE ON CHURCH AND STATE; LIVING WITH DEPRESSION

The La Crosse Freethought Society is cosponsoring a debate on religion and government; we hear from Society co-founder Hank Zumach and others participating in the debate. Part one of Newsmakers can be heard here.

Learn more:
* La Crosse Freethought Society
* Freedom from Religion Foundation
* Dr. Helseth

In part two of this show, author and journalist Kathy Cronkite -- daughter of the late television journalist Walter Cronkite -- talks about living with depression and ways to end the stigma that surrounds mental illness. She was in La Crosse to speak at the annual luncheon to benefit the Women's Fund of Greater La Crosse. Hear part two of Newsmakers here.

October 13, 2011: FINDING A SOLUTION FOR DYING WATERFOWL; TEACHER OF THE YEAR, BRAD MARKHARDT

For nearly a decade, thousands of waterfowl migrating through the Mississippi River flyway have died after ingesting an invasive snail. UW-La Crosse River Studies Center researcher Greg Sandlund explains that while they've pinpointed the problem, a solution is proving much harder to come by. Listen to the discussion here.

Black River Falls agriculture teacher Brad Markhardt has been named a 2011 teacher of the year by the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction. In this extended interview, Markhardt discusses his experiences, commitment and approach to making a difference in his school and for his students. Hear this interview here.

October 6, 2011: LABOR UNION RE-CERTIFICATION; LIVING IN A "NO IMPACT" WAY

Labor unions representing Wisconin's educators are among those now legally required to be re-certified annually. Jerry Roethel, director of Coulee Region United Educators, updates us on several western Wisconsin unions that have just recently gone through the process. Part one of Newsmakers can be heard here.

Living off the grid, creating no garbage, and buying nothing but locally grown food would be a challenge no matter where you lived -- but it's conceivable, as Colin Beavan, author of "No Impact Man", learned during a year he and his family spent in New York City having as little impact as possible on the environment. He spoke recently at UW-La Crosse and also shared his insights with our Newsmakers audience. Listen to that interview here.

September 29, 2011: PAYING FOR HEALTHCARE; PEREGRINE FALCON RESTORATION BEING 'WATCHED'

Mayo Clinic Health System's Franciscan Healthcare in La Crosse is implementing a new approach to collecting fees for services and minimize debt problems for the uninsured; we learn about its new policies and practices in part one of Newsmakers. Hear part one here.

Birders from throughout the world will soon be able to watch a peregrine falcon restoration project underway along the Mississippi River via the Internet; a new video webstream goes live this weekend. Hear part two here.

September 22, 2011: "CONGRESS TO CAMPUS" VISITS LA CROSSE

Our guests are former congressmen Bill Lipinski (D-Illinois) and Dennis Hastert (R-Illinois) who met with students at Viterbo University this week as part of the university's "Congress to Campus" activities. They discuss how past congressional debates and action have influenced issues of the day. The "Congress to Campus" program sends bipartisan pairs of former members of Congress, one Democrat and one Republican, to visit college, university and community college campuses around the country.

Listen to part one of the broadcast here. Part two is here.

September 15, 2011: ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES RELATED TO MINING; GETTING BACK TO NATURE

As Wisconsin lawmakers consider rewriting the state's mining law to permit a proposed large-scale taconite mine in northern Wisconsin, opponents are working to raise awareness of potential environmental issues related to mining. Hear part one here.

Also, author and journalist Richard Louv coined the phrase "nature deficit disorder", a topic he addresses in his most recent books, "Last Child in the Woods" and "The Nature Principal." He shared his insights this week with La Crosse audiences at Viterbo University and with WPR's Newsmakers which can be heard here.

Learn more about Richard Louv here; additional information from the Children & Nature Network.

September 8, 2011: REFLECTIONS ON 9/11; ISSUES FACING CONGRESS

On the occasion of the tenth anniversary of September 11th, 2001, Wisconsin's Third District Congressman Ron Kind reflects on the day's significance, and addresses current issues before Congress -- including the nation's debt ceiling. Hear part one of Newsmakers here.

In the second part of this program, reflections on September 11th from the fire and police chiefs of La Crosse -- and what's changed for first-responders in the past ten years. Hear part two here.

