Susan Lampert Smith

Susan Lampert Smith

Contributing Writer

A freelance writer and operator of the Blue Valley Gardens produce farm outside Mount Horeb, Susan previously wrote an award-winning newspaper column and has authored two books.

Our Wisconsin The Little Farmer in Malone has apple picking, homemade pies, and goats for petting. (Photo by Susan Lampert Smith)
Our Wisconsin Get in the Fall Mood at These 14 Wisconsin Apple Orchards

Get ready for cider donuts and apple picking fun with your ultimate guide to family-friendly apple orchards throughout the Badger State.

Susan Lampert Smith Susan Lampert Smith September 21, 2021 6:00 pm CDT
Our Wisconsin People sought refuge in the ice-cold waters of the Peshtigo River to avoid certain death during the Peshtigo fire in October 1871. (Illustration by GJ Tisdale, via Peshtigo Fire Museum)
Our Wisconsin 7 Things to Know About Wisconsin’s Peshtigo Fire of 1871

Wisconsin inferno 150 years ago remains America’s deadliest.

Susan Lampert Smith Susan Lampert Smith September 21, 2021 4:34 pm CDT
Our Wisconsin Green’s Prairie Cemetery, near Monroe, is the resting spot of veterans of the War of 1812 and the Blackhawk Wars of 1832. (Photo by Susan Lampert Smith)
Our Wisconsin Unique Wisconsin Cemeteries Hold a President’s Son, a Spy, and the Original ‘Psycho’

This fall, take a stroll through these graveyards all around Wisconsin… if you dare!

Susan Lampert Smith Susan Lampert Smith September 20, 2021 5:36 pm CDT
Our Wisconsin Al Capone, left, Baby Face Nelson, and John Dillinger were among the gangsters who came to Wisconsin in the 1920s for "work" and play. (Graphic by Morgaine Ford-Workman)
Our Wisconsin From Bank Heists to Hideaways, Wisconsin Has a Rich Gangster History

Proximity to Chicago made Wisconsin a favorite place to “work” and play among society's less-savory individuals.

Susan Lampert Smith Susan Lampert Smith September 7, 2021 2:50 pm CDT
Our Wisconsin A view of St. Lawrence Seminary in Mount Calvary from County Trunk W. (Photo by Tobyhark/CC BY 3.0)
Our Wisconsin There’s a Lot More Than Old Churches in Wisconsin’s Holy Land

Come for the historic churches, stay for the fish fry and auto races in this scenic region between Lake Winnebago and Lake Michigan.

Susan Lampert Smith Susan Lampert Smith September 7, 2021 2:37 pm CDT

continuing coverage

The children of Emily Shields, Eau Claire, are among tens of millions who benefit from a federal child tax credit that has been expanded and converted into monthly payments through the American Rescue Plan proposed by President Joe Biden and passed with only Democratic votes in Congress. (Photo by Julian Emerson) Economy GOP States Are Getting a Big Chunk of Biden’s Popular Child Tax Credit—Wisconsin Also Above Average
Firefighting foam is a common source of PFAS pollution. (Shutterstock) Politics Lawsuit Could Send Wisconsin’s PFAS Protections ‘Back Into the Dark Ages’
Green’s Prairie Cemetery, near Monroe, is the resting spot of veterans of the War of 1812 and the Blackhawk Wars of 1832. (Photo by Susan Lampert Smith) Our Wisconsin Unique Wisconsin Cemeteries Hold a President’s Son, a Spy, and the Original ‘Psycho’
Rep. Lisa Subeck (D-Madison) speaks during a June 22, 2021, Assembly floor session. (Photo by Christina Lieffring) Healthcare Fight to End Wisconsin’s Abortion Ban Intensifies After Restrictive Texas Law Goes Into Effect
Our Wisconsin Saz's sample platter, with cheese curds, sour cream and chive fries, and mozzarella marinara. (Photo courtesy of Summerfest)
Our Wisconsin Summerfest Returns, and, Yes, There Will Be Sour Cream and Chive Fries

All your favorites, from pasta-stuffed pizza to Reuben rolls, are returning for this year's Summerfest.

Susan Lampert Smith Susan Lampert Smith August 27, 2021 12:25 pm CDT
Our Wisconsin Green Bay Packers fans celebrate Sunday, Feb. 6, 2011, at the Stadium View Bar near Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wis. after the Packers won Super Bowl XLV. (AP Photo/Mike Roemer)
Our Wisconsin Any Town Is Titletown at These Packers Bars in Wisconsin and Beyond

Sure, you can watch the Green Bay Packers at home, but everyone knows the game is best enjoyed at a Packer bar—unless you're at Lambeau Field, that is.

Susan Lampert Smith Susan Lampert Smith August 27, 2021 10:44 am CDT