La Crosse Celebrates Global Initiatives Week Nov. 2– 9

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Businesses and organizations in the Greater La Crosse Region will come together to celebrate the six annual Global Initiatives Week Friday, Nov. 2 – Friday, Nov. 9. Organizers aim to showcase the community’s cultural value and highlight the economic and social impact of the Coulee Region’s global connections through food, dance, art, film and speakers.
The week kicks off with a global celebration from 4-7 p.m., Friday, Nov. 2, at North Woods International School, N2541 Sablewood Rd., La Crosse. The free event features global food samples prepared by local restaurants, a multi-lingual children’s story time, and several cultural music and dance performances. In addition, attendees can network with a wide variety of organizations in the Coulee Region involved in global work.
A growing number of local restaurants and businesses plan to offer discounts to patrons who mention “Global Initiatives Week.” Participants include Cabin Coffee, Dim Sum, El Rodeo Restaurant, Global Grounds Coffee Shop, Grand Bluff Running, Hackberry Bistro, Hmong Golden Eggrolls, Iguana’s Mexican Street Café, Root Note and That Foreign Place. The businesses will help participants to experience the region’s global connections through food and merchandise sales.
A wide variety of events are scheduled throughout the week at various locations. A complete calendar is available at www.uwlax.edu/committee/global-initiatives/.
Global Initiatives Week was created to incite conversation, contribute to global awareness and inspire local action. Organizers hope the week inspires attendees to volunteer with local organizations engaged in global work, develop cultural competence and discover new ways to strengthen the region through global connections. Join the conversation on the La Crosse Area Global Initiatives Week Facebook page or Twitter using #lacrosseglobal.
Along with UW-La Crosse, the following organizations have helped support and promote Global Initiatives Week: La Crosse Community Foundation Global Awareness Fund, Midwest Family Broadcasting, UW-La Crosse Mayor’s International Committee, DigiCOPY, Gundersen Global Partners, Explore La Crosse, Mayo Clinic Health System, La Crosse-Bantry Friendship Association and La Crosse-Dubna Friendship Association.
If you go:
What: Global Initiatives Week
When: Nov. 2-9
Where: Various La Crosse locations. See event calendar at www.uwlax.edu/committee/global-initiatives/

Creepy Critters Special Event Thursday, October 18

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In celebration of National Wildlife Refuge Week join us for our fifth annual Creepy Critters special event! Learn about bats, frogs, lamprey, moths, owls, snakes, bees and more at the FREE “Creepy Critters” trick-or- treat event on Thursday, October 18th, starting at 4:00 p.m. at the Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge Visitor Center located on Brice Prairie.

This slightly scary adventure is appropriate for children and adults of all ages. Costumes are encouraged! Event activities will be held both indoors and outdoors; please dress for cold weather. The event will be held rain or shine.

4:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.: Tantalizing Tales and Discoveries! Inside the Visitor Center, guests may enjoy “Creatures of the Night” – live programming by nature humorist David Stokes, face painting, and a “bat cave” where visitors can experience life as a mother bat seeking her babies through her sense of smell.

4:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.: Creepy Critters “Trick-or-Treating.” Fill your brain with facts as you fill your bag with trinkets! Walk around our outside 1/3 mile trail loop while learning the truth behind myths of various “creepy critters” from our region. Live owls, falcons, lamprey, frogs, and a snake will also be on hand to contribute to the educational festivities. Step into puppet show tent for an interactive, imaginative performance!

7:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.: “The Unhuggables: Animals Nobody Loves” Join us in the multipurpose room for an exciting 60 minute live animal program presented by environmental educator, David Stokes. Seating for the program is first come, first served.

We would like to thank our sponsors and partners: Friends of the Refuge – Mississippi River Pools 7 & 8, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Midwest Fisheries Center, the National Audubon Society, Trempealeau National Wildlife Refuge, University of Wisconsin-La Crosse Mycology Club, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, U.S. Geological Survey Upper Midwest Environmental Sciences Center, Western Technical College & WisCorps, as well as the many volunteers who support this event.

