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Ken Notes: CONGRATS!

Several public and private partners are working to improve outdoor recreation and tourism opportunities in Western Wisconsin.

We invite you to participate in an important open house to help us understand the outdoor recreation needs and preferences of residents, businesses, and visitors to Our Region.

Please join us, and we look forward to speaking with everyone who participates!  

(links open a printable poster)

Pepin County
April 3^rd
6pm - 8pm
Pepin County Board Room
740 7^th Ave W, Durand, WI 54736

We also have a zoom link created for anyone that doesn’t want to or cannot travel to Durand

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84421324178?pwd=ta4Pbe1P8Im8LoINamqHCaQ6AQqkHh.1

Buffalo County
April 8^th
6 pm - 8 pm
Buffalo County Board Room
407 S. 2nd Street, Alma, WI  54610

Trempealeau County
April 9^th
6 pm - 8 pm
Trempealeau County Board Room - 2nd Floor
18600 Hobson Street, Whitehall, WI  54773

Jackson County
April 14^th
6 pm - 8 pm
Jackson County DHHS Conference Room
421 County Road R, Black River Falls, WI  54615

We also have a link created for anyone that doesn’t want to or cannot travel to Black River Falls

Meeting (Teams) Link

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Ken Notes: Please share this with others via Facebook or LinkedIn!

LA CROSSE (WKBT) -- Students at Central High School had the opportunity to explore potential career paths Thursday at the La Crosse Promise Future Center Fair.

Nearly 50 employers, including representatives from educational institutions and the military, were on hand to engage with students.

The fair allowed students to interact with industry experts, gain valuable insights, and explore a wide range of career fields.

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Ritter’s Ace Hardware aspires to be ‘the helpful place’ in the neighborhood

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The chance of getting Delta Airlines back to La Crosse has gotten better, according to one local official with the La Crosse Regional Airport.

Business manager J.D. Roberts says Delta is open to the idea of restoring service to the local airport, two years after the company ended its regular flights through LSE.

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Ken Notes: A Delta "link" or a regional carrier like Air Wisconsin wold be huge for La Crosse.

Store showcases, sells home décor, accessories handmade around the world

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Coming Soon!

Several public and private partners are working to improve outdoor recreation and tourism opportunities in Western Wisconsin. This 8 County Outdoor Recreation Plan (8 CORP) will help us understand the outdoor recreational needs and preferences of residents and visitors to Buffalo, Chippewa, Clark, Dunn, Eau Claire, Jackson, Pepin, and Trempealeau Counties.

• Identify popular outdoor activities and destinations
  
  
• Understand the barriers and challenges that limit outdoor recreation access
  
  
• Discover opportunities for improving outdoor recreation facilities and programs
  
  
• Ensure that our outdoor spaces meet the diverse needs of our community

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Kahya Fox, executive director of Habitat For Humanity of the Greater La Crosse Region, in the WIZM studio Thursday for La Crosse Talk discussing all things housing, as they get set for the Women Build Program this weekend, plus the first-ever housing week, preceded by Neighbor’s Day next month.

We also discussed Habitat’s first-time homebuyers program, which just led to a discussion about housing in general and the dilemmas that La Crosse — and everywhere — are facing.

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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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UWL was named a Research College and University in the 2025 Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education — one of five UW schools to earn that distinction. The classification, based on total research expenditures and doctoral degrees awarded, underscores UWL’s commitment to providing hands-on, high-impact learning opportunities inside and outside the classroom.

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Ken Notes: Good news, let`s hope we can keep the new science center on track.

March 17, 2025 -- PIGEON FALLS – Though Falls Meat Service has changed hands a few times over the last 50 years, it has always been a family owned business – an aspect of the Pigeon Falls business that remains true today.

The local butcher got its start in 1974 when Howard and Barb Olson bought a meat locker business that had been attached to a general/grocery store business in Pigeon Falls.

Upon purchasing the business, the Olsons built a new building that became home to Falls Meat Service, which was founded that same year by Howard and his brother-in-law, Verdell “Del” Helstad....   ...Full Story Here

Cafe in downtown Blair welcomes all, including those with disabilities

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ELLSWORTH – Consumers Cooperative Oil Company (Consumers Cooperative) is excited to announce a new partnership with the Ellsworth Community School District, reinforcing its commitment to support local communities. Through this initiative, Consumers Cooperative will donate 3 cents for every gallon of fuel purchased at the Consumers Cooperative/Cenex Convenience Store located at 610 E. Main St. in Ellsworth.

To celebrate this partnership, the convenience store has introduced Ellsworth Pride Pumps, featuring upgraded fuel pumps with vibrant new signage showcasing school spirit and the cooperative’s dedication to education. Customers fueling up at these pumps will directly contribute to the Ellsworth Community School District, making every fill-up an investment in local students and programs.

