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Trouble in River City

Drug arrests doubled in Prairie du Chien area; most investigations involve methamphetamine

"There are no old meth addicts. They just don't last that long," said Prairie du Chien Police Chief Mike King. "Ultimately, it will kill you."

King was in his office Tuesday morning discussing the sobering reality of the drug problem in the Prairie du Chien area. Also on hand was Clayton County Sheriff's Department Lieutenant Mark Kautman.

Kautman had a narcotics report from the Clayton County Sheriff's Office and the Tri River Area Special Operations Team that listed all of their drug investigations for the year 2005. It has long been known that drugs, particularly methamphetamine, have been a growing problem in Northeast Iowa and Southwest Wisconsin. Citizens of this region may not fully realize, however, the full extent of the problem.

The report showed that there were 66 drug-related investigations in the past year, many of which involved the arrest of multiple individuals. The vast majority of these arrests were made following joint investigations by the Prairie du Chien Police Department and the Tri River Area Special Operations Team. The number of drug arrests in Clayton County and the city of Prairie du Chien doubled from that of 2004.

Many of the arrests are still under investigation and most of those will lead to more arrests, hopefully of higher level dealers, said Kautman and King. Kautman and King said that they expect the number of drug arrests in the region to continue to skyrocket.

Forty-seven of the 66 investigations involved meth. Another 11 involved cocaine and eight involved marijuana.

King said that the increased number of investigations and arrests are due to increased drug activity in the area and to the increased efficiency of law enforcement efforts. He pointed out that the Tri River Area Special Operations Team was formed 18 months ago, and since that time the number of drug arrests has gone way up because of increased cooperation between the Prairie du Chien Police Department, the Tri River Team and the Clayton County Sheriff's Dept.

"It's the only way to do business," said King. "It [inter agency cooperation] has enhanced our ability tremendously."

King noted that increased training and much more efficient use of personnel, along with shared equipment and shared intelligence gathering has led to much better law enforcement as far as drugs are concerned. "We know the players in the drug world regionally," he said. "The Clayton County Sheriff's Department and the Prairie du Chien Police Department operate as one agency on these things. When we work together, we do a much better job."

King gave much credit to the expertise of the Clayton County Sheriff's Department concerning drug matters. "I've never seen a more dedicated, enthusiastic and well-trained group in my life. They have taught us so much," he said. King said that the Clayton County Sheriff's Dept. is probably more aware and better trained than many drug units in big cities.

King and Kautman said that the Wisconsin Division of Criminal Investigation also helps out a lot. Kautman noted that many of the arrests in the Prairie du Chien-Clayton County area are of "mid-level" dealers, who in turn often are used as informants to help in the arrest of upper level dealers in Madison, La Crosse or other larger cities.

Kautman and King noted that the Tri River Team is also a tactical response team. They said that one of their goals is to "regionalize" police departments, fire departments and EMS personnel in their response to big incidents as well as drug enforcement. King said that there have also been recent meetings set up for fire department, law enforcement and EMS personnel to receive meth training.

When a meth lab is busted, for example, one major concern is how to properly dispose of the volatile and toxic chemicals, which can easily cause an explosion or fire. "Cleanup costs are enormous," said King, who noted that outside companies are sometimes used for cleanup.

King praised the efforts of Roger Martin, the director of Emergency Management for Crawford County. "Roger Martin really dedicated himself to help us in any way he can," said King, who noted that Martin has secured many grants to pay for the costs of training and equipment. "He is taking the Homeland Security money and put it where it counts."

The CARE Council is also doing a great deal to get information to the public concerning drugs, said King. "They have been a tremendous resource for us," he said. "They have been pivotal in creating informational materials and brochures at no cost to the police."

King said that one recent meeting at Prairie du Chien Memorial Hospital really opened the eyes of the more than 80 who attended concerning the meth problem in this region. Attending were parents, city officials, teachers, hospital personnel and other members of the public. More meetings for the general public are planned and will be advertised in the local newspaper and on the local radio station.

Unfortunately, the Prairie du Chien area is exactly the type of area that meth manufacturers and dealers are looking for. Crawford County Sheriff Robert Ostrander said that drug trafficking is easier because of the access between Wisconsin and Iowa via the Highway 18 Bridge. Ostrander noted that the Crawford County Sheriff's Department made 10 drug arrests in 2004 and 15 in 2005. In 2005, 12 busts involved marijuana, one involved cocaine and two were for meth. In 2004, there were nine arrests for marijuana, none for cocaine and one for meth.

Chief King noted that not only does the Highway 18 bridge make this area an attractive avenue for drug dealers, the rural environment allows for drug dealers to remain relatively anonymous compared to being in a larger city. In addition, the materials for making meth are readily available in this region and meth can be manufactured by anybody, from their vehicle in a secluded area.

