Courier Press

By Julie Zenz

Over the summer, members of St. Mary’s School in Bloomington traveled to China as part of a school exchange with Shijiazhuang Middle School Number 40. Their trip started July 5 and ended July 19. The goal of this program is to create unique friendships and positive connections with others, and to bring a worldly experience to students in a positive setting.

Laura Tolle and her daughters Anna and Carolyn, Margie Duwe, Katelyn Zenz, Mel Mergen and Julie Zenz lived with families and traveled with students in China as the first group from St. Mary’s School to visit China.
“We just went with whatever was put in front of us,” said St. Mary’s School Principal Julie Zenz.

“It can be intimidating to place yourself in the hands of people you barely know, with little or no ability to speak the language, and remain open to unfamiliar food, a city of more than 10 million people and communicate using 14-year-old interpreters.”

Orlyn David Chunat, 91, of Prairie du Chien, died Friday, July 31, at Prairie Maison, Prairie du Chien. 

Orlyn David Chunat was born on Dec. 26, 1923 to George and Lydia (Kuchenbecker) Chunat. He graduated from Wauzeka High School in 1942 and joined the United States Air Force. Orlyn was co-pilot on a B17 named the Lady Alta and was part of the 303rd Bomb Group, 8th U.S. Air Force. On their twenty-first mission, the plane was shot down over Germany. Orlyn was wounded, taken prisoner and considered MIA. He was a POW for approximately five months before the POW camp was liberated by Patton’s 3rd Army.  Orlyn was awarded the Purple Heart.

By Addison Mumm and Tammy Antoniewicz

The Prairie du Chien High School International Club had the experience of a lifetime this summer traveling to some of Europe’s main capitals: London, Paris and Rome. The nine-day trip started out with an eight-hour flight from Chicago O’Hare airport to London, where the students hit the ground running.

They met up with their tour guide, Richard, who had over 25 years of experience as a guide.

The students saw Trafalgar Square; Buckingham Palace, where they witnessed the changing of the guard; Kensington Palace, where Prince William and Kate reside; Big Ben; the Houses of Parliament; and Windsor Castle. While in London the students were able to dine on the popular fish and chips­­—the American equivalent is fish and french fries.

“My favorite memory was the opportunity to try a variety of appetizers, entrees, and desserts from different areas of Europe,” said Gunnar Kravchuk.

A 41-year-old Prairie du Chien man has been charged in Crawford County Circuit Court with one count of operating a motor vehicle while intoxicated - fifth offense.

Robert L. Whetzal faces up to six years in prison and a $10,000 fine if convicted.

According to the criminal complaint, Whetzal was stopped for speeding in the city of Prairie du Chien and then placed under arrest for OWI.

Whetzal was previously convicted of OWI four times, according to the complaint.