La Crosse Talk PM WIZM

What does the La Crosse School District do with the gigantic Trane property?

Economist Dr. Adam Hoffer in studio with a hot take: Turn the 40-acre site into a high school.

Voters shot down a Trane site high school back in 2022, but with the company donating the land and the district facing facility challenges, we debate why Hoffer thinks having this property changes the math — and why past district planning hasn't worked out.

We also question some La Crosse city logic — like laying off $400,000 in library staff to cover a budget deficit while approving $600,000 in TID money for a public market study. 

Hoffer, the excise tax director at the Tax Foundation, also discusses what a per-mile tax might look like — as Michigan experiments with that formula in place of a gas tax / EV tax — plus how prediction market state tax revenue is different from sports gambling. 

Also, with the start of the Green Bay Packers season, Hoffer talks about why their ownership model is so unique, it will never happen in pro sports again — but should happen with every franchise. 

Episode Highlights:

• TID Funding Maneuvers: Is the city prioritizing its actual needs when shuffling TID cash — like funding a public market study over people's jobs at the library? 
• Trane Site Opportunity: Acquiring a 40-acre property with a 220,000-square-foot building reopens a major debate for the La Crosse School District.
• Wasted Community Input: Bringing the public together for a year-long Facility Advisory Committee only to toss out their plan creates massive local frustration.
• Per-Mile Driving Tax: Replacing state gas taxes with a per-mile fee sounds great at the pump — until heavy EVs and annual registration bills enter the math.
• The "Packer Rule" Paradox: Why the NFL literally rewrote its constitution to ban fan-owned nonprofits — and how that rule protects billionaire owners from public accountability.
• Prediction Markets vs. Sports Gambling: How federally regulated prediction markets bypass state gambling taxes — and why state regulators are scrambling to stop it.

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As La Crosse's Oktoberfest gets underway, we look back on how it all started — and Brad Quarberg reveals the festival wasn't actually a secret ploy for G. Heileman Brewery to sell beer. 

In fact, the brewery once ran the numbers on how much beer fest-goers actually drank, and how long it took to brew — and Quarberg’s reveal of those the results will shock you.

It’s our annual Oktoberfest preview with 2016 Maple Leaf Parade Marshal, Quarberg, and 2013 Festmaster Dave Ring in studio to break down the five biggest myths about the fest.

Plus, a look back at the year milk was served instead of beer, when the medallion was held ransom, and how Ring managed to ruin the 10-day schedule.

From how the Royal Family brightens up local nursing homes with an accordion player to the hilarious story of an eight-foot golden brat getting dropped in a parking lot, the duo shared why this community tradition remains so special after 65 years.

Episode Highlights:

• Sealed Fest Secrets: Ring jokes about the "sealed documents" and good-natured shenanigans from the year Oktoberfest made the jump from 10 days down to four.
• 100-Pound Brat Heist: The hilarious true story of how a massive eight-foot golden brat was "heisted" in 2017 right before its official slicing ceremony — and how the five-second rule saved the day.
• The 5 Big Fest Myths: Quarberg tackles the most common misconceptions locals still hold about Oktoberfest, from who actually qualifies for the Royal Family to what counts as an official event.
• Ransom in the Park: A look back at the 1991 medallion hunt where masked "Heistermeisters" held the medallion ransom for charity using magazine-cutout notes—and kept their identities a secret for 20 years.
• Spreading the Joy: We don't actually build accordion players in a lab, but the Royal Family still takes live polka into local schools and nursing homes for a full week after Sunday.
• Miss La Crosse Oktoberfest: How the selection evolved from a 1960s "trad-wife" contest into a modern program for community leadership. 

Milk over Beer: Why Oktoberfest banned beer and replaced it with milk on year.

• 10 Days to 4: We joke how the fest cut to four days after Ring’s reign — but also why it happened.

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The demolition of the old Kmart might have a due date, and La Crosse leadership is about to restart the city administrator conversation again.

Council president Tamra Dickinson stopped in studio, ahead of Thursday’s monthly meeting, where the council will vote on giving final approval to a development agreement over the old Kmart lot, while also looking at a charter ordinance that isn’t city administrator — but could be related.