September 1, 2011: NEW FACILITIES AT LA CROSSE'S TWO UNIVERSITIES

Students at La Crosse's two universities -- UW-La Crosse and Viterbo University -- return to find several new buildings open on their respective campuses. Our first stop on this program is at UWL which opens a new residence hall and its first new academic building in nearly 40 years. Hear part one here.

Just down the road, Viterbo opened its new nursing center recently. We discuss what it means for the university's students and specifically its nursing program. Hear part two here.

August 25, 2011: LA CROSSE'S NEW CHARTER SCHOOL; THE EMERALD ASH BORER HITS LA CROSSE COUNTY; AND MAINTAINING AREA TRAILS

La Crosse Design Institute opens this year, making it the newest charter school in the La Crosse School District; we talk with district officials about what it has to offer, and why. Then we hear from the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade, and Consumer Protection about this month's confirmation that the emerald ash borer has made its way to La Crosse County. You can hear part one of Newsmakers here.

Young people are working to rehabilitate and conserve area trails through the Wisconsin Youth Conservation Corps -- WisCorps; we talk with organizers and participants in this year's efforts. Listen to part two of this show here.

August 11, 2011: SENATE RECALL ANALYSIS; AND MEET LA CROSSE COUNTY'S NEW CHAIR

Democrat Jennifer Shilling unseated Republican Dan Kapanke in the State Senate District 32 recall election; what's it mean for the La Crosse area and how does it fit into state politics moving forward? We get the perspective of UW-La Crosse political scientist Joe Heim. Hear part one here.

And La Crosse County has a new chair; we talk with Tara Johnson about county goals and priorities -- and bringing stability to local government. Hear part two here.

August 4, 2011: RECALL ELECTION FORUM

State Senator Dan Kapanke (R-La Crosse) and challenger State Representative Jennifer Shilling (D-La Crosse) face off during a candidates' forum prior to the August 9 recall election in Wisconsin's 32nd Senate District. Listen to part one here. Hear part two here.

July 28, 2011: A NEW HEALTH SURVEY IS UNDERWAY IN THE LA CROSSE AREA; AND, LEAD CONTAMINATION IN THE LA CROSSE RIVER MARSH

There is a new survey underway in the La Crosse area that measures a person's health in ways similar to how a doctor ultimately assesses one's health; it's an approach that aims to capture a unique picture of the health of Wisconsin's residents. You can hear part one of Newsmakers here. Learn more about the survey here.

Researchers from UW-La Crosse are studying evidence that raises questions about lead contamination in the La Crosse River Marsh -- what caused it and how it might impact plant and animal life. We hear from those researchers in this part of Newsmakers which can be heard here.

July 21, 2011: WISCONSIN'S AFRICAN-AMERICAN CONNECTIONS TO THE CIVIL WAR

July--the month we celebrate Independence Day--is a time Americans from all walks of life, coast to coast, celebrate the sense of freedom realized by living in the United States. The Civil War, which began in 1861, 150 years ago this year, led to many new "freedoms" that underscore what this nation is all about. And while we typically think of the Civil War as an event that took place in the south, it reached north to Wisconsin and beyond.

In this edition of Newsmakers, we look at African-Americans in Wisconsin during the Civil War, their involvement in both the Union and Confederate Armies, and their eventual role in shaping the state. Part one of this two-part program can be heard here. Listen to part two here.

Arthur "Green" Reese (left) served in the Confederate and Union armies during the Civil War. He says he was born a freeman and raised by gypsies, although his family says that's unclear. After the war, Reese moved to Waukesha and ran a barber shop. He lived to be 103. (Photo courtesy of Pat Roberson)

John J. Valentine (above) of Janesville, WI, enlisted in the Union army at age 42. He is one of 353 African-Americans in Wisconsin who volunteered to fight in the war. (Photo courtesy of Pat Roberson)

July 14, 2011: WISCONSIN'S SMOKING BAN, ONE YEAR LATER; AND AREA LEARNERS PREPARE TO HEAD TO CUBA

On the first anniversary of Wisconsin's controversial indoor smoking ban, we hear various perspectives on the pros and cons of the law's impact since its implementation in July 2010; our guests represent the American Cancer Society and the La Crosse County Tavern League. Listen to part one here.