For more information, contact the La Crosse District Office at (608) 779-2399 or visit the facility located at N5727 County Road Z, Onalaska, WI. Visitor center hours are Monday-Friday 8:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. and Saturdays 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. The center is closed Sundays and all federal holidays. Information may also be found on the Refuge’s webpage.

Connect with our Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/UpperMissNWFR.

* * * *

The Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge is the most visited refuge in the United States. The refuge extends 261 miles along the Upper Mississippi River from Wabasha, MN to Rock Island, IL, protecting and preserving habitat for migratory birds, fish, and a variety of other wildlife. This 240,000 acre refuge was established in 1924.

In addition to being the most visited refuge in the country, the “Upper Miss” Refuge has the added complexity of a major navigation system, including 11 locks and dams, within its boundary. It is also a world-class fish and wildlife area which harbors 306 species of birds; 119 species of fish; more than 300 active bald eagle nests; thousands of heron and egret nests; spectacular concentrations of canvasback ducks, tundra swans, and white pelicans; and several threatened or endangered species.

Contact

Katie Julian
Refuge Ranger: Visitor Services Specialist.
Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife & Fish Refuge
La Crosse District
N5727 County Road Z
Onalaska, WI 54650
(608) 779-2391
(608) 779-2393 (fax)
katherine_julian@fws.gov

Visiting Latin American Pianist at UW-La Crosse

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Latin American pianist Alfredo Isaac Aguilar will give a number of public performances at UW-La Crosse as part of his week-long visiting professorship, Oct. 15-20.

Aguilar will perform a solo piano recital with works by Latin American composers at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 16, teach a piano master class at 1:10 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 18, and perform with UWL faculty member Jonathan Borja at a duo recital of works for flute and piano by Latin American composers at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 19. All events are in Annett Recital Hall, Center for the Arts. Admission is free.

Born outside of Mexico City, Aguilar is professor of piano at the National Conservatory of Music in Mexico City, as well as a Fine Arts Concert Artist (Concertista de Bellas Artes), part of an elite group of musicians selected by the National Institute of Fine Arts (INBA) in Mexico to promote the music of Mexico.

Aguilar studied at the National Conservatory in Mexico City, at the École Normale de Musique in Paris, “Alfred Cortot,” at the Mozarteum in Salzburg, and at the National University in Mexico. He has appeared as concerto soloist with the most distinguished orchestras in Mexico, including the National Symphony and Mexico City Philharmonic, and with the Orchestra Academy in Sofia, Bulgaria. See more about Aguilar at: https://www.alfredoisaacaguilar.com/homeeng

Media contact:
Jonathan Borja, Music
jborja@uwlax.edu 608.785.8410

Ghoulees in the Coulees: Join Norskedalen for a Spooky Evening

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Norskedalen’s Ghoulees in the Coulees is happening on the evenings of October 25th, 26th, and 27th. Funds raised at this event will support flood relief and education. Norskedalen is located south of La Crosse in Coon Valley.

The Family Friendly Trick-or-Treat is on October 25th. Between 5:30 to 7:30 pm, follow the jack o’ lantern lit trail through the woods to the Halloween Town to get your share of treats! There will be no spooks allowed on this date, so families with little ones can enjoy a wonderful evening.

The Haunted Hike is set to take place October 26th and 27th. Beginning at 6:00 pm until the last spook leaves, experience the Norwegian folk tale of Pesta. Will she use a broom to sweep your family away with the plague? Or will she bring a rake so that only a few will suffer from the sickness? What kind of spooks will join her on the Haunted Trails, searching for the one person able to stay ahead of her path? Those that finish the hike can celebrate in the homestead with ghost stories and haunted houses!

