Mable Tainter Theatre gets a new executive director

Meet Amy Reise. Originally from Eagan, Minn., she graduated from the University of Minnesota-Duluth with a degree in theater. She was the development director for Youth Performance Company of Minneapolis, a teen theater company, before she took up the position at the Mabel Tainter. As a new leader for the historic Menomonie theater, it should be interesting to see what Reise will do in the community and the surrounding area. From looking at her previous experience with youth in Minneapolis, it should be safe to say that Reise is sure to attempt to get the community more involved. Hopefully Reise will be able to continue showing the Chippewa Valley how important the arts are in creating a vibrant community full of opportunity and entertainment for all ages. 

Now CVTC has a magazine

Did you know that Chippewa Valley Technical College has a semiannual magazine? Yeah, neither did we. This magazine brings students and alumni together and you don’t even need a hard copy to check out the magic (visit CVTC.edu/pages/1343.asp). All of their editions will be published with full content online. Snazzy. The magazine states, “CVTC students are the backbone of the Chippewa Valley workforce and economy. The spring issue takes a closer look into some of the jobs graduates can receive alone with the programs that provided their educational foundation.” Articles from the spring issue include alumni profiles, how-to guides, and other articles relating to CVTC life. So check this magazine out!

La Crosse's new controversial marijuana law

The change in the marijuana laws of La Crosse has been in the news for weeks, as members of the community voiced their concern/approval. Now it’s official: in an 11-4 vote, the common council has passed an ordinance decriminalizing marijuana possession of seven grams or less. If approved by the mayor, police would have the option to ticket, rather than criminally charge, an individual for first-time possession. An added amendment now sends half of the ticket revenue to the DARE program. Council member Chris Olson, who proposed the amendment, said it in no way advocates drug use and would financially benefit the city rather than the county. Council member Doug Happel disagrees, saying the issue is sending the wrong message about drug use. The ordinance now goes to Mayor Matt Harter, who could veto the bill, as he did to a similar bill in November. Even if the new ordinance stands, La Crosse Police Chief Ed Kondracki has indicated that his officers will most likely not use the new measure.