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This Weeks Articles for 3/2/2026 ...

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Appropriations Committee Request for FY27

The Appropriations Committee has released the official FY27 CPF guidelines and deadline. If you have started an application, please review the new account guidance for the account you are requesting funding from to verify eligibility (link).

Deadlines for submissions to our office is March 9, 2026 at 5:00 PM CT. Completed forms and supporting documentation must be sent to Molly.Bohn@mail.house.gov and Claire.Case@mail.house.gov.

You may find the required updated FY27 CPF application at the link. Important information to go along with the application:

Please read and complete the form in its entirety. Only completed forms will be accepted.
Submitting an application does not mean that your project will be selected.
If your project is selected by Congressman Van Orden as one of his submissions, this does not guarantee that the project will be included in the final bills and subsequently funded.
If you submitted an application in a previous cycle and were not selected, you are eligible to resubmit for that same project

If you were selected in a previous cycle and are submitting again, your new project must be substantially different from the previously selected project.

We encourage you to complete your application as soon as possible so we can provide assistance as needed.

Please do not hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or concerns.

Best,

Molly Bohn

Economic Development Coordinator/Field Representative
Congressman Derrick Van Orden (WI-03)
608-860-7216

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Ken Notes: And in this case contact Molly Bohn from Congressman Van Orden`s Office. The application form is at the link.

Appropriations Committee Request for FY27

Dear Friend,
As a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, I look to bring our Wisconsin values to the national conversation about how we invest in moving our economy forward.

Each year, the Appropriations Committee writes the legislation allocating federal funds, which is then made available for local projects and national programs. I am already working with my colleagues to make sure they know what matters most to Wisconsinites in the new fiscal year – so I want to hear directly from you about how upcoming appropriations legislation should prioritize investments in our communities. Due to the spending constraints of the federal budget, Congress will not be able to fund every program or project, but your input is crucial.

For the upcoming fiscal year, the Appropriations Committee is expected to utilize the authority to approve congressionally directed spending grants on a bipartisan basis with enhanced transparency and accountability. As a result, public and non-profit entities in Wisconsin may propose congressionally directed spending items.

Click here to make an appropriations request on behalf of your community for the upcoming fiscal year. The deadline to submit requests is March 22, 2026.

As you consider your community`s priorities, take into account the type of investment you are requesting:
Programmatic requests are appropriations requests for Congress to fund an authorized federal program at a specific level or to include language directing a federal agency to implement a program in a specific way
Congressionally directed spending requests are grants to fund a Wisconsin project or initiative
You have a unique perspective when it comes to understanding and responding to the specific challenges facing our communities. From increasing our investments in infrastructure to supporting economic development initiatives to protecting our water resources, I believe it is critical we work together to ensure upcoming federal funding decisions made in Washington work for Wisconsin.

Please take a moment to share your thoughts about how we can prioritize investments in our Wisconsin communities and submit your appropriations request by March 22, 2026 here.
Sincerely,
U.S. Senator for Wisconsin

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Ken Notes: If anyone is looking for further info, please contact Gregg Wavurnek in Senator Baldwin`s office by email at gregg_wavrunek@baldwin.sen.

Coulee Region Business Center (CRBC) has named John Kruger as its new Director

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

La Crosse, Wisconsin — The Coulee Region Business Center (CRBC) has named John Kruger as its new Director.

Founded in 1986, the CRBC is a nonprofit organization that supports startups and small businesses throughout the Coulee Region by providing affordable workspace, shared resources, and business development support. The organization operates a 35,000-square-foot facility offering flexible space for manufacturing, commercial kitchen operations, offices, and emerging ventures.

Kruger brings more than 20 years of experience as a founder, operator, and executive advisor working with startups and growth-stage organizations. He is also the Co- Founder of Incubation Studio, an AI-guided platform focused on helping individuals and teams develop new business ventures.

In his new role, Kruger will focus on strengthening organizational systems, expanding regional partnerships, and enhancing the CRBC’s ability to support entrepreneurs and small businesses across Western Wisconsin... ...Full Story Here

WEDC announces $1.5 million in grants to support small businesses across Wisconsin

Funding will enable local organizations to assist with building improvements and other financial support

MADISON, WI. MARCH 3, 2026 – The Wisconsin Economic Corporation (WEDC) announced today that ten community organizations supporting small businesses across Wisconsin have received $1.5 million in Small Business Development Grants (SBDG) from WEDC.

“Local leaders want to build communities where people are excited to live, work, and grow,” said John W. Miller, secretary and CEO of the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC), the state’s lead economic development organization. “These grants will allow communities to make the investments small businesses need to be able to grow and thrive.”

The competitive grants, which range from $50,000 to $250,000, were awarded to local and regional economic development organizations, municipalities, and counties to support small business development and creation. The organizations will pass 100% of the SBDG funds on to small businesses.

