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 After years of planning and research from conservationists and engineers, the Vernon County Board of Supervisors will vote at the end of June on whether or not to decommission all but one dam in two watersheds.
When five dams across the West Fork Kickapoo and Coon Creek watersheds failed in a 2018 storm, environmental engineers scrambled to figure out how it happened. It was later revealed that undetectable internal erosion led to the dams collapsing.
The rest of the dams in both watersheds are also earthen dams, meaning the same potential issues exist across the region’s floodplains.
Conservation staff from the county to the state agreed the best option for the dams is decommissioning. Ben Wojahn, Vernon County conservationist, said by decommissioning instead of repairing or demolishing, the county will foot the lowest bill and act in the quickest manner...
...Decommissioning the dams is the only option that federal organizations will fund. The project will cost an estimated $18.6 million overall, and Vernon County would only be on the hook for about $497,000 across all dams. Any other repairs or demolitions would fall entirely on the county....
...County board members will vote on the dam decision June 30. Members of the public will be able to comment at this meeting...
...Full Story Here
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 LANSING, Iowa – April 20, 2024 – Following repairs and rigorous safety testing, the existing Mississippi River Bridge connecting Lansing, Iowa, and Crawford County, Wisconsin, is expected to reopen. The bridge has been closed since Feb. 25 after two of the piers moved, creating an unexpected buckle of the bridge. Our contracting partner, Kraemer North America, worked diligently to replace the piers. The new piers are supported by steel pipe pilings reaching more than 100 feet to bedrock compared to the previous pilings that were placed more than 90 years ago and reach approximately 40 feet deep. The trusses removed and reset as part of the bridge pier repair project were inspected according to the National Bridge Inspection Standards. This inspection was performed by a qualified bridge inspector. The inspector was trained in the inspection of fracture-critical members and all other bridge components per national standards. No defects were found to restrict the reopening of the bridge to regular vehicular traffic...
...Work on the new
bridge is moving forward as expected. For more information on the
construction of the new Mississippi River Bridge at Lansing, go to iowadot.gov/lansingbridge where you can sign up to receive updates directly to your inbox or check out our Facebook page www.facebook.com/LansingBridge/
...Full Story Here
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 GENOA, Wis. (WEAU) - Several dozen people gathered in Vernon County to watch the demolition of Dairyland’s retired power plant. The plant was retired in 2021 and President and CEO of Dairyland, Brent Ridge, says they will continue to use the site in Genoa.
“Currently, part of the site is used to store spent nuclear fuel from a decommissioned nuclear power plant. So we still have employees on site, but a large component of the site will now be open and we’re going to be looking for economic development opportunities that could range from manufacturing all the way to another power generating resource, which in this case would probably be non-carbon emitting,” says Ridge.
While there are plans for the future, Genoa Village President, Richard Phillips, says it is still sad seeing a building that has been in the village for over 50 years be demolished.
“We have such good relations with Dairyland. They did a lot for the village. I’m really going to be sad to see it gone,” says Phillips...
...Full Story Here
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 There are few vacations as freeing and exciting as a road trip — it’s the dream of many people to hit the open road, creating your own itinerary. But you don’t need to travel across the entire country to experience a truly great road trip, as there are many to take just in Wisconsin, including the Great River Road.
 The Great River Road, which spans 234 miles, follows along the border of the state from Prescott to Kieler. The lengthy drive hugs the coastline along the Mississippi River throughout its duration, offering picturesque views of the river, and delightful places to stop along the way. From cute, and historic downtowns, to hiking trails to stretch your legs a bit, to unbeatable places to grab a bite, here are some of the best places to stop during your trip along the Great River Road...
1. Prescott’s Freedom Park
2. Smiling Pelican Bakeshop
3. Maiden Rock Winery & Cidery
4. Laura Ingalls Wilder Museum & Birthplace
5. Jump Start Adventure Park
6. Grandad Bluff
7. The Driftless Cafe
8. Prairie du Chien’s historic downtown
9. Villa Louis
10. Potosi Brewing Company
11. Country Heights Supper Club and Motor Inn
...Full Story Here
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 LA CROSSE, WI, April 23, 2024 – First Companies held a ceremonial
groundbreaking in West Salem, WI, this past Wednesday, April 17th.
