Saturday, October 31, 2026
Climate Action NOW
Wednesday, October 28, 2026
Safeguard Your Energy Bill
From Midwest Renewable Energy Association:
Thursday, October 29 - 1PM CST - ONLINE
You’re not imagining it! Energy costs are climbing, and here’s what to do about it.
Utility bills are rising, and most households aren’t prepared for what’s coming. Join a free webinar with experts from the Midwest Renewable Energy Association (MREA) and Clean Energy Credit Union as we break down what’s actually driving energy prices up, what the market indicators are telling us, and how energy efficiency and solar can protect your budget. Whether you’re just starting to think about home energy upgrades or ready to make a move, this session will help you take the next step with confidence.
Learn more here: https://www.cleanenergycu.org/resources/blog/safeguard-your-energy-bill/
Tuesday, October 27, 2026
The last zoning info session
Tonight at 6 p.m. at the Moose Lodge on Ward Avenue, find answers to common questions and learn more about the Zoning and Subdivision Ordinances Plan Update.
This collaborative effort builds on past City plans while prioritizing community input and values to help guide the future development and character of La Crosse.
EVERYONE IS WELCOME.
Learn more at https://forwardlacrosse.org/
Monday, October 26, 2026
School input
Input sessions - what to do with closing neighborhood schools (if they listen).
Harry Spence - Oct. 28 from 4:30 to 6:00 p.m.
Hintgen - Oct. 29 from 4:30 to 6:00 p.m.
Emerson - Nov. 5 from 4:30 to 6:00 p.m.
Sunday, October 25, 2026
Hmong Community Night - HALLOWEEN
EVERYONE'S INVITED!
Halloween Community Night
5 to 7 pm
HCCC, Ward & South Avenue
Celebrate the season with us at Halloween Community Night! Gather your family and friends for an evening of spooky fun, Halloween treats, and delicious food.
Whether you're dressing up in your favorite costume or walking through our haunted setup, there's something for all ages to enjoy. If you'd like to participate in the Trunk or Treat by hosting a car, register your vehicle here: https://tinyurl.com/hccc-tortreg
Friday, October 23, 2026
Comment by 10/24
From 1000 Friends of Wisconsin:
ACLU Town Hall - Defending Our Vote
Ftom ACLU:
With the 2026 midterm elections quickly approaching, the ACLU continues to work tirelessly to safeguard elections and protect the democratic process.
Now, we're inviting you to join us for a virtual Town Hall next Tuesday to learn more about this work, and how you can help. From discussing the current election-safeguarding landscape to how we'll respond to potential post-election scenarios, we'd love to see you at our upcoming Town Hall:
This is an incredibly important time for our democracy. Join us on Tuesday to hear more about what to expect from us before, during, and after Election Day.
Katie Phang, independent journalist and trial lawyer, will serve as moderator, joined by a full speaker panel from the ACLU's leadership team.
Learn more about the ACLU's Defending Our Vote initiative: www.aclu.org/vote
Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7MXJQ9bzvHY
Wednesday, October 21, 2026
Pressure can work - BIG UPDATE!
It may be frustratingly incremental, and, possibly, too little, too late, but pressure can work.
And, there will be more opportunities to apply pressure, according to the Wisconsin Chapter Sierra Club: "The DNR has until January 2028 to complete a statewide strategic analysis–a process that will examine the broader environmental consequences of data center development, including demands on water and energy resources, impacts on air quality and climate, and the effects of related infrastructure such as power plants and transmission lines. According to the terms of the settlement, Vantage Data Centers must pay all costs related to the strategic analysis. There will be public input opportunities throughout this process. Stay tuned!"
Exhibit 2: Just two days after nearly 200 voters from Southwest Wisconsin lobbied their representatives in Madison to halt two proposed 765kV power which would criss-cross the rural driftless region, the Public Service Commission announced a public hearing on the projects. From the group No 765 Line, "On Tuesday, October 13, 173 people checked in for A Day of Power in Madison. Teams of residents from ten counties then met with legislators or their staff in 49 offices about ... two proposed 765,000-volt (765 kV) transmission lines. The day ended with the State of the Campaign Address in the Capitol Rotunda.
