Good morning, La Crosse.

The Mt. La Crosse Spring Gear Swap will be held at Green Island Ice Arena with gear drop-offs starting today from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. and again Saturday from 8 a.m. to 9:30 a.m., while the sale runs Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.—unsold gear will be picked up Sunday from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. to support ski patrol safety and to avoid winter gear for this event.

On April 19, 1988, Linda Wegner was found murdered in a south side home when her husband returned from work and discovered her body with their one-year-old daughter present—police continue following leads and ask anyone with information to come forward.

Pearl Street Books owner Beth Hartung and author Clemonce Heard are planning events ahead of Independent Bookstore Day on Saturday—Heard will host a reading of his poetry collection on the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre, lead a workshop with UW-La Crosse students, and conduct a Q&A later today at 6 p.m.—and sign his book from 10:30 a.m. to noon Saturday.

La Crosse Bishop Gerard Battersby led a special mass at St. Joseph the Workman Cathedral yesterday to honor Pope Francis’s legacy after his passing on Monday and to bring together Catholics and non-Catholics in shared remembrance.

The service set the stage for the papal conclave that will choose his successor later this month — a historic moment for the church.

A new outdoor solar classroom at Summit Elementary School on French Island is complete and features a 60-panel, 32-kilowatt setup funded through grants and donations.

Solar on La Crosse Schools — along with the district and local partners — built the structure to produce about 17% of the school's energy needs and support outdoor learning for students.

WisDOT is gathering public input on a project to repair a mile-long section of Main Street from 5th Avenue to 17th Avenue in Onalaska; residents met at City Hall to share feedback.

The construction is planned for 2029 (the pavement was last replaced in 1976) and will address the road's aging condition.

US House Rep. Derrick Van Orden held an hour-long virtual town hall on April 23 where he answered questions and said the Prairie Springs Science Center project at UW-La Crosse will soon receive a boost from federal funds as he works to finish Phase II paperwork.

He also urged faster action on the farm bill before its extension expires on Sept 30+ he noted that Congress often waits until the last minute.

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.

3rd Annual Parkinson’s Walk

10 a.m. - 2 p.m. — Myrick Park Shelter — Free entry — Raise awareness for Parkinson’s Disease while enjoying live music and community activities.

Grounded Onalaska Grand Opening

Join the La Crosse Area Family YMCA in welcoming Grounded Onalaska to the R.W. Houser Branch at 400 Mason Street in Onalaska. Grounded coffee and refreshments will be served, and ALL are welcome to attend, with no membership necessary.

North Central Propane Convention & Trade Show

8 a.m. – 5 p.m. — La Crosse Center — $165 one day, $250 full pass — Showcase your company at a premier trade show with networking and fun activities.

High Point Road Live at Moxie's

7-10 p.m. — Moxie's — Free entry — Celebrate Memorial Day weekend with an evening of music at the Tiki Bar.