Here is an upcoming event that offers insight about farming in the Driftless Region…

 

Farming in the Driftless Region—Success and Challenges

 

On Thursday, Nov 12 at 7:00 a panel of local farmers will present their experiences and opinions on the success and challenges of farming in Crawford and Vernon Counties. This free event will be held at the Soldiers Grove Community room, cosponsored by Crawford Stewardship Project and the Soldiers Grove Public Library.

 

The four farmers who have volunteered to offer their perspectives include Darin Von Ruden, an organic dairy farmer from Westby area, member of the Westby Coop, www.westbycreamery.com and Farmers Union Representative. Bob Molini is a Crawford County organic dairy farmer and member of Organic Valley, www.organicvalley.coop. Dean Zimmerman raises pastured and grass fed livestock and markets locally his chickens, eggs, turkeys, pork and lamb,

www.couleeviewfarm.com, as well as working with the Crawford Area Growers Local Food Alliance. Josh Engel is an organic produce grower in Crawford County, marketing locally and regionally, www.driftlessorganics.com

 

Please come to learn and to offer your ideas at this community event. There will be plenty of time for community discussion. Refreshments will be served.

 

Call CSP at 608-735-4277 or the Library at 608-624-5815 for more information.

 

 

Sincerely,

 

Emily Joy Rozeske

Office Manager
Valley Stewardship Network
124 1/2 S. Main Street
Viroqua, Wisconsin 54665

 

(608) 637-3615
www.kickapoovsn.org

Attention Creative Thinkers & Resource Providers
Upcoming November Inventors & Entrepreneurs Club Meetings for Inspiration and Innovation

Thank you to all of you who attended the I&E Club "preview" Business Workshop and Resource Fair with Lisa Kivirist on October 7 in Prairie du Chien! If you missed the workshop you can find more resources about Eco-preneuring on Lisa's website at http://www.innserendipity.com/ecopren/ecop...jane-resources.html View some pictures from the event at http://crawford.uwex.edu/cnred/IEClub.html We're also hoping to have the audio of Lisa's presentation available for you to stream online very soon. Stay tuned..

****************************************

President of 7 Rivers Region to Speak at New Prairie du Chien I&E Meeting Nov 4

The next Prairie du Chien Area Inventors and Entrepreneurs Club meeting will be held on Wednesday November 4th at Prairie du Chien City Hall on Blackhawk Ave in Prairie du Chien. Networking starts at 5:30, and the program begins at 6:00 pm. Prairie du Chien Area meetings are held every first Wednesday of the month. The topic will be ““Growing a Culture of Innovation: Finding Opportunity in Tough Times” with Terry Whipple, the Executive Director of Juneau County Economic Development Corporation (JCEDC) and President of the 7 Rivers Region. Read more about Terry Whipple below.

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Vernon Crawford I&E Club Hosts Holiday Party With Founder of Rural Route 1 Popcorn Nov 11

The next Vernon Crawford Inventors and Entrepreneurs Club meeting will be held on Wednesday November 11th at Western Technical College in Viroqua. Networking starts at 5:30, and the program begins at 6:00 pm.

The topic will be “What Makes An Idea POP” with presenter and successful local entrepreneur Brad Biddick, owner of Rural Route 1 Popcorn. Brad will share his expertise, stories, and lessons learned along the path of developing multiple agricultural and popcorn businesses. Participants will have the opportunity to sample Rural Route 1 Popcorn products as part of our holiday party. Friends and family of the Inventors and Entrepreneurs club are encouraged to join us for holiday refreshments and celebration. Read more about Brad Biddick below.


ABOUT THE SPEAKERS

Terry has an extensive background in business development and a passion for creating a contagious environment for entrepreneurship. He is also adamant that the Midwest needs to foster a culture of entrepreneurism in order to compete economically in the 21st century. He will speak from his experience facilitating and nurturing the growth of successful entrepreneurial programs in west central Wisconsin. Terry will share his perspective on the Midwest’s entrepreneurial environment and culture; the characteristics of inventors and the constraints they face; what it's like to work with an inventor; how clubs provide a safe place to gather, explore ideas and gain education from peers; why a mix of inventors and entrepreneurs is important for critical networking to occur, what resources are available to assist inventors and entrepreneurs; and how to start a successful club. Economic developers will take home ideas, strategies and lessons to spur entrepreneurship. Terry received the SBA’s Region V and Wisconsin 2005 Home-Based Business Champion of the Year Award, the Wisconsin 2005 Innovation Champion Award for the development of innovative new programs, as well as the 7 Rivers Region Pyramid Award. He has served as an independent business consultant specializing in work with distressed small businesses and currently maintains his own private consulting business. He lives in rural Tomah, WI with his wife and 3 daughters.
_____

Brad Biddick learned his business savvy from a family of entrepreneurs that has sold seed corn in the area since 1906. He joined the family seed business in 1970 and led the business through expansion. Over the next decade, Brad developed interest in seed marketing and starting businesses and the popcorn business was added in 1983. Today the popcorn enterprise is a successful stand-alone business, and one of the region’s highlights on Route 18 in Montfort, Wisconsin with unique products sold nationwide.

