Submitted by Amanda Connelly, St. Croix EDC

HUDSON, WI – On January 30, 2025, St. Croix Economic Development Corporation (EDC) hosted a group of 25 community leaders for a Housing Forum focused on early data highlights from the St. Croix County Housing Study. The study, which is currently in progress, aims to provide valuable insights into housing trends and challenges in the county.

Preliminary data from the study reveals several key points:

• The State of Wisconsin projects that the population in St. Croix County will increase by approximately 10% from 2020 to 2050.
• Household sizes are expected to decrease, leading to an increased number of households and a greater need for additional housing units.
• The median sale price of homes in St. Croix County rose significantly, increasing 76% from $160,000 in 2010 to $282,000 in 2020, and another 35% from $282,000 in 2020 to $381,000 in 2024.
• Recent Census estimates (2019-2023 ACS) indicate that 19% of homeowners and 36% of renters in the county are housing-cost burdened, meaning they spend more than 30% of their income on housing costs. Furthermore, 15% of renters are classified as severely cost-burdened, spending 50% or more of their income on housing.
• Rising costs of materials, labor, infrastructure, and fees required for residential development have contributed to higher housing costs in the area.

Melissa Meschke, Executive Director of St. Croix EDC, expressed appreciation for the engagement of community leaders in the discussion. “It was great to see the passion around this topic directly from key local leaders in our community. Their input is critical to the finalization of the study, which is tentatively set for release in June of this year.”

St. Croix EDC will be hosting one more Housing Forum at Western Wisconsin Health at 1100 Bergslien Street, Baldwin, 54002, on February 13, 2025, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Community members are encouraged to attend and can register for the event on the EDC website: business.stcroixedc.com/events.

For more information about the housing study, visit stcroixedc.com.

Submitted by Liz Dietsche, PC Fair Manager

PIERCE COUNTY, WI – The Wisconsin Association of Fairs has awarded Robert “Bob” Traynor the prestigious Hall of Fame Award, recognizing his outstanding contributions and dedication to the Pierce County (PC) Fair over the past several decades. The Hall of Fame Award is presented to individuals who have given 12 or more years of active service to fair boards and county fair committees. Traynor’s lifetime of commitment to the fair and agriculture makes him a deserving recipient of this honor.

Bob Traynor’s connection to the Pierce County Fair is as deep as it is longstanding, with his involvement beginning when he was just a child. Traynor has never missed a fair, and his passion for the event has only grown over time. Starting as a young exhibitor at the age of six.

Traynor’s affinity for the fair was sparked by his participation in 4-H programs, and he has been an advocate for youth involvement in agriculture ever since.

In his current role as the Fair Committee Chairperson, Traynor’s leadership and vision have been invaluable. He has played an essential role in organizing and improving dairy shows, mentoring young dairy exhibitors, and fostering a sense of community around the fair. Traynor’s contributions extend beyond his leadership role as he also serves as the Junior Dairy Superintendent and is a member of the Open Dairy Committee. His passion for agriculture is evident in his tireless work to enhance opportunities for youth through 4-H and the fair programs.

Traynor’s dedication to the fair’s success doesn’t stop at dairy events. He has been instrumental in organizing and leading efforts to fund and construct key infrastructure projects for the fairgrounds, including the addition of wash racks, a milking parlor/bathroom, and other facility improvements. He has also assisted in managing volunteers for the Beer Garden, ensuring the fair runs smoothly from every angle.

In addition to his many roles at the Pierce County Fair, Traynor has become a well-known social influencer, sharing his enthusiasm for the fair with the public through social media, offering fun fair facts, promoting upcoming events, and infusing his posts with his signature sense of humor.

When not working at the Pierce County Fair, Traynor spends his time judging dairy events and fairs across the region, further supporting the agricultural community and strengthening connections within the regional fair system.

The Pierce County Fair and the entire community are incredibly fortunate to have a leader like Bob Traynor, whose hard work, dedication, and passion have helped shape the success of the fair and will continue to inspire future generations of fair-goers and exhibitors.

