Good morning, La Crosse.

The La Crosse Community Theatre nearly lost its production featuring children with disabilities after federal cuts threatened the Penguin Project.

Local supporters raised twice the lost grant amount to secure the Big Bad Musical, which will run from June 13 to 15 at the Lyche Theatre.

Community leaders met Tuesday at a 7 Rivers Alliance roundtable to discuss affordable housing, child care shortages and the need for better local health care.

They also talked about plans to boost airport travel plus ideas to attract skilled workers to help local businesses, with an August meeting planned in Houston County.

The library board named Dawn Wacek as the new director effective Tuesday, June 24—she has served as deputy director since 2021 and led Rice Lake Public Library for five years.

The library will host an open house from 5 to 7 p.m.—neighbors can visit to meet her.

The La Crosse city council judiciary committee approved a plan to vacate a block of Winnebago Street next to the Hogan building so the site can become a new school location.

The Hogan building may be demolished by late this year— with construction starting next spring and the school replacing Spence and Emerson Schools— set to open by fall 2027.

Smoke from Canadian wildfires made air quality very unhealthy in parts of Wisconsin, Minnesota and Michigan on Tuesday—many residents experienced breathing problems while hospitals saw more patients with respiratory issues.

In Canada, over 27,000 people evacuated from their homes as the heavy smoke moved south and even reached Europe.

On Saturday from 11 a.m. to noon, the La Crosse Fire Department and The Good Fight will host a free AED+CPR training session at The Good Fight Community Center on 118 6th Street as part of National CPR and AED Awareness Week.

The training will teach proper techniques for using an AED and performing CPR.

For the 13th year, the Western Wisconsin AFL-CIO and Union Sportsmen's Alliance's Boots on the Ground will host Take Kids Fishing Day at Pettibone lagoon from 9 a.m. to noon to teach local children basic fishing skills.

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.

FLC Worship and Synod Picnic

10-11 a.m. — Riverside Park — Free-will donation — Celebrate Sunday morning with worship and a community picnic at Riverside Park.

Kids' Culinary Academy: Midwest Cuisine

8:45 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. — Whitney Center — Registration required — Kids can explore the flavors of the Midwest with expert chefs at this culinary academy.

La Crosse Loggers vs. Badlands Big Sticks

6:35-8:05 p.m. — Copeland Park — Admission details not provided — Enjoy a thrilling baseball game between the Loggers and the Big Sticks.

La Crosse Steam vs. Mankato Habaneros

6:35-8:05 p.m. — Copeland Park — Cost varies — Enjoy an exciting baseball matchup in the heart of La Crosse.

24th Annual La Crosse Open

2-6 p.m. — Pettibone Park — Registration fees support local programs — Experience exciting logrolling competitions featuring athletes of all ages.

Swim Neshonoc Open Water Event

8-10:30 a.m. — Swarthout Park — Entry fees apply — Swim across the beautiful Lake Neshonoc in distances of 1.2 or 2.4 miles.

La Crosse Loggers vs. Eau Claire Express

6:35-8:05 p.m. — Copeland Park — Cost info not provided — Enjoy a thrilling baseball match featuring local teams.

La Crosse Loggers vs. Eau Claire Express

6:35-8:05 p.m. — Copeland Park — Tickets available — Catch the exciting baseball action as the Loggers face off against the Express.

La Crosse Steam vs. Wausau Ignite

6:35-8:05 p.m. — Copeland Park — Ticket prices vary — Enjoy an exciting evening of baseball as the La Crosse Steam take on the Wausau Ignite.