The SBDG grant recipients include:... (at the link)

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DNR takes to the skies for Wisconsin’s first-ever aerial elk survey

(WFRV) – Officials with the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources say they are taking to the skies this winter as they conduct the Badger State’s first-ever aerial elk survey.

According to a release from the DNR, those out and about in the Black River Falls or Clam Lake area might be able to look up and see a low and slow flying plane about 500-700 feet off the ground as the DNR, with help from the Division of Forestry, looks to complete an aerial survey of elk for population estimates.

DNR officials say the elk population is one of Wisconsin’s wildlife success stories, as almost a century ago, they say overhunting and habitat loss saw elk disappear from the state. Following a careful reintroduction program over the past 30-plus years, Wisconsin is now home to an estimated 500+ elk...

...Of the more than 500 elk that call Wisconsin home, the larger Northern herd is said to roam the far north part of the state while a smaller population, the Central herd, can be found in Jackson County...

See this article to find Elk in Jackson County

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USA Today! - Which specialty food festival is the best? Vote now!

Cheese Curd Festival
Ellsworth, Wisconsin

They don`t call Wisconsin the Dairy State for nothing. It`s the No. 1 cheese-making state in America, producing everything from Muenster to prized farmhouse cheeses. Cheese curds are a byproduct of the cheesemaking process, and these springy, squeaky little bites are the stars of the show at the Cheese Curd Festival. Thousands of pounds of curds made by Ellsworth Cooperative Creamery are served at the fest each June. Events include a craft beer and curd pairing, live music, and a craft market. It`s a celebration of all dairy products, with ice cream tastings being especially popular....

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Ken Notes: First Congrats Ellsworth! Second everyone VOTE!!!

Co-founder of La Crosse-based The Trane Company named to National Inventors Hall of Fame

LA CROSSE, Wis. (WXOW) – Born in La Crosse in September 1886, Reuben Trane will be inducted into the National Inventors Hall of Fame as part of the 2026 class. Trane Technologies announced this honor Monday, highlighting his pioneering work in heating, air conditioning, and climate control.

Trane co-founded The Trane Company in 1913 in La Crosse, Wisconsin. He is credited with innovations like the 1926 convector radiator. Under his leadership, the company became a global leader in sustainable climate solutions...

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DOR Innovation Planning Grant and Innovation Grant Programs

Administered by the Wisconsin Department of Revenue (DOR), the Innovation Planning Grant and Innovation Grant programs were created in 2023 Wisconsin Act 12 and the Innovation Grant was modified under 2025 Wisconsin Act 15. It`s time to apply for the Innovation Grant.

Apply?

Innovation Grant application
(Form SL-405) available in ?MyDORGov
Due by March 31, 2026
Form instructions
Submissions

Overview

A county, municipality, or tribe can pursue an Innovation Grant to support the transfer of an allowable service/duty (listed below).

• Public safety, including law enforcement (not jails)
• Fire protection
• Emergency services
• Courts
• Jails
• Training
• Communications
• Public works
• Information technology
• Administration, including staffing, payroll, and human resources
• Economic development and tourism
• Public health
• Housing, planning, and zoning
• Parks and recreation

Questions? Link to full article or Contact them at lgs@wisconsin.gov

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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 EDC quarterly	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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Video Data Centers: La Crosse Still Waiting

News 8000 (Chanel 8) explores the data center issues in the Coulee region and questions why the La Crosse area does not yet have a center. ...Full Story Here

Historical Society launches ‘Good Earth – Deep Roots’ art auction to bridge county funding shortfall

The two-week show celebrates the landscapes, people, and stories of the Driftless Region. Attendees can view rarely seen artwork of Vernon County’s heritage pulled from the museum’s private collection, tour new displays, and bid in a silent art auction featuring works by local artists. All proceeds from the auction will support museum programs and operations.

VIROQUA, Wis. — The Vernon County Historical Society will host its first-ever winter art exhibition and silent auction in March to raise critical funds following a recent 25% cut to its county budget.

“Good Earth – Deep Roots: The Vernon County Winter Exhibition” will run daily from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. from Saturday, March 14, through Thursday, March 26. The event will take place at the Vernon County Museum & History Center, located at 410 S. Center Ave., and residents are asked to use the west entrance facing Highway 14...

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Sweet Beats, La Crosse’s Premier Jazz Lounge

The newly opened jazz lounge is dedicated to making live music accessible to La Crosse and providing an upscale, city-like experience for its guests. Showcasing local musical talent and providing a relaxing atmosphere for your next date night or girls night out.

Sweet Beats Jazz Lounge, a newly opened venue in La Crosse, is creating a new space for live jazz and local performers.

The lounge operates inside an old church purchased several years ago by La Crosse native Matt Curtis, who now serves as the events coordinator. The venue is part of Cappella Performing Arts Center’s broader mission to make live music more accessible in La Crosse and to create meaningful opportunities for musicians in the community.

