Good morning, La Crosse.

La Crosse Masonic Lodge #190 donated $8,000 to two nonprofits today at the La Crosse Masonic Center, awarding $4,000 to The Parenting Place and $4,000 to WAFER (which offers three to four days of groceries) with support from the Wisconsin Masonic Foundation.

La Crosse will host Oktoberfest 2026 from Sept.

24 to Sept. 27 with the Torchlight Parade starting Thursday at 6 p.m. and the Maple Leaf Parade beginning Saturday at 6 a.m., and police have scheduled 3rd Street closures and aid stations; they advise using buses and rideshares to stay safe + enjoy the celebrations.

The Turned Leaf Family Festival offers a substance-free celebration with music, food and activities including a magician, kids' crafts, outdoor games and a lip-sync contest; it will take place this Saturday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the main shelter in Myrick Park with a suggested $5 donation.

This summer, the Chad Erickson Memorial Thunder Ride raised $81,000 to benefit children with Type 1 diabetes in La Crosse and support essential treatment, reflecting strong local community care.

City officials will review zoning changes on Tuesday at 4:00 p.m. to allow a new Chipotle on the south side near a Wendy's on Mormon Coulee Road — the restaurant would be the chain’s second location, complementing its current store near Valley View Mall.

La Crosse Airport handled 6,577 passengers in August + that marks a 56% increase over the same month last year, with a total of 43,924 flyers so far—800 more than in 2025.

Allegiant Air added a route to Orlando while United Airlines will begin service in October next year.

Viterbo University and the La Crosse Area Chamber of Commerce announced a new partnership — connecting students with local businesses for mentorship and skills development — that will help prepare future business leaders in our community.

Western Technical College opened its newly renovated student union today, giving students and community members a central space to study, meet professors, and join campus events.

Officials said the venue consolidates resources for clubs and activities.

Medicare enrollment for 2027 will begin Oct.

15 and enrollees should review plan updates closely to confirm that their providers continue coverage, as Rick Teska of Strive Medicare advised (questions can be directed to the company).

Rod’s Ride On Powersports hosted a check presentation Tuesday — over $81,000 was raised during the summer’s Chad Erickson Memorial Thunder Ride to benefit children with Type 1 diabetes, with riders starting at the shop and riding to Schwertel Family Farm in Trempealeau.

Mayo Clinic broke ground on a new surgical building at its local campus to expand health services.

Officials said construction will begin soon and is expected to boost patient care.