Through this business development Brad has gained expertise in marketing, the food business, and trademarks. He has traveled worldwide and is an officer of two corporations and several LLC’s for agricultural production and popcorn businesses. Brad’s passion for a “better way” has expanded his awareness and continues to drive to contribute and excel in a very dynamic and changing world of agriculture, food, seed, science, and people.
_____

Whether you have an idea or just like to think business, plan to attend the Inventors and Entrepreneurs Club for a dynamic evening of networking with lots of creative people and plenty of resources to help you start or grow your business. Everyone is welcome. For more information about this and other I&E Club meetings, check out the website at www.driftlessentrepreneurs.com or contact Laura Brown 608-326-0223.

Hello,

Here is an update about the current hurdle that we must overcome concerning CAFO’s. We were not aware that the change to a general permitting process was underway. We should be encouraging everyone and anyone who cares about protecting our water and general community well-being to become a part of this process by contacting Tom Bauman to receive more information.

 

Thank you!

 

 

Begin forwarded message:

Dear ACES members and others,

Some of you may be aware that Petry has a WPDES permit in the works for his Darlinton Facility. According to the DNR’s fitchberg office, who met with the Petry contingent a few weeks ago, they are planning a major expansion there which will start next spring. Although Petry’s current focus is there, he may likey target Westby for a future cafo as it’s rumored that the calif. dairy men aspire to implement 10 new cafos here in wis.

As I stated in the below email to our state constituents, fighting the DNR proposed gen. Permit will be an imperative if we expect to keep the little local control that we have re. Cafo’s. I urge ACES, and others, to seriously consider taking aggressive action in opposing the Proposed DNR General permitting process for wis cafos. Please let me know if I can help out in any way.



Below is the text from that email about gen permiting:

Dear Concerned Citizens,

 I'm writing you regarding my concern about the proposed DNR WPDES/CAFO General Permitting process that is being proposed by the WDNR. I don't claim know a lot about this matter, only what I hear from the DNR, so if any of you have more info on it please reply with an update.

 I spoke with a DNR official from Fitchburg, Wis and he stated that the DNR hearing on this matter is just around the corner and if there's not strong op. to it, it'll likely go through and there will be "0" local control, and little local communication re. cafo permitting. The permitting process will all be "streamlined" and Madison will take care of it all. This is a DNR "program decision" so it's not a law proposed by the legislature. The DNR official emphatically encouraged me, if I'm concerned with local control, to get organized and promptly oppose this intuitive.

 You can bet that a number of business groups will be strongly supporting this general permitting initiative. However, I'm confident that it can be stopped by strong opposition. The only question is, are there enough people willing to voice there opposition to it?

 The DNR official told me that first step is to contact Tom Bauman, 608-266-9993 (Phone) thomas.bauman@wisconsin.gov, from the WDNR and tell him you want to get on the notification/mailing list about any meetings, hearings or updates re. the DNR's general permitting for WPDES/CAFO's. In the mean time, consider writing your state reps, organize, and plan on being present when this matter goes to hearing.

 Again, please reply to me if you have any updated info. on this matter.

 Thanks

John Fox

608.634.3786

 

Sincerely,

 

Emily Joy Rozeske

Office Manager
Valley Stewardship Network
124 1/2 S. Main Street
Viroqua, Wisconsin 54665

 

(608) 637-3615
www.kickapoovsn.org

 

Join others concerned with stewardship of the Kickapoo Watershed
Become a member of the Valley Stewardship Network for all those who live, work and play in the Valley

Here is an update about the Vernon County Comprehensive Planning from Lynn
Chakoian the VCCP Commission Chair.


Hi Emily

Thanks for promoting comp planning. One correction though is that the
Vernon County plan is in two parts. You linked to the phase II (goals and
objectives) document, but the phase I document provides all the background
information that the phase II used to frame the goals. Phase I has the
following link:

http://www.co.vernon.wi.gov/VCCP/documents/PhaseI-Final.pdf

Also there will be a public hearing in Vernon County November 10 at the
daytime county board meeting for those who cannot get out at night.

thanks,
Lynn


> Sincerely,
>
>
>
> Emily Joy Rozeske
>
> Office Manager
> Valley Stewardship Network
> 124 1/2 S. Main Street
> Viroqua, Wisconsin 54665
>
>
>
> (608) 637-3615
> www.kickapoovsn.org
>
>
>
> Join others concerned with stewardship of the Kickapoo Watershed
> Become a member of the Valley Stewardship Network for all those who live,
> work and play in the Valley

Good Afternoon,

The time has come for public review of the Comprehensive Plans that have been drafted for each county in Wisconsin by the Comprehensive Planning Commission. This has been a two year process culminating in the adoption of these recommendations by the County Board this fall and submission to the state of Wisconsin in January 2010.

 

Please review your individual county’s plan and contact your County Board Member with any questions. Each county is at a different point in the final review process.

