1410 WIZM

Over the last couple weeks the La Crosse Police Department’s Investigative Bureau has executed several search warrants and made multiple, high profile drug arrests. These large cases can overshadow the excellent work being done by the front line officers. The front line uniformed police officers are the “back bone” of our police department. We would like to highlight a recent night of activity from Officer LeQue and his new K-9 partner Ralph. Officer LeQue is assigned to second shift patrol and recently took over the handling of  K-9 Ralph from Officer Fitzgerald who was promoted to an Investigator.

On March 2nd the newly formed K-9/Handler relationship took a big step forward with a highly productive night. Officer LeQue deployed K9 Ralph on 4 separate traffic stops resulting in the arrest of 6 people, the recovery of over 36 grams of marijuana, and 3 drug smoking pipes.  One of these deployments led to the arrest of a suspect wanted for a heroin related charge; a drug that has repeatedly proven to be dangerous to our community. Assistant Chief Abraham stated: “Our K-9 units have proven to be a tremendous asset to the Department and the community. The message to drug dealers is clear, keep out of La Crosse” The La Crosse Police would like to thank the community for their continued support of men, women and K-9’s that work extremely hard to keep our community safe and drug free.

The La Crosse Area Chamber of Commerce held 144th Annual Recognition Dinner last night. During the program, the Chamber presented 5 area people with prestigious awards.

Don Weber, Chairman and CEO of Logistics Health Incorporated, was awarded the Chair’s Community Service Award. He was honored for his commitment to many causes in La Crosse including area Veterans, United Way and UW-L.  Dave Skogen, Chairman of Festival Foods was awarded the Chamber’s Regional Progress Award. Festival Foods acquired several Quillin’s grocery store locations in 2011 and built a new Festival Foods store at the Village location on the south side of La Crosse, causing Festival Foods to be the leading grocery store company in the greater La Crosse area.

Rick Artman, President of Viterbo University was awarded the Chamber’s Leadership Award.  Artman served the Chamber in key roles through a revised planning process to chart the course for the five year plan the Chamber undertook. And Shirley Krause, formerly of M&I, was presented with the Chamber’s Volunteer of the Year Award. Krause retired from M&I, A Part of BMO Financial Group in 2011, but continued to serve in her role as chair of the Chamber’s Ambassadors.

Also, Chuck Thoftne of Kwik Trip was presented with the Past Chair Award for 2011 by this year’s Chair of the Chamber’s Board of Directors, Dyanne Brudos.

Some tough decisions face the La Crosse School District soon....the biggie....how to cover between a $1.3 and $2.4 million gap in the 2012-13 budget. And not only will the school board feel it...local taxpayers will as well as the amount you will pay could reach 58% this year. But it didn't used to be this way.

Business Manager, Janet Rossiter, says even though budget talks are in the early stages, she would like some decisions the school board will make done sooner....then later.

For the second straight year, the La Crosse Center will be the host site for the NCAA Division 3 National Wrestling championships this weekend. Kim Blum, tournament director, talks about hosting the huge event.

170 wrestlers from 62 colleges will hit the mats Friday and Saturday, searching for all american and national champ status. UW-L will watch as Bebeto Yewah( BAH-BAY-TO YOU-WAH) goes for his third straight national championship. He will be joined by 4 other Eagle wrestlers. The event saw visitors spend over half a million dollars in the area last year.