Advance reservations necessary. The Family Friendly Trick-or-Treat is $5 a person; Ghoulees in the Coulees Haunted Hike is $10 a person. Prices increase October 23rd. Call Norskedalen at 608-452-3424 to make reservations.

Norskedalen is a nature and heritage center dedicated to preserving, interpreting and sharing the natural environment and cultural heritage of the area surrounding Coon Valley in southwest Wisconsin. Norskedalen has so much to offer in so many different ways, exploring the natural beauty, regional history and traditional cultural heritage of the region.

 

Contact:
Olivia Nottestad
Phone: 608-452-3424
Email: info@norskedalen.org

 

Morrissey Declared Winner of the Oktoberfest 200

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By: Kevin Ramsell and Paul Reichert

Another cloudy and cool day greeted the race fans on the final day of the 49th Oktoberfest Race Weekend. Rain in the morning tried to mess the day’s racing up, but thanks to the Air Titan and several dry hours we were able to get the entire program in. After an exciting Oktoberfest 200 on track, there was more excitement in post-race inspection. The top three were disqualified, giving Andrew Morrissey a long overdue Oktoberfest 200 win.

In the ARCA Midwest Tour season finale, both Ty Majeski and Johnny Sauter were the class of the field in the Oktoberfest 200. Both would swap the lead back and forth throughout much of the race. Majeski would get by Sauter with 44 laps to go and take the checkered flag. Goede was third with Morrissey in fourth and Paul Shafer Jr. rounding out the top five. After the race, in post-race inspection Majeski was disqualified by ARCA Midwest Tour tech officials for intake height. Sauter was disqualified for left side weight, and Goede failed inspection for an intake. Officials then inspected Morrissey and Shafer’s car, which both passed, and Morrissey was declared the official winner.

“I’m happy but I also feel bad for everybody that got tossed too, and I don’t know. This is my Daytona 500. This is pretty crazy, not the way I wanted to win but we will take it,” an emotional Morrissey said after officials declared him the winner. “I wasn’t sitting here hoping they each get DQ’d, I wouldn’t wish bad on anybody. I am just shocked more than anything I guess.”

Shafer was also surprised with official podium finish. “It’s pretty good huh,” Shafer said when he was asked about finishing second. “I will take it, it’s a lot easier to pass him here in the pits than it is on the track. I know our stuff wasn’t that good. It was tight on the track and we fought that all day. I couldn’t do it without my guys. They gave me a good legal piece, I can’t complain.” Jonathan Eilen officially finished third, Dalton Zehr scored in fourth and four-time Oktoberfest champion Travis Sauter rounded out the top five.

Zehr’s fourth place finish was enough to earn him the 2018 ARCA Midwest Tour championship, becoming the seventh different champion in the history of the Tour. The championship was a big accomplishment for Zehr and his team after repairing his car from an incident earlier in the weekend. “We wrecked in the Trickle race on Friday night where it tore the right side of the car off and wrecked the radiator,” Zehr said. “I have a great group of guys behind me to make it possible to be on the track the first thing the next morning. It has been a long weekend, but it paid off. It is pretty sweet.”

Iowa driver Brody Willett led the entire first segment of the JMcK 63. Willett would have to contend with the hard charging Jacob Goede and Steve Carlson throughout the race. Nick Egan would lead the first ten laps of the second segment. Wausau champ Brock Heinrich would get around Egan to take over the lead. Heinrich would eventually be caught and passed with five to go by Goede, who would claim the segment win. In the final segment, Carter Christenson would surge from his pole position to the lead. Carlson, Goede and Willett began to make their way through the field. Carlson was the first to catch Christenson for the lead just before halfway. Carlson would pull away from the field to score the final segment win. Goede finished second in the last segment, and he would claim the overall win in the JMck 63.

The Upper Midwest Vintage Racing Series feature has been owned by Woody Poole for the past three years in a row. We thought he was calling it quits after last year’s victory. Poole returned to compete in the Vintage feature once again. Coming from mid-pack, Poole would charge to the front and run away with his fourth consecutive Vintage feature win.