Following two failed charter votes to create a traditional administrator post, city leaders are pivoting to a special Sept. 22 meeting on broader municipal structures to fix city hall inefficiencies. 

Dickinson also breaks down how the city’s initial $8 million budget shortfall for next year is more of a department wishlist — but real cuts are still hitting, like over $400,000 next year for the library. Plus, Dickinson gives updates on King and Gillette street construction, and city-owned property sales including the old Northside Library and former Girl Scout headquarters.

Episode Highlights:

• Kmart Demo Timeline: Dickinson breaks down the development agreement going before council to set a timeline for site demolition and spring 2027 construction. 
• Beyond City Admin: How an upcoming municipal structure meeting finally opens the floor to discuss city operations after repeated charter votes failed to pass.
• Budget Reality Check: Dickinson plays down an initial $8 million shortfall as a department "wishlist," even as departments like the library are meeting on making staff and giant budget cuts.
• King Street Pitfall: How an unrecorded, water-filled underground cistern near the Pump House derailed downtown paving plans.
• Gillette Street Gridlock: Why bridge repairs over the railroad tracks will stretch Northside construction delays right up into November.
• Girl Scout Exit: The city moves to dissolve a 99-year lease for $1 to clear the way for a surplus property sale.

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A packed Friday, where we get the La Crosse airport director’s reaction after someone tried sneaking a foot-long medieval weapon through security, and dive into Kwik Trip ditching roller grills — can you really call it a Tornado if it didn't spin? 

Plus, UW-La Crosse political scientist Dr. Anthony Chergosky breaks down new Facebook rules for kids and who’s the most known politicians in the state.

Also, WIZM’s Brad Williams and Kevin Millard stop in to break down why the city might strip liquor licenses from two downtown Third Street bars, accused of letting underage drinking slide.

Episode Highlights:

• Medieval Security Snafu: Airport Director Lauren Koss reacts to TSA intercepting a foot-long medieval halberd and reveals the wildly bizarre items passengers try to fly with.
• Kwik Trip Shakeup: The La Crosse-based chain is ditching roller grills, moving everything to the hotspot — but can you really call it a tor-NAH-do if it didn't spin?
• Bar License Crackdown: Williams breaks down a city special meeting that could pull liquor licenses from two Third Street bars — and whether fake IDs are getting too good to spot.
• Stock Trading & Soros Hits: Williams recaps a campaign event by US House Rep. Derrick Van Orden on Congress stock trading, but questions why presidential trades weren’t — plus Van Orden brought up George Soros.
• Democrat Name Recognition: With a lineup of statewide Democrats in town for the corn roast, Chergosky ranks Wisconsin's most well-known politicians—and whether Ben Wikler actually moves the needle with average voters.
• Meta paying WI $219M: Chergosky breaks down Meta's landmark lawsuit settlement, new daily time limits for teens, and how AG Josh Kaul plans to spend Wisconsin's multi-million dollar payout. 

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The biggest race in Wisconsin isn't for governor — not according to Devin Remiker. He wants Democrats to win the whole thing.

Remiker, who’s been the chair of the Democratic Party of Wisconsin for just over a year now, sat down with us at the 26-year running corn roast on Wednesday and made it clear that while winning the governor’s seat is critical, the party's primary goal is securing a state trifecta.

Remiker also criticized US House Rep. Derek Van Orden (R-Prairie du Chien) for choosing Rose Garden fundraisers over public access, weighed in on where Wisconsin might sit on the gerrymandering war, and brought up Tom Tiffany's voting record in Congress when asked about the governor's race.

Highlights:

• Chasing the Trifecta: The argument for why winning the governorship, Assembly, and Senate is the party's ultimate target.
• Calling Out Van Orden: How Remiker contrasts accessible local traditions with Republicans like Derek Van Orden "hiding in a little bubble."
• Gerrymandering Dilemma: Remeker weighs in on whether Wisconsin Democrats should continue the gerrymandering fight, and what needs to happen nationally.
• Retirement Wave: The real reason behind a record number of GOP legislative retirements under Wisconsin's updated maps.
• Crowley vs. Tiffany: Remiker targets Tom Tiffany’s House record—pointing to his votes to cut healthcare and food assistance. 

