This Page Contains 4 Weeks Data - Click Here For This Week
News and Notes from MRRPC
This Weeks Articles for 11/19/2024 ...
- Committee gathers feedback for Long-Range Metropolitan Transportation Plan in La Crosse ...
- Vernon County forms Housing Task Force, seeks input from residents with housing survey...
- Vernon County celebrates community spirit at annual awards banquet...
- Vernon County Solid Waste Department wins Wisconsin Recycling Excellence Award...
- UW LaCrosse - Profitable and planet-friendly...
- Hmong organization in La Crosse receives national honor for assisting families own, maintain homes...
- Search for second airline to serve La Crosse continues, as airport requests money from the county...
- Major La Crosse development underway after years of planning...
- Dairyland Power awarded DOE battery storage cooperative agreement for rural communities...
State of the Region meeting
Register now for our State of the Region meeting
Wednesday, Nov. 20 from 10:30 to 2
Registration is $35 for members and $40 for non-members.
...Full Story Here
Thank veterans for service, foresight
For Veterans Day, held Nov. 11, it’s customary to thank veterans for protecting our freedom by upholding their oath to protect and defend the Constitution, even unto death. We know the actions of veterans have made a difference in everyday life because of the rights we enjoy. We thank veterans by fulfilling the responsibility that comes with each right. Many also thank veterans for their service in war and peacetime. But the contribution of some veterans changes everyday life in ways most don’t realize. One of those veterans was Robert McCoy.Committee gathers feedback for Long-Range Metropolitan Transportation Plan in La Crosse
LA CROSSE (WKBT) -- The La Crosse Planning Committee gathered feedback from the public at their open house for the Long-Range Metropolitan Transportation Plan Wednesday.
The plan is updated every five years to ensure the planning committee is meeting current transportation needs in the city.
Road, public transit, and pedestrian projects are all addressed in the plan...
Didn`t make it to the open house? No problem! Share your thoughts by taking our survey:
www.surveymonkey.com/r/LAPC_MTP
...Full Story Here
New Amtrak train hits passenger milestone
LA CROSSE, Wis. (WXOW) - A celebration in La Crosse on Thursday afternoon as a local passenger train reaches a major milestone.
Back in May, Amtrack added a second daily train between Chicago and St. Paul with La Crosse as one of the stops along the way.
The "Borealis" offered another option for people to travel.
On Thursday, Amtrak and supporters of the "Borealis" said the number of passengers riding the train hit the 100,000 mark...
West Salem’s new bike park near Lake Neshonoc officially open
Bicyclists got their first taste of a new bike track in West Salem, after a ribbon cutting Thursday.
ORA Trails bike park, close to Lake Neshonoc, was developed over the past three years to feature hills and ramps for riders of all ages to use. Construction began in early July. Nearly all its $300,000 cost came from area donors...
...Full Story HereKen Notes: Congrats West Salem!
Pierce County Economic Development Corporation welcomes new executive Director
ELLSWORTH – The Pierce County Economic Development Corporation (EDC) welcomes Lauren Highfill as its new Executive Director.Highfill comes to the EDC from the city of West Concord, Minn. where she served as the City Clerk and Treasurer. During that time, she closely worked with community members, businesses, and city leaders to help maximize strategies and eliminate barriers to economic growth. Highfill previously spent time in New Orleans, La. working with the Red Cross, supporting disaster recovery efforts, and working for a private company doing project management work and legal research.
“Lauren’s broad experience in supporting and developing strong relationships is a vital part of the EDC activities,” stated Nate Boettcher, EDC board chair.
Highfill comes to the EDC at a transition point with the retirement announcement of current EDC Executive Director Joe Folsom, who has been instrumental in leading the EDC over the past seven years.
...Full Story Here
Ken Notes: Welcome Lauren!
Vernon County forms Housing Task Force, seeks input from residents with housing survey
Housing is an issue across the whole country and Vernon County is no exception. Vernon County officials are taking steps recently to tackle the housing issue with the formation of a housing task force and conducting a countywide housing study that includes a housing survey.
The County recently formed a housing task-force that will included county board representatives, county staff and community stakeholders that represent various sectors of the community. Task force members were recently approved by the Board of Supervisors and they held their first meeting on Oct. 30...
