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).

Southeast Minnesota wells face contamination risk, MDH warns

ST. PAUL, Minn. — The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) is urging private well owners to test their water regularly during National Groundwater Awareness Week, March 8-14, to ensure its safety. "Testing your drinking water is the only way to know how safe it is," MDH Water Policy Manager...

Houston County Residents Submit Petition to Board of Commissioners

At the March 3 meeting of the Houston County Board of Commissioners, a petition with 245 signatures was submitted to the board concerning amendments made to zoning ordinance sections 27.3 and 27.815 in March 2025. The signers of the petition are requesting that the amendments be reverted to their original form as intended when the ordinance was adopted in 2014. According to the petition the changes made last year “effectively removed all provisions that limited mine density.”

Impact of Medicaid freeze on Winona County

On February 26, 2026, Vice President JD Vance announced that the federal government would “temporarily halt” some Medicaid funding to the state of Minnesota. It was noted that this is being done because of “fraud concerns.”. As of February 27, 2026, at 1 p.m., Winona County’s Department...

Tomah VA Medical Center Begins Infrastructure Upgrades

Tomah VA Medical Center announced it has begun infrastructure upgrades to ensure safe and effective patient care. These projects are part of a record $4.8 billion in nationwide VA spending to modernize, repair and improve department health care facilities in fiscal year 2026 via the Veterans Health Administration’s Non-Recurring Maintenance program.

Groundwater Atlas of Houston County released, public workshop offered Feb. 25

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources recently published “The Groundwater Atlas of Houston County.” The report covers groundwater flow, groundwater chemistry and the pollution sensitivity of aquifers. It also expands on the geologic atlas previously produced by the Minnesota Geological Survey by: Identifying viable drinking water sourcesSupporting sustainabilityGuiding decisions on well and septic system constructionInforming wellhead protection efforts for public water suppliesHighlighting regional recharge and groundwater movementAssessing aquifer pollution sensitivity and possible contaminant migration In Houston County, pollution sensitivity information is especially important because much of the area’s landscape features karst. Karst is a distinctive type of terrain that forms when precipitation and groundwater dissolve underlying carbonate sedimentary rock. Sinkholes, fractures and voids in karst mean water can rapidly move from the surface to underlying aquifers. This increases the risk of common surface pollutants contaminating groundwater in shallow aquifers. Deep aquifers tend to be protected by bedrock layers, which slow the movement of groundwater, resulting in older, more pristine waters. Public workshop The DNR will share details on the Houston County atlas’ contents and its use during a public workshop from 1-4 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 25. Join in-person in Conference Room EOC at the Houston County Criminal Justice Center in

St. Claire Health Mission moving to new clinic

LA CROSSE, Wis., (WLAX, WEUX) – A health care clinic in La Crosse looks to continue providing accessible healthcare to the community while also meeting demand. The St. Claire Health Mission will soon be moving to a new clinic to improve healthcare options in the area. The $3.2 million clinic is mostly paid for by […]