Here's your local news at a glance for Tuesday, the 4th of November.
Good morning, La Crosse.
🏘️ Community
La Crosse County Health and Human Services is holding a food drive through November to help fight food insecurity — residents can drop off donations at designated centers.
Emplify Health by Gundersen will transfer its La Crosse area 211 referral service to state and national partners at the end of 2025, ending over 20 years of local coordination under Great Rivers 211.
Residents will still call 211 or go online for help—only the call management will change.
💼 Business
Downtown La Crosse jeweler Howes Diamond Jewelers is closing its store after 61 years as the owners retire; its (324 Main Street) location is shutting while the (Red Wing) branch remains open.
On November 3, local businesses in La Crosse offered free meals amid a shutdown — a move meant to support residents facing service disruptions.
The free-meal effort is expected to continue until normal business operations resume.
📰 Economy
A new free ferry service connecting Iowa and Wisconsin launched Monday when its first boat left Wisconsin at 5:30 a.m.—it reached Iowa at 5:45 a.m. The service, created after the closure of the Black Hawk Bridge, can carry up to 700 passengers daily and officials warn of longer wait times while crews adjust.
🎓 Education
Brittney Steine was named the 2025 WEA Teacher of the Year on Oct.
31+ she expressed astonishment over receiving the honor as recognition for her commitment in the classroom.
On November 3rd, dozens of students and staff in costumes participated in Spence Elementary’s annual Halloween Fun Run as part of a fundraiser to support educational activities.
The event raised $10,000 to help pay for field trips, classroom supplies, and matching t-shirts, bringing our community together.
Western Technical College President Roger Stanford said Monday he will retire next summer—after nearly 10 years leading the school due to personal and family reasons.
🏛️ Government
The Holmen Police Department received a new K-9 shelter on Monday after seven local businesses donated materials and labor to build it for Officer Joe Inglett's police dog — constructed by La Crosse Area Builders Association members in his backyard — and the dog will begin patrol duties after completing its training.
Officials reported on Nov 3 that the SNAP benefits system remains unstable—challenges in accessing food assistance continue to affect many locals.
Government leaders are planning further fixes to improve service reliability in the coming days.
🎉 La Crosse Events
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Ben Folds Concert
7:30-9 p.m. — Viterbo University Fine Arts Center — Ticket prices vary — Experience an unforgettable evening of music with Ben Folds’ captivating piano performances and witty lyrics.
Holiday Pop-Up Shops
10 AM – 1 PM — The Charmant Hotel — Free — Discover handmade treasures from local artisans in a festive holiday atmosphere.
Clawhammer Banjo Basics with Brennan Henry Allsworth
9:00 AM – 12:30 PM — Art House La Crosse — $40-$70 — Learn the art of clawhammer banjo from an experienced instructor while exploring music theory and techniques.
VILLAGE GIFT & HOME GRAND OPENING
VILLAGE GIFT & HOME GRAND OPENING EVENT NOW THROUGH DECEMBER 14 located next to Domino's in La Crosse's Village Shopping Center. In store SPECIALS, DRAWINGS, FUN STUFF for ALL AGES OPEN M-F 10-6, Sat 10-4, Sun Noon-4/ Facebook/Instagram/[email protected]/608-792-3904
One Christmas Eve
7:30-9:30 p.m. — La Crosse Community Theatre — Learn more and purchase tickets here — Enjoy a diverse cast navigating love and chance during a festive performance.
🏠 La Crosse Real Estate
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💼 La Crosse Job Board
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📣 La Crosse Announcements
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