...Full Story HereBlack River Memorial Hospital and Krohn Clinic merge to form `Black River Health`
BLACK RIVER FALLS, Wis. (WKBT) -- Black River Memorial Hospital will merge with Krohn Clinic.Hospital officials made the announcement Monday, indicating that the two would merge to form "Black River Health".
The decision to merge comes as health outcomes in Jackson County have fallen behind the rest of the state of Wisconsin, according to Black River Memorial Hospital.
The new entity will try to attract new providers and offer more specialties.
Vernon County celebrates community spirit at annual awards banquet
VIROQUA, Wis. – The second annual Vernon County Awards banquet was a huge success for all who attended. Over 200 community members from across the region gathered to celebrate the reasons Vernon County is a great place to work, live, and play.The night was filled with high spirits and celebration as the community came together to recognize the outstanding individuals, businesses, and organizations making a difference in our community. The winners of this year’s Vernon County Awards are:
· Small Business of the Year: Fine Lines Beauty & Boutique...Full Story Here
· Large Business of the Year: Kickapoo Counseling
· Non-Profit of the Year: Vernon County Trauma Task Force
· Event of the Year: Coon Valley 175th
· Community Impact Award: Caron Malin
· Partnership for Progress: Habitat for Humanity of the Greater La Crosse Region & The City of Hillsboro
· Youth Leadership Award: Natalie Volden
· Resilience Award: Snowflake Ski Club
· Emerging Entrepreneur Award: Jovita’s Kitchen
· Heritage Preservation and Cultural Development Award: Driftless Region Día de Muertos Celebration
· People’s Choice Award: Nevi Fest
Ken Notes: Congrats...
100% resilient, renewable energy healthcare campus
ONALASKA – The steps to make Gundersen’s Onalaska campus a 100% resilient, renewable energy healthcare campus are officially underway – a project that will make the facility one of the first to accomplish the task in the country.
Envision Project Manager Ariel Thomas said the health system will install a microgrid on the Onalaska campus – which will combine a new battery energy storage system with Gundersen’s existing solar panels and energy generated through a longtime partnership with the La Crosse County Landfill.
Thomas said the microgrid is the last piece of the puzzle in the health system’s drive for power sustainability and resiliency...
...Full Story HereVernon County Solid Waste Department wins Wisconsin Recycling Excellence Award
MADISON, Wis. – In honor of America Recycles Day, the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) announces the winners of the 2024 Wisconsin Recycling Excellence Awards.Wisconsin’s recycling law bans certain materials from the trash and establishes a statewide recycling program. This year, the DNR recognizes 13 organizations for going beyond what is required by law.
This year’s winners include:...
- theExchange: La Crosse Area Furniture Bank (La Crosse County): theExchange has operated since 2016 as a charitable furniture bank providing basic household items to La Crosse-area residents experiencing hardships such as homelessness, domestic violence, disability/aging, veteran status and other impacts of poverty...
- University of Wisconsin-La Crosse (La Crosse County): The University of Wisconsin-La Crosse wanted to reduce waste material generated by students moving out of college dorms. To do this, it partnered with the Greater La Crosse Region Habitat for Humanity. ...
- Green Circle Recycling, LLC (La Crosse County): Green Circle Recycling is a single-stream processing facility in La Crosse. Uniquely, Green Circle employs bypass belts and recirculating systems to ensure that all recyclables are captured, optimizing waste reduction...
- Vernon County Solid Waste and Recycling: Vernon County’s Solid Waste and Recycling Department operates a source-separated recycling program that accepts traditional recyclables, appliances, electronics, tires, light bulbs, mattresses, waste oils, antifreeze, oil filters and batteries...
New book vending machine helps State Road Elementary students create their own personal library
LA CROSSE (WKBT) -- State Road Elementary is unveiling a new book vending machine.
Trust Point, a financial planning company, dedicated the machine to the school Friday. The machine is used to promote reading and is one of two in the district with the second one being at Hintgen.
Students have to reach certain goals to earn a special token to use the machine. School officials hope the unique experience will encourage students to build up a home library.
"Every student needs to get excited about
literacy in their own way and this is a really unique opportunity for
students at State Road to have some excitement around receiving a book,"
La Crosse Public Education Foundation Executive Director Nell
Sanders-Scott said. "It gives students access to free reading
materials."
Ken Notes: What a great idea!
