Good Day
La Crosse
Thursday, September 18th, 2025
Good morning, La Crosse. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 18th of September.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Franciscan Sister Eileen McKenzie drove from the U.S.-Mexico border in Arizona to speak on La Crosse Talk at WIZM on Sept. 16 about immigration issues including detention and deportation — her remarks set the stage ahead of the Coulee Region Immigration Summit — where community leaders will discuss local challenges. WIZM
- ➤ The La Crosse Area Family YMCA will host its 26th annual Maple Leaf Race at Riverside Park on Saturday, September 27th with a new mascot named Maple Leaf Miles cheering on participants as they run in a half marathon, five-mile, 5K and kid's race starting from 7 a.m. to 9 a.m.; participants are urged to bring canned food to support the food-access program while registration increases on Monday, September 22nd — a change that reflects growing demand — and Maple donuts will be available after the races. News8000
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ La Crosse will soon welcome Hollandbery Pannekoeken as the popular Rochester restaurant—known for its unique Dutch oven-baked pancakes—is set to open in the former Wells Fargo building on King Street in November, with owner Tasos Psomas saying his frequent visits inspired the expansion. News8000
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Rivoli Theatre will celebrate its 105th birthday tomorrow by showing the Wizard of Oz and offering a short presentation with $.30 charged for adults and $.11 for kids—co-owner Jonathan Gelatt explained on La Crosse Talk on September 16 that special nights like Cult Movie Night help the theatre connect with its community. WIZM
- ➤ The Oktoberfest Medallion Hunt started today with the posting of its third clue about an historic landmark that has long been a local icon—clues will be updated daily on the Oktoberfest USA website and social media until the medallion is found for a prize package including fest merchandise, a $500 cash prize and a miniature replica. WIZM
- ➤ Erin Goggin and Andy Brannon were named as 2025 Oktoberfest parade marshals at Copeland Park on Sept 17—Goggin will lead the Torchlight Parade on Sept 25 at 7 p.m. and Brannon will lead the Maple Leaf Parade on Sept 27 at 10 a.m. La Crosse Tribune
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Viterbo University received a $1M donation from the Haggerty family to set up the Nancy Poehling Haggerty Memorial Nursing Scholarship fund (which provides $50,000 awards to nursing students) and honor the legacy of a 1974 graduate (who served local healthcare). WIZM
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Governor Tony Evers signed an executive order Monday that directs the Wisconsin Department of Health Services to maintain access to routine and COVID-19 vaccines in response to federal guideline changes; the order gives local vaccine clinics clear guidance on adjusting to the new eligibility rules. News8000
- ➤ La Crosse County administrator Jane Klekamp appeared on La Crosse Talk on Sept. 16 to discuss finalizing the $200 million budget, ending federal road funding, distributing $7 million in opioid settlement money, and a potential new $1 fine for marijuana possession—she also addressed the Water Notification Act and other proposals. WIZM
- ➤ La Crosse's main branch library closed Wednesday at Noon due to unforeseen construction impacts from a $3 million renovation funded by state grants — library staff say it will reopen today at 9 a.m. while the North Community branch remains open until 6 p.m. News8000
- ➤ The City of La Crosse’s Refuse and Recycling Department announced it will close the Brush and Yard Waste site on Isle La Plume on Saturday, September 28 and Sunday, September 29, which coincides with Oktoberfest. During the closure, residents will not have access to compost or wood chip piles — regular hours resume on Monday, September 29. WIZM
- ➤ La Crosse County will use $7.6M from opioid settlement funds over ten years to close gaps in the justice system, child welfare services and treatment programs starting in 2026—supported by a $63,800 grant and nearly $700,000 in annual services as overdose deaths dropped from 55 in 2023 to 17 in 2024. News8000
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Emplify Health by Gundersen hosted an open house at its Integrated Center for Education simulation lab in La Crosse to celebrate Healthcare Simulation Week and give healthcare students hands-on practice with high fidelity mannequins and standardized patients—methods that build safe teamwork and real-world skills. WEAU
REAL ESTATE NEWS
- ➤ Construction began on Haven on Main—a 70-unit apartment complex on Main Street that will serve both able-bodied tenants and people with disabilities and cost about $23 million. A Tuesday groundbreaking was attended by leaders including Governor Tony Evers—State Senator Brad Pfaff, and the units will open next September. WIZM
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ At a Brewers game on September 14th, four UW-La Crosse teams that won national championships in women's gymnastics, men's cross country and indoor/outdoor men's track & field were honored on the field—celebrating the achievements they earned last season. WIZM
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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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TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
Have strong opinions, weakly held.
~ Marc Andreessen
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