Local News

A news release that was not authorized by either the Clayton County Sheriff’s Office or the Clayton County Attorney’s Office, was circulated recently about a case involving David Allen Pennington, Jr., a criminal defendant who received a five-year prison sentence.

“We felt this news story was sensationalized and misleading and that it was important for us to respond,” Sheriff Mike Tschirgi and Attorney Alan Heavens said in a statement.

First, as the official press release from the county attorney’s office said, the defendant was convicted of enticing a minor under the age of 16, not sexual abuse as the unofficial press story stated. Ultimately, the crime involved sexual contact between the defendant and the victim, who were both carnival workers. This was illegal because the defendant was 27 years old and the victim was 14.

 
The unofficial news release also appeared to emphasize that the incident occurred at the Clayton County Fair.

The Wisconsin Historical Society has appointed Susan Caya-Slusser to the newly-created position of director of southwest regional sites. This position will provide vision, leadership and general management to the Villa Louis in Prairie du Chien, Stonefield in Cassville, First Capitol in Belmont and Pendarvis in Mineral Point. The job will be based at Pendarvis.

“Susan prevailed in a search, which attracted top candidates from across the country,” according to Brian Thompson, administrator of the society’s museums and historic sites division. “Her strengths in building strong public programs and deepening community ties make her the perfect person to champion these four magnificent sites.”

For the third year in a row, over $40,000 has been raised for heart disease and cancer research through the Heart and Cancer Telethon. For the 42nd year, the telethon has become a true community celebration. Though its organized by the Prairie du Chien Eagles Club, it’s the community that makes it an entertaining and heartfelt production. For more photos and information, visit eaglestelethon.org.

On Wednesday, Jan. 25, at 7:10 a.m., the Crawford County Sheriff’s Department was notified of a one-vehicle crash on Highway 131 in the village of Gays Mills just south of the Crawford County Fair Grounds.

When a deputy arrived on scene, there was no vehicle at the scene but the deputy noticed where the vehicle lost control, crossed the center line, went over the north side embankment and through a fence. The vehicle was able to drive through a field to get back onto the roadway.

While the deputy was investigating the crash, the driver of the vehicle, Logan J. Lomen, 20, Wauzeka, called the Sheriff’s Department to report the crash. Lomen informed deputies that he was traveling north on Highway 131 in his GMC Envoy when he lost control of the vehicle due to the snow covered roadways.