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This Weeks Articles for 6/2/2025 ...

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St. Isidore’s Dairy in Osseo crafts small-batch, clothbound cheddar

Owner, Inga Orth, is a fourth-generation dairy farmer who grew up in Washington State

OSSEO – From the Evergreen State to the Badger State, Inga Orth said she has had quite the journey in the dairy industry.

Currently living on a 28-acre dairy farm in Osseo, she and husband, Chance, own/operate St. Isidore’s Dairy.

Orth said St. Isidore’s Dairy focuses on crafting small batches of clothbound cheddar – a type of cheddar aged in a cloth bandage that enhances its flavor and texture – using the milk collected twice daily from its six Jersey cows.

“I am a fourth-generation dairy farmer from Washington State,” she said. “Chance is a native of Eau Claire and has strong ties to dairy farming through his mother.”

Together, the couple serve as the farmers and cheesemakers behind St. Isidore’s Dairy’s farmstead cheese...

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`We want people to see it`

TOMAH, Wis. – On the edge of the Driftless Area of Wisconsin lies an 1,100-cow dairy that June 7 will be the site of the Monroe County Dairy Breakfast. The Chapman brothers, Duane and Gail – and their sons David, Peter and John along with granddaughter Sienna – hope to make the breakfast a time to show non-farmers that it’s okay to have a large herd of cows.

“There’s a whole lot of people who have opinions about us – good, bad, or otherwise,” Duane Chapman said. “I’m hoping they come and see how things are. There’s no contamination, (and) the cows have no flies and are comfortable. We want people to see it.”

It’s a lot of work to host a breakfast, but he said it includes things that need to be done anyway.

“We’ve put the breakfast committee off because we didn’t have time,” he said. “Other farms in the county have had it; they made time. I don’t want to see the farm breakfast go to a county park or the fairgrounds. We said it’s time to step up and we have to do our part, and I think it will be great.”

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One Stoddard cow might be happiest cow in Wisconsin

STODDARD, Wis. (WLAX/WEUX) – Organic Valley’s Happy Cow Showdown is celebrating the positive impact of organic farming on cows, the milk they produce, and the environment around them. Sabrina Servais of Servais-Hamburg Hills Farm in Stoddard was thrilled to learn one of her cows was chosen for this year’s showdown. “It’s exciting to be selected for the Happy Cow Contest. We have a lot of great cows here and we love them all very much, so for one of our special pets to get picked was super exciting for us.”

Servais says Hazel is a 4-year-old brown Jersey cow who is upbeat with a bit of a sassy side and her happy place is on the cow brush. “She’s very spunky and independent. One day, she just happened to be on the cow brush and we got some great footage of her having the time of her life.”...

See Also:

About Happy Cow Showdown

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Sarah Notes: Remember JUNE is Dairy Month!

A $6 million overhaul will turn this Wisconsin farm into a mountain biking hub

The Community Trail Farm in La Crosse, WI, is set to connect the region`s MTB trails, creating a trail hub and a bona fide mountain bike destination.

Wisconsin is known for its farms. The state produces a quarter of America’s cheese, is third in milk production, second in butter production, and ranks first in the nation for corn, cranberries, ginseng, and snap beans. It is also a leading producer of oats, potatoes, carrots, tart cherries, maple syrup, and sweet corn.

However, there is one farm near La Crosse, Wisconsin, that will soon grow experiences instead of crops. The Community Trail Farm Project is the Outdoor Recreation Alliance Trail’s (ORA Trails) idea to connect the community to itself and the outdoors. The proposed $6 million project will revolve around a robust network of shared-use trails and amenities designed to make outdoor access easier and more inclusive.

Singletracks recently spoke with Josh Hein, the project administrator for the Community Trail Farm Project, to learn about the origin of the project and when it will become a reality...

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Fire In The Shire

Castlerock Museum

Saturday, June 7, 2025 from 10:00am - 4:00pm

Join us for our Annual Festival is a city-wide celebration of all things medieval. Highlights will include: fighting demonstrations by the Wisconsin Historical Fencing Association, fire breathing and sword swallowing by Kazimir the Hungry, medieval music by Bardmageddon, and a quest to find the “Holy Grail” in the shops of the shire. One Eye Dave’s Hotdogs will provide concessions....

