Courier Press

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

By Correne Martin

As the Courier Press focuses on bringing attention to the severity of the prevalence of methamphetamine use in Crawford County, the newspaper continues to publish frequent reports of arrests and charges of abusers. Coincidentally, the June 27 issue included the second story in this series, right alongside an article about five Prairie du Chien residents busted with meth, as well as heroin and psilocybin mushrooms.

This latest instance of a search warrant leading to arrests is an example of Crawford County law enforcement’s continued battle against the problem. The county judicial system will now decide how to handle this case as it considers other meth cases, which have become all too familiar.

A moving tribute to Vietnam veterans is moving from Prairie du Chien to National, Iowa.

Beginning June 30, “The Moving Wall,” a one-half size replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington D.C., will be displayed at the Clayton County Fairgrounds. The memorial can be visited 24 hours a day, beginning June 30 at 1 p.m. through July 5 at 8 a.m. However, exhibits will be open only from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily.

Almost 253 feet long, the Wall displays the names of the more than 58,000 men and women who were killed in Vietnam, as well as those still unaccounted for.

There will also be a presentation by the American Rogues, the official band of the National Navy Seal Museum, living replicas of the Three Soldiers and Vietnam Women’s Memorial and a complimentary booklet that informs people about the war and about the nine Clayton County men that were killed there.

Five area high schoolers are competing to become royalty for the 2016 Blake’s Prairie Jr. Fair, which will be held at the  Bloomington Fairgrounds July 14-17.

Queen candidate Lexi Harper, daughter of Tara and Greg Harper, Glen Haven, is sponsored by the River Ridge FFA. Lexi has been an active member of the FFA for three years, was last year’s chapter treasurer and currently serves as the chapter secretary. Lexi was part of the national soils team, was a member of the state qualifying meats team and has done livestock judging. She owns four Angus heifers she shows at local fairs and larger Angus breed shows.

By Caitlin Bittner

On Aug. 13, long-time Prairie du Chien resident, Luanne Newmann, will embark on a yearlong European journey. Her destination, Bratislava, is near the border of Slovakia.

Newmann applied to teach abroad through the Global Teach organization in January. “I’ll be teaching religion and conversational English,” said Newmann.

Although she’s never been to Slovakia, Newmann said that she feels up to the challenge. “I’m pretty prepared. I’ve been to Europe a few times.”

Additionally, Newmann noted that her pastor, Pastor Kyle Svennungsen, of Prairie du Chien’s St. Peter Evangelical Lutheran Church, had his own experiences in Slovakia. “He had an internship there and his wife was a teacher there. They’ve both told me a lot about it.”