1410 WIZM

When the big, electronic sign went up on highway 16 in Medary, Rich Kastenschmidt was one of the first to notice. His bedroom faces the sign in his neighborhood by Hixon Forest across the highway from the sign.  Kastenschmidt has been among those most vocally opposing the spread of additional electronic billboards in the city. Sign company, Olympus Media has been lobbying with Kastenschmidt and his neighbors to try and soften their stance against the highway 16 sign.   Nice try, says Kastenschmidt, and he appreciates the effort.   But, he says, not matter how Olympus tries to dim the lights on the sign, it's still a garish, ever-changing presence in his life.   Those signs, says Kastenschmidt, don't belong anywhere in the city.

Plenty of those driving to work right now might ride their bikes instead. If only they could shower at work. La Crosse city employees may have that opportunity soon. The city's planning on spending some money to put a shower in the basement. City councilman Bob Seaquist says this is just the latest in community changes that make it easier to bike and walk to work. The shower's got a price tag but it's mostly getting paid for with a county health grant.

Absentee Ballots for the Recall Election on August 9th are now available for City of La Crosse residents. La Crosse City residents may vote in the City Clerk's office weekdays, from 8:30 A.M. to 5:00 P.M.

To receive a ballot by mail, a written request MUST be received in the Clerk's office by 5:00 P.M., Thursday, August 4th. You should include the election date, printed name, address where registered, address to mail the ballot, phone number, and signature. If more than one person at the same address wants a ballot, both must sign.

The last day to vote an absentee ballot in the Clerk's office is 5:00 p.m. on Friday, August 5th.

Wisconsin could be in all sorts of financial trouble eventually should politicians in Washington not reach a budget deal this week. A memo written to governor Walker from secretary of Administration, Mike Huebsch details a long list of programs that could take a hit if the feds hit default on the nation's debt. Just a few; medical assistance, heating assistance, federal school funding, and natural resources. All face hundreds of millions of dollars in cuts if the federal government runs short on cash and has to prioritize spending. Huebsch says the state's current cash situation allows it to operate as normal without fed money for about three months.