Subscribe

   ...Full Story Here

Dear Local Government Stakeholder,

These include projects funded through the Local Roads Improvement Program (LRIP), the Agricultural Roads Improvement Program (ARIP), and the Local Small Structure Improvement Program (LSSIP).

WisDOT encourages early coordination with DNR Transportation Liaisons to identify potential environmental issues early in design and avoid late "surprises" that may impact project design, schedules and budgets.
If applicable to your project, you should coordinate early with the appropriate DNR Transportation Liaison directly throughout project development and prior to construction, as needed.

This reminder is being shared broadly as a proactive informational resource and may or may not be applicable to your municipality or project.

<https://wisconsindot.gov/Documents/doing-bus/local-gov/astnce-pgms/highway/environ-let.pdf>



Thank you,
WisDOT Local Programs   ...Full Story Here

Ken Notes: See more details at the link...

LA CROSSE COUNTY, Wis. (WEAU) - From fighting homelessness to cutting energy bills, Couleecap is pulling back the curtain on exactly how it served thousands of La Crosse County families last year.

According to its latest impact dashboard, Couleecap served over 8,200 people in La Crosse County in 2025. This includes supporting 193 individuals through its homeless programs.

“We provide services to people who might be experiencing housing insecurity or homelessness by providing direct housing services and case management,” Couleecap Executive Director Hetti Brown said. “We also help people realize the dream of homeownership through homebuyer education programs and financial counseling matched with down payment assistance programs.”

The dashboard also highlights 76 homes in La Crosse County that were weatherized last year...

   ...Full Story Here

WEST SALEM, Wis. (WEAU) - The Winding Rivers Library System is announcing that the Dolly Parton Imagination Library’s book gifting program will be launched throughout the counties of Buffalo, Trempealeau, Jackson, La Crosse, Monroe, Vernon, and Juneau on Jan. 4, 2027.

According to a press release from the library system, Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library mails free age-appropriate books to registered children every month from birth to age 5.

“As we celebrate and remember the positive impact Dolly has left on our world, we thought it was fitting to announce the Dolly Parton Imagination Library will be launched throughout the seven counties of the Winding Rivers Library System on January 4, 2027. As library professionals, we agree with Dolly that you can never get enough books into the hands of children,” said Jessica Schoonover, Project and Grants Manager, Winding Rivers Library System.

Additional information regarding the program, including registration, is available HERE: Dolly Parton Imagination Library | Winding Rivers Library System...

   ...Full Story Here

Notes:Ken Video at the link...

WEST SALEM, Wis. (WXOW) – Linda's Bakery is joining a statewide effort to help families impacted by the late-July tornadoes that swept through central Wisconsin.

Starting Friday, Aug. 28, the bakery will participate in the Sweet Relief fundraiser alongside bakeries from across the state.

One hundred percent of the proceeds from select items, including pizza bread, Nanaimo bars, raspberry oatmeal bars (1 dz pack), trail mix and cereal cookie granola, will help provide local disaster food relief.

"I recently drove through the Appleton area and you can see there's still a lot of damage and destruction," said Bob Anderson, general manager for Linda's Bakery. "So whether it's providing need right now or restocking to replenish what was used, it's helping feed people that have been displaced from their homes."....

   ...Full Story Here

Great River Road NEW Website

Monroe County Events Calendar	Crawford County Events Calendar	Vernon County Events Calendar
La Crosse County Events Calendar	Trempealeau County Events Calendar	Buffalo County Events Calendar
Pepin County Events Calendar	Pierce County Events Calendar	Jackson County Events Calendar

   ...Full Story Here

Yes, Wisconsin does have wines worth trying. Discover the state’s grapes, appellations and best bottles with the help of experts from American Wine Project and Square Wine Co.

   ...Full Story Here

Ken Notes: Many from our region along the Mississippi!

RICHLAND CENTER, Wis. (WMTV) - Developers of a high voltage transmission line held open houses in Richland and Crawford counties to address concerns after plans for the project caught many across southern Wisconsin off guard.

