https://www.momentumwest.org Momentum West News Feed Tue, 30 Jun 2026 12:30:43 +0000 en-US https://www.momentumwest.org/news-and-media/p/item/68031/uwec-program-fosters-success-for-future-blugolds https://www.momentumwest.org/news-and-media/p/item/68031/uwec-program-fosters-success-for-future-blugolds Wed, 17 Jun 2026 05:00:00 +0000 College brings its fair share of worries for students, but concerned Blugolds may find a helping hand on campus.UW-Eau Claire’s Fostering Success Program seeks to aid students without familial or financial support, and those who have been unhoused or in foster care. According to Fostering Success Program Specialist FranChesca Riley,... https://www.momentumwest.org/news-and-media/p/item/68027/construction-camp-introduces-young-students-to-careers-degree-paths https://www.momentumwest.org/news-and-media/p/item/68027/construction-camp-introduces-young-students-to-careers-degree-paths Tue, 16 Jun 2026 05:00:00 +0000 On a cloudy Tuesday morning, eight middle school Construction Pathways campers with UW-Stout Polytechnic’s summer STEAM experience watched a crane lift an air conditioning unit onto the new Aspirus Clinic that is being built in Chippewa Falls.  The site tour, led by the Boldt Company, introduced the campers to different... https://www.momentumwest.org/news-and-media/p/item/68032/hudsons-chapter2books-ted-blank-luxury-team-up-for-literary-cruise https://www.momentumwest.org/news-and-media/p/item/68032/hudsons-chapter2books-ted-blank-luxury-team-up-for-literary-cruise Mon, 15 Jun 2026 05:00:00 +0000 Hudson’s Chapter2 Books and Ted Blank Luxury Travel & Adventure partnered to start a two-week Transatlantic journey for literature lovers in St. Croix and Pierce counties that starts in New York November 2027 before setting sail.Chapter2 Books owner Gillette Kempf and Karla Thoennes, an advisor for Ted Blank Travel, spent... https://www.momentumwest.org/news-and-media/p/item/68028/ashley-cadrex-apogee-among-companies-benefiting-from-engineering-students-prototypes https://www.momentumwest.org/news-and-media/p/item/68028/ashley-cadrex-apogee-among-companies-benefiting-from-engineering-students-prototypes Mon, 15 Jun 2026 05:00:00 +0000 UW-Stout Polytechnic mechanical engineering student Dominick Marco faced several challenges when he became team leader for the second semester of a capstone project on behalf of Cadrex Manufacturing Solutions.In addition to designing and building a prototype that would automatically assemble a plastic latch and a steel bracket into a completed... https://www.momentumwest.org/news-and-media/p/item/68030/three-wtcs-colleges-recognized-among-nations-top-performers https://www.momentumwest.org/news-and-media/p/item/68030/three-wtcs-colleges-recognized-among-nations-top-performers Wed, 10 Jun 2026 05:00:00 +0000 The Aspen Institute has named Chippewa Valley Technical College (CVTC) one of just 10 finalists for the 2027 Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence, the nation’s premier recognition for community and technical colleges.CVTC was one of three Wisconsin Technical College System (WTCS) colleges named as semifinalists earlier this year. Mid-State... https://www.momentumwest.org/news-and-media/p/item/68029/built-here-growing-here-celebrating-local-investment-in-chippewa-county https://www.momentumwest.org/news-and-media/p/item/68029/built-here-growing-here-celebrating-local-investment-in-chippewa-county Mon, 08 Jun 2026 05:00:00 +0000 The Chippewa Economic Development Corporation (CEDC) joined community leaders, business partners, and members of the Chippewa Falls Area Chamber of Commerce on Monday to celebrate the continued growth of Water’s Edge Cheese Curds with a ribbon cutting for its new production facility in the Lake Wissota Business Park.The event marked... https://www.momentumwest.org/news-and-media/p/item/68025/120-years-later-the-journey-continues-for-taylors-falls-scenic-boat-tours https://www.momentumwest.org/news-and-media/p/item/68025/120-years-later-the-journey-continues-for-taylors-falls-scenic-boat-tours Fri, 05 Jun 2026 05:00:00 +0000 More than a century after 17-year-old Carl Muller launched sightseeing tours on the St. Croix River, the family business he started is preparing for its next chapter. As Taylors Falls Scenic Boat Tours celebrates its 120th season, a fifth generation is helping carry the legacy forward.Owners Amy Frischmon and Dan... https://www.momentumwest.org/news-and-media/p/item/68021/trump-announces-19-million-to-modernize-wisconsin-coal-plant https://www.momentumwest.org/news-and-media/p/item/68021/trump-announces-19-million-to-modernize-wisconsin-coal-plant Thu, 04 Jun 2026 05:00:00 +0000 A coal plant in central Wisconsin will receive millions of dollars in federal funding to undergo modernization after it was kept open longer than initially planned.President Donald Trump announced $425 million in Defense Production Act funding to extend the lives of 13 U.S. coal plants. That includes a $19 million... https://www.momentumwest.org/news-and-media/p/item/68022/college-career-transition-experts-say-some-skills-for-success-are-timeless https://www.momentumwest.org/news-and-media/p/item/68022/college-career-transition-experts-say-some-skills-for-success-are-timeless Thu, 