Good morning, La Crosse.

Advocates in the Coulee Region are preparing for Week Without Driving, a national event that will run from Sunday to the following Sunday and show the challenges faced by non-drivers.

The event will let community members see how relying on public transit and taxi services often creates daily barriers—highlighting issues of accessibility.

Ollie's Bargain Outlet plans to open a new store in the former Big Lots building in La Crosse.

The discount retailer is expected to offer more shopping options—local residents look forward to its launch soon.

A volunteer for Oktoberfest explained the festival's legacy and how its entertainment has evolved—linking past traditions with today's modern flair to benefit the community.

Yesterday, La Crosse residents celebrated the first day of Oktoberfest with local music, food, and community events — organizers said the festivities will continue with more activities planned through the weekend.

On September 25, Oktoberfest La Crosse royalty—Festmaster Brent Smith and Michelle Skemp—visited the WIZM studio to kick off weekend festivities by singing Ein Prosit.

They also discussed their secret appointment and shared plans for upcoming events.

La Crosse's Oktoberfest USA is set to have a better weather forecast than Munich's festival as both events occur at the same time — local forecasts show milder conditions for the American celebration — which may attract more visitors.

At a Festmaster’s Ball held Wednesday night at La Crosse Center, Brent Smith was unveiled as the 2025 Festmaster while his wife Ellen was named the new Frau for Oktoberfest—an honor confirmed when he received a delivery of German beer and a piece of a uniform at his door.

The couple will lead festival events including the golden keg tapping today and upcoming parades that start the four day celebration.

Four UW-La Crosse students—Gavin Gamroth, Aleyna Rosenow, Kinsey Reynolds-Eilers, and Greg Sokup—found the Oktoberfest medallion under a rain gutter at Memorial Pool this week and won $500 along with a necklace and a replica medallion.

The Universities of Wisconsin are proposing a policy to make all core gen-ed courses transferable among its 13 campuses—this plan aims to reduce time to degree and lower costs by standardizing 30 to 36 credit hours over six curricular categories for fall 2026 students following public comment. The change will allow students to face fewer hurdles when transferring credits.

On Sept. 25, La Crosse Mayor Shaundel Washington-Spivey said on La Crosse Talk that the city faces a $3M gap in its 2026 budget and that Burns and Cameron parks are closed because of drug activity and violence.

She added that 16 resident interviews are set for Oct. 8 (to gather community views) with a possible follow-up session in November (to plan next steps).

Virginia mom Nikki Bettis left La Crosse with her seven children to begin paddling 2,350 miles of the Mississippi River; they plan to reach Louisiana before Thanksgiving— the journey is intended to offer a break from daily struggles while bringing the family closer.

Herb Mocktail Happy Hour

4-5 p.m. — Art House La Crosse — $45 — Explore herbal flavors while crafting seasonal mocktails using fresh ingredients.

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.

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.

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!

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!

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.

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.

The Texas Tenors Concert

7:30-9 p.m. — Viterbo University Fine Arts Center — Ticket prices vary — Experience an unforgettable evening of country, pop, and classical music with The Texas Tenors.

Wisconsin-La Crosse Eagles vs UW Oshkosh Titans Football

1-6 p.m. — Veterans Memorial Field Sports Complex — Ticket prices vary — Witness an exciting football showdown between the Eagles and Titans.