Good morning, La Crosse.

Dahl Automotive donated $20,550 to the La Crosse Area YMCA on Dec.

5 to help support its local services.

On Thursday, employees from Altra Federal, Coulee Bank, Citizens Bank, Union State Bank, and State Bank Financial collected donations for the Salvation Army using red kettles outside grocery stores across La Crosse at Festival on Copeland, Valley View Mall Hy-Vee, Woodman’s, and Hanson’s IGA in West Salem.

The Joy of Sharing campaign brought the Coulee Region together last Friday at Festival Foods in Onalaska when the News 8 Team collected food, toys and cash donations for the Salvation Army, Toys for Tots and the Hunger Task Force.

Donations totaled $3,771 to help families cover winter costs.

Rick Rux from the Salvation Army visited WIZM on Wednesday, Dec.

3 to ask for more volunteers to ring Red Kettle bells during the campaign that runs through Christmas Eve. He said bell ringers working 2-hour shifts at local stores help support people in need despite the cold.

Portland-based artist Lettie Jane Rennekamp was selected by the La Crosse Arts Board to create a vibrant mural at the Main Library.

She will choose the final color scheme and the project includes educational programming and merchandising rights.

Downtown Holmen becomes a winter wonderland today for its 6th Annual Jingle Fest, featuring vendors (American Legion, Village Hall and the library) from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and fun activities including a petting zoo, reindeer run card, festive characters and a Holiday Lights Parade at 5 p.m.

Students at Logan Middle School will pitch their plan to create 180 blessing bags during the La Crosse SOUP microgrant dinner at 7 p.m. tonight, as they aim to raise $1,000 to provide essential items for those in need this holiday season.

La Crosse’s Finance and Personnel Committee approved selling the Charmant Hotel and former CenturyTel building last Thursday — the measures now move to full council for a vote next week as development agreements with The Weber Group remain in effect.

Emplify Health will buy the remaining 51% at 333 Front Street, adding to its 49% stake.

City officials announced that the Black Hawk Bridge demolition is scheduled for Dec.

18 to replace the aging structure. The project will improve local safety and traffic flow for residents.

The Onalaska Fire Department and the National Fire Sprinkler Association demonstrated fire risks this holiday season by igniting a small room to show how fast fires can spread.

Fire Chief Pete Fletty stressed that working smoke and carbon monoxide detectors (plus an escape plan) can save lives.

Famous Dave’s offers a holiday feast with a barbecue twist that reimagines traditional meals for catered holiday dining.

The restaurant is open Christmas Eve from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and New Year’s Eve and Day from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.—orders may be placed online or by phone.

UW-La Crosse football coach Matt Janus discussed his team’s playoff plans ahead of their Round 3 matchup against defending national champions North Central, noting that the Eagles (8-2) improved their strategy after beating Hope College and are ranked 13th nationally.

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.