News and Notes from MRRPC
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La Crosse uses AARP grant to inspire housing solutions
The city of La Crosse is hoping a new online design library of Accessory Dwelling Units will help inspire residents to build one.The units have been touted as a possible solution to housing shortages. After the city was awarded nearly $20,000 last year through AARP Wisconsin’s Community Challenge, it asked residents to submit designs to show the community what is possible in their own backyards.
Lewis
Coleman, environmental and sustainability planner for the city of La
Crosse, said the secondary housing units can be attached to, or separate
from, the main house...
Ken Notes: some interesting projects at the "library" above!
Over 1,000 students compete in State Ice Fishing Championship on Mississippi River
LA CROSSE, Wis. (WXOW) - A fresh snowfall in the Coulee Region was a nice supplement as many were out on the Mississippi River between Trempealeau and Stoddard for the 2025 WIFA State Ice Fishing Championship.
Over 1,000 high school students and around 90 teams from across Wisconsin participated in the two day competition...
...Full Story Here
Wisconsin Governor visits local Peterson farm
Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers visited the Peterson Dairy Farm on the south end of River Falls this past Thursday to announce additional state grant funding to help farmers control soil erosion, with the end goal of cleaner water. The current state-aid to help Wisconsin farmers sustain and improve their soil in the previous budget cycle was $1.5 million. The 2025-27 budget cycle for the farmer-led research soil conservation practices will be $2.5 million statewide, a 67-percent increase."We learned that nobody can change a farmer`s opinion better than a farmer," said Pierce County Land Conservation Technician Dan Sitz.
"They (farmers) probably aren`t going to listen to the state to tell them how to run their land and they shouldn`t," said Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers during the informal discussion inside the Peterson pole shed. "It`s a nothing burger (the funding increase) in the whole scheme of things and it`s a good investment. It`s not only the right thing to do, the work is being done by the farmers that know what they`re doing. It`s simple." ...
Four developers committed to developing over 100 units of housing in Viroqua’s Hanson Farm development
VIROQUA, Wis. – The Viroqua City Council accepted an agreement from a developer for the last remaining residential lots in what is known as the “Hanson Farm” development on Viroqua’s north side on Tuesday. The council approved a proposal from Riverland LLC to build two 12 unit apartment buildings and 10 townhomes. That means all of the residential property that has been proposed for the development have all been spoken for.The process of developing the property began in 2023 when the approximately 23 acres was initially purchased for development by the Viroqua Development Association for $650,000.
The city later purchased the property from the VDA and hired Vierbicher and Associates to do site development. Vierbicher came up with a site plan that laid out site infrastructure, how the lots would be situated and generally the types of housing desired. The initial site plan included three commercial lots just north of the existing Culvers and about the same general size as the Culvers lot. The plan called for residential lots behind those commercial lots with access to the residential area via a new street the would run from the area of the Walmart entrance, west to Chicago Ave. There will be a retention pond on the southwest corner of the property to manage the fairly significant amount of runoff that runs across the property...
Regional Economic Development Entities
...Full Story Here
Ellsworth, town of Gilman receive state grants for road improvements
ARIP funds assist with roads that support farmers, producers
Last week, Gov. Tony Evers and the Wisconsin Department of Transportation announced an investment of $100 million for 55 projects to assist with fixing and upgrading local roads that support Wisconsin’s farmers and producers, as well as statewide agricultural and forestry industries throughout the state. Two of those projects are in Pierce County.
The Village of Ellsworth will receive an Agricultural Roads Improvement Program (ARIP) grant totaling $1,795,875, which will be used to fund the reconstruction of streets, sidewalks, curb and gutter, and stormwater systems on Wall and Morse streets. This project also includes plans for water and sewer upgrades, along with the addition of new streetscaping. Additionally, the village is exploring further funding and grant opportunities to expand the project to include Broadway Street.
Ellsworth Creamery CEO Kevin Pieh is grateful for the investment in Ellsworth’s infrastructure. Morse Street runs past the creamery in Ellsworth’s East End...
The Village of Ellsworth will receive an Agricultural Roads Improvement Program (ARIP) grant totaling $1,795,875, which will be used to fund the reconstruction of streets, sidewalks, curb and gutter, and stormwater systems on Wall and Morse streets. This project also includes plans for water and sewer upgrades, along with the addition of new streetscaping. Additionally, the village is exploring further funding and grant opportunities to expand the project to include Broadway Street.
Ellsworth Creamery CEO Kevin Pieh is grateful for the investment in Ellsworth’s infrastructure. Morse Street runs past the creamery in Ellsworth’s East End...
...Full Story Here
Eat. Sleep. Camp. Repeat at Hixton/Alma Center KOA
West Central Wisconsin campground wins industry Icon Award
WEST CENTRAL WISCONSIN – Coming up on its ninth season of business, John and Debbie Bierbach – owners of the Hixton/Alma Center KOA – said people need to “camp more and worry less.”
Because they put their “heart and soul into what we do,” the couple said the campground was recently recognized with the KOA Icon Award.
According to the KOA (Kampgrounds of America) website – koa.com – the Icon Award is given to the top 10% of KOA campgrounds in North America and recognizes campgrounds that provide exceptional guest experiences and uphold the KOA brand’s values.
“More specifically, over the past year, KOA has taken a new approach to recognizing campgrounds and their superior excellence through this award,” John said. “It involves a more targeted criteria. It then recognizes the top 10% of similar-sized parks across the KOA system.”
John said the Hixton/Alma Center KOA, located at N9657 State Road 95 in Alma Center, was the only KOA recognized in the State of Wisconsin...