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New Business BBQ Starting in Coulee Region Business Center

JUNE MEAT AND GREET

Saturday, JUNE 7th Noon Til???
1100 Kane Street, La Crosse
(Coulee Region Business Center)

Coulee Region Business Center directions

Bring your dad and your favorite grad down to the CRBC on Saturday, June 7th for a great deal on all of your BBQ favorites! Food starts at 12 pm until sold out.June Menu:
Rib Combo
Brisket Sando
Pulled Pork Sando
Sides: Mac and Cheese, Coleslaw

Meat. Fire. Smoke. Just what the Doctor ordered.

We are excited to bring our Texas style BBQ to the Coulee region! Whether you need catering to feed 200 people or 20 we are here to make sure you and your guests have a meal you`ll never forget.

608-386-3118

Info@doctormoobbq.com

Website

Facebook

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Ken Notes: Great conversation, they are starting with catering and Pop Ups and hope to grow into a truck and eventually brick and mortar. Mention Dr. Who sent you!

West Salem students set sail in a cardboard boat STEM challenge

WEST SALEM, Wis. (WXOW) – Seventh graders from West Salem Middle School took their STEM skills to the water Tuesday afternoon.

As part of a hands-on learning project, students built cardboard boats and launched them from the South Neshonoc Boat Landing.

Their mission—paddle to a buoy and back without sinking, roughly 40 yards away from shore.

The challenge is part of their STEM curriculum and pushes students to use creativity, teamwork, and engineering concepts in a real-world setting.

This year, nearly 30 boats built from cardboard, duct tape, and other supplies hit the water.

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VIDEO: Project to transform Viroqua’s historic bath house into Viroqua Welcome Center breaks ground

VIROQUA, Wis. – On Thursday, City of Viroqua officials and the WPA Bath House Task Force held “mortar removal” ceremony to officially kick off a construction project that will transform the former WPA Bath House into the Viroqua Welcome Center. The project has been years in the making and a number of key players that helped make the project happen talked about the long path to bring the project to reality, and all the pieces that had to come together.

The former bath house has been sitting in a dilapidated state for years since the former city outdoor pool closed around 2005. The building served as the entrance and changing facility for the cities outdoor pool until the pool closed. The city council over the years considered several alternative uses for the site including moving the bath house and making the site a parking lot, using it as a site for a new city hall, and at one point considered the possibility of making it the center for splash pad and green space...

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Vernon Memorial Healthcare to expand services and rebrand as Vernon Health

VIROQUA, Wis. – Vernon Memorial Healthcare in Viroqua announced last week that they rebranding as Vernon Health. In a press release, Vernon Health said they will remain an independent, critical access hospital guided by a local board of directors, allowing it to deliver personalized care suited to its rural community’s needs.

“This rebrand is more than a new name and logo — it’s a reflection of who we are and where we’re going,” said Vernon Memorial CEO David Hartberg. “We’re honoring our legacy while embracing a future focused on innovation, accessibility and deep community connection.” ...

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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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Wieser Concrete celebrates 60 years: New processes but the same values

Wieser Concrete, a precast concrete manufacturer, celebrated its 60th anniversary in 2025, spanning three generations, tons of technology advancements and dozens of site additions.

Current CEO Andy Wieser’s father, Joseph H. Wieser, started operations in the very same Maiden Rock location in 1965. About 10 years ago, they tore the original building down and rebuilt it to allow for larger equipment. They have made additions to the facility around 25 times, but through it all, they have stayed at the original site for their home location.

Wieser’s other locations are in Portage, Fond du Lac, Weston, Spooner, Menomonie, Jordan, Minn., Roxana, Ill. and Rosemount, Minn.

When Joe started the business, the concrete was mixed by hand, shoveling into a portable mixer. Plenty of the original equipment has remained in the facility as well.

“Old equipment still works if you just take care of it,” Wieser said.

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2025 Wisconsin Dairy Breakfasts

Wisconsin dairy breakfasts celebrate June Dairy Month. Agri-View is publishing a calendar weekly in print, as well as online, with updates as we receive them. Email agriview@madison.com with breakfast information including time and date, location with street address, what will be included, and a contact website, email or phone number to learn more information.

Visit Google Maps to see an interactive map.