Oktoberfest USA invests $142,804 in La Crosse community
LA CROSSE, Wis. (WXOW) - Oktoberfest USA has announced a generous investment of $142,804 into local initiatives, following the successful 63rd Oktoberfest celebration.
This funding will be distributed among a variety of local nonprofits, schools, veterans` groups, and community organizations, furthering Oktoberfest`s tradition of giving back to the Coulee Region.
Among the groups benefiting from the festival’s donations are organizations that provided volunteers during the event, including Holy Trinity Parish, UW-La Crosse Screaming Eagles, La Crescent Animal Rescue, Aptiv Foundation, WI Rush Soccer, Big Brothers Big Sisters, and local Boy Scouts...
UW LaCrosse - Profitable and planet-friendly
Chemistry Professor Robert McGaff pioneers eco-friendly innovations with new patent
At the UW-La Crosse, Chemistry Professor Robert McGaff is making significant strides in scientific research while staying true to his dedication to environmental stewardship. His most recent research has culminated in a U.S. patent awarded to WiSys, an organization focused on promoting scientific innovation within the Universities of Wisconsin. This patent, issued on Nov. 5, marks McGaff`s third and is specifically aimed at creating a method for the oxidation of sulfur-containing compounds.
In 2016, McGaff received the Innovator of the Year
award, WiSys’ top honor for innovators at UW regional universities. He
has continued to innovate since then, producing multiple innovations,
each with significant potential for impact, notes Tony Hanson, WiSys
manager of Intellectual Property and Licensing...
Emplify Health-branded helicopter up and running in WI
WEST CENTRAL WISCONSIN – Bellin and Gundersen Health System have begun flying its Emplify Health-branded helicopter – serving patients across the tri-state region while introducing communities to the organization’s future brand.“Having our helicopter visible to the community makes a strong contribution to telling the story of Emplify Health’s commitment to patient health and well-being,” Gundersen AIR Clinical Manager Janelle Weaver said.
Most socially connected counties in Wisconsin
Most socially connected counties in Wisconsin
While social media has its drawbacks—such as pulling attention away from other tasks or fostering a problematic comparison culture—it remains a vital tool for helping people stay connected.
A majority of students in grades 3 to 12 said social media helped them develop relationships, learn social skills, and make a positive impact in their community, according to a 2024 report from The Social Institute.
Spokeo compiled a ranking...
...Full Story Here#18. Pierce County...
#17. ...Monroe County
#13. ...Vernon County
#7. Crawford County...
#6. Jackson County and Trempealeau County
#1. Buffalo County and Pepin County
Hmong organization in La Crosse receives national honor for assisting families own, maintain homes
Washington, D.C., has recognized the work of a local group that helps Hmong families in the region.
The US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) honored the Cia Siab, Inc., primarily for work in providing good housing for underserved communities around La Crosse.
Mara Keyes, the city’s community development manager, said the award highlights the hard work done by Cia Siab...
Why local business leaders helped this Wisconsin woman open a childcare center
Jackson County - After learning that businesses in Jackson County were losing $2.5 million a year due to a lack of local childcare, a group of employers came together to create solutions for families in their area.When Kassidy Gardner talks about the area she grew up in, you can feel a sense of pride. However, the 24-year-old admits there aren’t a lot of amenities in the unincorporated community of Northfield, in Jackson County. “We have a gas station, a bar with a mini motel, mechanic, a legion, two churches—that’s about it.”
But as she speaks, she beams with fond memories.
“It feels wholesome,” she said. “I’d walk to the gas station, and there was a cafe growing up—I’d come eat breakfast with my family and grandparents after church.”
And now, as she sits in the building that was once that very cafe, she’s surrounded by tiny pots and pans. Not the workings of a short-order kitchen—these are children’s toys, and Kassidy says there’s a new addition in town. It’s a daycare center. And she just opened it...
...Full Story Here
Ken Notes: We need more daycare facilities in the region....
The Great River Road
Local company pivots to specialize in hardwood floor refinishing
‘At Hygge Home Hardwood, we believe every home deserves the warmth and beauty of hardwood floors’
“I kept trying to tell him, ‘let’s niche down, find something you’re passionate about and focus on just that,’” she said. “We needed to figure out what he wanted to be known for and that also fit his personality.”