This initiative marks the fourth location to benefit from Consumers Cooperative’s donation program, following successful partnerships in Sauk City, Prairie du Sac, and Pepin — a program that began in Sauk City, where the cooperative is headquartered. Looking ahead, Consumers Cooperative plans to expand this initiative to additional communities and school districts, further strengthening its mission of community engagement and local support.

"We are proud to support the Ellsworth community through this initiative," said Eric Cantwell, CEO of Consumers Cooperative. "Our goal is to create lasting partnerships that make a meaningful impact on the schools and students in the areas we serve."

Ellsworth Athletic Director Kevin Haglund, said, "The Ellsworth Community School District is thrilled to partner with Consumers Cooperative on the Panther Pumps initiative. This collaboration highlights our shared commitment to supporting both local businesses and education. We sincerely appreciate Eric Cantwell and Consumers Cooperative for their generous financial support, which will have a lasting positive impact on our schools and community for years to come."...

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Investment will expand plant operations, training and workshops 

Feb. 19, 2025 - Two of the nation’s most respected and recognized dairy organizations, Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin (DFW) and the Wisconsin Cheese Makers Association (WCMA), have announced their combined commitment of $180,000 to the University of Wisconsin-River Falls Wuethrich Family/Grassland Dairy Center of Excellence.  
  
DFW and WCMA have each pledged $90,000 to the UWRF facility, demonstrating continued dairy industry support that has led to the transformation of the university’s dairy plant into an innovative production and training center.  
  
“We’re thrilled with this opportunity to partner with the UWRF dairy plant and look forward to the many important contributions this innovative facility will make to the dairy industry,” said Ben Miller, DFW senior vice president of industry relations. “We’re always looking to the future, and this center of production, research and development will help keep us competitive and growing in the years to come.”  
  
“We’re very happy to be part of UWRF student learning,” said Kay Zwald, a DFW executive committee member whose family operates Bomaz Farms in rural Hammond. “We’re excited about the opportunities this dairy plant creates to improve student learning and promote the dairy industry. It’s making the industry better all the way around.” ...

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2025 Wisconsin Master Agriculturist Don Weiss grew up on the farm he and his family operate near Durand in Pepin County, Wis. He is the fifth generation of his family to do so.

The farm dates back to 1881, when Don’s great-great-grandparents John and Mary Weiss immigrated from Austria and purchased 80 acres. In 1891, they bought another 80 acres as part of the original 160-acre farm. John’s son Anton bought his own farm a quarter-mile away, so when John retired in 1918, he sold his farm to his grandson John W. Weiss — Don’s grandfather...

...The Weisses are also conservation-minded. In 2021, Don was named Pepin County Conservation Farmer of the Year. He has been enrolled in the Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program for more than 20 years, and they have planted cover crops on their farm for the past 25 years. Don is a founding member and serves on the board of directors for the Bear Creek Farmer-Led Watershed.

He also allowed the University of Wisconsin Discovery Farms to install a lysimeter project on the farm. This ongoing research is part of a nitrate mitigation project monitored through on-farm practices. “Through Discovery Farms, we have put in eight collection sites for lysimeters,” Don explains. “We want to help find out which farming practices help slow the leaching of nitrogen in the soil.”...

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Ken Notes: Far a large farm, they seem to be environmentally conscious...

Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) is providing access to various training opportunities. Training events and resources available through this program are available to owners, employees, and staff members of any small business based in Wisconsin that has fewer than 500 employees and is currently operating. The cost of the training will be paid for by WEDC. To Learn More Click Here

Entrepreneurial Training Program (ETP) Spring 2025
March 18, April 1, 8, 15 22, 2025; from 5:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
May 2 from 8:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Click Here to register.

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MAP		Discover Wisconsin Great River Road Video

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Monroe County is excited to bring together thought leaders in Economic Development and Tourism for its annual conference at Three Bears Resort in Warrens, WI. Scheduled for April 10-11, 2025, the event will feature inspiring startup stories from local businesses, presentations, and keynote addresses from leaders in Economic Development, Hospitality, and Tourism.

Attendees can look forward to engaging sessions on a variety of topics, including startup spotlights, workforce trends, and economic development. The conference will offer insightful presentations and opportunities for networking with industry experts.

Participants will have the chance to exchange ideas, build valuable connections, and learn from success stories to drive economic growth and tourism in Monroe County.

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MADISON, Wis. – The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) today announced the approval of Stewardship funding for Friends Grants to 28 nonprofit organizations for improvements at DNR properties across the state. The State Building Commission approved the funding, which includes 32 projects for a total of $430,877 in Stewardship Fund grants, leveraging $660,847 in matching contributions and $3.4 million in total project costs.

The Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Fund was created in 1989 to preserve important natural communities, protect water quality and fisheries, and expand opportunities for outdoor recreation. Within this program, a portion of Stewardship funds from the state’s biennial budget is used to support important recreational projects and improvements at state properties. Many construction and property development projects at the DNR’s state parks, trails, forests and other state lands are made possible with the Stewardship Fund program’s annual funding. ...   ...Full Story Here

VIROQUA, Wis. – Eight Wisconsin companies were named as winners in the 36th Annual Wisconsin Manufacturer of the Year (MOTY) Awards for outstanding achievements in manufacturing. The Vernon Area Rehabilitation Center (VARC) was honored by winning in the Empowerment Through Inclusion category. The MOTY program, sponsored by Baker Tilly, Michael Best & Fredrich LLP, and Wisconsin Manufacturers & Commerce (WMC), recognizes the state’s top manufacturers of all sectors and sizes for innovations, philanthropy, technological advances, commitment to customer satisfaction and the quality jobs they create. Awards based on company size and specific achievements were presented at an awards banquet on Feb. 20, 2025 at the Pfister Hotel in Milwaukee, Wis...   ...Full Story Here

Ken Notes: Congrats...

Fifth-generation farm has been fully organic since 1997

March 17, 2025 -- PEPIN COUNTY – When the COVID-19 pandemic caused disruptions in the food supply chain nationwide, it had many looking locally – sparking an increased desire for folks to know where their food comes from.

Chris Kees-Winkler with Wheatfield Hill Organics – a 123-year-old, fifth-generation farm located just south of Durand in Pepin County – said the trend not only sparked the launch of its Thursday on the Farm events but has supported its longevity.

Planting a seed

Now approaching its fifth year, Kees-Winkler said the farm’s weekly Thursday on the Farm events – held seasonally – showcase an array of food grown on the farm...

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EAU CLAIRE (WQOW) - People are immigrating to Wisconsin at the highest level in at least 20 years according to new census data. At the same time, population growth by birth rate continues to decline.

A new study by the Wisconsin Policy Forum using data from the U.S. Census Bureau shows an estimated 28,478 people people migrated to Wisconsin during the 2024 12-month census period. 22,146 of those residents moved from outside the U.S.

Trempealeau and Eau Claire among fastest growing counties in Wisconsin

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RIVER FALLS – If there is one thing River Falls is known for, besides the Kinnickinnic River, it’s a supportive and welcoming business community. This month, local businesses in the City on the Kinni are going all out for Women’s History Month.

River Falls is home to more than 180 women-owned businesses, said Mei Mei Abdouch of Mei Mei’s Cookies & Creamery. A number of businesses in town have created displays celebrating women throughout history, telling the stories of how they have impacted our everyday lives...

...“But as we continue to prove ourselves again and again, the sheer number of women-owned businesses speaks volumes. We essentially support this community.”

Abdouch was quick to acknowledge the support of male-owned businesses in town as well, such as Brickhouse Music.

“Their support has been remarkable,” she said...

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[Ellsworth, WI] –Pierce Pepin Cooperative Services (PPCS) recently awarded first-quarter grants to local non-profits. The Pierce Pepin Cares board approved $2,000 through the Federated Youth Foundation (FYF). FYF is funded through abandoned capital credits.AutismLM Corp. received a $1,000 grant to support their mission of educating and normalizing autism through reading resources and presentations that help prevent judgment, loneliness, bullying, and misunderstanding. “We donate books to area schools, libraries, therapy centers, preschools, and daycares. The Little Lindsey book series covers the following topics: getting a haircut, being a picky eater, making a friend, and going to therapy,” said Lauri Moreland of AutismLM Corp. “Additionally, we provide reading resources to adults through our family story, which is based on living, surviving, and thriving in a world affected by autism.”...   ...Full Story Here

VERNON COUNTY, Wis. – After almost a year long search, Vernon County announced this week they have hired Annie Lockyer to fill the position of County Finance Director. Lockyer comes to Vernon County from Dallas, Texas where she held the position of Finance Manager for the Dallas Convention Center.

Filling the position has been a struggle for the county and they eventually hired an outside firm to do a search for them after the usual channels produced few candidates. Vernon County Personnel Director Trisha Lepke said Lockyer will start in the position on March 31.

Lockyer’s bio says she was born in California and holds degrees in economics and political science from Washington University in St. Louis and a law degree from Washington and Lee University in Virginia.

A statement from the county about Lockyer says she is “honored to have the opportunity to serve this community, and she looks forward to working alongside its residents, businesses, and leaders.   ...Full Story Here

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

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Regional Guides

		2023 Wisconsin Campground Directory

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Buffalo County, WI

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Crawford County Wisconsin

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Jackson County, WI 

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Home (lacrossecounty.org)

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Monroe County, WI | Home

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Pepin County, WI

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Pierce County, WI

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Trempealeau County

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Vernon County, WI

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