Good morning, La Crosse.

On August 22nd, community members in the Coulee Region and Chippewa Valley enjoyed a variety of weekend events—organizers planned activities designed to highlight local culture and foster neighborly engagement.

The Salvation Army in La Crosse has called for donations including sweatpants, towels, blankets, and other essential items for shelter residents.

Donations can be dropped off at their main office at 223 North 8th Street.

New data from Wisconsin’s Department of Workforce Development showed that the La Crosse-Onalaska area’s unemployment rate was steady at 2.9 percent in July, matching both June and last July.

The City of La Crosse increased to 3.3 percent while county rates varied — Crawford dropped 0.2 percent and Menominee rose from 5.2 to 7.2 percent.

School Resource Officers returned to schools yesterday after completing summer training—ready to manage safety as classes resume.

La Crosse Mayor Washington-Spivey hosted the first community roundtable session at the La Crosse Center on Thursday where about 30 residents discussed housing and local development—more sessions are planned to keep city business connected with the community.

A Foodie Friday feature published on Aug 22 highlighted Driftless Cafe and its role as a local dining spot—showing how the cafe appeals to food lovers in La Crosse.

Lauren Jarrett, a star track runner from UW La Crosse who won 12 national titles and set records in sprinting, will join DI Tennessee to compete at Rocky Top as she ends her college career + her coach Nickolas Davis said he is very happy for her future.

On Thursday night at Swanson Field, Logan High School's sophomore quarterback Tommy Check—making his debut—threw a 40 yard touchdown pass to Andrew Stanton and ran 18 yards for another score as the Rangers shut out Ellsworth 12 to 0; the team will face Wausau East next Thursday.

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.

40th Anniversary Celebration

4:30-7:00 p.m. — Franciscan Spirituality Center — Free entry — Celebrate four decades of community service and spirituality at this joyous anniversary event.