Good morning, La Crosse.

Great Rivers United Way launched its 2025–26 fundraising campaign today with a breakfast that brought together 40 local businesses and organizations to raise donations by 5 percent for an extra $73,000 to support community needs.

Later, volunteers will complete 37 projects for 17 nonprofits including landscaping at Clearwater Farm and cleanup at Myrick Park.

Shoppers seeking handmade gifts will visit over 60 vendors at the Fall Market on the Mississippi in West Salem on August 23 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Early access tickets cost $10 + include a complimentary drink, special vendor deals and a raffle entry to support local artisans.

On Tuesday, Western Technical College opened the $10 million Wanek Center of Innovation with a unique ceremony where a robot—carrying scissors—cut the ribbon; the center, named for Ron and Joyce Wanek, trains students using five types of robots for real-world tech skills.

The event also saw Western Tech sign agreements with UW-Stout to boost student transfers.

The University of Wisconsin-La Crosse announced that its planetarium will close at the end of the fall semester — Cowley Hall, which houses the facility, will be demolished to make way for the Prairie Springs Science Center.

The planetarium has long served both students and the local community with astronomy programs.

The La Crosse post office has improved package delivery and cut costs—using new electric vehicles and automated sorters—after a $40 billion USPS technology investment.

Wisconsin State Patrol officers are inspecting school buses statewide ahead of the new academic year to ensure each bus meets safety standards; Inspector Colton Fields checks parts — including windshields and brakes — to protect children during their ride.

USPS unveiled significant upgrades at the La Crosse delivery center by adding a state-of-the-art package sorting machine, electric delivery vehicles, and enhanced mailbox systems to speed up packages.

Officials said the improvements will process up to 5,000 packages an hour — a boost ahead of the holiday season.

Logan High School football coach Casey Knoble previewed the team’s season today—after a near state championship run last year—highlighting new sophomore quarterback Tommy Check and running back Maxim Roberts, who had 864 yards and eight touchdowns last season.

The team will start at home tonight at 7 p.m. against Ellsworth.

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.

Raise Your Glass 2025

6-9 p.m. — La Crosse Distilling Co. — Fundraiser — Taste a variety of beverages while supporting the Great Rivers United Way.

Whose Live Anyway?

7:30-9 p.m. — Viterbo University Fine Arts Center — Tickets required — Enjoy a night of laughs with world-renowned improv artists performing comedic acrobatics.

Coulee Rock Club Rock Swap

9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. — Onalaska Omni Center — Free entry — Explore a vibrant rock swap with the whole family.

Wisconsin-La Crosse vs. Wayne State Warriors Football

1-5 p.m. — Veterans Memorial Field Sports Complex — Tickets required — Enjoy an intense college football matchup between the Eagles and the Warriors.