Good Day
La Crosse
Friday, September 12th, 2025
Good morning, La Crosse. Here's your local news at a glance for Friday, the 12th of September.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Today from 10:30 a.m.—1 p.m., the Harry J. Olson Senior Center is holding a fundraiser to sell Maid-Rite loose-meat sandwiches for $7, which include chips, a cookie and a drink, with extra sandwiches costing $3; the event revives the cherished recipe after the La Crosse outlet closed in 2016. WIZM
- ➤ Operation Riverwatch is back for the school year as local college students from UWL, Viterbo University and Western Technical College—working with law enforcement—patrol Riverside Park from 11 p.m. to 3 a.m. Thursday through Saturday nights to warn people off the river and reduce alcohol-related drownings. Officials said they will extend the program through summer if volunteer numbers hold. News8000
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ The Oktoberfest ladies day luncheon is scheduled for September 29th — local organizers will host the event for women as part of the annual celebration. News8000
- ➤ On Sept. 11, 2025, co-founders Terry Bauer and TJ Peterslie from MoonTunes discussed the season's final concert series, next summer's year 15 plans, and last week's show with a marching band and Elvis impersonators during La Crosse Talk at WIZM studio. They also noted that next year will be the final series for MoonTunes after 11 years. WIZM
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ UW La Crosse welcomed its largest first-year class with 2,385 new students, surpassing last year’s record of 2,325; overall enrollment nearly reached the record of 10,664 set in 2014—university officials said the diverse student body supports future success. WIProud
- ➤ La Crosse Schools superintendent Dr. Aaron Engel said on WIZM’s La Crosse Talk that truancy dropped after a 50-minute later start for middle school and that the budget for next year is being finalized while the district asks the state for permission to start before Sept. 1. He explained that the state set up a two-model system for all-day 4K that the board opposes and that an early start would cost about $200,000 for private school busing. WIZM
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ The La Crosse Common Council postponed the vote on the mayor’s office reorganization proposal for 30 days to allow additional public input, and members voted nine to four on delaying the decision. The proposal would replace the communications coordinator with a new director of operations role—whose salary may reach $188,000—that helps the mayor manage daily operations. News8000
- ➤ Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley held a press conference in La Crosse on Wednesday, after announcing his run for governor on Tuesday—he said he will focus on making housing, healthcare, and daycare more affordable for families. Local leaders, including Mayor Shaundel Washington-Spivey, supported his campaign as he joins Lieutenant Governor Sara Rodriguez and others in seeking the nomination. News8000
- ➤ City officials closed Cameron and Burns parks—citing safety concerns with behavior by both sheltered and unsheltered residents—and the parks will remain closed indefinitely while officials work on a long-term safety plan. News8000
- ➤ La Crosse City Council member Lisa Weston explained that public engagement sessions for hiring a new city administrator are scheduled for September 30 at Black River Beach Center, October 6 at Myrick Nature Place, October 8 online, and October 14 at the Hmong Cultural Center+the council will vote on the administrator in February while the mayor also presented a proposal for an operations director. WIZM
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Health officials reported the first West Nile Virus cases in St. Croix County with three infections and in La Crosse County with one infection. The departments urged residents to protect themselves using insect repellent and by eliminating stagnant water around their homes - these steps lower the risk of mosquito bites. WEAU
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ On September 10, WIAA announced it moved the state tournament to La Crosse—local officials are preparing to host the upcoming games. News8000
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Herb Mocktail Happy Hour
4-5 p.m. — Art House La Crosse — $45 — Explore herbal flavors while crafting seasonal mocktails using fresh ingredients.
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Oktoberfest Race Weekend - Day 1
3 PM — La Crosse Fairgrounds Speedway — Access included with subscription — Experience an exciting day of racing events featuring multiple tours and series.
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TLW Fall Convention & Trade Show
9 a.m. - 6 p.m. — La Crosse Center — Check Official Website — A gathering for industry professionals featuring keynote speakers and an expansive trade show floor.
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6th Annual Drive the Road to Recovery
Join us for an unforgettable evening of inspiring stories, delicious food, and performance by the ATCWW choir. Every dollar we raise goes directly to the care of women who are struggling with addiction. We hope to see you there!
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Lend Me a Tenor
7:30 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. — La Crosse Community Theatre — Check event page for pricing — Experience a madcap comedy featuring mistaken identities and operatic chaos.
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Football Match: Wisconsin-La Crosse Eagles vs. UW-Eau Claire Blugolds
11:30 AM – 9:00 PM — Veterans Memorial Field Sports Complex — Ticket prices vary — Catch the football action as UW-La Crosse takes on UW-Eau Claire live.
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Reveal the authorAbout Good Day La Crosse
Welcome to the Good Day La Crosse, your community newsletter that's anything but snooze-worthy, packed with positive, impactful local news + events across the La Crosse, Wisconsin community. If you like the Good Day La Crosse, support us by subscribing to our email newsletter and sharing us with your friends and family in La Crosse.
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