From Mexican Market to Mexican Kitchen

Restaurante Guerrero owner Marleni Sandoval holds the restaurant’s first takeout order of tacos while posing with her two young sons following Wednesday’s ribbon cutting. Sandoval operates the new restaurant alongside Supermercado Guerrero, the family’s longtime Mexican market in Sparta.

With her baby on one hip, her older son at her side and Restaurante Guerrero's first order of tacos in her hand, Marleni Sandoval stood inside her new restaurant Wednesday, surrounded by the family, …

Same “Gr8” Service

Never one not to get his hands dirty, Larry Krauss details a vehicle at his new location.

Gr8 Auto Detail and Rental has relocated. Previously located across from Walmart since 2013, the business is now at the former Middleton Auto Shop, 118 W. Wisconsin Street. The name has also been …

Vintage Brings Color, History and a Lifetime of Collecting to Water Street

Patricia Barnes, owner of Vintage at 126 Water Street in Sparta, sits among the colorful vintage clothing, lamps, retro furniture, accessories, and treasures she has collected over decades in the vintage trade. Barnes, 81, is gradually bringing pieces from her extensive collection into the new shop, including South African ostrich feather boas like those pictured. "There's no such thing as too many feathers," Barnes said.

Color and music fill Vintage, the store Patricia Barnes opened at 126 Water Street. Natural light falls across sequins, feathers, formalwear, lamps, and clothing arranged to create an elegant, …

Sparta Culver's Celebrates Community Through Hospitality, Mentorship and Giving Back

Pam Huber, center, poses with members of the Sparta Culver's team. Coworkers describe Huber as a mentor and 'work mom' whose encouragement has helped young employees build confidence while fostering the welcoming atmosphere customers have come to expect.

Before many guests have even found a table at Sparta's Culver's, they are likely to hear a cheerful greeting from Pam Huber. For nearly two decades, Huber has welcomed customers, encouraged coworkers …

Building Community, One Brick at a Time

Jerry and America Fushianes stand outside Brick Sip Haus in downtown Tomah. Since purchasing the business in late 2025, the couple has expanded their downtown vision with Brick Productions, an entertainment venue, and Brick & Bean Coffee, creating gathering spaces centered on community, conversation and local entertainment.

The Brick Sip Haus opened in downtown Tomah in November of 2023. Located at 800 Superior Avenue, it quickly became a popular destination for the community to gather for a social drink, live music, …

Emma Ann’s Boutique: Resale, Reimagined

Dinelle Clay stands inside Emma Ann's Boutique in Tomah, where she offers a mix of new and resale clothing, accessories, and home décor. Clay founded the boutique 12 years ago with the goal of changing perceptions of resale shopping. Contributed photo.

From riding horses to running a retail business, Warren's native Dinelle Clay started her business 12 years ago to change people's perception of resale. Her boutique "Emma Anns" combines …

Degenhardt Equipment, Norwalk

Third generation owners of Degenhart Equipment Joe and Kelly Degenhardt celebrate almost 80 years of the family business. Herald photo by John Gessner.

Degenhardt Equipment of Norwalk has been a family-owned business for three generations, and it continues to provide quality service and equipment to the west-central Wisconsin area. Recently …

The Enchanted Vale: A unique gift boutique

Phoebe Bashaw owner of The Enchanted Vale offering a variety of unique gifts and items.

Are you looking for that special gift for the one who has everything, or a unique handmade item? Then the Enchanted Vale gift boutique in Sparta is the place to go. It's a new store that has just …

Lilly Lane Boutique Brings Modern Chic to Downtown Sparta

19-year-old Lilly Gilbertson standing outside her first store, Lilly Lane Boutique at 110 E Main Street in downtown Sparta. Lilly Lane Boutique reflects Gilbertson’s vision of creating a space where people can find beautiful, comfortable pieces.

