☀️🤝 Good Thursday Morning, Coulee

February 6, 2025

Author

Caleb Lombardo
February 06, 2025 • Estimated Reading Time: 18 minutes

In partnership with

Happy Thursday, neighbors. ☀️

Today on Good Morning, Coulee:

🤝 we highlight a great small business

🕰 a look at some local history

🎶 throwback for song of the day

I’m ready. I’m willing. I’m able. Let’s go! 👇

🎶 Song of the Day

Good vibes only 👇

*If you want to listen along as you read, scroll to the top right of this email and click “Read Online”.

💬 Today’s Thought

❝

“We've always defined ourselves by the ability to overcome the impossible. And we count these moments. These moments when we dare to aim higher, to break barriers, to reach for the stars, to make the unknown known.”

-Cooper, Interstellar

📰 Quick Hits

  • La Crosse Center to hold 47th La Crosse Sports Show (WXOW)

  • Downtown La Crosse APP saves big for shopping local (WXOW)

  • PFAS concerns bring Governor to Town of Campbell (WXOW)

  • Wonderstate Coffee named Roast Magazine 2025 Macro Roaster of the Year (WXOW)

  • La Crosse city council candidate Gary Padesky on Kmart lot, opening city hall, hiring city administrator (WIZM)

  • La Crosse mayor candidate Chris Kahlow on experience, city administrator, bringing in revenue (WIZM)

  • La Crosse could soon ban balloon releases, after committee vote (WIZM)

🌤 Weather

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psst….#ThatLooksGood is coming up on Friday. Can you do us a favor? Tag a restaurant that you love to eat at. Let them know that the Good Morning, Coulee community supports them—and they can submit images of their best dishes to #ThatLooksGood for FREE!

🍷 Wine Pairing Dinners: The Passport Series - Piedmont, Italy @ The Waterfront // 5pm

📍 328 Front St S, La Crosse

Join us for "The Passport Series," an exquisite wine pairing dinner series at The Waterfront Restaurant, where each evening takes you on a culinary journey across the globe.

February 6, 2025: Savor the rich terroir of Piedmont, Italy, featuring renowned wines alongside authentic Italian fare.

As a special incentive, if you "fill your passport" by attending all five events, you'll be entered to win a wine cellar basket featuring one bottle from each dinner! Don’t miss this opportunity for an unforgettable series of evenings that will tantalize your taste buds and expand your wine knowledge!

Each event includes a 4-course dinner paired with wine | Reservations begin at 5pm

$125 per person

Call (608) 782-5400 to secure your seat today!

📚🎤 Pearl Street Books & The Root Note Present: Open Mic @ the Root Note // 7pm-9pm

📍 115 4th St S, La Crosse

Open Mic is held on the first Thursday of each month. Come a little before 7pm to sign up. We will have a host to greet you, a sound tech ready to plug you in, and an audience to hype you up!

🎣 2025 La Crosse Sport Show @ La Crosse Center // 3pm-8pm

📍 250 Harborview Plz, La Crosse

The La Crosse Sports Show includes the best of hunting, fishing, boating, camping & travel. Grab the latest gear and browse thru the many boats, docks, lifts, ATV’s, RV’s, fifth wheels, travel trailers and more. If you love anything to do with the great outdoors you’ll find it here!

Features Include:
-Sara Twister - Archery with a Twist
-Mad Dog & Merrill
-Pro Fishing Tips - Nick Lindner
-Pro Fishing Tips - Caleb Buenger
-Pro Fishing Tips - Corey Bechtold
-Pro Hunting Tips - Wheezy Outdoors
-Pro Hunting Tips - Three Arrows Hunting Preserve
-Parakeet Landing
-Kids Fishing Clinic
-LIVE Trout Pond
-Free Measuring & Scoring
-Free Face Painting

Visit our website www.lacrossesportshow.com for more details! Tickets here.

🎥 La Crosse Film Academy Film Club: RomComs @ Rivoli Theatre & Pizzeria // 8pm-11pm

📍 121 North 4th St, La Crosse

Film Club is an opportunity to get to know your favorite films a little deeper with a mini pre-lecture, screening of the film, and post-film conversation session in the Screening Room of the Rivoli Theatre and Pizzeria. The Film Club: RomCom series is hosted by UWL Professor Sheryl Tuttle Ross.

Pop into one film or join us for all four. Films begin at 8 PM CST.

