Courier Press

Two people were airlifted following a two-vehicle crash on Highway 18 Thursday evening, March 17, around 6:25 p.m., near Ward Road in Bridgeport Township, according to the Crawford County Sheriff’s Department.

William E. Hampton, 55, of Prairie du Chien, was operating a 2000 Chevy Malibu eastbound on State Highway 18 when he lost control of the vehicle on the shoulder of the roadway. Hampton attempted to correct the vehicle and get back onto the roadway and in his lane of travel. Once on the pavement, Hampton’s vehicle started to spin out of control, crossed the center line, and entered the westbound lane of traffic backwards.

Hampton’s vehicle was struck by a 2013 GMC Yukon operated by Michael R. McKinney, 68, of Houston, Minn. McKinney attempted to avoid the Hampton vehicle by swerving onto his shoulder of the roadway but was unable to avoid the collision. The vehicles crashed and stopped off the north side of the roadway.

RABAS holding unique fundraiser

Save your gently used shoes for Rivers and Bluffs Animal Shelter and you could help the organization earn $1,000 toward its establishment of a shelter in the Prairie du Chien area.

RABAS has from now through the end of May to collect 2,500 pairs of new or gently used wearable shoes in good condition (no holes) and of any variety: kids, adults, boots, flip flops, tennis, oxfords, etc. Now is the time to clean out your closets and donate those shoes that have been taking up space.

The Children’s Ranch’s annual Easter Party will be held Saturday, March 26 from 1 to 3 p.m. Families can enjoy pony rides, crafts, games, a visit from the Easter bunny and more, all for free admission. A meet-and-greet with the Easter Bunny will take place from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Everything takes place rain or shine at 61011 Sebastian Ln., rural Prairie du Chien.

This is the eighth year the Children’s Ranch has hosted its Easter Party.

“It’s a great event to get families outside after the long winter,” according to Gracie (White) Ferries, Children’s Ranch director. “Many grandparents bring their visiting grandchildren. The pony rides are always the most popular event.”

Before entering the barn, each child will be given two tickets good for two free pony rides. For children who might be afraid of riding the horses, there will be a couple of horses just for petting and brushing.

The slow-no wake zone adjacent to the Campion Boat Landing was officially approved by the Prairie du Chien Common Council, after a second reading of the ordinance, during its Tuesday night meeting.

City resident Jim Gallagher questioned the need for the zone and said the proposed area, 400 feet north and 400 feet south of the landing, was too large.

The council decided to approve the ordinance with an adjustment to the size of the zone. The slow-no wake zone is defined as follows: 250 feet north of the midpoint of the Campion Street boat landing, then west to a point on Challifaus Island, then south 500 feet along the meandering line of the Mississippi River to a point on Challifaus Island, then east to a point 250 feet south of the midpoint of the Campion Street boat landing, then north along the meandering line of the Mississippi River back to the beginning. The public works committee will be closing the north entrance to the Campion Boat Landing.