The Cabin

The Cabin is presented by the Wisconsin Counties Association and this week we’re featuring Chippewa County; https://bit.ly/3jU2ekP

The Cabin is also presented by WCA’s Group Health Trust; serving local governments and school districts, the WCA Group Health Trust partners closely with members to fulfill their employee health benefit obligations in a fiscally responsible manner. Learn more here; https://bit.ly/3JMizCX

Campfire Conversation: 

The conversation focuses on real-life couples whose business and other endeavors have thrived as Eric and Ana marvel at the challenges that can come from being partners in both marriage and business, Examples include George and Debbie Crave, who have made quite a business out of Crave Brothers Cheese and George and Ruth Culver, who not only owned restaurants together but whose sons have gone on to impressive feats, including Craig’s founding of Culver’s Restaurants. Ana and Eric also discuss Mark and Renee Ebert of Ebert’s Greenhouse Village, a working farm that also offers tours and education about where you food comes from; Meagan and Paul Frank, who founded Woodwind Park outside of Menomonie and are creating a winter and recreational haven amidst the hills of Dunn County; Katie and John Hayes, who expanded a family-run gift shop in downtown Eagle River with a speakeasy-style wine bar that is really making a name for itself; Rob and Melissa Spiotto, an example of Chicago kids who spent their childhood visiting northern Wisconsin and eventually decided to relocate and get involved in the community. They own The Alley in Land O’Lakes and help lead the Frosty Snowmobile Club there. Many of these couples have been subjects on Discover Wisconsin episodes over the last few seasons. Eric brought back the story of Alfred Lunt and Lynn Fontaine, stars of stage and screen on Broadway whose Wisconsin home, Ten Chimneys, welcomed many from show business to frolic in their beautiful slice of home that is now a National Historic Landmark. Anna also quizzed Eric on aspects of love – only some of which is according to science. One thing is for sure: many couples in Wisconsin have found the formula to success in love, business, and life goals; hopefully this can serve as inspiration for others!

Inside Sponsors

Jolly Good Soda: https://bit.ly/3TSFYY4

Marshfield Clinic; All of Us Research Program; https://bit.ly/3Wj6pYj

Great Northern Distilling and their relationships with area potato farmers to help make award-winning vodka. Wisconsin ranks 3rd in the nation for potato production, and tops in the nation east of the Mississippi River. Okray Farms is one such member of the 140-strong Wisconsin Potato & Vegetable Growers Association, and they’re among the suppliers of potatoes Great Northern uses for its potato vodka, considered the “healthier” vodka versus the spirits made with grain, including the fact that it is gluten-free, sugar-free, and low in carbohydrates. 

Siren Shrub Company is a women-owned, Wisconsin based beverage company that specializes in the use of shrubs in their drinks and mixers. Mindy McCord and Layne Cozzolino started Siren Shrub in 2018; their vision for the business stemmed from their experiences with sustainable food systems in a farm-to-table cafe in Stevens Point. They began with jams and jellies in farmers markets. When Layne found out she was pregnant, they discovered shrubs were the perfect replacement for alcohol, which became their prime product that has since expanded to 30 states and over 300 locations. The connection between the Wisconsin farm partners and Siren Shrub is strong and touches on the community focus that Uniquely Wisconsin celebrates.

Artists drawn to the area include Stephon Kiba Freeman, who came to UW-Stevens Point in 2009. As a budding artist, he was thinking New York and LA would be where he ventured to next. But he fell in love with the area, truly enjoyed the quiet and in his words, the  “underabundance of noise.” Stephon opened Kiba Freeman Art and regularly connects with other artists to gather, open dialogue, share styles, ideas, challenges. He noted that Portage County allows its artists to take chances and celebrate their successes; the entire area has grown an appreciation for art and has been continually developing areas for art. Create Portage County developed a program called “Paint the County” and connected artists with local businesses for mural projects and public art. Freeman himself has done numerous murals in the area.

Vision for the Future: Trevor Roark & Curbwise. Curbwise was founded by Trevor Roark during the COVID pandemic as a bicycle-powered delivery service for the Stevens Point area. He moved to the area back in 1998 and used his love of biking the area – especially the notable Green Circle Trail – to inspire Curbwise’s creation in 2020. His focus is different from most major companies, as his approach is the triple bottom line - People, Planet then Profit.  Trevor started with a three wheeled bicycle with a storage area in the back….and found a perfect partner in the Stevens Point Area Co-op.As his business has grown, he is helping reduce his community's carbon footprint with each mile and delivery.   

