Article Summary –
Gays Mills, Wisconsin, a village known for apple orchards and persistent flooding, is hoping to redefine its identity with the help of the state’s new Thrive Rural program. The program, which will provide up to $25,000 in grants and technical assistance in planning and grant writing for two years, has selected Gays Mills and nine other communities to participate. In addition to building a pavilion over the village’s plaza and transforming an empty city block with more housing and commercial space, Gays Mills hopes to move more community events and businesses uphill away from the flood-prone downtown area.
Gays Mills’ Transformation with Thrive Rural Program
Martha Querin-Schultz noted Gays Mills, a small Wisconsin village of about 521 inhabitants, is experiencing an identity crisis. Renowned for attracting thousands of visitors for apple orchards and ongoing devastating floods, the community has been relocating to higher grounds.
The village’s transition uphill, has led to several new constructions, including a gas station, mercantile center, community center, and a grocery store, leaving behind the flood-plagued historic downtown.
A significant feature of the new development is a paved oval plaza, envisioned as a community gathering space. Querin-Schultz suggested this plaza can serve as a venue for a movie night, storybook time, farmers market, and music, fostering a sense of community.
The Thrive Rural Program is instrumental in helping Gays Mills redefine its identity. Along with Gays Mills, nine other communities were selected to participate in the program, designed to bolster rural community development. Participating communities have access to $25,000 in grants and receive assistance in planning and grant writing for two years.
This program is also helping the village of Bonduel to address its housing shortage. In the past 20 years, only one new house has been built in Bonduel. The Thrive Rural Program opens new development avenues to revitalize its downtown and update village facilities.
The executive director of the Sawyer County/Lac Courte Oreilles Economic Development Corporation, Adam Lamoureux, praised the program. He emphasized its potential to help young entrepreneurs start businesses in the area and boost rural Wisconsin.
Vernon County Energy District, another selectee, aims to connect families, businesses, schools, and municipalities with renewable energy sources under this program. One of its projects is a solar microgrid feasibility study for La Farge village, which also faces frequent flooding.
Other chosen participants include Vilas County Economic Development Corporation; Marinette County and InVenture North; Kewaunee County Economic Development Corporation; Bayfield County Housing Authority; Red Cliff Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Indians; and Wood County.
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