Spring Green, Wisconsin
Thursday, July 27, 2023 | Vol. 4, No. 13 FREE, Single-Copy
Inside this edition
Editor’s Column: Gallbladder attacks
Community Calendar: Live music, markets and events
As Reunion opens, Homecoming refocuses
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Pages 4, 5, 6
Pages 1, 2, 7
As Reunion restaurant launches, Homecoming focuses on core menu and values
Amberly Mae-Cooper, Contributor Since opening in 2021, Homecoming restaurant (242 N Lexington St, Spring Green), founded by locals Leah Spicer and Kyle Beach, has been a beloved part of the community, the restaurateurs have now given the Valley another dining option with the recent launch of Reunion (134 W Jefferson St, Spring Green). Homecoming’s welcoming and lively atmosphere with warm-hearted hospitality has continued to draw crowds of customers from near and far. The masterfully made local, farmto-table food has customers returning for their favorite delicious meals since their opening just over two years ago. Now, with the launch of Reunion, some changes have been made at Homecoming. Spicer and Beach made the decision to keep Homecoming open for weekends — on both Friday and Saturday nights — with a slightly modified menu, which includes apps, wood-fired pizzas and an extensive cocktail and wine menu. While Reunion will be open Monday through Thursday. Most
Photo by Amberly Mae-Cooper Christian Amador of Homecoming preps tomatoes at Homecoming's kitchen. Homecoming will be focusing on a simplified menu including traditional and speciality woodfired pizzas, appetizers and desserts. of the staff will crossover between both Homecoming and Reunion with the exception of the two leading chefs.. Christian Amador will serve as the Head Chef for Homecoming. Hailing
from the West Coast, he grew up in Southern California, drawing much of his love for cooking from his aunts and family growing up. He grew up in a culture centered around food.
The scents of home cooked meals and food made with love, helped kindle his zeal and passion for cooking, helping to pave the path that brought him to Spring Green and into the kitchen at Homecoming. “I really enjoy cooking food for people. Food has a way of bringing people together. Seeing people enjoy the food you made is so great. It’s one of the best things ever.” Amador said passionately. “I have always felt so comfortable in the kitchen and that is the same way I feel about food; I just feel so comfortable and good about making it.” Through the shared connection and friendship of Chance Spivey, Reunion’s leading chef, brought Amador into the kitchen of Homecoming. “Christian just does it all here. He does the ordering, the prep, cleaning and making the food, he does so much.” said Spicer. “We are just so thankful for such a great team of people.” As far as menu changes at
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Riverway Board appoints members, to meet in Spring Green regarding reconstruction of CTH C Mark Cupp, Lower Wisconsin State Riverway Board The Lower Wisconsin State Riverway Board met in Muscoda on July 13 to conduct a regular monthly business meeting. Robert Cary of Blue River is returning for his third stint as Grant County representative on the board. Cary replaces Steve Wetter who was forced to resign due to health considerations earlier this year. Cary, an original appointee to the board in 1989 served for several terms before relinquishing his slot to Nick Nice of Boscobel. When Nice stepped down due to health concerns, Cary stepped
up to serve as his replacement. Wetter was then named as the Grant County member. Cary has agreed to fill the remainder of Wetter’s term which will expire on May 1, 2024. This will enable Grant County to conduct a search for suitable candidates to submit to Governor Evers for appointment to a full three-year term beginning next spring. Previously, Cary has served in numerous leadership positions on the Riverway Board including several terms as ViceChairman and Budget Committee Chair. George Brandt of Arcadia was welcomed to the board as a new recreational user
group or “at-large” member. Brandt fills a vacancy that has languished for a few years and his appointment by Governor Evers is subject to Senate confirmation. Brandt noted he is a house painter by trade and has lived in Trempeleau County for 45 years. He enjoys spending time outdoors and appreciated the opportunity to canoe the Wisconsin River with the voyageur replica canoes prior to the board meeting. Officers for the new fiscal year were elected with Gigi La Budde of Spring Green returning as Chair. Randy Poelma of La Crosse was elected Vice-Chair
and Meredith Beckman of Mazomanie was elected Secretary. Committee assignments were approved with La Budde serving as Chair of the Executive Committee, Dan Hillberry of Blue River as Chair of the Operations Committee, Ritchie Brown of Black River Falls as Personnel Committee Chair, and Beckman as Budget Committee Chair. Mark Cupp, Executive Director, reported progress on the Lone Rock STH 130 bridge project continues at a steady pace. He approved a minor
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