Courier Press

By Correne Martin

Living along the Mississippi River, you might think everyone in the community takes advantage of leisurely activities such as fishing and canoeing. But that’s not necessarily the case. Some residents spend hours upon hours on the river each summer, while others might take the river for granted and only view it from a nearby park on occasion.

The Prairie du Chien Parks and Recreation Department is trying to change that and get more people, especially families with children, involved with the adventures of fishing and canoeing. A number of free or low-cost programs are available this summer, all of which take place at the new Outdoor Recreation Center at Washington Street Park. And each of the programs is led by a local, volunteer expert who takes joy in passing along his knowledge.

On Wednesday, July 1, a street and utility project slated to primarily take place on Ohio Street in Prairie du Chien will begin. This project will include the reconstruction of Ohio Street from Blackhawk Avenue to Washington Street. The project will consist of the reconstruction of Ohio Street, work on the Washington Street lift station and the reconstruction of Washington Street.

The reconstruction of Ohio Street will consist of work on 32’ wide asphalt pavement, curb and gutter, 5’ wide sidewalk, concrete driveway aprons to the right of way, sanitary sewer, sanitary laterals, the water main, water services and storm sewer.

The work on the Washington Street lift station will include the complete replacement of the lift station and force main. The new station will be located about 30’ west of the existing lift station.

Wisconsin’s First Lady Tonette Walker will be at Wyalusing State Park on Tuesday, June 23, for a Walk With Walker event, and the public is invited to take part. Sponsored by the Prairie du Chien Area Chamber of Commerce, Mrs. Walker will arrive around 10 a.m.

Everyone is asked to park around the Peterson Shelter, where a welcoming ceremony will take place at 10:15 a.m. Remarks will be made by Walker, Tourism Secretary Stephanie Klett and Chamber Director Bob Moses. The park will have staff directing everyone to the shelter that morning.

From the Peterson Shelter, participants will take the guided walk down to the Sentinel Ridge Trail and head south to Green Cloud Picnic Area and the Passenger Pigeon Monument. If time permits, all will travel the loop around the Indian mounds and then back to the Peterson Shelter. The walk will be close to two miles in length.

Water, apples and granola bars will be provided at the event.