"On October 15, the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin, the state board that decides whether power lines get built and who may operate as a utility, issued notice that the application by BECI’s developer to become a Wisconsin utility will be decided in a contested case, with a hearing where parties present witnesses and evidence. Requests to become a party are due October 29."
Learn more about how you can help at https://no765line.org.
Exhibit 3: [October 23, 2026] "Without consistent, stringent accountability measures nationwide, the La Crosse Police Department has determined that continuing the partnership [with Flock] poses an unacceptable risk to our core values."
Read more at https://www.cityoflacrosse.org/News-articles/Police-News/Statement-on-Flock-Safety-Program
Congratulations and THANKS, Driftless Mutual Aid.
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Does pressure always work? No. Can you know in advance if it will work or not? No. Just do it.
Housing Happy Hour
From Habitat for Humanity:
Let’s talk about why zoning matters.
Hosted at the Pump House Regional Arts Center and sponsored by AARP Wisconsin, this casual event features an interactive exploration of the City’s zoning code update, locally made zoning zines, and perspectives from leaders in affordable housing.
Swing by for complimentary snacks, drinks, and good conversation!
Tuesday, October 20, 2026
VOTE ABSENTEE TODAY!
From the La Crosse City Clerk's Office:
Voting Absentee in the November 3, 2026 General Election
Absentee by Mail. Absentee ballots can be mailed to you through Thursday, October 29, 2026 with written request or by vising myvote.wi.gov and clicking into Vote Absentee by Mail. Ballots must be returned on or before election day; ballots must be received by 8pm on election day to be counted. Voters can return their ballot by mail or return it in person to the City Clerk, to an in-person absentee voting site or to your polling place on election day.
In-Person Absentee Voting. In-person absentee voting will begin in the City of La Crosse on Tuesday, October 20 and go through Friday, October 30, 2026. Absentee voting in person is allowed only during the posted hours below.
City Hall, 400 La Crosse St
Tuesday, October 20, 8:30a - 4:00p
Thursday, October 22, 8:30a - 4:00p
Friday, October 23, 8:30a - 12:00p
Saturday, October 24, 9:00a - 12:00p
Monday, October 26, 8:30a - 4:00p
Tuesday, October 27, 8:30a - 4:00p
Thursday, October 29, 8:30a - 6:00p
Friday, October 30, 8:30a - 5:00p
Southside Neighborhood Center, 1300 6th St S
Tuesday, October 20, 9:00a - 3:00p
Friday, October 23, 9:00a - 3:00p
Tuesday, October 27, 9:00a - 3:00p
Wednesday, October 28, 9:00a - 3:00p
Thursday, October 29, 9:00a - 3:00p
Friday, October 30, 9:00a - 3:00p
Cleary Alumni & Friends Center, 615 East Ave N
Wednesday, October 21, 9:00a - 3:00p
Friday, October 23, 9:00a - 3:00p
Wednesday, October 28, 9:00a - 3:00p
Friday, October 30, 9:00a - 3:00p
Photo ID is required when voting absentee.
Learn more about absentee voting options. https://www.cityoflacrosse.org/Your-Government/Departments/City-Clerk/Elections-and-Voting/Vote-Absentee
Register to Vote. If you need to register to vote or update your voter registration, you must do so in person with the City Clerk, during in-person absentee voting or on election day at your polling place. Remember your proof of residence document showing your name and current address. Learn more about registering and acceptable proof of residence documents. https://www.cityoflacrosse.org/Your-Government/Departments/City-Clerk/Elections-and-Voting/Register-to-Vote
Visit myvote.wi.gov to check your voter information, request an absentee ballot, track your absentee ballot, find your polling place, view what's on your ballot, and more.
