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This Weeks Articles for 12/17/2024 ...

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Rotary Lights in La Crosse celebrates 30 years

Rotary Lights has been lighting up La Crosse’s Riverside Park for 390 years. That is thanks in large part to the volunteers who make it all possible.

Since 1995, Rotary Lights has collected over 5.5 million food items, in the form of non-perishable items and cash, for the community. Those donations are distributed among 14 different local food pantries. Each year, roughly 3,000 volunteers come together for that food collection, as well as traffic direction, set up and tear down of the festivities in the park...

Happy Holidays

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Christkindl Markets in Wisconsin to Check Out This Season

Throughout Europe, Christmas Markets are a joyful, festive experience with hot mulled wine; sweet and savory snacks; and artisan-made crafts, ornaments and holiday décor.

In recent years, this tradition that began in Nüremberg, Germany has been exported to Wisconsin, including in the Milwaukee area. This means you don’t have to leave Wisconsin to step into a storybook scene that’s common in Europe this time of year. Or, if you’re itching for a day trip, travel to another destination within our state to visit a Christmas market in that community...

Sparta Kristkindl Market

Nov. 29 and Fridays/Saturdays through the end of December | SPARTA

Pick up wreathes to decorate at home and listen to carolers and other live-music acts at this Kriskindlmarkt where there are 33 vendor huts, as well as visits from Santa and horse-drawn carriage rides. Food options are traditional German style, such as brats, baked pretzels and roasted nuts, plus hot mulled wine, of course.

Villa Belleza Christmas Market

NOV. 16-DEC. 22 | PEPIN

Hosted at this Italian-themed winery in Western Wisconsin, the market is held in the winery’s outdoor piazza as well as indoor buildings. With brick sidewalks and Mediterranean-style roofing, the buildings look like they could be in Venice, Rome or Florence. Vendors sell everything from cozy winter apparel to seasonal greenery (such as wreaths). Sip mulled wine in the piazza or pop into the tasting room to try this winery’s wines. Pastries are sold on site, for either gift-giving or enjoying on that day. Santa arrives daily at 1 p.m. during the market...

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‘Sustainable farm for the next generation’: Federal funds help energy efficiency upgrades in rural Wisconsin

Rural Wisconsin communities receive $24M in federal grants, loan to support 13 projects

Jon Levendoski is a fifth generation dairy farmer who operates a small farm in Genoa with around 50 cows. His parents still own the family farm.

solar

Years ago, Levendoski’s parents were interested in getting a solar installation on the property but it wasn’t financially feasible.

Then, they met with Ethos Green Power Cooperative, a co-op that helps provide solar power installations in rural areas surrounding Viroqua, at the Vernon County Fair in September 2023...

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Ken Notes: Great read. And a special Thank you to the Westby Cooperative Creamery and Ethos Green Power Cooperative for supporting small farms!

Wisconsin’s outdoor recreation industry adds another record-breaking $11.2 billion to state economy

MADISON, Wis. — Gov. Tony Evers, together with the Wisconsin Department of Tourism Secretary Anne Sayers and Wisconsin Office of Outdoor Recreation Director Cassie Mordini, today announced another record-breaking year for Wisconsin’s outdoor recreation industry in 2023. According to the latest release of data from the Outdoor Recreation Satellite Account from the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA), outdoor recreation contributed $11.2 billion to the state’s gross domestic product (GDP) in 2023, growing 9.4 percent over the previous record set in 2022.

“From our vast and valuable forests and pristine lakes and rivers to Driftless bluffs, vibrant prairies, and urban green spaces, our outdoor recreation spaces are the gems of our state, and no matter where you go in Wisconsin, you’re never very far from a park or trail,” said Gov. Evers....

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VIDEO: Viroqua Schools cuts the ribbon on remodeled tech ed area

In November of 2022, voters in the Viroqua Area School District approved a couple of referendums that allowed the school district to make improvements to some specific areas within the district. One part of the referendums called for improvements to the elementary and middle-high school sites, addressing the most pressing issues including security, accessibility and educational enhancements. Viroqua Schools has completed most of those improvements and held a ribbon cutting at the elementary school in August. You read our story about that event, including a video tour here.

