Tickets available for Taste of Fennimore
Tickets are now on sale for the 4th Annual Taste of Fennimore event scheduled for Saturday, March 4. Advance tickets are $15, they are $20 at the door. Tickets are limited. Committee members can’t promise tickets will be available the day of the event. The Taste will be held at The Silent Woman from 1 to 5 p.m.
More than 25 vendors will provide the food and beverages for taste testing.
Tickets may be purchased at American, Clare and Peoples State Bank, The Promotions Coordinator’s or City Clerk’s office or from Taste committee members who are: Joy Bussan/Carr Valley Cheese, Ben Wood/Wood Law Office, Ryan Rands/Midwest Builders, Nick Witz/Peoples State Bank and Tina Frye/Tina’s Bark’N Beauties. Chamber board members also have tickets for sale which includes Karla Witzig/Good Samaritan Society; Sheila Ruchti/Community First Bank Bank, Heather Fifrick/Southwest Tech, Robert Callahan/Fennimore Times, Brad Bodenbender/American Bank, Ashley Walker/Peoples State Bank, Steve Lendosky/Brehler-Lendosky Group, Barb Scanlan/Sunset Fields and Denise Deaton-Tolzman/QueenB Radio group.
Download the 2017 Taste of Fennimore Poster.
Creating a Healthier You Wellness Fair – February 8
The Fennimore Area Chamber of Commerce is once again partnering with Southwest Tech to hold the “Creating a Healthier You” Wellness Fair the afternoon of February 8 on the campus of Southwest Tech.
Any business interested in helping to sponsor or serving as a vendor are asked to contact Katie Glass at Southwest Tech 608-822-2411 as soon as possible. This is an opportunity for you share information about your business and announce any special “wellness” sessions you plan to offer in the future. Space is limited, so don’t miss out on this great opportunity!
I encourage all businesses to consider using this as a “Wellness” event for your employees to attend. With increasing health insurance premiums, it is smart to be proactive about wellness and avoid costly sick days.
Listening Sessions in the 17th Senate District
The new legislative session began January 3, 2017. Senator Marklein has scheduled a series of 10 listening sessions throughout the 17th Senate District. All residents of the 17th Senate District are invited and encouraged to attend. The two closest sessions are scheduled for Monday, January 16, 2017 at the following locations:
- Richland Center: 10:30am-12 pm – Brewer Public Library – 325 N. Central Avenue
- Fennimore: 1:30-3 pm – Fennimore Memorial Building council meeting room- 860 Lincoln Ave.
If you are unable to attend a session, but would like to share your input, do not hesitate to contact me directly at Sen.Marklein@legis.wisconsin.gov or 800-978-8008.
Representative Ed Brooks, Representative Todd Novak and Representative Travis Tranel are planning to join Marklein for several sessions that are in their districts and will also be available to hear your ideas, concerns and input. Please note that these sessions are specifically for the legislators to listen to the concerns of attendees. There will not be a question and answer period or debate.
Thinking of Starting or Expanding A Business
Is 2017 the year you will move forward to start or expand a business of your own? If so I would like to suggest you work with the new Small Business Development Center (SBDC), Business Consultant, Brock Waterman. To schedule a free, confidential consultation contact Waterman by phone 608-574-1757 or email brock.waterman@uwex.edu
Do you have a specific question or need business assistance on the spot? The SBDC can help. Call the free business answer line 800-940-7232. The answer line is very good at finding specific information. The answer line is supported with retired business owners that understand the issues business owners are faced with. If they can’t give an answer immediately, they will call back within a day with the answer.
Fennimore Industrial and Economic Development Corp, Fennimore Area Chamber of Commerce and The City of Fennimore want businesses in Fennimore, we want all businesses to be successful, we want businesses to grow and create jobs.
Please contact me to set up a private confidential meeting at a time that meets your needs. A listing of available properties for rent, lease or sale is listed on our website https://fennimore.com I look forward to working with businesses at what looks to be another year of business growth in Fennimore. Let’s all work together to make positive growth here in Fennimore.
Wisconsin student entries welcome by Jan. 31
for 2017 Governor’s Business Plan Contest
Looking for a self-directed project this semester that can lead to prizes, mentoring and live connections to the business world? The 14th annual Wisconsin Governor’s Business Plan Contest is accepting entries online for the 2017 competition until 5 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 31.
