Good morning, La Crosse.

The Green Bay Packers Foundation announced its annual $1.5 million in grants this week to 12 local organizations including nine in La Crosse County + one each in Crawford, Trempealeau and Vernon counties.

Packers President Ed Policy said the funding supports the work these groups do in our communities.

The Salvation Army provided holiday food boxes and gifts to over 1,000 families at its Nelson Place warehouse in a two-day event; it continues today from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Community partners and donors, including one contributor with 550 dozen eggs and whole chickens, made this effort possible.

Xcel Energy had an outage on Thursday that impacted about 4,795 customers in La Crosse (the number has since dropped), and traffic signals along Monitor Street from West Avenue to South Avenue are now working properly.

Organizers announced the new theme for Oktoberfest 2026 on Dec.

18, promising a celebration that highlights local traditions; the festival will offer fresh experiences for the community.

Gas prices in La Crosse are below the national average, with some stations selling for $2.37 per gallon versus $2.89 nationwide, according to GasBuddy.

Analysts forecast prices will drop another 10 cents a gallon through December (despite market jitters), offering drivers a boost ahead of the holidays.

Minnesota’s minimum wage will rise from $11.13 to $11.41 on Jan.

1, 2026. Wisconsin’s rate has stayed at $7.25 since 2009 and local staffing experts in La Crosse say the wage gap may impact hiring for tip-dependent roles.

Dairyland Power Cooperative donated $5,000 to Hintgen Elementary School on Thursday to help cover the $15,000 annual snack cost for students (over 80% qualify for free and reduced meals compared to the state average of 40%).

Logan Middle School was honored as La Crosse Area Waters’ 2025 Featured Property for its rain garden (740 sqft) that filters storm water runoff.

Students planted the garden last year through a community partnership to learn hands-on environmental skills.

Attorney General Josh Kaul announced on Wednesday that Wisconsin will receive over $750,000 as part of a $4.25M settlement against Menards (the home improvement chain) after an investigation into its rebate program.

The settlement requires Menards to change its marketing practices to clearly disclose rebate limitations.

Bubba’s Fund donated AED machines to every licensed child care center at the Parenting Place in La Crosse on Wednesday; the initiative, named in memory of Bubba (a young child), aims to improve child safety.

The 'Pump up the Jam' 21+ holiday dance party (a seasonal event) took place on Dec.

18 in town as organizers aimed to give adults a festive night out.

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.