Good morning, La Crosse.

La Crosse held the final SOUP fundraiser event Wednesday, where visitors voted to donate to a local cause.

The win went to WINN + Driftless Recovery Center, which plans to use the funds for their monthly More Than a Meal event.

ORA Trails has started building a new entryway and parking lot at Community Trail Farm — a project supported by over $400,000 in local funds that will boost trail access while organizers seek an extra $200,000 in funding.

La Crosse postal workers (Derek Clark and Melanie Cary) gathered 30,000 pounds of donated food during the annual Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive before Mother's Day to support local food pantries.

The nationwide event by the National Association of Letter Carriers highlighted the community's ongoing aid efforts.

The Boys and Girls Club of Greater La Crosse quietly opened its Life and Workforce Readiness Center (named after local business owner Judy Corbett Hutchens) to provide career training and boost local trades, with a grand opening set for June 25.

La Crosse Riverfest announced its 2026 39th event leaders, naming Misty Lown—the first woman Commodore—and Mitch Lown as First Mate; both Logan High School graduates have strong community ties, and festivities begin July 1.

The annual Syttende Mai Festival begins today in Westby at Fellesskap Square and downtown, celebrating Norwegian heritage with free admission, a 5-dollar Button for Entertainment, tent concerts + parades and a rommegrot contest drawing regional visitors.

The La Crosse Public Education Foundation announced more than $40,000 in Gold Star Grants to fund 13 projects that improve music education, inclusive access, and outdoor learning in local schools.

The awards are part of the foundation's annual $90,000 grant cycle.

FFA high school members taught elementary students about farming at Stello Farms in Mindoro today as part of their Food for America program; around 50 students visited 12 interactive stations featuring animal care and agronomy.

La Crosse County Library was awarded a $21,000 grant from the East Asia in the Upper Midwest Library Program to expand its Hmong literature collection and support all-ages story time (with Western Technical College) across its branches (in Bangor, Campbell, Holmen, Onalaska, and West Salem).

Long-stitch Bookbinding: the Medieval Paperback

9:00 AM – 12:30 PM — Art House La Crosse — $40-70 sliding scale — Explore traditional bookbinding techniques and create your own sketchbook or journal.

Penguin Project: The Jungle Book Kids

Various times — La Crosse Community Theatre — Tickets available — Experience the adventurous tale of Mowgli as he navigates the jungle alongside his animal friends.

2026 Summer Trades Academy in La Crosse

8 a.m. – 2 p.m. — Western Technical College — Free admission — Explore hands-on activities and learn about careers in construction trades at this engaging academy for high school students.

Artspire 2026

10 AM – 5 PM — Riverside Park — Free entry — Celebrate community connection through diverse arts experiences, including performances and art activities.