Good morning, La Crosse.

The free car ferry between Iowa and Wisconsin will close on Thursday and Friday, June 11 — 12, while crews install a new center span for a Mississippi River bridge and drivers are advised to use alternate routes until ferry service resumes on Saturday, June 13.

The Trane family began their legacy in La Crosse when James arrived from Norway in the 1880s and the family founded their HVAC company in 1913, developing heating and air conditioning systems that still power landmarks today (including the Statue of Liberty).

A year into her tenure, Organic Valley CEO Shawna Nelson vowed to help farms resume operations as the company saw sales grow by over $200 million in two years amid executive changes & industry challenges.

State officials formally recognized four historic buildings during a recent review — a designation that will protect the structures and honor local cultural heritage.

A new 2026 Oktoberfest button design featuring retro photos of former Festmaster Roy Kumm and fest queen Mary Kay Knudson was unveiled Thursday at the Forks and Corks dinner — 70 entries were reviewed.

The fest will be held Sept. 24-27.

June Dairy Days kicked off today with local dairy producers and community members gathering downtown—featuring vendor booths, traditional treats, and hands-on activities that celebrate our dairy heritage.

The event marks a festive start to summer in La Crosse.

The Universities of Wisconsin Board of Regents elected Kyle M.

Weatherly as president and Ashok Rai as vice president. Weatherly, a UW-Madison alumnus who previously served as regent vice president, + Rai is Prevea Health CEO with extensive experience in public higher education.

The Universities of Wisconsin Board of Regents approved a 2 percent tuition increase (for the 2026 to 2027 school year) that sets UW-La Crosse tuition at $10,563.

The vote passed 15 to 1 in Milwaukee as UW campuses work to address rising costs.

The Coulee Region is in a historic dry spell as rainfall deficits grew by 6 inches since mid-April with La Crosse Regional Airport recording 2.58 inches and nearly 25% of the area now in moderate drought.

Farmers and residents hope for soaking rains before summer heat intensifies.

Construction of the new Mississippi River bridge at Lansing will install its center span on Thursday, June 11 and complete connection by Friday, June 12, closing the river channel; drivers + boaters must use alternative crossings with backup dates set for Thursday, June 18 and Friday, June 19.

La Crosse secured $2.4 million in tax credits for two affordable housing projects — converting the old Lincoln Middle School into 51 units with community space and building 45 units near the Green Island Ice Arena.

Construction begins in January 2027 and both projects will finish in 2028.

The former Lincoln Middle School in La Crosse will be transformed into Heritage Lofts, a project offering 51 affordable apartments and community space.

Construction will start next January + be finished the following year.

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.

Blackhawk Archers June NFAA Field/Hunter Shoot

9:00 AM — Blackhawk Archers of La Crosse Wisconsin, Inc. — Registration required — Compete in the club championship and enjoy The Pie Shoot.

Waterloo Bucks vs. La Crosse Loggers

5:05-8:00 p.m. — La Crosse Loggers Baseball — Free — Enjoy a night of baseball at the beloved Lumber Yard field.

Riverfest: Music Extravaganza with Mitchell Tenpenny and More

10:30 PM — Riverside Park — 4 Day Pass available — Experience an epic lineup with Mitchell Tenpenny and local favorites Boogie and The Yo-Yoz & The Glam Band The Remainders.

DCI: Drum Corps International

10:30 p.m. — Veterans Memorial Field Sports Complex — Ticket prices vary — Experience the vibrant performances of top drum corps from across the nation.

La Crosse Steam vs. Mankato Habaneros

5:05-9:05 p.m. — Copeland Park — Tickets from $38 — Catch an exciting baseball showdown between La Crosse and Mankato Habaneros.