I have included links for the following counties:

 

Vernon County (Public Hearing IS November 9, 2009 at WTC from 6-8pm)

Comprehensive Planning Home Page

2009 Phase I Final Draft for Public Review

 

Crawford County (Public Hearing WAS September 29, 2009)

Comprehensive Planning Home Page

 

Monroe County (Public Hearing IS scheduled for 2010)

Zoning Home Page

 

Richland County (Public Hearing IS scheduled for 2010)

Zoning Home Page

 

Please take part in this process and give your input for the future direction of your county!

 

Sincerely,

 

Emily Joy Rozeske

Office Manager
Valley Stewardship Network
124 1/2 S. Main Street
Viroqua, Wisconsin 54665

 

(608) 637-3615
www.kickapoovsn.org

 

Join others concerned with stewardship of the Kickapoo Watershed
Become a member of the Valley Stewardship Network for all those who live, work and play in the Valley

Dances With Elk; Fishes With Asshole

By Gregg Hoffmann

I came to fly fishing somewhat late by some standards, taking it up in my late 30s. I’ve had an off and on love affair with it since then. I say off and on because it really is a tougher way to catch fish than just throwing a worm at them, or even a spinner.

Some fly fishermen consider those types of fishing heresy, a violation against the religion they have made of fly fishing for trout. I do not go that far, and in fact at times wonder why I make it as tough on myself as I do.

I am a catch and release fisher, even when it is not required. I don’t like cleaning fish, to begin with, and also believe the population of trout stays healthier if we release them. That’s good for them, and for those of us who go after them by trying to figure out what bug they want to eat that day.

There are times I have found fly fishing discouraging when I could not figure out the right bug. I also have been blessed to have great fishing days, with multiple catches of browns and rainbows and even brookies who put up a good fight.

Some of the best experiences, and ones which make me understand a little better those who treat fly fishing as their religion, have not necessarily come from catching a lot of fish, or the size of what I caught. They have come, instead, through interesting, in some cases humorous and almost bizarre, relationships with nature, with the environment and other species who inhabited it with me on these particular days.

At least three of those experiences involve elk, not a specie you ordinarily associate with fly fishing. The first came years ago when my wife and I were fishing in a high country lake in Rocky Mountain National Park. I was wading in the lake and my wife was on one of the shores. We both started hearing a high pitch sound that resembled that of a hawk or eagle. As we searched the air, Pauline looked behind me and started pointing past where I was standing.

I turned to see at least 4-5 elk cows, leading several little ones through a small stream that was an outlet for the lake. They were bleating to the young elk to not dawdle and to not fool around with that strange looking creature with waders and the long pole. I watched these families cross no more than 20-30 yards from me. As the last mother elk passed at the end of the line, she looked at me, almost as if to say, “thanks for not messing with our children.”

A few years later, while fishing in RMNP’s Moraine Park, which has a wonderful meandering stream that runs through it, I laid on my stomach, dangling my line over a rock, under which a large rainbow was hiding. I suddenly became aware of some movement behind me, stood up and saw a herd of about 10-12 elk standing about 40 yards away and looking at me. They didn’t seem hostile or alarmed, so neither was I.

I laid back down to once again go after that rainbow and scared him away. I then rolled over to see if the elk herd was still there. All 10-12 elk had laid down, no more than 20 yards from where I had been laying, and quietly watched me. Apparently, they had thought laying down was a good idea.

My final elk/trout story came recently, and is the most bizarre of the three. I was fishing in Sprague Lake, a rather shallow lake in RMNP that has some good evening fishing. I was catching a few fish when suddenly a bull spike elk, probably around two years-old, came to the shore to the right of where I was situated, almost in the middle of the lake. Pauline was on the opposite shore from him, and I motioned for her to take some photos, with me in the foreground and the elk in the background.

As she did, the elk first started to paw in the muck at the edge of the water. He then waded about 20 yards into the water, no more than 30 yards or so from where I was standing, and started to “dance.”

He would leap into the air, come down and bow his head and antlers into the water and shake his head, sending water flying all around him. Then, he would start bounding in circles. This went on for about 15 minutes, as I watched, not concentrating on fishing any more, and Pauline took some wonderful shots.

The young bull then tired of his dance and went into the woods. He emerged a little later and this time looked straight at me and started walking into the water, his eyes intent on where I stood. He got within about 25 yards before I decided to start retreating, still casting as I backed up. He eventually lost interest, turned and left the lake.

That experience happened in the same lake where only a few years earlier I had caught a big brown trout by hand. That time, I was fishing near one of the shores of the lake when I heard a commotion behind me. I turned to see the big brown trapped among some logs in a shallow outlet. He was a dead man, no doubt doomed to die either in the talons of an eagle or hawk or from not having enough water to breath. So, I decided to rescue him.

Of course, he had no way of knowing of my good intentions, and instead fought my grasps for a good five minutes. I finally was able to cradle him against my waders, carry him to the lake and release him. He disappeared into the cold, clear water in a flash, without a word of thanks.

