Courier Press

Error message

  • Warning: array_merge(): Expected parameter 1 to be an array, bool given in _simpleads_render_ajax_template() (line 133 of /home/pdccourier/www/www/sites/all/modules/simpleads/includes/simpleads.helper.inc).
  • Notice: Trying to get property 'settings' of non-object in _simpleads_adgroup_settings() (line 343 of /home/pdccourier/www/www/sites/all/modules/simpleads/includes/simpleads.helper.inc).
  • Warning: array_merge(): Expected parameter 1 to be an array, bool given in _simpleads_render_ajax_template() (line 157 of /home/pdccourier/www/www/sites/all/modules/simpleads/includes/simpleads.helper.inc).
  • Notice: Trying to access array offset on value of type null in include() (line 24 of /home/pdccourier/www/www/sites/all/modules/simpleads/templates/simpleads_ajax_call.tpl.php).
Mon
27
Jun

PdC adds food, live music to its fireworks festivities

By Correne Martin

Prairie du Chien will host the annual fireworks celebration on St. Feriole Island on Saturday, July 9. The fireworks show will be longer than ever before and, in general, the event is expected to be even more family-friendly than usual.

Co-sponsored by the Prairie du Chien Area Chamber of Commerce and the city of Prairie du Chien, organizers will sell burgers, brats, popcorn and refreshments from 5 to 8 p.m. at the north shelter. Live music at the same location will further liven up the island from 6 to 9 p.m.

Bring your own blanket and lawn chair and find the perfect place to view the fireworks and listen to the music on the island. Glow sticks will be sold as well.

At dusk, the fireworks will be shot off from a barge over the Mississippi River.

“With additional sponsorship from the city, we’ve also increased the length of the fireworks this year,” Chamber CEO Bob Moses said.

Mon
27
Jun

Lucille Frances Carnicle

 

Lucille Frances Carnicle, 98, of Prairie du Chien, formerly of Harpers Ferry, Iowa, died Thursday, June 23, at Great River Care Center, McGregor, Iowa. 

Lucille was born on Jan. 21, 1918 in Dubuque, Iowa to Joseph and Margaret (Hienze) Graff. She graduated from high school in Dubuque, Iowa. 

Wed
22
Jun

Meth the number one narcotic abused in Crawford County

Editor’s note: This article is the first in a short series regarding methamphetamine and the serious problem of meth abuse in Crawford County.

By Correne Martin

Ninety-five percent of the men and women in the Crawford County Jail are addicted to narcotics and alcohol. The other 5 percent are there for domestic abuse, burglary, theft and other crimes that occurred while they were under the influence of these drugs.

These figures are according to Crawford County and Prairie du Chien law enforcement officials.

“There’s an extreme drug problem in this county. It’s a very impoverished area—the unemployment rate is high and the income rate is low,” said Lt. Jaden McCullick, an investigator for the Crawford County Sheriff’s Department.

Meth is number one on the list of narcotics abused in southwest Wisconsin, and that is apparent in the latest mass of local news articles about meth busts.

Wed
22
Jun

City proposes line of credit to Regals to cover marina repairs


Many boats at the Regal Marina in Prairie du Chien (pictured here in early May) sat ashore longer than usual this season awaiting the opportunity to slip into the docks. (Photo by Correne Martin)

By Correne Martin

The Prairie du Chien Common Council extended an olive branch to Regal Marine Group Tuesday night, as an effort to resolve the safety issues that have left the business stagnant this season.
The council voted to offer a line of credit to the Regals to help them accomplish the estimated $74,000 in repairs and improvements needed to satisfy state code mandates. Terms of the loan would include classifying the Regals’ buildings and docks on the city-owned property as collateral.

There is no indication yet regarding whether the Regals will accept the terms of the loan. According to City Attorney Lara Czajkowski Higgins, the Regals’ attorney emailed her an hour before Tuesday’s regular council meeting, saying they’re potentially interested in such a loan but they need another week to determine a more exact figure of cost estimates.

Wed
22
Jun

What makes Prairie du Chien stand out to potential consumers?


The city’s welcome signs were refurbished this spring, at a cost of $8,100. They had not been repaired or retouched since installation in 1998. Now, the community’s civic organizations have planned a branding session for June 29, as an effort to determine how Prairie du Chien can do more than simply market what it has but, instead, market what makes it stand out. (Photo by Correne Martin)

Featuring the same theme at the top as the city’s welcome signs, the city’s wayfinding signs show a drawing of the Villa Louis as well as a river boat.

By Correne Martin

Prairie du Chien’s civic organizations are fishing for ideas. They are seeking creative, passionate stakeholders and citizens who want a seat on the boat of brainstormers as they start developing a brand for the city of Prairie du Chien.

A community branding session is scheduled for Wednesday, June 29, from 2 to 4:30 p.m., at the city hall community room. Those interested are asked to RSVP by Monday, June 27 to mainstreetpdc@gmail.com. Anyone interested in learning more might have some questions.

What exactly is a brand? Doesn’t Prairie du Chien already have a brand? What is “Wisconsin’s Second Oldest City?” And what about the city’s prevalent history or its scenic, recreational location along the Mississippi River?