But voters also approved spending to make improvements to the High School technical education areas (agriculture, woods, metals and automotive), and the district held a ribbon cutting to celebrate the completion of those improvements on Thursday, Dec. 12...

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The Charmant Hotel in La Crosse awarded a MICHELIN Key

State Street hotel is one of only two in the state to receive the recognition

LA CROSSE – History meets luxury at The Charmant Hotel in La Crosse.

Nestled a block from the Mississippi River, in the heart of the city’s downtown, General Manager Kalynn Krueger said the 67-room boutique hotel (101 State St.) has long aimed to provide guests with an experience beyond just accommodations.

And it seems as though it has accomplished that goal – having been recently awarded a MICHELIN Key.

Though many may have heard of MICHELIN in terms of stars and restaurants, Kruger said the MICHELIN Key program is new...

https://www.thecharmanthotel.com

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Ken Notes: One of my favorite "Happy Hours" in La Crosse. Check out the rooftop in the summer...

Corporate Transparency Act: New Federal Reporting Obligations

FREE Online Seminar
Thu, Dec 5 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM

Topic: Managing a Business

Effective January 1, 2024, the new reporting requirements of the Corporate Transparency Act (CTA) apply to millions of business and non-business entities. The CTA aims to provide law enforcement with information that can be used to combat money laundering, tax fraud and other illicit activities conducted through anonymous shell companies. It provides civil and criminal penalties for failure to comply with the reporting requirements. Unless exempt, beneficial owner information (BOI) reporting is required for any domestic or foreign entities that are formed or registered by filing a document with a secretary of state or similar office.

Businesses formed in 2024 are to comply with CTA within 90 days. Businesses organized prior to 2024 are to comply with CTA by January 1, 2025.

To learn more about the CTA, register for a FREE webinar during which the presenting attorneys will provide CTA details, including:...

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There is a New Newsletter for the Great River Road!

Each month the Great River Road will be featured in a newsletter similar to this one! If you would like to receive these notes and links there is a subscribe button at the link. Our goal is to increase the awareness of this National Scenic Byway and our businesses that are on or near it.You may also subscribe your friends...

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PC Public Health funds over $100,000 in projects to promote physical activity

Pierce County Public Health (PCPH) is looking to make a difference in the county’s outdoor physical activity, allocating over $100,000 in funds to local non-profits for seven community-led projects.

PCPH received American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds from Wisconsin’s Department of Health Services with a few choices for how they could use it. They opted to use it to improve public health infrastructure in the county by helping to fund projects.

The county held an application process where 19 submissions were made and seven projects were selected through a ranking process...

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Waumandee State Bank – keeping it local for 110 years

WEST CENTRAL WISCONSIN – Friendly. Service-focused. Helpful. Convenient. Local.

These, CEO Herb Lallemont said, are descriptors that rose to the top when Waumandee State Bank customers were asked to describe the bank.

Lallemont said a word collage of the top descriptors now appears on signage in all eight Waumandee branches.

He said it’s just one part of the bank’s efforts to commemorate its 110th anniversary.

The comments received from customers, Lallemont said, is something the Waumandee State Bank team is very proud of.

“We take great pride in our work,”...

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Sarah Notes: Congrats, we have partnered with this bank on revolving loan funds and found them great to work with!

New Emplify Health Clinic by Gundersen opens in Mondovi

MONDOVI (WQOW) - Another rural community in western Wisconsin is getting its health care needs met since the closure of HSHS and Prevea clinics.

Soon, residents in Mondovi will have more options to health care that are closer to home. A ribbon cutting was held Wednesday for a new Emplify Health Clinic by Gundersen Health in Mondovi.

While this clinic is new to the Gundersen Health System, the building itself was a Prevea Health clinic. Gundersen purchased the space after it was closed in hopes of continuing rural health care...

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New Science Majors at UW La Crosse offered to make impact in the job market

LA CROSSE, Wis. (WLAX/WEUX) – The University of Wisconsin La Crosse is offering new majors for students in the Science field. Professor of Physics, Eric Gansen says, “The things about the engineering disciplines nowadays in technology is that things are moving so fast the lines are blurring between traditional mechanical engineering, electrical engineering and civil engineering.”