After that incident, one of my trout fishing friends and mentor told me I had earned the “trout tribal name” of “Grizzly Hoffmann” because I had caught a fish with my “paws.” That nickname stuck for several years, until my friend heard the story of the dancing elk. I was thus dubbed “Dances With Elk.”

I really liked that nickname, having been a big fan of Kevin Costner in “Dances With Wolves.” I was ready to proudly wear that name tag for years, but it only lasted a few weeks.

After our return from Colorado, my friend and I fished in the West Fork, in the Kickapoo Valley of western Wisconsin. I consider the spring fed stream my “home field” and one of the top streams in the Midwest if not the country. With my friend about 100 yards up stream, I got into a nice size brown, who came out of the water and took me all over the stream.

Just about when I thought he was ready to concede, he went deep, and I suddenly saw my line coming straight at me. Before I could maneuver in the water, the line slammed into my crotch as the fish swam right between my legs! I could feel him splashing around near my butt, grasped for him (after all I had caught a brown by hand before) and then felt him strip my line of the fly and swim off to freedom.

As I stood in the stream, rearranging my line and laughing, my friend who had watched it all and also was laughing, informed me I had a new nickname -- Fishes With Asshole. I’ll never like it as much as “Dances With Elk.”

Just a week or so later, while fishing on the last day of the Wisconsin season, not far from where the humorous incident had occurred, I had yet another experience. This one made me realize again while some talk about fly fishing in sacred terms.

I caught a fish in a pool that was about 15 yards wide and maybe 25 yards long. As I was releasing him, I looked down into the crystal clear water to see about six fish race by my boots. At first I thought they were suckers, since they often hang in groups and move in unison. But, then a group 8-10 raced by, and this time I could see they were trout, even was able to distinguish between browns and a few brook trout who displayed their reddish bellies as they raced by.

Then, came another group of 8-10, then more and more and more. The exodus lasted for what I would estimate as 2-4 minutes and included dozens, if not hundreds of trout, all racing upstream in a frantic manner. I watched in amazement.

I saw nothing that could have scared that many trout into fleeing upstream. My friend/mentor said I might have witnessed a spawning run, which trout do almost like the better known runs of salmon. Whatever caused it, I felt privileged to have witnessed it.

All these experiences have enriched my fishing life greatly. They have made me marvel more at the wonders of nature. They have made me laugh, feel excited, feel part of something bigger. One species sharing an environment with other species, interacting with them by hand, sight, hearing, even an asshole. The experiences have made me feel more at home in the world. If that’s treating fly fishing as a religion, then I guess I am a convert.

##

Good Morning,

 

Here is a great FREE event coming up October 24, 2009 in Gays Mills. I hope that some of you can make it out to see this amazing film. Included below is the press release from Crawford Stewardship Project about the event.

 

 

Evening of Movie and Popcorn with Supporter Opportunities
 

The film “Fresh”, by ana Sofia joanes, will be shown at 7:00 on Saturday, October 24, at the Gays Mills Community Building, 212 Main St in Gays Mills, sponsored by Crawford Stewardship Project, www.crawfordstewardshipproject.org. This film brings inspiration with practical solutions for a revision of our food system.

 

The event is part of the www.350.org world wide project to promote awareness to reduce the CO2 levels from the present 387.81 to a goal of 350, which many scientists have determined to be a safe level. This platform of a global network connects people across the planet.

 

Film discussion, CSP update, and an opportunity to offer suggestion and volunteer for CSP efforts will follow. Popcorn and cider will be provided at this free event.

 

“Fresh” celebrates the farmers, thinkers, and business people across America who are re-inventing our food system. Among several main characters, “Fresh” features urban farmer and activist, Will Allen, a 2008 McArthur’s “Genius Award” fellow; sustainable farmer and entrepreneur, Joel Salatin,, made famous by Michael Pollan’s book, “The Omnivore’s Dilemma”; and supermarket owner, David Ball, who is creating a new market model for our family farmers. “Fresh’s” focus on these inspiring individuals and their initiatives around the US provide us with actionable solutions. Go to www.freshthemovie.com for more film information. Contact Crawford Stewardship Project for more information on the event at 608-735-4277.

 

Hope to see you there!

 

Sincerely,

 

Emily Joy Rozeske

Office Manager
Valley Stewardship Network
124 1/2 S. Main Street
Viroqua, Wisconsin 54665

 

(608) 637-3615
www.kickapoovsn.org

 

Join others concerned with stewardship of the Kickapoo Watershed
Become a member of the Valley Stewardship Network for all those who live, work and play in the Valley

Hello VSN Members and Friends,

VSN's Food & Farm Initiative Kickapoo Harvest: Gleaning for Healthy Communities is looking for youth and adult volunteers to help us prepare fresh fruit and veggie boxes for our summer fresh food gleaning project. Fresh food boxes will be packaged with locally harvested fruit and veggies from Pat Slattery's Farm and Turkey Ridge. Boxes will be delivered to elderly residents at Parkview Manor in downtown Viroqua.