And a UW-La Crosse professor emeritus has been granted a unique opportunity to lead a group of local and regional learners to Cuba -- a country that only rarely openly welcomes visitors from the United States. How the trip came about and what the group hopes to learn are discussed in the second part of this week's Newsmakers. Listen to part two here. Learn more about this trip at UW-LA Crosse Continuing Education and Extension.

July 7, 2011: CONCEALED WEAPONS IN WESTERN WISCONSIN; AND SAVING LOCAL HOMES FROM FORECLOSURE

Wisconsin, this week, becomes the 49th state to allow people to carry concealed guns. We hear perspectives on what the law means for our local communities from La Crosse County Sheriff Steve Helgeson and Carol Oyster, a psychology professor at UW-La Crosse. Listen to this interview here.

Also...time is running out for area low income residents to take advantage of a federal loan program that could allow them to save a home that's being foreclosed upon. We get the latest from Kim Woggon and Jenni Moris of Consumer Credit Counseling Service, in La Crosse; and Todd Mandel, director of development at Couleecap, serving Crawford, La Crosse, Monroe and Vernon counties. Part two of Newsmakers can be heard here.

Learn more about the Emergency Home Owner Loan Program here. Applications are available here.

June 30, 2011: RURAL BROADBAND SERVICE IN WESTERN WISCONSIN; AND EARLY INHABITANTS OF THE COULEE REGION

There is a new effort to improve high-speed Internet in parts of western Wisconsin; the Wisconsin Public Service Commission released a draft plan earlier this month that outlines broadband improvements for the region. We discuss the possibilities with Bruce Mathew, director of computer services at Western Technical College, a member of the committee that developed the plan. Listen to this interview here. Learn more...link to the Broadband Investment Plan.

The Mississippi River valley is rich in resources and has attracted inhabitants to the region for some 13,000 years. Researching the lives of the earliest inhabitants is an ongoing initiative of local archeologists, including Dr. Connie Arzigian, laboratory director of the Mississippi Valley Archeology Center at UW-La Crosse. She discusses the center's research into the past in this second part of today's Newsmakers which can be heard here.

June 23, 2011: PROPOSED POWER LINES ACROSS WESTERN WISCONSIN; AND A NEW BOOK ABOUT THE STATE'S DAIRY FARMS

In the first part of this program, we hear from proponents and opponents to a proposed power line expansion project across western Wisconsin. Listen to part one here. You can view an interactive map of American Transmission Company's Badger-Coulee Transmission Line's potential routes here. PLUS: Listen to extended audio from SOUL of the Kickapoo's Badger-Coulee Transmission Line alternative open house in Cashton on June 22, 2011. It begins with Wisconsin real estate appraiser Keith Kielisch answering audience member's questions about power line affects on property values; listen here

In recognition of Dairy Month, we talk with former Crawford County farmer Ed Janus about his recent book Creating Dairyland. Janus explores the history and development of dairy farming in Wisconsin. Part two of Newsmakers can be heard here.

June 16, 2011: WISCONSIN'S OPEN RECORDS LAWS AND THE MEDIA; AND "AGING OUT" OF FOSTER CARE..

Decisions made this week by Wisconsin courts could affect the future of the state's open meeting and open record laws?one of those involves the news media's right to information involving one of western Wisconsin's famous murders, as we hear in this Newsmakers interview with La Crosse Tribune editor Chris Hardie and attorney Joe Veenstra. Listen to part one here.

In part two, we look at "aging out" of the foster care system?it's what teenagers in foster care face when they turn 18 and graduate from high school. Our guests are Diane Gates and Rebecca La Force of the La Crosse County Human Services Department. Part two of Newsmakers can be heard here.

June 9, 2011: WESTERN WISCONSIN'S 32ND DISTRICT RECALL ELECTION IS HEATING UP...HERE'S THE LATEST...

A summer recall election in western Wisconsin's 32nd senate district is heating up. State Representative Jennifer Shilling (La Crosse-D) announced weeks ago that she would challenge incumbent State Senator Dan Kapanke (La Crosse-R) in the recall -- but prior to any recall, it now appears there will be a primary election to choose a Democratic to run against Kapanke. In this part of this Newsmakers we hear from Shilling; listen to part one here. The entire interview with Jennifer Shilling can be heard here.