Gansen explains that the new Engineering Physics major will help students tackle cross-disciplinary challenges, “Our Engineering Physics degree will prepare students to be able to be adaptable throughout their career and work in any of these fields.”...

...Baggett adds, “We want a well-educated workforce here in Wisconsin so that Wisconsin is an attractive place for industries to come set up shop and hire our students.”...

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Mia’s Kitchen in La Crosse serves a side of inspiration with every dish

LA CROSSE – So, what were you doing at 18?

Fretting over finals, farewells and the future?

Asking crossroad questions such as: Should I work or go to school? What school? What work? Would taking a gap year make sense?

Mia Simone Davis of La Crosse said she hasn’t bothered with those – she already knows the path she plans to take.

Instead, the 18-year-old has started a successful food truck business, earned recognition from her local business community, launched youth mentoring and other community service initiatives and has plans to grow.

And she’s not done yet – noting she has “big plans” for her future.

More than a safe space

Though the reception she receives now from the La Crosse region is nothing but positive, Davis said her first years in the area were challenging...

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Vernon County hires new county conservationist who looks forward to challenges

VERNON COUNTY, Wis. – Vernon County announced last week that they have hired David Hettenbach as the new county conservationist. Hettenbach was hired after a search that had 21 applicants to fill a position that was open following the resignation of previous County Conservationist Ben Wojahn. Hettenbach was one of three finalists interviewed for the position.

Hettenbach currently serves as an Inspection Department Manager for Nature’s International Certification Services (NICS). Hettenbach said he grew up outside of Madison, where his parents still live, and came to Vernon county about 9.5 years ago by way of California where he spent 1.5 years working in organic certification after graduating from UW-Madison with a degree in agronomy and natural resources. Hettenbach said he came to Vernon County when he was offered his current position at NICS...

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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		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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Grown Climate Smart, Township 23 Distillery announce partnership

Partnership aims to incentivize farmers, distillers to partake in sustainable, climate-smart practices

NELSON – Grown Climate Smart, a fully owned subsidiary of The DeLong Co., Inc., recently announced a partnership with Township 23 Distillery – a field-to-glass distillery located in Nelson.

Dylan Vaca, brand/marketing director for Grown Climate Smart, said the organization is a $40 million USDA Partnerships for Climate Smart Commodities grant awardee that incentivizes farmers to do sustainable, climate-smart practices.

Vaca said Grown Climate Smart also partners with companies that integrate the commodities that come from these practices into consumer products.

“Township 23 Distillery is a strong partner for us because of its commitment to utilizing localized grain stemming from climate-smart practices, as well as being a fellow Wisconsin-based company,”...

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Vernon County Flood Mitigation Alliance holds first meeting, discusses goals and objectives

VERNON COUNTY, Wis. – At their first meeting with newly-seated watershed council members, the Vernon County Flood Mitigation Alliance found that good progress has been made, but there remains more to do. The group met in the Vernon County Board Room on Thursday, Nov. 21.

Voting members of the Alliance include Cassie Hanan, County Administrative Coordinator; Matt Allbright, Zoning Director and Interim County Conservation Director; Amy Oliver, Community Development; Brandon Larsen, Emergency Management Director (not present); Monique Hassman, Land Information Officer; Phil Hewitt, Highway Commissioner; Justin Olson, USDA-NRCS; Nancy Wedwick, Coon Creek Community Watershed Council; Kent McClurg, Bad Axe Stewards Watershed Council; Chad Erickson, Rush Creek Stewards Watershed Council (not present); and Mary Henry, Wayde Lawler, and Nathan Slack, county board supervisors...

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USDA makes $2 billion available to support expansion of current and development of new markets

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency’s (FSA) $2 billion Marketing Assistance for Specialty Crops (MASC) program, aimed at helping specialty crop producers expand markets and manage higher costs, is now accepting applications from Dec. 10, 2024 through Jan. 8, 2025. Funded by the Commodity Credit Corporation, MASC was announced in November alongside the $140 million Commodity Storage Assistance Program for facilities impacted by 2024 natural disasters.