04 Jun 2026 05:00:00 +0000 In a rapidly changing economic and technological environment, are the skills students need to succeed as adults also shifting?That’s a question Wisconsin’s Department of Public Instruction is asking with its new “Portrait of a Graduate” initiative that aims to define the skills and experiences students need for success after high... https://www.momentumwest.org/news-and-media/p/item/68023/wisconsin-reaches-10m-settlement-with-tyco-johnson-controls-over-pfas-contamination https://www.momentumwest.org/news-and-media/p/item/68023/wisconsin-reaches-10m-settlement-with-tyco-johnson-controls-over-pfas-contamination Thu, 04 Jun 2026 05:00:00 +0000 Gov. Tony Evers announced the state’s first settlement with a Marinette manufacturer of firefighting foam over alleged violations of the state’s spills law for failing to report PFAS contamination.Wisconsin Attorney General Josh Kaul said it’s one of the most significant environmental resolutions in the state’s history, as well as the... https://www.momentumwest.org/news-and-media/p/item/68026/university-of-wisconsinstout-polytechnic-amends-name-to-reflect-longstanding-applied-career-focus https://www.momentumwest.org/news-and-media/p/item/68026/university-of-wisconsinstout-polytechnic-amends-name-to-reflect-longstanding-applied-career-focus Thu, 04 Jun 2026 05:00:00 +0000 Throughout its long history, the educational institution that bears the name of its founder, James Huff Stout, has continuously evolved and maintained its position at the vanguard of higher education. Over the course of 135 years, two things have remained constant. The first is the presence of its founder’s name... https://www.momentumwest.org/news-and-media/p/item/68024/northwest-communications-to-bring-fiber-optic-internet-to-amery-homes https://www.momentumwest.org/news-and-media/p/item/68024/northwest-communications-to-bring-fiber-optic-internet-to-amery-homes Tue, 02 Jun 2026 05:00:00 +0000 Amery-area residents will have access to high-speed fiber-optic internet in their homes within the next year or two as Northwest Communications extends its decade-long fiber buildout to Amery's residential neighborhoods.Scott Jensen said construction crews have already begun work on the southeast side of Amery and will continue moving north through... https://www.momentumwest.org/news-and-media/p/item/68020/expanding-wisconsins-biohealth-lead https://www.momentumwest.org/news-and-media/p/item/68020/expanding-wisconsins-biohealth-lead Wed, 27 May 2026 05:00:00 +0000 Abingdon Health USA, Inc., a leading international developer, manufacturer and regulatory services provider for rapid diagnostic tests and med-tech, is expanding its operations in Madison with a more than $1.8 million investment that will create 46 high-paying jobs over the next three years.Abingdon Health USA , Inc., is a wholly... https://www.momentumwest.org/news-and-media/p/item/67663/applications-open-for-broadband-expansion-grants-in-wisconsin https://www.momentumwest.org/news-and-media/p/item/67663/applications-open-for-broadband-expansion-grants-in-wisconsin Tue, 19 May 2026 05:00:00 +0000 Governor Tony Evers and the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin are announcing $60 million to expand access to high-speed internet in unserved communities through the State Broadband Expansion Grant Program.According to a press release from the Office of Governor Tony Evers, the grant funding is available to organizations, telecommunications utilities,... https://www.momentumwest.org/news-and-media/p/item/67662/abf-ingredients-announces-eau-claire-wisconsin-for-north-american-expansion https://www.momentumwest.org/news-and-media/p/item/67662/abf-ingredients-announces-eau-claire-wisconsin-for-north-american-expansion Tue, 19 May 2026 05:00:00 +0000 ABF Ingredients (ABFI) has  announced the intention to purchase land in Eau Claire, Wisconsin. The investment will reinforce the company’s long-term commitment to the region by supporting the continued growth of Ohly – one of ABFI’s global specialty ingredients businesses. The location also offers the opportunity for further expansion to... https://www.momentumwest.org/news-and-media/p/item/67648/wisconsin-rural-partners-summit-stresses-collaboration-to-achieve-success https://www.momentumwest.org/news-and-media/p/item/67648/wisconsin-rural-partners-summit-stresses-collaboration-to-achieve-success Tue, 19 May 2026 05:00:00 +0000 Tackling the ups and downs of rural prosperityWisconsin’s rural communities face challenges such as housing shortages, aging populations, and, for some, the loss of schools and healthcare facilities.But through collaboration, cooperation, and community involvement, rural regions are attracting new residents and achieving economic development gains.Those successes were among the highlights... https://www.momentumwest.org/news-and-media/p/item/67657/rice-lake-weighing-systems-partnership-empowers-5-interns-with-jobready-skills https://www.momentumwest.org/news-and-media/p/item/67657/rice-lake-weighing-systems-partnership-empowers-5-interns-with-jobready-skills Tue, 19 May 2026 05:00:00 +0000 Job development journeys for five Project SEARCH interns are coming to an end at Rice Lake Weighing System. With nine months of work