Courier Press

By Correne Martin

Whether it’s remembered as the Groundhog Day Winter Storm or Winter Storm Kayla, the season’s most anticipated weather event—predicted for nearly a week in advance—arrived on Feb. 2 as forecast.

While parts of the central Plains, Upper Midwest and northern Great Lakes saw more significant blizzard conditions, the Prairie du Chien area was not exempt from the heavy snow, snow and ice-covered roads and slippery conditions.

As of 8 a.m. Wednesday, Feb. 3, Prairie du Chien’s latest precipitation report was 5.6 inches, according to the National Weather Service of La Crosse. Lynxville had received 6.5 inches, Guttenberg 7.5 inches, Steuben 8.5 inches and De Soto 10.8 inches.

In anticipation of the Feb. 2 storm, schools all over the region canceled classes as early as Monday, Feb. 1. Cities in southwest Wisconsin as well as northeast Iowa declared snow emergencies in advance as well so crews could clear the streets from the snow.

Gerald P. “Jerry” Mezera, 73, of Bridgeport passed away peacefully Sunday, Jan. 31, at his home surrounded by his family following a brief illness.

He was born April 1, 1942 in Prairie du Chien, the son of Clarence and Ruth (Fritsche) Mezera. Jerry was a dedicated father and grandfather who enjoyed spending time with his family more than anything else. He was a devoted son, working beside his parents and caring for them. A hard working dairy farmer, he spent his entire life on the family farm. Any spare time he had, he enjoyed hunting and fishing, more often than not with one or more grandchildren by his side. 

On Tuesday, Jan. 26, at approximately 7:30 p.m., the Crawford County Sheriff’s Department was notified of a one-vehicle crash with unknown injuries near 10243 Tavern Road north of Soldiers Grove.

The driver was Rebecca J. Spencer, 17, Gays Mills. Spencer was negotiating a curve on Tavern Road in a 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee when the vehicle started to slide. Spencer over corrected which caused her vehicle to spin around. The passenger side of the vehicle struck the embankment and the vehicle came to rest on all four tires.

After the crash, Spencer was able to drive the vehicle to a nearby house to get help. The vehicle sustained moderate damage. Spencer was transported to Vernon Memorial Healthcare in Viroqua by North Crawford EMS.

Assisting at the scene were the Soldiers Grove Fire Department and the North Crawford EMS.

By Correne Martin

For three months now, the new Crossing Rivers Health Center for Behavioral Health has provided services for adults, children and adolescents with mental or behavioral health concerns. It was an area that communities identified as a service needed to improve community health. The center, which opened Nov. 2, is located at 705 S. Buchanan St., Prairie du Chien, in the former CARE office. Staff is ready to help individuals achieve mental well-being and encounter everyday challenges with confidence and satisfaction.

A $600,000 grant from the Health Resources and Services Administration was awarded to Crossing Rivers to increase access for such a need in the region, according to Dr. Steven Bush, CRH chief medical officer.