Survey Deadline is April 15

The deadline to participate in the La Crosse County Survey is Wednesday, April 15, and we want as many responses as possible. Please take a few minutes to complete the survey here.

The survey is fast, confidential, and being conducted in partnership with the University of Wisconsin–La Crosse Department of Political Science and Public Administration. It asks about accessibility, awareness, and satisfaction with County services.

Please give your feedback before the April 15 deadline and share the link with friends and family in La Crosse County and encourage them to participate.

The Calm Voice in a Crisis

In an emergency, the calm voice on the other end of the 9-1-1 line can make all the difference. This week, for National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week, we recognize La Crosse County’s telecommunicators, who answer emergency calls for all police and fire departments in the county, as well as emergency medical calls.

In March, our telecommunicators answered 98.5% of 9-1-1 calls within 15 seconds and 98.9% within 20 seconds, out of 2,668 total calls. This surpasses the National Emergency Number Association benchmark of 90% answered within 15 seconds.

“Every second matters in emergency communications,” said La Crosse County Public Safety Communications Director Kent Stein. “These results reflect the focus, teamwork and professionalism our staff bring to every shift.”

Thank you to our La Crosse County telecommunicators for being that steady voice in a moment of crisis, day after day.

Employee Spotlight: Liz Nation

New Role: Liz Nation is La Crosse County’s new re-entry social worker, working within Justice Support Services to help people in the jail prepare for a successful return to the community. The goal is to give people the support they need to reduce the likelihood of returning to jail and to lower long-term costs across County systems.

Background: Nation began her career as a legal secretary, spending six years in the Public Defender’s Office in La Crosse. She later returned to school for a degree in social work while working at Great Rivers 211. During her master’s program, she completed an internship in the La Crosse County Jail on a pilot re-entry initiative, unaware it would eventually become her full-time role. After graduation, she worked with the Wisconsin Balance of State Continuum of Care, supporting homelessness-response efforts.

Day-to-Day: Nation stepped into the County’s re-entry position earlier this year. The new, grant-funded role focuses on building individualized plans that connect people with jobs, benefits, housing, health care and other supports. That may include helping someone apply for FoodShare, reconnecting them with family, or coordinating a multi-agency plan for someone with complex mental health needs.

Quoted: “They are people, they are our neighbors, and they deserve a chance to succeed,” Nation says. Looking ahead, she hopes her work will reduce recidivism, ease pressure on the jail and improve outcomes for the people she works with.

Well-Water Testing Event Draws 78 Households

A total of 78 households brought 112 water samples to our well-water testing event at the Town of Holland last week. The samples were then brought back to the lab at the La Crosse County Health Department to test for bacteria, nitrates, lead, arsenic, and metals.

This is one of the ways the Health Department (including Mekaela Malloy and Lacey Hein, who are pictured at the testing event) works to keep our community informed and safe.

Thank you to everyone who voted in the April 7 Spring Election. Turnout was about 40%, slightly higher than a typical spring election. For comparison, the 2025 Spring Election — which included a high‑profile Supreme Court race and the La Crosse mayoral race — saw a record 61% turnout. The 2024 spring election saw a turnout of 35%.

A big thank you also goes to all the election workers who made this election possible, including poll workers, municipal clerks, the County Clerk and her team, and the canvass boards. Their dedication and professionalism power our local democracy.

You can view the full election results on the County Clerk’s website here.

Ten members of the La Crosse County Board are departing following the Spring Election. Please join us in thanking them for stepping up to serve our county.

Pictured at their final board meeting on Monday are outgoing members Travis Elam, Mike Baroni, Dave Balduzzi, Jack Pogreba, Gary Padesky, Margaret Larson, Rick Cornforth and Dawn Wacek. Also departing the Board are Dave Hundt and Maureen Freedland.

Ten new Board members will be sworn in at next Tuesday’s County Board Organizational Meeting. We'll share more on the new board in our next newsletter.

Celebrating County Government

La Crosse County is recognizing National County Government Month this April. This annual observance highlights the role of the nation’s 3,069 counties as the foundation of strong, healthy communities.

Read the County Board’s official proclamation here. You can also read County Administrator Jane Klekamp's editorial in the La Crosse Tribune celebrating our achievements over the past two years. That piece is available on the Tribune’s website, or you can read it on the county website here.

Have expired or unused medications at home?

Dispose of them safely at our Drug Take Back Event on Saturday, April 25, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at La Crosse County Health and Human Services, 300 4th St. N., La Crosse.

Dropping off unwanted medications helps prevent misuse and keeps harmful substances out of our water and environment. Drug Take Back Day is free, anonymous, and open to everyone.

Calling All Entrepreneurs

La Crosse County has $40,000 in SEED (Start‑up Enterprise & Entrepreneur Development) funding available this year. The deadline for the first round of funding is April 30. This program is designed to provide financial resources to start-up businesses with potential for growth. Learn more here or send questions to sbachmeier@lacrossecounty.org.

La Crosse County’s 175th Anniversary Art Competition is accepting entries through Thursday, April 30. Ready‑to‑hang artwork can be submitted at the La Crosse County Admin Center, 212 6th St. N, La Crosse. Themes focus on heritage, natural beauty, community, and future vision. Prizes of up to $500 will be awarded, and entries will be displayed in an exhibition at the Admin Center. Learn more about themes and how to enter here.

Hillview Open Houses in May

La Crosse County will host two public open houses in May to showcase the $19.6 million modernization of the Hillview campus (3501 Park Lane Drive, La Crosse).

The Hillview Life Center Grand Opening is scheduled for Friday, May 1, from 4–5:30 p.m., with a 4:30 p.m. ribbon‑cutting. The Life Center will offer childcare operated by the YWCA and programming for older adults.

The Hillview Campus Open House will take place Tuesday, May 5, from 3–6 p.m. Guests are invited to tour the newly remodeled nursing home and the Evergreens Assisted Living (CBRF – Community-Based Residential Facility). The event will feature a ribbon‑cutting at 3:15 p.m., along with live music, a silent auction, raffle baskets, and refreshments.

Spring Severe Weather Preparedness Week is a good time to get ready before storms arrive. In our region, spring brings tornadoes, thunderstorms and flash flooding. Taking a few simple steps on calm days can make a big difference when the weather turns.

Review your emergency plan and make sure you have multiple ways to receive alerts, since outdoor sirens are meant for people who are outside. Identify your safe shelter, such as a basement or interior room, and check your emergency kit or assemble a new one with water, food, flashlights, medications and important documents. Residents may also sign up for local alerts, including Smart911, here.

Stay informed by understanding the difference between a watch and a warning and follow updates from the National Weather Service and local officials. La Crosse County Emergency Management monitors conditions year‑round, but residents can strengthen community safety by preparing now. Upcoming virtual storm spotter trainings are available in April through the National Weather Service. Learn more here.