Interested in joining us on the farm for some harvesting fun? We are looking for volunteers to help us harvest gleanable produce and fruit this Friday, October 16th from approximately 12:30pm-4:00pm. We will meet at the old Dahl Pharmacy parking lot and carpool from there to two, possibly three, farm sites. Please bring your own gloves, harvesting knife, clippers or scissors (may not be needed) and harvesting bucket or box. We will have some to share but depending on the number of volunteers we may run out.

We are also looking for volunteers to help us out on Friday, October 16th from approximately 4:00-6:30pm at the Viroqua High School Cafeteria. Volunteers will be washing, sorting and packing harvested food into boxes that will be delivered on the morning of Saturday, October 17th.

For those who may be busy on Friday, consider joining us on Saturday, October 17th from 10am-12:00pm. We are looking for volunteers who are interested in delivering fresh food boxes to those residents at Parkview Manor who are participating in the project. Food boxes will be delivered on Saturday morning at the kitchen of Parkview Manor. During this time (11am) a local chef Frank Wildingway will be providing a 1 hour cooking demonstration to the residents. Volunteers can also help with the cooking demo by handing out taste samples and helping the chef in the kitchen.

The Food & Farm Initiative needs at least 10 volunteers to help cover the Friday (harvesting and fresh food box preparation) and Saturday (box delivery) events. Please call Nicole Penick (608) 637-8568 or email vsnnicole@gmail.com if you are interested.

Our past three Gleaning Events have been a growing success and many of us agree that this is our most meaningful work to date! Many thanks to our farmers and our volunteers!

http://www.vernonbroadcaster.com/articles/...tures/01feature.txt

I hope to hear from you soon!

Nicole Penick

Food & Farm Initive Coordinator

Valley Stewardship Network

124 1/2 S. Main Street

Viroqua, Wisconsin 54665

 

(608) 637-3615

www.kickapoovsn.org

 

Join others concerned with stewardship of the Kickapoo Watershed

Become a member of the Valley Stewardship Network for all those who live, work and play in the Valley.

VSN thought you might be interested in this field-day just south of Gays Mills sponsored by our friends in the Kickapoo Initiative.

 

 

Kickapoo Neighbors,
 
Come join us Oct 17th at 9AM just south of Gays Mills for a hike and discussion with Jesse Bennet of Driftless Land Stewardship Llc. http://www.driftlesslandstewardship.com/
 
Jessie will lead a discussion on a wide range of issues of forest health and ecology of plant and animal communities including:
• pre-settlement conditions
• invasive plants
• clues to how our land has been managed in the past
• different management techniques to meet varied landowner goals
Please bring a bag lunch and water come with your hiking shoes and lots of questions. Our next gathering will be the third Saturday in January (Jan. 13th)-speaker to be announced.
 
DIRECTIONS:

From Gays Mills go south on River Rd (which follows Kickapoo's west
bank) to right turn onto O'Neil Ridge Rd to top of ridge and left onto
Gays View Rd. and follow flagging tape markers.

From the east, (County S and Hy 131), go North on 131 to left on Sand
Creek Rd, then right or north on River Rd, then left onto O'Neil Ridge
Rd., then left onto Gays View and follow flagging tape.


The Kickapoo Initiative
Jennifer M. Nelson Maggie Jones (mhjones@countryspeed.com)
49369 Hickory Lane 608-872-2297
Steuben, Wisconsin 54657
608-476-2301

Dear friends of Crawford County-

Please check out the latest issue of Community Development Connection below or view the pdf file with charts and graphics at http://crawford.uwex.edu/cnred/documents/O...ctionNewsletter.pdf For your convenience you will find newsletter text only below.

** This month I am formally introducing “Economic Snapshots” as a new feature of this newsletter. Avid readers of the Wisconsin State Journal will recognize these as regular articles produced by my colleagues at the Center for Community and Economic Development. I hope these Crawford County regional versions will help you better understand how our economy has changed and continues to change. The snapshots will cover everything from labor to housing to farming. If there’s a topic you are particularly interested in, if you’d like to see the data, or to reproduce these for a newspaper of community newsletter, please let me know! You'll find this month's snapshot attached separately as an image file. The snapshot archive may be found on my wesbite http://crawford.uwex.edu/cnred/index.html

This newsletter is intended to facilitate information sharing between elected officials, plan commissioners, community leaders, regional organizations, entrepreneurs and business owners in the Crawford County, Wisconsin area. You'll find local events and news related to community and comprehensive planning, economic development, land use, and local government. If this newsletter has been forwarded to you and you would like to receive it monthly by email or post please email me at laura.brown@ces.uwex.edu.

Please pass this on to others who might be interested. Items for the Dec-Jan newsletter are due by November 15th .

Thanks and best
Laura Brown, Crawford County Community Development Educator, 608-326-0223

Good Morning,

 

Below is a press release from the Center for Rural Affairs that is hosting a Rural Issues Forum on October 5, 2009 here in Viroqua at Western Technical College. If you are interested in attending please contact Virginia Wolking virginiaw@cfra.org , (402) 687-2103 ext. 1017.