Community Involvement & Togetherness: We also discussed Dr. Sam Dinga and the Makah Foundation. Dr. Dinga came to UW-Stevens Point from Cameroon, in part because his brother had previously attended the school. He also chose UWSP because he received a hand-written letter of invitation from the school, which impressed him. He grew to love the welcoming nature of the community and today serves as the Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Coordinator for the Stevens Point Area Public School District, where mentors students and assists with resources. He also started the Makah Foundation, which seeks to build freshwater wells as well as orphanages in West Africa. He started the foundation in memory of his sister, who was a traveling nurse there and had died of stomach complications, related in part of a lack of fresh water in rural areas of Cameroon. He has been heartened by support from Portage County residents and looks forward to a new fundraising event at O’so Brewing in Plover on June 16, 2023.

We also talked with Sara Brish, Executive Director of the Stevens Point Area Convention & Visitors Bureau, who shared her perspective on Portage County and noted its origin and ongoing history as a place for “makers,” where creativity and industriousness pays off for individuals as well as their communities. 

Michelle then offers a preview of what we can watch on Uniquely Wisconsin’s Portage County episode online, including stories about Boleslaw Kochanowski Iron, a family-oriented blacksmith business in Junction City; Feltz Farm, a multigenerational family farm that not only has one of the largest dairy producing herds in the world, but also strives to educate visitors on the true processes on these farms. Finally, there is Multi Grain Bakery, where Sarah Jo Moore took a self-taught hobby and has turned it into a sizable baking business that is growing in the community.

The Cabin is presented by the Wisconsin Counties Association and this week we’re featuring Waushara County; https://bit.ly/2XUPK3D

The Cabin is also presented by WCA’s Group Health Trust; serving local governments and school districts, the WCA Group Health Trust partners closely with members to fulfill their employee health benefit obligations in a fiscally responsible manner. Learn more here; https://bit.ly/3JMizCX

Campfire Conversation: 

The opening discussion reflected on Groundhog Day results, including Punxsutawney Phil vs Sun Prairie's Jimmy the Groundhog (the official one, according to Congress.) The groundhog is a legendary animal for Wisconsin to some extent because of that. Once the Campfire Conversation got underway, discussions started on real Wisconsin animals as Ramsay went over some of the state records for sizes of deer, bears, a variety of fish, and more. We discussed Boone & Crockett scores, which develops the standards for records and awards for animals. Eric, Ana, Josh, and Ramsay then ventured into animal lore: land, sea, and sky creatures that are and have been myths - but possibly real - in Wisconsin history. Sea serpents in Lake Mendota in Madison; Devil's Lake outside Baraboo; Pepi, the Lake Pepin Monster of the Mississippi River; a Lake Winnebago Monster; and the Tyranena legend in Lake Mills with the Rock Lake Monster. The word “Pleasiosaur” comes up a lot. We then moved to the sky as Ramsay discussed the legend of thunderbirds; and then hit terra ferma with stories about the Windigo, the Hodag, and more on land.

Inside Sponsors

Jefferson County: Located along the Madwaukee Corridor between Milwaukee and Madison, Jefferson County boasts over 130 miles of paddle trails on 8 different rivers and streams, providing opportunities for paddlers of all levels.   Take in lunch or dinner at one of the many restaurants and pubs along the way. The county is a hub of bicycle manufacturing and home of Trek Bicycle; Jefferson County’s 60 miles of paved and gravel bike paths are a must see for a scenic tour of the rural landscapes, offering seamless connections to communities. For outdoor winter fun, check out the counties 225 miles of snowmobile Trails, 14 miles of groomed cross country ski trails, ice fishing tournaments, and the famous Knickerbacher Ice Festival. The regions lakes offer exceptional fishing and boating opportunities on over 13,000 acres of lakes. One of the states largest and most celebrated dog parks is a must see for those traveling with their furry companions through the county. A Wisconsin staple, don’t forget to book a show at the world famous Fireside Theatre. There’s even the little Concord Zoo, a small zoo/animal area literally behind a Mobil station and the Concord General Store, right off I-94. Find out more at https://enjoyjeffersoncounty.com/.

Best Western Hotels, with five hotels in Wisconsin’s southeast region, with locations in Waukesha, Germantown, Kenosha, and two in Milwaukee – both Best Western PLUS locations with one right by the airport and one walking distance from games at American Family Field. Find out more at BestWesternWisconsin.com. 