The contest is designed to encourage entrepreneurs in the startup stage of tech-based businesses in Wisconsin. It links up-and-coming entrepreneurs with a statewide network of community resources, expert advice, high-quality education, management talent and possible sources of capital.
It also leads to valuable public and media exposure for the top business plans and helps spur economic growth in the state. Finalists will share in more than $100,000 in cash and service prizes. There is no cost to enter.
For their initial entries, contestants will submit a 250-word (or 2,000-character) idea abstract online at www.govsbizplancontest.com. That’s where contestants will also find business plan templates and other information, such as the Entrepreneurs’ Toolkit. The toolkit provides business startup information and assistance, networking contacts and technical resources.
Contestants who advance to subsequent contest rounds will expand their plan in stages. More than 70 judges drawn from the finance, sales, marketing, research and technology sectors across Wisconsin will score the entries and provide feedback on submissions.
To get started, contestants will need to create a simple account at www.govsbizplancontest.com. All entries are submitted through the website. Contestants use their account to gain access to mentors throughout the process, as well as review the judges’ comments and feedback.
Fennimore Depot Exchange Announces Million Pound Challenge
It is once again time for the Million Pound Challenge sponsored by Second Harvest. The challenge runs from January 1st through April 30th. A total of 1,000,000 lbs of food will be donated. One hour of exercise equals 10 lbs of food. They would prefer that once the million pound goal has been met that you continue to work out and log your results until the official end of the challenge. That way they can get an accurate number and can possibly make the goal a little higher in another year.
To participate, register online at the website www.princetonclub.net/mpc. The Depot’s team name is Fennimore Fights Hunger! It is a simple form and just takes a minute to fill out. You just need to remember to select Fennimore Fights Hunger! for the team you wish to join and that you select Fennimore Food Depot as your benefiting hunger relief organization.
Last year The Depot team earned around 12,000 lbs of food from Second Harvest that they were able to give out to those in need. If you have any questions at all, please call the Depot, 608-822-4060.
Recent Info From Food Pantry News
The Fennimore Depot Exchange Food Pantry served many people in December. On December 7 forty-nine families (representing 136 individuals) were served as compared to December 21 when forty-five families (representing 131 individuals) were served.
The Depot welcomes donations of all types of non-perishable food. Currently the Depot items needed most are: corn, mixed vegetables, cereal, peanut butter, canned fruit and cream of mushroom soup.
They gladly accept all food and non-perishable donations. Donations may be put in the basket near the front door and cash register area.
Pesticide Applicator Training
Private pesticide applicator training for 2017 will begin February 2 for Grant County. Training and testing allow farm operators and employees to become certified to use restricted use pesticides. Pesticides are classified as restricted use when they are potentially hazardous to the applicator or the environment. Training provides information on safe handling and application of these pesticides and applicator certification allows more options for insect and weed control in crops.
The training sessions will run from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. and will be held:
- February 2 in Lancaster at the Youth & Ag Center,
- February 3 in Boscobel at the River Inn,
- February 6 in Dickeyville at the Community Center.
Test only sessions will be held the evening of February 2 at the Youth & Ag Center in Lancaster and the evening of February 7 from 7:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Participants can attend any session in either county.
Pre-registration is required with a $30 testing and certification fee for each participant. Study materials can be sent to participants who pre-register at least two weeks in advance by mailing in the $30 registration, payable to UWEX, indicating which training session they plan to attend. Grant County residents can send their registration fee to UW-Extension, 916 E. Elm Street, Lancaster, WI 53813. Participants may also pre-register by stopping at the Grant County Extension Offices from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. Call Ted Bay at 608-723-2125 with questions on pesticide applicator training.
Social Media Workshop Offered
Did you set a New Year’s resolution to get your business’ social media presence rockin’? Are you tired of hearing people say, “Did you put it on Facebook?”
Do you want to use Facebook to increase visibility, get new customers, and make more money? We bet you do, but maybe you don’t know how? We can help! Vicki Thole from Vicki Thole Photography and Design and Melissa Emler from Melissa Emler Consulting are teaming up to bring you Facebook for Business. Spend the day with us. You’ll learn how to:
- Increase organic reach and decrease ad spend; Gain new customers faster because they already know, like, and trust you.