Though it was a tough decision to make the pivot, Brandy said, “if something is no longer bringing us joy, then it really is time to let it go.”
“That’s hard, especially when you put your heart and soul into your life, but if it’s not fitting into your life, then it’s the right decision to let it go,” she said...
La Crosse Distilling Co. releases Christmas Gin
LA CROSSE (WKBT) -- A La Crosse distilling company is embracing the Christmas spirit.La Crosse Distilling Co. kicked off the holiday season on Thursday by releasing a Christmas gin.
The gin features new branding and a flavor profile that includes red currant, orange, and rosemary.
The CEO said that gin allows creativity, helping capture the holiday season`s spirit.
Search for second airline to serve La Crosse continues, as airport requests money from the county
The La Crosse Airport continues to look for more airline service, and it’s been seeking help from the county government.
Airport officials spoke at the county’s annual budget meeting on Tuesday, requesting around $250,000 to support efforts to attract new airlines. Airport director Jeffrey Tripp talked about a new air service workers group, which has set goals for improving local air service.
Tripp said the top goals of the group are to add more flights or destinations, regain air service to Minneapolis, or to attract a low-cost airline for leisure travel through La Crosse...
Ken Notes: The region would benefit a great deal from an airline that services the Hubs like MSP, MKE, and ORD (Chicago). Maybe even ATL, DTW, SLC...
Birch Point Distillery coming to Westby with Wisconsin’s first Sheep’s MilkSpirits
Time: 10:00 a.m.
Future Site of Birch Point Distillery,
310 Ski Hill Dr. Westby, WI
Highlights: Founders’ remarks, refreshments, and a first look at Birch Point
Distillery’s future home.
Co-founders Scott and Staci Kring are longtime advocates for sustainable practices. Their mission is to turn something simple — sheep’s milk sugars, a byproduct of cheese production — into a smooth, delicious spirit that brings out the best of local resources.Birch Point will join only a handful of distilleries worldwide creating spirits from sheep’s
milk, making it a rare and pioneering endeavor in the industry.
Clerk leaves 45-year tenure with county
Dozens of individuals have run for and sometimes fought at Trempealeau County board of supervisor meetings since 1989, but only one person has been witness to most of them.
Paul Syverson has been a fixture in county government since June of 1979, when he started as an accountant for the highway department. In 1988, at the urging of then-county clerk Harold Tomter, Syverson ran for and was first elected as clerk. He then began in 1989 the work of helping organize and record the actions of county supervisors. He will have held that post for 35 years when his successor takes over in January.
Syverson is quick to say he’s not retired but has decided to not seek re-election. Mary Martin, who ran unopposed in Tuesday’s election and served for 19 years as deputy county clerk, will assume the office in 2025...
Partisan county government is the “grass roots of the political system”, he said. “I view government as providing common sense.”
...Full Story HereNever Enough Performance opens doors of new shop in Mondovi
Space allows owner Nate Paffel to work on multiple projects at once
Regardless of how fast he is, how strong he is, how much money he has or even how much horsepower he has under the hood – he said he lives the idea through and through.
Spanning a life full of experiences from being a Megatruck mud racer, with the truck named “Never Enough;” to being a competitive bodybuilder and running a nutrition business; to climbing the leadership ladder in the corporate world, Paffel said the mindset has remained...
Major La Crosse development underway after years of planning
LA CROSSE, Wis. — A major development outside of downtown La Crosse is taking off after 30 years of planning.
Contractors are laying the infrastructure groundwork for the River Point District, a $300 million bundle of projects with different developers plotting mixed-use and multifamily buildings. The district is anticipated to create up to 1,200 housing units with around a dozen multi-story buildings, said Jason Gilman, a principal at JBG Planning LLC and project manager of the River Point District...
...At least six more projects will start grading and building footings in June 2025, Gilman said. There will be buildings between five and six stories and several buildings between three and four stories, with space for commercial amenities on the ground floor of residential buildings. Structured parking will accompany the new structures, he added.
Infrastructure work is expected to wrap up in May 2025, Gilman said. The complete buildout is expected to last through the next two and a half years, he added....
...Full Story HereKen Notes: A great project for La Crosse... The article is behind a Paywall, sorry...
