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This Weeks Articles for 7/1/2025 ...

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Strawberries are just the beginning at White Pine Berry Farm

Farm is also known for its blueberries, raspberries, pumpkins, sunflowers, zinnias, corn maze, vegetables, wedding barn, seasonal events

RIVER FALLS – After flourishing as a dairy farm for four decades, Andrew Zwald said in 2012, his parents – Greg and Irma – decided it was time for a pivot, trading dairy for berries with the launch of White Pine Berry Farm.

“My dad was looking at something else to do on the farm, and he always loved working with people – talking directly with consumers,” he said.

Starting out with strawberries, pumpkins and a corn maze, Zwald said the next 13 years brought significant growth – both in crop size and products offered.

“Strawberries take two years to mature, so we didn’t have plants ready for picking until 2013,” he said. “Then, Dad started planting blueberries and raspberries, a small orchard and a lot of different kinds of vegetables.”...

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Wisconsin and La Crosse tourism hit record highs in 2024

LA CROSSE (WKBT) -- Wisconsin`s Department of Tourism announced Tuesday that the state`s tourism industry reached a new high in 2024.

In 2024, tourism generated a historic $25.8 billion in total economic impact for the Badger State.

"I think more people are discovering Wisconsin. They enjoy the outdoor activities and what we have for outdoor recreation," said Explore La Crosse Executive Director A.J. Frels. "A lot of people love the fresh air, the water, the woods and what we have to offer."

The same can be said about La Crosse County, which saw a $12 million increase in direct visitor spending.

All in all, tourism in La Crosse County generated $519 million in total economic impact, smashing records.

Moon Tunes kicks off 14th season at Riverside Park

LA CROSSE (WKBT) – Moon Tunes celebrated the start of its 14th season at Riverside Park in La Crosse, bringing together community members for an evening of free live music and family entertainment.

People gathered with their lawn chairs, beverages, and snacks to hear music from local musicians at no cost. The popular summer concert series takes place Thursday evenings throughout the summer season.

"It`s a great family night outing. If you`re a biker, you bike down, park your bike, walk around, and just enjoy the music and the evening," said Terry Bauer, co-founder of Moon Tunes...

Click for lineup...

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Ken Notes: Summer is here!

Vernon County removes first dam as local officials wait for federal funding

Federal officials have recommended removing nearly 2 dozen flood-control dams in the region. But Vernon County is pursuing other ways to remove the high-risk structures.

Three counties in southwestern Wisconsin are waiting on federal funding to remove a network of flood-control dams that are at high risk of failure.

But Vernon County is finishing the first decommissioning of these structures thanks to state funding.

Vernon County conservationist David Hettenbach said contractors are taking the last steps to remove Mlsna Dam in the Town of Clinton. He said the $370,000 project was funded by a grant from the state Department of Natural Resources...

LITTLE LA CROSSE WATERSHED INFRASTRUCTURE RESILIENCY INITIATIVE PROJECT KICK-OFF OPEN HOUSE SCHEDULED FOR TUESDAY, JUNE 24TH

The Monroe County Highway Department, the Monroe County Land Conservation Department and the towns of Jefferson, Portland, Wells, Leon and Sparta, along with other project stakeholders and engineering and environmental consultant Emmons & Olivier Resources, invite you to the Project Kick-Off Open House for the Little La Crosse Watershed Infrastructure Resiliency Initiative. The Open House is scheduled for Tuesday, June 24th at the Leon Community Hall, 20638 Jameson Road, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m...

The objective of the project is to identify practical, nature-based and cost-effective actions to reduce potential future impacts, including, but not limited to, stream crossing Structure replacements and upstream/watershed mitigation...

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Ken Notes: Very interesting program and the first of its kind in the nation!

Turtles on the move in La Crosse despite overall decline in the past 50 years

LA CROSSE, Wis. (WXOW) – Turtles are on the move! You have probably seen them when out and about in the La Crosse region.

It is nesting season for Turtles across Wisconsin. The state`s 11 species of turtles breed in late May through the month of June.

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) said this year looks like a sustained event.

Usually, there is a push for about a week, and then you are likely to not see many turtles after that. This year, however, turtles have been on the move for about three weeks straight—and it`s not because we had a mild winter, the DNR said.

