Good morning, La Crosse.

A series of exciting weekend events was announced on August 29 for the Coulee Region and Chippewa Valley — organizers plan to reveal more details on schedules and locations soon.

On Wednesday, the Onalaska Fire Department responded to a garage fire at 1701 Main St. at 5:52 p.m. while handling another incident—evacuating a resident and several dogs—and contained the fire by 6 p.m. with moderate damage and no injuries as investigators work to determine the cause.

Karen and Chad McCathie opened Lush Wine Bistro in Holmen with a self-pour wine wall and outdoor patio, while Boots country bar in downtown La Crosse held its grand opening today with a free keg of beer at 7 p.m. JRM CPAs will open a new office on Tuesday—Apple City Smoke Shop is set to open soon in La Crescent as Willow Boutique and Mid-Town Nutrition have closed.

Today the La Crosse Police Department is enforcing speed limits on West Avenue between La Crosse Street and Market Street—drivers are advised to allow extra travel time during the holiday weekend—.

Dustin Lamb previewed Sunday's Rock the Vets concert on French Island during a segment on WIZM on Aug.

28—he noted the event will start at 11:40 a.m. at American Legion Post 417 with $20 admission to support La Crosse's Freedom Honor Flight.

Former UW-La Crosse vice chancellor Bob Hetzel donated $1 million to create an endowment fund for the College of Business Administration to support student aid, faculty recruitment and awards—university officials announced the gift on Friday and named the lower level of Wittich Hall Hetzel Commons in his honor.

Onalaska and Mississippi Valley Conservancy joined forces through the Onalaska Natural Lands Protection Program to protect 80 acres of scenic bluffland donated on Aug.

14 — a project that connects to the city’s greenway and supports future trail and park plans. The move builds on earlier conservation efforts of 112 acres purchased and 82 acres donated, ensuring lasting open space for wildlife and community recreation.

The Black Hawk Bridge will close after mid-October once its demolition plan is finished, and a temporary car ferry will run 16 hours a day until the new bridge opens in 2027—carrying up to 700 vehicles daily with a 14-minute crossing and no toll.

The service will work like the Merrimac ferry and help drivers avoid a long detour.

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.

64th Oktoberfest USA

12:00 AM – 11:59 PM — Oktoberfest Grounds — Admission varies — Celebrate the longest-running Oktoberfest in the Midwest with parades, local food, and live music.