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Observer Corps
Observing Our Government in Action
Preserving Our Right to Know

The League has been a champion of government transparency since our founding in 1920. It is one of our core principles and a vital part of our mission.

Members of our local League’s Observer Corps (OC) volunteer to monitor local government boards and committees. Their purpose is to understand and shine a light on issues of importance to our area, especially those related to positions adopted by the LWV of Wisconsin. The League Lens shares a snapshot of what is happening in county, municipal, and school district governance as reported by our OC members.

We welcome new members to our Observer Corps team. If you have an interest in observing a La Crosse area government entity—municipal, county, or school district—visit our Observer Corps page for more information about how to get involved.

AUGUST 2025 LEAGUE LENS

Virginia Crank, Editor - 9/9/2025

School District of La Crosse Board of Education Meeting: August 4 Video
School District of La Crosse Board of Education Meeting: August 18 Video

The August La Crosse School Board meetings reported on increased student involvement in Agriscience and Future Farmers of America (FFA) programs over the past couple of years, noting that all 7th graders now take an “Exploring Ag” class and that enrollment in both Agriscience classes and FFA organizations has increased at Logan and Central High Schools. In addition to coursework, students have opportunities to work with community partners like GROW, WTC, and the Outdoor Recreation Alliance.

The Board reviewed and approved the La Crosse School District’s Fund 80 (the Community Services and Programs budget), which includes various educational and community support initiatives, including after-school programming, facility use, and partnerships with community organizations.

The Board also heard about the District’s implementation of all-day 4K schooling in all but three of the area elementary schools. Summit, Southern Bluffs, and Emerson will continue to offer half-day programs with students whose parents want them in all-day 4K being transferred to a building that provides it.

Of note to the LWV of the La Crosse area is the information that the percentage of high school students registered to vote dropped 39.7% to 27.4% from 2024 to 2025.

Observer: Jean Hammons

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City of La Crosse Common Council August 14 Meeting: Video and Materials

In their August meeting, the Common Council discussed at length and then approved the 2026-2030 Capital Improvement Budget, after passing several amendments brought forward by council members. Significant among these amendments are

traffic calming on 16th St.,
improved lighting in the Washburn Neighborhood,
expedited upgrades for the Copeland Park shelters,
a one-year postponement of the first phase of a Muncipal Service Center.

Additionally, the Council approved adding new ADA-compliant bubblers near 10 of the historic cast iron bubblers in downtown and north La Crosse. This project is included in the 2026 budget and will be funded with TID dollars. They later unanimously passed a second bubbler resolution, sponsored by Mayor Washington-Spivey, to install accessible drinking fountains in various other locations throughout the city. Several donotrs have expressed interest in contributing to this project.

Finally, a resolution was passed to regulate the sale of hemp-derived cannabis, subjecting it to the same laws as alcohol consumption.

Observer: Nora Garland

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Campbell Town Board Agenda and Minutes

In their August meeting, the Town of Campbell supervisors approved a request to investigate adding an outdoor reading and activity area at F.J Rogers Library and to explore outside funding donations to increase programming at the library.

They also reviewed the work on the new $31 million water system; the first well has been completed, and contracts for loans and grants to complete the project are in process. A total of approximately $45 million dollars of loans and grants are projected. They approved a plan to work with Ehlers Financial Services to coordinate and create a Water Rate Study to send to the Public Service Commission, noting that this water project is the first completely new one in the state in 30 years.

A proposed replacement for the out of date Ordinance on Noxious Weeds was not approved.

The Supervisors gave an update on the incorporation process: the application is approximately 80% completed and is to be submitted to the state by the end of the month.

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Observer: Stephanie Davis

The County Board began their August meeting with a report from the highway department that county highway road conditions have been rated 94% okay or good, with only 6% considered poor. The Board then approved several zoning and land use items, including a rezoning from agricultural to rural in Shelby and the denial of a conditional use permit for farm residency in Farmington. The Board also accepted a $7,500 grant from the Department of Natural Resource for Veterans Park improvements and discussed adjusting speed limits at the intersection of County M and Highway 16 in West Salem. Additionally, the board approved an amendment to animal regulations regarding feral cat management, allowing volunteers to trap, neuter, and release cats while requiring them to provide food and water during the process.

Observer: Mary Faherty

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La Crosse County Health and Human Services Board
Meeting Minutes

The August meeting of Health and Human Services provided background regarding ADRC (Aging and Disabilities Resource Center) and the Options Counseling function, services designed to help people, including those above the poverty line, make informed decisions about services like dementia care, housing, and transportation, and healthcare. This program has received statewide recognition for its comprehensiveness. Additionally, HHS prepared and submitted a revised animal control ordinance focusing on the catch, neuter, vaccinate and release policy for feral cats.

Observer: Jan Gallagher

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La Crosse County Judiciary and Law Committee
Meeting Minutes

The August meeting of the Judiciary and Law Committee focused on reports about the jail. The jail currently has a higher population count than normal with 127 people and up to 140 on weekends; this number includes many people with drug and mental health issues. Inmates continue to receive two free phone calls per day and tablets for their use. The ten nurses in Medical Services reported a recent increase in use with 60-65% of inmates requiring medical care, including medications, withdrawal observations, and regular safety watches. Programming reported that they continue to partner with community organizations to provide access to educational programs, including GED and career classes. The LWVLA is one such provider, offering voter education.

Observer: Chris Haskell

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Civilian Review Board Web Page

The focus of the August meeting was the launch of the community report form. La Crosse County Sheriff Siegel, La Crosse Police Capt. Martin and Onalaska Police Chief Ashbeck attended the meeting and participated in a discussion of the process going forward. The committee will also present similar information to area Police and Fire Commissions, the Judiciary and Law Committee, the Criminal Justice Management Council, and the County Board.

Observer: Chris Haskell

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