'It's not adding clarity': Viroqua special council meeting blocked as council fails to meet quorum

VIROQUA, Wis. (WKBT) — A special Viroqua City Council meeting called by Mayor Krista Browne was canceled after the council failed to secure enough members to meet quorum requirements.

Superintendent of La Crosse Public Schools named 2027 Wisconsin Superintendent of the Year

LA CROSSE, Wis. (WEAU) - The Wisconsin Association of School District Administrators named Dr. Aaron Engel, Superintendent of the La Crosse Public Schools, as the 2027 Wisconsin Superintendent of the Year. According to a press release from the La Crosse School District, Dr. Engel is being recognized for his exceptional...

La Crosse commission advances plans for former library and Girl Scouts building

LA CROSSE (WKBT) -- The La Crosse City Plan Commission voted today to advance plans for two city-owned buildings.

77% of La Crosse County registered voters cast ballots

LA CROSSE COUNTY, Wis. (WKBT) -- About 77% of registered voters in La Crosse County cast ballots in the election, roughly 3 percentage points below the county’s turnout in the previous midterm elections.

Commissioners approve infrastructure resolutions, discuss transmission line opposition

The Houston County Board of Commissioners met Tuesday for a regular session to approve infrastructure resolutions, review local road updates and discuss ongoing opposition to a proposed high-voltage transmission line. The board turned its attention to local infrastructure and approved Resolution 26-30. This resolution officially registers the board’s support for a proposed Main Street reconstruction project within the city of La Crescent. The project is designed to improve the physical connection between the downtown commercial area and the corridor at County Road 29 and Elm Street. During the review of the resolution, a board member questioned the scope of the infrastructure, asking, “So is this for a sidewalk or something other?” Engineer Brian Pogodzinski said the project includes a planned 8- to 10-foot-wide walking and biking path along the south side of Main Street. Pogodzinski further noted that most of the work falls within the established city right-of-way, though county approval was specifically required for the connection where it enters County Road 29 ROW. The county’s formal support is intended to assist the city as it pursues grant funding for a safer, more accessible connection for pedestrians and cyclists. The commissioners also passed Resolution 26-31, which supports a separate application

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...