Good morning, La Crosse.

La Crosse Fire Department firefighters are visiting local schools this week to teach students how to safely use and dispose of lithium-ion batteries (a growing concern) and to help families create emergency plans.

They taught lessons at First Lutheran Elementary on Monday and will visit every elementary school and preschool throughout the city.

The Hunger Task Force of La Crosse launched its third annual virtual food drive yesterday with a $5,000 matching gift to help feed local families — the online event aims to boost donations and quickly support residents in need.

Vicheka Oum from Woodman’s Food Markets was named Wisconsin’s Best Bagger at the Great Wisconsin Bag-Off during the WGA Innovation Expo on September 20 and earned a $500 prize plus an all-expense-paid trip to the national contest in February — she will represent Wisconsin at the national event.

Emplify announced plans to acquire Sparta Area Ambulance in a deal that will expand local emergency services—officials said the move is expected to improve regional response efforts.

For 64 years, Oktoberfest medallion hunters have followed clues to locate the elusive medal and continue the tradition today—each year adding new challenges to the hunt.

The event remains a long-standing local tradition that excites participants and builds community spirit.

On October 6th, community members gathered at a Save Our Schools rally to support public education—showing strong local commitment.

La Crosse city department leaders said they will cut budgets in 2026 to meet new state tax credit rules—outlining potential reductions across several departments.

La Crosse residents had two public engagement sessions on Monday at Nature Place in Myrick Park and will have two online sessions Wednesday at noon and 6 p.m. Officials will reconsider the city administrator plan in November as further sessions are planned on Oct 14 — after a related operations director plan was voted down last week.

The La Crosse City Council will vote today on a grant to fund bike lanes on Second Street.

The decision will determine if the project goes forward to provide safer biking routes in our community.

Gundersen Health System Ambulance has signed an agreement to acquire Sparta Area Ambulance Service to expand emergency care in Monroe County—keeping 36 employees who meet its hiring criteria.

The deal builds on its existing operations to support rural emergency services.

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.

Mixed Parkinson's Disease Exercise Program

4:30-5:30 p.m. — STAR Center La Crosse — Free entry — Engage in a beneficial exercise session designed specifically for individuals with Parkinson's Disease.

Roy Wood Jr. Live Comedy Show

7:30-9:00 p.m. — Viterbo University Fine Arts Center — Check ticket availability — Enjoy an engaging night of comedy with Roy Wood Jr.'s sharp wit and storytelling.