The slight increase proves to be a positive.

The DNR`s Andrew Badje said the La Crosse region has actually seen a decline in the amount of turtles over the last 50 years...

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Stop and smell the lavender at Lavender Bluff Farm

Stockholm farm offers a variety of lavender-, hemp- and honey-infused products

STOCKHOLM – It all started with a bike ride through Stockholm.

Kim Kirmeir said that is truly how the idea behind Lavender Bluff Farm blossomed.

“We went for a bike ride, saw the place and wanted it, but I didn’t know how to maintain it – it’s a lot of land,” she said. “So, we were looking for ideas for what to do.”

Running a home care company at the time, Kirmeir said she often used essential oils when working with seniors with dementia for prompting – including lavender oil.

Describing herself as quite ignorant at the time, she said, “I told myself, I am going to grow my own lavender.”

“I found that it’s way easier to buy lavender essential oil than it is to make it, because it takes a ton of work,” she laughed...

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Iowa DOT opens Black Hawk (Lansing) Bridge back up to traffic after three-week closure; Water taxi will remain in use for now

After three weeks of closure due to safety precautions, the Iowa Department of Transportation (DOT) has reopened the Black Hawk Bridge across the Mississippi River connecting Lansing and Crawford County, WI. The bridge was opened back up to traffic starting at approximately 10 a.m. Monday, June 9.

The Iowa DOT District 2 office had closed the Black Hawk Bridge late Saturday, May 17, when the sensor system being used to help monitor the bridge detected movement in the area of the third pier as one travels east across the bridge. Following a detailed inspection and engineering analysis over the past three weeks, Iowa DOT has determined that the bridge is safe for motor vehicle traffic with the same size and weight restrictions that were in place prior to the May 17 closure. The extensive analysis and inspection process determined that no repairs were deemed necessary from the detected movement, and the Iowa DOT will continually monitor the bridge to ensure continued safety....

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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	The Wisconsin Women’s Business Initiative Corporation (WWBIC)	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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New apartment buildings proposed at Bridgeview Plaza on La Crosse`s north side

LA CROSSE (WKBT) -- Developers are looking to build two five-story apartment buildings on La Crosse`s north side.

Plans are set to be reviewed by the City of La Crosse`s Commercial/Multi-Family Design Review Committee on Friday for new buildings that would add roughly 200 housing units at the site of La Crosse`s Bridgeview Plaza.

Plans show the two structures occupying the space between the existing Blue Zone Pickleball and Harbor Freight buildings.

Each would feature a mix of studio, one-bedroom, one-bedroom plus den, two-bedroom, and three-bedroom apartments across five floors, per the concept designs. Each would also include more than 90 underground parking stalls.

In addition, developers would also revamp the existing structures at Bridgeview, featuring a courtyard with multi-use paths between the new apartments.

No price tag is currently attached to the plans, which were submitted by Knothe-Bruce Architects, a Middleton, Wisconsin-based firm. The design review committee meets Friday at 9:00 a.m...

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Wisconsin`s Montana Society of Responsible Land Use AEA

Helps Protect, Preserve Local Farmland

MADISON, Wis. – For generations, the close-knit community of Montana, situated on the northern end of the Driftless region in Buffalo County, has been home to family farms. The area features a landscape full of rolling hills and dense forests nestled in plunging valleys. While much of the land in the township is productive, the flat fields that line the winding roadways are optimal for maneuvering agricultural equipment and are the most desirable for farming. These areas, however, are also highly sought-after for conversion to residential land or recreational use by local hunting outfitters.

In 2021, the Montana Society of Responsible Land Use Agricultural Enterprise Area (AEA) was formed as a response to the local land use conversion pressures and the community’s desire to keep the rich farmland in production. By itself, an AEA does not have any land use restrictions or requirements for landowners. However, when a landowner in an AEA signs a farmland preservation (FP) agreement, they voluntarily commit to keeping their land in agricultural use and to implement soil and water conservation practice for 10 years. This allows landowners to limit land conversion and discourage potential buyers from purchasing land for uses outside of agriculture...

