Good morning, La Crosse.

The Salvation Army and Hunger Task Force will hold a monthly food distribution today from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. at 434 Nelson Place in La Crosse—families in need can attend without pre-registration.

The Boys and Girls Club of Greater La Crosse celebrated the opening of the new John & Linda Lyche Club in the Onalaska Middle School building yesterday.

The club will serve up to 250 kids a day after school and in the summer with programs focused on academics, mental health, and building positive relationships — marking its eighth facility in the county.

Logan High School will open its pool for public swim sessions Monday and Wednesday from 7 to 9 p.m. The initiative gives North Side residents access to a pool (fees are $2 for adults and $1 for students) after the city cut funding for its North Side pool.

At Harry J. Olson Senior Center on the north side, a large holiday tree was lit Wednesday evening to honor a senior with health issues and offer a place for local seniors to gather.

The tree will be lit from 5—10 p.m. until January 1 and the center will host holiday events like a trolley ride, bingo party, and potluck in the coming weeks.

Central High School students are baking 85 pumpkin pies for next week's Community Thanksgiving Dinner at the La Crosse Center—each student makes two pies, one to keep and one to donate—using ingredients donated by staff and families.

Teacher Carmen Palmi said the project helps students learn new kitchen skills while they support their community.

The Festival Foods Turkey Trot will take place on Thanksgiving morning with races that include a 2-mile fun run, 2-mile walk, 2-mile dog jog and 5-mile timed run starting at 8 a.m. at the Onalaska Omni Center Riders Club Road — registration is open until the race starts and costs $35 for adults until Nov. 23 then $40, $15 for children and $5 for dogs, with funds benefiting local YMCAs and Boys and Girls Clubs.

Airport officials announced that Allegiant Airlines will add two nonstop flights in 2026 from La Crosse Regional Airport—one to Phoenix-Mesa Gateway on February 6 and one to Orlando Sanford International on May 21.

Fares start at $69 as the move follows years of planning that began in 2019 amid staffing challenges.

Ho Chunk Cinema held its ribbon cutting on November 20 to mark its opening and welcome local residents—this event signals a new entertainment venue for the community.

On Wednesday a mobile video billboard toured La Crosse carrying a message from Protect Our Care urging Congressman Van Orden to support extended tax credits for medical care amid rising costs and hospital closings.

State Sen. Pfaff spoke at an event in Riverside Park — noting that policies favoring tax breaks over health funding have hurt local families by increasing grocery costs and forcing longer trips for care.

La Crosse Mayor Shaundel Washington-Spivey spoke today at the Greater La Crosse Area Diversity Council's 15th annual conference — stressing that belonging is key to building strong leadership and inclusive community spaces.

Residents in Westby gathered Thursday night to discuss a proposed 140-mile transmission line stretching from southeast Minnesota through Vernon and Crawford counties—local officials from Dairyland Power and GridLiance explained the project’s benefits while community members expressed concerns about health effects and property rights; the companies will submit their preferred route to the Public Service Commission in 2026 after gathering more input.

Hillview Health Care Center’s renovation project is nearing completion as only the 600 Hallway in the nursing home remains closed for full construction until the end of December—families will soon have easier access.

The Aging and Disability Resource Center will begin work on its intergenerational center, and all phases, including assisted living and supportive housing, will be completed by March 2026.

UWL Eagles sealed a 52-0 win against UW Stevens Point on November 19, improving to 7-2 and clinching their fifth straight Division III playoff berth.

The team excelled on offense, defense and special teams (with Gabe Lynch and Jack Janke playing key roles) and will face Hope College on November 29 in Holland.

UW-La Crosse will host its first-ever Greg Lonning Day on Saturday when the 15th ranked women’s basketball team and the 5th ranked wrestling team face Luther in Mitchell Hall at 5 p.m. The event honors Greg Lonning, the late coach who led the wrestling team to its first WIAC title.

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.