Rock Dam Campground

One of the main draws to this campground is the bar. It is a very popular hangout for both the locals and visitors. The campground has a lot to offer as well. There is a lot of natural beauty in the area. Their camping fees are very reasonable for the area. They offer electrical and water hookups. There is a lake for fishing and swimming. We have always had a great time camping there. The only drawback I can see is that it there isn't much in the area to visit for tourists.

PROS: Great hangout, bar, reasonable rates
CONS: Remote area, not much for tourists

Monster Hall Campground

This campground is basically in the middle of nowhere, but there is surprisingly a lot to do. We have visited here countless times for different events over the years. They have a "monster" (or Munsters) theme happening there. They have a lot of campsites, a pool with a waterslide, a pond with a beach, a bar and banquet hall, truck pulls, a dirt race track which runs every weekend, and a rodeo, to mention a few things. There is definitely no shortage of events at this campground. And in the Fall, considering their monster theme, they have one of the best haunted houses in the area, along with a haunted wagon ride after dark.

The only downfalls here are the remote location, and, on race nights, the noise from the race track.

PROS: Endless choice of events, reasonable rates
CONS: Remote location, noise from racetrack on race nights

Saint Paul S Lutheran Church Elca

My journey with this church began when my now-husband and I decided to get married. Neither of us belonged to a church in the area. I made several calls and found St Pauls Lutheran Church in Curtiss. I was impressed with my first conversation with the pastor at that time. He really accepted us into the church with no questions even though we weren't "members". I became a member later on, but that would not have mattered to him. We were welcome there anyway. For the first time in my life, I actually enjoyed going to church. The pastor there made it interesting and fun, and even told jokes to keep everyone's attention. This pastor has since left the church and the area, but he and his open church made such an impression on me that I love going back as often as I can (having a small child makes that not as often as I would like).

PROS: Very friendly people in a small-town church that welcome everyone
CONS: None

S & A Trophy

We have used S & A Trophy many times over the years for all our company's trophy and engraving needs. Their service has always been top notch. They always finish our items ahead of schedule, and have been excellent to work with us items we need on short notice. Their trophies and engraving look extremely professional. We have never had a problem with anything they have done for us. The only negative thing, if it can even be considered that, is that their location is kind of inconvenient, located several miles out of town.

PROS: Excellent products and service
CONS: Located several miles out of town

Body & Soul Massage

I am a massage connoisseur, so I was thrilled when I got a gift certificate to Body & Soul Massage for my birthday. I love getting massages but I dont like paying the price for them. Even without the gift certificate, I feel this is worth every penny. The owner is an excellent massage therapist. She really listens to what you want. It is all based around your comfort level. Her husband is a chiropractor, and since I have extensive back pain, I knew that she would be able to work with my problems to get the greatest benefit. She does have limited hours, so planning ahead is necessary. Her office is located in Tessendorf and Brost Chiropractic.

PROS: Quiet, friendly atmosphere, personalized service
CONS: None

Abbotsford Antique Mall

If you are an antique fanatic, this small store on "Main Street" in Abbotsford has a lot to offer. You really have to allow a lot of time to look around this store, because it is jam-packed with items. This store has been in business a long time, and they 'know their stuff'. I have been amazed at some of my finds and their prices are very reasonable. You might just find a hidden treasure on one of your visits there.

PROS: A lot of antiques to look through, Great prices
CONS: A little cluttered

Taylor Electric Cooperative

When we purchased our house 6 years ago, we began service with Taylor Electric for the first time. We were shocked at our first bill and have been grumbling ever since. We are a family of two people and a toddler, and our electric bill is close to $200 per month. We have energy efficient appliances and conserve electricity where we can. We don't even have electric heat. No matter how much we conserve, our bill never goes down. Every year they hike up the rates and tack on surcharges of some kind.

A neighbor who is a single lady with a very small house that also has the same service pays almost $100 per month, which is outrageous. My parents live in the next town with a large inefficient home and have a different service and theirs is only $35 per month. That is a large difference for the same usage.

I know that it isn't possible to shop around for electrical service, but I feel that this is something that should be taken into consideration when house shopping, as $35 versus $200 a month for electricity can mean a considerable difference in one's budget.

The one good thing I can say is that their service has been dependable even during the terrible storms we have experienced.

PROS: Dependable service
CONS: Very high rates

Medford Cooperative

We have contracted with Medford Cooperative for about 6 years now for our LP service. When we purchased our house, we called around to see who had the best rates for LP and had them deliver a tank. They arrived when they said they would and completed the job very quickly. Every year their rates are very competitive. They offer several great budget plan options where you are locked in at a set (discounted) price for the heating season and your payments are the same every month.

PROS: Competitive LP rates, great service
CONS: None

Mind Body Spirit Yoga

Mind Body Spirit Yoga is a relaxing experience for your whole body. I have enjoyed several yoga sessions, and you really will leave feeling like a whole new person. They offer basic yoga and prenatal yoga, with specialized sessions available. They also offer many different kinds of massage, including Shiatsu, prenatal, Swedish, hot stone, and sports/therapeutic. Their prices are very reasonable for the area, and there aren't really any other local places that offer such a variety of services.

PROS: Very nice people, will personalize your sessions
CONS: None

Community Bank Of Central Wisconsin

Community Bank of Central Wisconsin offers a wide variety of financial services. I have my primary checking and savings accounts with them, as well as having had loans through them in the past. They also have a financial investment center.

My favorite feature that they offer is an automatic overdraft protection loan on my checking account, I never have to worry about being overdrawn. They also have a great online banking website, as well as telephone banking.

Their friendly customer service can't be beat. I have made countless phone calls to them needing assistance and never had encountered a rude person.

PROS: Online banking, telephone banking, free checking
CONS: None