Good morning, La Crosse.

Chaplain Ann Wales, who spent five years guiding inmates at La Crosse County Jail and built a ministry from zero to over 70 volunteers, will retire in December — Jason Kalember will take over as chaplain on Jan.

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Seven area fire departments are launching the 15th annual 'Keep the Wreath Green' campaign, which will run from November 28 through January 1 to remind residents to follow fire safety tips during the busy holiday season.

Each department will display a wreath with green light bulbs that will change to red—one for each structure fire—while the white center honors fallen firefighters and service members.

ICHIDDO Ramen held its grand opening in La Crosse on November 24th — the new restaurant now welcomes local diners to enjoy its ramen menu.

Blain's Farm and Fleet stores across the Midwest are launching their annual Toyland transformation—converting store centers into holiday toy destinations that offer popular seasonal toys, a wishlist contest ending Dec.

3 for a $1,000 gift card, and a Kids Helping Kids program with matching funds. Santa will appear at all 45 locations on Saturday, Dec. 6 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Rivoli co-owner Jonathan Gelatt joined WIZM’s La Crosse Talk on November 19 to talk about a Thanksgiving movie he had not seen and to preview holiday screenings at the downtown theater — including The Godfather Part 2 on Black Friday and movies like Home Alone, Edward Scissorhands, and The Muppet Christmas Carol in December.

Sparta businesses expect an economic boost from this year's Kriskindlmarkt as local organizers plan an event to bring shoppers and vendors together to drive sales.

Organizers say the market will highlight local products and support small businesses + help the town grow.

Gas prices in Wisconsin fell on November 24th — local drivers now face lower fuel costs.

Oktoberfest parade marshals donated $7,300 to Logan and Central high schools on Monday to purchase new microphones, speakers, and physical education equipment—funds raised at the Torchlight Parade Afterglow Party will help meet long-standing equipment needs—supporting local student programs.

WLAX Staff reported on November 23rd that the local hunting population is declining — the report did not provide further details.

A family on a Sunday walk in Goose Island discovered an owl tangled in fishing line hanging upside down from a tree and called the International Owl Center—Coulee Region Humane Society staff freed the bird and took it for treatment.

Veterinarians found the owl had injured wing feathers—its care will continue until specialists help restore its ability to fly.

Police in La Crosse are urging drivers to allow extra time if they travel downtown Friday as the Rotary Lights Holiday parade will begin at 5 p.m. from 6th and Main and continue to Riverside Park—motorists should expect delays and increased foot traffic.

The UW-La Crosse men’s cross country team won a second Division III national championship on Nov.

22, 2025, making history with back-to-back titles and three runners finishing in the top 10 on the 8,000-meter course at Roger Milliken Cross Country Course in Spartanburg—S.C.

The UW-La Crosse women’s cross country team finished 12th at the Division III National Championships on November 22 at the Roger Milliken Cross Country Course in Spartanburg—Brooklyn Luebke improved from a 152nd-place finish last season while teammate Madison Twarling placed 89th as the Eagles made their seventh consecutive Nationals appearance.

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.