While shopping with her mom as a little girl, Lilly Gilbertson dreamed of opening her own boutique. Drawing inspiration from countless visits to shops with her mom and benefiting from the business …

Operation Phoenix focuses on the future of downtown Tomah

After fire damage left growing concern over the future of downtown Tomah, city officials in Tomah say a long-term revitalization effort known as "Operation Phoenix" is taking shape. …

At Wisco Roots in downtown Sparta, style, atmosphere and connection keep clients coming back — and curious newcomers stepping in

Cheyenne Brockman washes the hair of a longtime client — who also happens to be a best friend — at Wisco Roots Hair Company, reflecting the connections that thrive and grow in the warm and welcoming space.

Nestled next to the library, tucked cozily between taller buildings in downtown Sparta, Wisco Roots Hair Company can be easy to miss — but step a little closer, and it begins to reveal itself. …

Maral Gaming coming soon to Tomah

A fierce dragon faces off against a group of warriors on a beach.

A new gaming shop is getting ready to open its doors in Tomah, aiming to give local players a place to gather, shop, and spend time together. Maral Gaming, a retail and entertainment business, is set to open on May 1. Located at 201 W Veterans St, Ste 1, Tomah, the business focuses on creating a space where both casual and dedicated gamers feel at home. In addition to selling gaming products, the shop is designed to be a spot where customers can connect, play, and be part of a growing local gaming community. Owners plan for Maral Gaming to become a regular stop for area residents, whether they’re looking to pick up the latest gear or just spend time with others who share their interests. More details, including hours and special events, are expected to be announced closer to opening day. Business Details: Maral Gaming Gaming retail and entertainment Address: 201 w veterans st, ste 1. Tomah wi 54660 Owner: Robert Stubbendick

Cashton’s Kleinshire Farms launches 2026 CSA, invites local families to share in organic harvest

Franz Kline harvests garlic with two of his children, 10-year-old Chrysogonus and 13-year-old Cletus, on their farm in Cashton.

A Driftless-area family farm run by Franz and Rosemary Klein and their seven boys is launching a Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) program in 2026, inviting local households to share in the …

7 Rivers Alliance announces small business grant program

The regional economic development group 7 Rivers Alliance has announced a $275,000 Small Business Development Grant aimed at the region’s rural Wisconsin communities. Chris Hardie, 7 Rivers …

Tomah Health workforce strong despite statewide hospital staffing strain

Tomah Health Human Resources Director Brenda Reinert is pleased with staff hiring and workforce development despite a Wisconsin hospital report that shows health care workforce is growing but …

Sparta’s Blue Collar debuts open mic to packed house

Pat Clark runs sound as Eric Severson, Bangor, front left, and Sparta resident Derek Brown have an impromptu jam session between guitar and mandolin during the first Open Mic Night at Blue Collar Bar and Grill Feb 24.

From 6 to 9 p.m. Feb. 24, patrons filled the tables, lounge area, bar and audience space at Blue Collar Bar & Grill for the Sparta downtown establishment’s first-ever open mic night, hosted by …

Inspired by father, Wilton woman opens Noble Nails

Noble Nails owner Sarah Swenson poses beneath her family’s line of cowboy hats, with her father’s hat hanging directly above her. Swenson’s father died two years ago and is the inspiration for starting her business in Wilton.

A new nail salon opened last fall in downtown Wilton, but for owner Sarah Swenson, Noble Nails LLC is more than a business — it is a tribute to her late father. Swenson, owner and operator of …

Tomah Health Community Foundation donates to Parenting Place of La Crosse

Tomah Health Community Foundation President Brian Eirschele presented a ceremonial $3,000 check to The Parenting Place Fund Development director Alia Henrichsen Feb. 12. The funds will support a monthly play group held at Tomah’s Recreation Station.

The Tomah Health Community Foundation announced Feb. 12 members of the foundation donated $3,000 to The Parenting Place of La Crosse which provides weekly play groups for parents, caregivers, and …

Toro Company announces equipment donation, greenspace grant programs

The Oakdale Fire Department was one of the 2025 recipients awarded equipment from Toro Co. as a part of the company’s Equipment Donation Program and Greenspace Enhancement Grant Program. Pictured left to right is Toro Leadership Team members: Matt Armbruster, Shawn Thompson, Josh Pavlak, Rich Gaudett, Doug Arch, Jacob Brecheisen, Jason Thurow, Sandi Reichert, Pat Lamer. Lamer is also a member of the Oakdale First Department.

