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Mon
10
Dec

American Idol contestant delivers message of revival from bullying in PdC

Submitted by admin1 on Mon, 12/10/2018 - 11:36

2013 American Idol contestant Jada Vance, 22, performed at Prairie du Chien High School Dec. 5, and shared a powerful message about her experiences with bullying when she was a teen. She is pictured with her guitarist Conner Fersher.

During time for questions, Lily Kregel raised her hand and told Jada she was dared to ask her to sing on stage together. Jada welcomed the teen up and the two sang a bit of a a Carrie Underwood tune. (Photos by Correne Martin)

By Correne Martin

From the American Idol stage to that in the new Prairie du Chien High School Performing Arts Center, Jada Vance rocked her style of country music for an attentive group of local students Dec. 5. The 22 year old also shared her personal and powerfully real experiences with bullying she lived through as a teenager.

Six years ago, at the age of 15, Jada tried out and sang her way into the top 45 of the illustrious American Idol competition. The Portland, Tenn.-native thrilled the audience with her blend of bluegrass, gospel and country before she was eliminated from season 12, right before the live rounds of the television show. 

Mon
10
Dec

Droppin’ of the Carp discontinued

Submitted by admin1 on Mon, 12/10/2018 - 11:34

Carp Fest still on

By Correne Martin

Most special occasions take a dedicated amount of preparation and effort. If they go off without a hitch, and are successful, it’s likely that they’re planned again and again. If it’s a public activity that evolves annually, and offers people that something different, it may continue fulfilling its capacity in the community year after year. 

Still, events come and go. Some take a hiatus for a year or two, and then return in an altered state.

Mon
10
Dec

Two new bridges would greatly improve emergency response time

Submitted by admin on Mon, 12/10/2018 - 10:28

This map shows the locations of two new bridges proposed for the Kickapoo River in Crawford County. (Map courtesy of the Crawford County Highway Department)

 

By Ted Pennekamp

 

In his grant application to the State of Wisconsin Division of Emergency Management, Crawford County Highway Commissioner Dennis Pelock states that two proposed bridges to span the Kickapoo River would improve response time to emergencies during floods by one to one-and-a-half hours.

Wed
05
Dec

Driftless Development to host 2019 Economic Outlook

Submitted by admin1 on Wed, 12/05/2018 - 11:36

Driftless Development Inc. (DDI) invites all area businesses and residents to attend the “2019 Economic Outlook: A Vision for Our Future” on Monday, Dec. 10. The event will take place at the historic Dousman House on the riverfront in Prairie du Chien from 4:30 p.m. to 7 p.m., with the program starting at 5:30 p.m. The event will feature a community-wide celebration of 2018 accomplishments and an economic outlook for 2019 and beyond in the greater Crawford County region.

Wed
05
Dec

Bridgeport Fire awarded grant toward grain bin rescue equipment needs

Submitted by admin1 on Wed, 12/05/2018 - 11:23

Accessories purchase to supplement Wauzeka Fire rescue tube

By Correne Martin

The Bridgeport and Rural Prairie du Chien Fire Department is one of 160 rural emergency service agencies receiving a portion of $450,000 in grants from Compeer Financial’s corporate giving program, Fund for Rural America. The local department was awarded $2,100, with which it will purchase grain bin rescue equipment.

According to fire chief Russ Gillitzer, the department feels obtaining such equipment is for the greater good of Crawford County and its surrounding communities. The purchase should be finalized in the next week or so.

Wed
05
Dec

Band students get personal with Israeli ensemble

Submitted by admin1 on Wed, 12/05/2018 - 11:21

Sofi Tsedaka and two of her bandmates, Yonnie “Jonathan” Dror (left) and Yshai Afterman, shared a laugh as she tried to navigate the English language and find the right words in explaining the ensemble’s collaborative work. (Photos by Correne Martin)

Director Matt Lenz leads his band students through practicing “Reverberations,” in front of Sofi and the Baladis.

By Correne Martin

Prairie du Chien High School band students were fortunate to have a few moments of international interaction right in their own music room Nov. 29, during a weeklong Arts Midwest World Fest school district residency with Sofi and the Baladis, a musical ensemble from Israel. 

It was a chance for the youth to ask questions and learn from the multi-lingual professionals, who, in turn, had plenty of queries about the American music culture as well as the students’ personal experiences. 

