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Wed
15
Aug

High turnout for primary, Buhr wins 96th Assembly

Submitted by admin1 on Wed, 08/15/2018 - 11:04

Tuesday’s Partisan Primary election had a voter turnout of 29.3 percent in Crawford County, which is much higher than the normal 15-17 percent voter turnout for a primary, according to County Clerk Janet Geisler.

The most high-profile local race was on the Democratic ticket for the 96th Assembly seat. Paul Buhr defeated Alicia Leinberger for the position, with 1,971 votes (or 55 percent) to her 1,604 votes. Though Buhr won district-wide, Crawford County ended the night in disagreement with that stance. Leinberger took the most county votes with 770, compared to Buhr’s 761.

On the Republican ticket for 96th Assembly, Loren Oldenburg ran unopposed in the primary and received 714 votes Tuesday.

Wed
15
Aug

Hotel proposed on Main Street in Prairie du Chien

Submitted by admin1 on Wed, 08/15/2018 - 11:04

Several parcels of property along Main Street in Prairie du Chien, between Blackhawk Avenue and Wisconsin Street, are being developed. Broken concrete that had been there was brushed to the side, the soil leveled and some more soil added. According to city meeting documents and a member of the plan commission, the land is being readied for a hotel. (Photo by Correne Martin)

By Correne Martin

A new hotel is being proposed for private property in downtown Prairie du Chien, by Sheckler Development LLC, according to city meeting documents. Earth moving equipment has been visible there the past few weeks, digging concrete and refilling with soil.

In addition to several closed session city council discussions with Sheckler Development, plan commission member Tom Nelson confirmed that the commission heard from representatives of the Scott and Jill Sheckler family in open session at its June 18 meeting. They discussed the proposal for block 123 of the union plat, aka three and a half parcels on Main Street between Blackhawk and Wisconsin streets, across from the River District Hotel, formerly AmericInn.

Wed
15
Aug

Hope lives vibrantly at Unity Adult Day Center

Submitted by admin1 on Wed, 08/15/2018 - 11:03

Kenny Bradley was extremely proud of the patterns he created with Legos at Unity Adult Day Center, which became state-licensed and opened June 1 in the back of the former Kozelka’s Menswear building in downtown Prairie du Chien. (Photo by Correne Martin)

Some of Unity Adult Day Center’s participants of all ages and ability levels spent a recent morning doing in-chair exercises by following a YouTube video. Physical activity is a regular part of the day for those clients who utilize the new center, behind Cafe Hope, in Prairie du Chien. (Photo by Correne Martin)

Clients and staff shared a special moment posing in their homemade tie-dye T-shirts beneath the Unity sign. (Submitted photo)

Unity members enjoyed a day trip to the Rendezvous in June. (Submitted photo)

By Correne Martin

Unity Adult Day Center is a new, state-licensed center in Prairie du Chien that opened June 1 in the back of the former Kozelka’s Menswear building downtown. The program is offered under the arm of the Opportunity Center, which is supported by the Department of Health Services through Family Care. 

The 4,500-square-foot day care is intended to address a recognized local need for daytime services and activities provided for frail elderly and mainly adults with developmental disabilities, mental illness, physical disabilities and sensory disabilities. The primary objective is to enrich social and health supportive experiences for those who may need assistance with daily living activities, supervision and protection.

Mon
13
Aug

Rotary Club donates to expedition for ShelterBox USA

Submitted by admin1 on Mon, 08/13/2018 - 12:17

Erik Elsea accepts a check for $500 from Prairie du Chien Rotary Club President Char Bender, who also presented some mementos including the book “Rivertown Memories,” which chronicles the history of the Mississippi River in the Prairie du Chien area in text and photos. (Photos by Ted Pennekamp)

Erik Elsea spoke Wednesday evening to several Prairie du Chien Rotary Club members and area residents about his Mississippi River expedition to raise awareness and funds for ShelterBox USA.

By Ted Pennekamp

 

Rotarian Erik Elsea gave a presentation Wednesday evening in Lawler Park about his adventure canoeing the length of the Mississippi River in an effort to raise funds and awareness for ShelterBox USA. ShelterBox is an international disaster relief charity that provides temporary shelter and life saving supplies to displaced families.

Each ShelterBox typically contains a tent designed to withstand extreme weather conditions, water purification kit, blankets, tools and other necessities to help a family survive after a disaster. The contents of a ShelterBox are tailored to the nature and location of the disaster.

ShelterBox response teams distribute boxes on the ground, working closely with local organizations, international aid agencies and Rotary clubs worldwide. 

Mon
13
Aug

Self-proclaimed 'cat lady' raising over 100 caterpillars to butterflies

Submitted by admin1 on Mon, 08/13/2018 - 12:06

Pictured above is Cindy Gordon, self-proclaimed cat lady, with two of her critter’s habitats. (Photo by Rachel Mergen)

Pictured is Cindy's daughter Savannah, who helps with the hobby, releasing one of the butterflies. (Submitted photo)

Pictured are the caterpillars in a variety of life stages. (Photos by Rachel Mergen)

By Rachel Mergen

 

Three years ago, Cindy Gordon started a new hobby, with the inspiration from local master gardener Donna Teynor and her classes at the gardens, that would change her life for the better, allowing for a learning and bonding experience for her and her daughter Savannah. 

