[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 211 (Tuesday, December 7, 2021)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1323]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  IN RECOGNITION OF THE CENTENNIAL ANNIVERSARY OF THE VILLAGE OF LENA

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                          HON. MIKE GALLAGHER

                              of wisconsin

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, December 7, 2021

  Mr. GALLAGHER. Madam Speaker, today I rise in recognition of the 
centennial celebration of the Village of Lena. As the Village of Lena 
celebrates this milestone, we look back on the outstanding history that 
has shaped the community. Shortly after the Civil War, the small 
settlement once known as Maple Valley began to grow and flourish into 
what is now known as the Village of Lena. In 1882, the population 
center moved to the present location to focus life and growth around 
the railroad depot. The booming development welcomed new homes, small 
businesses, churches, a school, a small hospital, several hotels, and 
social establishments. Within just three decades, on December 6, 1921, 
the bustling settlement became the incorporated Village of Lena under 
the direction of then village president, Dr. Joseph Rose.
  Over the last 100 years, the Village of Lena has retained a strong 
identity as a dairy-farming and cheeseproducing community and a vibrant 
small-town with a family-friendly culture. The Village has continued to 
pay homage to the first settlers of the area and the rich farming 
history of the region by celebrating the annual Dairyfest each 
September. It has partnered with businesses throughout the area to host 
several family-friendly events including the Taste of Fall and Village 
of Lights which draws Wisconsinites from all over the state to 
experience all that the Village of Lena has to offer.
  The residents of the Village of Lena are blessed to live in such a 
special place located in Northeast Wisconsin. With 564 residents and 
growing, the Village of Lena takes great pride in calling this place 
home for the last 100 years. The Village of Lena has continued to grow 
and foster a business-friendly environment for the last century. From a 
small settlement town to hosting Oconto County's largest employer, 
Saputo Cheese USA, Lena has simply continued to foster growth. I 
commend the close relationship between the Village and local businesses 
that have contributed to the success of the village and Northeast 
Wisconsin as a whole.
  It is my honor to commemorate this historic milestone for the Village 
of Lena. I invite all members of this body to join me in celebrating 
the centennial of the Village of Lena. The Village of Lena is a true 
credit to Northeast Wisconsin and is deserving of the highest degree of 
recognition.

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