Solar Project Advances

Ground mounts for new solar arrays have been installed at the county Highway Shop off STH 33 (pictured) near St. Joseph's and also are being installed at Lakeview Health Center and the Highway Department, both in West Salem. This is the first part of the county's over $1 million solar project. Next Spring, solar panels will be installed on the roofs of the Administrative Center and Health and Human Services Building in La Crosse and at the county shop on Goose Island. The panels are expected to reduce the county's annual electricity consumption by about 13%, bringing us closer to our sustainability goals and reducing our energy bills. Funding for the project comes from the county's American Rescue Plan Act allocation.

ADRC Adding Dementia Care Specialist

Meet our New Assistant Highway Commissioner

Christine Westpfahl was sworn in as La Crosse County Deputy Treasurer on Monday by County Clerk Ginny Dankmeyer. Before her promotion, Christine had worked in the Treasurer’s Office for about a year. She has been employed by the county for over 16 years.  

Monica Kruse, La Crosse County Board Chair, praised the professionalism of county employees, discussed the county's financial strength, and looked ahead to some of the exciting projects planned for 2024 in an editorial on the county budget you can read here.

Help Applying for Disability

Deputy Patty Stoughtenger has worked for the Sheriff's Office for almost 14 years, including time as a patrol deputy, in investigations, and court services. In her current role, Patty coordinates and leads various training programs for deputies. She takes special pride in helping new deputies learn the skills they need to succeed and stay safe on the job. "I enjoy training our officers in techniques and tactics that could save their life or somebody else's life someday," Patty said.

Hillview: "It's Home"

Carol Brickson, a resident at Hillview Terrace, was the star of a recent promotional video for the assisted living facility. "It's home," Carol said of Hillview. "The caregivers are phenomenal." We couldn't have a better endorsement of Hillview and the great work of all the staff who support residents like Carol. Click the "play" button above to watch. If you or someone you know are interested in openings at Hillview Terrace and would like a tour, please contact Kim Haskey at 608-519-9368.

In September, the School District of West Salem began a traffic study to better understand traffic flows to and from the school campus at peak hours. In addition to field observations and data collection, the project team is conducting a survey to gain additional input from residents and students. The La Crosse Area Planning Committee is assisting with the study. If you are a West Salem parent, student, or community member, please take a few minutes to share your thoughts by clicking here.

Lindsey Schwarz-Nichols, a Social Worker in the Health Department, has been helping to coordinate the For Goodness Sake Holiday Project for over 20 years. This year, the project will make Christmas merrier for more than 1,000 of our neighbors. "This program has helped individuals like a new mother with no paid time off, a family with a special needs child who requires 24/7 care, parents who are just getting back on their feet, people who are elderly and disabled, foster children, and grandparents on a fixed income who are raising their grandchildren," Lindsey said. Read more about the program in the La Crosse Tribune here or contact Lindsey at lschwarz@lacrossecounty.org.

In the last issue of County Connection, we asked you if Hillview, our county-owned long-term campus in La Crosse, is supported by property taxes. About 52% of respondents voted "yes", 28% said "no", and 20% were unsure. The correct answer was "no" as Hillview does not receive funding from the county's property tax levy. We will be sharing lots of updates on Hillview over the coming months, as the county's plan to renovate the campus, including by adding several new uses, picks up pace.