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This Weeks Articles for 8/28/2025 ...

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MRRPC Launches Small Business Development Grant Program: Turning Ideas into Action

The Mississippi River Regional Planning Commission (MRRPC) is proud to announce the Small Business Development Grant - Business Plan and Pitch Contest, a program designed to help entrepreneurs transform their ideas into thriving businesses.

In partnership with the UW-La Crosse Small Business Development Center and the Wisconsin Women’s Business Initiative Corporation (WWBIC) - La Crosse Office, and with $18,000 in funding from the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC), MRRPC is offering training, resources, and support to strengthen the regional economy through entrepreneurship.

Program Highlights:

Business Plan Contest: Open to new or existing businesses in the MRRPC nine-county region. Participants will develop a detailed business plan (up to 24 pages, not including cover page) covering areas such as executive summary, company description, market analysis, organizational structure, products and services, marketing strategy, financial projections, and supporting materials.

Prizes Totaling $12,000!

1st Place: $5,000
2nd Place: $3,000
3rd Place: $2,000
4th Place: $1,000
5th Place: $500
6th Place: $250
7th Place: $250

Pitch Contest: The top seven business plan winners will advance to pitch their idea in a 5-7 minute presentation to a panel of judges for a share of an additional $6,000 in funding.

Eligibility:

Entrepreneurs in the idea stage or startup stage
Existing businesses seeking expansion, operational improvements, or new market opportunities
Located within MRRPC’s nine-county region

All applications must be submitted by:
February 13th at 12:00 PM to jon@mrrpc.com.

Contact:

Mississippi River Regional Planning Commission
811 Monitor Street, Suite 201
La Crosse, WI 54603
Phone: 608.785.9396
Email: jon@mrrpc.com Website: www.mrrpc.com

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Vernon County Awards Nominations

Vernon County Awards Nominations are open through September 19th.

Award Categories this year include:

Small Business of the Year Award (under 7 years)

Legacy Small Business of the Year Award (7+ years)

Large Business of the Year Award

Community Impact Award

Excellence Award

Event of the Year Award

Young Leaders Award

Partnership for Progress

Heritage Preservation and Cultural Development Award

The nominations can all be filled out online at: https://c5te9h9wx74.typeform.com/to/GfX2FNDG and there are plenty of sharable posts on Vernon County Development`s Facebook page

Larkin Breckel
Economic Development and Marketing Coordinator
608-637-5334

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Groundwater Coordinating Council Releases 2025 Report To The Legislature

MADISON, Wis. –The Groundwater Coordinating Council (GCC) recently shared its recommendations for protecting and preserving the state’s vital groundwater resources in its 2025 annual report to the Wisconsin State Legislature.

The recommendations address the most prevalent and pressing groundwater issues in Wisconsin, such as:

The continuous presence of PFAS in both public and private wells that pose a threat to public health and the environment.
Nitrate contamination in both private and public wells – a long-standing concern that has impacted the state for five decades.
The presence of pesticides in over 40% of private potable wells.
An uneven distribution of water supplies.

Read Executive Summary

Read Full Report

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Ken Notes: If you have groundwater concerns please read or share this report.

Sam Scinta to lead La Crosse Area Chamber of Commerce

The La Crosse Area Chamber of Commerce has chosen Sam Scinta as its new CEO.

Scinta, of Onalaska, begins the role Sept. 15.

His diverse experience includes legal work, running a small business, managing nonprofits, and teaching political science and servant leadership at UW-La Crosse and Viterbo University.

He also has served on several regional and statewide boards.

Scinta has worked with LeaderEthics and the DB Reinhart Institute for Ethics in Leadership at Viterbo. He created and leads a popular community civics education program, Rebuilding American Civics...

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UWL secures funding to complete Prairie Springs Science Center

First phase approved a decade ago, completed in 2018

LA CROSSE – The University of Wisconsin-La Crosse (UWL) is already celebrating the forthcoming completion of the dual-phase Prairie Springs Science Center project after its remaining funding was secured with the passage of the most recent Wisconsin State Biennial Budget.

Chancellor James Beeby said the first half of the Prairie Springs Science Center was approved in 2015 and “was, at that point, split into two projects.”

“The first part of the building was completed in 2018,” he said. “Since then, we’ve been really pushing hard to get the second part finished, and now we’ve received the funding. We are very thankful to the State Legislature and the governor for doing that.”..

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Jackson County Business Survey

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Ken Notes: If you have an interest in Business or Economic Development in Jackson County please take just a few minutes to fill out this survey.

Laura Ingalls Wilder

Laura Ingalls Wilder (born February 7, 1867, Lake Pepin, Wisconsin, U.S.—died February 10, 1957, Mansfield, Missouri) was an American author of children’s fiction based on her own youth in the American Midwest.

Laura Ingalls grew up in a family that moved frequently from one part of the American frontier to another. Her father took the family by covered wagon to Minnesota, Iowa, Missouri, Kansas, Indian Territory, and Dakota Territory. At age 15 she began teaching in rural schools. In 1885 she married Almanzo J. Wilder, with whom she lived from 1894 on a farm near Mansfield, Missouri. Some years later she began writing for various periodicals. She contributed to McCall’s Magazine and Country Gentleman, served as poultry editor for the St. Louis Star, and for 12 years was home editor of the Missouri Ruralist...

