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Mon
28
Sep

Many elements of old hospital to be reused by local schools, cities

Submitted by admin1 on Mon, 09/28/2015 - 11:08

Area schools and city governments have had the opportunity in recent weeks to walk the halls of the former Prairie du Chien Memorial Hospital building on Taylor Street in hopes of taking materials and equipment that can be recycled and repurposed. Now, Clayton County Recycling, of Monona, Iowa, will begin demolition of the site this week. They will collaborate with Robinson Brothers Environmental on asbestos abatement.

Removing a light fixture from the former hospital property are (from left) Father James Weighner; Jeff Mink, Crossing Rivers Health maintenance; and Steve Rickleff. (Submitted photo)

By Correne Martin

Demolition of the former Prairie du Chien Memorial Hospital facility on Taylor Street is targeted to begin sometime this week, according to Crossing Rivers Health officials. With that on the horizon, nearly every interior element from the old building was recently claimed by area school districts, cities and non-profit organizations free of charge for potential recycling and repurposing. An online auction, which ended Friday, sold commercial kitchen and other large hospital equipment to the general public.

The demolition contract was awarded Friday to Clayton County Recycling, of Monona, Iowa, who can start work as early as Tuesday, Sept. 29.

Mon
28
Sep

Meet historic people on annual tour of six Prairie du Chien cemeteries

Submitted by admin1 on Mon, 09/28/2015 - 11:05

It’s now fall, which means it’s time for the very popular event, Visiting Our Ancestors, a tour of Prairie du Chien’s six historic cemeteries, sponsored by the Prairie du Chien Historical Society.

On Saturday, Oct. 3, there will be a guided tour of the six cemeteries, beginning at 1 p.m., at the Fort Crawford Museum, 717 South Beaumont Rd. Participants should gather at the museum, where they will board vans to travel to the cemeteries, beginning with the Old French Cemetery and ending at the Brisbois Cemetery high above on the bluffs. At each cemetery, the costumed host of the tour will give a short history of the burying grounds and then she will introduce the resident.

The French Catholic Cemetery is the oldest cemetery still in existence in the State of Wisconsin and may be the oldest cemetery in the upper Mississippi Valley. Few of the graves are marked but much is known about the people who are buried there beginning in 1816.

Mon
28
Sep

Prairie du Chien making water system improvements

Submitted by admin1 on Mon, 09/28/2015 - 11:04

Prairie du Chien’s continued efforts toward improving the municipal infrastructure system will focus on the city’s water system over the next several months. Earlier this year, the city contracted with Municipal Management, Inc., of Madrid, Iowa, to do an extensive survey of the water system to identify any underground leaks. These leaks result in water loss, plus additional operational costs for the water system and, ultimately, the customers. Over 20 leaks were identified, with over half of them being classified as major.

“It appears that many of these leaks may have been caused by the extreme cold weather we experienced two winters ago,” Water Department Manager Larry Gates said. “Additionally, we have an old system, with some of the water services dating back to the 1940s. The water department will make every attempt to repair these water leaks in a timely fashion to decrease the amount of unaccounted water.”

Mon
28
Sep

Millville's Hidden Hamlet Art Fair features quality, handmade work

Submitted by admin1 on Mon, 09/28/2015 - 11:03

Founder and organizer Judy Carlson

By Correne Martin

The Hidden Hamlet Art Fair in Millville is a tucked-away treasure that’s brought together the community’s artisans to showcase and sell their handmade creations for 35 years. It attracts more people than reside in the township of 200, as an estimated 300 visitors stop by the art fair each year at the Millville Town Hall on County Highway C (along the Wisconsin River). The event takes place Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 3 and 4, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The art fair will feature a diverse assortment of original woodworking, pottery, rugs, wall hangings, painted antiques, sewing, felting, needlework, dried flowers, plants and more. Also, consumables such as bakery and produce items, honey, maple syrup, candy, lots of pies and even soap will be available for purchase.

Wed
23
Sep

Gays Mills man helps protect species around the world

Submitted by admin on Wed, 09/23/2015 - 11:26

Robert Horwich shows villagers photos in Assam, India in October 2007.

By Ted Pennekamp

 

A rural Gays Mills man continues to enjoy the rather unusual occupation of traveling the world in an effort to help save many different species and preserve habitat. 

Wed
23
Sep

Pedaling for Pets couple raises over $3,500 for Rivers and Bluffs

Submitted by admin1 on Wed, 09/23/2015 - 10:59

Ashley and Brandon Christensen (center) are pictured during their visit to the Northwoods Humane Society in Hayward with shelter employee Kim Molitor (right). Also pictured is Geri Phillips (left), Ashley’s aunt and Pedaling for Pets safety driver. (Submitted photo)

By Correne Martin

On one of the hottest days of the summer, Aug. 16, Ashley and Brandon Christensen left Prairie du Chien to embark upon their 12-day Pedaling for Pets fundraising and awareness adventure. They traversed the state, making stops at animal shelters/humane societies in Viroqua, Sparta, Tomah, Marshfield and Park Falls before returning home and hitting Hayward, Eau Claire and La Crosse along the route.

