Onalaska unveils new sculptures at inaugural art festival

The Brief

ORA Trails celebrates grand opening of parking lot, entrance

The Brief

Stirring up something new: The Union Sips opens in the Student Union

The University of Wisconsin-La Crosse Student Union has undergone several changes over the past few years. From the addition of Sushi Do to the rebranding of Sono’s as Copperhead Jack’s, it’s no secret the university has been working to appeal to students. Now, the Student Union has opened a nearly student-run shop offering dirty sodas and energy drinks, along with ice cream from the iconic Pearl Ice Cream Parlor.

Blair takes action on rat infestation spreading through neighborhood

BLAIR, Wis. (WKBT) — The city of Blair is taking aggressive action to address a rat infestation that started at one home and has spread to surrounding properties, prompting concerns from residents and local businesses. The infestation has grown so severe that rats have migrated from the original property...

Community members help with aging playground

VIROQUA, Wis. (WLAX/WEUX) – A local community is replacing its aging playground with a modern, inclusive play space, and many community members are coming out to help. First News at Nine’s Dashal Mentzel shares more. Construction is underway for a new playground at Eckhart Park in Viroqua. “We’ve got two shifts every day with about […]

This Small-Town Minnesota Owl Museum Is So Well Hidden That Even Locals Don’t Know About It

If you told someone from Minneapolis that one of the most fascinating wildlife education centers in the entire country was sitting in a small town in southeastern Minnesota, they’d probably nod politely and then immediately forget you said it. That would be a mistake, because the International Owl Center...

Two downtown La Crosse bars begin suspensions for serving to underage customers

With Oktoberfest done, two bars in downtown La Crosse will now close for more than a week, under orders handed out by city hall Sept. 10. Bennett O’Riley’s and Del’s Bar begin 10-day suspensions Monday, after illegally serving minors. The suspensions were delayed until after the Oktoberfest,...

Onalaska’s Laufenberg Uses Home-Water Knowledge to Win Phoenix Bass Fishing League Event at Mississippi River-Prairie du Chien

PRAIRIE DU CHIEN, Wis. (Sept. 28, 2026) – Boater Cade Laufenberg of Onalaska, Wisconsin, caught a total of 10 bass weighing 34 pounds, 4 ounces, over two days to win the MLF Phoenix Bass Fishing League (BFL) Presented by T-H Marine on the Mississippi River at Prairie du Chien. The tournament was the fifth and final event of the season for the BFL Great Lakes Division. Laufenberg earned $5,580, including a $2,500 Phoenix bonus, for his victory.

The Iconic California-Based Restaurant That Has More Stores In Wisconsin Than Anywhere Else

A&W Restaurants has more locations in Wisconsin than in its home state of California. When it comes to U.S. geography and food, some pairings are classic: New York and bagels, Philadelphia and cheesesteak sandwiches, Chicago and deep-dish pizza. And then there are burgers and California, which is considered the unofficial birthplace of fast food due to the fact that McDonald's, In 'n Out, Carl's Jr., Jack in the Box, and a handful of other burger joints were founded in the state.

Thousands turn out for Maple Leaf Parade

The smell of brats and the sounds of marching bands and polka music filled the air from the north side to the south side of La Crosse on Saturday for the Maple Leaf Parade. Thousands gathered along the route that began at Clinton Street and ended at King Street. Many...

Oktoberfest wraps up final day with pancake breakfast

Reports of rat infestation triggers emergency City Council meeting in Blair

Reports of rat infestation triggers emergency City Council meeting in Blair.

2026 Phoenix Bass Fishing League – Mississippi River Super Tournament weigh-in Day 1 (9/26/2026)

PRAIRIE DU CHIEN, Wis. – Watch the weigh-in from Day 1 of the Phoenix Bass Fishing League Presented by T-H Marine Super Tournament on the Mississippi River at Prairie Du Chien on Sept. 26, 2026. View full results here. Sign up for a future Phoenix Bass Fishing League event.

Maple Leaf Parade brings Oktoberfest tradition through downtown La Crosse

LA CROSSE (WKBT) -- Dozens of floats, marching groups and community organizations made their way through La Crosse Saturday morning for the annual Maple Leaf Parade, a signature event of Oktoberfest.

The Charmant Hotel retains One MICHELIN Key designation for 2026

LA CROSSE, Wis. — Geronimo Hospitality Group is celebrating a three-peat, with four of its boutique hotels earning One MICHELIN Key for the third consecutive year. Hotel Goodwin in Beloit, Wisconsin; The Charmant Hotel in La Crosse, Wisconsin; and Bottleworks Hotel and Ironworks Hotel Indy, both in Indianapolis, Indiana, have once again been recognized by the MICHELIN Guide for delivering exceptional hotel experiences.

For a big Oktoberfest, you need a big bratwurst, and they served one at the La Crosse Legion Hall

Before you tap the Golden Keg at Oktoberfest, you have to slice the Golden Brat. The early Friday morning tradition at La Crosse’s Oktoberfest is serving a very large bratwurst, 8 feet long and 80 pounds and covered in sauerkraut, during a breakfast at the American Legion Post 52 on 6th Street. New Festmaster Jon Erickson and Frau Jane made the first cut to the big brat, using a large sword.

Pancake breakfast low-key but beneficial part of Oktoberfest

There isn’t the pageantry of the parades or hubbub of the fest grounds but the Oktoberfest Parade Marshals Pancake Breakfast on Sunday morning was still a busy event for festgoers. Held this year at the Harry J. Olson Senior Center, past parade marshal Brad Quarberg said the timing of...

Torchlight Parade for Oktoberfest carries on through rain on Thursday

It may have rained a bit on the parade, but the Torchlight Parade through north La Crosse went on as planned, as the highlight for the first night of Oktoberfest. The hour-long parade was led off by several groups of past and present Fest royalty, followed by dignitaries from other area festivals. Many of the marching bands, including visitors from West Salem and Gale-Ettrick-Trempealeau, wore lights on their heads or their uniforms as part of the festivity. The parade was followed by an Oktoberfest party at Copeland Park.

Coffee shop in Wisconsin closing immediately, cites “significant challenges”

HOLMEN, Wis. (WFRV) – Citing “significant challenges” a coffee shop in western Wisconsin is closing immediately until further notice. According to a post on social media, Kandu Coffee announced it is closing due to challenges behind the scenes, including challenges within the business and in the business owners’ personal lives.