Local News

During the winter storm of Sunday through Monday morning, there were numerous slideoffs and temporary road closures due to semis blocking the road. The following are reportable accidents that occurred during the winter weather event.

On Sunday, March 22, at 1:51 p.m., the Crawford County sheriff’s department was notified of a two-vehicle crash on Highway 27 near the intersection of Nolan Road in the township of Prairie du Chien.

Norman Hare, 48, of Viroqua, was traveling northbound on Highway 27 in a 2004 Toyota Corolla when he lost control of his vehicle due to the snow and slush on the roadway. Hare crossed the center line into the southbound lane and struck a trailer being pulled by a 2006 Ford F150 operated by Stephen Stormer, 70, of Madison. Stormer had two passengers in his vehicle, Jacob Stormer, 37, of Stoughton, and Robert Noethe, 52, of Blue Mounds.

By Correne Martin

Crossing Rivers Health’s new medical center on the south end of Prairie du Chien becomes closer to reality every day. CEO Bill Sexton said, last week, that the hospital is anticipated to open in the first part of June, though that depends on construction progress, state approval and a number of additional factors.

While the current main entrance to the property is via the stoplights at Southtown Lane (near Walmart) and past Nathan Plaza, Crossing Rivers and the city of Prairie du Chien wish for an access road to be built directly from Highways 18/35 to the main entrance of the new hospital. The desired entry point is located in the area where the former Stark’s Mobile Homes had its entrance. However, because of the close proximity to the Prairie du Chien Municipal Airport, it is unknown whether the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) will grant the request to construct such a road.

By Correne Martin

Just 15 constituents attended a listening session with Democratic Senator Jennifer Shilling Friday at Prairie du Chien City Hall, to share their concerns regarding Gov. Scott Walker’s proposed state budget and policies and to request Shilling’s representation when voting on changes to the budget. Republican Representative Lee Nerison also joined the session and gave feedback to those airing comments.

This week, there will be two hearings of the finance committee. Then, after a week off around Easter, the Senate will take up the budget, Shilling said.

Pam Ritchie, executive director of the Opportunity Center in Prairie du Chien, started the session by asking about long-term care program cuts, which has the elderly, individuals with disabilities and their families uncertain about future care options.

Outdoor pool rates to decrease at Wacouta Aquatic Park in hopes of spurring more attendance

By Correne Martin

With the lowest bid coming in more than double the budget of building an addition to Prairie du Chien’s tourism information center, the Prairie du Chien Common Council has voted to reject all bids for the project and release its designated funds back to the city’s cash reserve account.

Public Works Chairman Kyle Kozelka informed the council during its regular meeting Tuesday night that the budget for the project was $50,000 but the lowest bid was $106,439.

“A lot of people we expected to bid were just busy for other work, which is good, though not necessarily for us,” Kozelka said. “Don’t be surprised if this comes back in the fall for a bid.”