There was also a bit of nostalgia from Remiker, as he noted the corn roast was "his baby," as he was starting out working under former 3rd CD Rep. Ron Kind. Fast forward to Wednesday, and the event brought out the complete statewide Democratic ticket — including David Crowley, Lt. Gov. Sara Rodriguez, Attorney General Josh Kaul, Secretary of State nominee JoCasta Zamarripa, and Treasurer nominee Yee Leng Xiong — alongside all three local Assembly representatives in Steve Doyle, Jill Billings and Tara Johnson.

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David Crowley sat down with us from the corn roast in West Salem on Wednesday.

Along with why he’s the favorite parent at home, the Democratic candidate for governor was asked about how he plans to tackle housing, healthcare, and childcare affordability across Wisconsin.

As La Crosse gets set for another update on homelessness next week, the Milwaukee County Executive also broke down why he thinks the "Housing First" approach to ending homelessness could work statewide.

We end with some corn eating etiquette at the Brad Pfaff Corn Roast, where every statewide Democratic candidate, plus all the local Assembly reps were in attendance.

Episode Highlights:

• Addressing Homelessness: How Milwaukee County’s "Housing First" model works and how it could scale statewide.

• Affordability Agenda: Crowley outlines his plans to lower living costs through housing supply, school funding, and healthcare options.

• Childcare & Healthcare: Legislative plans for childcare sustainability and expanding BadgerCare coverage.

• Corn Etiquette: Does Crowley let his kids roll the cob of corn over the stick of butter?

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A Hallmark Christmas movie right out of La Crosse — why not?

A fun conversation with Teddy Eck, executive director of Coulee Arts in downtown La Crosse, where we get a little nuts on a La Crosse Hallmark Christmas, talk about the movie industries new tax incentives to come to Wisconsin and how decaying attention spans are ruining movies forever.

Eck also broke down everything under the Coulee Arts umbrella — including stand-up comedy classes, stop-motion animation, and a dedicated Dungeons & Dragons room — ahead of its open house from 11 a.m.–3 p.m. on Sept. 12 at their new 422 Main Street space.

Episode Highlights:

• Grandad Bluff Rom-Com: A wild pitch for a La Crosse Hallmark movie quickly spirals into an outrageous, genre-bending trilogy featuring slashers and alien invasions on the bluff.

• New Downtown Home: Rebranded from RAD to Coulee Arts, the nonprofit is opening its expanded 422 Main Street space with a free, hands-on public open house on Sept. 12.

• Unusual Hands-On Classes: Offerings span well beyond traditional fine arts to include niche side quests like live music coding, stop-motion animation, and tabletop gaming.

• Stand-Up Comedy Pipeline: Local adults are taking structured comedy workshops that culminate in live open-mic performances to help build a formal Midwest comedy circuit through La Crosse.

• Streaming vs. Physical Media: A debate on how digital subscription models erase owned content and why physical formats like CDs and DVDs are making a serious comeback.

• Wisconsin Film Incentives: The state's new five-million-dollar tax incentive package aims to lure outside productions while building up local independent filmmakers.

• Adventure Film Fest: Four days of outdoor storytelling and extreme sports thrillers kick off October 14 across multiple local venues (schedule here).

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La Crosse School District Superintendent Dr. Aaron Engel stopped in studio to unpack the massive 42-acre Trane property donation, breaking down how the surprise gift is reshaping long-term facility plans.

The handoff opens up possibilities the district couldn't have imagined just a few months ago — but forces leadership to re-examine everything from future campus layouts to athletic fields.

Engel also updated the timeline on selling Lincoln Middle School for affordable housing and set up the upcoming fall evaluation of the three closing elementary schools. 

Plus, we dive into the district's new high school drone certification program and Engel's “side gig” as a Lieutenant Colonel in the National Guard — including why jumping out of airplanes was a short-lived experience.

