Newsmakers

With winter fast approaching, "Newsmakers" is talking about the needs of unsheltered people in the La Crosse area. More than a hundred people are living in tents in a La Crosse city park. But what will happen to them as temperatures drop below freezing. Joining host Ezra Wall are La Crosse Mayor Mitch Reynolds, the Salvation Army's Hope Hickman, Catholic Charities' Kevin Burch and the YWCA's Lauren Journot.

We discuss the topic of hunting today on “Newsmakers.” Host Ezra Wall speaks with a La Crosse-based DNR wildlife biologist and also the head of Vernon County’s Kickapoo Valley Reserve. They share information and perspectives on bowhunting, gun safety, various seasons, what to keep in mind and more. We then take a look at the issues surrounding Wisconsin’s controversial fall wolf hunt from a variety of viewpoints.

In our program this week, "Newsmakers" host Ezra Wall speaks with veteran service officers from La Crosse County and the Tomah VA Medical Center on resources available to veterans in our area. The conversation includes discussion of the annual Veterans Bonanza event, taking place Saturday, Oct. 16 at the La Crosse Center, which introduces veterans and their families to organizations providing services, assistance and helpful resources. Wall then speaks with folks from the UW-La Crosse Theatre Arts about their new production "Severe Clear: September 11 from Memory to History." The original documentary drama written by UWL students and faculty will be the first performance with an in-person audience at UWL Theatre since Feb. 2020.

This week on “Newsmakers,” we learn about a new mobile preschool program rolled out by the La Crosse School District, with initial costs funded by Federal Covid relief funds. Host Ezra Wall speaks with school district staff about the program. We then hear folks with La Crosse’s Sustainability Institute describe the “Drawdown Challenge" taking place this month, and how you can participate to reduce carbon and track impact. (Due to a technical issue with last week's program, this sustainability segment is a repeat from Oct. 1).

Today on “Newsmakers,” we discuss the Compass Now 2021 report with folks involved in this community needs assessment reference tool. Host Ezra Wall speaks with folks involved in the effort, including the Great Rivers United Way, Gundersen Health Systems, and the Monroe County Health Dept. We then learn about the Sustainability Institute of La Crosse’s Drawdown Challenge and how you can participate to reduce carbon and track impact over the coming weeks.

Wisconsin Public Radio takes a look behind the scenes at the NFL’s only community-owned team, hearing from players, journalists, super fans and other Packer enthusiasts.

On this week’s “Newsmakers” program, host Ezra Wall speaks with folks about the recent arrival of Afghan refugees being housed at Ft. McCoy military base in Monroe County. Wall speaks with WPR La Crosse-based reporter Hope Kirwan, who has been covering the story in recent weeks. We also hear from representatives of aid groups providing support, including Catholic Charities La Crosse and Team Rubicon, a nonprofit organization led by veterans that responds to humanitarian crises.

On “Newsmakers” today, host Ezra Wall speaks with folks from area arts organizations for an update on what’s happening with their current seasons, including upcoming events. We hear from Lanesboro’s Commonweal Theatre, the La Crosse Community Theatre, and the Dubuque Museum of Art.

(Repeat of August 27, 2021 Program) “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 just 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.

Today on “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 just 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.