Good morning, La Crosse.

At a Purple Thursday Appreciation Breakfast on Thursday morning, Women’s Fund of Greater La Crosse honored local organizations that help survivors and awarded nearly $40,000 in grants — funds that offer flexible support during crises.

Donations totaling $99,500 (from the La Crosse Area Community Foundation, Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration, and philanthropist Roz Schnick) supported Nature Place’s free programs on Wednesday morning, ensuring that residents continue to enjoy easy access to nature education.

La Crosse County held a ribbon-cutting ceremony to open the 1.3-mile Goose Island Connector Trail that links Goose Island Park and Campground to the city.

The $356,000 project is funded 80% by a state program & the county covers the rest.

Rotary Lights will open its 32nd season on Nov.

27 with displays featuring musical instruments, candy cane panels and a train display in Santa’s House — a tribute to founder Pat Stephens who led the event 31 years and helped feed the hungry; it runs until New Year’s Eve.

The 2026 elk hunting season begins tomorrow, Oct.

17, as 16 hunters were randomly selected from over 34,000 applicants for the state-run hunt. DNR officials introduced new unit-specific elk tags to direct harvest pressure in the Northern and Central zones (with an eight-bull quota in the Northern Zone).

City Hall held an event yesterday when La Crosse Common Council President Tamra Dickinson read a proclamation declaring Oct.

15 as White Cane Safety Day — honoring visually impaired achievements — and recognizing the white cane as a symbol of independence. The announcement supports accessible environments and public awareness.

In La Crosse yesterday, a statewide forum on democracy and political reform was held at the Rivoli downtown from 5:30 to 7 p.m. United Wisconsin and LeaderEthics hosted the event—‘Pizza, Pints and Democracy’—which featured former Senate Majority Leader Dale Schultz and David Gundersen, and future forums will accept signups online.