...To learn more about AEAs and the Farmland Preservation Program, visit https://datcp.wi.gov/Pages/Programs_Services/AgriculturalEnterpriseAreas.aspx. To start or join a current AEA, contact the county land conservation department in the county where your land is located...

Agricultural Enterprise Area (AEA) Program

...Agricultural enterprise areas, or AEAs, are community led efforts establishing designated areas important to Wisconsin’s agricultural future. More specifically, an AEA is an area of productive agriculture that has received designation from the state at the request of landowners and local governments. As a part of the state’s Farmland Farming equipment creating potato hills in a farm field in the Fairfield AEA in Sauk CountyPreservation Program, AEAs strive to support local farmland protection goals.

Local communities can voluntarily pursue designation of an AEA by submitting a petition to the Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP). Through this designation, the community can encourage continued agricultural production and investment in the agricultural economy. Landowners within designated AE?As are eligible to enter into voluntary farmland preservation agreements?.

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Ken Notes: A very interesting program...

ORA seeks sustainable support through "Powered by People"

LA CROSSE, Wis. — The Outdoor Recreation Alliance is launching a new initiative to boost support for trail maintenance and development in the Driftless Area.

The group is encouraging sustainable monthly contributions to its "Powered by People" campaign to assist with projects like the new Community Trail Farm in South La Crosse.

"We`re asking a lot of our community to show up in different ways, and we don`t always love to ask for money, but we do love to ask for people to be involved and show up and support the things that they love," Willow Pecha, Development Director of ORA Trails, said.

The Powered by People initiative is running alongside the ongoing Trail Farm Capital Campaign. The efforts aim to ensure that outdoor activities remain enjoyable and accessible for all...

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Vernon Trails awarded $48K grant to expand trail signage across Vernon County

VIROQUA, Wis. (WXOW) – Vernon Trails is getting a major upgrade thanks to a $48,390 grant from a T-Mobile initiative aimed at funding small-town community projects.

According to a news release, the Viroqua-based nonprofit plans to install seven trailhead kiosks and 80 wayfinding signs across three of the county’s most-used trail networks and an 18-hole disc golf course.

Organizers say the project will improve safety, accessibility, and navigation while reinforcing the region’s identity as an outdoor recreation destination.

"We`re thrilled T-Mobile recognizes the importance of outdoor recreation access in rural communities,” Vernon Trails Executive Director Alycann Taylor said in the release. “The new kiosks and wayfinding signs will enhance safety, welcome newcomers, and showcase the natural beauty of Vernon County`s Driftless Area."...

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River City Stitch reveals brand new addition

The Prescott Chamber of Commerce usually holds their monthly "Coffee and Chat" at Ptacek`s IGA in Prescott.

"It`s a time to come and chat with members and have some donuts and coffee,” said Chamber Coordinator Trisha Huber. "It`s very casual and very informal."

Huber and company broke the norm and held the June "Coffee and Chat" at River City Stitch last Tuesday.

"Kim (French, owner) was nice enough to let us have it here today," said Huber. "We also had their ribbon cutting, so we killed two birds with one stone."

River City Stitch screen prints and embroiders apparel and promotional items. Owner Kim French started her business in 2007 in a 750 square-foot building in Prescott. They moved down the street to their current location after a few years into a 2,400 square-foot building. The Prescott Chamber of Commerce ribbon cutting was for a brand new 4,700 square-foot addition to the current location. The ceilings are high enough to fit an airplane...

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Why we celebrate cheese curds: Ellsworth’s signature festival returns June 27–28

ELLSWORTH — Every summer, the streets of Ellsworth come alive with the sights, sounds, and irresistible smells of one of the Midwest’s most beloved hometown events: the Cheese Curd Festival. Held June 27–28 in Ellsworth’s East End Park and business district, the festival celebrates the town’s claim to fame, the fresh, squeaky cheese curds produced by Ellsworth Creamery, the festival’s presenting sponsor and a cornerstone of the local economy.

Named the Cheese Curd Capital of Wisconsin in 1984, Ellsworth takes pride in its rich dairy tradition. The Ellsworth Creamery processes more than 160,000 pounds of cheese curds each day, distributing them across the world and building a brand that’s synonymous with quality and flavor. But once a year, Ellsworth brings it all home, inviting visitors to experience the curds in their finest form: freshly made, beer-battered, fried, and paired with regional beer, wine, and hard cider.
The festival`s national appeal continues to grow. Since 2023, USA Today has recognized the Cheese Curd Festival as one of its 10Best Specialty Food Festivals in the country, placing Ellsworth on the map as a must-visit destination for food lovers from across the U.S.