experience and education under their belts, the disabled adults are now ready to search for meaningful employment.Rice Lake Weighing Systems, headquartered in Rice Lake, operates on a... https://www.momentumwest.org/news-and-media/p/item/67659/northwest-communications-to-bring-fiber-optic-internet-to-amery-homes https://www.momentumwest.org/news-and-media/p/item/67659/northwest-communications-to-bring-fiber-optic-internet-to-amery-homes Fri, 15 May 2026 05:00:00 +0000 Amery-area residents will have access to high-speed fiber-optic internet in their homes within the next year or two as Northwest Communications extends its decade-long fiber buildout to Amery's residential neighborhoods.Scott Jensen said construction crews have already begun work on the southeast side of Amery and will continue moving north through... https://www.momentumwest.org/news-and-media/p/item/67661/xcel-energy-cedar-falls-hydro-project-supports-construction-students-industry-experiences https://www.momentumwest.org/news-and-media/p/item/67661/xcel-energy-cedar-falls-hydro-project-supports-construction-students-industry-experiences Tue, 12 May 2026 05:00:00 +0000 Donning hard hats and safety vests, construction management and risk control students from UW-Stout recently stood at the base of the Cedar Falls Hydroelectric plant and peered up at the 60-foot-tall dam that creates the 1,800-acre Tainter Lake, north of Menomonie.Cedar Falls Hydro is one of 19 hydroelectric facilities in... https://www.momentumwest.org/news-and-media/p/item/67660/bartley-steps-into-leadership-role-with-explore-osceola https://www.momentumwest.org/news-and-media/p/item/67660/bartley-steps-into-leadership-role-with-explore-osceola Sun, 10 May 2026 05:00:00 +0000 A familiar face in the community is stepping into a new role aimed at bringing local businesses and residents together.Nicole Bartley, an Osceola native and former Main Street business owner, has been named Executive Director of Explore Osceola, a position she says feels like a natural fit after years of... https://www.momentumwest.org/news-and-media/p/item/67656/sbdc-wins-small-business-development-center-excellence-and-innovation-award-during-national-small-business-week https://www.momentumwest.org/news-and-media/p/item/67656/sbdc-wins-small-business-development-center-excellence-and-innovation-award-during-national-small-business-week Fri, 08 May 2026 05:00:00 +0000 The Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at the University of Wisconsin-River Falls has received the 2026 Small Business Development Center Excellence and Innovation Award from the U.S. Small Business Administration’s (SBA) Wisconsin District.The recognition comes during National Small Business Week, May 3-9, which celebrates the critical role small businesses play... https://www.momentumwest.org/news-and-media/p/item/67649/wisconsin-shines-at-national-business-attraction-showcase https://www.momentumwest.org/news-and-media/p/item/67649/wisconsin-shines-at-national-business-attraction-showcase Fri, 08 May 2026 05:00:00 +0000 At the SelectUSA 2026 Investment Summit, held May 3-6 in Washington, D.C., representatives from Wisconsin highlighted the state’s strengths as a destination for investment by overseas companies.Ray French and Fanfu Li having a conversation with a woman at SelectUSA.Featured industries included:Advanced manufacturing, an industry where Wisconsin has highest number of... https://www.momentumwest.org/news-and-media/p/item/67658/rice-lake-robotics-teams-make-history-at-vex-world-championship https://www.momentumwest.org/news-and-media/p/item/67658/rice-lake-robotics-teams-make-history-at-vex-world-championship Fri, 08 May 2026 05:00:00 +0000 No robotics team from Wisconsin — at any age level — has ever achieved what a group of Rice Lake sixth-graders accomplished this spring.Members of the Natural Disaster robotics team from the Spartan Robotics Club at St. Joseph School in Rice Lake — Noah Hafstad, Zach Haughian, Eli Helgeson and... https://www.momentumwest.org/news-and-media/p/item/67650/from-spreadsheets-to-smart-systems-how-wisconsin-companies-are-putting-ai-to-work https://www.momentumwest.org/news-and-media/p/item/67650/from-spreadsheets-to-smart-systems-how-wisconsin-companies-are-putting-ai-to-work Thu, 07 May 2026 05:00:00 +0000 From a healthcare software firm in Verona to a dairy and beverage producer in Green Bay—companies across Wisconsin are changing the trajectory of their products and workplaces with artificial intelligence (AI).Top tech leaders shared how the evolving, powerful tool is changing how work gets done during the Wisconsin Technology Council’s... https://www.momentumwest.org/news-and-media/p/item/67655/the-creamery-at-cedar-a-taproom-brewery-and-event-space-could-be-coming-to-river-falls https://www.momentumwest.org/news-and-media/p/item/67655/the-creamery-at-cedar-a-taproom-brewery-and-event-space-could-be-coming-to-river-falls Tue, 05 May 2026 05:00:00 +0000 The River Falls City Council approved the general development plan for The Creamery at Cedar, a potential brewery, taproom and event center at West Cedar Street and River Street that the owners of The Garage Bikes + Brews nearby want to bring to the city.Both River Falls natives, Stephanie and...