In attendance were members of the Poehling Family, First Companies
staff members, and several esteemed guests including Kurt Bauer, CEO of
Wisconsin Manufacturers & Commerce (WMC), Scott Schumacher,
President of the Village of West Salem, and Dirk Debbink, Chairman of
MSI General Corporation.
“Today we move dirt. Next year this time we move boxes. We move
products. We move forward.” shared President & CEO Katie Poehling
Seymour... ...With convenient access to highways, railways, and water cargo
facilities, First Companies Distribution Center is perfectly positioned
for seamless freight distribution. As a sought-after addition to the
area’s business landscape, our facility is poised to bolster the local
job market by offering promising employment opportunities.... ...Full Story Here
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 SPARTA, Wis. (WLAX/WEUX) – We’re coming up on the most active severe weather months of the year in Wisconsin, and extreme weather events can cause significant damage to roadways. As First News at Nine’s Dashal Mentzel explains, one Western Wisconsin county is getting federal funding to help keep its roads resilient to severe weather.
US Senator Tammy Baldwin says more than 500,000 dollars in federal funding has been secured for the Monroe County Highway Department. Senator Baldwin adds the economy and lives depend on proper infrastructure, “I was really proud to partner with Monroe County and the highway department to get this funding so that we can review the resiliency of all the infrastructure and then make plans to make repairs and improvements wherever possible.”
Officials say the money will help in a number of ways, including improving infrastructure at watersheds in the county. Highway Commissioner, David Ohnstad, says high water events have caused over $33 million worth of damage in Monroe County over the last 20 years, “This is focused on county highways and town roads throughout the watershed...
...Full Story Here
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 Electric school buses are gradually being rolled out across the state. They’re still big and yellow, but they’re not loud and don’t smell like diesel fuel. The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, through its Clean Bus Program, is providing $5 billion over five years to replace existing school buses across the country with zero or low-emission models. Rural Wisconsin school districts are taking advantage.“Owen, are you going to go turkey hunting with your dad?” asked school bus driver Dan Danzinger, on his after-school route in Mondovi.
From his front-of-the-bus seat, Owen, a first grader, points to the hillside out the window. “That’s where the turkeys usually are!”
Owen went on to talk about the more-preferred deer hunting—and how his dad teaches him all he needs to know.
“I love to hear the kids’ stories,” Dan said...
... The School District of Mondovi deployed five new electric school buses in March, after receiving funding through the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Clean School Bus Program—which is funded by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law of 2021.
“We got $1.9 million,” said Shelly Teigen, the district’s transportation director. “That was a big check.”
“We’re the first ones in the area
to get electric buses, so that’s cool,” said Justa, a 6th grade rider
on the countryside bus route...
“We look at it as we got five new buses
and it only cost us $13,000,” Teigen explained. “If we bought a regular
gas bus or a diesel bus, you’re talking more than $100,000 a piece.”...
...“Change is different,” Dan said. “It’s challenging to change what’s comfortable. This was the right choice to make.”
...Full Story Here
Ken Notes: Worth reading, a lot of details and information in the article!
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 LA CROSSE, Wis. (WEAU) - Last Tuesday, the City of La Crosse announced its new Down Payment Assistance Program, which looks to help first-time homebuyers achieve an affordable mortgage payment. The city’s community development manager Mara Keyes, says the program could help around 20 potential home buyers with the assistance of $400,000 from the American Rescue Plan Act. “We are excited about this program because it specifically targets individuals who maybe fall just above median income in the county. It opens the door to down payment assistance to folks who maybe would typically not qualify for these types of programs,” says Keyes. Su Vang is a mortgage originator with Coulee Bank. He says rates and home prices have affected first time home buyers in recent years...
