Man arrested in connection to La Crosse bathroom fire

LA CROSSE, Wis. (WKBT) — A man was arrested after an early morning fire Saturday damaged a restroom facility at Riverside Park and destroyed a portable toilet near the park's main entrance.

Man wanted in early morning shooting on West Avenue in La Crosse

LA CROSSE, Wis. (WKBT) — La Crosse police are searching for a man accused of shooting another person in the 1900 block of South West Avenue early Saturday morning.

Cheapest gas stations in La Crosse

Stacker compiled a list of the cheapest gas stations in La Crosse using data from Gas Buddy

Brownsville Wastewater Treatment Facility Receives State Commendation

The Brownsville Wastewater Treatment Facility has received a Certificate of Commendation from the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) in recognition of its commitment to protecting Minnesota’s waters through consistent, high-quality wastewater operations. Maintenance Supervisor Dean Twite accepted the award on behalf of the facility and its staff during the November 4 Brownsville City Council meeting.

Sheriff Torgerson disputes Viroqua Mayor’s claim regarding arrest of alderperson’s husband

VIROQUA Wis. – A public statement by Viroqua Mayor Krista Browne regarding the criminal trespassing arrest of Evan Blattner has drawn contradictions from Vernon County Sheriff Roy Torgerson, who clarified that the law enforcement investigation remains ongoing and that his agency did not order or execute the arrest. The...

LCPD looking for shooting suspect, victim hospitalized

LA CROSSE, Wis., (WLAX, WEUX) – The La Crosse Police Department is requesting help from the public in locating a suspect after a shooting took place November 2. Officials say the incident took place November 2 around 2:09 a.m. and they were able to name Elbert Wright IV as the suspect who shot someone in […]

Waterview subdivision homeowners question $42,000 in stormwater repairs, demand answers from developer

LA CROSSE (WKBT)  — When it rains, it pours. But in the newly built Waterview subdivision on La Crosse's South Side, when it rains, it pools.

Traffic signal at West Avenue and Cass Street to go dark Wednesday morning in La Crosse

LA CROSSE, Wis. (WKBT) — Drivers in La Crosse should plan for a temporary traffic signal outage at the intersection of West Avenue and Cass Street on Wednesday.

Late Diocese of La Crosse priest takes step toward sainthood after Vatican panel vote

3 people safe after boat flipped on Mississippi River

VERNON COUNTY, Wis., (WLAX, WEUX) -Three duck hunters are safe after their boat flipped on the Mississippi River Saturday morning. It happened around 11:15 a.m. near Brownsville, Minnesota, on the Wisconsin side of the river. The Vernon County Sheriff’s Office says a wave washed over the front of the boat as the man driving it […]

Valley Fudge & Candy named Western Wisconsin Small Business of the Year

COON VALLEY, Wis. — Valley Fudge & Candy of Coon Valley has been named Western Wisconsin’s Small Business of the Year, recognizing the company’s growth from a local startup into a national confectionery business while maintaining its roots in Vernon County. The award was presented Nov. 5...

Veterans Day events, free meals and deals across Western Wisconsin

LA CROSSE, Wis. (WKBT) — Veterans and active-duty military members across Western Wisconsin have no shortage of ways to mark Veterans Day on Wednesday, Nov. 11, with free meals, community ceremonies and school programs planned throughout the region.

Jury weighs self-defense claim in La Crosse homicide trial

LA CROSSE, Wis. (WKBT) — Opening statements in Bryant Smith’s trial focused on whether the 2023 killing of Timothy Salis was self-defense.

Between Minneapolis And Madison Is A Midwestern Forest Escape With Scenic Gulches, Trails, And Goat Prairies

Pines, prairies, and picturesque views — these are the offerings of a quiet, forested preserve in the Midwest that holds a surprising history. Located about halfway between Minneapolis, Minnesota, and Madison, Wisconsin, these 3,000 acres of land are open for hunters, skiers, and hikers to explore all year round. Coulee Experimental State Forest, about 15 miles from La Crosse, Wisconsin, features miles of trails and a landscape that includes gulches and goat prairies.

Surveillance, body-camera footage shown on day two of Bryant Smith trial

LA CROSSE, Wis (WKBT) -- Security video showed Smith leaving his apartment with blood on his hands and approaching a witness in the community room. Jurors also heard testimony about injuries Smith said he sustained during the altercation.

ICE detains Wisconsin State Trooper living in Onalaska, working out of Tomah

DODGE COUNTY, Wis. (WLAX/WEUX) – Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is defending its actions in detaining a Wisconsin State Trooper. Attorney Marc Christopher notified us that 21-year-old Carel Aaron Van Der Merwe is being held in immigration detention in Dodge County. Van Der Merwe lives in Onalaska and works out of Tomah and has served […]

Viroqua auto dealer invites veterans to receive free appreciation gift on Veterans Day

VIROQUA, Wis. — Veterans are invited to stop by any Sleepy Hollow Auto Group location on Veterans Day to receive a free gift as a token of appreciation for their service. The dealership group will give away utility totes printed with the message, “Land of the Free Because of the Brave,” while supplies last on Wednesday, Nov. 11. Veterans may pick up their complimentary tote during regular business hours from 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. at any Sleepy Hollow Auto Group location.

Angels season comes to end ​

RACINE — It wasn’t the result the St. Catherine’s High School football team expected Saturday afternoon in a WIAA Division 4 third-round playoff game at Horlick Field. The Angels, seeded No. 1 in their portion of the playoff bracket, faced No. 2 seeded West Salem, a team from across the state, just outside of La Crosse.

Vernon County Sheriff’s Report for the week ending Saturday, Oct. 31, 2026

11/1 A deputy responded to the intersection of Three Chimney and West Smith Roads in the Town of Viroqua for a stop sign reportedly unbolted and stolen from its post. Two stops signs were confiscated by Viroqua Police the previous evening during another incident. Investigation is ongoing. 11/2 A deputy...

La Crosse County budget proposal would end Lake Onalaska maintenance contribution

ONALASKA, Wis. (WKBT) -- The La Crosse County Board is holding a budget hearing on a proposed 2027 budget that would eliminate the county’s annual $10,000 contribution toward maintaining Lake Onalaska.