Ellie here. The Wisconsin cold is upon us, and I don’t know about you, but I welcome it with open arms. I prefer the cold. I feel that it’s part of what makes Wisconsin special!

The fall colors are not over yet, though. Today, we’ve got a great photo from Julie N. in Altoona of a vibrant tree planted in honor of a past loved one.

“The Fiesta Maple in our front yard was planted 15 years ago in honor of the passing of my husband’s father. This picture was taken in mid-October near sunset.” (Courtesy of Julie N.)

What a lovely way to honor a family member. Keep sending in those photos to have them featured!

It’s been a busy week across the country, with Congress resolving the shutdown after Republicans rejected an extension of the subsidies that help keep insurance affordable for millions. Another showdown could be just around the corner, with funding only running through January.

Meanwhile, here in Wisconsin, we’ll be taking a look at our readers’ favorite spots to grab a scoop of ice cream, along with other news from around the state!

For next week’s Locals Love section, I want to hear about your favorite place to grab a fish fry. Send in your favorites with photos—and tell me why—to have yours featured!

Map of our readers’ favorite ice cream spots around the state! (Google My Maps)

I asked you all to share your favorite ice cream shops from around the state, and this is what you said:

🍦 Adrian’s Frozen Custard, Burlington

“My go-to place for dairy bliss!” — Dirk P.

🍦 Ice Shanty and Mini Golf, Boulder Junction

“They serve the delicious Cedar Crest ice cream. They have a weekly smoothie special such as ‘old fashioned.’ You can’t get more Wisconsin than that.” — Linda B.

🍦 Hawkeye Dairy, Abbotsford

“The last time I was there they had 31 flavors, and it’s one of the rare places where I can find decent black licorice ice cream.” — Jeri B.

🍦 Olson’s Ice Cream, Chippewa Falls

“It’s 80 years old this year and I’ve eaten ice cream from there since it was originally Creamland Dairy. My favorite flavor has always been Cherry Garden.” — Maggie M.

🍦 Ice Cream Social, Madison

“Made from scratch in small batches, this ice cream is phenomenal. What is also fun is that they offer flights so you can taste 4 flavors.” — Kathy D.

🍦 Kelley Country Creamery, Fond du Lac

“We were going there long before we moved up to Wisconsin. Imaginative flavors, great sundaes and your milk donors are next door!” — Sandy F.

🍦 Klemish Creamery, New Auburn

“They make ice cream on their farm with milk from their cows.” — Vanessa K.

Don’t forget to share your favorite fish fry spot—and tell us why—to be featured next Friday!

Crust In Time Bakery at The Fireside. (Holly Garcia)

Johnny Verell of Verell Farms inspects his soybean crops in Jackson, Tenn. (USA Today via Reuters Connect)

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Thanks for reading. This newsletter was written by Ellie Bourdo with stories from Holly Garcia and USA Today Network via Reuters Connect. It was edited by Paula Solis.

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