Marshfield Clinic; All of Us Research Program; https://bit.ly/3klM56E

This bonus episode is part of the Uniquely Wisconsin series, a broadcast and streaming series that spotlights the untold stories of Wisconsinites and highlights the communities in which they live. From the emotional and heartwarming, to the humorous and the historic, the Uniquely Wisconsin brand captures the essence of the people of America’s Dairyland. While still a Discover Wisconsin feel, we're doing a deeper dive into the culture that makes up each county and how it forms Wisconsin’s culture. This week, we highlight Sauk County.

We begin with facts about Sauk County, noting its incredible natural beauty and variety in landscapes, robust towns, and interesting history. Baraboo, the county seat, is home to the Ringling Brothers Circus as well as the AL. Ringling Theater, Mansion, and Brewery. It also offers visitors the Ochsner Park Zoo, Driftless Glen Distillery, Circus World Museum, and nearby access to Devil’s Lake State Park. Other places to explore include Reedsburg, Merrimac, Spring Green, Wisconsin Dells, and more.

In terms of Community Support, we discussed People Helping People, a nonprofit based in Baraboo founded by Bill & Yvette Harris. Designed to help people pay each other forward, People Helping People programs include “Adopt a Family,” “Stomp Out Hunger,” and “Adopt a Veteran” along with a school supply and work ready program, where they offer mentorship and free career training to those in need.

Looking towards the future, Gavin Farms is a place where, at an active farm that dates back generations, people can learn more about caring for animals and the land, where their food comes from, and how you can discover ways to eat local, cleaner, and enjoy more flavor and nutrition from your meals.

The natural beauty of Sauk County can be expressed though many examples, and the Great Sauk State Trail is a wonderful way to enjoy them. Wisconsin’s newest state trail, it was established in 2017 on an old railroad bed. The Great Sauk Trail provides a beautiful trip through the history and geology of Sauk County, following the Wisconsin River past Prairie du Sac and Sauk City…and then up through the Merrimac area.

Tumbled Rock Brewery & Kitchenis an example of the growing craft beer, wine, and spirits trend in Sauk County. Perched right along Highway 136 by the entrance to Devil’s Lake State Park, Tumbled Rock offers a variety of unique craft brews, an extensive menu from pizzas to artisan crafted dishes, and an expansive place to sit, relax, and enjoy music between its main restaurant building and the tap room and brewery across the way. You can also enjoy the Baraboo Bluffs Winery, Mead King, and more.

We also talked with Melanie Platt-Gibson, Sauk County’s Director of Development, who shared more stories with us on what makes Sauk County unique and a great place for both artists and entrepreneurs.

Michelle then offers a preview of what we can watch on Uniquely Wisconsin’s Sauk County episode online, including stories about Ishnala Supper Club in Lake Delton, Circus World in Baraboo, and the legendary American Players Theater in Spring Green.

The Cabin is presented by the Wisconsin Counties Association and this week we’re featuring Dodge

County; https://www.wicounties.org/counties/dodge-county/

The Cabin is also presented by WCA’s Group Health Trust; serving local governments and school

districts, the WCA Group Health Trust partners closely with members to fulfill their employee health

benefit obligations in a fiscally responsible manner. Learn more here; https://bit.ly/3JMizCX

Campfire Conversation: The conversation began with facts about bratwurst and Wisconsin’s status as a

leader in production – and consumption – of them not only nationwide, but worldwide. Eric, Josh, and

Michelle discussed some of the larger well-known manufacturers of brats and other sausages including

Johnsonville, which ships all over the world. The conversation then delves into smaller crafters of brats

and sausages in shops and markets all over the state, including places like Trig’s in Eagle River, Leroy

Meats in Horicon, Miesfeld’s in Sheboygan, JL Richards in Oregon, Meatski’s outside of Pound, Lake

Geneva Country Meats outside Lake Geneva, Bessey’s in Rhinelander, Fifield Smokehouse in Fifield,

Baraboo’s Meat Market, Louie’s in Cumberland, Maplewood just outside Green Bay, and plenty more

including rundowns of locations in Milwaukee. The debates about buying fresh vs. precooked, how to

cook your brat, dress your brat… all those that can start alliances or adversaries among Wisconsinites –

we cover it all.

Cabin Merch: The Cabin has some great t-shirts, mugs, and stickers and the lineup of Discover Wisconsin

gear is fantastic. Order online at shop.discoverwisconsin.com and use the code CABIN for 15% off

sitewide!