Midcontinent Grid Solutions held the events to answer questions about the proposed BECI project, which would include an approximately 190-mile, 765-kilovolt transmission line running from Crawford County to the Wisconsin/Illinois border.

Proposed 765-kilovolt transmission line draws support, opposition across southern Wisconsin

   ...Full Story Here

The average herd now produces five times more milk per cow than a century ago, keeping the state competitive despite losing dairy farms.

   ...Full Story Here

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

   ...Full Story Here

The Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) would like to share a reminder regarding updated guidance pertaining to best practices for a successful project reimbursement for the Local Roads Improvement Program (LRIP) program.

PLEASE NOTE: Failure to satisfy LRIP reimbursement requirements may result in a denial of the reimbursement request.

To prevent issues with your reimbursement request, please remember to include the following documentation:

    1.  Affidavit of publications or both ad publications.
    2.  Municipal board meeting minutes or notice of award that list all contractors and bid amounts (even if only one bid was received) and identify which contractor was awarded.
        a.  A bid tabulation listing all bids and bid amounts supplementing the board minutes is recommended.
    3.  Itemized invoices for all eligible engineering and construction expenses.
        a.  All invoices must clearly identify all LRIP expenses and match amounts submitted in the reimbursement request.
    4.  Proof of payment (check stubs or ACH transfer statement).
    5.  Stamped and signed engineer's certification (if the project cost is over $65,000).

https://wisconsindot.gov/Documents/doing-bus/local-gov/astnce-pgms/highway/lrip/slides-01272026.pdf

Thank you all for your continued participation in LRIP. Please reach out to me directly if you have any questions.

Ryan Whitehead (He/Him/His)
Statewide Local Roads Improvement Program Manager
608-266-7269 office
ryanm.whitehead@dot.wi.gov


   ...Full Story Here

RIVER FALLS — Following an official statewide proclamation by Gov. Tony Evers recognizing September as Wisconsin Chamber of Commerce Month, the River Falls Chamber of Commerce and Tourism Bureau is proud to join communities across the state in highlighting the immense value of local enterprise. Wisconsin remains one of the few states nationally to formally set aside a month honoring chambers of commerce and their impact.

Throughout September, the River Falls Chamber of Commerce and Tourism Bureau is highlighting its ongoing commitment to the community by continuing to deliver the core services, advocacy, and resources our investors rely on every day. Rather than changing our routine, we are focusing on what we do best: supporting local businesses, strengthening our local economy, and fostering a vibrant place to live and work.

September is also a prime time to experience local traditions, such as our annual Bacon Bash festival, which brings residents and visitors together...

   ...Full Story Here

LA CROSSE, Wis. (WXOW) — La Crosse County has completed spending $22.9 million in federal American Rescue Plan Act funding awarded in 2021.

The funding supported 36 childcare provider grants, 10 units of adult bridge housing and 64 children or 23 families housed through Thriving Families, according to a presentation delivered to the County Board earlier this month. The investments also created 35 units of long-term care housing for older adults, one workforce readiness center, eight solar arrays, 21 housing redevelopment grants and 14 stormwater infrastructure projects.

For more details, read La Crosse County's ARPA report here.

   ...Full Story Here

VIROQUA, Wis. — Just a year after the Hubbard family announced they would retire their legendary mobile food stand, “Hub’s Fries,” a local farming family has purchased the business, ensuring the community’s favorite french fries will return to local fairs this fall.

For local residents, the news brings a sigh of relief. The sight of the vintage trailer and the smell of fresh-cut potatoes will remain a cornerstone of the southwestern Wisconsin autumn.

For Tucker Gretebeck, keeping that atmosphere alive is personal.

“When I think of the Vernon County Fair, I think of Hub’s Fries, Lion Burgers, and the cheese curds,” Tucker Gretebeck said.

Thanks to the Gretebecks, fairgoers can count on having all three on their plates once again this year...

   ...Full Story Here

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

   ...Full Story Here