Local News

Two area families experienced historic births at Crossing Rivers Health in the days surrounding the hospital’s big move from its former facility on Taylor Street to its new location, which opened to patients on June 11, along Highway 18.

Just one day before Crossing Rivers Health moved into the new medical center, Lillian Jasmine Beall made history by arriving at 8:32 a.m. on June 10. The baby girl is the daughter of Roseann Beall, of Prairie du Chien. The delivering physician was Dr. Chris Mees, of Gundersen Clinic-Prairie du Chien.

Casen Richard Johnson was the first baby born at the new Crossing Rivers Health, just five days after the state-of-the-art facility opened. The baby boy is the son of Serita and Rob Johnson, of rural Wauzeka.

Construction is coming right along on the new Nelson True Value hardware store in Prairie du Chien, across North Marquette Road from Radio Shack. Friede & Associates, of Reedsburg, is the general contractor. Underground work is nearing completion and concrete floors will be poured next week, according to Roger A. Mortensen, Friede project manager. The community will soon see the drives and parking taking shape as well. Completion is still anticipated for October. (Photos by Ted Pennekamp and Caitlin Bittner)

By Correne Martin

Living along the Mississippi River, you might think everyone in the community takes advantage of leisurely activities such as fishing and canoeing. But that’s not necessarily the case. Some residents spend hours upon hours on the river each summer, while others might take the river for granted and only view it from a nearby park on occasion.

The Prairie du Chien Parks and Recreation Department is trying to change that and get more people, especially families with children, involved with the adventures of fishing and canoeing. A number of free or low-cost programs are available this summer, all of which take place at the new Outdoor Recreation Center at Washington Street Park. And each of the programs is led by a local, volunteer expert who takes joy in passing along his knowledge.

On Wednesday, July 1, a street and utility project slated to primarily take place on Ohio Street in Prairie du Chien will begin. This project will include the reconstruction of Ohio Street from Blackhawk Avenue to Washington Street. The project will consist of the reconstruction of Ohio Street, work on the Washington Street lift station and the reconstruction of Washington Street.

The reconstruction of Ohio Street will consist of work on 32’ wide asphalt pavement, curb and gutter, 5’ wide sidewalk, concrete driveway aprons to the right of way, sanitary sewer, sanitary laterals, the water main, water services and storm sewer.

The work on the Washington Street lift station will include the complete replacement of the lift station and force main. The new station will be located about 30’ west of the existing lift station.