River Falls FFA secures $10,000 grant for high school greenhouse
RIVER FALLS - The River Falls FFA has received a $10,000 grant from Channeling Good, thanks to a nomination by Keith Gunderson, a local Channel SeedPro with Pro-Ag Consulting, LLC. The grant will support funding of the construction of a new greenhouse at River Falls High School, a project the FFA has been fundraising for over the past few years.
“With this grant and our students’ fundraising efforts, we`re close to being able to build the new greenhouse.” said Ryan Pechacek, RFHS teacher and FFA Advisor. “The current greenhouse is attached to the high school, and has poor temperature control, making it difficult for plants to grow there."...
...Full Story HereDairyland Power awarded DOE battery storage cooperative agreement for rural communities
LA CROSSE, Wis. — Dairyland Power Cooperative has received a U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Clean Energy Demonstrations
(OCED) cooperative agreement award to strengthen grid resilience and
advance the clean energy transition by bringing Long-Duration Energy
Storage (LDES) opportunities to rural communities.
The over $28 million federal award, which is funded by OCED through the Rural Energy Viability for Integrated Vital Energy (REVIVE) project, will support the development of three battery storage facilities in the following locations in Dairyland’s rural service territory:
- Frentress Lake, Ill. (served by JCE Co-op)
- Waukon, Iowa (served by Allamakee-Clayton Electric Cooperative)
- Wyeville, Wis. (served by Oakdale Electric Cooperative)
River Falls Robotics teams empower local students in STEM
RIVER FALLS – Students across River Falls are diving into hands-on robotics through STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) programs that develop critical skills for future careers.
Starting with FIRST LEGO League at Westside Elementary and Meyer Middle School, students build and program robots to complete challenges, sparking early interest in engineering and technology. This learning progresses at River Falls High School, where the RoboCats team tackles advanced robotics competitions, working on coding, wiring, and troubleshooting real engineering challenges.
“Our program helps students collaborate, manage time, and think critically,” says Nathan McReynolds, advisor for Westside’s LEGO League. “These skills set them up for future success.”
As local industries in technology and manufacturing grow, River Falls benefits from a workforce skilled in STEM. According to RoboCats advisor Ryan Brill, “Supporting STEM education today ensures a future pipeline of talented workers, keeping River Falls competitive in a tech-driven world.”
To sustain these programs, the River Falls Robotics Booster Club provides funding for robot parts, travel, and equipment, ensuring all students can participate regardless of financial circumstances. The club unites students, families, and local businesses in fundraising efforts, such as sponsorships and community events.
Tax-deductible donations cover essential costs like robot kits and competition fees.
Volunteers, especially those with engineering experience, are needed to mentor students through their builds.
...Full Story HereExpanding Business Opportunities in Rural Wisconsin – Black River Falls, WI
Habitat La Crosse presents free documentary double feature at the Rivoli Theatre
LA CROSSE, Wis.—Join Habitat for Humanity and local environmental organizations for a documentary double feature at the Rivoli Theatre on Sunday, November 10. Habitat is proud to host screenings of Kiss the Ground and Common Ground, two groundbreaking films about climate change, food systems, and hopeful solutions. This is a free event, and all donations benefit Habitat’s ReNew the Block program.Kiss the Ground is an inspiring film meant to catalyze a movement. The documentary shows that by regenerating the world’s soils, we can completely and rapidly stabilize Earth’s climate, restore lost ecosystems, and create abundant food supplies. It is narrated by Woody Harrelson...
...Full Story Here
Mississippi River Regional Planning Commission (MRRPC)
Working together to make the Mississippi River Region a great place to live and work.
Staff
Regional Economic Development Entities
...Full Story Here
Notes:
Regional Guides
Regional Guides
 |  |  |  |
 |  |  2023 Wisconsin Campground Directory |  |
 |  |
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
- Tourism Buffalo County
- Tourism Crawford County
- Tourism Jackson County
- Tourism LaCrosse County
- Tourism Monroe County
- Tourism Pepin County
- Tourism Pierce County
- Tourism Trempealeau County
- Tourism Vernon County
Our Counties!
Buffalo County, WI
...
Crawford County Wisconsin
...
Jackson County, WI
...
Home (lacrossecounty.org)
...
Monroe County, WI | Home
...
Pepin County, WI
...
Pierce County, WI
...
Trempealeau County
...
Vernon County, WI
News Outlets