Bill Prietzel is known as a successful driver in the Mid-American Stock Car Series. Now he is becoming successful in a modified. Prietzel used the outside groove to get around Kevin Seidler on lap five of the Modified feature. Dave Edwards would stick close to Prietzel for a few laps, but in the end Prietzel would drive away from the field and capture the checkered flag first.

Only one event remains on the 2018 schedule here at the LaCrosse Speedway. The final Street Drags event, the 300′ Bracket Nationals, takes place next Saturday October 13th. Gates open at 12:30, pracitce runs take place at 1:15, and the bracket racing starts at 2:00. Be sure to check out the Shine N Show contest, as well as the Burnout Contest.

For more information about LaCrosse Speedway or the 2018 schedule of events, please call the office at 608-786-1525 or visit lacrossespeedway.com. LaCrosse Speedway is proud to be a NASCAR Hometrack, part of the NASCAR Whelen All-American Series.

RESULTS

ARCA Midwest Tour: 1. Andrew Morrissey 200, 2. Paul Shafer Jr. 200, 3. Jonathan Eilen 200, 4. Dalton Zehr 200, 5. Travis Sauter 200, 6. Nick Murgic 200, 7. Nick Panitzke 200, 8. Dennis Prunty 200, 9. Michael Sauter 200, 10. Austin Nason 200, 11. Rich Bickle Jr. 200, 12. Casey Johnson 200, 13. Justin Mondeik 200, 14. Dan Fredrickson 199, 15.Jason Weinkauf 199, 16. Billy Mohn 198, 17. Erik Darnell 198, 18. Dillon Hammond 197, 19. Derek Kraus 197, 20. John Beale 197, 21 Jeff Holmgren Jr. 196., 22. Bubba Pollard 173, 23. Luke Fenhaus 132, 24. Chris Weinkauf 76, 25. Skylar Holzhausen 61, 26. Brent Kirchner 19, 27. John DeAngelis Jr. 4, 28. Ty Majeski DQ, 29. Johnny Sauter DQ, 30. Jacob Goede DQ

Big 8 JMcK 63
Segment #1: 1. Brody Willett, 2. Jacob Goede, 3. Steve Carlson
Segment #2: 1. Jacob Goede, 2. Brock Heinrich, 3. Steve Carlson
Segment #3: 1. Steve Carlson, 2. Jacob Goede, 3. Brody Willett
Overall: 1. Jacob Goede 5, 2. Steve Carlson 7, 3. Brody Willett 8, 4. John Baumeister Jr. 19, 5. Brock Heinrich 20, 6. Shane Morrissey 21, 7. Brian Back 26, 8. Carter Christenson 26, 9. Jason Stark 26, 10. Brent Edmunds 27, 11. Ryan Gutknecht 29, 12. Nick Egan 31, 13. Jon Reynolds Jr. 32, 14. Harley Jankowski 40, 15. Mark Greb 43

Upper Midwest Vintage Racing Series
Feature: 1. Woody Poole, 2. Tom Reffner, 3. Billy Martin
Heat #1: 1. Justin Jessop, 2. Jim Olson, 3. Ralph Cottone
Heat #2: 1. Todd Korish, 2. Ken Lewis, 3., Tom Reffner

Modifieds
Feature: 1. Bill Prietzel, 2. Dave Edwards, 3. Rick Coppernoll, 4. Kevin Seidler, 5. Bill Tandetzke
Heat: 1. Bill Prietzel, 2. David Slack, 3. Bill Tandetzke

LaCrosse Speedway
PO Box 853
West Salem, WI 54669
608-786-1525
lacrossespeedway.com

Annie Hejny Brings Unique Painting Style to UW-La Crosse

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Artist Annie Hejny creates abstract paintings with honorably-harvested water and sediment from her home state of Minnesota.