In part two, we meet James Smith who says he's preparing to challenge Jennifer Shilling for the chance to represent the Democratic Party in the recall; and then we get incumbent Dan Kapanke's perspective on how things are taking shape. Listen to part two here. The entire interview with James Smith can be heard here; the full interview with Dan Kapanke is available here

June 2, 2011: BUDGETS AND MORE AT LA CROSSE'S WESTERN TECHNICAL COLLEGE; CHANGING LEADERSHIP IN LOCAL PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICTS

Wisconsin's institutions of higher education are busy preparing for anticipated state budget reductions going into this next year -- and La Crosse's Western Technical College is no exception. WTC president Lee Rasch shares his views on the proposals and how WTC will be effected. Part one of Newsmakers can be heard here.

The superintendents of this region's two largest public school districts will retire later this month. We talk with La Crosse School District superintendent Jerry Kember and Onalaska School District superintendent John Burnett about the state of their districts as they prepare to step down. Listen to part two here.

May 26, 2011: LA CROSSE CITY/COUNTY REDISTRICTING; WISCONSIN'S VOTER ID LAW

La Crosse city/county redistricting plans are currently under review. In the first part of this Newsmakers we discuss potential inequality issues in redistricting planning with UW-La Crosse assistant professor of political science and public administration, Ray Block. Listen to part one here.

In part two, we talk redistricting specifics with two members of the La Crosse City Council who are working in the city's reapportionment plans. Later in the half hour, UW-Milwaukee professor of governmental affairs, Mordecai Lee, addresses the potential impacts of Wisconsin's new voter ID law. Listen to part two here.

May 19, 2011: PRESERVING LOCAL FARMLAND; PRESERVING LOCAL FOODS

The state of Wisconsin has lost some 4-million acres of farmland over the last 40 years -- and even more could be lost as the state legislature reduces the amount of tax money spent on farmland preservation. In the first part of this Newsmakers we explore the issues of farmland preservation and urban sprawl with La Crosse County Planner Charlie Handy. Listen to this discussion here

Interested in preserving this year's backyard harvests, or perhaps selling your home-canned products in the marketplace? Barb Ingham, a food science professor with UW-Extension, helps us understand the 'whats', the 'hows', and the law. Listen to this part of Newsmakers here. More information is available from UW-Extension here.

May 12, 2011: SPORTS CONCUSSIONS' LONG-TERM IMPACTS, AND RIVERFRONT PLANNING IN LA CROSSE AND ONALASKA

Professor Kevin Kuskiewicz researches exercise and sports sciences at the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill; he shared his insights into athletic concussions during a recent visit to UW-La Crosse. Listen to this part of Newsmakers here.

La Crosse city planner Larry Kirch and Onalaska land use and development director Jason Gilman discuss plans their cities have to development waterfront land. Part two of Newsmakers can be heard here.

May 5, 2011: A NEW LAWMAKER, AND VETS HEADING TO D.C.

Steve Doyle (Onalaska-D) emerged as the winner in Wisconsin's 94th Assembly District special election, replacing former representative Mike Huebsch. We get the latest from Doyle as he prepares to head to Madison and the state Capitol for the remaining days of the legislative session. Listen to part one here.

Yet another group of area veterans is preparing to visit Washington, D.C. -- Freedom Honor Flight President Chuck Hanson tells us more about the trip, while World War II veteran Bob Skemp, who took the trip last year, shares his thoughts on what the trip means to those you attend. Part two of this program can be heard here. For additional details, visit the Freedom Honor Flight website here.

April 28, 2011: HEALTH MATTERS, TO OUR COUNTIES AND TO OURSELVES

How are Wisconsin's counties doing on the health front? How do western Wisconsin's counties rate in a new study of health concerns across the state? La Crosse County Health Department director Doug Morman sorts out the details in part one of this program which can be heard here. The full study can be found here.

In part two, we talk with Polly Matzinger of the National Institutes of Health whose immune system research supports an alternative view of how the immune system works. Listen to part two here.