The Toro Co. is accepting applications for its Equipment Donation Program and Greenspace Enhancement Grant Program, both aimed at supporting nonprofit organizations in Tomah and surrounding …

Sparta’s The Key to Comfort opens new Sparta facility

The Key to Comfort’s on-site sheet metal shop can fabricate vents for custom installations. A large inventory of furnaces and air conditioners (in the rear of the photo) allows for rapid installation of new units.

A new building on the corner of Highway 16 on Riley Road now houses The Key to Comfort, a heating, air conditioning, ventilation and air duct cleaning service company in Sparta that has served Monroe …

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Report: 82% of new small businesses have insurance, but many SMBs remain at risk

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What tracked chief revenue officer moves tell us about the last 13 months

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October is the stock market's most volatile month. Here's what 95 years of data shows

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Political discussions at work: What should your workplace policy cover?

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Best banks for customer service in 2026, according to real customers

Finder reports that customer service and onboarding are key in choosing a bank, while J.D. Power's 2026 survey highlights Chase and Capital One as top banks.

Manufacturers are modernizing fast. Their supply chains may not be ready.

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Sales teams are adopting AI faster than they can prove it's working

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5 Insurance Company Tactics That Could Shrink Your Injury Claim

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RevOps job postings are outpacing hires so fast that one company is running the same search on two continents

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Running a small business means making sacrifices. Are they permanent?

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6 reminder email templates for small business waiting up to a month to get paid

Xero reports that U.S. small businesses wait an average of 29.3 days for payment. These reminder email templates can help collect late invoices while preserving client relationships.

How to reduce finance tool sprawl in an early-stage company

Mercury reports that early-stage companies struggle with finance tool sprawl, which adds complexity and costs, and recommends consolidating financial workflows to streamline operations.

How to manage the accounts receivable process step by step

Ramp reports that the accounts receivable (AR) process is crucial for tracking customer payments and ensuring steady cash flow, enabling timely operations and growth.

Merchants are running separate shipping operations for parcel and LTL freight, and only optimizing one

ShipStation reports that many retailers run two separate shipping operations: one optimized for parcel and another for LTL freight, often leading to inefficiencies.

Survey: How US restaurants are handling inflation, labor, AI, and revenue growth

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Survey: 64% of US adults are sitting on a business idea they never launched

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As algo trading grows, are prop firm rules keeping up?

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From content to conversion: The role of creators in beauty marketing

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More than 1 in 5 self-employed buyers who applied to multiple lenders reported an earlier turn-down

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Going into business with your husband, wife, or partner: How to make it work

Wells Fargo reports couples can successfully run a business together by defining roles, creating long-term plans, maintaining communication, and separating work from personal life.

The startup starter kit: What it costs to start a company

Brex reports that the cost of the Startup Starter Kit has risen to $4,417, reflecting a 14% increase, with AI tools becoming central to new companies’ spending.

Companies spend six figures on AI. A third of employees don't know what it costs

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Your employees have caregiving responsibilities. Is your small business prepared?

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Building an accessibility program without a dedicated team

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Nearly 9 in 10 companies will have AI talking to customers by year's end. Can it tell when you've had enough?

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From paychecks to pay transparency, survey shows why payroll is becoming a strategic trust function

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The real cost of payroll: A small business guide for 2026

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Why Hispanic-owned small business growth is outpacing the national average

ERGO NEXT reports that Hispanic-owned businesses are growing 7.7% annually, nearly 17 times the national average, contributing significantly to the U.S. economy.

The most common business automation use cases in 2026, according to 20 million live workflows

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How procurement professionals can beat imposter syndrome

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Thousands of businesses are being sued despite their own cookie banners

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