Good morning, La Crosse.

The zoo opened an observation room for visitors yesterday—providing locals a new space to view animals up close.

The historic corner store reopened yesterday after planned renovations preserved its original look— local residents now have a familiar place to shop.

The store marks the return of a long-loved business in the community.

La Crosse Talk featured economist Dr. Adam Hoffer who explained plans to remove technology from classrooms in favor of traditional tools while addressing ideas to save the north branch library and add more bike lanes as e-bike use grows.

The show also reviewed DOT proposals to rebuild downtown, which may lower street parking availability with new parking layouts.

The Nature Place is hosting a free toy and book swap this week for families to exchange gently used items at no cost.

The event runs — Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. — and — Saturday from 9 a.m. to noon — and gives locals a chance to clear out unused toys and books.

Allegiant said it will add 30 new nonstop routes that connect La Crosse with 35 cities, with flights to Mesa starting Feb.

6 and Sanford starting May 21. One-way fares will start at $39 in 2026 — tickets can be booked online — and flight schedules are available on the airline’s website.

Onalaska Middle School held an open house on Saturday to show its $50 million renovations, which improved hallways, classrooms, and a new gym after a 2022 referendum approved $75 million for district upgrades.

Principal Ben Burns said visitors were impressed—reacting with awe and amazement—with the building's natural light and modern design.

State report cards show that schools in Bangor, Holmen, Onalaska, and West Salem did better in key tests and scores.

Education officials say these gains are positive and will help guide future improvements — as they work to boost learning for all students.

Rising holiday prices have led shoppers to begin buying gifts early as financial expert Jamie Baumann from Affinity Plus Federal Credit Union advises setting up a $10 automatic weekly savings transfer—data from last year shows that over half of shoppers made impulse purchases, stressing the need for careful budgeting and use of budgeting apps.

Officials with the state department said food pantries have seen a rise in need after the shutdown and the Legislature has approved state funds for nutrition programs for the next two years—if a second shutdown occurs, federal decisions will affect SNAP benefits—.

Resolve Through Sharing, a Gundersen program that has offered grief support for 44 years, will become its own 501(c)(3) nonprofit on January 1 to expand its partnerships and resources for local families and professionals — the services will continue unchanged.

Gundersen launched Emplify by Gundersen Blanket Drive on November 17 to collect donated blankets from community members.

The drive aims to help neighbors stay warm during colder conditions — additional details are expected soon.

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.

Staying Safe from Internet Scams

11 AM – 12 PM — La Crosse Public Library — Free entry — Learn to recognize and avoid internet scams while keeping your personal information safe.

A Holly Jazzy Christmas

7:30 p.m. — Cappella Performing Arts Center — Ticket info unavailable — Experience a magical evening of holiday classics with Debbie O'Keefe and the La Crosse Jazz Orchestra.

One Christmas Eve

7:30-9:30 p.m. — La Crosse Community Theatre — Tickets available — Experience a diverse cast navigating love and second chances in a festive holiday show.

2nd Annual A Home for the Holidays Gala

5:30-11:00 p.m. — Radisson Hotel La Crosse — $100.00 — Celebrate the season with cocktails, dinner, auctions, dancing, and surprises at this delightful fundraiser.