 

 

 

MEDIA ADVISORY

From the Center for Rural Affairs - September 23, 2009 Contact: Virginia Wolking, virginiaw@cfra.org , (402) 687-2103 ext. 1017 or Steph Larsen, StephL@cfra.org , (402) 687-2103 ext. 1014

 

Center for Rural Affairs to Host Rural Issues Forums and Policy Trainings Western Wisconsin Location for Community Discussions

 

LYONS, NE - Center for Rural Affairs organizers Steph Larsen and Virginia Wolking will be conducting several Rural Issue Forums and Policy Trainings in western Wisconsin on October 5, 6 and 7.

 

"Whether you're passionate about agriculture, rural development, health care, energy or another rural issue, join us to talk about what's happening in your rural community," said Virginia Wolking. "We will talk about strategies that have worked in the past as well as emerging tools to shape public opinion and public policy. We will learn from each other and share ideas for building upon our successes to win more policy victories for rural people and rural communities."

 

Organic Valley farmer cooperative is working with the Center of Rural Affair to co-sponsor the Viroqua event, the Midwest Organic and Sustainable Education Service is co-sponsoring the Menomonie event and the Northeast Entrepreneur Fund is co-sponsoring the Superior Event.

 

Individuals interested in attending a rural issues forum, leadership training or for both can RSVP by contacting Virginia Wolking at (402) 687-2100 or virginiaw@cfra.org . There is no charge for attending the forum or the leadership training, and supper is free as well.

 

What: A Rural Issue Forum and Policy Training in western Wisconsin.

 

When and Where:

Monday, October 5th

Viroqua, WI

Western Technical College

Room 115

220 South Main Street

 

Tuesday, October 6th

Menomonie, WI

Menomonie Public Library

600 Wolske Bay Rd

 

Wednesday, October 7th

Superior, WI

Village of Superior Hall

6702 Odgen Ave.

 

Agenda For All Meetings:

4:30-5:30 PM Rural issues forum

5:30-6:00 PM Supper for leadership training participants

6:00-7:00 PM Leadership training

 

For more information visit: www.cfra.org/09/wisconsin/forums or contact Virginia Wolking at virginiaw@cfra.org or (402) 687-2103 ext. 1017.

 

      

      The Center for Rural Affairs was established in 1973 as an unaffiliated nonprofit corporation under IRS code 501(c)3. The Center for Rural Affairs was formed by rural Nebraskans concerned about family farms and rural communities, and we work to strengthen small businesses, family farms and ranches, and rural communities.

      

      

Sincerely,

 

Emily Joy Rozeske

Office Manager
Valley Stewardship Network
124 1/2 S. Main Street
Viroqua, Wisconsin 54665

 

(608) 637-3615
www.kickapoovsn.org

Hi folks- My apologies for the large posting. Just a reminder to please join us for this informational meeting tomorrow night. Please come and help to spread the word! Very best- Laura Brown, Crawford County UW Extension
 
Public Invited to Comment on First Draft of the County Comprehensive Plan at Informational Meeting on September 29

 

Residents, land owners, and local officials are invited to a public informational meeting for the Crawford County Comprehensive Plan on Tuesday, September 29, 2009 from 6:30-8:30 pm at the Seneca school gym. The evening will include an update on the planning process, an opportunity to provide input on goals statements in the draft plan, and discussion time with members of the Crawford County Comprehensive Planning Sub-Committee. The meeting is free and open to the public.

 

The draft comprehensive planning document will serve as the County’s guide for land use, transportation, agricultural natural and cultural resources, housing, transportation, utilities and community facilities, and economic development. The plan covers only unincorporated areas of the county and provides specific recommendations for ways to implement goals. The draft document is the result of eighteen months of meetings of the County Planning Sub-Committee in collaboration with the Mississippi River Planning Commission and the University of Wisconsin Extension Office. Public input was gathered through a countywide tax bill survey in 2007, a public open house in October 2008, and input from citizens and plan commissions throughout the process.

 

Citizens may provide additional input on the plan by contacting any of the Sub-Committee members, attending monthly county comprehensive planning subcommittee meetings, or attending Land Conservation Planning & Zoning meetings. Contact and meeting information can be found at www.crawfordcountywi.org. Draft portions of the county plan and other local town plans as well as meeting minutes and plan documents are posted online for public review at www.crawfordcountywi.org/planning/index.htm.

 

The County Sub-Committee intends to present a final version of the plan for adoption by the County Board prior to January 1, 2010. Counties, towns, or villages in Wisconsin that wish to enforce zoning or subdivision regulations must have their own comprehensive plan in place by January 1, 2010, to comply with state statutes. For more information about the county comprehensive plan or the comprehensive planning process contact Laura Brown, UW Extension Community and Economic Development Educator at 608-326-0223.