Marshfield Clinic; All of Us Research Program; https://bit.ly/3klM56E

Campfire Conversation: The discussion begins with an unofficial list of the 10 most photographed places in Wisconsin. They include Lambeau Field, the State Capitol, Holy Hill, downtown Milwaukee and the Art Museum, Grandad’s Bluff in La Crosse, Devil’s Lake State Park (specifically Balanced Rock and the Devil’s Doorway), sandstone cliffs of the Wisconsin Dells, and more. Apurba noted numerous state parks, historic mills, underwater shipwrecks, and some state natural areas including Pewit’s Nest near Baraboo and Fonferek’s Glen south of Green Bay. Blaze chimed in with several Madison suggestions such as the Union Terrace and Picnic Point, the Chippewa Flowage in the North Woods, Bayfield and the Apostle Islands, and even a picturesque supper club with a unique interior on a lake near Tomahawk. Katie added Wisconsin’s highest point, Timms Hill, along with more state parks, lighthouses that dot the Lake Michigan and Superior coasts, Cave of the Mounds, and a Milwaukee basilica.

Visit Lake Geneva; Winterfest and the U.S. National Snow Sculpting Championships are coming to Lake Geneva February 1st-5th! Check out amazing, artistic creations from snow and ice crafted by teams from around the nation by the beautiful Riviera Ballroom on the shores of Geneva Lake. Enjoy incredible shopping, food, and fun as you marvel at ice sculptures throughout the downtown area, too. Find out more at VisitLakeGeneva.com!

Cabin Merch: The Cabin has some great t-shirts, mugs, and stickers and the lineup of Discover Wisconsin gear is fantastic. Order online at shop.discoverwisconsin.com and use the code CABIN for 15% off sitewide!

Marshfield Clinic; All of Us Research Program; https://bit.ly/3klM56E

Today’s bonus episode of The Cabin was sponsored byGo Chippewa County, the tourism division of the Chippewa Falls Chamber of Commerce and was hosted by Eric Paulsen, Jackie Boos and Josh Ostermann. Produced and audio engineered by me, Eric Paulsen, with video teasers by Logan Ingram with social media by Adeline Savignac. The Cabin is a production brought to you by Discover Mediaworks, to learn more head to discovermediaworks.com, and don’t forget to leave a review!

The Cabin is presented by the Wisconsin Counties Association and this week we’re featuring Green

County; https://www.wicounties.org/counties/green-county/

The Cabin is also presented by WCA’s Group Health Trust; serving local governments and school

districts, the WCA Group Health Trust partners closely with members to fulfill their employee health

benefit obligations in a fiscally responsible manner. Learn more here; https://bit.ly/3JMizCX

Campfire Conversation: Wisconsin’s winters and love of winter sports make it a terrific place to get on

your ice skates. The state does, in fact, have several gold medal-winning Olympians who are native to

the state and trained here. That includes the Pettit National Ice Center in West Allis, an official Olympic

training center. Eric showcased the Pettit and Slice of Ice in Milwaukee’s Red Arrow Park, which offers a

warming house and Starbucks amidst downtown splendor. Eric, Ana, and Matt discussed a number of

outdoor skating venues, which include Green Bay’s Hy-Vee Plaza at Titletown; The Plaza in Neenah;

Monona Bank RiverRink in Monona; The Edgwater Hotel’s beautiful outdoor rink along with Tenney

Park’s rink in Madison; Wenzel Family Plaza’s newer outdoor rink in Marshfield; Mill Street Pond in

Plymouth; and Minocqua Winter Park in Minocqua. Indoor facilities were also showcased in Baraboo,

Chippewa Falls, Appleton, DePere, Superior, Lake Delton, and Janesville. You can even skate on a

maintained section of Lake Superior between Bayfield and Madeline Island when conditions allow!

We certainly didn’t have time to cover them all, so you can find a very comprehensive list of rinks across

the state here: http://www.sk8stuff.com/utility/lister_rinks.asp?stap=WI

Wild Eagle Lodge; located in the mecca for winter recreation and sports, Eagle River. Enjoy

snowmobiling, ice fishing, winter kayaking, winter hiking and more, just steps from your door. Right

now, you can use the code “SAVE10DWWR” to get 10% off your stay through December 31, 2023. Find

out more at WildEagleLodge.com!