Monroe County Dairy Breakfast

The Monroe County Dairy Breakfast Committee is pleased to announce the location of the 2025 Dairy Breakfast. The date has been set for June 7th, 2025. The host location for this year’s Monroe County Dairy Breakfast will be at Chapman Farms. The location for the yearly-celebrated event is 21509 Gladeview Avenue.

Crawford County Dairy Breakfast

The breakfast will be held from 6 to 10 a.m. June 7 at Achenbach`s Hy-View Farms, 29245 Wisconsin Highway 27, Eastman, Wisconsin. Call 608-438-6537 for more information.

La Crosse County Dairy Breakfast

The breakfast will be held from 6 to 11 a.m. June 14 at La Crosse County Interstate Fairgrounds, N4985 County Road M, West Salem, Wisconsin. Call 608-769-5402 for more information.

Trempealeau County Dairy Breakfast

44th Annual Breakfast Saturday, June 14, 2025 Serving 6 am - 11am. Kruger Family Farm, N49494 County Road Y, Eleva WI.

Vernon County Dairy Breakfast

The breakfast will be held from 7 to 11 a.m. June 14 at Lepke Family Farm, U.S. Highway 14, Viroqua, Wisconsin. Call 608-606-0183 for more information.

Pierce County Dairy Breakfast

The breakfast will be held from 7:30 to 11 a.m. June 14 at Peterson Family Dairy, W10322 Wisconsin Highway 29, River Falls, Wisconsin. Call 715-808-4443 for more information.

Pepin County Town and Country Dairy Breakfast

The breakfast will be held from 6:30 to 11 a.m. June 21 at Brunner`s Hillside Dairy, N6037 County Road V, Durand, Wisconsin. Visit www.facebook.com/events/612282668259633/ for more information.

Buffalo County Dairy Breakfast

This year`s event is hosted by Rotering Ridge Beef & Dairy LLC. Save the date, SUNDAY, June 22, 2025! Facebook link

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Housing development to bring over 300 single-family lots to Holmen

HOLMEN, Wis. (WKBT) -- Over 350 new housing lots will soon be available in Holmen.

According to Village Administrator Scott Heinig, there will be separate developments. 270 single family housing lots will be built south of Prairie View Elementary school and 90 more will go in north of Holmen High School.

"Since 2010, the Village of Holmen has partnered with private developers and investors to build streets and infrastructure that has brought in over 2000 new housing units and over 4000 new residents into our community. Holmen now has a population of approximately 13,000 and is considered the fastest growing community in western Wisconsin. We are very blessed to have outstanding partners and leadership working together to move our beautiful community forward," said Heinig in a statement to News 8 Now.

According to Mike Pietrek, Board President of the La Crosse Area Relators Association, the average cost of a new home in Holmen is between $400,000 and $500,000, and they`re usually purchased by people buying their second or third home...

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Talking Housing Growth with La Crosse Planning & Development Director Andrea Trane

The newly titled Planning & Development Director, Andrea Trane is leading the efforts to change the City’s nearly 40-year-old zoning regulations, which have become a barrier to building the type of housing La Crosse needs.

Andrea Trane’s title changed last month when the City’s inspection department moved from being under the Fire Chief to under City Planning — which is where it was at least 15 years ago.

The Department has hired a consulting company that is already out talking about zoning with area groups. The goal is to have the regulations allow for more flexibility in housing options.

Trane explained on La Crosse Talk that the city is still using the zoning codes from the1980’s, which were primarily focused on single-family residential development. The city now aims to introduce “missing middle” housing – a density range between single-family homes and large apartment complexes...

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Bipartisan support builds for studying nuclear power in Wisconsin

Wisconsin has just one nuclear power plant. Republican legislation, along with an initiative from Democratic Gov. Tony Evers, could move the state toward more nuclear power.

The GOP-led Senate Bill 125, introduced in March, would require the state Public Service Commission, which regulates electric and gas utilities in Wisconsin, to conduct a nuclear power siting study.

The study would identify nuclear power generation opportunities on existing power generation sites, as well as on sites not now used for power generation.

It would help Wisconsin “catch up with other states that have already made important strides in exploring new nuclear energy,” said Paul Wilson, chair of the Department of Nuclear Engineering at the University of Wisconsin-Madison...

