Episode 14 of the Travel Calumet Original Podcast now available! Dana and Eric Krueger, owners of the historic and iconic Crystal Ballroom in St John, join host Rick Sense to discuss dance, live music, special news about the Mile of Music event, weddings, and so much more taking place at "The Crystal." Click here to listen.
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Meet Your Local Farmer event to occur April 27
On Saturday, April 27, the Calumet County Farm Bureau and local producers are sponsoring the Meet Your Local Farmer event to provide attendees a glimpse into Wisconsin agriculture. This is an opportunity to visit participating farmers in the area and see first-hand the different roles each plays in Wisconsin agriculture.
Participating operations around the Calumet County area include Clover Hill Farm in Hilbert, Midlakes Custom Services, LLC also in Hilbert, Ledgeview Farms in Malone, and LaClare Creamery also in Malone.
For more details, check the Calumet County Farm Bureau Facebook page by clicking here.
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Classroom on the Farm at Woldt Farms in Calumet County offers a unique learning experience
By Eric Peterson, FOX 11 News, April 18, 2024
School in the field was in session at Woldt Farms near Brillion.
The very first "Classroom on the Farm" kicked off Thursday morning.
School buses and hundreds of fourth-grade students were on the move.
"So far, it's our first go at this. It's been great. It was a little mass chaos getting 200 kids off the bus at the same time, getting them to where they need to be," said Macey Pingel, Calumet County Farm Bureau Board of Directors member.
Where they need to be is eight different agriculture-related stations. From learning how to feed the cows, to climbing on the giant farm machinery, Pingel says each session is 12 minutes long.
"Calumet County is a pretty rural county. But there's definitely kids that are very far-removed from the farm. And we're trying to bring them back to the farm," she said.
Click here for complete story and video. Video image from WLUK-Fox 11.
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In full bloom: Honeymoon Acres celebrates 40 seasons of growth
By Matthew Day, The Business news, April 22, 2024
Honeymoon Acres Greenhouse – which its owners, Joe and Marci McShaw, describe as “a gardener’s paradise,” has opened for its 40th season.
Though greenhouse is part of the name, the McShaws said the term “greenhouse” doesn’t quite capture the scope of the operation located at 2600 Calumet Drive in New Holstein.
“Most people misunderstand what a greenhouse is, in a sense of what ours is compared to a (personal) greenhouse,” Joe said. “Because some people think of it as small, which most of them are.”
Honeymoon Acres Greenhouse, however, the McShaws said, features 129,000 square feet of greenhouse space spanning across three acres.
Each year, the gardeners said the space houses 3,000 varieties of plants – totaling nearly three million individual plants.
The couple’s son Clint McShaw – one of several family members who work at Honeymoon Acres – said 90% of the plants are produced in (green)houses.
“The only things we buy in are shrubs and trees, so it’s a small percentage,” he said. “All the perennials we start from seed, cuttings or roots, and we have to pot them all. That is something we pride ourselves in. Most greenhouses buy their stuff, and that’s what makes us unique.”
Joe said pride is a partial component of his tireless, dedicated work at Honeymoon Acres, though he and Marci said they weren’t quite sure how to describe Joe’s exceptionally driven disposition.
Click here for complete story.
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Why is the EPA regulating PFAS and what are these ‘Forever Chemicals’?
By Michael Phillis, Associated Press, April 11, 2024
On Wednesday, the Environmental Protection Agency finalized limits on certain common types of PFAS chemicals in drinking water. It is the first time a nationwide limit on so-called forever chemicals has been imposed on water providers. EPA Administrator Michael Regan called it the biggest action the agency has ever taken on PFAS, saying the rule will reduce exposure for 100 million people.
The regulation represents a new era for public health and drinking water. The Biden administration has also proposed new rules that would force utilities to remove harmful lead pipes. It’s part of their overall goal to making tap water safer. Utilities are alarmed at these new requirements and the billions of dollars they will cost.
Here are the essential things to know about the family of chemicals and EPA’s latest action:
Click here for complete story.
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Wisconsin Public Service Requests to Raise Rates in 2025 for Growth, Meeting EPA Rules
From WTAQ, April 12, 2024
Wisconsin Public Service customers may see their electric bills go up $11-$12 a month in 2025.
WPS filed its proposals with the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin (PSCW) Friday for regulatory reviews that will set customer rates for electricity and natural gas for 2025 and 2026.
As part of the filed plan, WPS natural gas customers would see a $3-$4 increase in their monthly bills in 2025. The typical WPS residential heating bill was down $200 this winter compared to last winter.
WPS says the price increase is to recover costs of new power plants the PSCW has already approved. The utility company says it will also use the increase to focus on reducing customer outages, building infrastructure needed to support jobs and economic growth in Wisconsin and meeting new EPA environmental rules.
