Good morning, La Crosse.

Cell.Plus, a longtime Wisconsin-based electronics retailer and U.S. Cellular authorized agent, will close its 18 stores statewide by July 31 following non-renewal of its operating agreement, impacting La Crosse, Holmen, Sparta and Viroqua and cutting 66 jobs + leading to local layoffs. Other U.S. Cellular outlets continue normal operations.

La Crosse earned the ranking as the second-best small city for starting a business in a new WalletHub study (evaluated business growth, investor access and labor costs), with Fitchburg ranked first while local organizations continue to support new entrepreneurs.

Misty and Mitch Lown were named Commodore and First Mate for La Crosse Riverfest 2026 — they will lead the annual celebration that highlights local traditions and community spirit.

Logan High School hosted its 14th annual adapted physical education swim meet this Thursday afternoon with nearly 20 students from Logan and Central high schools showcasing frontstroke and backstroke races and a diving board display.

The event highlighted progress made through weekly swim sessions that build lifelong water skills.

Western Technical College celebrated over 490 GED and HSED graduates at an open house event that replaced the traditional graduation ceremony and allowed students to connect with professors and family in a personal setting.

More than a dozen classrooms received $40,000 in grants from the La Crosse Public Education Foundation on Wednesday.

The funds support 13 projects ranging from music education for young children to new 3D printers for Logan High + outdoor learning improvements for Summit Elementary.

The City of La Crosse is closing its Yard Waste and Brush site from May 23 to May 25 for Memorial Day weekend (garbage and recycling will resume on May 26), which means residents should plan for limited access to compost and wood chips.

The site will reopen at regular hours on May 26.

The city and school district hosted a noon virtual session on Wednesday (the third of five meetings) to review plans for a $30 million indoor aquatic center at the North Side Community Pool site.

A referendum to fund the project is expected no sooner than November, with residents mailed a survey until June 1.

Crews from Fahrner Asphalt Sealers LLC will begin repainting centerlines, lane lines, bike lanes, and intersection markings across La Crosse on Sunday night; the work is expected to finish by Friday, May 29.

During National Police Week, the La Crosse Police Department held a ceremony at Black River Beach Neighborhood Center on Wednesday night, awarding 14 officers—six for life preservation, seven for superior achievement and one for traffic safety—with remarks from District Attorney Gruenke and Police Chief Kudron on community thanks.

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.