Good morning, La Crosse.

Dave and Tess Larsen appeared on WIZM radio Wednesday to discuss Freedom Honor Flight — a volunteer-run program assisting eligible veterans from 22 counties to take safe trips to Washington, D.C. for visits to national memorials.

La Crosse County is facing a serious shortage of foster homes with only about 50-54 spots available when 75-100 were typical, which is forcing children to be placed out-of-county and sometimes split siblings.

The county is looking for caring foster parents and interested families can call 608-789-4834.

Taqueria Pato Azul in downtown will close at the end of April after serving loyal guests for 3.5 years (the restaurant thanked its supporters).

Residents can attend the annual Artifact Show on Saturday, Mar.

14 at Valley View Mall to view artifacts and ask archaeologists for help in identifying them (you may also bring your own items).

La Crosse students took part in a hands-on greenhouse program on Mar.

5 to learn about agriculture and food education. The program offered practical experience in growing local produce.

Wisconsin's record high school graduation rate reached 92% for the 2024-25 school year + attendance improved as chronic absenteeism dropped slightly, per the Department of Public Instruction's report released Thursday.

The DNR reported that nearly one in nine deer tested positive for chronic wasting disease during the 2025 hunting season — most cases came from the southern farmland zone, and La Crosse County recorded its first wild-positive detection in a priority sampling area.

The report analyzed 18,232 samples statewide.

The city’s Parks and Recreation Department will begin repairing part of the Grand Crossing Trail on Monday, Mar.

9 as crews fix the spillway between East Ave and Cottonwood Trail; detours using Cottonwood will be in place during work funded partly by the Wisconsin Department of Transportation.

City council committee approved zoning for new apartments on the former Kmart lot (Copper Rocks) despite neighbors questioning project clarity.

The full council will review the project on Thursday, and developer There Sixty Real Estate Solutions has a four-month window for approvals so construction can start this year.

Barnes and Noble at Valley View Mall was condemned after a roof leak caused water damage and forced closure on Tuesday.

City inspectors posted a notice at the entrance requiring repairs (roof, ceiling grid, sprinklers, and electrical checks) and warning of fines if work is not completed.

Willow Round Basketry Workshop with Clint Grabhorn

9 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. — People's Food Co-op — $40 materials fee plus sliding scale — Learn the art of willow basketry in this beginner-friendly, hands-on course.

Wingapalooza Fundraiser

12:30-3:00 p.m. — Radisson Hotel La Crosse — Support our community’s mission — Sample delicious chicken wings while contributing to leadership through education and connection.

Tea & Technology: Exploring Digital Resources

11 a.m. — La Crosse Public Library — Free entry — Discover new digital resources for learning and wellness with hot drinks and treats in a cozy setting.

Josh Turner Concert

7:00 – 8:30 PM — La Crosse Center — Ticket prices range from $57 to $137 — Experience a night of country music with Josh Turner live in concert.

Come from Away

Mar 13 – 29 — La Crosse Community Theatre — Tickets required — Experience the heartwarming true story of Gander, Newfoundland's unexpected hospitality.

Come From Away Musical Performance

2-6 p.m. — Weber Center for the Performing Arts — Tickets from $75 — Experience the heartwarming true story of resilience and community during a unique musical performance.

Breakerspace Exploration

11 AM – 12 PM — La Crosse Public Library — Free entry — Dive into the mechanics of technology by dismantling real devices to unveil their secrets.