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WJFW News

USDA Loans Help Small Businesses Thrive Submitted: 07/13/2012

MERCER - It's hard to find farms in much of the Northwoods, and yet the U.S. Department of Agriculture has a major footprint in the region.

Randy Snow opened Snow's IGA grocery store in the small Iron County community of Mercer 19 years ago.

Business is good, but it's a challenge for a small store to survive against the big chains.

"With Target and Walmart, and all stores getting into the grocery side of the business, it's very, very tough to get some type of loyalty when a lot of things in today's market are based strictly on price point," Snow said. "It's a very competitive market and it is a struggle."

"These are smaller communities, they have fewer resources, they may be more singular in their economies," USDA Rural Development State Director Stan Gruszynski.

The USDA's Rural Development program works to build small towns and keep dollars in the local economy.

So with limited capital, when Snow wanted to expand his store to better serve customers, the USDA stepped in.

The agency backed a $1.6 million loan to Snow, who used it to double the size of his store.

It's one way the USDA is helping the Northwoods off the farm.

Story By: Ben Meyer

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Trig's Sells $293,000 Badger 5 Ticket Submitted: 05/23/2013

RHINELANDER - A trip to the grocery store made a Rhinelander woman much wealthier today.

The Rhinelander Trig's sold a Badger 5 ticket worth $293,000 yesterday.

The winner came in to verify the ticket this morning.

Customer service clerk Patti Pazera gets $50,000 winners occasionally, but this was a first.

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Farmers Alfalfa Crop Deals with Hard Winter Submitted: 05/23/2013

DEERBROOK - Wisconsin farmers depend on alfalfa crop for feeding dairy cows.

Usually, alfalfa survives winter.

But a long, cold, and difficult winter is making things hard for many farmers.

“That’s rot. The plant is green, and it’s growing but it’s not going to make another cutting,” said farmer Jason Nagel.

This year’s growing season will be a challenge for him.

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Walleye Plan Excites Local Fishermen Submitted: 05/23/2013

EAGLE RIVER - The initiative will help to rebound what's thought of as a suffering walleye population by adding hundreds of thousands of the fish to Wisconsin lakes.

The project could improve fishing for the state's most popular game fish and tourism in the state. George Langely, a local fishing guide at Eagle Sports bait shop in Eagle River, says walleye fishing isn't what it used to be.

"The walleye population has pretty much suffered in the last twenty years and it's really nice to see Madison recognizing that and taking some steps to do something about it. It will take a while but it's a great start."

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Knowing the Symptoms Helps Prevent Lyme Disease Submitted: 05/23/2013

MINOCQUA - “This disease is called the great imitator for a good reason,” says Jeff Waite.

Lyme disease can be good at hiding.

“Lyme disease is a bacterial type infection spread by a spiral keet, which is also considered a parasite. And it can be carried in the spit glands and intestinal track of ticks in this area. Particularly the deer tick," said Dr. Kurt Landauer.

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Marketplace Day makes entrepreneurs of grade schoolers Submitted: 05/23/2013

HARSHAW - A marketplace might make you think of a city square or a grocery store.

But what about a grade school?

The Northwoods Community Elementary School hosted Marketplace Day Thursday for friends, family, and community members.

Kindergarteners through fifth graders sold flower pots, lemonade, and artwork.

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One Dollar Price Tag on Historic Building Submitted: 05/23/2013

MERRILL - An historic Merrill building will only cost you one dollar to buy, but the price tag is set low because there's much bigger cost involved.

The Lincoln House in Merrill is badly damaged and beyond repair.

It needs to be demolished.

The buyer would have to pay for that, plus have a plan to redevelop the site.

The city has been trying to sell the Lincoln House for three years.

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Phone App Brings High-Tech to Northwoods Camping Submitted: 05/23/2013

STATEWIDE - Camping in the Northwoods just got a little more high-tech, thanks to a new website and iPhone app. You can download the Northern Highland American Legion State Forest app on your iPhone.

The app lets you see what campsites are available, and reserve your spot online. It also gives information about trails and other activities in the area.

In the “old days” travelers could always call ahead about site availability, but by the time out of town visitors arrive, they might be full.

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