About Vernon County, WI

One of the smaller scenic river towns, which I know quite well, is the Village of La Farge. This quaint little town has a population of approximately 775 people and was incorporated in 1899. Originally named Seeleyburg, the village had its business area located along Plum Run Road. That road name was changed a few years ago to Seeleyburg Road, in memory of the past town's location. Since the location along the banks of the Kickapoo River was prone to numerous floods, it necessitated a move up to higher ground. So with the move the town name was also changed to La Farge. No one that I have ever asked can recall for sure, why or how the new name came to be. In any event, this little town is a very friendly place and was even the location of my very first realty office. Formerly, Mary Norris Realty, which I opened in the fall of 1993.

If you have the opportunity to visit La Farge, you'll find many places and things to explore. For one, town is located on the southern tip of the Kickapoo Valley Reserve. This is a well-known recreational state park. It has approximately 8600 acres of wooded wilderness land. Loved by canoeist, hunters and horse back riders, the park has more than 27 miles of trails to ride and the Kickapoo River meanders it way right through the center of the park land. It is worth reading the LaFarge Dam Project page on the Reserve's site. At the time I was first opening up my realty office, Organic Valley was also starting up in LaFarge. Back then, this now nationally known company was just a small group of hippie farmers. Known as CROPP, they had a dream, they purchased their first building, the old LaFarge Cheese Factory for only $20,000, and grew and grew bringing into our area a new wave of youthful organic devoted employees and organic farm family members.

Housing in this town, is very affordable and can be found in a price range, as low as, $52000 to the higher end of $152000. The Village has a K to 12 school, a full medical center, 2 bars and 2 cafes, a grocery store and a bank! LaFarge is also well known for their 4^th of July celebration, and Main Street Parade.

Are you searching for homes to buy in LaFarge or Vernon County Wisconsin call Mary Strang at therteam.com RE/MAX Hill Country Realty 608-637-3599

S3147 Prairie Edge Road
Westby, WI 54667-8235

Asking Price is: $249,900

Sweeping Lawns and towering trees surround this sizeable 4 bedroom 2 full bath home on 9 acres. Nicely set back off of the township road, guests are welcomed at the roomy screened-in front sun porch and by the attractive landscaping.

Large spacious rooms of this original foursquare home, mostly likely built sometime around 1920, will impress the most discerning buyers. The dining room has the original hardwood floors and a Mission Style built-in China Hutch with leaded glass doors. The Master Bedroom is privately tucked off to one side of the huge living room, giving seclusion and privacy. The homes 2nd floor has been totally re-dry walled adding new windows, electric and bath fixtures. There is a large country eat-in Kitchen, with a walkout deck accessed by sliding doors. There are several large sheds for storage and a detached 2 car garage.

Open House on Sunday, 4/27/08 from 2 P.M. to 3:30 P.M.

Are you searching for homes to buy in Westby or Vernon County Wisconsin call Mary Strang at therteam.com RE/MAX Hill Country Realty 608-637-3599

Saturday night while I was out at our golf club, attending a surprise birthday party for a friend, many of the guests kept telling me congratulations too! Since it was not my birthday, I was wondering why? Several of those, I have not seen most of the winter told me they saw that sold sign go up on my listing over on Washington St. I was taken back by this and very surprised because I had not yet place a sold sign there. It is not yet sold. It does have an accepted offer, but it's not closed.

This particular property has been a real challenge, as it is a double wide-mobile home located within the city limits. This is unusual, as there are only a few in town. Like most cities, you have to have most manufactured homes located within a mobile home park. This particular home has been sitting empty for almost 2 years. Then, hooray, finally a newbie agent from another office in town, has brought in a buyer. The property has been very hard to finance because of the condition. It has had tons of showing and everyone in our office is really tired of showing the home then only to hear time and again, that no one can get financed on it. So it is great to get this office. I would never, of course, place a sold sign up when we only have an accepted offer. I need to see the loan documents arrive then get to the closing table, then place the sold sign when it is really sold.

So now the mystery is WHO DONE IT... wondering would the newbie agent be that extra dumb to place this cheesy paper sold sign, mounted with duct tape on to my yard sign? Could it be the buyer? He just could not contain himself at the joys of future home ownership? I don't wish to get all uptight about it, but really, don't you think, duct taping a sold sign on someone else's yard sign is just wrong? I drove over on Sunday morning and tore it off; I do plan to ask this agent, in a nice way. If she did do this; she most likely won't fess up.

Are you searching for homes to buy in Viroqua or Vernon County call Mary Strang at therteam.com RE/MAX Hill Country Realty 608-637-3599

Westby Wisconsin is the second largest city in Vernon County. The population is approximately 2150. The scenic city is located in the coulee region in southwestern part of our state. Evidently the town was named after a Union Soldiers by the name of Ole T. Westby. He immigrated to the area from Norway and opened a general store in the area. Later the town was named after him.

To this day, the city is immensely proud of their Scandinavian heritage, and proudly demonstrates that by hosting several annual festivals each year. In May a Syttende Mia parade to celebrate the past heritage is held on May 17th. In February the city is the host of an international event at the Snowflake Ski Club.

If you plan to visit Westby, there are several antique stores and Norwegian gift stores to browse along its Main Street. The historic Westby House B&B is a popular destination for many visitors for a mini weekend getaway. It is also a wonderful place to plan a special event such as a wedding or shower.

The local housing market in 2008, shows that the median price for existing homes in this city sell between $95,000 up to approximately $135,000. However, newer built homes start around $149,000 and up. There are several newly developed subdivisions with some custom built homes selling above $200,000. The location is a 22-mile commute to the larger city of La Crosse.

Are you searching for homes in Westby or Vernon County call Mary Strang at therteam.com RE/MAX Hill Country Realty 608-637-3599

Viola Wisconsin is a small quiet town located right on the county line. It proudly has ½ of the Village in Richland County and the other ½ in Vernon County. It would be interesting to know some of the fact and history as to how and why the Village developed this way. It just seems like this could cause some problems and extra expenses to keep it all-straight.

Viola is well known for an annual event that has over 78 years of history; it's the Horse & Colt show. This event features old time country fair with truck pulls, horse pulls, horse shows, parades, truck raffles, concessions, carnival rides and more. Admission is free, and it is located right on the main street, which is Commercial Street, each year around the middle of September.

Another important part of life in Viola has been the location of a well-known manufacturing company, S&S Cycle. They have been there since the early 60's and employ many who live in the area.

Equal to employment in a small town are the schools and Viola has an outstanding school system. It also has a great in-door swimming pool, which is open to the public for in-district free swim and at a very nominal charge to those out of the district.

Are you searching for homes in Crawford or Vernon County call Mary Strang at the R teamRE/MAX Hill Country Realty 608-637-3599