La Crosse County Connection #4
Welcome to Issue #4 of La Crosse County Connection from your county government. Feedback? Send it to countyconnection@lacrossecounty.org.
1. $61 Million To Fix 48 Miles of County Highway
La Crosse County will invest $61 million to repair 48.8 miles of county highway and 11 bridges over the next five years. The investment will reduce by almost half the percentage of county highways that are in the worst shape. The plan builds off increased county funding for highway projects, which has supported our aggressive pursuit of federal funding from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. About 81% of county highways are currently rated as being in good to fair condition, as you can see in the chart below.
The ratings are made using the PASER system. Learn more about what this means and the county's increased spending on highways, here: $61 Million Plan Will Rebuild 48 Miles of County Highway (lacrossecounty.org)
2. Elder Abuse Awareness
Last year, 296 cases of suspected elder abuse were reported to La Crosse County Adult Protective Services, up 13% from 2021. However, stigma and other barriers mean many cases are likely not reported. On June 15, the Aging and Disability Resource Center of La Crosse County organized an Elder Abuse Awareness Walk to highlight the issue. Learn more about the important work carried out by Adult Protective Services at this link.
3. Broadband Needs Survey
All La Crosse County households and businesses are being encouraged to take the Wisconsin Internet Self-Report (WISER) survey to help understand broadband needs in our community. The WISER survey includes an internet speed test and will help to identify areas where internet is not available, too expensive, underperforming, or intimidating to access. Participate in the WISER survey online HERE or via phone by calling 608-261-6026. The survey should take less than five minutes to complete. About $42 billion in federal funding is being made available nationwide through the Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment (BEAD) program. Information from the WISER survey could help strengthen the county’s case to win BEAD funding for areas that need improved broadband connectivity.
4. Shared Revenue Boost
La Crosse County should receive an increase of $1.2 million in shared revenue we receive in the next state budget cycle. The additional funding comes from the bipartisan bill Gov. Tony Evers signed into law last week. The funding will come from the state’s 5-cent sales tax, which means future funding would grow along with sales tax revenue. Our total shared revenue would increase from about $3.5 million to $4.7 million under the new system. This is welcome news that will help to support county services and jobs. However, to put things in perspective, the county’s total budget for 2023 was about $208 million. Other revenue sources for the county include property taxes, federal and state grants, public charges (fees) and our local sales tax. Read more about the shared revenue agreement here: Wisconsin passes 'game changer' for county funding (naco.org)
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5. Protecting the Public
La Crosse County Health Department staff perform routine inspections of restaurants and retail food stores throughout La Crosse County at least once a year. The inspections are usually unannounced and help to keep the public safe. Our sanitarians check how food is handled, the hygiene and health of employees and food temperatures. You can search the inspection database here: La Crosse Web Live - home (healthspace.com). Click “view facilities” to see an alphabetized list or use the search box to look up an individual facility.
6. "Master Clerk" Status Achieved
County Clerk Ginny Dankmeyer has successfully completed the process to be certified as a “Master County Clerk” through the University of Wisconsin – Green Bay. Ginny participated in 100 hours of intensive workshops on critical skills, management and supervisory topics as part of the program. The certification is the highest level of recognition available for a county clerk in Wisconsin. It's a tribute not only to Ginny but to her team, who provide critical public services to our community.
7. Blood Drive This Week!
We are hosting a blood drive from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. in the Health and Human Services Building in downtown La Crosse tomorrow (Wednesday) and Thursday. If you have never donated before, now is a great time to start! Blood donations collected during this week’s drive will help make sure our hospitals have a good supply over the July 4th holiday. Signing up for an appointment is quick and easy and every donation helps save lives. Sign up for our Wednesday drive by clicking here or our Thursday drive by clicking here. Our blood drives are open to the public and walk-ins are welcome.
8. Helping Kids Get Ready for School
La Crosse County Health Department staff will be offering immunizations and our dental hygienist will be offering fluoride varnishes at four community “Back2School” events in July and August. Families can also pick up free school supplies as part of the program, which is a collaboration of several local organizations. Learn more, including how to donate or sign up for assistance, here: Coulee Region Back2School Program.
9. Library Hosts Free Computer and Email Basics Classes
Kathy Helgerson, founder of SimpleSteps to Technology, will be teaching “Computer Basics” at 9 a.m. on July 20 and “Email Basics” at 9 a.m. on July 27 at the Holmen Public Library. The classes are free to the public and no registration required. Participants can use our public computers or bring their own laptop. Check out the full range of adult programming available at county libraries here: Adult Programming (lacrossecounty.org)