 

###

 

****************************************** *****************
Laura Brown
Community & Economic Development Educator
Crawford County UW Cooperative Extension
225 N. Beaumont Road, Suite 240 Prairie du Chien, WI 53821 608-326-0224 Fax: 608-326-0226
laura.brown@ces.uwex.edu
www.uwex.edu/ces/cty/crawford

Dear friends - I thought you might be interested in this great event for new and existing business owners and interested citizens focusing on "Eco-preneurship" to be held at 6 pm in Prairie du Chien on October 7. You'll find the release and a flyer attached.
Very Best- Laura Brown
 
University of Wisconsin Extension
September 15, 2009

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

CONTACT: Laura Brown, Crawford County UW-Extension Community Development Educator,

(608) 326-0223, laura.brown@ces.uwex.edu

 

October 7 Business Workshop & Resource Fair to Feature Keynote
“How ECO-preneurs are Leading America’s Rural & Small Town Renaissance”

 

Prairie du Chien- Positive change is brewing in America’s countryside as increasing numbers of entrepreneurs launch creative new small business that take advantage of the rich food and agriculture resources in rural Wisconsin. The public as well as new and exiting business owners are invited to learn more at a business workshop and resource fair on Wednesday, October 7, from 6:00-9:00 pm at the Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin City Hall at 214 East Blackhawk Avenue featuring the presentation “How ECO-preneurs are Leading America's Rural Renaissance" by Lisa Kivirist, business owner, author and entrepreneur. Attendees will have the opportunity to learn through inspiring stories, browse business start-up and marketing tools, network and share ideas and resources. The session is free but space is limited. Pre-registration is required by contacting Laura Brown by September 25, 608-326-0223.

According to keynote speaker Lisa Kivirist “ECO-preneurs see their business as a tool to transform local communities by changing the food system, emphasizing cooperation over competition, being stewards of the land, valuing meaningful work over simply earning a living, and often, integrating their children and family into their livelihood.” Kivirist is the co-author of the award-winning book, “ECOpreneuring” and local innkeeper of Inn Serendipity in Browntown, Wisconsin. Inn Serendipity, a nationally-recognized bed and breakfast, features local, seasonal cuisine and is completely powered by the wind and the sun. The keynote presentation will explore the impact of a significant, transformation erupting across rural and small town America: entrepreneurs are launching green businesses and leading the sustainable revitalization of our countryside.

Kivirist also directs the Rural Women’s Project, a venture of the Midwest Organic and Sustainable Education Service, and will be facilitating this workshop throughout Wisconsin. This workshop brings together various tools, resources and networking opportunities for women to help champion both new start-ups and showcase the stories of successful entrepreneurs already running businesses that promote healthy and fresh foods, sustainable agriculture, and a vibrant local economy.

“Existing business owners as well as those seeking to start new ventures are encouraged to attend this free event,” explains Laura Brown, Crawford County UW Extension Educator. “Encouraging small, green micro-enterprise start-ups will help stimulate positive economic vibrancy in our community by creating self-employment opportunities that also contribute to community health and wellbeing” adds Brown. During the last recession from 2000 to 2003, micro-enterprise employment grew in Wisconsin while it fell for other employers.

This seminar is presented through the Rural Women's Project, a venture of the Midwest Organic and Sustainable Education Service (MOSES) in cooperation with the Crawford County UW Extension Office, Couleecap, and Prairie du Chien Downtown Revitalization, Prairie du Chien’s Main Street Program.

Dear friends-
Please join me to bask in the glorious weather and adventurous activities this weekend in Crawford County!

Saturday September 19 for the Kickapoo BRAVE (Bluffs, Rivers And Valleys Event)
Bicycle Ride and Harvest Dinner 9 am - 9 pm in Gays Mills Wisconsin ~

A celebration of the glorious scenic working farms, bountiful local foods, and creative spirit of Crawford County, Wisconsin. Held in concert with Crawford County Celebrates and the Soldiers Grove Art Festival. Tickets available for the bicycle ride (starts at 9 am, $35 includes dinner) or dinner only (starts at 4:30 pm, $15)! Buy your tickets online now- http://www.crawfordcountywi.com/brave.htm Please help spread the word by forwarding this email!

 
     
  
Ride features stops at Driftless Organics, Star Valley Flowers, Mount Sterling Cheese Coop, and the Ferryville Farmers Market, with optional stops at local orchards.
Join us for the ride and dinner only or dinner only! Refreshments by local farms and beverages starting at 3:00 at the Lions Park on the Kickapoo River in Gays Mills.
Gourmet harvest dinner starts at 4:30 (vegetarian option) featuring fresh seasonal foods from local family farms prepared by the Driftless Café. Donations will be accepted to support the Crawford County Farm to School program. Dinner and live music by Tim and the Floppy Cowboys and the Pie City Ramblers
 More information below and online at http://www.crawfordcountywi.com/brave.htm
General Information & Schedule

 Gays Mills is located along the Kickapoo River in Southwest Wisconsin, in the heart of the scenic Kickapoo Valley. The ride will start at 9 am from Riverside Park in Downtown Gays Mills, located on Highway 171 (please note: this is a new location) . Registration sign-in will begin at 7 am, where registrants will be given t-shirts, dinner tickets, and gift bag. A brief welcome/ orientation meeting will take place at 8:45. There will be a mass start at 9 am, so please be on time.

