Courier Press

Developer Luke Pelton, of 22nd Street LLC, approached the city late in 2015 about the feasibility of constructing a new apartment complex on the land owned by the city adjacent to Woodridge Acres and Universal Forest Products.

Pelton has since drafted a pro forma financial plan to build three, 16-unit apartment buildings, which he would like operational by Jan. 1, 2018. The complex would include a mix of one- and two-bedroom units, each with its own garage, and they would be market-rate apartments on an average rental of $650, with no subsidized tenants. If market conditions warranted, Pelton has indicated a desire to construct up to as many as 96 units.

By Correne Martin

The public was given its time to share comments with the Prairie du Chien Common Council, regarding support or opposition to the relocation of Country on the River, from Bridgeport to St. Feriole Island. However, those representing the public and vocalizing their opinions, at the council meeting Tuesday night, included only a small percentage of community stakeholders.

Two spoke in person and five more provided emails and letters, which were read into the record at the meeting. A half-dozen others attended the meeting but did not comment. The council only listened to the viewpoints, as it will make a decision on the matter at its Sept. 20 meeting.

A 58-year-old Soldiers Grove man was charged Sept. 1 in Crawford County Circuit Court with one count of operating a motor vehicle while intoxicated (seventh offense).

Thomas E. Finley faces up to 10 years in prison and $25,000 in fines if convicted.

According to the criminal complaint, Finley was pulled over by a Crawford County Sheriff’s Deputy in the village of Soldiers Grove at 11:40 p.m. on Aug. 22, on suspicion of OWI.

Finley was arrested and taken to Crossing Rivers Hospital in Prairie du Chien. Finley had six prior convictions for OWI and therefore his blood alcohol content was restricted to .02 in order to legally drive.

Finley refused to submit to a chemical test of his blood, so a search warrant was obtained and Finley’s blood was drawn. Samples were labeled, sealed and sent to the Wisconsin State Laboratory of Hygiene in Madison.

Held annually, the Villa Louis Carriage Classic highlights competitive carriage driving in arena and obstacle classes. Experience this elegant event, which is the largest carriage driving competition in the nation, on Sept. 9-11.

“This stylish event recalls the brief heyday of the Dousman family’s famed trotting horse operation, the Artesian Stock Farm, a Standardbred training facility,” said Susan Caya-Slusser, Villa Louis site director. ”The Carriage Classic celebrates the pinnacle of the stock farm and allows guests to experience this great tradition.”

More than 100 drivers will hitch finely-trained horse of many breeds to new and restored carriages in several different events. Events will take place in a fenced arena as well as on the lawns and grounds surrounding the Villa Louis estate.