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Apple Picking Time!

Orchards in or near Crawford County

1913 Kickapoo Orchard (Gays Mills): A heritage orchard growing over 65 varieties of apples, as well as cherries and peaches.
J & R Country Ridge Orchard (La Farge): Offers U-pick apples and also sells maple syrup, honey, and other produce
Sunrise Orchards (Gays Mills): A multi-generational farm with more than 21 varieties of apples, a bakery, and events.
Turkey Ridge Organic Apple Orchard (Gays Mills): Known for its organic heirloom varieties and commitment to organic farming.

Orchards in or near Buffalo County:

Ferguson`s Orchards (Galesville, WI): This is a popular, large-scale orchard with a variety of activities, including a corn maze, petting zoo, and hayrides.

Ecker`s Apple Farm (Trempealeau, WI): A family-owned orchard since 1945, Ecker`s offers a wide selection of apple cultivars, including Honeycrisp. They also feature a craft beer garden (open on weekends July-October) and a gift shop with apple products.

Sacia Orchards (Galesville, WI): This orchard is noted as being one of Wisconsin`s oldest. Visitors can find an on-site market and bakery with various goods, from local honey to apples and other fresh items.

Shihata`s Orchard (Prairie du Chien, WI): A short drive from Buffalo County, Shihata`s is known for its unique family experience and river valley views. You can find 13 varieties of apples, fresh cider, and a popular annual Orchard Fest in October with wagon rides and a corn maze.

Orchards in or near Jackson County

Cain`s Orchard (Hixton): A U-pick orchard offering several apple varieties, grapes, blueberries, and a gift shop.

Orchards in or near La Crosse County

Ferguson`s Orchards (Galesville): Another location of the family-run farm with U-pick apples, pumpkins, and a variety of family activities.
Southwind Orchards (Dakota, MN - very close to La Crosse): Offers beautiful views and a retail store, located a short drive from La Crosse.

Orchards in or near Monroe County

Maple Ridge Orchard (Cashton): A U-pick orchard with over 4,000 trees and a retail store.
Rex Moseley Fruit & Veg Farm (Warrens): A U-pick orchard with many varieties of apples, open on Labor Day weekend.

Orchards in or near Pierce County

Orchards in or near Trempealeau County

Ecker`s Apple Farm (Trempealeau): Offers U-pick apples, a brewery, live music, and other seasonal activities.
Sacia Orchards Apple Market & Bakery (Galesville): Features a market with apples, baked goods, and other items.

Orchards in or near Vernon County

J&R Country Ridge Orchard (La Farge): This orchard offers apples during the harvest season, which typically runs from late August through early November.

Two Brother`s Orchard ( Viroqua): Located near the Viroqua Food Co+op, this small, local orchard also grows other fruits like cherries and elderberries.

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Regional Economic Development Entities

Mississippi River Regional Planning Commision	SouthWest NorthWest State	Coulee Regional Business Center	THE UPPER MISSISSIPPI MANUFACTURING ALLIANCE
	Vernon Co. Economic Development	La Crosse Area Development Corporation	SBDC La Crosse
Economic Development	Community Development	Economic Development	Economic Development

Trempealeau County Economic Development	The Wisconsin Women’s Business Initiative Corporation (WWBIC)	Vernon Economic Development Association	Workforce Connections, Inc.
The Pierce County EDC	Western Dairyland Economic Opportunity Council	Job and Business Development (JBD) Program
Wisconsin Housing and Economic Development Authority	USDA Rural Development Wisconsin	Xcel Energy Economic Development	Economic Development

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Co-op plans $14 million to up cottage cheese output

WESTBY, Wis. — The only creamery still producing cottage cheese in Wisconsin, the Westby Co-op in Vernon County, announced a $14 million plan to increase production. Said J.D. Greenwall, president: “The business is growing. The business is booming. We can’t make enough cottage cheese in our plant or nationwide.” Plans include new refrigeration, 10,000-gallon cream tanks, and a 30,000-gallon milk silo. Greenwall said the upgrades also will cut production time. The co-0p also produces sour cream and yogurt.

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Visitors ‘stirrup’ scenic views, wildlife sightings at Jewelview Drafts

West Central Wisconsin farm offers horse and wagon rides on 269 acres

WEST CENTRAL WISCONSIN – Taking advantage of their 269 acres and natural landscapes, Melissa and Tom Schaub, owners of Jewelview Drafts Country Tours (JDCT) in West Central Wisconsin, said they wanted to give visitors a taste of what the area has to offer.

The couple said they are accomplishing this by offering tours of the property with the help of their two teams of horses and a pair of wagons.

Located 20 miles east of La Crosse and 10 miles west of Cashton at W415 State Road 33, Melissa Schaub said JDCT offers horse and wagon rides across their fields and through the woods, providing visitors with stunning views and possible glimpses of wildlife...