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FOR OTHER LA CROSSE COUNTY COMMUNITIES, SEE https://www.lacrossecounty.org/countyclerk/elections/voter-information
FOR OTHER WISCONSIN COMMUNITIES, CHECK https://myvote.wi.gov
FOR MINNESOTA COMMUNITIES, SEE https://www.sos.mn.gov/elections-voting/
Monday, October 19, 2026
City Surveillance and the Board of Estimates Video
On October 13th more than a dozen community members showed up at the Board of Estimates meeting on the city's 2027 operating budget to speak against spending money on surveillance technologies like Automated License Plate Readers (ALPRs). The city has not yet uploaded the video record of that meeting, citing technical issues, but has sent it to community members who have requested it. Given the public interest and engagement in this meeting, we are posting the missing video here for community members to access.
The budget will not be finalized until November. New information, including a state lawsuit by WI-ACLU and the Electronic Frontier Foundation, continues to inform this evolving discussion. If you have an opinion, please share it with the city council (https://cityforms.cityoflacrosse.org/Forms/ContactCityCouncil) and the mayor (washingtonspiveys@cityoflacrosse.org).
10/21: Debate Night
Just in case you aren't sure which gubernatorial candidate you'll vote for - the guy Trump picked or David Crowley - there's a candidate debate on October 21 from 7 to 8 p.m. The debate will stream on wisn.com and on ‘Very Local’ - WISN 12’s free streaming app. It will also be offered statewide on the WISN 12 UPFRONT partner station (in La Crosse, WXOW, channel 19).
Badger Youth Action is hosting a debate watch party ftom 6 to 9 at the Pump House. "Join Badger Youth Action at the Pump House Regional Arts Center for Governor Debate Bingo on Wednesday, October 21 from 6:30PM to 9PM. We’ll watch the Wisconsin gubernatorial debate, play bingo, and compete for prize baskets generously contributed by local businesses. Whether you’re a political junkie or just looking for a fun night out, come hang out, follow the debate, and enjoy some friendly competition with your community!"
Register here: https://www.mobilize.us/badgeryouthaction/event/1065019/
Saturday, October 17, 2026
Immigration Summit
From Franciscan Spirituality Center and Coulee Region Immigration Task Force:
Free to attend, but registration is required by Sunday evening, Oct. 18!
For more information, visit the Coulee Region Immigration Task Force website.
School building Input
The School District of La Crosse is inviting public input regarding the three closing neighborhood elementary schools - Emerson, Harry Spence, and Hintgen.
Per their announcement, "The district is working with SEH - Short Elliott Hendrickson Inc. to study existing conditions, market opportunities, and realistic reuse options. La Crosse Public Schools has not made decisions about future uses for these properties, other than they will no longer be schools.
"The open houses will be informal, with no formal presentation. Visitors can stop in anytime, learn more about the project, and complete activities focused on potential uses, community priorities, opportunities, and concerns. District and SEH staff will be available to answer questions. Most people can participate in about 30 minutes. Each session will focus on the school where it is hosted."
Open houses:➡ Spence Elementary: Wednesday, October 28, 4:30–6:00 p.m.
➡ Hintgen Elementary: Thursday, October 29, 4:30–6:00 p.m.
➡ Emerson Elementary: Thursday, November 5, 4:30–6:00 p.m.
A virtual session covering all three sites will take place Wednesday, October 21, from 11:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. It will include a brief presentation followed by opportunities for public input. https://bit.ly/HelpShapeWhatIsNext
Thursday, October 15, 2026
Ho-Chunk Youth Fundraiser
11 a.m. til gone
724 Main Street
Vet Expo
This FREE event will host a variety of veteran-focused vendors, educational presentations from local organizations that serve veterans, and flu shots for veterans and their families brought to you by the Tomah VAMC and Scenic Bluffs. Come with questions or just to see what you can become involved in. VETS OF ALL AGES WELCOME.
Learn more about area veterans' services here: https://lacrossecounty.org/veterans
Wednesday, October 14, 2026
October 17 - NO KINGS (Vote Early)
Bring: Signs, water, snack, dress for the weather, chair if you want. OPTIONAL: Donations for What I Need Now.
Spread out north along Losey and don't block sidewalks, bus stops, or driveways. Don't engage with trolls.
