When La Crosse County began receiving American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding in 2021, staff in the Land Conservation Department identified a practical use: support for stormwater infrastructure projects in towns and rural areas.

Across the county, stormwater systems weren’t keeping up with more frequent flooding. Town governments often didn’t have the resources to pay for needed upgrades like culverts, drains, and ditching. The result was damage to roads and private property, and increased runoff into rivers and streams.

With approval from the County Board, $2 million in ARPA funding was set aside for a stormwater grant program aimed at unincorporated areas. The goal: protect infrastructure and improve water quality through modern stormwater management practices.

“The ARPA program funds allowed the Town of Shelby to complete three important stormwater projects that were otherwise not possible due to our limited budget,” said Shelby Town Chair Tim Candahl.

Over two funding rounds, the program supported a dozen projects in Campbell, Shelby, Onalaska, Farmington, and Holland. Towns were able to combine the county grants with local funds to expand the scope of work.

“Without the assistance of grants, it’s extremely difficult for the Town to afford projects of this magnitude,” said Jason Hilton, Public Works Director in the Town of Campbell.

The final project funded through the program—in the Wedgewood Valley subdivision in Shelby (pictured)—is now nearing completion. The grant-funded work will reduce flood risk for hundreds of homes and public infrastructure and limit runoff into nearby waterways.

Our next public blood drive will take place on Thursday, August 14, and Friday, August 15, from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. each day at the Health and Human Services Building (300 4th St. N, La Crosse). If you've never donated before, now is a great time to start. Your donation helps support local hospitals and can save lives.



Sign up for an appointment:

• Thursday, August 14 here
• Friday, August 15 here
• Walk-ins are also welcome

How long have you been with the Health Department?

I’ve been a Health Educator here for almost four years — since December 2021.

What does your role focus on?

Most of my work centers around substance use prevention and overdose response, with a strong focus on harm reduction. I coordinate the Alliance to HEAL, led our Overdose Fatality Review Team, and provide Narcan and overdose response trainings both in-house and in the community. A big part of the job is building connections — reducing stigma, sharing accurate information, and making sure people with lived experience are included in how we shape public health responses.

What is harm reduction — and why is it important?

At its core, harm reduction means reducing the negative consequences of everyday activities, whether that’s wearing sunscreen or a seatbelt — or using Narcan during an opioid overdose. In public health, it’s about meeting people where they’re at, providing safer options, and giving people the tools and support to stay alive and healthy. That includes everything from bike safety and alcohol compliance checks to Narcan access and overdose prevention education.

La Crosse County is observing Overdose Awareness Month again this year. What’s the goal of that work?

August 31 is Overdose Awareness Day, and in La Crosse County we’ve expanded it to a full month of education and outreach. The focus is on public understanding — what overdose looks like, who it affects, and how people can respond. We want to make sure people know how to use Narcan, how to recognize an overdose, and how to connect others to help.

What trends are you seeing locally?

In 2023, La Crosse County saw 56 fatal overdoses — the highest we’ve ever recorded. That led to new urgency and more community involvement. Our recent Overdose Fatality Report showed that 75% of people who died were housed, many had jobs, and most did not fit the public stereotype of someone struggling with substance use. We also saw a rise in stimulant-related overdoses and contamination with opioids. The good news? In 2025, fatal overdoses are down significantly. As of July 1, we’ve had eight. But even one is too many — and these numbers can change fast.

Should more people be carrying Narcan?

Absolutely. Narcan saves lives. It's easy to use, widely available, and increasingly over-the-counter. But even more important than carrying it is knowing how to respond:

• Call 911
• Start rescue breathing
• Use Narcan if it’s available
• What kills in an opioid overdose is lack of oxygen, and fast response can make the difference.

What’s the one thing you want the public to remember?

Overdose can happen to anyone. It doesn’t have a “type.” And stigma keeps people from getting help. Our community has a role to play — whether it’s having Narcan on hand, checking in on people, or simply being informed. We can all make a difference.

Join us online on Wednesday, September 11, from 5–6:30 p.m. for Foundations of Inclusive Leadership in Public Service—a free session open to anyone interested in building more inclusive, equitable organizations.

Whether you work in government, business, education, or the nonprofit sector, this session will offer practical tools to strengthen belonging, trust, and accountability in your workplace.

Led by Chanin Kelly-Rae Consulting, you'll explore:

• Legal and policy considerations
• How to integrate equity into hiring, budgets, and services
• Strategies for measuring progress and driving long-term change
• The event is online via Zoom.
• Click here to register and learn more

This training is open to all La Crosse County community members.

Come out for an evening of fun, games, music, and food as we celebrate National Night Out on Tuesday, Aug. 5, from 5 to 8 p.m. at Mindoro Park.

Meet La Crosse County Sheriff’s deputies and connect with staff from several county departments, including Health, Land Conservation, Highway, and Zoning, Planning and Land Information. This is a great opportunity to build community and learn about the services available in La Crosse County.

You're invited to tour Hillview Terrace Assisted Living during the open house on Wednesday, Aug. 6, from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. at 3503 Park Lane, La Crosse.

Come explore our bright, modern community—featuring 30 spacious apartments. Hillview Terrace offers studio, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom assisted living apartments, with access to beautiful common spaces including a wraparound front porch, garden patio, solarium, dining room, fitness area, and more.

Don't miss the grilled hot dog fundraiser—just $3 per plate (includes a hot dog, chips, and lemonade). All proceeds support tenant recreational programming.



We currently have one-bedroom apartments available. Stop by, grab a bite, and discover why so many choose to call Hillview Terrace home.

Changing of the Guard on La Crosse County Circuit Court

There was a historic transition on the La Crosse County Circuit Court last week as Judge Ramona Gonzalez retired after 30 years of service, and Judge Joe Veenstra was sworn in to take her place.

When she was elected in April 1995, Judge Gonzalez became the first woman and first person of color to serve as a judge in La Crosse County. Reflecting on her time on the bench, she told the State Bar of Wisconsin magazine:

“Over these three decades, I believe we’ve helped change some hearts and minds — showing that judges don’t all have to fit the old stereotype of white-haired men. Judges can be men or women, and come not just from the District Attorney’s Office, but also from the Public Defender’s Office and private practice. I’m proud that my community is open to that.”

Judge Veenstra, elected in April, praised Judge Gonzalez at his swearing-in ceremony last Friday and said he would strive to ensure everyone is treated fairly and equally in his courtroom. He brings extensive local experience as both a trial attorney and a long-serving court commissioner.

Also beginning new six-year terms this month were Judges Scott Horne and Elliott Levine, both of whom were re-elected without opposition.

Picnic, Bingo, and Live Music: A Day to Celebrate Older Adults

Join the ADRC of La Crosse County and City of La Crosse Parks for a community picnic honoring National Senior Citizens Day on Thursday, August 21, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Copeland Park.

Event Highlights:

• Picnic Cookout at 11:30 a.m. (cheeseburger, sides, and dessert for adults 60+. Call 608-785-5775 by Aug. 15 to reserve. $4.50 suggested donation)
• Bingo at 12:30 p.m.
• Live music by Driftless River Band at 1:30 p.m.
• Yard games and more all day

Want to learn more about what the ADRC is working on? Check out this News 8 story highlighting the new aging plan in development, which will focus on key priorities—including making congregate dining sites more accessible to people with dementia and addressing transportation barriers faced by older adults.