Local News

Another strange twist 

in River Ridge School District saga

By Ted Pennekamp

A funny thing happened on the way to the forum. No, we’re not talking about the 1966 farce starring Zero Mostel, but the meeting held in the River Ridge School District Wednesday night has to be about the most bizarre in the district’s history. 

A 31-year-old Prairie du Chien man has been charged in Crawford County Circuit Court with one count of possession of marijuana—second and subsequent offense, one count of possession of methamphetamine, one count of operating a motor vehicle while intoxicated—fifth or sixth offense, and one count of operating while revoked.

Michael J. Seitz faces up to $32,500 in fines and 14 years of imprisonment of convicted of all counts.

According to the criminal complaint, a Prairie du Chien police officer stopped the Seitz vehicle near East Taylor Street on July 6. A search revealed a plastic baggie of marijuana, and several baggies of meth, along with various items of drug paraphernalia.

Seitz also admitted to the police officer that he had smoked marijuana about two hours prior to the traffic stop, the complaint said.

Seitz has previously been convicted of OWI four times and possession of marijuana once, according the complaint.

A 23-year-old La Crosse man has been charged in Crawford County Circuit Court with one count of intentionally abusing patients—bodily harm.

Kenneth R. Mackenzie faces up to a $10,000 fine and six years in prison if convicted.

According to the criminal complaint, a client of Lori Knapp Companies reported to staff members at Lori Knapp and at the Opportunity Center that he had been hit with a rod by Mackenzie, an employee of Lori Knapp.

Several bruises were observed to the clients’ legs and his eyes were black and blue and swollen. Bruises were also observed on the clients’ back as well as an open wound on his knee, the complaint said.

The Crawford County Community Fund is now accepting grant applications for its annual grant cycle. The application deadline is Thursday, Oct. 1. Applications must be completed online and submitted online no later than midnight on that day. Mailed, emailed or faxed copies of applications and incomplete or late applications will not be accepted or considered.

The grant review committee of the Crawford County Community Fund Advisory Board is chaired by Tarasa Lown. In making the grant application announcement, Lown noted, “For the 2015-2016 year there is up to $5,500 available for grants for charitable economic development projects within our Crawford County community. We know that there are many great ideas-in-waiting that can increase economic vitality and improve the quality of life in our region; we are prepared to review those ideas and make awards.”