Wednesday, July 31, 2024

For the planet

 


Join the outdoors, conservation and climate community for another Harris fundraising and volunteer call this Thursday, 8 ET / 5 PT Hosts and Speakers include: Bodhi Patil, Jade Begay, Renan Ozturk, Sierra Quitiquit, Jose Gonzalez, Timmy O’Neill, Sasha Digullian, Jody Potts, Conrad Anker, Terry Tempest Williams, Bill McKibben, Senator Tina Smith and more.

Click here to join session: https://live.kamalaharris.com/outdoor/en/session/627bfdc6-4e8c-11ef-ace3-2711d441dae8

Vote

 City of La Crosse In-Person Absentee Voting for the

August 13, 2024 Partisan Primary Election

Tuesday, July 30 – Friday, August 9

Absentee voting is allowed ONLY during the posted hours below. 

Note the locations are by columns (in green) – voting is not available at each location every day.


More info at https://www.cityoflacrosse.org/your-government/departments/city-clerk/elections-and-voting/vote-absentee or https://myvote.wi.gov if you live outside La Crosse.

Sunday, July 28, 2024

Clean Energy Revolution - August 2

Friday, August 2, 9:30 a.m.
COPELAND PARK
 

Get ready, because the Clean Energy REVolution Tour is coming to town, and we're celebrating our climate progress in style!

Join us for an exciting press event featuring inspirational speakers like Monica Kruse, from the La Crosse County Board Of Supervisors along with other climate leaders to rally for our cause.

Don’t miss out! Tour our 100% electric-powered RV, equipped with rooftop solar panels, and take the opportunity to record a personal video about why you're enthusiastic about the clean energy revolution. Help us spread the word on social media and grab a free tour t-shirt by arriving early.

The REV is more than just a vehicle; it represents the significant progress we’re making thanks to the historic Inflation Reduction Act and Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. These landmark policies are fueling a clean energy jobs boom, improving our air and water quality, and addressing the climate crisis head-on. As our communities face extreme weather, from intense heat and devastating storms to severe droughts and wildfires, it’s crucial to highlight the vital investments driving nationwide growth and opportunity. The Clean Energy REVolution Tour demonstrates how these investments are fostering healthier, safer communities through new climate and clean air standards.

Come along and bring a friend or two with you!

Sponsored by the Climate Action Campaign and our dedicated coalition of partners.

Wednesday, July 24, 2024

Active citizenship

Get involved:


THURSDAY, JULY 25: Climate and Clean Energy Leaders for our FUTURE. Kamala Harris Fundraiser + volunteer call THURSDAY at 7 p.m. Central. Bill McKibben, Ayana Elizabeth Johnson, Leah Stokes, Jade Begay, Saad Amer, Donnel Baird, and more... Stay tuned! Sign up here to participate: https://tinyurl.com/2bwjy5st
 

WEDNESDAY, JULY 31: 96th Wisconsin Assembly District Candidate Forum hosted by the League of Women Voters of the La Crosse Area ONLINE from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. 
On Wednesday, July 31, the League of Women Voters of the La Crosse Area will sponsor a candidate forum between the Democratic candidates for the 96th WI Assembly District race in the 2024 Primary Election.  The forum will be live streamed at 6:30 p.m. on our LWVLA YouTube channel here 96th Assembly Primary Forum.  A recording of the forum will continue to be available for viewing on this channel and on our website lwvlacrosse.org .
On August 13, two candidates—Steve Campbell and Tara Johnson—compete in the 2024 Primary Election to be the Democratic Party's candidate in the November 5 General Election, running against the incumbent, Rep. Loren Oldenburg. Go to the League's online voter guide, VOTE411, to read both candidates' biographies and positions on selected issues.  
Members of the public are welcome to submit questions for the candidates at lwvlawi@gmail.com until July 30.

Earlier this year, Gov. Tony Evers signed legislation to establish new legislative maps for the state of Wisconsin. Those maps go into effect for the 2024 elections on August 13 and November 5.  The 96th Assembly District map will have new boundaries.

The new
96th includes southern La Crosse, Shelby, Viroqua, La Farge, Greenwood and more, with the district losing rural areas including Crawford and Monroe counties.

Be sure to go to https://myvote.wi.gov/en-us/Find-My-Polling-Place to see if your polling place has been moved for this year's elections.

 


THURSDAY, AUGUST 1: Wisconsin Conservation Voters Party in the Park at Eckhart Park in Viroqua from 6 to 8 p.m.

Saturday, July 13, 2024

All about biking - July 19-22

 


UPDATE: Unfortunately, due to factors out of our control, the Teaching Safe Bicycling course on July 19, 2024 has been canceled. Other Wisconsin Bike Fed events will still be happening throughout the weekend including E-bike 101, Smart Cycling 101, and attendance at Disability Pride.

If you would still interested in the Teaching Safe Bicycling course or being involved in bike rodeos, please reach out to Jenna Dinkel (dinkelj@cityoflacrosse.org) for future information and to get involved. Thanks for your understanding. Please let me know if you have any questions.