Episode Highlights:

• Trane Campus Game-Changer: Engel explains how a surprise 42-acre donation could house charter academies or a new middle school — and why any major build will still require a community referendum.
• Lincoln Middle Final Walkthrough: Community members get one last chance to tour the 99-year-old building before developers turn it into 51 affordable housing units.
• Emerson, Spence, & Hintgen closing: With the new elementary school underway and State Road expanding, Engel breaks down the assessment process for the three closing schools — and whether the district should sell or keep the land.. 
• Drone Pilot Certification: High schoolers are now flying drones for FAA certification, with full pilot licenses potentially on the horizon.
• One and Done Airborne: Engel opens up about his National Guard service, including early training jumping out of airplanes that quickly proved paratrooper life wasn't his path.

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Wisconsin state Sen. Brad Pfaff stopped by the studio to warn that despite a landmark Meta settlement, state lawmakers are failing to pass lasting regulations on Big Tech.

Coming off the multistate lawsuit settlement — where Wisconsin is set to receive over $250 million from a $17 billion national payout — Pfaff called it a major step for the state, but warned it’s only a starting point for broader tech regulation. He again criticized the GOP-controlled Legislature for ending session with eight months left in 2026, rather than tackling Big Tech, AI data centers, or school device rules head-on.

That inaction, Pfaff argued, leaves local communities to fend for themselves on everything from data center expansion to Flock surveillance cameras 

Aside from tech, Pfaff also got into some agriculture issues — like Trump’s beef import decision and meat and seed monopolies.

Wednesday, Pfaff is hosting his fifth “corn roast” that was started 26 years ago. All the big Democratic names will be at the La Crosse County Fairgrounds in West Salem — from David Crowley to Josh Kaul to Rebecca Cooke and all the area legislative Dems. The event runs 5:30-8 p.m. and will feature free brats, hot dogs, beer, soda and — of course — corn.

Episode Highlights:

• Meta Settlement Millions: Wisconsin is set to receive over $250 million from a landmark Big Tech payout, with plans to target early youth mental health intervention.

• Data Center Pushback: Unlikely alliances form as left and right voters unite in opposition against massive AI infrastructure projects and Flock surveillance cameras.

• School Cell Banning: Local control versus statewide action on phone restrictions in classrooms sparks debate ahead of local superintendent discussions.

• Beef Supply Shortage: A national herd low and a 300,000 metric ton import decision from Argentina trigger sharp warnings over corporate meatpacking control.

• Free Corn, Big Names: State Sen. Brad Pfaff previews his 5th annual West Salem corn roast on Wednesday, featuring gubernatorial candidate David Crowley and AG Josh Kaul.

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Democratic Party Chair for Wisconsin’s 3rd Congressional District, William Garcia, stopped in studio to unpack why he believes U.S. House Rep. Derrick Van Orden is running a “desperate” re-election campaign.

Garcia highlights Van Orden’s use of AI deepfake videos on social media and bringing controversial Trump cabinet officials, like RFK Jr., into the district.

We also discussed state and national politics surrounding data centers — including between governor candidates David Crowley and Tom Tiffany — and the fallout from federal food safety rollbacks.

Plus, we go off on a sci-fi tangent about how Dune and The Matrix reflect today’s tech and cultural conflicts.

Episode Highlights:

• Deepfake AI Videos: Garcia calls out Van Orden for posting AI-generated “slop” videos of challenger Rebecca Cooke on social media to fool voters.
• RFK Jr. Photo Op: Why standing next to the Health Secretary backfires in a heavily rural, agricultural district currently dealing with widespread food recalls.
• The Debate Stand-Off: Garcia addresses the push to schedule a 3rd District debate and accuses Van Orden’s team of dodging negotiations to run out the clock.
• Data Center War: How Tom Tiffany is trying to label David Crowley as “pro-data center” in the governor’s race despite Tiffany’s own Congressional votes blocking restrictions on AI development.
• Scifi Meets Politics: A look at how Dune and The Matrix serve as modern allegories for AI overreach, technological dependency, and trans identity.

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