"The Cheese Curd Festival is more than a food event," says Chamber Executive Director Kim Beebe. "It’s a celebration of everything that makes Ellsworth special. Our agricultural heritage, our tight-knit community, and the small-town pride that puts our cheese curds on the map."

The two-day event draws nearly 30,000 visitors and is organized by the Ellsworth Chamber of Commerce. Festival proceeds directly benefit local nonprofits, volunteer groups, and community projects.

This year’s festival kicks off at 4 p.m. Friday, June 27, and runs through 10 p.m. Saturday June 28. Admission is free, with food and beverages available for purchase, with ticketed specialty tasting events. Free parking and a free shuttle service will also be available to help guests make their way to the festival grounds without the need to search for parking...

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The Great River Road

MAP		Discover Wisconsin Great River Road Video

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Southwest Wisconsin is a hotbed for clean energy

Southwest Wisconsin is seeing a surge in clean energy, emerging as a hotbed for large-scale renewable projects proponents said are economically benefiting the community.

About 10% of Wisconsin’s electricity is from renewable sources. The industry employs about 6,500 people and invests $15.5 million a year in property, state and local taxes, and more than $15 million annually in land lease payments.

Kaden Crapp, field representative for the Wisconsin Land and Liberty Coalition, said along with the economic benefits, clean energy has the potential to provide the state with autonomy.

“One of the biggest benefits that including these renewable energies into the state grid can bring is that we can start becoming a net exporter,” Crapp explained. “By being able to create our own Wisconsin-grown energy and be able to distribute it to other states as well.”

Several proposed projects are slated for the area including the Whitetail Energy Center, the Badger Hollow Wind Energy Center and the Uplands Wind project. Each is projected to generate millions of dollars annually and collectively produce hundreds of megawatts of energy to power homes and businesses across the state...

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Hidden Hills: Petting farm, paintball, non-GMO meat, more

Stoddard family of seven’s ‘hidden gem’ has family friendly entertainment, haunted house

June 23, 2025 -- STODDARD – Farm animals, paintball players, commerce, a battle course, a haunted house and a murder mystery game – Deb Bolstad said her family of seven takes care of all of the above and more at Hidden Hills on their property in Stoddard.

Yet the hardest part, Bolstad said, isn’t necessarily managing the attractions – it just might be the marketing.

“People ask, ‘Who is (Hidden Hills) for?’” she said. “I tell them, ‘We’ve got something for everyone.’”

Open annually May through October, Bolstad said Hidden Hills offers the following:

A petting farm, open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays, or by reservation during the week for field trips and private parties
Paintball, by reservation
Poultry, eggs, pork, beef and lamb raised on non-GMO feeds and pastured in non-GMO fields, available either in Hidden Hills’ shop or by order
Baked goods and handmade crafts, also available at the shop
A haunted house, operating in October
A fully original murder mystery, available by appointment ...

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Habitat for Humanity launches fundraiser to transform La Crosse`s Logan Northside neighborhood

LA CROSSE (WXOW) - Habitat for Humanity of the Greater La Crosse Region has launched the "Pave the Way" fundraiser to support ReNew the Block in the Logan Northside Neighborhood. Community members are encouraged to buy customizable permeable pavers, which will fund various neighborhood improvements.

Funds raised will support critical home repairs, the planting of a food forest, and stormwater management solutions along Avon Street. Notably, a permeable paver pathway will be installed outside Logan Middle School to prevent over 500,000 gallons of stormwater runoff annually...

"This is more than just a fundraiser—it’s a way for people to leave a lasting legacy in a neighborhood that’s working hard to adapt to climate challenges and build community resilience," Stefanie Kline, Sustainability Coordinator at Habitat for Humanity, said.

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Delve into dairy diversity

ELEVA, Wis. – It’s a diversified operation with diversified family members on the Kruger family farm west of Eleva. Greg and Kaye Kruger with their sons and daughters-in-law will be hosting this year’s Trempealeau County Dairy Breakfast.