Because they put their “heart and soul into what we do,” the couple said the campground was recently recognized with the KOA Icon Award.
According to the KOA (Kampgrounds of America) website – koa.com – the Icon Award is given to the top 10% of KOA campgrounds in North America and recognizes campgrounds that provide exceptional guest experiences and uphold the KOA brand’s values.
“More specifically, over the past year, KOA has taken a new approach to recognizing campgrounds and their superior excellence through this award,” John said. “It involves a more targeted criteria. It then recognizes the top 10% of similar-sized parks across the KOA system.”
John said the Hixton/Alma Center KOA, located at N9657 State Road 95 in Alma Center, was the only KOA recognized in the State of Wisconsin...
...For more information on the Hixton/Alma Center KOA, visit koa.com/campgrounds/hixton or find it on Facebook.
...Full Story Here
The Great River Road
Ellsworth Creamery Launches New Logo and Comprehensive Rebranding Initiative
ELLSWORTH, Wis.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Ellsworth Creamery, a renowned leader in the dairy industry and the “Cheese Curd Capital of Wisconsin,” is proud to unveil its new logo and announce a comprehensive rebranding initiative that reflects the company’s legacy, values, and forward-thinking vision.
“Our new look reflects who we are today while staying true to our roots as a cooperative built on the dedication and hard work of our farmers.”
The updated logo embodies the spirit of innovation while honoring Ellsworth Creamery’s heritage as a farmer-owned cooperative. Designed to resonate with modern consumers, the new visual identity emphasizes freshness, quality, and a deep connection to the Midwest dairy community.
"A New Look for a Bright Future"
“This rebranding effort is more than just a new logo. It’s about reaffirming our commitment to excellence and embracing our evolution as a trusted name in the dairy industry,” said John Freeman, Director of Sales and Marketing. “Our new look reflects who we are today while staying true to our roots as a cooperative built on the dedication and hard work of our farmers.”Key Elements of the Rebranding Initiative
- Modernized Logo: A sleek and contemporary design that celebrates the creamery’s legacy and quality craftsmanship.
- Updated Packaging: Redesigned product packaging with vibrant visuals, clear labeling, and a cohesive brand story to enhance shelf appeal.
- Enhanced Customer Experience: A refreshed website and digital presence to better serve retail and food service customers nationwide.
- Commitment to Sustainability: Reinforcement of sustainable practices in production and packaging as part of Ellsworth Creamery’s long-term goals.
...Full Story Here
Kitchen Solvers of La Crosse transitions to new ownership
LA CROSSE – With a full ownership change finalized and a move to a new, larger location complete, Bryce Crowley, co-owner of Kitchen Solvers of La Crosse, said the company is poised to support even more customers.
“It’s one of the most gratifying jobs out there, as the kitchen is the heart of the home and people congregate there,” he said. “When it’s efficient and updated, it brings people so much joy.”
Crowley said he now owns the business 50/50 with his partner and lead installer, Dan Kollauf.
The duo became co-owners about five years ago, buying into 30% of the business then owned by Crowley’s parents, Brian and Suzie....
For more information, visit kitchensolvers.com/la-crosse.
...Full Story Here
Strong-rooted La Crosse business named finalist for manufacturing award
Inland Packaging in running for 36th Annual Manufacturer of the Year recognition
LA CROSSE – Over the past 80-plus years, Lilly Blum – marketing and CRM manager with Inland Packaging – said the company has strived to carve out its spot in the industry as one of the go-to providers of labels and flexible packaging for beverages, food, consumer products, pet, health and beauty, wine and spirits and other markets.
“By combining expertise, customization, and a continuous improvement approach, Inland is able to partner with customers to create exceptional labels and packaging,” she said.
Strong foundation
That focus on continuous improvement, Blum said, started in 1944 with John Glendenning.
“Glendenning moved his family to La Crosse in 1944 to purchase what was then the Inland Group,” Blum said. “Under his ownership, Inland expanded beyond printing garage forms to become a full-service print shop, producing posters, forms and more using offset presses.”...
...Full Story HereWWBIC -Finding Your Money Ballance
Good Afternoon,Join us online or in-person for an insightful training on how your experiences shape your financial behaviors—and how to make money work for you!
Register at the link:
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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.
Staff
JON BINGOL
Executive Director
jon@mrrpc.com
KEN HARWOOD
Planner
ken@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
Regional Guides
Regional Guides
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Other Websites
- https://www.mississippivalleyconservancy.org/
- Pierce County Tourism (arcgis.com)
- Visitor Information | Buffalo County, WI - Official Website (buffalocountywi.gov)
- Crawford County Tourism Council | Facebook
- Explore the La Crosse Region - ExploreLaCrosse
- LaCrosse Local
- Black River Falls Country - The Northwoods Close to Home (blackrivercountry.net)
- Go Monroe County WI
- Home - Visit Pepin County Wisconsin
- Trempealeau County
- Visiting | Vernon County (invernoncounty.com)
- Kickapoo Valley Reserve | Home (state.wi.us)
- Nature Preserves | Mississippi Valley Conservancy (Trail Maps for each parcel)
- Where To Eat in the La Crosse Region - ExploreLaCrosse
- Visit Pepin WI, Pepin County WI, Welcome To Pepin, Wisconsin
- TUDR-0419-01-16_final-single-page-as-printed-1-1.pdf Trout Unlimited Driftless
- TroutRegsFull2324.pdf (widen.net) State of WI Trout Guide with Maps
- bba454_0d24fe0a6e4e464095ea4767476fcc40.pdf (filesusr.com) old Tomah Guide
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