Good morning, La Crosse.

VARC will host its fourth annual New Year's Eve Gala on Dec.

31 at 6 p.m. at the Midnight Waterfront in the Cargill Room — a black-tie event with a three-course meal, champagne fountain, private fireworks, live auction, and music to benefit disability programs.

A local report shows snow removal efforts may be challenging for disabled residents as snowfall continues in the area.

City officials + community leaders plan to review procedures and adjust services to improve access for affected individuals.

Due to rising vendor interest, the La Crosse Farmers Market will move to the La Crosse Center—leaving its winter home at the Masonic Center.

The market will operate every other Saturday from 9 a.m. to noon until April 18, starting Saturday.

Santa and Mrs. Claus will visit the John Bosshard Memorial Library in Bangor on Saturday from 12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. Families can take pictures and share their Christmas wishes (sponsored by Friends of the Bangor Library).

Volunteers in Galesville honored fallen veterans by placing wreaths on soldier graves at Pine Cliff Cemetery on Wednesday, serving as a preview for Saturday's National Wreaths Across America Day.

Local retailers in La Crosse report rising prices that are impacting holiday shopping as many shoppers adjust budgets for the season; stores are reviewing pricing strategies to manage the cost increases.

On Thursday morning, the La Crosse Education Foundation awarded $51,000 in Gold Star grants to three teachers at Northside Elementary to support innovative student learning, including music teacher Jessica Ingvalson's plan to host a professional theatre group for social-emotional learning. The next round of grants will be announced in May 2026.

La Crosse is launching the Salt Smart campaign today to educate residents about the harmful effects of road salt on waterways (urging use of sand and non-toxic de-icers) and infrastructure.

The new initiative aims to protect wildlife and local gardens during winter.

The library board voted to reduce hours for the north branch — open Monday through Thursday, 2 to 6 p.m. until its closing on June 18 — while the Main Street branch will close on Sundays into early 2026 to cut costs.

On Wednesday, the La Crosse League of Women Voters held a luncheon to discuss civics education in schools where retired educator Kathie Tyser noted federal funding is low and representative Chris Haskell urged more youth civic involvement.

City officials in La Crosse announced a new rule requiring property owners to clear sidewalks within 24 hours of snowfall, now in effect since Dec.

11 — residents may face fines if they do not comply.

The Wisconsin Department of Health Services maintains its policy to give all newborns the hepatitis B vaccine within 24 hours of birth despite a recent CDC change that calls for a more limited approach.

The agency relies on decades of data + support from the American Academy of Pediatrics to protect infants’ health.

Local officials approved the Charmant Hotel transfer today in La Crosse — the move paves the way for new management to revitalize the historic property.

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.