Wed
05
Dec

Public meeting scheduled about McGregor Lake project

Submitted by admin on Wed, 12/05/2018 - 10:01

This aerial view shows McGregor Lake, also known as Horseshoe Lake. (Photo by Audrey Posten)

 

By Ted Pennekamp

 

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, St. Paul District, is hosting a public meeting at the Prairie du Chien City Hall, 214 E. Blackhawk Ave., on Dec. 11 to gather public input on its Feasibility Study and Environmental Assessment to improve habitat in McGregor Lake.

Mon
03
Dec

New PdC greenhouse to help student growth

Submitted by admin on Mon, 12/03/2018 - 13:38

Senior Syd Kossman attends to some poinsettias that will soon be delivered to the customers of the FFA Poinsettia Sale. Plant science students such as Kossman also earn credit at Southwest Wisconsin Technical College for taking the course. (Photos by Ted Pennekamp)

Senior Korbin Bachman shows the cutting of a wandering yew.

Joshua Kotte, a senior, tries to find some germination in several containers of herbs.

 

By Ted Pennekamp

 

Agriculture teacher and FFA Advisor Diane Colburn said Prairie du Chien High School students and staff are looking forward to getting the school’s new greenhouse up and running in full growing mode soon.

Mon
03
Dec

Marquette Road road is open

Submitted by admin1 on Mon, 12/03/2018 - 11:49

Attending the ribbon cutting were Paul Ginkel, Dave Hemmer, Nate Bremmer, Allie Thornton, Nate Gilberts, Roy George, Aaron Palmer, Bob Sutton, Jennifer Shilling, Nick Brey, Kevin Mulrooney, Lee Nerison, Bob Standorf, Loren Oldenburg, Brooke Mitchell, J.J. Jackson, Lou Davis, Ken Mitchell, Jeff Bowar, Ron Overlien, Patrick Nagovan, Tom Nelson, an unknown well-wisher, Cathie Nelson and Bob Moses. (Photos by Correne Martin)

Interim City Administrator Chad Abram waves to the first vehicle that passes onto the newly-opened Marquette Road Friday. Standing in the background are DOT project leader Nick Brey (left) and Ron Overlein, from Gerke Excavating, the project's general contractor.

The first few vehicles buzz down the new section of Highway 35 in Prairie du Chien.

Mayor Dave Hemmer (left) shared his gratitude for all the hard work and sacrifices put in for this project. Also pictured are chamber, city and business representatives Kevin Mulrooney, Paul Ginkel, Roy George and Nate Bremmer.

By Correne Martin

 

It was a long spring, summer and fall in Prairie du Chien, with Marquette Road/Highway 35 construction making travel difficult and giving businesses a challenge, from April 2 through Nov. 30. Yet, the new highway is finally open and traffic can proceed with a better flow now. 

At the official ribbon cutting Friday afternoon at the intersection of La Pointe Street and Marquette, about two dozen city, chamber, business and legislative dignitaries gathered for a short ceremony and ribbon cutting. Then, barricades were removed and the small crowd cheered as the first vehicles passed onto the new roadway. 

Mon
03
Dec

Grand opening held at library

Submitted by admin1 on Mon, 12/03/2018 - 11:41

The Cat in the Hat, aka Caroline Bosley, popped out of a box during Saturday’s library grand opening, ready to take on all the fun activities the new facility has in store for its future. Pictured in the background are Library Director Nancy Ashmore and Librarian Assistant Caitlin Bittner. (Photos by Correne Martin)

Mayor Dave Hemmer addressed a crowd of nearly 100 for the library grand opening ceremony. (Photos by Correne Martin)

Also pictured, Nancy Ashmore presented a special plaque to Linda Munson.

Library board member Norb Ashchom speaks with community members Bob and Diane Witt.

A few young patrons check out the children’s section.

One of the youngest patrons of the day making her way through the spacious new hallways of the library.

Right inside the children's library sits this unique bench donated by the Brian Dillman family.

By Correne Martin

Some special touches were added to the nooks and crannies of the redesigned Prairie du Chien Memorial Library just in time for its grand opening and ribbon cutting Saturday, Dec. 1.

Swarms of curious patrons joined library and city representatives as well a donors for a ribbon cutting, appreciation ceremony, tours, music, refreshments and kids activities in honor of the completion of the $3.578 million renovation and expansion project. 

Ground was broken for the project Oct. 16, 2017. The new facility officially opened to the public for the first time on Oct. 15, 2018.

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