Hejny’s paintings are currently hung at the Minnesota Marine Art Museum in Winona. Her reflective, hands-on workshop includes instruction in Annie’s unique process, with each student creating an individual 12″ x 12″ painting.

The workshop at UWL is open to students currently enrolled in painting, with space available for others on a first-come, first-served basis. All are welcome to visit and observe.

The workshop is made possible from funding through the UWL Department of Art and College of Liberal Studies.

Get more on Hejny: http://www.annie-hejny.com/

Time/Place:

The “Painting Workshop with Annie Hejny” runs from 9:30 a.m.-noon Friday, Oct. 12, in 119 Center for the Arts.

For more information:

Reporters may contact UWL Art Professor Jennifer Williams at jwilliams@uwlax.edu or 607.785.8233.

Arming Up for Battle at Castlerock

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On Saturday, October 13th at 2pm, Jamie LaBreck, Patrick Kelly, and Isabel Collins will give a special presentation on arming up for battle in the middle ages at Castlerock Museum in Alma, Wisconsin.
 
The program will offer a look at three different styles of armor representing over 400 years of armor development, as well as some of the weapons of the time period. Isabel will be the first to armor up with her Norman style armor representing the late 11th Century. Patrick will follow with his Crusader Era style armor representing the mid 13th Century. Finally, Jamie will armor up with his late 14th Century style coat of plates.
 
Jamie LaBreck is a museum volunteer and reenactor who has taken part in a number of programs at the museum over the years. Patrick Kelly and Isabel Collins are fellow reenactors with an interest in medieval warfare.
 
Admission is $6 for adults and $4 for students. Museum members receive a 50% discount. Castlerock Museum will be open at 1pm for visitors that would like to see the exhibits beforehand. Seating is limited. Reservations are not required but appreciated. Contact the museum at 608-685-4231 or info@castlerockmuseum.com for more details.

 

“Mean Girls” comedian coming to UW-La Crosse

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Comedian, actor and activist Daniel Franzese will bring his stand-up comedy to UW-La Crosse.
Franzese will take the stage at 6 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 17, in the Bluffs, Student Union, 521 East Ave. N. Admission is free.
Most noted for his role as Damien in Tina Fey’s 2004 feature film “Mean Girls,” Franzese has become an advocate for the LGBT community and positive body image.
His visit is part of the UWL Campus Activities Board series and is co-sponsored by Student Life-Wellness & Health Advocacy, and the Pride Center.

If you go—

Who: Daniel Franzese

What: Stand-up comedy

When: 6 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 17

Where: The Bluffs, UWL Student Union, 521 East Ave. N. 

Admission: Free

Media contact: Campus Activities Board – 608.785.8873

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5 Places for Burger Bliss

Who ever thought there could be so many variations to such a simple and classic food like the hamburger?

Well, there is and we have a few suggestions to add to your burger-loving list the next time you’re looking to satisfy that craving.

The Crow

With over a dozen different specialty and gourmet burgers made fresh to order, you know we had to put The Crow on this list. Located in Downtown La Crosse, The Crow features a unique twist on this classic and dubbed it the Glazed Doughnut Burger. This quarter pound patty is topped with pecan wood bacon and American cheese all squeezed between a freshly glazed doughnut. Breakfast and a burger, what’s not to love?

River Rats

This waterside bar & grill may be small but it definitely offers some BIG flavors. River Rats is located on French Slough, a part of the Mississippi backwaters, on French Island. Best known for their award-winning Bloody Mary, don’t let that distract you from the food, especially the burgers. Captain Jack’s Burger is dubbed the ‘Islander Favorite’ and features a big juicy burger patty topped with bacon, BBQ, jack cheese, and their homemade secret sauce. 