April 21, 2011: CONGRESSIONAL UPDATE WITH RON KIND, AND PREPARING FOR A NEW GROWING SEASON

Our county?s economy continues to limp along as members of Congress consider ways to cut spending from the federal budget and the best approach to reduce the nation?s massive debt. Western Wisconsin Third District Congressman Ron Kind (La Crosse-D) shares his views about the fiscal shape of the nation, tax fairness and health care reform one year after its approval. Listen to part one here. An extended version of this conversation is available here.

In part two, a preview of this summer?s growing season and what farmers are facing in this year?s ag economy, with La Crosse County UW-Extension agriculture agent Steve Huntzicker. Hear part two here.

April 14, 2011: 94TH ASSEMBLY DISTRICT CANDIDATES ISSUES FORUM

WPR's Maureen McCollum leads a discussion about current issues in the race to fill the vacant seat in Wisconsin's 94th Assembly District, with candidates John Lautz (West Salem-R) and Steve Doyle (Onalaska-D) -- the two will face off during a special election on May 3. Listen to part one of the broadcast here. Part two is available here.

BONUS: Profile interviews with the two candidates, recorded prior to the primary election, can be found on our News Specials page.

April 7, 2011: UNDERSTANDING THE RECALL PROCESS

In part one of this program, La Crosse-area party officials discuss their work in preparing for a possible recall election of State Senator Dan Kapanke (R-La Crosse). Listen to part one here.

For a larger perspective, we then hear from Kevin Kennedy, the director of Wisconsin's Government Accountability Board, about what people need to know about recalls. Part two can be heard here.

March 31, 2011: BUSINESS SUPPORT OF U.S. SOLDIERS ABROAD, AND LA CROSSE'S FOUNDING FATHERS

Supporting our soldiers on foreign soils...we meet a man from Sparta who's involved in supplying power to U.S. soldiers in Afghanistan -- and the challenges that accompany the work. Listen to part one here.

In part two, we talk with the author of a book that takes a fresh look at the settlement of La Crosse in the 19th century. The book -- "Hinterland Dreams" -- suggests the city's founding fathers relied as much on government help as they did a pioneering spirit. Hear part two here.

March 24, 2011: HOLOCAUST DENIAL, AND BEING ARAB IN THE U.S. AFTER 9/11

On this program, Holocaust researcher and author Deborah Lipstadt discusses her findings on ?Holocaust denial?; she spoke recently at Viterbo University. Listen to this interview here.

In part two, we talk with Brooklyn College professor Moustafa Bayoumi, this year?s visiting scholar of color at UW-La Crosse, about his research and subsequent book entitled,"How Does It Feel to be a Problem: Being Young and Arab in America." Hear part two here.

March 17, 2011: UW-SYSTEM CHANGES: HOW THE STATE BUDGET MAY IMPACT UW-LA CROSSE

On this program, we explore what the state's proposed budget cuts could mean for the UW System, and specifically for UW-La Crosse, with UW-La Crosse Chancellor Joe Gow. Listen to part one here.

In part two, UWL Vice Chancellor emeritus Carl Wimberley and UWL political scientist Joe Heim present a local history lesson on how and why the UW System came together in the first place, some 40 years ago. Hear part two here.

March 10, 2011: SPECIAL INTEREST STATE-BUDGET ADVERTISING, AND DISCOVERING YOUR HERITAGE AT MID-LIFE

Special-interest advertising has surfaced during this year's state budget debates in Madison. Mike McCabe of the Wisconsin Democracy Campaign discusses this surprising tactic, its implications, and who's behind it. Listen to part one of this Newsmakers here. An extended version of this conversation is available here.

In the second part of this program, author and performance artist Michael Fosberg takes time from his recent visit to UW-La Crosse to share his story of discovering, at age 32, that his ethnic roots were not what he'd been led to believe -- and what it's meant for him since. Hear part two of the program here.

March 3, 2011: REGIONAL REACTIONS TO STATE BUDGET PROPOSALS

Local reaction to Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker?s proposed biennial budget, and insights into what it means for local cities. Guests include State Senator Dan Kapanke (R-La Crosse), La Crosse Mayor Matt Harter, and Onalaska Mayor Mike Giese.

Listen to part one of the broadcast here. Part two is here.

Governor Walker's proposed budget can be found here.