Getting there:
- Walk or bike
- TAKE THE DAMN BUS (park & ride) for $1.50 adult/$1.25 Youth (exact change) per ride (75¢ senior w/Medicare Card) or transit pass on smart phone.
- Route #4 from downtown: Jay St Transit Center > County Admin Bldg (7th & State) > UWL > Main St > 23rd St > JavaVino
- Route #4 from Marcus Theater (Ward Ave & 21st Place S) > WTC Apprenticeship Ctr > High Roller > Aldi South/Mayo Clinic Store > Losey > Subway/Dominoes
- Route #12-1 from downtown: Jay St Transit Center > Weigent Park > 16th St > Weston > Losey > Subway/Dominoes
- Route #1-2 from downtown: Jay St Transit Center > Mayo > Gundersen > South Ave > Hmong Center (Ward & South Ave) > Aldi South/Mayo Clinic Store > Walmart South (catch bus #1 from shelter on Walmart side of MC Rd) > 33rd St > Shelby Ball Fields > 32nd St > State Road > K-Mart
- Any other routes, transfer to #4 or #2-1 at Transit Center
- Car Pool - DO NOT PARK IN K-MART OR OPEN BUSINESSES' LOTS. Park on side streets.
Have you voted yet?
Request an absentee ballot NOW, mark it, have a witness sign it, and return it to your municipal clerk's office or official drop box. (City of La Crosse request by email, other La Crosse county, other in Wisconsin, other in Minnesota) According to Early Voting and Absentee Ballot, nearly 326,000 absentee ballots have been requested in Wisconsin and more than 93,500 have already been returned as of October 7.
Plan to VOTE ABSENTEE IN PERSON from Tuesday, October 20 through Friday, October 30. (Learn more: La Crosse City and County sites, other in Wisconsin, Minnesota sites).
Canvass, phone bank, send postcards to Get Out The Vote.
Tuesday, October 13, 2026
Informed Voters' Media Literacy
From The League of Women Voters:
Monday, October 12, 2026
Say No to Surveillance at Board of Estimates
From: Driftless Mutual Aid:
The Board of Estimates meets in Council Chambers 10/13 at 4pm. You’ll need to register to speak.
Your statement can be short and simple:
“I don’t want the city spending our very limited resources on Flock and ALPRs."
Let’s show up, one by one with the same message: we reject invasive surveillance. Our resources should serve our communities.
Saturday, October 10, 2026
Community Halloween Celebration at HCCC
The Hmong Cultural and Community Center, 1815 Ward Avenue, will host a Halloween Community Night on Thursday, October 29 from 5 to 7 p.m. for the whole community featuring
- trunk or treat
- best costume contest
- haunted house
- food for the whole family
EVERYONE IS INVITED!
For more information, call 608-781-5744 or email hcca@hmongculturalagency.org.
To register your vehicle for the trunk or treat event, scan the flyer or visit https://tinyurl.com/hccc-tortreg
Thursday, October 08, 2026
Make your own campaign signs
Factocracy.net lets you submit and download fact-based, pithy, powerful, true yard and window signs.
Check it out.
Wednesday, October 07, 2026
Contact the Council - no surveillance
From Driftless Mutual Aid:
"On October 12 at 4 p.m., the La Crosse City Board of Estimates is meeting to discuss the budget for 2027."For this SMASH SURVEILLANCE week of action, we are focusing on energizing the local community to reduce the surveillance and policing on our community, which is being prioritized over the necessary services that maintain our city.
"The two areas we are focusing on:
"1. increase in budget and consistent, historical overspending by the La Crosse police department and
"2. cancellation and removal of Automated License Plate Reader (ALPR) cameras in La Crosse."
Please contact your City Council member by email or phone and/or attend the October 12 public hearing to make your thoughts known.
Learn more about the issue, how to advocate for change, and how to provide testimony at https://tinyurl.com/dma-stoplaxsurvbudget
Tuesday, October 06, 2026
People's Tribunal
PEOPLE'S TRIBUNAL ON US GOVERNMENT COMPLICITY IN GAZA
SATURDAY, OCT. 10
NOON TO 7 P.M.