The Wisconsin Bike Fed is taking to the road for lively and fun multi-day cycling education in La Crosse, Wisconsin. Anyone, whether they are new to cycling, a tenured commuter, or an educator looking for more teaching tools, is encouraged to attend. We are working with some amazing community partners so that these programs can be free and open to the public. Everyone is invited to brush up on their bicycling knowledge, have some fun, and meet fellow cyclists in the La Crosse community.

Find more info at the links below and make sure to register ahead of time so we can stay in communication with you and plan accordingly.

July 19th: Teaching Safe Bicycling @ Black River Beach Neighborhood Ctr, 1433 Rose St.  9a-3p

  • This course sets out to train-the-trainer by offering participants the skills and on-course practice they need to teach safe cycling techniques to children.

July 20th: Disability Pride @ Central High School, 1801 Losey Blvd S. 11a-4p

  • Cycling without Age will join the Disability Action Network (DAN) for Disability Pride to promote inclusion and highlight the value of people with disabilities in the La crosse community and beyond.

July 21st: E-Bike 101 @ Wrench and Roll Collective 1200 Caledonia St. 4:30p

  • Celebrating cycling in all forms, this course goes over the basics of electric biking, including how to choose an e-bike, safety and maintenance, and on road and path etiquette. 

July 22nd: Smart Cycling 101 @ UW La Crosse Recreational Eagle Ctr, 1600 Farwell St. 2-7p

  • This course is a great way to brush up on the skills and information needed for city and country riding alike. We discuss the basics of bike maintenance, rules of the road, on-bike skills, and crash avoidance techniques. Then we hit the road for a bicycle ride to put it all into practice.

Find more information on cycling related events across the state all year round at https://wisconsinbikefed.org/events/

Friday, July 12, 2024

When Rubber Hits the Road

 


WHEN RUBBER HITS THE ROAD

FRIDAY, JULY 19 * 7:30 p.m. * RIVOLI

In January 1991, Eau Claire, Wisconsin's Uniroyal tire plant employees received devastating news: after 75 years of manufacturing tires, the plant was scheduled to close.  As the city struggled to overcome the loss of its largest employer, the former employees struggled to find their footing in a quickly changing world.  What would happen next was anyone’s guess.  But if the city hoped to survive, it was up to its citizens to figure out how.


When Rubber Hits the Road is more than a story about tires.  It’s the story of a Midwestern city’s attempt to reinvent itself in the wake of America’s manufacturing decline.  It’s a blueprint, too, for how a community can bounce back—when people commit themselves to embracing change.


Following the film, join filmmakers B.J. Hollars and Steve Dayton for a conversation and Q&A about the making of the documentary.


View trailer and get tickets HERE: https://tickets.rivoli.net/websales/pages/info.aspx?evtinfo=869717~e3c66030-62d8-4282-9886-16d09f1887f2&epguid=860d7874-6e0b-4967-89c5-bd2947a38ea3&

Monday, July 08, 2024

More public input this week


Wednesday, July 10: WisDOT and at-grade railroad crossings

WisDOT officials will hold a public meeting in La Crosse regarding changes to two railroad crossings on the city's north side.

The meeting is set for 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. Wednesday, July 10 at Logan High School.
The project focuses of crossings at Hagar Street/Avon Street and at St. Cloud Street/Liberty Street.
 These are both "at-grade" intersections, or junctions where two or more roads meet or cross at the same level.

Questions about the project can be directed to project manager Kris Sommers at (608) 266-3341 or Kristen.Sommers@dot.wi.govA comment form is available if members of the public are not able to attend.

In previous presentation documents, the DOT says they aim to minimize crashes and discourage unsafe driving at both locations.

###

Thursday, July 11: La Crosse Common Council - Mayoral appeal of historic designation for South Branch Library

From Holy Trinity-Longfellow Neighborhood:
I am again asking you to send another letter to the Common Council and the City Clerk before Thursday, July 11. (zzcouncilmembers@cityoflacrosse.org and clerk@Cityoflacrosse.org)

Mayor Reynolds has announced he will appeal the South Branch Library's Historic Landmark designation. A petition with 540 signatures supported repurposing the building (rather than demolishing it). The Heritage Preservation Commission agreed that the building should be a Historic Landmark. And the Economic and Community Development Commission voted to sell the library and grounds for apartments and townhouses.

If you believe the Historic Landmark designation should be upheld, act soon. The appeal is being put to a vote at the Common Council meeting this Thursday, July 11 at 6:00 p.m.

Email the Common Council and urge them to reject the Mayor’s appeal of the designation. If you can, go to the meeting at City Hall this Thursday at 6:00 pm. 

Friday, July 05, 2024

Coulee Region Immigration Summit

 


Monday, July 15 from 2 to 4 p.m.
La Crosse Public Library

Speaking the language of shared values, opportunity and possibility.

PLEASE NOTE: This FREE, in-person only event takes place at the La Crosse Public Library Main Auditorium (lower level), 800 Main St., La Crosse.