Tue
21
Jun

Elizabeth “Bette” Rettig

 

Elizabeth “Bette” Rettig, née Coleman, 91, passed away on June 18, at Prairie Maison Nursing home in Prairie du Chien. She lived there for many years and was cared for by Shirley and many of the other nurses,
“angels” that work there. 

She was the beloved wife of the late John “Jack” Rettig for 68 years; loving mother of the late Steven (Margaret), Neil (Laura), Joel (Debbie), Jon, and Jennifer (Joseph) Campe; cherished grandmother of Justin (Michelle), Kristin and Brian Crooks, Megin (Randy) Lane and Pamela Burt; proud great-grandmother of Steven, Nathan, Jaime, Riley, Jackson and Ayla. 

Mon
20
Jun

41st Rendezvous: Celebrating the trade


The ladies’ tomahawk throwing competition for campers drew a decent crowd of observers Saturday afternoon at the Prairie Villa Rendezvous on St. Feriole Island. (Photos by Correne Martin)

The Rendezvous is always a family affair for campers and visitors, and face painting tends to be one of the more popular offerings for the young ones in attendance.

Fred Bruner Jr. talked to young and old alike underneath the shade of the Bruner's Blades tent Saturday.

Hungry Prairie Villa Rendevous enthusiasts line up at one the vendor’s tents on the buckskinners’ side of the annual festival.

Buying, selling and trading is part of the tradition at the pre-1840s celebration.

Blooming onions, turkey legs, fry bread, fresh squeezed lemonade and rootbeer straight from the barrel were the usual favorites for Rendezvous attendees Saturday, though the ice cream and snow cone stands also thrived as high temperatures and beaming sunshine heated up the event.

The smell and taste of kettle corn, available at several Rendezvous stands, is hard to beat.

This bear skin rug and other small animal pelts were in line with the many attractions for the thousands attending the 41st annual Rendezvous in Prairie du Chien this past weekend.

Richard Blackhawk Kapusta performed music and storytelling south of the Jaycee Food Stand on the north end of camp.
Mon
20
Jun

Youth fights condition, sees success in school

By Correne Martin

Student of the month recognition is a tradition at many schools these days. All good students have a shot at being acknowledged. But, when seventh grader Jacob Kazynski was named one of five students of the month at La Crosse Aquinas Middle School for May, it was more than just a great accomplishment, it was a small miracle.

Jacob, the son of Joe and Shanen Kazynski, of Holmen, was born with Pierre Robin sequence, a condition that causes a smaller than normal lower jaw, a tongue that falls back in the throat, repeated ear infections, a cleft palate on the roof of his mouth and difficulty breathing.

According to his grandmother, Dorothy Baures, of Prairie du Chien, the family was also told that another issue with Pierre Robin sequence is a general failure to thrive.

Mon
20
Jun

Speaker to focus on enhancing quality of life in Prairie du Chien

By Correne Martin

The quality of life in Prairie du Chien is important to everyone, and three local organizations hold dear the mission to sustain and strengthen that characteristic within the community. As a part of their ongoing efforts, Anne Katz, the executive director of Arts Wisconsin, will speak on Thursday, June 30, at 6:30 p.m. in the Prairie du Chien High School Little Theater. Her free presentation, “The Power of the Creative Sector,” is sponsored by the Prairie du Chien Economic Development Committee (PDCEDC), PdC Main Street and Prairie du Chien Area Chamber of Commerce. The Mississippi River Sculpture Park Board and Prairie du Chien School District are also co-sponsoring the event.

Katz will highlight how arts, education, economic development and the quality of life intersect to create a diverse and healthy community.

Fri
17
Jun

Baseball Team Second at State


The crowd gives a standing ovation to the Prairie du Chien baseball team at the pep rally in the high school gym Thursday night. (Photo by Ted Pennekamp)

The players enjoyed addressing the fans and thanking them for their unwavering support. Here, Jack Wasachek gets Brogan Potter, Reese Dressler, Peyton Hall and Coach Mark Pedretti (in the background) smiling and laughing. (Photo by Ted Pennekamp)

Coach Mark Pedretti talks about "the Blackhawk Experience" and the fine tradition at Prairie du Chien High School. (Photo by Ted Pennekamp)

The team poses with the second-place trophy. (Photo by Vicki Waller)

Drew Scott makes the tag on a pick-off attempt versus Markesan Wednesday. (Photo by Vicki Waller)

Chas Sagedahl lets fly against the Hornets Wednesday. (Photo by Vicki Waller)

Casey Hogenson pitches against St. Mary Catholic Thursday afternoon. (Photo by Vicki Waller)

Dylan Yeomans gets ready to swing versus the Zephyrs. (Photo by Vicki Waller)

Peyton Hall gets a good lead against the Zephyrs. (Photo by Vicki Waller)

Chas Sagedahl squares to bunt. (Photo by Vicki Waller)

 

Prairie du Chien ends fine season 

with 2nd place at State Tournament

By Ted Pennekamp

 

Pages