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News and Notes from MRRPC | |||||||||
![]() This Weeks Articles for 9/22/2026 ...
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FALL COLOR REPORTS | |||||||||
![]() Check fall color conditions across Wisconsin. Fall color reports are updated by our network of 50+ local spotters across the state.The Fall Color Report makes it easy to find the best fall color for your autumn adventures with friends and family. With 100+ local fall color reporters providing regular updates in all 72 counties of the state, this map of Wisconsin shows you where and when to experience spectacular fall color throughout the season. Check predicted peak dates, see up-to-date color percentages and watch as the colors transform the landscape from north to south. No other Wisconsin fall color resource is as comprehensive or timely. Remember: fall color only lasts a few weeks. Don't miss out on experiencing Wisconsin's golden moments with your favorite people!... ![]() | |||||||||
Local businesses receive federal grants for agricultural expansion | |||||||||
![]() SOLDIERS GROVE, Wis. (WKBT) — Two local agricultural businesses will receive federal funding to expand their operations and reach new markets. The U.S. Department of Agriculture announced Monday that Driftless Seed Company, LLC in Soldiers Grove and B&E's Trees, LLC in Viroqua will each receive $200,000 Value-Added Producer Grants. The grants are part of an $800,000 investment in four agricultural projects across Wisconsin. Driftless Seed Company will use the funding to grow its organic seed business, which specializes in vegetable, flower and native prairie seeds for Midwest growers. The company expects to add four jobs. B&E's Trees will use the funding to expand its maple syrup energy product business. The company expects to add nearly 7,700 customers, increase revenue by $446,471, and create or save four jobs, according to the USDA... ...Full Story Here ![]() | |||||||||
Gays Mills Apple Festival | |||||||||
![]() The Gays Mills Apple Festival occurs on the final full weekend in September to coincide with the apple harvest. Located in the heart of the Driftless Region sits Gays Mills, the Apple Capital of Wisconsin. The Apple Festival celebrates the apple harvest with parades, carnivals, arts and crafts, flea markets, music, dancing, fun run/walk, food and festivities. Gays Mills offers many outdoor adventures for all ages from the bucolic Kickapoo River to the scenic Apple Orchards. Dates & TimesSep 25 - Sep 27, 2026 LocationMain St. - Gays Mills, WI 54631 La Crosse Area Guide ...Full Story Here | |||||||||
Tourism Resources and Events in Our Region | |||||||||
![]() Great River Road NEW Website
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La Crosse County asking public for input on Brice Prairie rail crossing feasibility study | |||||||||
![]() ONALASKA, Wis. (WKBT) -- The La Crosse Area Planning Committee is asking residents for input on the County Z and ZN railroad crossings in Brice Prairie. Brice Prairie is a community accessible only by two county roads. Both of those intersect the same BNSF rail line. Officials say passenger and freight vehicles make about 4,000 trips in and out of Brice Prairie at those crossings each day, and the 32 daily train crossings often close both crossings at the same time. La Crosse County is currently conducting the Brice Prairie Railroad Crossing Study to examine long-term safety, mobility, and access needs at the two railroad crossings to see how closures can be reduced. Through a new website launched from over $700,000 in funds awarded by the Biden administration, residents can share their thoughts on the crossings. .. ...Full Story Here ![]() | |||||||||
La Crosse's Oktoberfest parade marshals revealed — including a daughter following her dad's 1989 honor | |||||||||
![]() LA CROSSE, Wis. (WXOW) — Two prominent La Crosse business owners will lead this year's Oktoberfest parades. Doug Billings, president and owner of Gerrard Hoeschler Realtors, is the 2026 Maple Leaf Parade Marshal and Karla Doolittle, owner of Mark Jewellers, is the 2026 Torchlight Parade Marshal. The two were introduced during the Oktoberfest Parade Marshal Reveal on Sept. 15 at Copeland Park. Parade marshals are chosen for their community service and contributions to the area... ![]() | |||||||||
Outstanding Educator: Hamilton Elementary has a garden tender in Jenn Speckeen | |||||||||
![]() LA CROSSE, Wis. (WLAX/WEUX) – Jenn Speckeen has been a Title I teacher at Hamilton SOTA I Elementary for ten years. She says that seeing students’ growth throughout the school year is what got her interested in teaching. “When I came back to teaching after having my own children and staying home with them, I taught first grade. Then I got my reading license because I really get to make a difference with the kids. I get to work in small groups all day long and see the growth one-on-one.” Speckeen also hosts morning meetings and closing circles. They allow parents to meet with the school and each other and see what their children are learning. “It’s so important that we have the parents on board and on our team with learning. The more that we can bring them into the school, and they can see what we’re doing and the communication between the parents and the teachers, the better the relationship with the parents.”... ...Full Story Here ![]() | |||||||||
Regional Economic Development Entities | |||||||||
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8 Wisconsin Pizza Farms Where You Eat Wood-Fired Pies In An Open Field | |||||||||
![]() Wisconsin has a summer tradition you might not know about yet, and it involves grabbing a wood-fired pizza and eating it right in the middle of a working farm. Picture rolling green fields, a playground for the kids, live music drifting across the grass, and a pie made from ingredients grown just steps away. Most of these farms only open on certain days of the week during the warmer months, so timing matters. Here are eight pizza farms across the state where the setting is just as memorable as the food... ...Full Story Here![]() | |||||||||
Oh, deer — or is it an elk? Wisconsin DNR urges hunters to know the difference. | |||||||||
![]() The first stage of deer hunting season in Wisconsin opened last week with the beginning of bow hunting. Disabled and youth hunters may start in October, and the general firearm season opens in November. But before you head out to the woods, Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources officials want to remind you of a very important consideration: recognizing a deer before you take it. That’s especially true and sometimes confusing when it comes to differentiating them from elk.... ...Full Story Here ![]() | |||||||||
Ignite Innovation: From Ideas to Funds | |||||||||
![]() Tuesday, September 29 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Altra Federal Credit Union Operations Center: 1700 Oak Forest Dr, Onalaska, WI. FREE. Lunch included. Registration is required 75 limited seats, register today! Your next idea is waiting. Your plan starts here. Whether you’re an established business looking to turn employee ideas into new opportunities or an entrepreneur building your next great product, this event will show you how to move from idea to action—and action to growth. Danielle Goss noticed a problem nobody had solved. Today, she’s the Founder and CEO of Kul Mocks, and her product is taking over the market as one of the fastest-growing ready-to-drink mocktail brands in the U.S. On September 29, Danielle will walk through how she knew her idea was worth pursuing, how she tested it before she had significant funding, where her first dollars came from, and what it took to turn an idea into a growing business. Followed by a panel on non-traditional financing, featuring angel investors and small business grant experts who will answer the question everyone in the room actually has: Where should I look for funding, and what do I need to secure it? You’ll leave with practical next steps and connections to the people and resources that can help make your idea a reality. Future Events:
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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. StaffJON BINGOL Executive Director jon@mrrpc.com KEN HARWOOD Planner ken@mrrpc.com KIA KLING Planner kia@mrrpc.com JACK ZABROWSKI Senior Planner Jack@mrrpc.com SARAH OFTE Senior Office Manager sarah@mrrpc.com 811 Monitor St. Suite 201 La Crosse, WI 54603 Phone: 608.785.9396 Fax: 608.785.9394 Email: plan@mrrpc.com ![]() |