The Prairie du Chien Veteran's Memorial project is making progress, but the money is coming in quite slowly, according to Veteran's Memorial Committee Chairman Dean LaPointe. LaPointe said that the proposed new memorial is projected to cost between $90,000 and $100,000, not including any property that might have to be purchased.

LaPointe noted that the current Veteran's Memorial located on the Old Rock School House site has become beyond repair and needs to be replaced by a much more solid structure in order to properly honor the veterans of Prairie du Chien.

The project began in November of 2007 and LaPointe said that a net total of $24,891.76 has been raised so far. The Veteran's Memorial Committee has received 120 checks totaling $21,522.69. In addition, $4,797 in cash has been donated and the Memorial Fund cans in local businesses has taken in $2,080.95. Expenditures have totaled $3,508.88 to date.

LaPointe said that the holiday season might be a good time for families to discuss how much they would wish to donate to the Memorial project.

"It's time to think about our veterans," said LaPointe.

He said that families, individuals, businesses or organizations may also purchase pavers, which include a 4x8-inch paver or a 12x12-inch granite paver. The appropriate names or sayings would then be put on each paver.

Paver applications can be picked up at the Prairie du Chien Veteran's Service Office, Peoples State Bank, WPRE/WQPC, the Courier Press, the Shopping News, Piggly Wiggly, and Tiller's Furniture Store. A sample of each paver can be viewed at Tiller's Furniture Store. More information about pavers can be obtained by calling Dean LaPoine at (608) 326-2779.

"As chairman of the Prairie du Chien Veteran's Memorial Project, I just want to ensure that our veterans receive the highest recognition that they so richly deserve," said LaPointe. "They gave so much for us, and I feel it's time we give something back to them. We should never forget the men and women who have served our country and those who are still serving our country with pride and honor today."

LaPointe said that the Veteran's Memorial Committee has narrowed the proposed site for the Memorial from the original six sites down to two possibilities.

He said that the number one location would be across from the Welcome Center between Wisconsin and Iowa streets. There is a high volume of traffic at that location, which would help the Memorial draw visitors, said LaPointe. State land would have to be purchased at that site, however. If the price of the property is too high, the site for the Memorial would then be at the Old Rock School site, LaPointe said.

LaPointe said that the Jaycees and the Eagles Club have been very responsive in holding fundraisers for the Memorial. He said that he would encourage other organizations to also help out by having fundraising activities.

The Prairie du Chien Veteran's Memorial would be constructed by the La Crosse Memorial Company.

The Veteran's Memorial is sponsored by the Prairie du Chien VFW Post 1945 and the Prairie du Chien American Legion Post 68. The VFW Department of Wisconsin is exempt from federal income tax, noted LaPointe.

"I wish to thank everyone for their patriotism and I hope to hear from you soon," said LaPointe, who noted that donations can be sent to P.D.C. Veteran's Memorial Fund, P.O. Box 5, Prairie du Chien, WI, 53821. More information can be obtained about donations or about how to get veteran's names on the Memorial by calling Laura Moore at the Veteran's Service Office at (608) 326-0204.

Operation Santa in Prairie du Chien has had another successful fund-raising and donation effort, with Prairie du Chien citizens donating generously towards families in need.

"I'm astounded by how many donations we got," said Jaycees 2008 Management Vice President Jeff Lenhart. "I'm amazed. The support from the community is incredible."

Lenhart said that the donation period started at the beginning of November, and numerous donations of food, toys, clothes and money have been collected for the 210 families that signed up at the National Guard Armory on Dec. 12-13.

Lenhart said that numerous individuals, organizations, agencies and businesses have donated. The donations have been taken to the Old Rock School House and will be distributed to those 210 families in need.

In addition to the donations, each family will receive a free ham, turkey, butter, bread, apples, oranges and potatoes, said Lenhart.

"We did very well, despite a bad economy," said Lenhart. "Food donations were down, but the money donations did very well and are still coming in." Lenhart also noted that numerous brand new toys were donated this year, along with a lot of clothing.

He said that Operation Santa took in approximately $3,800 in monetary donations last year. This year's total, however, is projected to more than double that amount and perhaps triple it, he said.

Lenhart said that monetary donations can be sent to P.O. Box 341, Prairie du Chien, WI, 53821.