June 22, 2025
VIROQUA, Wis. – At Saturday night’s “Live in Viroqua” music event, representatives from T-Mobile were on hand to present Viroqua based nonprofit Vernon Trails a check for $48,390 as one of the companies 25 Hometown Grant recipients.
Vernon Trials says the grant will go toward installing a comprehensive signage and kiosk system throughout Vernon Trails, featuring seven trailhead kiosks and 80 wayfinding signs across three heavily used trail networks and 18-hole disc golf course to improve safety, accessibility and navigation while reinforcing Vernon County’s outdoor recreation identity.
The organization was selected from nearly 1,000 applicants this round. Across Wisconsin, T-Mobile has now provided more than $400,000 to 11 cities through the initiative, including Viroqua.
“This T-Mobile Hometown Grant is a significant investment in Viroqua’s outdoor recreation future,” said Justin Running, Mayor of Viroqua. “The new trail signage will make our beautiful trail networks more accessible to families and visitors while supporting local businesses through increased outdoor tourism. Vernon Trails has been an outstanding community partner, and this project strengthens our identity as a premier outdoor destination.”
“We’re thrilled T-Mobile recognizes the importance of outdoor recreation access in rural communities,” said Alycann Taylor, Executive Director for Vernon Trails. “The new kiosks and wayfinding signs will enhance safety, welcome newcomers, and showcase the natural beauty of Vernon County’s Driftless Area.”
Taylor said the success of Vernon Trails starts with her husband Pete Taylor who she called “the visionary behind most of what we do, our head cheerleader, the leader of outdoor fun.”
Taylor took the opportunity thank her board of directors, and to list the number of community projects that Vernon Trails has been able to get accomplished in the last 19 years. And Taylor pointed out the people behind those projects that helped them grow along the way.
- The creation of the Sidie Hollow Trail Network, a 13-mile trail network, is attributed to the vision of former County Conservationist Jeff Hastings and the partnership with Vernon County.
- The development of Hubbard Hills and Rusty Ridge trails was inspired by the support of private landowners like Cyndy and Joy Hubbard, Scott Champion, and Sarah Mayer, who opened their land for trail development.
- The creation of an 18-hole disc golf course at the VFW property was initiated by a group of disc golfers and maintained by volunteers.
- Creation of the Vernon Trails Area Composite Mountain Bike Team (VTAC) led by Susie Howe, Troy McKay, and Melissa Taylor, and has contributed hundreds of hours of trail work annually.
Taylor said, as is typical in their organization the grant was secured by a volunteer, Michael Browne, who stepped up to write the grant.
“What we’re going to do with this money is take it to the next level and make sure that everyone has the right access they need when they need it,” said Browne. “So, be able to find where you want to go, easy to get back to where you want to be, and always accessible all the time. I’m really excited to see what we can do with this and elevate Vernon Trails and elevate for Viroqua overall. We have something really special and really amazing here. This community is just something else, and I only want to see it continue to grow.”
Since 2021, T-Mobile has invested nearly $18 million in Hometown Grants to 400 communities across 48 states and Puerto Rico. The program has helped unite people nationwide to make their communities even stronger and has generated:
- 1,270 new jobs
- $5.3 million to help small businesses
- $102.4 million in matched funding from other organizations and companies
- 160,000 volunteer hours
Each quarter, T-Mobile awards 25 Hometown Grants to small towns with populations of 50,000 or less. To apply for a Hometown Grant, visit here. To learn more about this quarter’s recipients, visit our newsroom.
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