Good morning, La Crosse.

Last Friday from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m., the Salvation Army + Hunger Task Force provided food supplies at 434 Nelson Place to help local families facing food insecurity until the next monthly event.

Allegiant Air completed its merger with Sun Country Airlines after receiving regulatory and shareholder approvals, and it continues flights from La Crosse to Mesa/Phoenix and Sanford/Orlando.

The expanded network will operate under the Allegiant name while Minneapolis–St. Paul remains an important hub.

Kwik Trip was honored with the 2026 Black Peral Award — recognizing its commitment to quality service — in a recent local ceremony, and the achievement highlights the store's ongoing role in the community.

Westby is set to kick off its Syttende Mai celebrations this weekend with a traditional parade, live music, tractor pulls and car shows (celebrating strong Scandinavian heritage).

Over half of the town's residents trace their roots to Norway, making the festival one of the largest in the area.

UW-La Crosse is holding its graduation ceremony today on campus as students, families, and faculty gather to mark this milestone.

The event will feature speeches and academic recognitions to honor the graduates.

Western Technical College has named three finalists for its next president to replace retiring Roger Stanford.

Wade Hackbarth, Dr. Kirk Bennett, and Dr. Tonya Wagner will hold in-person and Zoom public forums at Coleman Center, Room 123 during the week of May 18 for community feedback.

U.S. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon visited Western Technical College in La Crosse on Thursday — urging borrowers to resume student loan payments amid rising financial pressure and confusing repayment options.

Her visit is part of the Returning Education to the States Tour.

The U.S. Secretary of Education is in La Crosse today meeting with local education leaders to discuss plans for addressing community school needs.

Officials say the visit may open pathways for new local initiatives.

Students at Aquinas High School received You Matter wristbands and root beer floats on Thursday from the Mental Health Coalition, which included the 9-8-8 helpline (a 24/7 crisis support number) and bands bearing the JWJJ symbol from the Joe Was Just Joe Foundation.

La Crosse Police Chief attended the event.

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.

Poolside Storytime at Erickson Pool

1-3 p.m. — Erickson Pool — Free entry with library card — Dive into games, activities, and stories for all ages at the poolside.