2025 Budget Recommendations

La Crosse County Administrator Jane Klekamp presented her 2025 budget recommendations to the county board last week. Highlights include:

• A 3% raise for employees and no increase in health insurance premiums
• Increased funding for county highway construction (total spending of $14.1 million)
• A continued reduction in the county's debt and property tax rate

The total proposed budget is $205.9 million, which supports over 1,000 county employees and many county programs. To view Administrator Klekamp's presentation to the board on the budget click here. A public hearing and vote on the budget are scheduled for Nov. 12. We'll share more on the budget over the coming weeks.

Blood Drive is Oct 9 and 10

Donors at our October Blood Drive will be entered into a drawing for two tickets to the Taylor Swift Eras Tour and a $500 gift card. You can also receive a "Pint for Pint" coupon for a drink at 608 Brewery (must be 21 to receive coupon). The drive is Wednesday, Oct. 9, and Thursday, Oct. 10, from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., at our Health and Human Services Building. To make an appointment for Oct. 9, click here. For Oct. 10, click here. The drive is open to the public and walk-ins are welcome so please encourage your friends and family to join us!

Running for a Cause

Well done to staff from our Human Services crisis team who supported the recent Mini Donut Half Marathon to raise funds for suicide awareness. Some crisis team members ran in the half-marathon, while others volunteered to support the event.

Praise for the Ravenwood Team

What Happened: Ravenwood Behavioral Health, which is located on our Lakeview Health Center Campus, received no citations as part of its annual survey by state officials. This is a strong result and a tribute to the hard work and professionalism of county staff.

Background: Ravenwood is a 10-bed secure, state-only licensed nursing facility that specializes in treating individuals with dementia, mental illness, and severe behavioral disturbances.

Survey: Earlier this month, surveyors from the state were on-site to complete their annual survey. Annual surveys are unannounced and evaluate how well a facility complies with standards. Areas assessed include resident rights, program services, food and nutrition services, physical environment and safety, medication, and staff training. 

Praise: In addition to issuing no citations, the lead surveyor praised the Ravenwood team for the care and services they provide.  

Library's New Catalog and App

Improved Service: All Winding River Library System libraries, which includes La Crosse County Library, recently received a major catalog upgrade. The modernized system makes it easier for patrons to find materials, place holds, bookmark titles of interest, and manage their account. Try it out at lacrossecountylibrary.org.

New App: Part of the upgrade includes a new mobile app that allows you to access the catalog right from your device. It also stores your library card barcode making checking out materials a breeze! To download the app, go to your device’s app store and search for the WRLS Library Catalog app. The app is available for iOS and Android.

The La Crosse County Health Department is partnering with Saint Clare Health Mission (916 Ferry St., La Crosse) to offer vaccines to adults who do not have insurance from 4:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., on Thursday, Oct. 3. Walk-ins are welcome; or to guarantee an appointment time, click here. Flu, Tdap, Hepatitis A/B, MMR, Meningitis, and PCV 15/20 vaccines will be available.

Operation Lifesaver's See Tracks Think Train Week pulled into La Crosse County this week to host events at local schools, Bangor Library and the County Administrative Center to promote safety around railroad tracks and trains. The La Crosse Area Planning Committee and county staff collaborated with Operation Lifesaver on the program of events. Check out News 8's story here or the La Crosse Tribune's story at this link.

A benefit check-up for veterans is scheduled from 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., Saturday, Oct. 12, at the Omni Center in Onalaska. Staff from the La Crosse County Veterans Services Office, Tomah VA, Scenic Bluffs Community Health Centers, La Crosse Vet Center, and the Veteran's Outreach Recovery Program (VORP) will be attending to answer questions. Flu shots for veterans and family members, hearing aid checks, enrollment assistance and much more will be available. Call the La Crosse County Veterans Services Office at 608-785-9719 with questions or go to lacrossecounty.org/veterans.



Walking to End Alzheimer's

La Crosse County Long Term Care staff and their families were among the participants in last Saturday's Walk to End Alzheimer's. Over $107,000 was raised. Thank you to everyone who supported the walk!