 
 
7 am

8:45

9:00

4:30

 

4:30

7 pm
   
 Registration open

Welcome/ Orientation

BRAVE Ride, Mass Start

Harvest Dinner

Catered by Driftless Cafe

Music by Tim and the Floppy Cowboys

Music by Pie City Twisters
   
 

 
 
 

Daycare

This will be a family-friendly event. The 4-H Junior Leaders will provide daycare for children ages 2 through 8 at the site. Please indicate on your registration if you need daycare services.

 

Routes

You will have a choice of two routes beginning and ending in Gays Mills. The shorter 20-mile ride will stay in the river valley and take you to the Driftless Area Art Festival in Soldiers Grove, while the longer 100 kilometer ride will take you over the ridge to Ferryville and the Mississippi River. This year all of the routes are paved, but beware of loose gravel on seal-coated roads. Riders will be provided with a map and a list of rest stops. Light refreshments and bathroom facilities will be available at designated rest stops. Cell phone access is not available throughout the county but a sag vehicle will be driving the routes for rider safety.

 

         

Route Map Topographic Map

 

 

back to top

 

Harvest Dinner

Included in your registration fee is a Saturday evening celebratory Harvest Dinner in Gays Mills at Riverside Park. Serving will start at 4:30 pm, offering early-returning riders an opportunity to eat after completing their ride. The dinner will feature fresh, seasonal foods grown by family farmers – catered by the Driftless Café – as well as breads, deserts, and wines from around the Driftless region. Live entertainment will begin at 4:30 pm. Tickets are $15 for the dinner only. Please consider and additional contribution to the Crawford County Farm to School Program.

 

Costs

This year, we are offering more options:

$35 Ride with full registration (includes the ride, dinner, t-shirt, and gift bag)

$25 Ride without dinner

$25 Youth with full registration (18 and under)

$15 Youth without dinner

$15 Dinner only (children ages 8 and under are free)

$__ Additional Contribution to Crawford County Farm to School Program

To order dinner tickets only at $15 per person (no charge for ages 8 and under), please email: info@crawfordcountywi.com

 

Contact Information

If you have any further questions, please contact Eric Frydenlund, Crawford County Tourism Council Coordinator, at 866-452-7967, or email info@crawfordcountywi.com
 


******************************************************* ****
Laura Brown
Community & Economic Development Educator
Crawford County UW Cooperative Extension
225 N. Beaumont Road, Suite 240
Prairie du Chien, WI 53821
608-326-0224 Fax: 608-326-0226
laura.brown@ces.uwex.edu
www.uwex.edu/ces/cty/crawford

Hello VSN Members and Friends,
 
VSN is happy to announce that the Vernon County Farm to School Program has successfully received another year of AmeriCorps funding. As a result, we will be hiring two new Farm to School positions including a Food Procurement Coordinator and a Nutrition Educator. Please see the announcement below.
 
VIROQUA AREA SCHOOLS

Looking to hire two AmeriCorps Farm to School Members to assist with Nutrition Education and Local Food Procurement. Both positions are part-time and include a paid stipend including possible education credits. Applicants should be passionate, self-motivated individuals who have an interest and experience in supporting local agriculture and increasing access to local foods in area schools. Please send a cover letter and resume to Marilyn Volden, Food Service Director, Viroqua Area Schools, 100 Blackhawk Drive, Viroqua, WI 54665 or email application materials to mlvolden@viroqua.k12.wi.us For more information, contact Marilyn Volden, 608-637-1645. Applications will be accepted until positions are filled. Screening of applicants will begin immediately. EOE.

Greetings everyone,
 
With summer coming to an end, a new school year begining, and the fall season upon us, you are probably experiencing some changes in your daily / weekly schedule. All of us here at VSN are experiencing some changes of our own!
 
Do to our two year committment for Board members, we have had to say our goodbyes and thankyous to some, and welcome others who have committed to serve with our organization. We also have just recently hired a new part-time office manager, and she is busy getting her "feet wet", learning some of the history and background of the organization.
 
We are looking forward to introducing these fine individuals to you, at our Annual Meeting, scheduled for Oct. 8th, at Green Man Music Hall, here in Viroqua. Mark that date on your calendars, and plan on joining us for an enjoyable, relaxing, and entertaining evening. More details on that gathering coming soon!
 
Finally, the main purpose of this message.... Because of the complexity of everyone's schedule, we are moving our monthly Board Mtgs. from the third Wed. of each month, to the third Tues. of each month. As always, you are invited to join us to express your ideas, raise your concerns, or just sit in and listen.
 
Thanks to all who continue to support us, and work to preserve and protect our Watershed!
 
GT
 
 
Gary Thompson
Valley Stewarship Network
124 1/2 South Main St.
Viroqua, WI> 54665
608-637-3615
www.kickapoovsn.org