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Safe Place Pastures gives horses sanctuary in Trempealeau County

Trempealeau County (WQOW)- Safe Place Pastures in Trempealeau County is making waves on social media. We`re taking an inside look at what the horse sanctuary is doing for the community and the animals.

Off of County Road E in the town of Pleasantville, a new horse sanctuary has taken root and is hoping to become a staple in the community for providing a safe pasture for abused and neglected horses.

"They`re usually in pretty tough shape, I think they come from working farms or they`ve just done everything that they possibly can or if they`re just not fed. And that just makes it worse," said Cheryl Rubenzer, the founder of Safe Place Pastures and one of the people fundraising to keep the sanctuary operational as they get started...

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The Great River Road

MAP		Discover Wisconsin Great River Road Video

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U.S. Navy veteran finding success as civilian business owner

WEST CENTRAL WISCONSIN – When Adam Lamb enlisted in the U.S. Navy in August 2005, he said due to military protocol, he needed to maintain a clean-shaven face.

When he decided to transition away from military life after 10 years of serving his country, he said one thing he was looking forward to was being able to grow a beard.

“After 2015, I pretty much stopped shaving,” Lamb said. “My beautiful wife, Gwen, told me I had to have a well-maintained beard, and it couldn’t be rough or have coarse hair.”

Lamb said that led to him trying “all kinds of different products” on the market, none of which did a great job or satisfied his wife.

“My beard was always itching, had breakouts and patches on my cheeks,” he said. “I bought the oils from local stores, salons and online. Samples were tiny and didn’t last long, and oils leaked in my pocket. I needed a fix, or my beard had to go. My wife [didn’t] like any of the products [either] – they were way too greasy."...

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Providing fresh flavor for life’s big moments

Mindful Fork Catering in River Falls provides farm-to-fork catering

RIVER FALLS – As the owner and operator of Mindful Fork Catering, Chef Angie Larson said her mission is to connect people through unforgettable food – uncomplicated but delicious, fresh, farm-to-fork catered food for all life’s celebrations.

It’s a passion Larson said she’s been fulfilling for the past several years since transitioning what started as Mindful Fork Meal Prep into Mindful Fork Catering.

Good food is all in the family

Larson said her passion for the culinary arts dates back decades, working the front of house for a restaurant as a young teen and then working in her family’s Italian restaurant in the early 2000s.

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Crystal Cave offers under-this-world experience

SPRING VALLEY – Executive Director Eric McMaster said Crystal Cave was discovered by two local farm boys in 1881.

“William and George Vanasse were playing in a field here in Spring Valley, and they saw a woodchuck go into a small hole in the ground,” he said. “They came back the next day with a kerosene lantern, opened it up and lowered themselves down into the hole – thus, discovering Crystal Cave.”

Prior to 1941 – when McMaster said Henry and Mary Friede purchased the property with the intention of “developing a show cave” – he said Crystal Cave remained “a local curiosity.”

“They bought it in 1941 and then opened it up in 1942,” he said.

Nearly a century and a half later, McMaster said Crystal Cave is now a go-to day-trip destination for both West Central Wisconsinites and Minnesotans from across the Mississippi...

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Tourism Resources and Events in Our Region

Monroe County Events Calendar	Crawford County Events Calendar Visitor Guide	Vernon County Events Calendar Visitor Guide
La Crosse County Events Calendar Visitor Guide	Trempealeau County Events Calendar Visitor Guide	Buffalo County Events Calendar
Pepin County Events Calendar Visitor Guide	Pierce County Events Calendar	Jackson County Events Calendar Visitor Guide

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Wisconsin’s Hidden Tobacco Legacy: 62.4 million pounds of tobacco per year, “Tobacco City U.S.A.” - NewsBreak

When you picture Wisconsin farming, you likely think of dairy cows, cranberries, or endless rows of corn. But rewind a century, and you’d find another surprising crop dominating the landscape: tobacco. From curing barns to small cigar factories, tobacco once fueled entire communities across the state...

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Court of Appeals affirms DNR authority to require permits for factory farms

A Wisconsin Court of Appeals on Wednesday ruled that the state Department of Natural Resources has the authority to require that factory farms obtain water pollution permits, affirming a previous Calumet County court decision.

Two groups representing Wisconsin’s factory farms, known as Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations, filed the lawsuit in 2023, arguing that the state did not have the authority to require permits under the DNR’s Wisconsin Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (WPDES) program. The program requires any entity that discharges pollution into the state’s waterways to obtain a permit.

The lobbying groups, Venture Dairy Cooperative and the Wisconsin Dairy Alliance, are themselves led by factory farm operators who have been cited by the DNR for contaminating the state’s water through manure spills. Wisconsin Manufacturers and Commerce, the state’s largest business lobby, has also been involved in the lawsuit...

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Mississippi River Regional Planning Commission (MRRPC)

Working together to make the Mississippi River Region a great place to live and work.

The Mississippi River Regional Planning Commission provides planning and economic development services to improve the region`s environment, economy and quality of life. We serve a nine county region, providing studies and planning services, resources and data to help with your grant applications or reporting needs, and business loans.