Shuttered sand mine to reawaken as championship golf course

WHITEHALL – The Whitehall Sands golf course is just starting to take shape about halfway between Eau Claire and La Crosse. Its exact location is a little out of the ordinary: a hollowed-out pit left behind by what was once one of the state’s largest frac sand mines.

La Crosse Democrats ready for the “Blue Blizzard,” after winning trifecta

Democrats are taking control of Wisconsin state government for the first time 15 years — and La Crosse-area lawmakers say they’re ready to get to work. La Crosse County Democratic Party chair Wyatt Molling may have put it best. “Day 1, when we get that trifecta, when everybody’s...

Wisconsin farmer: Rural voters ‘pretty dissatisfied’ with options on ballot

FERRYVILLE, Wis. — These are tough times for the nation’s farmers. Rising fertilizer and diesel fuel costs, and the trade wars, are taking a toll. Congress’ failure to approve a new Farm Bill has added to their woes. Dylan Bruce, a seed farmer in Ferryville, feels both parties in Washington have failed him.

City of La Crosse issues Request for Proposals for purchase of Community Policing Center

LA CROSSE, Wis. (WEAU) - The City of La Crosse issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) for purchasing and redeveloping the former Community Policing Center. According to the RFP, “The City seeks a financially feasible project that returns the property to productive, taxable use; complements the surrounding neighborhood; aligns with adopted City plans; and can be completed on a timely schedule.”

Community forum examines flaws in Wisconsin school finance as Vernon County voters face five school referendums

VIROQUA, Wis. – Voters across Vernon County are preparing to decide on a series of local school referendums on Tuesday, Nov. 3, as public school districts navigate severe financial pressures under the state funding formula. A community education forum co hosted by Threefold Driftless and the McIntosh Memorial Library...

Houston County Board Approves Watershed District Reappointments, New Staff Hire

The Houston County Board of Commissioners met October 27 at the historic courthouse, approving routine business and consent agenda items, including reappointments to the Crooked Creek Watershed District and a gambling permit for the Gopher State Sportsman’s Club. Routine Business. Chairman Greg Myhre called the meeting to order at...

La Crosse revives city administrator proposal, with council and mayor offering competing versions

LA CROSSE, Wis. (WKBT) — A proposal to create a city administrator position in La Crosse is back after failing twice before, but this time the mayor is pushing a competing version.

Viroqua mayor addresses council decision to move her office to City Hall basement

New program provides free and low-cost solar installations for eligible farmers in Vernon County

VERNON COUNTY, Wis. – There’s not a single cloud in the sky above the red farmhouse perched just before the crest of the ridge on Swallow Hill Farm. The weather seems to be preparing for what’s to come: a stack of solar panels leans against one of the walls, where three installation crew members from Ethos Green Power Cooperative are beginning to unwind wires.

Treat Your Taste Buds To The Best Homemade Food At This Enchanting Amish Town In Minnesota

There’s a town in southeastern Minnesota where the food tastes like someone’s grandmother made it specifically for you, and that town is Lanesboro. If you haven’t been, you’re essentially leaving one of the state’s best-kept secrets sitting on the shelf collecting dust. Lanesboro sits in...

Mississippi Valley Conservancy to host annual fall fundraiser in La Crosse

LA CROSSE, Wis. (WEAU) - The Mississippi Valley Conservancy will host its annual fall fundraiser this Thursday, celebrating nearly three decades of regional land and water protection across western Wisconsin. The event, titled “Keeping the Driftless Area Wild & Scenic,” is scheduled for Nov. 5 from 5:30 p.m. to 8...

Coolest Thing Made in Wisconsin announces winner

MADISON, Wis. — The Coolest Thing Made in Wisconsin competition announced its winner this week: CliC Smart Privacy Glass by Cardinal IG in Tomah, Wis. The contest said it aims to highlight Wisconsin's manufacturing industry, which generates $73.8 billion for the state's economy. “Our manufacturers are the backbone of...

Dems outraising GOP challengers in three La Crosse-area Assembly districts

Based on political climate, district makeup and money, GOP candidates face an uphill climb against several La Crosse-area Democrats in the state Assembly, according to one expert. Three Democratic incumbents representing the La Crosse area are winning the money game in the fight to defend their seats in the Wisconsin...

La Crosse area Wisconsin state Assembly candidate questionnaires

WIZM reached out to the six candidates running for state Assembly in Districts 94, 95 and 96 — all of which contain a portion of the city of La Crosse. We asked each about homelessness, shared revenue, data centers and their other top priorities. Five of the six candidates...

Democratic candidates make late push for November votes during La Crosse rally

It’s been called a ‘Let’s Get to Work, Wisconsin’ tour — a statewide campaign blitz by Democrats running for office in Tuesday’s election. Lieutenant governor candidate Sarah Godlewski, the current Secretary of State, and others on the ballot — and some not on the ballot, like US Sen. Tammy Baldwin — stopped in La Crosse on their tour Friday.

Vernon County health officials track 14 measles cases, confirm spread remains contained

VIROQUA, Wis. — Vernon County public health officials are actively working to contain a local cluster of measles cases, emphasizing that the viral illness remains limited to family households with no cases reported in local schools. Health officials have confirmed 14 total cases in Vernon County since early Sept.,...

Viroqua Council demands state moratorium on proposed MariBell power line project

VIROQUA Wis. – The Viroqua Common Council voted unanimously Tuesday, Oct. 27 to petition state officials for an immediate moratorium on high voltage electric transmission lines aligning the city with regional opposition to the proposed MariBell project. The resolution urges Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers and the state legislature to...

Viroqua City Council expands motor vehicle ordinance to ban rolling coal, donuts, and parking lot short-cuts

VIROQUA Wis. – The Viroqua Common Council has voted unanimously to adopt an expanded municipal ordinance targeting disorderly vehicle operation, giving local police broader authority to cite drivers for excessive engine noise, stunt driving, and cutting through private parking lots to bypass traffic signals. The council approved the measure...

Viroqua residents question changes to mayor, city administrator’s roles

VIROQUA, Wis. (WKBT) -- Viroqua residents say they have questions about a city leadership change made after a closed session of the City Council on Tuesday.

Viroqua Common Council passes resolution supporting protections for manufactured home residents

VIROQUA Wis. – The Viroqua Common Council voted unanimously Tuesday October 13 to adopt a formal resolution urging state lawmakers to pass legislation protecting manufactured home residents from rapid lot rent increases by corporate landlords. The action responds to growing concerns in Viroqua and across Vernon County regarding out...