Business
La Crosse Mayor Mitch Reynolds on Kmart demo, balloon ban, homelessness progress, federal funding freeze
La Crosse Mayor Mitch Reynolds joined WIZM’s La Crosse Talk on Wednesday to discuss the new balloon release ban, the future of the old Kmart, the impact of a federal funding freeze on the city and some positive news on homelessness.
La Crosse Talk airs weekdays at 6-8 a.m. Listen on the WIZM app, online here, or on 92.3 FM / 1410 AM / 106.7 FM (north of Onalaska). Find all the podcasts here or subscribe to La Crosse Talk wherever you get your podcasts.
We began by reflecting on his final two months as mayor before stepping down and whether he plans to endorse any candidates in the upcoming city council or mayoral races.
The conversation briefly shifted to sports, touching on potential new home for Aaron Rodgers, as well as the Town of Campbell’s efforts to incorporate.
Then we got into the balloon ban, as Reynolds spoke about plastic waste and his role as co-president of the Mississippi River Cities and Towns Initiative.
On the topic of homelessness, Reynolds shared encouraging news — stating that currently, no one is likely sleeping on the streets. He also highlighted a milestone for the Pathways Home project, which recently housed its 100th person.
Later, the discussion turned to the federal funding freeze and the potential challenges it could create for the city from police and fire to flooding mitigation and more.
The show wrapped up with an update on the redevelopment of the old Kmart lot and how the project is progressing despite looming tariffs on steel.
Mike Hochertz
February 13, 2025 at 5:25 am
Mitch,
Even though I disagree with many of your policies I do give you credit for stepping up and being involved with the civic duty as mayor.
I truly hope the next Mayor will be more conservative with the policies and funds for the city.
Colleen LeBlanc
February 13, 2025 at 7:07 am
Mitch, I’m glad you took the job for one term. I know it was tough and there’s a lot of “backseat drivers” who thought they could do better. I appreciate that you did or tried to do the things you ran on. I’m glad no one is sleeping on the street tonight. Thank you.
Bob N.
February 13, 2025 at 9:08 am
If “no one is sleeping in the street”, why the need for Pathways Home and it’s planned millions of dollars in public money spending?
The hilarious outcome is that the City hated to ban the squatters from camping in the parks, river banks and marsh trails. Outrage from the public made the City do it. Now the liberals on the Council and the Mayor are feeling guilty over this (succeeding and following the public’s direction) so to make amends to the squatters, free housing, money, food are quietly being planned in a big new welfare plan for the “homeless”. Ironically, that should greatly increase the number of squatters. The liberals will snatch defeat from the jaws of victory. They will never get it.