The request also includes millions of dollars in savings from tax credits tied to new renewable energy facilities.
WPS says typical residential electric bills are significantly below the national average and in line with utilities in Wisconsin and across the Midwest. If this request is fully approved, that will still be true.
Click here for full story.
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New job growth estimates: A positive outlook for Wisconsin’s workforce and economy
From The Monroe Times, April 16, 2024
According to the recently published short-term industry employment projections for 2023-25, Wisconsin’s workforce and economic landscape are expected to continue significant growth. The projections indicate that the state has made a remarkable recovery from COVID-19, with employment fully restored as of the second quarter of 2023.
Based on projections by DWD’s state labor economists, Wisconsin will create 82,867 new jobs and grow by 2.47% across all industries between 2023 and 2025, with computer and mathematical occupations growing fastest. Additionally, projections anticipate growth in employment across industry sectors.
“The economic projections for Wisconsin continue to show broad growth and low unemployment,” said DWD Secretary Amy Pechacek. “Employment is now higher than it was before COVID-19, and the projections indicate that this growth will continue across all industries. In the Year of the Worker, we’re advancing workforce programs and initiatives to connect job seekers and employers to maximize the benefits of a growing economy.”
The leisure and hospitality industry experienced a sharp employment decline when COVID-19 hit. However, the sector leads employment growth in the 2023-25 projections, growing by 5.25% or 15,342 jobs.
Click here to view the entire article.
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Pulverizing and paving on County Highway "A" to cause road closure
The Calumet County Highway Department will be pulverizing and paving County Highway (CTH) "A" between CTH Q and CTH HH/Kiel Rd., beginning Thursday, May 2, 2024. The project is anticipated to take approximately three weeks to complete weather dependent. Motorists should take caution to avoid this area and use the designated detour route listed below during this project. All access to residential and business properties will be maintained as much as feasible.
Detour Route for CTH "A" from CTH Q to CTH HH/Kiel Rd.
CTH A will be closed at the intersection of CTH HH/Kiel Rd. south to CTH Q.
The detour route will be as follows:
Eastbound CTH Q traffic will experience CTH A north closed. Will be detoured north onto CTH G, over CTH H east to CTH X/32-57 to CTH J south over to CTH HH.
Southbound CTH A traffic will be detoured west on CTH H over to CTH G, CTH G south to CTH Q.
Northbound CTH A traffic will be detoured west on CTH Q over to CTH G north to CTH H, CTH H east to CTH A.
Westbound CTH HH traffic will experience the intersection of CTH A closed. Will be detoured north on CTH J over to CTH X, CTH X/STH 32-57 west to CTH H, CTH H west to CTH G, CTH G
south to CTH Q.
Any questions or concerns about this project should be directed to the Calumet County Highway Department at 920-849-1434.
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Airbnbs aren't major cause of Fox Valley's housing market issues, but concerns linger
By Becky Jacobs, Appleton Post-Crescent, April 17, 2024
Appleton is keeping an eye on how many tourist rooming houses operate in the city, but has yet to see short-term rentals affect the supply of homes for residents.
Although there's been more Airbnb-type properties licensed in recent years, "we're not seeing the number of tourist rooming houses that, say, a community like Ashwaubenon or the neighborhoods around Lambeau Field might experience," said Kara Homan, Appleton's director of community and economic development.
Still, she said, it's something to monitor going forward.
Among its neighbors, Appleton is home to the most short-term rentals. It's difficult to pin down exactly how many, but there are likely more listings than there are licensed.
The Post-Crescent identified about 120 properties in the Fox Cities in late 2023, by compiling data from state and local agencies. Meanwhile, Pam Seidl, executive director of the Fox Cities Convention and Visitors Bureau, estimated there are probably between 300 and 500 listings for the area in any given month.
For complete story, click here. A subscription may be needed to view.
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FVTC offers AI seminar for businesses May 16
By Aaron Holbrook, Insight Publications, April 16, 2024
As artificial intelligence continues its influence across industries, the need for professionals to grasp its intricacies and harness its power has become more urgent. In response to this demand, Fox Valley Technical College in partnership with Midpoint Consulting announced a seminar through Business & Industry Services titled, "AI and the 21st Century Worker.”
Click here for complete story.
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America’s Seed Fund Road Tour comes to Wisconsin July 18
The America’s Seed Fund 2024 Road Tour is coming to Madison, WI on July 18 as part of a national tour that will connect entrepreneurs working on advanced technology to the country’s largest source of early-stage funding.
Also known as the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs, America’s Seed Fund focuses on next-generation research and development through 11 participating federal agencies.