Burger Fusion

Whether you’re in Downtown La Crosse Burger Fusion is a must stop. Feeling creative? Build your own burger or feel free to stick to the lists of Signature or Fusion Burgers. Give the Oktoberfest Fusion a try for a true taste of La Crosse. Certified Angus Beef burger and ground brat fused together and topped with Swiss cheese, sauerkraut, Black Forest ham, bacon, beer mustard, and caramelized onions all set on a pretzel bun.

The Charmant Hotel

The Chef Burger at The Charmant in Downtown La Crosse is a must. Two griddled patties, Hook’s Colby, and a secret sauce make this burger a true classic. If you make it to Happy Hour Monday – Thursday between 4PM – 6PM or Sundays 2PM – 11PM you can even get this tasty meal with a side of house made chips for just $7. Now that’s what we call happy hour.

Big Boar BBQ

This West Salem favorite offers more than just delicious BBQ. How about adding that to a burger? Head to Big Boar BBQ and take a bite of both worlds with the Brisket Burger. This burger creation consists of chopped smoked brisket ,added to ground beef, hand patted and grilled to order. It’s then served up on a toasted bun with lettuce, tomato & onion (upon request). Yes, please!

Disclaimer: This is just one perspective on La Crosse County events, businesses and activities. Explore the rest of the site to learn more on those that were not included.

5 Old Fashioned Favorites

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5 Old-Fashioned Favorites

A classic Wisconsin staple – the old fashioned. Whether you’re at a supper club, pairing it with your Friday Night Fish or you’re sitting at a downtown bar who serves up the classic with a little upscale twist, there’s nothing else quite like it.

Here are just five* of our old-fashioned favorites…

Sullivan’s Supper Club

Located next to Perrot State Park, Sullivan’s overlooks the beautiful Mississippi River in the historical town of Trempealeau, Wisconsin. Just a short beautiful ride from La Crosse, we promise it will be worth it. If you’re looking for that authentic supper club experience then this is your place. Grab an order of cheese curds while you wait for your Friday Night Fish and enjoy the view of the Mississippi River while sipping on an old-fashioned.

Mt. La Crosse Ski & Snowboard

One of our favorites after a fun day of hitting the slopes. Head to the Chalet and up to the ever famous St. Bernard Room and relax after a long day in the chilly weather with Mt. La Crosse’s famous old fashioned. Not into skiing or snowboarding? No worries, friend, all are welcome! Enjoy weekly live music or watch the action taking place on the hill as you sit next to the big windows overlooking the hills.

Drugan’s Castle Mound

From golfing during the warmer months to a dining favorite in the middle of winter, Drugan’s Castle Mound, located in Holmen is a place you want to visit. We all know fish and an old fashioned are a Wisconsin must, but how about trying out Saturday night’s prime rib and pairing that with the infamous cocktail? Now that sounds pretty good to us!

Red Pines Bar & Grill

I think we’ve established that a fish fry and an old fashioned go hand-in-hand, right? Good. So you know that when a place has been voted as having the #1 Fish Fry, they must serve up a mean cocktail to go with it. Whether you prefer them sour or sweet, brandy or whiskey, it’ll sit perfectly with Red Pine’s shrimp and fish fry on Friday night.

La Cave at Le Chateau

La Cave, a basement bar of the popular french restaurant Le Chateau in La Crosse, offers a new twist on this old favorite. Take the spiral staircase down to what feels like a wine cellar with exposed brick walls and a relaxed atmosphere. Have a seat at the bar and let the show begin. The bartender will set a stack of hickory wood chips, soaked in either gin or bourbon, on fire which is put out when they set the glass over top, capturing the smoke. While the glass gathers condensation, the rest of the drink is mixed with either whiskey or brandy, house made bitters and simple syrup. Once mixed, the liquid will be strained into the smoked glass, providing a unique flavor to this old favorite.

*Disclaimer: This is just one perspective on the La Crosse Region’s events, businesses and activities. Explore the rest of the site to learn more on those that were not included.