County officials offer safe disposal for prescription meds

The Brief

Vernon County approves grant for vaccine awareness campaign

VIROQUA Wis. – Vernon County has one of the lowest vaccination rates in the state at around 38 percent. Vernon County Public Health Director Amy Kleiber hopes she can help change that. Kleiber received approval from the Vernon County Board of Supervisors during its April 21 meeting to apply for state funding for a local media campaign aimed at combating falling childhood vaccination rates. The $2,400 dollar grant from the Wisconsin Department of Health Services will allow the county to purchase billboards and clinic flyers encouraging residents to talk with their healthcare providers.

City of La Crosse Wastewater Treatment Plant Upgrade Completed

The City of La Crosse Wastewater Treatment Plant Upgrade has been completed. The project, which began May 2021, included a major sustainability upgrade to the Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP) turning a traditional infrastructure facility into a green energy producer. We are excited about these improvements. Key improvements included:. A higher...

Study shows challenges facing healthcare workforce

A new study by the Wisconsin Hospitals Association shows the continuing challenges facing the healthcare workforce. Brenda Reinert, the Human Resources Director at Tomah Health, spoke about the issues faced by medical providers on La Crosse Talk with Sean Dwyer on Monday morning. She discussed not only a shrinking labor...

Tomah VA center implements changes for faster health care

The VA center in Tomah is making changes to allow veterans faster access to health care, with assistance from Deputy Secretary Paul Lawrence.

Emergency mental health facility opens at Emplify La Crosse

Emplify Health by Gundersen celebrated the opening of a new medical unit in La Crosse, that was announced a little over a year ago. It was in April of 2025 when Gundersen staff introduced plans for an EmPATH unit, designed for mental health patients who report to the hospital emergency room.

Emplify Health by Gundersen opens new emergency psychiatric unit in La Crosse

Kwik Trip receives Healthcare Transformation Award for innovative efforts to care for coworkers

LA CROSSE, Wis., (PRESS RELEASE) – While known for its glazers, affordable bananas and welcoming staff, Kwik Trip should also be known for its innovative approach to healthcare. The family-owned convenience store chain, with 38,000 employees (or coworkers as Kwik Trip calls them) and more than 900 locations across the Midwest, received The Alliance’s 2026 […]

La Crosse Health Science Academy prepares students for healthcare careers

LA CROSSE, Wis. (WKBT) — Students from the La Crosse area are gaining valuable real-world healthcare experience through the Health Science Academy, a program that combines classroom learning with hands-on training at professional medical facilities.

Monroe County expands medical sharps disposal with new Cashton location

CASHTON, Wis. (WKBT) — Monroe County residents have a new option for safely disposing of used medical needles and syringes.

Gov. Evers speaks with homeowners impacted by PFAS after signing bill

FRENCH ISLAND, Wis., (WLAX, WEUX) – Homeowners in the coulee region who have seen issues with contaminated water are sharing their excitement with Gov. Tony Evers after the signing of a bill that will look to fix those problems. Gov. Evers is visiting homeowners on French Island in La Crosse who have been impacted by […]

Billings, Pfaff comment on Evers signing of PFAS legislation

Governor Tony Evers visited French Island on Monday after signing legislation releasing $125 million in funding to fight PFAS contamination in the state. The governor and DNR Secretary Karen Hyun came to the area to speak with residents who were forced to used bottled water since 2021 due to the contamination of wells through the use of PFAS chemicals at the La Crosse Regional Airport.

McIntosh Memorial Library announces four‑part 2026 Medicare education series

McIntosh Memorial Library of Viroqua is pleased to partner with the Vernon County Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC) to provide a Medicare Education Series. The comprehensive four‑part Medicare Education Series will be presented by Katie Skolos, Elder Benefit Specialist and SHIP‑Certified Counselor (Advanced Level) with the Aging and Disability Resource Center of Vernon County. This series is designed to help older adults, caregivers, and community members better understand Medicare enrollment, coverage options, deadlines, and how to make informed healthcare decisions.

New physical therapy space coming to Sparta

SPARTA, Wis. (WKBT) -- JRG Ventures, LLC has announced the development of a new physical therapy facility designed to support and expand ac cess to ‘critical physical and mental health services, wellness services, and disability support services for families across the Coulee Region,” according to a release.

Supervisors discuss pair of items regarding county morgue and medical examiner transport arrangement between Allamakee County and Veterans Memorial Hospital

The Allamakee County Board of Supervisors met in regular session Monday, March 23 to address a full agenda of matters including discussion of employee hiring relating to County Medical Examiner transport staff, the consideration of setting the date and time for the Public Hearing for Amendment 20 to Zoning Ordinance L relating to Data Centers, and the consideration of motor grader quotes. The meeting was called to order by Board of Supervisors Chairperson Tom Clark with Supervisors Dan Byrnes and Dennis Keatley present.

Donahue talks about PFAS, incorporation

Town of Campbell Board member Lee Donahue visited La Crosse Talk on Monday morning to discuss two important issues for residents on French Island-PFAS and incorporation. On the first issue, Donahue shared her thoughts on the bipartisan legislation passed last week in Madison that shares a portion of $133 million with the town to help deal with the PFAS contamination in the groundwater.

Ben Hein named new director of La Crosse’s STAR Center

A new executive director for the STAR Center in La Crosse. The STAR Association announced that Benjamin Hein will take over the Center on La Crosse Street. The STAR Center focuses on specialized exercise, adaptive sports, and recreation for those living with disabilities or other physical challenges. Hein noted that the organization’s goal is to eliminate barriers to social engagement and fitness to help residents live healthier lives.

‘He managed fear’: La Crosse nurse Abram Dyke receives prestigious award for going above and beyond in the ICU

A couple that was going to spend their 51st wedding anniversary in the hospital saw a local hero go above and beyond to make that day special. Abram Dyke is being recognized for providing more than just clinical care to a family in crisis. The registered nurse at Mayo Clinic...

Emplify CEO makes final push for ‘Next of Kin’ bill, as Legislature ends work for year next week

Wisconsin’s state Legislature is meeting for likely one more day in session before hanging it up for the year. That one day is important to Emplify Health in La Crosse. The health system is making a final push for the state Senate to vote on the “Next of Kin” bill (Assembly Bill 598).