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Ken Notes: Small modular reactors (SMRs) are very interesting they allow for Modular Design, Smaller Size, Siting Flexibility, Incremental Power Addition, and Reduced Carbon Emissions.

The Great River Road

MAP		Discover Wisconsin Great River Road Video

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UWL grads bring wealth of knowledge, compassion to Tomah Health rehab services

There’s a strong connection between UW-La Crosse and Tomah Health?, especially when it comes to the hospital’s Rehabilitation Services Department.

Over the years, many UWL grads have made their way to Tomah Health, where they’ve built meaningful careers helping patients regain strength, mobility and independence. Today, nearly 75% of Tomah Health’s Rehabilitation Services Department (RSD) is made up of UWL alumni.

“The University of Wisconsin-La Crosse has been instrumental in consistently supplying qualified professionals for our Rehabilitation Services Department,” says Tomah Health CEO Derek Daly. “The relationship with UWL has led to the hiring of a number of graduates who help us provide high-quality rehab services to our patients.”

Alexander Morgan, ’20, is among the network of UWL alumni working within Tomah Health’s RSD. Morgan earned a master`s degree in occupational therapy and now works as an outpatient occupational therapist. ..

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Pierce County Economic Development Corp. honors local achievements at Annual Awards Breakfast

PRESCOTT - A packed house of community and business leaders gathered Thursday, May 15, at The Ridgetop in Prescott to celebrate the Pierce County Economic Development Corporation (PCEDC) Annual Awards Breakfast, an event that highlighted the people and projects helping to drive economic success throughout the county.

The morning was filled with celebration, gratitude, and forward-looking enthusiasm. Master of ceremonies Nate Boettcher, CEO of Pierce-Pepin Cooperative Services, welcomed attendees with remarks about the progress Pierce County has made and the importance of continuing to share its success stories.

“Sometimes we’re a little too humble,” Boettcher said. “But we have a great story to tell in Pierce County, and events like this remind us to be proud of the work we do and the communities we’re building.”...

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A re-entry program and eatery are sources of hope for former inmates seeking employment

LA CROSSE (WKBT) -- It`s a harsh reality for those living life "on paper." About 3.7 million people in America carry this label, meaning they are currently on parole or probation. One of the biggest hurdles they face is landing a job.

Thirty percent of people with a criminal background are unemployed in the U.S. -- a staggering statistic that can lead to repeat offenses and reincarceration, costing the U.S. economy billions of dollars.

"When I left jail that day, I told myself that I am never, ever, ever going back," said Chris Barker, former inmate of La Crosse County Jail.

A hopeful declaration by Barker, especially when life hits harder on the outside for him.

Barker was released from the La Crosse County Jail three years ago. He wants to work for the City of La Crosse as an MTU bus driver.

"They make $23 an hour, that`s pretty good," said Barker.

But it`s not an easy journey when you have a history behind bars...

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EmPATH unit to bridge behavioral healthcare gap in region

Unit on the hospital’s La Crosse campus is the first of its kind in Wisconsin

LA CROSSE – Behavioral health care is a special kind of care, Heather Schimmers, president of Emplify Health by Gundersen, said, and it deserves to be delivered in a special place.

The EmPATH unit under construction on Emplify Health by Gundersen’s La Crosse campus, she said, is a forward-thinking example of that.

EmPATH – an acronym for “emergency psychiatric assessment, treatment and healing” – Schimmers said, is an alternative way to treat patients who present in a hospital emergency room (ER) while in a mental health crisis.

Though EmPATH units exist worldwide, she said the unit being established within the behavioral health department on the hospital’s La Crosse campus is the first of its kind in Wisconsin...

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DBS Group’s intentional focus on creating, maintaining customer-focused relationships is key to growth

ONALASKA – Less than a year and a half after a ribbon-cutting ceremony at its new Onalaska headquarters at 200 French Road, DBS Group has already found the need to expand, adding another 3,605 square feet to its existing 6,300-square-foot facility.

DBS Group President/CEO Chris Walters said the expansion will allow the company to grow by approximately another 20 employees and provide additional office space, collaborative work areas and additional amenities to support the firm’s expanding design-build construction operations...

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Tourism Resources and Events in Our Region

Monroe County Events Calendar	Crawford County (Driftless Wisconsin) 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.