“Specialty crop growers have typically faced higher marketing and handling costs relative to non-specialty crop producers due to the perishability of fruits, vegetables, floriculture, nursery crops and herbs,” said FSA Administrator Zach Ducheneaux. “Through this marketing assistance program, we can expand U.S. specialty crop consumption and markets by providing specialty crop producers the financial support needed to help them engage in activities that broaden and enhance strategies and opportunities for marketing their commodities.”

MASC helps specialty crop producers meet higher marketing costs related to:?

Perishability of specialty crops like fruits, vegetables, floriculture, nursey crops and herbs;
Specialized handling and transport equipment with temperature and humidity control;
Packaging to prevent damage;
Moving perishables to market quickly; and
Higher labor costs.

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Bob Micheel on plans to remove Coon Creek dams after floods

Monroe County Land Conservation Department Director Bob Micheel describes how 2018 floods breached aging dams in southwest Wisconsin`s Coon Creek watershed and why they are to be decommissioned.

VIDEO TRANSCRIPT

Bob Micheel:
And this structure breached in the 2018 flood event. So, we had three structures in 2018 breach, and we had three other ones that overtopped and took a lot of damage. If you look behind me, you can see this big wall, and what we found is all the structures that breached, three in the Coon Creek and two in the West Fork....

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Ken Notes: Nice video at the link!

A look back to 1959, as Mt. La Crosse celebrates 65 years

In December of 1959, the Mt. La Crosse ski hill opened for business, near Highway 35 in the town of Shelby.

Ted Motschman and his wife Sue were able to lease 200 acres of hillside land for the ski slope, but more atop the hill was needed for the project.

Five donors helped Ted Motschman purchase the remaining property for $6,000.

More money was donated by the La Crosse Chamber of Commerce and another business group.

The Motschmans operated Mt. La Crosse for more than 40 years, until new owners purchased the resort..

Pierce Co. town passes ordinance requiring factory farm permits

A Pierce County town of about 600 residents passed an ordinance requiring factory farms to obtain permits before moving into or expanding in the community.

The decision follows a handful of other western Wisconsin communities in passing similar ordinances to limit the proliferation of concentrated animal feeding operations (CAFOs) in the region. Those other communities have faced legal challenges to their ordinances and one rescinded its regulation after a change in elected leadership.

The town of Maiden Rock overlooks the Mississippi River’s Lake Pepin. On Monday, the town’s board unanimously passed the ordinance which will require any proposed CAFOs within the community to obtain a license to operate from the town board. When applying, CAFO operators must have a third-party engineer supply plan for how the farm will manage its waste, emissions and runoff...

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Bangor students participate in annual Community Service Day

BANGOR, Wis. (WXOW) - As part of Thanksgiving week, the annual Bangor Community Service Day took place Tuesday.

All Bangor High School Students got their hands dirty all in the effort to give back.

“In the morning writing cards to veterans, decorating doors for the holidays. And then, we have in the afternoon nine different groups going to different locations,” Erika Lichtfuss, Bangor Social Studies Teacher said.

The community service day has been around for many years as part of a government and politics class...

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YWCA of La Crosse will help start county’s first intergenerational day care

Expansion comes as Wisconsin grapples with limited amount of caregivers

The YWCA of La Crosse has been chosen as the care provider in a unique plan by La Crosse County to provide intergenerational day care for children and adults with dementia.

The plan is part of a nearly $20 million expansion and remodeling of a county-owned nursing home.

“There’s a child care crisis in our area. We don’t have enough child care availability to meet the needs of our community,” said YWCA La Crosse Executive Director Rosanne Northwood. “To participate in this intergenerational care center will help us to offer a diversified setting that will align with what some families are looking for for care.”...

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Notes:

Alma Leather celebrates 20 years in business

Local leather shop owner looks to the future as he considers retirement

ALMA – Self-taught, lifelong leathersmith Larry Farl, 75 – founder and owner of Alma Leather – said he’s always had a passion and a knack for crafting leather goods.

“I’ve been doing leather since the ’70s,” he said. “I’ve been doing it for so long and know it well.”

Farl said his professional journey began in Minnesota with his brother introducing him to the owner of a leather goods shop in the Twin Cities.

“I just started hanging out there… and after a week or so, he says, ‘You might as well start doing something,’” he said. “So I started making things and developed a line of bags.”...

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The Great River Road

MAP		Discover Wisconsin Great River Road Video

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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.