Agency representatives will travel together to Madison to conduct one-on-one meetings with small businesses and startups, take part in panel discussions, present on SBIR/STTR technology areas and share insights into how agencies make funding decisions.
“This is a rare opportunity for Wisconsin entrepreneurs to engage face-to-face with the SBIR and STTR program leaders. We are excited to host this event again, and hope that researchers, startups and small businesses attend to get a better sense of how the SBIR/STTR programs can launch their innovation towards commercialization,” said Margaret Ramey, Director of the Center for Technology Commercialization.
The Road Tour is organized by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). The host for the Madison stop is the Center for Technology Commercialization (CTC), a local Federal and State Technology (FAST) partner. CTC is partnering with StartingBlock Madison to host the event.
Click here for complete story.
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State announces $275M in funds for affordable senior housing, workforce housing infrastructure
By Kathleen Steele Gavin, McKnight's senior Living, April 11, 2024
Developers and municipalities in Wisconsin now have $275 million in funding newly available to them to cover the cost of installing, replacing, upgrading or improving public infrastructure related to affordable senior housing or workforce housing.
The new Infrastructure Access Loan funding program covers costs that typically are paid for by the developer. According to the office of Gov. Tony Evers (D), borrowers can apply for up to 20% of the total development cost of residential housing and related infrastructure at an interest rate of 3%. For municipalities with populations of fewer than 10,000 people requesting a loan for senior housing, the interest rate is capped at 1%.
“We made one of the largest state investments in state history in our most recent budget, and I’m excited to see this program and others supporting housing partners across our state,” Evers said Tuesday in a statement. “Expanding affordable workforce and senior housing is critical to addressing our state’s workforce challenges and building an economy and workforce that can meet the needs of the 21st century.”
Click here for full story.
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New Farm Bill curriculum available to high school, 4H students
By Laney Reasner, Oklahoma State University Extension, April 11, 2024
“There are bits and pieces of policy curriculum taught in high schools,” said Amy Hagerman, OSU Extension specialist for agriculture and food policy. “But a Farm Bill-centered youth curriculum didn’t exist in the country.”
OSU Extension initially developed online videos on Farm Bill basics in 2019. When Hagerman and her team learned the videos were being used in high school and college classrooms, they identified the need for a customized Farm Bill curriculum.
The course is offered in a self-paced online format for 4-H youth as well as a traditional classroom environment for high school students.
Both learning options focus on the history, development, content and processes of the Farm Bill. The high school curriculum extends to careers in ag policy, titles of the Farm Bill and how youth projects are affected by Farm Bill policy.
Click here for complete story.
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Sargento Fried Cheese Curds makes the Milwaukee Bucks Playoff Menu Roster
The Milwaukee Bucks introduced its second season new food and beverage offerings. During the 2024 NBA Championship run, the Bucks are adding everything from Johnsonville Brat Burgers, Chicken Nachos, Specialty Smash Burgers, Sargento Fried Cheese Curds, an Italian Beef Sandwich, Stuffed Baby Back Ribs and Cedar-plank Salmon. GO Bucks!
Click here for the video. |
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Growing importance of North America for Irish dairy exports
Bord Bia’s market specialist for North America Maurice Power looks at developments in the US market.
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Check out the latest issue of the Travel Calumet Newsletter published April 1st. Click here to read the complete issue.
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Episode 14 of the Travel Calumet Original Podcast now available! Dana and Eric Krueger, owners of the historic and iconic Crystal Ballroom in St John, join host Rick Sense to discuss dance, live music, special news about the Mile of Music event, weddings, and so much more taking place at "The Crystal." Click here to listen.
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Business Start-Up and Expansion Assistance
Ray York of the Small Business Development Center serves Calumet County with business assistance to existing and start-up businesses throughout the county. Small Business Development Center services are available at no cost to businesses. Ray’s goal is to provide opportunities to clients by guiding them to make informed decisions to start, expand, or transition their business. He can be reached by phone at (920) 946-9379 or york@sheboygancountyedc.org.
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Fox Valley Technical College Training Opportunities |
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E-seed Express: Entrepreneurship Training at FVTC
Thinking of starting a business? Need help? E-seed™ Express assists start-up, early-stage entrepreneurs and experienced small business owners in developing management and planning tools for their businesses. Participants develop a business plan through completion of weekly activities and business planning templates. Experts provide insight into legal, management, marketing, technology, accounting and financing aspects of operating a successful small business. >>Additional Information and Registration
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Business & Industry Complimentary Training
Fox Valley Technical College offers a variety of small business-oriented free training and seminars monthly. Please visit their website to view their calendar of classes.
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Calumet County Community Economic Development
Jason Pausma | Community Economic Development Director
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