“The entire concept of Sweet Beats is centered on music, and the artists come first,” Curtis said.

With a background in music, Curtis said the building’s natural acoustics were one of the main reasons he purchased the abandoned historic church. He said the space offered a unique opportunity to create an intimate listening environment that highlights live performance...

Sweet Beats Jazz Lounge

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Ken Notes: I went last Saturday and wow what a venue! Order the piano cheesecake for one of the best presentations ever...

Take in the Scenic Vistas & Urban Delights in La Crosse

Mississippi River towns have such an obvious appeal — historic downtowns, pretty waterfront streets and cozy vibes in spades. But La Crosse, Wisconsin, goes beyond that. Well, above that, technically: Grandad Bluff, the city’s most iconic natural landmark, rises more than 600 feet above the Mississippi River Valley. The views from up here, especially come autumn, are impossible to forget.

So, naturally, when I grabbed two of my best friends for a La Crosse weekend, good ol’ Grandad Bluff had to be our first stop. Roughly five miles of trails zigzag up, down and over this Wisconsin wonder — a massive limestone crag that escaped the last ice age — with gorgeous woods showing off their array of fall colors the entire way. Personally speaking, I was grateful you can drive the mile-plus to the top and then wander the wooded bluffside from there. It’s a great spot for friends, families with kids and pets and their people. The 180-degree view (at least!) of the Mississippi River as it winds its way through Wisconsin, Iowa and Minnesota is as vast as it is beautiful. From up here, it’s clear why they call it the Driftless Region, and it’s not hard to imagine an ancient river delta melting among the ice...

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Spiking demand for cottage cheese spurs new investments in Wisconsin processing

Cooperatives expand production, switch from cheddar to take advantage of consumer interest in the high-protein food

Protein-obsessed Americans are eating more cottage cheese: in bowls, spread on toast or turned into the latest low-carb dessert.

The rising star of the dairy case is also driving new investments in dairy processing in Wisconsin.

Associated Milk Producers Inc., a cooperative with farmers in Wisconsin, Minnesota and four other states, recently announced plans to convert its plant in the Trempealeau County city of Blair from production of cheddar cheese to cottage cheese. The plant will shut down this spring, temporarily laying off its workers, before coming back online at the start of next year...

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WisDOT press release: Newly launched bus route goes from La Crosse to Green Bay

WisDOT, carriers announce updated intercity bus services to provide reliable, affordable transportation options for residents and visitors across Wisconsin

MADISON, Wis. (WISCONSIN DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION PRESS RELEASE) - The Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT), in partnership with Greyhound, Indian Trails, Jefferson Lines, Lamers Bus and Wisconsin Transit Lines today announced updated services to state-supported bus routes that connect residents and visitors to rural and mid-sized communities as well as big cities in the region.

WisDOT supports multiple intercity bus routes that provide service to and from smaller communities and link travelers to regional hubs including Milwaukee, Chicago and Minneapolis.

Today’s announcement updates the service providers on many of these routes and includes the launch of a new bus route, Route 11, that travels from La Crosse to Green Bay.

WisDOT and its partners are proud to provide affordable and reliable connectivity for smaller communities to the broader Midwest and national intercity bus network.

Route 1	Madison to Green Bay	Wisconsin Transit Lines
Route 2	Madison to Wausau	Wisconsin Transit Lines
Route 3	Minneapolis to Milwaukee via Green Bay	Greyhound *
Route 4	La Crosse to Milwaukee	Jefferson Lines *
Route 5	Hurley to Duluth	Indian Trails
Route 6	Madison to Dubuque	Wisconsin Transit Lines *
Route 7	Janesville to Milwaukee	Wisconsin Transit Lines
Route 8	Escanaba to Milwaukee	Indian Trails
Route 11	La Crosse to Green Bay	Lamers *

*New service provider on the route.

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The Great River Road

MAP		Discover Wisconsin Great River Road Video

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Larson’s General: Local sustainability in downtown La Crosse

Selling made-in-store products such as soap and olive oil, they serve to welcome the community while reducing waste.

Mary and Joshua Larson first went into business over a decade ago in 2013 after growing weary of everyday plastic waste. Originally named Full Circle Supply, Mary and Joshua renamed the business to Larson’s General when they moved to their new location at 509B Main Street in 2020.

“I always wanted to be downtown, that was like the ‘it’ place for me,” said Mary Larson.

Website LarsonsGeneral.com

Prior to opening the business, Mary Larson had attended Western Technical College and had been working at a marketing job. When starting out, she worked with the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse’s Small Business Development Center (SBDC) to create a business and financial plan. She also took an entrepreneurial startup class through Couleecap.

