1410 WIZM

Lacrosse County is looking to limit areas in which people can bring in concealed weapons. County board chair, Tara Johnson, says the county executive committee voted yesterday in favor of posting signs in all buildings owned by the county that say concealed weapons aren't allowed. She says the state law did not include several areas like the clerk of courts and justice sanctions.........this ordinance does. The full county board votes on the measure next week.

Monday, the 2011 Oktoberfest Medallion hunt begins.  As in years past, there will 10 clues given, 1 clue per day.  Each day, a new clue will be posted by 6:00 am of the of the Oktoberfest website, www.oktoberfestusa.com.  Clues will run until the Medallion is found, or until Wednesday, September 22nd , whichever comes first.

The rules are similar to previous years and are listed below.  The 2011 Oktoberfest Medallion: is always located within the La Crosse city limits.....is never buried in the ground......is always on public property......is accessible 24 hours, BUT posted hours should be observed.......fits in the palm of a hand........and may be camouflaged.

The person finding the official Oktoberfest Medallion should call the number on the back of the medallion.  The finder must wear an official, current-year Oktoberfest button to collect the entire prize package, which includes $500 cash, two tickets to the Festmaster's Ball, several gift certificates, and a miniature replica medallion, compliments of Satori Arts.  The hunt is sponsored by Wipfli, LLP.  Gift certificates have been donated by Downtown Mainstreet.

Wisconsin farm products might have rough sailing when they get shipped down the Mississippi River this fall. Paul Rohde of the Waterways Council, tells WIZM news that high waters and federal budget cuts will put a double-whammy on shipping conditions. Rohde said barges were held up in the spring when three locks and dams near Saint Paul were closed for a couple weeks due to high water. Those problems require dredging to solve but Rohde says the Army Corps of Engineers had a smaller dredging budget this year. Rohde said it doesn't bode well for the Obama administration's goal of doubling U-S exports by 2014. He said the uncertainty of river travel might cause shippers to use other modes of transportation and that could affect commodity prices.

The pieces of the Oktoberfest family puzzle start coming together Monday night with the announcement of the The 2011 Torchlight Parade Marshal and the new Maple Leaf Marshal. And for the first time, the event is open to the public says Fest Director Tina Severson. The event is free...........food is provided...and beverages will be available for purchase. Also, pre-sales of official Fest buttons and Fest hats will be available as well. It's all a part of the Chamber of Commerce Strictly After 5 program.