...Full Story Here
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 JACKSON — The Village Board approved the terms of an offer to purchase land on Hasmer Lake on March 12. According to the release, the village purchased the property as of Friday and the 0.79-acre property is located southeast of the intersection of Rosewood Lane and Highway P, stretching over 170 feet of shoreline to Hasmer Lake. The release also said this acquisition is part of a long-range plan that began with the purchase of "Lot 1" in 2021, adjacent to the current state Department of Natural Resources Hasmer Lake property. Then, in March 2023, the board approved the Hasmer Lake Community Park Master Plan, which was developed using feedback from a community survey, Friends of the Jackson Parks and Recreation, and village staff. The village now owns 1.31 acres of Hasmer Lake green space and lakefront to preserve and develop for the community.... ...Full Story Here
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 La Crosse and La Crescent could soon add another bridge for pedestrians and bikers to cross the Mississippi River west channel. The Wagon Wheel Trail project from the La Crosse city planners would add a new standalone bridge on the Minnesota end of the crossing and widen the sidewalks for the rest of the highway. Construction of the pedestrian bridge is scheduled to begin in summer 2026. The new pathway will start at Sportsmen’s Landings in Minnesota and end at the underpass of Cass Street and Cameron Avenue Bridges in Wisconsin....
Note: Full article is behind paywall at the link. We do not control this but if you need more info, I might be able to help. (608) 785-9396 aske for Ken...
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 Pierce County Journal newsroom
The Ellsworth Cheese Curd Festival has been recognized as the
#3 Best Specialty Food Festival in the USA Today’s 10Best Competition.
Kim Beebe, an Ellsworth Area Chamber of Commerce executive team
member and Cheese Curd Festival Committee member, sat down with the
Journal for a Q&A on the recognition.
How does it feel for the Cheese Curd Festival to be
recognized as the #3 Best Specialty Food Festival in the USA Today`s
10Best Competition?
We`re thrilled and honored to have the Cheese Curd Festival named the #3 Best Specialty Food Festival in the USA...
...Full Story Here
Ken Notes: Nice to see NATIONAL attention for a local festival!
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 LA CROSSE (WKBT) -- Students had the chance to experience first-hand what it`s like working in the trades at Wednesday`s Build My Future event. The La Crosse Area Builders Association hosted the event to show the students different career pathways they can take. Over 1,400 high schoolers had the chance to get up close and personal with the tools of the trade. Adam Kirschner is Chair of the Build My Future Committee at LABA. He said this is a way to connect interested students to employers looking for future apprentices. "It`s also an opportunity for them to promote their trade. There has been a critical shortage in much of the construction trades and the manufacturing trades, and it became very evident post-pandemic," said Kirschner. Kirschner added that 48 schools from the greater driftless region attended Wednesday`s event...
...Full Story Here
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 VIROQUA, Wis. — The Viroqua Chamber is delighted to join in celebrating the 20th anniversary and expansion of the Viroqua Public Market, a cornerstone of our community’s local economy. The ribbon-cutting ceremony will be held on Wednesday, April 17th, at 11:30 a.m., as part of the anniversary celebration.
Join us in commemorating this milestone and the recent expansion of the Viroqua Public Market, located in the heart of downtown Viroqua. Formerly the Peterson Motors car dealership, the Macasaet family purchased and renovated the building twenty years ago and have made it into a thriving part of Viroqua’s downtown shopping experience.
“We are thrilled to celebrate the 20-year anniversary and recent expansion of the Viroqua Public Market,” said Chris Clemens, Executive Director at the Viroqua Chamber. “The contributions of the Macasaet family to the City of Viroqua are profound, and we couldn’t be happier to honor their dedication and success.” ...
...Full Story Here
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 The state of Wisconsin does not need a special reason to celebrate
dairy. However, one group recently held a promotion to honor National
Grilled Cheese Day, and some students got a chance to try a new twist on
one of the nation’s most popular sandwiches. “We did this back in
2022 on National Grilled Cheese Day as well, where we partnered up with
the schools in Durand (Pepin County Wisconsin), and this year we also partnered with
Pepin (County) schools, and we got cheese from Eau Galle cheese – it’s a
mild cheddar - and Monterey Jack was the other one, so they put a slice
of each on the grilled cheese sandwiches. It’s a much tastier grilled
cheese sandwich than what they would normally get here with the
government cheese on it. And then, instead of making the tomato soup
with partial water and partial milk, it’s made with all milk today. We
also brought the butter in for them to butter the sandwiches with,” said
Randy Koeller. ...Full Story Here
Ken Notes: mmmmmmmmm...