In that time, they raised over $3,500 for Rivers and Bluffs Animal Shelter; provided eight other shelters with donations of dog and cat food, towels, blankets, litter and toys; and gleaned invaluable information to be used in the construction of RABAS’ future shelter in Prairie du Chien. Personally, the couple also checked the incredible journey off their bucket list.

Mon
21
Sep

Drones the latest technology helping area farmers

Submitted by admin on Mon, 09/21/2015 - 12:51

Ken Jahnke holds two drones owned by Premier Co-op. The drones provide a service for area farmers. (Photo by Ted Pennekamp)

By Ted Pennekamp

 

Like most farmers, farmers in Crawford County continue to keep abreast of the latest technological trends. One of the most recent trends has been the use of drones, which are becoming more advanced and popular for a variety of uses each year. 

“Various Crawford County farmers have been using drones,” said Ken Jahnke of Bridgeport, an agronomy and sales manager for Premier Co-op. 

Mon
21
Sep

PdC Coast Guard Auxiliary crew prevents drowning

Submitted by admin1 on Mon, 09/21/2015 - 12:18

Steve Gress (left), coxswain, and Dan Brewer, crewman, are pictured aboard the 22-foot Kaylee-Annie pontoon. (USCG Auxiliary photo)

By Correne Martin

Two crew members of the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary-Prairie du Chien Flotilla were in the right place at the right time Thursday, Sept. 10, when they observed a man fall from a Winneshiek Marina dock and stepped in to save his life.

Coxswain Steve Gress and crew member Joanie Dickerson, of the 22-foot Kaylee-Annie pontoon, were returning from patrol when they saw a couple walking down the dock. They witnessed the woman bend over to pick up something when her husband tripped over her and fell head first into the harbor. The man, who appeared to be in his 70s but was not identified by the Coast Guard Auxiliary, disappeared from their sight under the water, which is about 12 feet deep in that area, Gress said.

Mon
21
Sep

A sisterly promise leads to hope for others

Submitted by admin1 on Mon, 09/21/2015 - 11:55

Bonnie Fuller (center), of Prairie du Chien, is the 2015 recipient of the Paula J. Tower Memorial Award for selflessly giving of her time and energy to advance the message of hope for a future without breast cancer. Pictured (from left) are Deb Kane, clinical manager, Center for Breast Care at Gundersen Health System; Jackie Wachter, nominator; Bonnie Fuller, recipient; and Paula Tower’s children, Kate and Jeff, who presented the award.

Breast cancer fishing tournament founder recognized

By Correne Martin

For exemplifying the “Power of One,” Prairie du Chien’s own Bonnie Fuller was honored at the 10th annual Steppin’ Out in Pink, Sept. 12, in La Crosse. She was the winner of the Paula J. Tower Memorial Award for selflessly giving of her time and energy to advance the message of hope for a future without breast cancer. Fuller is the founder of the Hooking for Hope fishing tournament fundraiser, held in Prairie du Chien the first Saturday in June for the past 12 years.

“I can’t describe the feeling. I was totally surprised to even be nominated,” Bonnie said. “It was awesome and overwhelming but there’s a lot of other people out there who are deserving. It was fantastic to see the entire street in pink.”

Mon
21
Sep

Competitive soccer league good fit for 11 year old’s passion

Submitted by admin1 on Mon, 09/21/2015 - 11:48

Landon Kohler, the son of Kirby and Melissa Kohler, of Prairie du Chien, competed in Coulee Region United Soccer Association tournaments all summer. He is pictured (forefront, dark jersey) in action at his position of defensive midfielder. (Photo by Lance Hubbard)

Eleven-year-old Landon Kohler (far left, number 3) has enjoyed playing youth soccer with his teammates in CRUSA and Rush Wisconsin West. For more information about his experiences through their programs, visit crusa-soccer.com or rushwiwest.com. For more details about the Prairie United Soccer Club, contact Julie DeHart, president, at prairieunitedsoccerclub@gmail.com. (Photo by Lance Hubbard)

By Correne Martin

It was cute and chaotic, but as a 4 year old in the Rhinelander Soccer Club’s 6 and under program, Landon Kohler essentially learned to love the game. Back then, like his young teammates, he worked mostly on passing and trying to score, and any chance he got, he was kicking the ball around in his back yard.  

At age 8, Landon moved with his parents, Kirby and Melissa, his older sister Autumn and younger brother Tanner to Prairie du Chien. Locally, in this smaller and more football-focused community, the soccer opportunities weren’t as technical, physical or as strong in numbers. These days, the Prairie United Soccer Club (PUSC) is growing; however, the competitive offerings are still minimal for kids like Landon, now 11, whose primary passion is soccer and whose abilities are undeniable.

“He has the skillset to play mid(fielder) without a doubt,” his dad, Kirby, said. “He dreams about soccer. He wants to do it all the time.”

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