February 24, 2011: STATE BUDGET UPDATES...AND SURVEYING REGIONAL NEEDS

Wisconsin State Assembly Representative Chris Danou (D-Trempealeau) and UW-La Crosse political scientist Joe Heim size up the continuing saga over Governor Scott Walker's proposed budget repair bill. Listen to part one of this Newsmakers here.

In the second part of this show, Great Rivers United Way board member Brenda Rooney introduces us to a new survey of regional needs. This conversation can be heard here

February 17, 2011: STATE BUDGET PROPOSAL REACTION...AND THE STATE OF ORGANIC FARMING

From the State Capitol to the streets of La Crosse, reaction to Governor Scott Walker's budget proposals are many and varied -- plus we hear some perspective on the UW-La Crosse faculty's pending vote on whether to unionize. Listen to part one of this program here(broadcast 2-17-11). View WPR reporter Maureen McCollum's video from this week's State Capitol protesting here

Part two of this program explores the state of organic farming on the occasion of the 2011 Midwest Organic and Sustainable Education Service's -- MOSES -- annual conference in La Crosse this month. You can hear part two here. (broadcast 2-17-11)

February 10, 2011: FUNDING K-12 SCHOOLS

Public school officials continue to struggle with balancing budgets while not cutting programs or services for students. Voters in the Onalaska School District face a February referendum that, if passed, will increase property taxes to help with the budget. School superintendent John Burnett and referendum steering committee chair Tom Brewer discuss the implications of the referendum's outcome in part one of the broadcast here.

Then, Wisconsin State School Superintendent Tony Evers discusses his proposal to reinvent the funding formula for K-12 schools throughout the state. Listen to part two here.

February 3, 2011: REGIONAL POVERTY

Rural counties in western Wisconsin continue to rank among the highest in poverty in the state - recent census figures suggest that one in four people living in La Crosse lives in poverty. How are people coping? How might things improve? WPR's Steve Roisum leads a discussion with area "Voices of Poverty" in this edition of Newsmakers.

Listen to part one of the broadcast here. Part two is here.

January 13, 2011: 2011 WISCONSIN LEGISLATIVE PREVIEW

La Crosse-area lawmakers from both parties share their perspectives on the 2011 legislative session underway in Madison. State Senator Dan Kapanke (R-LaCrosse) and State Representative Jennifer Shilling (D-LaCrosse) answer questions from a La Crosse-area media panel.

Listen to part one of the broadcast here. Part two is here.

December 9, 2010: HIGH SPEED RAIL and HOLIDAY FUNDRAISING

Wisconsin's plans to expand the nation's high speed rail service from Chicago, through Milwaukee, Madison, and western Wisconsin has apparently been derailed. The U.S. Department of Transportation has announced that in lieu of Governor-elect Scott Walker's plans to scrap the project, the federal support first allocated for Wisconsin's leg of the expanded service will now be shared with other states. Proponents of the expansion are discouraged, but continue to profess the benefits of such service. In the first part of this program, a conversation with the president of the Wisconsin Association of Railroad Passengers, John Parkyn, of Stoddard. Listen to part one of the broadcast here.

Also on the program...what it's like to be fundraising for community causes during the holidays. We hear from Major Curtiss Hartley of the La Crosse Salvation Army about its red kettle campaign. Listen to part two of the broadcast here.

November 18, 2010: WESTERN WISCONSIN'S WORKFORCE

Western Wisconsin's job market is feeling the effects of the current recession just like the rest of the country. A recent report by La Crosse-based Workforce Connections explores the details and what they mean for the future. WPR's Steve Roisum talks with the author of the report, Beth Sullivan, director of corporate development and research at Workforce Connections. Listen to part one of the broadcast here. (aired 11-18-10)

An extended version of this conversation is available here.
Read the Workforce Connections report here

Employers are increasingly looking at ways to address employment issues, including providing greater flexibility in the workplace. One such La Crosse-area employer is Gunderson Lutheran Health System. UW-Extension's Mary Meehan-Strub talks with Gunderson Lutheran's Frank Perez-Guerra, director of employee and labor relations, about its approach to "virtual offices." Listen to part two of this Newsmakers here. (aired 11-18-10)

October 28, 2010: ELECTION FORUM - Wisconsin's Third Congressional District

Three candidates are seeking Wisconsin's Third Congressional District seat: incumbent Representative Ron Kind (D-La Crosse), State Senator Dan Kapanke (R-La Crosse), and Michael Krsiean (I-Houlton). The three met to discuss the issues during a candidate debate presented at UW-La Crosse, Tuesday, Oct. 26. UWL political scientist Joe Heim moderates the discussion. Listen to part one of the broadcast here.
Part two is available here.
Part three can be heard here.