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 LA CROSSE, Wis. (WXOW) -- In this edition of You Ask, We Answer Sean asks, "What`s being built at the corner of Jackson and Fourth Streets by City Brewery?" On February 28, 2024, the City of La Crosse`s Economic and Community Development Commission approved the Affordable Housing Revolving Loan Program Development Agreement with The Collective on Fourth. City of La Crosse Community Development Manager Mara Keyes said this was one of the final steps in a nearly-five year process to develop this parcel of land with a focus on more affordable and mixed rental units. "This project really dates back to almost 2019 when properties were being purchased and we were starting to look at proposals. There`s a lot of different milestones that have to be hit, and February`s meeting was one of the final ones."... ...Full Story Here
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 BUSINESS - More big boats heading to La Crosse this summer, after one company shut down. La Crosse will see nearly two dozen visits from big riverboats this year, despite the shutdown of the company that owns the American Queen paddlewheeler.
Jim Flottmeyer manages marine operations for the La Crosse Parks, Recreation and Forestry Department. He told the park board Thursday that his staff has been talking the American Cruise Lines.
“We’ll have 10 stops of American Cruise Lines, and 10 stops of Viking, which gets us 20 stops this year,” Flottmeyer told the board...
SEE ALSO: ...Full Story Here
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In-Person Event:
April 30, 2024 Virtual Event: May 1– May 3, 2024Get the Small Business Academy advantage
The Small Business Academy features workshops on what’s important to you and your small businesses, including financing options, legal concerns, regulatory issues, information technology, small business certifications, and identifying markets and sales opportunities, as well as practical advice from business owners who have successfully made it through the initial stages of starting and growing their companies.
If you are an existing small business, an individual thinking of starting a business, or an entrepreneur looking for funding and resources, take advantage of this free virtual and in-person event. REGISTER HERE.
TUESDAY, APRIL 30, 2024 - IN PERSON 8 a.m.La Crosse
Black River Beach Neighborhood Center
1433 Rose St., La Crosse, WI 54603
2024 Program
Run in conjunction with National Small Business Week, the Small Business Academy provides a series of panels and speakers to help your businesses grow.
Panels
- Starting and Growing a Winning Small Business: Panel with 2024 SBA Award Winners
- Ways to Access Capital for Your Business: What Options Do You Have?
- Government Certifications: How They Can Help Your Business Gain a Competitive Advantage
Speakers
- Future Planning: The Value of Financial Statements
- Branding Basics for Small Business – Setting the Foundation to Build a Vibrant Brand and Thriving Business
- Unleashing the Power of Digital Marketing
- Marketing and Pursuing Opportunities in the Government Marketplace: What You Need to Know
- I Am a Start-Up: Where Do I Start?
- Growth Strategy: Key Steps for Business Growth and Expansion
...Full Story Here
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 RIVER FALLS – The third annual Earth Fest will take place from noon to 4 p.m. in the University Center at UW-River Falls at 501 Wild Rose Ave., River Falls. The event is free and open to all.
Earth Fest is a celebration of community and environmental wellness efforts and a collaborative effort involving the City of River Falls, the School District of River Falls, Hope for Creation, the River Falls Chamber of Commerce, the UWRF Sustainability Office and a variety of additional organizations.
“Earth Fest doubled in size and attendance from year one to year two, said Mark Klapatch-Mathias,” UW-River Falls sustainability coordinator and Earth Fest organizing committee member. ..
