A deepening federal probe into a sweeping fraud scandal in Minnesota complicated Governor Tim Walz's bid for an unprecedented third term in the state. He has not been accused of any wrongdoing, but Republicans have sought to blame Walz and Democrats for the massive abuse of taxpayer dollars. Tuesday on La Crosse Talk, Sean Dwyer spoke to WCCO political reporter Susie Jones, who has been covering the scandal and the Governor's political career. Topics included the fallout from the scandal and future developments. Walz's announcement and the continuing scandal is and will change the political landscape in the Gopher State.

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The Bluffland Coalition announced the approval of four bluff land grants by the La Crosse County Board.  This marks another major step forward for regional trail connectivity and habitat restoration in the county. The group follows a plan to encourage conservation and recreation throughout the Coulee Region. The Bluffland Plan was developed in 2016. Its goals are improving public health, ecological diversity, connected communities, economic strength, and a high quality of life.  The coalition represents a group of communities and shared goals of preservation and recreation on bluff lands. The efforts encourage and support hundreds of volunteers to spend Saturday afternoons building trails or clearing invasive species. Leonardo Silva, a Supervisor for the Town of Medary and member of the Coalition, joined Sean Dwyer on Lacrosse Talk on Tuesday to discuss the preservation accomplishments of the Coalition.

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Recent fires in La Crosse highlight the importance of smoke detectors in the home. 

While many know to replace batteries when we change our clocks each spring and fall, the La Crosse Fire Department's Molly McCormick said it's also important to replace the smoke detectors every seven to ten years to keep everyone in a home safe. 

The recommendation is that there's at least one smoke detector on every level either in or adjacent to sleeping areas. 
For carbon monoxide detectors, there should be one also on each level near a heat register or near a gas line by a furnace or gas-powered appliance. 

The department has teamed up with the Red Cross to help people who may not be able to afford smoke detectors so they could receive up to three free ones for their home. There's also have a program for carbon monoxide detectors, too. Contact the La Crosse Fire Department at 888-376-4056 for more details and information.  

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One of La Crosse's City Council members wants to make sure the public's voice is heard when it comes to the Highway 53 project involving 3rd and 4th Streets in downtown La Crosse. 
2nd District Councilmember Erin Goggin said that using social media to speak out isn't the way to express opinions. Emails are. The city is discussing a resolution this week that asks the state Department of Transportation to come up with different alternatives than what they've proposed for those streets.

Also, a part of the city's Judiciary and Administrative Committee meeting is a resolution that would do away with the invocation at the beginning of the Common Council meetings. The invocations are done on a voluntary basis by different members of La Crosse's faith community. Councilmember Goggin shares her thoughts on why eliminating this may not be the best idea. 

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Travel writers Tom Manus and Kristi Flick Manus are the authors of a new book called Secret Wisconsin: A Guide to the Weird, Wonderful, and Obscure. 

They joined Sean Dwyer recently to discuss what they discovered in their journeys around the state including what is the correct way to eat brats to the story of the second oldest Chinese restaurant in America in the same location is in Janesville. The owner's father was one of six Chinese survivors from the Titanic. 

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As the final few days of this year's Rotary Lights take place, Pat Stephens joined La Crosse Talk's Sean Dwyer in the studio to look back at the success of the year. 

He also discussed the many volunteers and organizations that make Rotary Lights a success. Around 3,200 people each year help with set up, during the event, and taking down afterwards. 

In addition to the success of Rotary Lights in La Crosse, Pat talked about how over the years, they've helped 17 other organizations interested in creating similar projects in their communities to help feed those in need. 

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Having a plan in place before heading out to celebrate New Year’s Eve can make the evening go smoother, according to La Crosse Police.  

Sgt. Whitney Hughes spoke to Sean Dwyer on La Crosse Talk Wednesday morning about that.  

“We do actually have a lot of options in this city. But a lot of times it’s making sure that you have it planned out, so you either don’t have a long wait time and then you make a poor decision...and just setting it up before you go out,” said Hughes.  

There’s the Safe Ride program sponsored by the Tavern League where people can get a ride home from one of the city’s bars. 

La Crosse’s MTU is also offering a special bus service until 3 a.m. Hughes said it may not get a person directly to their door, but within a block or two, so dress appropriately.  

She also discussed the consequences, both personally and financially, for someone who would be arrested for any kind of DUI charge. 

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The name is a Veterans Service project in La Crosse County. 

Jane Brannan brought the national program to La Crosse County.

Brannan is the County Veteran Services Officer.  IANI is an awareness program created to increase the visibility of women veterans, highlights their contributions and confronts the fact that women who served are often overlooked.

Brannan says the local service can make a difference in women's veterans' lives.

Brannan appeared on La Crosse Talk on Monday along with Veteran Services Coordinator Erica Lakowske.

If you want more information on the IANI program or any of the many services offered to all veterans, you can call the La Crosse County Veterans Services office at 608-785-9719 or click here to visit the La Crosse County Veterans Services website. 

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Catching cancer early is essential to fighting the disease after diagnosis.  

Emplify Health by Gundersen oncologist Dr. Kurt Oettel says there have been significant improvements in cancer treatments during his career.  

Dr. Oettel was a guest on La Crosse Talk with Sean Dwyer on Monday.  

The cancer specialist says environment, genetics and behavior are contributors to cancer, but there is seldom a single cause.  

What he says is clear is the value of screenings to treat the disease and save lives.

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How did the stock market do in 2025?

Pretty well says a local Financial Coach. 

Brett Sebion of Trust Point said despite some early apprehension, the market was robust during the past year. 

While there was some concern about tariffs, he said it overshadowed by strong business performance. 

As far as personal investing goes, Sebion urged people to start early and be consistent. He said to make sure you invest regardless of the time frame because it makes a significant financial impact.

Sebion shared some other insights about the market, investing, and what's ahead for 2026 on La Crosse Talk with Sean Dwyer.

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