Ross Kruger said of the family’s desire to host the event, “My family hosted the breakfast in 1995 – 30 years ago. I was 5 years old and I remember it some. The next generation is here. We had a desire to go through that and show our farm. We enjoy getting together with people.”

The family owns an 80-cow Holstein herd, which is a small part of the operation. They also have crops, 5,000 contract sows and a trucking company – and are working on a grain-storage facility.

“We have always had the diversified approach – cows, trucking, pigs and grain,” Kruger said. “If we’re going to do it, let’s make it into something more.”...

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Public meeting scheduled to gather input on plan to replace Viroqua’s ‘Dragon Park’

VIROQUA, Wis. – A public input meeting will be held Wednesday on a plan to replace one of the most beloved landmarks for the residents of Viroqua, the park that most locals refer to as “Dragon Park”. The park is a popular destination, not just for kids and families, but for visitors and tourists as well.

Meeting – Wednesday, June 11, 2025
4:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Viroqua City Hall Lower-Level Community Room
124 W Decker St.

Located inside the city’s Eckhart park, the playgrounds official name is Eckhart Enchantment, but the large green dragon silhouette in the side caused most people to simply call it Dragon Park.

A couple of generations of kids have now been enchanted by the popular family play site that has kept them busy for hours exploring the twists and turns under a beautiful canopy of mature trees. The way the structure came about has also added to the emotional connections surrounding the playground. Built in a about a week with mostly community labor in 1996, the structure holds a sense community like few other local landmarks...

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Ken Notes: These "Wooden Parks" were great but they do have a shorter shelf life...

Cheese Curds for a Cause raises $3,715 to support UW-River Falls students

IVER FALLS — A local partnership turned comfort food into campus impact this spring, raising $3,715 for student support at the University of Wisconsin-River Falls through the “Cheese Curds for a Cause” campaign.

The effort—led by Junior’s Restaurant and Taphouse during UWRF’s Giving Days—pledged $5 for every basket of cheese curds sold from mid-March through April. Proceeds from the campaign go directly to the UWRF Impact Fund (formerly known as the Falcon Annual Fund), which provides flexible, unrestricted dollars to meet urgent student needs, enhance academic programming and support underfunded areas across campus.

“This kind of giving goes beyond covering costs—it creates possibility,” said Mandy Jeppesen, annual giving manager. “Unrestricted gifts allow us to act quickly, seize new opportunities and support students in ways we often couldn’t through designated funds alone.”...

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This Wisconsin bakery has been voted America`s best pie shop

Wisconsin takes the cake in a national pie competition — with the winner of the USA TODAY 10BEST Readers’ Choice Awards.

Every week, USA TODAY 10BEST invites industry experts to nominate their favorite points of interest across a wide range of categories. Editors vet nominations, select final nominees and ask the public to decide in a four-week voting period. For the second consecutive year, Stockholm Pie and General Store has been voted America`s Best Pie Shop. Another Wisconsin favorite, Norske Nook, took fourth place this year...

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Timeline for Vernon County Landfill expansion approval clarified following meeting with legislators, DNR

VERNON COUNTY, Wis. – Following a series of meetings between Vernon County officials, state legislators and Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) staff, it appears Vernon County may have a little wiggle room on the timeline for state approval to expand their facility, but they could also run out of space before they get that approval.

Vernon County’s Landfill is running out of space and the county started the process of getting DNR approval about five years ago, that seemed like plenty of time to get state approval for about a five acre expansion to the existing 10 acre facility. At last months Vernon County Infrastructure Committee meeting, Solid Waste Administrator Stacie Sanborn said their recent assessment of space at the facility estimated they have about one year worth of “air space” left before they are full based on current volumes...

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Tourism Resources and Events in Our Region

Monroe County Events Calendar	Crawford County (Driftless Wisconsin) Events Calendar Visitor Guide	Vernon County Events Calendar Visitor Guide
La Crosse County Events Calendar Visitor Guide	Trempealeau County Events Calendar Visitor Guide	Buffalo County Events Calendar
Pepin County Events Calendar Visitor Guide	Pierce County Events Calendar	Jackson County Events Calendar Visitor Guide

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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.