> $10 single class ticket
> $35 four-class ticket package

January 23 - When Harry Met Sally

January 30 - Bridget Jones' Diary

February 6 - Amelie

February 13 - (500) Days of Summer

❤️ 2nd Annual Heart Walk and Wellness Expo @ Houser YMCA // Saturday, 8am-10am

📍 400 Mason St, Onalaska

The La Crosse Area Family YMCA and Emplify Health are teaming up to host our 2nd annual Heart Walk and Wellness Expo on Saturday, February 8th from 8:00-10:00 AM at the Houser Family YMCA in Onalaska. This is a free event and open to all.

In celebration of Heart Month, participants are invited to walk the indoor track and learn all about heart health at the Wellness Expo in the gym. Bring the kids for fun games and craft activities. Participants will be entered to win a 65" Samsung Smart TV, an under-desk treadmill, and a Garmin Smartwatch!

Registration is not required. Non-members will need to complete a waiver.

Special thanks to presenting sponsor Gerhard's!

🍽 Valentine Spaghetti Dinner @ La Crescent United Methodist Church // Saturday, 4:30pm-7:00pm

📍 520 N. Elm St, La Crescent

🪵 Beginning Chip Carving with John Carlson @ People’s Food Co-Op // Saturday, 9am-4:30pm

📍315 5th Ave S, La Crosse

"Chip Carving" is an ancient form of wood-surface decoration. It can be applied to wood surfaces both practical and decorative. Examples can be seen on jewelry, Christmas ornaments, boxes, furniture, door frames, spoons and more! In this class each student will have guided practice, then choose/create a traditional Rosette pattern to complete their own Chip Carving artwork. Ticket information here.

📖 Tales for Twos Story Time - Holmen @ Holmen Library // 10:15am-10:35am

📍 121 W. Legion St, Holmen

Join us for story times full of books, movement, songs, and fun. Tales for Twos story times are designed for our friends who are age two with lots of caregiver participation. Tales for Twos Story Times last approximately 20 minutes. No registration required.

📕 Library Learners Story Time - Campbell @ FJ Robers Library // 6:30pm-6:55pm

📍 2548 Lake Shore Dr, La Crosse

Join us for story times full of books, movement, songs, and fun. Story Times last approximately 25 minutes and are geared toward youth ages 3 - entering first grade, but all ages are welcome. Registration recommended. Children registered for Fall 2024 Story Times are automatically registered for Story Times in Winter/Spring 2025. Register here.

📕 Library Learners Story Time - Onalaska @ Onalaska Public Library // 10am-10:25am

📍 741 Oak Ave S, Onalaska

Join us for story times full of books, movement, songs, and fun. Story Times last approximately 25 minutes and are geared toward youth ages 3 - entering first grade, but all ages are welcome. Registration recommended. Children registered for Fall 2024 Story Times are automatically registered for Story Times in Winter/Spring 2025. Register here.

🕰 Local History: La Crosse’s Presidential Pioneer

At times, history surprises us with untold stories that deserve to be celebrated, especially when they are tied to our own community. Today, we’re shining a much-deserved spotlight on George Edwin Taylor, a man who not only made history on a national scale but also has deep roots right here in the La Crosse area. Taylor’s extraordinary life journey is one of perseverance, leadership, and courage, and it starts right in Wisconsin—a connection we should all take pride in.

Did you know that George Edwin Taylor made history in 1904 as the first African American to run for President of the United States? Yes, Taylor achieved this groundbreaking milestone decades before most of the country could even imagine the possibility of a Black individual leading the nation. Selected to lead the National Negro Liberty Party’s ticket, Taylor stood as a symbol of hope and progress during a time when African Americans faced profound systemic barriers.

Before he ran for president, George Edwin Taylor laid the groundwork for his activism through the written word. He became a prominent voice in African American politics, using the power of the press to advocate for justice and equality. Early in his career, Taylor wrote for local papers, but he didn’t stop there—he went on to publish the Wisconsin Labor Advocate, which served as a platform for labor rights and progressive causes. His journalism extended even further when he launched Negro Solicitor, a national weekly magazine that addressed issues affecting African Americans across the country.

One of the most special aspects of George Edwin Taylor’s story is his connection to La Crosse. Born in 1857 in Arkansas, Taylor faced a challenging childhood—losing both of his parents at a young age. His journey brought him to the La Crosse area, where he was fostered by Nathan and Sarah Smith in rural West Salem. It was in this community that Taylor grew up, found his footing, and began to develop the resilience and determination that would define his life.

