Mayor Abbey Barnes, Evansville WI

09/14/2026

I have had a lot of comments, messages, phone calls and in person questions today regarding the announcement of the new CHS soybean processing plant coming to Evansville.
In an effort to streamline information and address as many questions as I can, I have proposed we come up with a Q&A sheet for myself, staff and council to share with the public. We’re going to work on this, this week and get something out there asap so please bear with me!
That being said, if you have a question, feel free to post it in the comments below👇🏼 so I can collect the most frequently asked questions to use in our fact sheet. I hope this will help ease concerns especially for those who are just learning of this project.
I do want to leave you with this note: I have been an advocate for this project since it was introduced four years ago and I want to reiterate that industry is something Evansville will benefit from. Industry that supports our locals farmers is a win not just for our community but for southern Wisconsin agriculture. In addition to job creation, they will also help ease the tax burden to residents. This is a 700 million dollar project and when the TIF district closes there will not only be money in the district for infrastructure and utility improvements but the taxes CHS will be contributing going forward will help pay for things the city currently borrows for, such as street improvements.

(Below is a rendering of what the facility will look like from Hwy 14. So you can see where it is situated. Closest to Alcivia and the train track as they will be utilizing the rail.)

09/14/2026

It’s official! CHS will start development this year. I’m very excited to see the last five years of planning coming to fruition. This is going to be a huge asset for not only the Evansville community but Southern Wisconsin agriculture.

Evansville, Wisconsin — CHS has announced construction of a new oilseed processing facility at the east edge of the City, located at 400 County Road M. The new facility will accept soybeans by rail and truck and process soy meal and oils on site. Permitting is underway with construction expected to begin in the coming weeks, with completion targeted for fall 2028.

For more information click here:https://evansvillewi.gov/content/Evansville%20Welcomes%20CHS.pdf

09/13/2026

Wilson and I had a great time at the 4th Annual Corvan Neuenschwander Corn Roast. Clearly one of us could use a lesson on posing for pictures. 🤦🏼‍♀️ It was a great turn out for a great cause. Thank you to Evansville Ford for hosting and organizing this event and all the volunteers and sponsors who continue to make this an annual event for the community!

09/12/2026

Creekfest is today! 2-9pm. For more info head over to Creekside Place’s page.

09/11/2026

Hard to believe it’s been 25 years.

I remember vividly what I was doing when tragedy struck that day, as I’m sure so many others do as well. I also remember how profoundly our daily lives were impacted from that day forward.

Today, we remember the innocent lives lost and the brave citizens and first responders who risked their own lives to save others.

Their courage is a testament to the resilience of the American spirit. What was intended to break our spirit instead brought us together, united us, and ultimately made us stronger.

Twenty-five years later, we remember. We honor. We will never forget.

09/10/2026

Bulk pickup is tomorrow! (September 11th)

09/03/2026

There is a large power outage on the west side of town, affecting two school campuses as well. Crews have found the issue/s and are working on it!
Please check your email or other places you regularly get communications from the school district about early realease for certain kiddos. If you have electronic medical devices affected by power outages, be sure to call 911 for assistance.
Power will be returned asap.

09/03/2026

09/02/2026

If your family qualifies for free or reduced school lunches, you also qualify for the Snack Packers Program. Signup info is below! 👇🏼

🎒 Snackpackers is back!

Because hungry children cannot learn, the most essential school supply is food.

Starting next week, ECSD students can receive a bag of free, nutritious, shelf-stable food to take home each weekend during the school year.

Snackpackers is available to students who qualify for Free and Reduced Lunch, students referred through the school district, or families who are simply having a hard time making ends meet right now.

If your family could use a little extra help with food on the weekends, we’d love to help. ❤️

📅 The first Snackpackers bags will go home Friday, September 11.

Sign up here: https://form.jotform.com/AWAREinEvansville/snackpackers