The entire debate, co-sponsored by the Campus Joint Legislative Relations committee, the UW-L Student Association, the League of Women Voters, the La Crosse Tribune, WXOW-TV 19, and the UW-L Political Science/Public Administration Department, is available here.

October 14, 2010: ELECTION FORUM - Wisconsin's 91st and 92nd Assembly Districts

Part 1: Wisconsin's 91st District Assembly - a conversation with incumbent Chris Danou (D-Trempealeau) [challenger Bill Ingram (R-Durand) did not accept our invitation to be part of the conversation]. Former La Crosse Tribune political reporter Dick Mial moderates the discussion. Listen to part one of the broadcast here. An extended version of this conversation is available here.

Part 2: Wisconsin's 92nd District Assembly race between incumbent Mark Radcliffe (D-Black River Falls) and challenger Dennis Clinard (R-Sparta). The moderator is Dean Kallenbach, host of WPR's The West Side; recorded in September at WPR's Eau Claire studios. Listen to part two of the broadcast here. An extended version of this conversation is available here.

October 7, 2010: ELECTION FORUM - Wisconsin's 94th and 95th Assembly Districts

Part 1: Wisconsin's 94th District Assembly race between incumbent Mike Huebsch (R-West Salem) and challenger Cheryl Hancook (D-Holmen). Former La Crosse Tribune political reporter Dick Mial moderates the discussion. Listen to part one of the broadcast here. An extended version of this conversation is available here.

BONUS DEBATE: 94TH DISTRICT DEBATE AT UW-LA CROSSE -- This debate features 94th State Assembly district candidates Mike Huebsch and Cheryl Hancock, recorded Tuesday, October 5, on the UW-La Crosse campus. These debates are co-sponsored by the Campus Joint Legislative Relations committee, the UW-L Student Association, the League of Women Voters, the La Crosse Tribune, WXOW-TV 19, and the UW-L Political Science/Public Administration Department. Listen to this debate here

Part 2: Wisconsin's 95th District Assembly race between incumbent Jennifer Shilling (D-La Crosse) and challenger Nick Charles (R-La Crosse). The moderator is Dick Mial. Listen to part two of the broadcast here. An extended version of this conversation is available here.

BONUS DEBATE: 95TH DISTRICT DEBATE AT UW-LA CROSSE -- This debate features 95th State Assembly district candidates Jennifer Shilling and Nick Charles, recorded Tuesday, October 12, on the UW-La Crosse campus. Listen to this debate here

BONUS DEBATE: 96TH DISTRICT DEBATE AT UW-LA CROSSE -- This debate features incumbent Republican Rep. Lee Nerison and his Democratic challenger Brian Murphy...both candidates are from Westby; recorded Tuesday, October 12, on the UW-La Crosse campus. Listen to this debate here

September 30, 2010: ELECTION FORUM - Wisconsin's 31st State Senate District

In this program, a debate between incumbent Kathleen Vinehout (D-Alma) and challenger Ed Thompson (R-Tomah). The moderator is former La Crosse Tribune political reporter Dick Mial.

Listen to part one of the broadcast here; Listen to part two here(aired 9-30-10).

An extended version of this conversation is available here.

September 9, 2010: ELECTION YEAR OVERVIEW

WPR's Steve Roisum profiles the Republican Party candidates in Wisconsin's 3rd Congressional district, Bruce Evers and Dan Kapanke; and former La Crosse Tribune political reporter and opinion page editor Dick Mial talks with Jake Speed, the president of the La Crosse Liberty Coalition and the leader of the local Tea Party, and La Crosse County Democratic Party chair Vicki Burke about the impact they see the Tea Party having on local and national races. Listen to part one of the broadcast here (aired 9-9-10). An extended version of the discussion with Jake Speed and Vicki Burke is available here.

