Good morning, La Crosse.

The STAR Association announced that Ben Hein will lead the STAR Center on La Crosse Street, a facility that offers adaptive sports and exercise (for people with disabilities).

A UW-La Crosse graduate with 20 years in social services, Hein is set to remove barriers to community fitness.

The La Crosse Center—opened in 1980—will begin long-delayed repairs to its South Hall with HVAC upgrades scheduled for next year and bathroom and carpet improvements planned over the next five years; its board also discussed dozens of upcoming events already booked.

At the Harry J Olsen Center, friends and family gathered today to honor Shirley Hefti’s 101st birthday with cake and rounds of euchre (she credits her long life to staying active).

Hollandberry Pannekoeken has soft opened in La Crosse offering Dutch-style home cooking with pannekoeken, pastries, and specialty coffees for locals to enjoy.

Students from various schools played string instruments on Tuesday at the La Crosse Center—performing Queen's 'Bohemian Rhapsody', Star Wars themes, and traditional Irish tunes to mark the event's 40th year.

The festival showcased young musicians from lower elementary to high school.

High school students built a tiny home yesterday at their school to learn building skills + teamwork in a hands-on project that showcased practical learning and creativity for local education.

Logan High School students are building a tiny home for peers with special needs as part of their construction program (funded by a Gold Star Grant) while gaining hands-on experience in carpentry, electrical work and ADA accessibility.

Red Pines hosted a St. Patrick's Day fundraiser at Lake Onalaska to raise funds for the North Shore Dredging Project (designed to restore shallow water habitats and boost fishing) and close a $100,000 gap; dredging will begin in June pending full funding.

Governor Tony Evers signed a law that extends postpartum Medicaid coverage for low-income mothers & babies to one year, effective July 1 after CMS review; he plans to meet local families during his statewide tour to address maternal health disparities.

On Tuesday, the state Senate passed a $133 million package to combat PFAS (forever chemicals) contamination in water as Gov. Tony Evers said he would sign the bills soon.

The bipartisan move is expected to help Wisconsin communities address longstanding challenges with private wells.

The City of La Crosse said the yard waste and brush facility at 2000 Marco Drive is delayed to Monday, March 30 at 10 a.m. because of site conditions from a recent snowstorm (seasonal permits cost $25 for residents and contractors are charged $1,500 per five vehicles).

The Wisconsin men's basketball team starts its March Madness run today at 12:40 p.m. on WKTY & online as the 5th seeded Badgers with a 24-10 record face 12th seeded High Point, which has a 30-4 record.

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.

Silent Sky

7:30-9:30 p.m. — Weber Center for the Performing Arts — Tickets required — Experience the inspiring true story of Henrietta Leavitt, a 19th-century astronomer challenging societal norms during a time of scientific discovery.

Commotion: Creedence Clearwater Revival Tribute

7:30-10:00 p.m. — Viterbo University Fine Arts Center — $46 — Experience the electrifying sounds of Creedence Clearwater Revival as you travel back to the late '60s and early '70s.

OUT OF OUR MINDS CHAMBER MUSIC SERIES: The Music of Reena Esmail

3-5 p.m. — Viterbo University Nola Starling Recital Hall — Free entry — Immerse yourself in an enchanting concert featuring the compositions of Reena Esmail performed by talented musicians.

Family Fun Day at Myrick Park

11 a.m. – 2 p.m. — Myrick Park — Free entry — Enjoy a day of free activities including a bounce house, face painting, and a complimentary lunch.