Good morning, La Crosse.

The Warrior Brotherhood Motorcycle Club donated hundreds of toys to the La Crosse Family and Children's Center this holiday season (aiming to spread smiles in La Crosse, Winona, Viroqua, Black River Falls, and Sparta).

Afghan community members in Wisconsin share their worries over anti-Afghan rhetoric following a recent Washington incident, as chef Bakht Mohammadi and local leaders work to support affected families while fundraising efforts continue.

The La Crosse Fire Department warns residents to keep working smoke alarms and a fire extinguisher nearby as holiday cooking raises fire risks after a stove fire was contained in a home kitchen; officials advise turning off heat and using a fire extinguisher + not water to smother small fires.

The Salvation Army in La Crosse raised $250,000 of its $400,000 goal in its bell-ringing campaign with eight days left.

Local businesses — including former Riverfest Commodores — have contributed donations such as a $2,000 gift and 500 pounds of cranberries to help fund holiday food boxes for families.

Bubba's Fund will host Charlie's Kids Fest for local families; event details are expected soon — organizers are finalizing plans on timing and location.

Rivoli co-owner Jon Gelatt was featured on La Crosse Talk on Dec.

15 discussing holiday movies and upcoming Rivoli events— the theatre will show It’s A Wonderful Life at 5:30 p.m. Thursday and host a kids’ party and a comedy show by Found Footage Fest on Saturday.

The La Crosse School Board accepted a bid of just over $32 million from Market and Johnson on Monday night to build a new elementary school at the former Hogan site (the building has served as the district headquarters since 1980).

The school is expected to open within two years.

The Lansing Bridge implosion is set for Friday, Dec.

19 at 9:30 a.m., with horns sounding five and one minute before each blast; officials enforce an 850-ft restricted zone and end free ferry service on Thursday, Dec. 18 at 6 p.m., with a backup implosion for Dec. 20.

Driftless Humane Society unveiled a new spay and neuter surgery suite — housed at its Viroqua facility — to offer low-cost surgery for animals.

The initiative will help provide affordable care in a region with limited veterinary services.

Enhanced Affordable Care Act subsidies end at the close of this year, which will cause premiums for over 300,000 Wisconsinites to soar in 2026.

La Crosse families and small-business owners may face steep hikes based on age, income, and plan selection.

Gundersen Medical Foundation received a $1 million legacy gift from late Edith ‘Edie’ Nutter to support children’s healthcare and research — reflecting her decades-long service from a 1961 hospital fire to ongoing community care.

The West Salem Board of Trustees voted unanimously tonight to keep fluoride in the municipal water—local dentist Dr. Jim Allen stressed its role in preventing tooth decay for all residents.

Quenten Brown LIVE at Boot Hill Pub

7-10 p.m. — Boot Hill Pub — Enjoy great food and drinks while listening to local musician Quenten Brown's three-hour non-stop performance.