Good morning, La Crosse.

Habitat for Humanity of the Greater La Crosse Region hosted a community celebration Wednesday evening at Logan Middle School as part of its ReNew the Block initiative with live music and food supplied by two local food trucks.

The fundraiser helps pay for sustainable Avon Street upgrades—such as a permeable paver pathway designed to reduce water runoff by over 500,000 gallons.

News 8 Now covered the 'Stuff The Bus' event on August 8—officials said details remain limited and more information will be provided as the situation develops.

Volunteers assembled 2,000 snack packs Tuesday morning to help local children who miss school meals during summer break — the packs were delivered to the Boys and Girls Club and Dahl Family YMCA — as a joint effort by Great Rivers United Way and Performance Food Group.

News 8 Now launched its fourth annual Stuff the Bus drive Friday, collecting school supplies at Walmart locations in La Crosse and Onalaska with help from Coulee Bank, the YMCA & the Salvation Army.

The YMCA will host a free drop in supply distribution on August 16 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. for families while donations continue at both branches.

La Crosse’s Irish Fest kicked off Friday at 3 p.m. at the fest grounds with ceremonies that showcased Irish food, vendors, children’s activities, and live music.

Founder Pat Stephens said the festival lineup includes The High Kings on Saturday and a Catholic Mass with the Glen Castle Irish Dancers on Sunday—providing a weekend full of Celtic traditions.

Nearly 50 students presented research projects at UW La Crosse’s Summer Research Symposium on August 8th after a ten‐week summer study.

The event began in 1999 with 10 students—now it offers a job‐like research experience that has become central to student learning.

At Onalaska Library, children spent their morning reading aloud to friendly therapy dogs during a 30-minute event organized with Coulee Region Humane Society (helping ease reading anxiety).

Parents can join the next event at Bangor Library on Monday at 10:15 a.m.

A bobcat was sighted in the Town of Medary when resident Nick Osowski saw it trying to enter his chicken coop—he confirmed his chickens are safe—and he warned neighbors to watch out for their pets.

Bicyclists in La Crosse will ride from Riverside Park to Iowa and back today to raise funds for a cure for type one diabetes.

The ride has raised $1.7 million (of a $2.3 million goal) and unites a community of riders committed to beating the disease.

La Crosse County Health Department will host events for Overdose Awareness Day on August 31st to educate about the dangers of drug overdoses.

A Treatment Resource Fair will be held at Coulee Recovery Center on August 12th—Movies with a Mission: Heroin is scheduled at the main branch library on August 26th—and a vigil will take place at Coulee Recovery Center on August 27th to honor those lost.

Meet the Magic 3

10 a.m. - 5 p.m. — The Court Above Main — Free entry — Dive into a day of magic with character meet-and-greets, activities, and more fun for all ages.

Great River Folk Festival 2025

10 AM – 4 PM — Riverside Park — Ticket prices vary — Celebrate folk music with a vibrant community atmosphere and performances.

The Avett Brothers Concert

7:00-8:30 p.m. — La Crosse Center — Ticket prices vary from $69 — Enjoy a night of folk rock from the renowned Avett Brothers.

SLiD EP Release Party

9-11:30 p.m. — Popcorn Tavern — $5 admission — Celebrate the debut EP release of SLiD with special performances by The Reach Outs and Fernando Mendoza.

Touch a Truck

10 a.m. - noon — Viking Elementary School, 500 E Wall St, Holmen, WI — Free entry — Experience the thrill of climbing and exploring trucks and large vehicles, including a helicopter landing!

Elvis Explosion Gospel Show

10:00-11:30 a.m. — La Crosse Center — Ticket sales available — Experience an uplifting Elvis-themed gospel performance.

Social Security and Retirement Planning

7:00 p.m. — Lunda Center - Western Technical College — Free entry — Discover strategies for maximizing your Social Security benefits and retirement income.