Volunteer, participate

From Hope Restores:

We would love to invite you and your families to Hip Hop Breakfast with Santa on December 5, 2027, from 10:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.!

Join us for breakfast, Santa, music, dancing, games, activities, pictures, and gifts! This free community event is open to everyone, so please share with your family and friends.

We are still looking for volunteers to help make this day special! If you’re interested in volunteering, please sign up using the link below:

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1eI4zwsQlwkDvJOCKnYLN1-ZJu-WhPc2kjaTayn3nlAg/edit

We also welcome helping hands to wrap gifts during Coffee with Hope Restores on November 4, from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. Come spend some time with us and help spread a little holiday joy. All are welcome!

If you would like to donate gifts, please email us at hoperestoreswi@gmail.com.

Thank you for helping us bring smiles to children and families in our community. We look forward to seeing everybody!

Thanks !

Shamawyah Curtis
Hope Restores

VOTE TUESDAY

 

Remember NO-NO-NO-YES. No on all three Republic-supported Constitution amendment referendums (anti-equity, restricting governor's veto power, restricting emergency public health measures) and YES on Community Healthcare Action Plan.

POLLS OPEN TUESDAY 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Bring a voter ID.

official photo ID showing you are you - like driver's license

MTU buses are FREE on Nov. 3.

You may register to vote at the polls.

Bring a registration ID.

official document proving you meet residency requirements - like driver's license

City of La Crosse polling locations: https://www.cityoflacrosse.org/Your-Government/Departments/City-Clerk/Elections-and-Voting/Polling-Places

La Crosse County polling locations: https://lacrossecounty.org/docs/default-source/county-clerk/2024-polling-places.pdf?sfvrsn=df21f66d_1

Wisconsin voter information: https://myvote.wi.gov

Minnesota voter information: https://www.sos.mn.gov/elections-voting/

What's at stake?

And after?

• Read Sounding the Mobilizing Alarm on Election Sabotage by Anat Shankar-Osorio
• Sign up to be part of an Election Protection rapid response team if needed.

Nominate a leader

From MLK Commiunity Celebration:

Do you know someone whose leadership is making a meaningful difference in the Greater La Crosse community?

The MLK Community Celebration honors individuals who carry Dr. King's legacy forward through service, community-building, advocacy, and a commitment to creating positive change.

We believe leadership is not defined by a title, but by the difference we make in the lives of others.

SUBMIT A NOMINATION

2027 MLK Community Celebration

Award recipients will be recognized during our annual community celebration.

Monday, January 18, 2027
07:00 to 8:30 PM
Viterbo University Fine Arts Center
900 Viterbo Drive, La Crosse, WI

Free & Open to Everyone

The evening begins at 5:30 PM with community tables & networking, followed by the formal celebration at 7:00 PM.

Read more about the event, volunteering, attending, nominations, and donating here: https://mlkdayjr.com/nominate

Climate Action NOW

When are we going to get serious about climate action? 

When are we going to prioritize our own climate action plan?

When are we going to just say no to "transportation" plans that totally fail to consider the global heating consequences of increasing automobile traffic? 

When are we going to stop chopping down healthy, mature trees and demolishing refurbishable buildings and pouring more concrete and permitting more sprawl and drive-throughs?

When are we going to push our institutions, schools, and businesses to transition to plant-based meals?

When are we going to wake up to the horrors we are baking into our near future through lack of meaningful action?

Super El Niño, Our Communities, and Congressional Accountability: What Volunteers Need to Know and Do 

Tuesday, November 10

Time: 7:00–8:00 p.m. 

After a record-breaking and deadly heat season, scientists are warning that the Super El Niño is already amplifying extreme heat and other climate impacts; this will continue in 2027, when the new Congress will be seated. Join Union of Concerned Scientist experts for an engaging discussion on the latest science, what these forecasts could mean for communities across the country, and why strong congressional action is needed to help people prepare for and withstand growing climate risks. 

As communities are witnessing impacts from El Niño and climate change-fueled impacts, FEMA is implementing a policy to reduce federal disaster assistance which will impact state, local, tribal and territorial (SLTTs) governments' ability to help their communities. This is a continuation of the Trump administration's cruel policy to put more of the disaster response and recovery burden on to state and local governments. Here's what this means to communities already impacted by disasters and moving forward. 

You'll also learn how volunteers can make a difference by helping to hold Congress accountable and advocating for policies that protect communities from the increasing dangers of climate change. 

Register for the webinar today at https://secure.ucs.org/a/2026-11-10-super-el-nino-webinar

Safeguard Your Energy Bill

From Midwest Renewable Energy Association:

Safeguard Your Energy Bill

with Nick Hylla & Clean Energy Credit Union

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/

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/

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.

Learn more: https://www.wxow.com/news/la-crosse/la-crosse-residents-can-weigh-in-on-future-of-spence-hintgen-and-emerson-schools/article_b9910f0b-9e6c-4908-964e-8a54bdd11957.html

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

Comment by 10/24

From 1000 Friends of Wisconsin:

WisDOT’s draft Active Transportation Plan is out for public review, but only through October 24.

While it includes some promising ideas, our team at 1000 Friends believes it needs MUCH stronger commitments around implementation, funding, accountability, and measurable outcomes.

You can read our Transportation Team's analysis of the ATP 2050 draft here.

Now is your chance to weigh in! Review the plan, submit a public comment, and encourage someone in your network to comment, too. More voices can help build momentum for a stronger active transportation future in Wisconsin.

Read Our Analysis

View Plan and Comment

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:

Join us for our virtual ACLU Town Hall: Protecting Our Elections on Tuesday, October 27, 4-5 pm CDT. Be the first to hear about the ACLU's work to safeguard elections by RSVPing right now to secure your spot.

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 

Pressure can work - BIG UPDATE!

It may be frustratingly incremental, and, possibly, too little, too late, but pressure can work.

Exhibit 1: David Crowley, who has spent most of this campaign ignoring the wishes of the vast majority of Wisconsinites now says he supports a pause in data center construction until safeguards can be put in place. Why was this so hard? Could it be the data center/gas and union support he received when he re-entered the race? Whatever the reason for the turnaround (thank you Sierra Club and Midwest Environmenal Advocates), he changed.

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.

###

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:

Housing Happy Hour

Monday, Oct. 26  5-7 pm  

Pump House

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!

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.

===

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/

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/

Immigration Summit

 From Franciscan Spirituality Center and Coulee Region Immigration Task Force:

Coulee Region Immigration Summit 2026

Focus on Detention Centers

 

Tuesday, Oct. 20, 6-8 p.m.

Concordia Ballroom 

 

Join Coulee Region Immigration Task Force to watch episode 5 of Immigration Nation (“The Right Way”), followed by a facilitated discussion.

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

Ho-Chunk Youth Fundraiser

 

CHILI & FRYBREAD FUNDRAISER for La Crosse Area Ho-Chunk Youth

Friday, Oct. 16
11 a.m. til gone

Three Rivers House
724 Main Street

Raising funds for La Crosse Ho-Chunk Youth 

Services activities!

$10 = chili, fry bread, drink

$  6 = bowl of chili (regular or white chicken)

$  2 = piece of frybread

Vet Expo

 

VETERANS EXPO
OCT. 20, 1-6 P.M.
STONEY CREEK, 3060 S. KINNEY COULEE RD

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

October 17 - NO KINGS (Vote Early)

See you there. 

NO KINGS - VOTE EARLY 

Saturday, October 17

Noon to 2 p.m.

State Road and Losey Boulevard

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.