Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 8th of May.
Good morning, La Crosse.
Bonnie Martin and Amy Sherrill from GROW La Crosse appeared on La Crosse Talk on May 7 to discuss the nonprofit’s work with local schools and plant education and preview the upcoming Plant Sale & More event at Western Technical College’s Horticulture Education Center.
The three-day event—running today through Saturday—will feature different workshops such as building hanging baskets and square-foot gardening plus a plant sale with vegetables, flower starters, herbs, and succulents.
Letter carriers in La Crosse, Onalaska, and La Crescent will collect non-perishable food donations on Saturday as part of the 33rd annual Stamp Out Hunger drive; residents received yellow bags in the mail and should place them by their mailboxes by 8:30 a.m. — those who miss the morning pickup can drop off donations at local sites between 9:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m.
Residents at the Hope Stay assisted living facility in Holmen were evacuated early Wednesday morning after a fire broke out near a malfunctioning air conditioning unit — fire crews from Holmen and Onalaska fire departments responded and officials said the fire was confined near the unit.
La Crosse’s arts board met in May and discussed inviting Lettie Jane Rennekamp from Portland—an artist known for murals featuring the human body and plants—to design a new mural for the city, and the board will meet in June to review her proposal while comparing the idea to the 'Confluence' mural at the Pump House. The board also noted the city must spend $10,000 in available art funds by year-end, although no location for the mural has yet been chosen.
Students at Northside Elementary and Coulee Montessori will hold their fourth annual plant sale this weekend at Northside Elementary School—Friday from 3:00 p.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to noon—where visitors can buy more than 2,000 student-grown plants and handmade items. Proceeds will support school improvements by funding new shelving and hands-on learning opportunities in the schools' greenhouse program.
La Crosse County updated its climate action plans to reach carbon neutrality by 2050 — the update includes goals to replace vehicles and make campuses more bike-friendly.
Federal funding cuts ended AmeriCorps support at The Nature Place in La Crosse, forcing six service workers out and disrupting plans for nearly 50 summer camps with 575 registered students set for this summer—staff now are reconfiguring programming and seeking alternative funding.
Local service members and educators expressed deep concern over the sudden loss as they adjust to the changes.
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.
SOUP On The Waterfront
5-7:30 p.m. — The Cargill Room — Check the event page for tickets — A grand celebration of community and creativity by the Mississippi River.
Mental Health Awareness Community Celebration
This event recognizes May as Mental Health Awareness Month — a time dedicated to raising awareness, reducing stigma, and encouraging community-wide action for mental well-being. This fun community event will feature Mayoral and County Proclamations, remarks from honored speakers, and a one-mile community walk through downtown.
Live Music with Don Harvey
8-11 p.m. — N14756 Delaney Rd — No cover charge — Enjoy an evening of acoustic rock and old country music with award-winning songwriter Don Harvey.
La Crosse Loggers vs. Eau Claire Express
6:35-8:05 p.m. — Copeland Park — Tickets required — Enjoy an exciting baseball matchup between local rivals.
Pearl Street Brew Run 5k
1:30-5:30 p.m. — Pearl Street Brewery — Registration required — Race through the streets of La Crosse while enjoying the festive atmosphere of beer and community.
Rush WI West tryouts invite young athletes to grow their game and character
Known for its player-centered approach, professional coaching, and focus on confidence, teamwork, and growth, Rush WI West soccer club is now accepting registrations for 2025–2026 team tryouts. Registration is open through May 30 to players ages 7 to 18; tryouts begin June 2.
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