“Coal Stinks” was the message at UW-L, 8 years ago

Leaders of a La Crosse protest against coal mining led Mayor Matt Harter, Chancellor Joe Gow, and others in a chant of “Coal stinks” in the fall of 2009.  Speakers warned about how burning coal may contribute to global warming, and how the hilltop mining process could pose a safety risk to nearby communities.

The Oktoberfest Torchlight Parade in north La Crosse had to be cancelled in 2009 because of thunderstorms in the area.  The floats and bands and fest royalty moved the music and dancing to the northside festgrounds, under the shelter. 

People sampling new TV shows in the fall of 2009 could see series such as “The Good Wife,” “Modern Family,” and the prime-time version of “The Jay Leno Show.”  NBC persuaded Leno to retire from “The Tonight Show” to let Conan O’Brien host.  In return, Jay got a Monday-through-Friday show at 9 p.m., La Crosse time.  A few months later, Conan quit “Tonight” and ended up on cable, and Jay was back at his old show.  Prime-time Leno was seen eight years ago, yesterday in La Crosse.