Cindy defines herself as a cat lady, but if entering the house, visitors quickly realize there is not a feline in sight. Inside, there is a bunny, along with more containers than most people would even take the time to count. Caterpillars make their homes within the containers, varying in size based on their stages of development. These containers, along with the care of Cindy and Savannah, raise the caterpillars' natural life expectancy on milkweed outside of 10 percent to over 90 percent. 

Thu
09
Aug

Motion to dismiss Amundson case denied

Submitted by admin on Thu, 08/09/2018 - 15:55

By Ted Pennekamp

 

On Aug. 7, Crawford County Circuit Court Judge Lynn Rider denied a motion by defense attorney Corey Chirafisi to dismiss the bindover ruling made at the preliminary hearing for Aaron Amundson. 

Wed
08
Aug

Malachi memorial event more than the average Bible camp

Submitted by admin1 on Wed, 08/08/2018 - 14:53

Nate Parker and Mason Bell (along with Janelle Theel in the background) created personalized superhero capes during craft time at Bible camp.

Mason Bell, Kane Wetter, Aubree Kovars and Katie Aiken practice teamwork while moving balls without their hands during a pairs race activity on the Wetter farm.

After learning about Saint Paul’s travels spreading the word of Jesus, the youngsters at Bible camp created sailboats out of large cucumbers and craft materials. Pictured, Justice Wachter shares hers proudly.

These sweethearts made sailboats too.

Sisters Nora and Gospel Udelhoven enjoyed chasing bubbles together during game time.

Pastor Lance Wetter keeps the kids excited and interested about the Bible by relating certain scenarios in the Bible to superhero characteristics. (Photos by Correne Martin)

Iron Man made an appearance at Bible camp this year, along with his cohorts Captain America, Wonder Woman and Super Girl.

A superhero-themed directional sign post welcomes Bible campers, before they get a glimpse at the slip ‘n’ slide and general camping area of the three-day event.

By Correne Martin 

Several years ago, Lance and Emily Wetter experienced the heartache of having a stillborn son. They had already been planning a Bible camp for the Mt. Hope United Methodist Church, of which Lance is pastor. After losing their baby, the event fittingly was named Malachi Memorial Camp in his honor. 

This year, July 30-Aug. 1, was the fourth annual memorial camp, which is completely free, open to all ages and welcoming to any religious background. It’s made possible by all volunteers and one big fundraiser at the Mt. Hope church, a taco supper every May.

Wed
08
Aug

Help plan the foolish fun by attending Follies kickoff meeting

Submitted by admin1 on Wed, 08/08/2018 - 11:24

These local friends and neighbors enjoy being as ridiculous as they can be, together, in their annual performances at the Follies variety show fundraiser, all in the good name of charity. The Follies organizers are welcoming former performers and anyone new with a piqued interest to attend a kickoff planning meeting Aug. 23, at 5:30 p.m., at Leisure Time. Follies proceeds benefit the Mississippi River Sculpture Park. (Photo by Randy Paske)

The hilarious and locally-acclaimed Follies variety show is returning from a one-year hiatus to tickle the ribs of Prairie du Chien area residents once again in January. To plan the foolish fun, a Follies kickoff meeting will be held Thursday, Aug. 23, at 5:30 p.m., at Leisure Time in Prairie du Chien. 

Any interested participants—veteran performers as well as new stars—are urged to attend the kickoff meeting to begin brainstorming acts, find out more information about how the show and rehearsals work and get an early start on laughable ideas that will make the Jan. 4 and 5, performances yet another success. The 2019 are expected to take the stage of the new Prairie du Chien High School theater, making the Follies opportunity all the more exciting.

Wed
08
Aug

5 school districts land $210,000 in safety grants

Submitted by admin1 on Wed, 08/08/2018 - 11:20

Pictured above is an example of a half wooden/half glass door that will be replaced with a full door panel with the exception of a small vision window panel, similar to what’s seen below. (Photos by Correne Martin)

By Correne Martin

Five local school districts have landed state grants for safety improvements, according to the Wisconsin Attorney General’s Office. 

Beginning in June, the Wisconsin Department of Justice (DOJ) awarded $55,939 to Wauzeka-Steuben for upgrading its intercom system and classroom doors; River Ridge $55,000 toward upgrading its front entry doors, security camera system and interior door locks; St. Mary’s in Bloomington $19,945 for improving its front doors and adding an electronic entry system; Seneca $57,829 toward door locks and security cameras; and Prairie Catholic School $21,340 toward security improvements.

Wed
08
Aug

Location established for future city dog park

Submitted by admin1 on Wed, 08/08/2018 - 11:18

From Lockwood Street looking southeast, a new gravel parking lot has been constructed between the wastewater treatment plant and Highway 18 Bypass. Between there and the railroad tracks (to the left of this photo) is the future site of a dog park. (Photo by Correne Martin)

By Correne Martin

Drivers taking the Highway 18 Bypass in Prairie du Chien have likely noticed considerable earth-moving activity, particularly at the Lockwood Street intersection near the city wastewater treatment plant and Campion Boat Landing. 

According to City Planner Garth Frable—and as the Courier Press reported months ago—the city recently acquired this piece of land, which the Wisconsin Department of Transportation had in excess from the bypass project years ago.

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