One of my favorite things in this job is our community columnist program.

We ask people whether they’re interested in writing four or five Opinion page columns during the next year. At the end of the year, we do it all again, with a solicitation for volunteers.
I’ve had a chance to look through the applicants, and I’ve picked 13 people to write for the next year. It’s a mix. Some will be overtly political. But most probably will write about issues closer to home.

Looking at the e-mail applications was interesting. One woman had as her subject line “ooohhh, PickmePickme!!” It’s hard to resist that kind of enthusiasm.

One man’s address line said, “criminallysane.” Hmmm.

We ended up with six women and seven men. They come from places such as La Crosse, Onalaska, Sparta and Boscobel.

So, without further ado, here is the new lineup, in the order they will appear on the page:

Faith Blum, a home-schooled La Crosse senior who will vote for the first time this year.

Dolores Marusarz of La Crosse, whose writing has appeared in the Coulee Parenting Connection and Contour Notes, a publication of the Wisconsin Regional Arts Association.n Ann Kappauf, executive director of the New Horizons Shelter and Women’s Center in La Crosse.

Amy Bernath, an accredited financial counselor, who moved back to Sparta this year after 40 years away.

Terry Terrell, pastor of a church in Tomah.

Dave Schendel of West Salem, who moved to the area seven years ago from River Falls, Wis.

Terry Schmeckpeper of Onalaska has been an occasional letter to the editor writer on a variety of topics.

Mike Stolpa of La Crosse, whose corporate job involves much travel throughout the Midwest. He also co-owns a small business with his wife.

Mark Roesler-Begalke of Brownsville, Minn., a disability rights advocate for Independent Living Resources in La Crosse.

Paul Rykken, who teaches history and politics classes at Black River Falls High School.

Avery Wehrs, a junior at Central High School, who is interested in pursuing math and Chinese language study in college.

Terry Erickson, former executive director of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater La Crosse.

Heidi Campbell of Boscobel, who writes a weekly column for the Boscobel Dial newspaper.

Here we go!

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