The Wisconsin Association of Fairs is a non-profit organization that supports and promotes fairs, exhibitions, and agricultural events throughout Wisconsin. Through education, networking, and advocacy, the organization works to enhance the impact and sustainability of county fairs in the state.

Submitted by Amber Bettinger-Lytle, Adoray, Director of Marketing & Development

BALDWIN, WI – Adoray Home Health & Hospice is proudly celebrating 30 years of providing high-quality, compassionate care throughout Western Wisconsin. Since its founding in 1995 by local hospitals, Adoray has been dedicated to nonprofit, community-based care, supporting individuals and families wherever they call home.

A Legacy of Care and Excellence – Over the years, Adoray has become the go-to provider for Home Health, Palliative Care, and Hospice services, caring for over 1,000 patients annually. In 2024, our Hospice program was named a “Superior Performer” by Strategic Healthcare Programs (SHP), ranking in the top 20% for caregiver and family satisfaction, and one of only four other Hospice providers in Wisconsin to receive this achievement. Additionally, our Home Health program earned a 5-star rating in patient satisfaction surveys, reinforcing our commitment to exceptional care in the five counties we serve.

“It is an incredible honor to be part of the Adoray family,” says Christa Walz, Executive Director of Adoray Home Health & Hospice. “As we celebrate our 30th anniversary, I’m excited to lead this team and continue our legacy of compassionate care for years to come.”

Navigating Life’s Most Challenging Transitions with Compassion – At Adoray, we understand that life’s transitions can be challenging. Whether moving from home health to palliative care or transitioning to hospice, we support patients and families every step of the way. Our Palliative Care program, revitalized in 2022, focuses on holistic care, addressing physical, emotional, and spiritual needs, and can be provided alongside curative treatments.

To further support patients and families, Adoray offers an End-of-Life Doula, providing extra care during this challenging time. This service offers emotional and practical support to help families navigate the end-of-life journey.

Exciting 2025 Updates – As we look ahead, we’re thrilled to announce several exciting developments for 2025! This spring, we will be opening our fourth Adoray’s Treasures from the Heart fundraising thrift store in Menomonie, Wisconsin. Additionally, we will host our 2nd Dementia Caregivers Conference on June 4, 2025. Visit our website for more information and to stay updated on these and other exciting events!

A Vital Resource for the Community – Our Community-Based Palliative Care program continues to make a significant impact, providing essential support for patients with serious illnesses. Since its inception, it has helped individuals facing conditions such as cancer, Alzheimer’s, heart disease, and more. Palliative care can be provided alongside curative treatments, ensuring patients receive personalized care in the comfort of their homes while easing the strain on local hospitals.

Thanks to Our Supporters – We’re grateful for the ongoing support of our financial partners. In December 2024, we received a generous $75,000 grant from The Fred C. & Katherine B. Andersen Foundation to support our Palliative Care program in 2025. Thanks to community donations and contributions from Adoray’s Treasures from the Heart Round-Up, we can continue providing this vital care to those who need it most.

Join Us in Making a Difference – If you would like to support our Palliative Care program or any of our other care programs—Home Health or Hospice—and help ensure these vital services remain available for years to come, please consider making a donation. Your support helps us continue to provide compassionate, high-quality care to our community. Visit www.adoray.org/donate or contact Amber Bettinger-Lytle, Director of Marketing & Development, at a.bettinger@adoray.org to learn more about how you can make a difference.

How Can Adoray Help You? – Adoray is more than just a care provider—we are a trusted partner in your healthcare journey. Whether you or a loved one is in need of Home Health, Hospice, or Palliative Care, our compassionate team is here to help. Call us today at 715-629-1888 to learn how we can support you and your family.

By celebrating our 30th anniversary, we honor the compassion and dedication that have made Adoray a trusted resource in Western Wisconsin. Thank you for letting us be part of your journey. Here’s to many more years of compassionate care!