Best Western; When you’re ready for your next adventure, they’re ready to welcome you throughout 40

Wisconsin locations. There are 10 in the state’s south central region alone, five of which are pet-

friendly! Plus, with their Best Western rewards program never expires; https://bit.ly/3zCCK3f

Marshfield Clinic; All of Us Research Program; https://bit.ly/3klM56E

The Cabin is presented by the Wisconsin Counties Association and this week we’re featuring Price County; https://bit.ly/35xZdyJ

The Cabin is also presented by WCA’s Group Health Trust; serving local governments and school districts, the WCA Group Health Trust partners closely with members to fulfill their employee health benefit obligations in a fiscally responsible manner. Learn more here; https://bit.ly/3JMizCX

Campfire Conversation: Our favorite topics are often food and restaurants, and here focus on places across Wisconsin who have a focus on a “farm to table” menu, connecting directly with farms, dairies, cheese factories, butchers, bakers, and more to craft menu items using the freshest ingredients most directly connected to their sources. Eric shared a number of restaurants from Milwaukee’s Story Hill BKC, Morel, Odd Duck, Braise, and Ardent in Milwaukee to the famous Driftless Café in Viroqua. Ana added more restaurants including Sheboygan’s Trattoria Stefano, Il Ritrovo, and Field to Fork Café, which source ingredients from their co-owned Slow Food Market on the same downtown block, which connects directly to area farms, butchers, and chefs. She also shared places like Dragsmith Farms in Barron County, where their produce and microgreens make their way directly to so many restaurant tables across Wisconsin – including interesting items like Harry Beard Tongues. Meanwhile in Jefferson County, Crave Brothers & Kraemer Cheese are showcased for their sustainable approaches to growing and raising food, including anaerobic methane digesters that produce energy, multiple uses of by-products, and even a buddy system to help young calves socialize. Apurba discussed Indigenous farm-to-table options including Ukwakhwa Farms on the Oneida Reservation outside Green Bay and the selections that make it to places like the Cedar & Sage Grill House in Green Bay. She also discussed hydroponics, Organic ancient grains for baking and a number of specialty methods at North Star Homestead Farms in Hayward. 
More on farm-to-table can be found at WIFarmToTable.com.

Shop Discover Wisconsin
Get your merch for The Cabin and other Discover Wisconsin gear, use the code “CABIN” and get 15% off!

Marshfield Clinic; All of Us Research Program; https://bit.ly/3klM56E

The Cabin is presented by the Wisconsin Counties Association and this week we’re featuring Monroe

County; https://www.wicounties.org/counties/monroe-county/

The Cabin is also presented by WCA’s Group Health Trust; serving local governments and school

districts, the WCA Group Health Trust partners closely with members to fulfill their employee health

benefit obligations in a fiscally responsible manner. Learn more here; https://bit.ly/3JMizCX

Campfire Conversation: The woodlands of Wisconsin are incredibly important for the environment, for

nature, for the well-being of our population, and even the economy. Between logging and tourism,

woodlands have always played a crucial part in the state’s growth. In the late 1800s and early 1900s, the

Great North Woods virtually disappeared due to heavy logging and clearance for farming; conservation

and forest regeneration efforts on both the state and federal level allow these woodlands to thrive once

again. Some forests cover wide swaths of the state; the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest extends

nearly 1.5 million acres. Forests, State Wilderness Areas, and trails like the Ice Age and North Country

National Scenic Trail offer access to outdoor recreation on every level, in any season. We share details,

ideas, tips, and more in this fun episode that will inspire you to get your gear and get out and explore.

Jefferson County; Where Outdoor Recreation Meets Small Town Living. Also known as the Heart of the

Heartland, Jefferson County is a conglomeration of historic yet up-and-coming towns all connected

through Jefferson County’s parks and trail systems. You can explore up and down the Glacial Drumlin

Trail by bike or kayak up and down the Rock River; you can tour the main roads or back roads and trails

on motorcycle, ATV/UTV, or snowmobile; and you can enjoy everything from races at Jefferson Motor

Speedway to some Frostie Freeze ice cream while enjoying the history at Jones Dairy Farm. Both the

Rock River and Lake Koshkonong offer terrific fishing and water recreation. Whatever experience you’re

looking for, Jefferson County is ready to bring you along for some adventures!

Best Western; When you’re ready for your next adventure, they’re ready to welcome you throughout 40

Wisconsin locations! Plus, with their Best Western rewards program never expires;

https://bit.ly/3zCCK3f

Marshfield Clinic; All of Us Research Program; https://bit.ly/3klM56E