The People’s Tribunal will hold the US government accountable for its complicity in the genocide in Gaza. Modeled after a grand jury hearing, the tribunal asks a jury of community members to determine whether there is sufficient evidence of complicity to warrant the indictment of government officials and state actors.
Scheduled for October 10, 2026, the tribunal aims to aims to deepen public understanding through facts, testimony, and dialogue; hold elected officials accountable for complicity in the genocide; and mobilize people across the US to use their voices, consumer choices, and civic participation to advance accountability and human rights.
Watch via livestream from Seattle, Washington. Attend or host a watch event. Invite organizations to endorse the tribunal. Promote the tribunal. Toolkits and discussion guides will be available soon at https://www.peoplestribunalusgaza.org/
Monday, October 05, 2026
Volunteers Needed! Indigenous Peoples' Day
Sunday, October 04, 2026
Oct. 7 - The Work in Progress
We’re thrilled to announce that our new film, The Work in Progress, will be screening at the Marcus La Crosse Cinema on October 7th. We want you to be among the first to see it! It begins when Prof. Reich asks, “What do we owe each other?” What ensues is a journey to find out.
SCREENING DETAILS
Location: Marcus La Crosse Cinema, 2032 Ward Ave, La Crosse, WI 54601
Date: Wednesday, October 7
Time: 7:00pm
Over the past six months, the team that made The Last Class film traveled across the country, bringing together 100 strangers and neighbors for a simple experiment: sit down, pick a card, ask a question, start a conversation, and listen. What we found gives me real hope. Directed by Ian Cheney, The Work in Progress is our attempt to show that we can still talk to each other — about who we are, where this country has been, and where it's headed.
Saturday, October 03, 2026
Public input opportunities
Compass Now is a review of community needs in the Great Rivers Region. The survey that will inform that 2027 Compass Now Report is now live. It will take about 15-20 minutes to complete and closes on October 31. Access the survey here: https://levans.questionpro.com/a/TakeSurvey?tt=iFT9gLTFj4EECHrPeIW9eQ%3D%3D
Cycling Cities
Week Without Driving invites us to consider what life is like for those who don't drive cars. What challenges do non-drivers have getting to work or shopping or appointments?
It also encourages us to imagine what a truly equitable, sustainable, affordable, healthy transportation system could be.
Cycling Cities: A journey to Europe's most beautiful bicycle cities is a documentary by German journalist Ingwar Perowanowitsch. Through amazing pictures and conversations with elected leaders, planners, and advocates in seven cities, the filmmaker shows how change can happen and how those changes can benefit everyone. A brief discussion will follow the film. FREE and OPEN TO THE PUBLIC. In German with English subtitles.
Friday, October 02, 2026
Smash Surveillance Week of Action
On October 12, the city of La Crosse meets to discuss the 2027 budget. This week of action is focused on ending the city's unrestricted spending on surveillance that comes at the cost of necessary city services. Join us throughout the week to learn more about how you can advocate with our community.
10/5: SPEAK TRUTH TO POWER - Send messages from home or meet at Pearl Street Books 5-7 p.m.
10/6: SPREAD THE WORD - Print zines at home or grab some from Pearl Street Books.
10/7: BUILD COMMUNITY - Surveillance games at Turtle Stack Brewery or Kindred Community on Instagram.
10/8: TAKE TO THE STREET - Flock Free Ride at Myrick Park, 4:30 p.m.
10/9: PEOPLE'S COUNCIL at City Hall, 5-7 p.m.
For more information follow Driftless Mutual Aid on Instagram.
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[Unfortunately, the only way to connect is to sell your soul to META, the parent company of Instagram in order to create an account. Ironically, IG experienced a huge data breach earlier this year with millions of accounts and associated personal data now on the dark web. While most social media is compromised, those sites that require users to create accounts in order to view ore interact with material should be avoided in our opinion.]
Thursday, October 01, 2026
Bike Ride with Elected Leaders Friday








































