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Success Stories

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Use the filters below to find additional stories about how our programs have helped rural communities across the nation.

Search Results: 25 Stories

Hauser’s Superior View Farm & Apfelhaus Cidery team presses on for April reveal of hard apple cider taproom

Owner Dane Hauser shares insights on the process to apply for a USDA Rural Development Value-Added Producer Grant The new hard apple cider taproom is ready to provide brews and views starting in April. Photo courtesy of Hauser's Superior… [Read More]
Wisconsin

The BRICK Executive Director shares what kept her motivated through the expansion of one of the busiest food pantries in Northern Wisconsin

A $154,500 USDA Rural Development Community Facilities grant helped increase the square footage and modernize the Food Shelf at The BRICKWhen one of the busiest food pantries in Northern Wisconsin took on a multi-year renovation project, which involved a move to and from a… [Read More]
Wisconsin

As the Door County Granary interpretive museum prepares to open for the 2025 season, the women who began the project are as dedicated as ever

A $3.3 million USDA Rural Development Community Facilities grant helped restore a historical giant that was instrumental in shaping Wisconsin’s global agricultural significance  It has taken dozens of people to complete the first phases of the project to restore the 75-foot… [Read More]
Wisconsin

A new megawatt solar array is saving energy and decreasing production costs on the rooftop at Kolbe in Wausau

After 78 years, Kolbe Windows & Doors in Wausau is still embracing change and finding new ways to save energy and operating expenses. A new megawatt solar array is saving energy while cutting costs at Kolbe Windows & Doors, which is a millwork factory and showroom… [Read More]
Wisconsin

Difficult roads lead to beautiful destinations at the Laona Rescue Unit in Northern Wisconsin

Emergency services in the rural Laona area are enhanced and streamlined through a Community Facilities project funded in part with a $2,093,000.00 grantAn inspirational sign* at the new Laona Rescue Unit facility reads: “Difficult roads lead to beautiful destinations.” That is… [Read More]
Wisconsin

The coffee’s on at Kim's

The coffee’s on in a refurbished house in rural Radisson, where the dream of homeownership is being experienced for the first time ever with the help of a USDA Single Family Housing direct loan.After much dedication, a new homeowner who worked throughout most of her adult life… [Read More]
Wisconsin

Habitat Partnership Leads to Homeownership for Ellsworth Family

A few days after the St. Croix Valley Habitat for Humanity celebrated its 28th year of helping families access safe, affordable housing in Wisconsin, a local mother and healthcare worker, Taylor, and her two children joined volunteers on a snowy afternoon in March to break… [Read More]
Wisconsin

Distance Learning Grant Provides Window to the World for Rural Students

Halfway between Park Falls and Ashland is the rural community of Mellen, population 698. Nestled between the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest and nearby Copper Falls State Park, this small community is humming with activity on an early Monday morning in March.Students are… [Read More]
Wisconsin

City of Gillett Paves the Way for State Highway Reconstruction

Whether we like it or not, orange barrel season is right around the corner in Wisconsin. Roads across the state will soon come under construction and orange barrels will pop up like bulbs in the garden. Depending on the type of project, communities can prepare in advance… [Read More]
Wisconsin

Good Things Come From Wisconsin’s ‘Valley’

What began as an organic produce pool of farmers in the Coulee region of southwest Wisconsin has grown to become a member of the Top 100 Agricultural Cooperatives, and the largest organic marketing cooperative when farmers wanted something different than the market had to offer… [Read More]
Wisconsin