Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 3rd of April.
Good morning, La Crosse.
🏘️ Community
Tristen Landers turned her life around after addiction and now runs two Pizza Ranch locations while leading recovery groups.
Her work gives back to the community—she supports people in recovery and inspires others.
💼 Business
Lorraine Seebauer of Onalaska won a brand-new Chevy Silverado in Menard's sweepstakes held February 20th–25th.
The promotion continues through the end of April—offering more chances to win prizes.
🎭 Culture
La Crosse County Historical Society has opened a new exhibition featuring 19 story cloths that commemorate the 50th anniversary of Hmong resettlement in the US — the cloths detail key moments in Hmong history and culture.
🏛️ Government
La Crosse city council incumbents in Districts 7, 9 and 12 lost their seats in the general election—progressive candidates also won other open seats.
La Crosse City Clerk Nikki Elsen said about 16% of voters used absentee ballots in the Spring Election while more voters went to polling centers in person.
She added that several local and state contests helped drive higher turnout than past elections — 53% in 2023 and 28% in the 2021 mayoral race.
Joe Veenstra won Tuesday in the election for judge of La Crosse County Circuit Court Branch 1 and defeated Eric Sanford by a 4.21% margin—receiving 20,161 votes to 18,525—and he will take over from retiring Judge Ramona Gonzalez in August, who was the first woman and minority elected to the bench.
🏥 Health
Emplify Health by Gundersen announced plans to open its new EmPATH unit at the La Crosse campus to treat patients facing mental health crises in a calm setting and to provide care for up to 23 hours, with most patients receiving help in 12 to 16 hours.
The facility—first of its kind in Wisconsin—will open early 2026 following the closure of Sacred Heart Hospital in Eau Claire.
Holmen Area Community Center in Holmen will host Bee Well Health Fair on Tuesday, April 15 (8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.) where residents can access free health screenings, vendor exhibits and wellness sessions.
Attendees will also benefit from fitness demonstrations and educational breakout sessions that introduce local health resources.
🎉 La Crosse Events
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Jason Gray concert to benefit Adult & Teen Challenge of Western Wisconsin
Contemporary Christian artist Jason Gray will be performing at First Free church in Onalaska to benefit women struggling with substance use disorder. The concert will also include opening act Sound of the North as well as powerful testimonies of freedom from addiction.
Jason Gray concert to benefit Adult & Teen Challenge of Western Wisconsin
Contemporary Christian artist Jason Gray will be performing at First Free church in Onalaska to benefit women struggling with substance use disorder. The concert will also include opening act Sound of the North as well as powerful testimonies of freedom from addiction.
Adventurous Scavenger Hunt in La Crosse
1-10 p.m. — 520 E Veterans Memorial Dr, La Crosse, WI — Ticket purchase required — Embark on a self-guided scavenger hunt exploring the hidden gems and rich history of La Crosse with friends and family.
Pizza, a movie and a message: FSPA hosts free Earth Day event
In recognition of Earth Day, the Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration are hosting a free pizza and movie night on April 10 at the Rivoli Theatre. The evening begins at 5 p.m. with complimentary pizza, followed by a special screening of "The Letter: A Message for Our Earth" at 5:30 p.m. Registration required.
Pizza, a movie and a message: FSPA hosts free Earth Day event
In recognition of Earth Day, the Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration are hosting a free pizza and movie night on April 10 at the Rivoli Theatre. The evening begins at 5 p.m. with complimentary pizza, followed by a special screening of "The Letter: A Message for Our Earth" at 5:30 p.m. Registration required.
Author Talk with Nickolas Butler
6:30-7:30 p.m. — Pearl Street Books — Free event — Dive into a compelling discussion about love, redemption, and the passage of time with author Nickolas Butler.
Safe Families 4th Annual Spring Soiree
5-8 p.m. — Celebrations on the River — Entertainment included — Enjoy an evening of fabulous food, fantastic music, and support a worthy cause to keep families together.
Pushing the River: Author Conversation
6:30-7:30 p.m. — Pearl Street Books — Free entry — Explore the captivating stories and history of canoeing with author Frank Bures and paddling expert Judson Steinback.
Grit & Grain Market
10 AM – 2 PM — Pearl Street Brewery — Free entry — A vibrant makers market with local products, craft beer, and live music at a beloved brewery.
DEWALT Days 2025
9 a.m.-4 p.m. — Blain's Farm & Fleet — Free entry — Elevate your tool collection with expert advice and exclusive deals on DEWALT products.
Adam Greuel & The Space Burritos Live
8-11:30 p.m. — Popcorn Tavern — Refunds available up to 7 days prior — Experience a cosmic blend of country, blues, and rock n' roll with Adam Greuel & The Space Burritos.
Kentucky Derby Watch Party 2025
12-6 p.m. — The Charmant Hotel — Mint Juleps for charity — Celebrate the 151st Kentucky Derby with raffles, cocktails, and live race coverage.
🏠 La Crosse Real Estate
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💼 La Crosse Job Board
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📣 La Crosse Announcements
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