...Full Story Here
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 Wisconsin dairy breakfasts celebrate June Dairy Month. Agri-View is
publishing a calendar weekly in print, as well as online, with updates
as we receive them. Email agriview@madison.com with
breakfast information including time and date, location with street
address, what will be included, and a contact website, email or phone
number to learn more information. Crawford County Dairy Breakfast The
breakfast will be held from 6 to 10 a.m. June 1 at Crawford County
Fairgrounds, 17725 Wisconsin Highway 131, Gays Mills, Wisconsin. Call
608-391-1034 for more information.
Pepin County Town and Country Dairy Breakfast The
breakfast will be held from 6:30 to 11 a.m. June 8 at Koller Farm,
E7794 Wisconsin Road 85, Mondovi, Wisconsin. Call 563-210-9258 for more
information.
Ken Notes: Mark your calendars and send us other breakfasts in the MRRPC region and we will share.
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 The central herd, mostly in Jackson County, was
started in 2015 but until this year hadn`t been approved for a hunting
season. The northern herd has had a hunt since 2018.For the first time this fall, the Department of Natural Resources will offer a bull elk hunting season in both of Wisconsin`s elk herds.
The agency announced the decision at Wednesday`s Natural Resources Board meeting in Madison.
The northern herd, established in 1995 near Clam Lake, has had an elk hunt since 2018...
See Also:
...Full Story Here
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 A new distribution center for hardware group First Companies is coming to West Salem next year, bringing new job potential to the county. Construction will begin next month and the center will be operational by March 2025.
The 308,000-square-foot planned distribution center will be a new First Supply distributor. By adding the new center, La Crosse-based First Companies hopes to improve its supply chain operations and enhance customer service.
First Supply is a major Midwest supply distributor for contractors working in HVAC, plumbing, water works and hardware ventures. The company already has a central distribution center in La Crosse with secondary distributors in Tomah and Winona, Minnesota.
"We are thrilled to make this investment in western Wisconsin where our business was founded 126 years ago," said First Companies CEO Katie Poehling Seymour. "Over the past five generations, we`ve grown across the upper Midwest, but our hub has always been in La Crosse County."
Brooke Barney, communications manager for First Companies, said the new center will increase product capacity, streamline distribution and expand potential A inventory using new distribution technology available...
...Full Story Here
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 Mississippi Valley Conservancy is looking for volunteers to assist staff with planting and protecting 500 trees on Saturday, May 4, in an area that was previously used for row crops and is vulnerable to erosion at the Plum Creek Conservation Area (PCCA) near the town of Wauzeka in Crawford County.
The volunteer event runs from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. The rain date is Saturday, May 18.
Participation in this activity offers volunteers an opportunity to visit, plant beneficial trees, protect the planted trees from invasive weeds, and learn about the recently conserved property and future plans for its restoration, according to the press release.
Since acquisition of 1,600 acres in the Lower Kickapoo River Valley, the team at Mississippi Valley Conservancy has been working with partners to develop the property... ...Full Story Here
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 he Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) celebrated the best downtown revitalization projects of 2023 at the 33rd Wisconsin Main Street Awards ceremony held at Gather on Broadway in Green Bay, Friday, April 19. “As Main Street goes, so goes Wisconsin’s economy, its well-being, our way of life in the Badger State,” said Missy Hughes, WEDC Secretary and CEO. “And these awards prove once again Wisconsin communities are thriving. Congratulations to the winners. We salute and celebrate you, our partners in creating an economy and improving the quality of life for the betterment and benefit of all.” On behalf of Secretary Hughes, Sam Rikkers, WEDC Deputy Secretary and Chief Operating Officer, recognized the winners at the awards ceremony. “With many of these Main Street projects, we are preserving history and making history, leading by example in maintaining what sets Wisconsin apart,” Rikkers said. “While these projects in the heart of your communities are vital to local commerce and cultural activities today, they are part of our Badger State legacy we must preserve for future generations to enjoy.”... ...Full Story Here
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 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
JACK ZABROWSKI Senior Planner Jack@mrrpc.com
SARAH OFTE Senior Office Manager sarah@mrrpc.com
1707 Main Street Suite 435 La Crosse, WI 54601
Phone: 608.785.9396 Fax: 608.785.9394 Email: plan@mrrpc.com
...Full Story Here
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