The Coulee Region Immigration Summit will spotlight the ways that people who migrate enrich our community. We’ll engage in an immersive learning session that focuses on the power of language that is filled with dignity and hope. A storytelling panel will bring the perspectives of people in migration, local employers and the Humanitarian Parole program. We’ll leave the summit with skills for constructive conversations and inspired to accompany and advocate for people who migrate. 

The Immigration Summit is sponsored by the Coulee Region Immigration Task Force, Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration Affiliation Office, Franciscan Spirituality Center and Kino Border Initiative (KBI).

Learn more at https://fsc.retreatportal.com/events/f?p=EVENTS:2:::::P0_EMBED,PROGRAM_ID:0,8709

Tuesday, July 02, 2024

Coalition Builder position - Forward Together Wisconsin

Forward Together Wisconsin is a new non-profit formed, "to create a new model for how organizations can best interact as a liaison between community members and federal [energy and infrastructure]  investments to ensure these dollars are spent."

The group is seeking a Coalitions Manager for western Wisconsin. 

FORWARD TOGETHER WISCONSIN SEEKING COALITIONS MANAGER

Coalitions Manager (Milwaukee, Public Education, Western WI):

The Coalitions Manager will be responsible for cultivating and managing relationships with community organizations, advocacy groups, and other stakeholders to build diverse and inclusive coalitions. Working closely with the Coalitions Director and other team members, you will coordinate advocacy efforts, mobilize resources, and drive collective action on key issues.

Key Responsibilities:

● Identify and cultivate strategic partnerships with community organizations, advocacy groups, and grassroots movements to build coalitions aligned with the organization's mission and priorities.

● Engage and mobilize coalition members, including community leaders, activists, volunteers, and other stakeholders, to participate in advocacy campaigns, events, and initiatives.

● Facilitate regular meetings, conference calls, and other communication channels to foster collaboration, share information, and coordinate action among coalition members.

● Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to develop advocacy strategies, campaign plans, and messaging that resonate with target audiences and advance shared goals.

● Provide support, resources, and training to coalition members to strengthen their capacity for advocacy, community organizing, and leadership development.

● Coordinate logistics for coalition meetings, events, and activities, including venue selection, agenda development, and outreach to participants.

● Track and analyze data on coalition engagement, campaign progress, and outcomes to assess effectiveness, identify opportunities for improvement, and inform strategic decision-making.

● Represent the organization at coalition meetings, community events, and other public forums to build relationships, raise awareness of our work, and advocate for policy changesa and social justice issues.

Qualifications:

● Minimum of 2 years of experience in coalition-building, community organizing, advocacy, or related fields, with a demonstrated ability to cultivate and manage relationships with diverse stakeholders.

● Strong understanding of social justice issues, community dynamics, and advocacy strategies, with a commitment to advancing equity, diversity, and inclusion.

● Excellent communication, facilitation, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build consensus, motivate others, and navigate complex relationships and power dynamics.

● Proven project management skills, with the ability to prioritize tasks, meet deadlines, and drive results in a fast-paced environment.

● Experience working with diverse communities and an understanding of the challenges and opportunities associated with coalition-building in multicultural contexts.

● Flexibility to work evenings, weekends, and travel as needed.

Benefits:

● Competitive salary: $75,000 annually

● Bi-monthly pay schedule for consistent income

● Comprehensive healthcare coverage for you and your dependents

● Generous Paid Time Off (PTO) to maintain work-life balance

● Dedicated sick leave to prioritize health and wellness

To apply please email Jobs@ForwardTogetherWI.org your resume. Subject line: Coalitions Manager -Your Name

About Forward Together Wisconsin:

Forward Together Wisconsin (FTW) exists to seize the unique once-in-a-lifetime opportunity presented by the historic federal investments in Wisconsin to fight climate change. Now is the time to create real progress in Wisconsin by ensuring these dollars have an impact in communities across the state, especially communities of color, working class communities, Tribal communities, and rural communities. Not only do we seek to promote the positive impacts of these investments, we will also help make these stories a reality for Wisconsinites by directly connecting and providing assistance to communities to enroll in these programs.

FTW creates a new model for how organizations can best interact as a liaison between community members and federal investments to ensure these dollars are spent. We are a 501(c)(3) organization, created by Mandela Barnes, operating exclusively for charitable and educational purposes including, but not limited to, conducting research on federal investments in WI, educating the general public on accessing said investments, and assisting the general public with technical and financial needs to access the federal funds.

Find out more about our organization and mission here: https://forwardtogetherwi.org/






Monday, July 01, 2024

Bike/Ped Plan Update Final Version

Why does the cover still show Lycra bicycle guy?

After a year of meetings, input, feedback, and revisions, the Bike/Ped Master Plan update is nearly complete. You can view the final version at https://forwardlacrosse.org. This version will be discussed for approval at the following meetings (see agendas, when available, for Zoom access info):

July 9 at 8:30 a.m. - Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee (BPAC)

July 29 at 4 p.m. - Planning Commission 
July 30 at 6 p.m. - Judiciary & Administration Committee

August 8 at 6 p.m. - La Crosse Common Council Meeting

 

For further information on the Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan update, please visit the project's website at forwardlacrosse.org.