- Keep existing customers longer because they feel part of your story — FOMO (fear of missing out) is real, and your customers won’t leave because of it.
- Engage customers and employees in building your brand identity — The more you celebrate these people, the more they love you!
The workshop will be held Thursday, Jan 19 at the Mound City Bank Motor Branch in Platteville, WI and again on Tuesday February 7 from 9a.m. – 3p.m. For more details contact Vicki Thole 608-574-5368.
Friends of Fennimore Doll and Toy Museum to hold Annual Meeting
Friends of the Fennimore Doll and Toy Museum will hold their annual meeting Tuesday, January 17 at Subway. The meeting begins at 6 p.m., those interested in eating are encouraged to come early and eat with the group. New members are always welcome, for more details contact Bev Hines, “Friends” President.
Wisconsin Free Fishing Weekend Jan 21-22
Fish anywhere in Wisconsin without a license or trout stamp during Wisconsin’s Free fishing Weekend, Jan 21-22. This includes all inland waters and Wisconsin’s side of the Great Lakes and Mississippi River. Other fishing rules apply, such as limits on the number and size of fish you can keep and any seasons when you must release certain fish species. Check the WI DNR website for more details.
4-H Family Project Day
Grant County 4-H Family Project Day provides school aged youth with an opportunity to make neat items as they explore 4-H projects. Come to the Youth and Agriculture Center at the Grant County Fairgrounds on Saturday, February 11, 2017 from 9:15 a.m. to noon to join in on the fun!
The day will begin with registration at 9:15 a.m. and the first session begins at 9:30 a.m. At each session, participants will have an opportunity to make a project they can take home. There are seventeen different project opportunities encompassing a variety of areas including: woodworking, sewing, arts and crafts, and more! During 4-H Family Project Day, a total of four sessions will give participants the opportunity to learn new skills, work with others, and have fun. A free lunch will be provided to conclude the day! We ask that you pre-register for your four sessions by filling out a form at grant.uwex.edu by Monday, January 30. Projects are limited.
The Grant County 4-H Youth Development program is made up of 4-H clubs with over 500 members and 200 adult leaders who are “learning by doing” in over a hundred different project areas. Youth in 4-H can take advantage of numerous 4-H events, activities, trips, camps, fairs, shows, and conferences. The 4-H program is open to all youth in Kindergarten through the year after high school graduation. For more information about the 4-H Youth Development program or 4-H Family Project Day, call the Grant County UW-Extension Office at 608-723-2125, check out http://grant.uwex.edu/, or find Grant County 4-H on Facebook.
Southwest Tech Hosts Outdoor Skills Day
It’s time once again for the annual Outdoors Skills Day sponsored by Grant County Outdoor Alliance held on the campus of Southwest Tech in the Ag/Auto building. The skills day will be held Saturday, Feb 4 and runs from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Admission is free.
The members of the Grant County Outdoor Sports Alliance have a passion for all of the outdoor activities and enjoyment of the abundant hunting, fishing and outdoor sports our area offers. This annual event shares the skills and fun that is available just outside our backdoors.
The building will be divided into the following stations: BB Guns, Decoys and Calls, Falconry, Fly Tying, Fur/Trapping, Hunting Dogs, Laser Shot, Snowshoeing, Bow and Arrow, Casting/Fly Rods, Outdoor Skills Course, DNR Forestry and Starsplitters. Seminars are as follows Hunting Dogs 10 a.m. and 1 p.m.; Turkey Hunting 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.; Falconry 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. and Backyard Bird Watching 11 a.m. and 2 p.m.
So leave your phones at home or in your vehicles because Nature is calling. Door prizes will be given out throughout the day. A food stand will be provided by the Southwest Tech Blue Line Club. Come one, come all for a great family winter outing.
Grant County Travel Planners Hot Off the Press
Stop by the Memorial building and pick up a copy of the 2017 Grant County Travel Planners. The planners are a group effort made possible by The Iowa-Grant Shopping News who sell ads and set up and print the planners. The cost of production comes from the sale of ads and the photos and information and calendar of events are coordinated through members of Grant County Tourism Council.