Good morning, La Crosse.

Rotary distributed its holiday food donations to about a dozen local charities Tuesday at the Rotary warehouse near Houska Park — groups like the Arcadia food pantry received boxes tailored to community needs.

The annual collection ran at Riverside Park until New Year’s Eve.

La Crosse residents reflected on 2025 milestones including a new mayor taking office and closures of parks, the library, and the North Side pool, and they shared hopes for more local business, road repairs, and lower housing costs in the coming year (their priorities varied).

In 2025, there were big local business changes: Festival Foods was sold, the historic Charmant Hotel was bought by Diane Hendricks, Allegiant resumed flights to the regional airport, Piggy’s closed, and new restaurants opened downtown, making the Coulee Region busy.

La Crosse residents looked back at impactful events of 2025 and shared hopes for the new year in a reflective video posted on Dec.

31. The video captures community voices recounting last year's challenges and successes.

Congressman Van Orden said Wisconsin will receive $200 million in rural healthcare funding through the Big Beautiful Bill and warned future payments will be halted if funds are not used as required+ his remarks follow western Wisconsin losing access when HSHS ended its services last year.

On Dec. 31, a local musician performed a live set at the hospital to boost patients' morale.

The performance brought a welcome moment of joy to both patients and staff.

Today at Gundersen Hospital a musician played live music for patients + staff to lift spirits and promote recovery.

The uplifting performance highlighted community focus on gentle care for those on-site.

Quenten Brown LIVE at Boot Hill Pub

7-10 p.m. — Boot Hill Pub — Enjoy great food and drinks while listening to local musician Quenten Brown's three-hour non-stop performance.

Snow Ball 2026

6-9 p.m. — The Court Above Main — Fundraising event — Enjoy hors d'oeuvres, live music, and support local children in need.

Puzzlepalooza

9:30 a.m.–12:00 p.m. — La Crosse Public Library — Free entry — Compete in a thrilling 300-piece puzzle race or enjoy a relaxed community puzzling experience with fellow enthusiasts.

Baby Storytime

12-12:30 p.m. — La Crosse Public Library — Free entry — Interactive storytime for infants featuring stories, songs, and caregiver meetups.