Newsmakers

Spring Planting; Community Gardens- Its time to think spring! We talk with a Master Gardener and the agriculture educator from UW-Extension in La Crosse County about preparations for spring planting, then we discuss the work of the Kane Street Community Garden and GROW La Crosse.

UniverCity Year- We talk about a program that brings the ideas of UW-Madison students and faculty to local governments to solve challenges. Pepin County is the first in western Wisconsin to participate in the program.

Fair Maps- Voters in La Crosse and Vernon Counties vote next week on advisory referendum questions asking the Legislature to consider non-partisan legislative redistricting maps.

Spring Flooding- We talk about the potential of serious spring flooding this year from a weather and emergency response perspective.

State of Journalism-We talk about the declining trust in journalism and the difficulty people are having agreeing on a common set of facts.

State Budget Proposal Reaction- Following the release of Democratic Gov. Tony Evers first budget, we get reaction from a panel of lawmakers who represent people living in southwestern Wisconsin.

Organic Farming Future- Organic farmers gathered recently at the annual MOSES conference in La Crosse. We talk with a panel of farmers about efforts to plan for the long range future of organic farming.

Future of Regional Planning- We talk about the future of regional government planning and cooperation. A staff change at the La Crosse Area Planning Committee has elected officials contemplating expanding the work beyond transportation issues which has been the primary focus.

Human Trafficking- We get an update on the Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration's La Crosse Task Force to End Modern Slavery and talk to a panel of advocates about how people can identify human trafficking when they see it.

Straight Forward- We talk about a documentary and K-12 school project on addiction put together by non-profit media organization WisconsinEye that is being presented in schools around Wisconsin. Straight Forward is designed to present the problems of drug addiction in an honest way with middle and high school students.