Taylor’s legacy is a testament to the power of determination, and his connection to La Crosse makes his story even more meaningful for our community. By learning about Taylor, we not only honor the history of African Americans in our area but also deepen our understanding of the challenges and triumphs that shape our shared past.

🤝☀️ Help Good Morning, Coulee Grow 📈

If you get value from this newsletter, please consider sharing it with friends, family, business owners, or other community members.

The first milestone in our referral program is a birthday shoutout—pretty sweet, right? Play your cards right and there might be a bumper sticker in it for you somewhere down the line. 😉

🤝 Small Business Highlight: Created 2 Give

Created in the heart of the Driftless, I create stoneware pottery that is functional, beautiful and affordable.

Thoughtful design allows pieces to be used in various ways - charcuterie boards become hanging wall art, add olive oil to freshly grated parmesan and turn a grater plate into a dipping plate, and wine chillers become a vase or utensil holder.

Forever grateful and passionate about giving back, 5% of every purchase is donated to Children’s Miracle Network (CMN) where it is dedicated to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU).

Discover the products, classes, and workshops that Created 2 Give has to offer on their website!

🏀 Local Sports

Tuesday 2/4

Logan Boys Basketball @ Luther // L 46-74

Logan Girls Basketball vs. Arcadia // W 47-43

Central Boys Basketball @ West Salem // W 50-43

Central Girls Basketball vs. Onalaska // W 47-32

Aquinas Boys Basketball vs. Onalaska // W 59-51

Holmen Girls Basketball vs. Memorial // L 32-84

La Crescent Boys Hockey vs. Viroqua // W 5-2

Thursday 2/6

Luther Girls Basketball vs. La Crescent // 7:00pm

Logan Girls Basketball @ Mauston // 7:15pm

Central Girls Basketball @ Aquinas // 7:15pm

West Salem Girls Basketball @ Arcadia // 7:00pm

Friday 2/7

Luther Boys Basketball vs. Arcadia // 7:00pm

Logan Girls Basketball vs. Holmen // 5:45pm

Logan Boys Basketball @ Holmen // 7:15pm

Central Boys Basketball @ Aquinas // 7:15pm

Onalaska Boys Basketball vs. Tomah // 5:45pm

Onalaska Girls Basketball @ Tomah // 7:15pm

La Crescent Girls Basketball vs. Cotter // 7:15pm

La Crescent Boys Basketball @ Cotter // 7:15pm

West Salem Boys Basketball vs. Black River Falls // 7:00pm

Saturday 2/8

Central Boys Basketball vs. Elkhorn // 2:30pm

🎶 Live Music

Thursday 2/6

7:00pm // No Name Bar (Winona) // Mike Munson

7:00pm // John’s Bar // Andy Hughes (variety)

7:00pm // Mary Cody’s and Maggie’s Lounge // Reminiscence

Friday 2/7

5:30pm // Boot Hill Pub // Quenten Brown (variety)

7:00pm // Onalaska American Legion Post 336 // DOUBLE TAKE! (classic rock)

7:00pm // The St. Bernard Room // Peter Kish

7:00pm // Alpine Inn // Fayme Rochelle & The Waxsings

7:30pm // Leo & Leona’s (Sparta) // Rusic Moon Neil Young Tribute Show (tickets $16)

8:00pm // Whiskey River Bar and Grill // Payton Eilers

8:00pm // HD Tavern // Dylan Martinson

10:00pm // Popcorn Tavern // Ramble & Friends ($10 cover)

Saturday 2/8

4:00pm // Truman T. Lowe Center for the Arts, Annett Recital Hall // Katelyn Bouska (piano)

7:00pm // Angry’s Way Out // American Standard Acoustic (classic and modern rock)

7:00pm // Robin’s Nest // Pulse 8

7:00pm // Cat Daddy’s Bar & Grill // Madlee

9:00pm // Popcorn Tavern // Gregg Hall & The Wrecking Ball (Tickets $10)

Thanks for spending a slice of your morning with me. ☀️

I’ll see you in the morning for #ThatLooksGood, a look ahead to some weekend events that have us excited, and some news to make you smile.

Have a great day, Coulee Region. ❤️

Have something to say? You know what to do.

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