Good morning, La Crosse.

On Nov 5, community members gathered for a breakfast honoring a Thirteenth Freedom Honor Flight veteran—celebrating his service and sacrifice while uniting family and local supporters in recognition of his contributions.

The 13th Annual Freedom Honor Flight Veteran's Day breakfast will be held Tuesday, November 11th at 7 a.m. to 10 a.m. at Mitchell Hall in the UWL fieldhouse+ retired Lt. Col. Richard Trietley will share his military stories at 9:50 a.m. About 600 UWL athletes will help set up, greet veterans, and serve food+ the event is free with no RSVP required.

Tracy Ballzer and Brad Williams previewed Heart of La Crosse's upcoming improv shows on La Crosse Talk at the WIZM studio, noting a local mayor and favorite sketches will feature in the acts.

The shows will run Thursday through Saturday this week and next week — tickets are available at the Pump House website.

The ARC of La Crosse has launched a free inclusive dance program called Connected in Motion for participants ages 16 and older at Amanda's Academy of Dance and La Crosse Dance Centre — the sessions include creative movement, ballet barre exercises, stretching and various dance styles and run through April with performance opportunities available.

Logan Middle School 7th graders presented their Hmong village plan for Bridgeview Plaza redevelopment last week — the students shared design ideas to create a community space that honors Hmong culture.

On Nov. 14, the School District of La Crosse’s Planetarium at Central High School will host two family-friendly presentations—'Did an Asteroid really Kill the Dinosaurs?' from 5:45 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. and 'Cosmic Questions' from 7:15 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.—with tickets costing $4 for children, students and seniors and $6 for adults.

Holmen police received a new outdoor shelter for their K9 unit from the La Crosse Area Builders Association, which built the $7,000 structure at no cost.

The shelter will be installed in Officer Joe Inglett's backyard — it is the second donation of its kind from the association.

Local leaders presented a new vision plan today for downtown that will include a Discovery Campus, new residential buildings, and a dog park—key parts of the Downtown La Crosse River Area Redevelopment Plan.

US House Rep. Derrick Van Orden toured the Salvation Army center near downtown on Tuesday and urged city leaders to ease zoning and floodplain rules so the organization can expand its 63-bed shelter—he also called on officials to fund food programs for local residents.

About 60 library users met at the Main Street branch basement on Tuesday to discuss a $175,000 budget cut (which could force the north branch to close) and reduce services.

The library board will meet next Tuesday to decide among options (including cutting hours and staff) to address a $2 million shortfall.

Burns Park and Cameron Park remain closed as the city searches for a long-term plan to address unsafe behaviors after the parks closed on Sept.

9—officials have met bi-weekly but have not set a reopening date.

Last month, Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals and Mid-West Family La Crosse hosted a two-day Radiothon that raised over $150K for families with children receiving medical care in the area—funds that will stay locally to support meal vouchers, gas cards, and adaptive equipment.

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.

St. Nicholas Celebration

5:30-7:30 p.m. — Franciscan Spirituality Center — Free entry — Celebrate the spirit of generosity with traditions honoring St. Nicholas for all ages.

One Christmas Eve

7:30-9:30 p.m. — La Crosse Community Theatre — Ticket prices vary — Experience a humorous and heartwarming performance with a diverse cast navigating love and second chances during the holiday season.