No cruising allowed? A plan for Riverside Park, 23 years ago

In 1994, La Crosse leaders were considering ordinances to keep young people from loitering in Riverside Park overnight.  The ‘no cruising’ rule under debate called for a fine, for anyone caught driving around the park three times in a night, between 8 p.m. and 4 a.m.  Park director Bob Berg heard that families were afraid to go into the park, when the cruisers intimidated others, and blasted music from their cars.

Some extra money in ’94 for La Crosse School Superintendent Dick Swantz, just two years after a school board recall and threats to have him fired.  Swantz received a $5000 raise in pay and benefits, to $120,000.  His actual salary was $87,000.

A big money card tournament brought ‘Mr. Kotter’ to the region.  Gabe Kaplan from the 70’s sitcom ‘Welcome Back, Kotter’ was performing stand-up at the Treasure Island casino near Red Wing.  Kaplan also had become a champion poker player, but ironically, he was asked to host a Treasure Island blackjack tournament, 23 years ago, 1994, yesterday in La Crosse.