Larson’s General offers a wide variety of daily use products, such as soaps, shampoos, salves and more. Their Driftless Skincare and Mary’s Apothecary products are made in-store, and their new olive oil line, Ceremony Goods, is also produced in-house...

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Longfellow Middle Schools expands hands-on learning with hydroponic growing system

LA CROSSE, Wis. (WXOW) – Students at Longfellow Middle School are not just learning about science, they are watching it grow in their classroom.

Jared Mickelson, an agriscience teacher at Longfellow, was one of 50 educators across Wisconsin awarded a hydroponic growing system. The system allows students to put down their textbooks and engage in hands-on agriculture.

Seventh grader Mirabel said, "It`s way more laid-back and it`s so much easier to learn and comprehend, and Mr. Mickelson makes it fun."

On Tuesday, seventh grade students harvested the kale and lettuce they have been growing over the past two weeks, a thrilling moment for both the students and Mickelson, who enjoyed seeing their reactions.

"Hearing the reactions like, `oh, it tastes fresh,` that`s what we want to hear," Mickelson said...

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McIntosh Memorial Library opens JobPod to connect Viroqua area residents with work

VIROQUA Wis. – The McIntosh Memorial Library has opened a new Job Pod that local leaders say will bring big city employment services to job seekers in Viroqua and across Vernon County who lack computers internet access or comfort with online hiring.

Library Director Trina Erickson told guests at a ribbon cutting that the idea was a surprise when it first landed in her inbox from project organizers...

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Crawford County to receive $744K for emergency radio upgrades

CRAWFORD COUNTY, Wis. (WXOW) – Crawford County is set to receive $744,000 in federal funding to enhance its emergency services radio infrastructure.

This funding aims to improve communication systems for first responders throughout the county. U.S. Sen. Tammy Baldwin secured the funding by collaborating with local communities, nonprofits and municipalities as part of her role on the Senate Appropriations Committee.

Anthony Berg, deputy sheriff with the Crawford County Sheriff’s Office, emphasized the significance of the upgrades...

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The People Behind the Cheese: Ellsworth Cooperative Creamery

Wisconsin’s identity has long been intertwined with dairy. The milk produced here and the cheeses that have become synonymous with our state are more than agricultural products; they are a cornerstone of our economy, our culture and our state’s fascinating story.

In 1910, a group of Pierce County farmers made a decision that would shape that story for generations. They joined together to form the Ellsworth Cooperative Creamery. More than 115 years later, the scale of the operation has grown dramatically, yet its purpose remains the same. Just under 200 dairy farms now deliver roughly two million pounds of milk to the creamery every day. Each load reflects early mornings, long days and generations of knowledge passed down from farmer to farmer. These are not anonymous suppliers; they are owners, neighbors and stewards of the land whose livelihoods are directly tied to the creamery`s success....

The Wisconsin Counties Association is Here

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Viroqua City Council approves pre-development agreement for new GrandStay hotel

VIROQUA, Wis. The Viroqua Common Council voted unanimously Tuesday, Feb. 24, 2026, to enter into a pre development agreement with Market Point Development to construct a GrandStay hotel in the Viroqua Business Park.

The vote marks a renewed push to bring lodging to the city after years of stalled attempts. City Administrator Nate Torres provided the council with the history of the project which began back in 2021 when the city and county initiated a feasibility study and sent out requests for proposals to attract a hotel developer to the business park.

“We went through a little bit of a selection process and at that point the city along with the county had selected a GrandStay as our option of choice,” said Torres. “And there was a developer that came along with a different developer than MarketPoint. That developer was unfortunately unsuccessful."...

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New DOT Program for Local Roads and Culverts

Local Small Structure Improvement Program (LSSIP)

The Local Small Structure Improvement Program (LSSIP) is a one-time appropriation authorized as part of the 2025-2027 Wisconsin Biennial Budget (Act 15) and is part of State Statute 85.64 (2)(a). This program sets aside $30 million to reimburse local governments to improve deteriorating small structure crossings also referred to as culverts. Culverts are defined as structures that are 20 feet or less in span but greater than 6 feet in span. Projects will be funded at up to 90% state cost share.

For the 2026-2027 LSSIP application cycle, applicants are encouraged to submit applications through the online LSSIP application in the AccessGov platform.

Solicitation Timeline

?Please note, the project review and awarding timeline are an anticipated schedule and is subject to change.

Project solicitation opens: February 3, 2026
Application deadline: 5:00 pm on Friday, May 1, 2026
Statewide Review and Selection: May-June 2026
Awards Approved and Announced: July 2026

Project Eligibility (details at the link)...
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Ken Notes: Please share this with your Transportation and Highway Departments. This money is available to projects with culverts rated 4 (poor) by a certified bridge inspector. See Details and Application access at the link.

Tourism Resources and Events in Our Region

Western Wisconsin Regional Outdoor Recreation Plan for Rural Areas 2025

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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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.