In part 2, UW-La Crosse political science professor Joe Heim and former La Crosse Tribune reporter Dick Mial lead a conversation about the political landscape and how voters are responding to the two major political parties heading toward November 2nd. Their guests are Wisconsin Democratic 3rd District Congressman Ron Kind of La Crosse and Republican State Representative Mike Huebsch of West Salem. Listen to part two of the broadcast here (aired 9-9-10). An extended version of this conversation is available here.

August 5, 2010: SCHOOLS STRUGGLING WITH TIGHT BUDGETS

While there are some signs of economic recovery in the United States, it?s not coming soon enough to help public education. Many K-12 schools in Wisconsin and Minnesota are facing serious funding questions that are expected to lead to larger class sizes, teacher layoffs, and in many cases, higher taxes to pay for education. In this first part of Newsmakers, Mary Meehan Strub speaks with La Crosse Schools Superintendent Jerry Kember, and La Crescent-Hokah Superintendent Ron Wilke about the challenges their schools are facing. Listen to part one here. (aired 8-5-10)

The University of Wisconsin System has faced declining taxpayer support for the past 20 years, and it?s meant a growing tuition burden on students and their families. UW-System President Kevin Reilly, Board of Regents President Charles Pruitt and UW-La Crosse Chancellor Joe Gow sat down recently with a La Crosse media panel to talk about the future of the UW-System. The panel, moderated by WPR?s Steve Roisum includes WPR?s Danielle Kaeding, The La Crosse Tribune?s KJ Lang, Jade Olds of Newschannel 8, and Dustin Luecke of WXOW-TV 19. Listen to part two here. (aired 8-5-10)

July 1, 2010: GOING SMOKE-FREE

On the eve of Wisconsin?s new smoke-free workplace law going into effect, Wisconsin Public Radio staff takes a look at its impact on the Coulee Region; the law goes into effect Monday, July 5.

In the first part of the show, Steve Roisum looks at how a similar law, passed three years ago, has had an impact on the tavern and restaurant industry in neighboring Minnesota. Also, La Crosse County health educator Paula Sihla helps sort out some of the details of Wisconsin?s law; she talks with Mary Meehan Strub, director of UW-Extension for La Crosse County. Hear part one here. (aired 7-01-10)

In the second half of this program, Danielle Kaeding has reaction to what the new law will mean for law enforcement, bars and restaurants and motels in the area. Hear part two here. (aired 7-01-10)

May 27 and June 3, 2010: HEALTH CARE REFORM - WHAT'S IT MEAN FOR THE COULEE REGION?

Federal health care reform and its impact on the greater La Crosse area is the focus of this special two-part report.

Part one opens with Danielle Kaeding's report, ?A day in the life of a primary care doctor.? Following that, the decision-makers of La Crosse?s two main medical centers -- Gundersen Lutheran Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Jeffrey Thompson and Franciscan Skemp Health Care President and Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Robert Nesse -- discuss what the new law means for their institutions and their patients. They are interviewed by a media panel that includes WPR's Danielle Kaeding, La Crosse Tribune reporter Terry Rindfleisch and moderated by Wisconsin Public Radio reporter Steve Roisum.

Part one is presented in two segments:
Hear segment one here. (aired 5-27-10)
Hear segment two here. (aired 5-27-10)

In the second half of this series, Newsmakers producers broaden the conversation as they consider the impact on individuals and other area health care services:

WPR's Danielle Kaeding interviews St. Claire Health Mission clinical director Sandy Brekke about whether or not ?free? health clinics will go away anytime soon. And WPR's Steve Roisum talks with Wisconsin AARP advocacy director Lisa Lampkins about what senior citizens need to know about health reform. Hear segment one here. (aired 6-3-10)

In the second segment, we focus on the insurance industry. UW-Extension's Mary Meehan-Strub interviews long-time insurance agent and consultant Dave Trapp of La Crosse about what health care reform means for efforts to start a regional health care cooperative, and his opinions of what reform means for the insurance industry. And WPR?s Danielle Kaeding talks with Wisconsin Insurance Commissioner Sean Dilweg about how his office is preparing insurance companies for new rules. Hear segment two here. (aired 6-3-10)