Kautman said that the main ingredients in meth include lithium from camera batteries, pseudoephedrine found in cold medicines and anhydrous ammonia. Other toxic materials include lantern fuel and ether, which may be used as filtering materials. He said that it takes about two hours to manufacture a batch of meth, which is a tannish, white powder in its final form.

Meth is most commonly snorted or smoked and is a most insidious drug, said King, who noted that it is highly addictive, cheap and easy to make. It also is considered to have a much longer lasting and better "high" than cocaine.

"One or two tries, and you are hooked," said King, who explained that, unlike cocaine, none of the major ingredients in meth has to be imported from other countries.

"Meth is much worse than PCP or crack," King said in noting that meth users deteriorate very rapidly.

Editor's note: This is the first in a series of articles to be published in The Courier Press concerning drugs in the Prairie du Chien area.

New club calls for inventors and entrepreneurs in Southwest WI to unite

On January 10, a presentation was given in Prairie du Chien by Terry Whipple, Executive Director of Juneau County Economic Development Corporation. The topic of Whipple's presentation, "Inventors and Entrepreneurs Clubs," is very familiar to Juneau County residents, and is now being heard in the Crawford and Grant County areas.

The event was sponsored by the Prairie du Chien Industrial Development Corporation, and several people interested in entrepreneurship and economic development were in attendance.

Inventors and Entrepreneurs is a club that Whipple began in February of 2003 as a result of many calls from people who wanted to start a business, had ideas for products or services or wanted to take advantage of a revolving loan fund. According to the groups website, iandeclub.com, Whipple's goal was to "Create a contagious entrepreneurial environment in which persons wishing to investigate the potential of their ideas could do so within a supportive group of like minded individuals." This goal worked well for Whipple.

The Juneau Club was chosen as one of Wisconsin's Top Rural Development Initiative in 2004 and is now a model for other clubs of its type in the Midwest.

The I&E Club now has over 250 participants, which originate from six counties. There are monthly informational meetings, that are tailored to the needs of its members, during which speakers give instruction, discuss issues and answer questions.

Individual of Southwest Wisconsin, including the Prairie du Chien Industrial Development Corporation, currently seek to create an I&E Club in this region. The club would utilize the format of the Juneau County's club.

"This club would allow people to pursue their dreams," said Bob McDonald, president of PdC Industrial Development Corporation, referring to people wanting to start up their own business. "This would really guide them from the beginning to the end [of the process]."

Another session to try to advance the creation of an I&E Club will be held February 23, 7 p.m. at the Prairie du Chien City Hall. According the Prairie du Chien Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Sharon Dearborn, entrepreneurs of all types, inventors in any realm, and potential investors in the future of Southwest Wisconsin are encouraged to attend. "We are just trying to pull people in and get this thing going," said Dearborn.

"It looks like we'll have plenty of interest...hopefully it will grow," said McDonald. "I'm really excited about 2006."

For more information, contact the Prairie du Chien Area Chamber of Commerce at (608) 326-8555 ext. 12.

Benefit triathlon back for second year in McGregor

The McGregor benefit triathlon does not attract big-name athletes. But if community spirit were an Olympic event, this town would be a medalist, according to organizer Cathy Corpian. "People have been really, really good about donating," said Corpian. No ordinary triathlon, the McGregor event features bed races, frozen turkey bowling and a clothes relay which last year attracted six teams of well-trained non-athletes. Corpian expects the same teams to enter again this year, and possibly more.

Proceeds of the event will benefit Dave Peterson, a lifelong resident of McGregor who has been battling a severe illness. Dave has two daughters and is an employee of Agri-Bunge. Last year Elton and Shirley Thornton, who lost their home to fire in were the beneficiaries of the triathlon. According to Corpian, the Thorntons received about $4,200 as a result of the event. Thrivent Financial has already donated $1,000 to this year's benefit.

The triathlon, to be held this weekend in McGregor, offers a number of fun events for spectators and participants of all ages. A new event this year will be a sports memorabilia auction to be held Friday night at 8:30 at Josie's River Queen. A number of autographed items and sports tickets will be auctioned off including four Milwaukee Brewers tickets and autographed pictures of Daunte Culpepper and Barry Alvarez.

The main events are on Saturday and begin with a parade of the racing beds and teams at 9 a.m., and continues with the triathlon events at 10 a.m., in downtown McGregor. Other tasty events include a bake sale at the Alexander Hotel from 10 a.m. and a benefit fish fry lunch will be served from 1 to 4 p.m. by last year's beneficiaries, the Thorntons, at Josie's River Queen. A citywide tournament of fooseball, shuffleboard, darts, pool and bowling begins at noon at several city taverns. A Friday night euchre tournament and several raffles round out the event.

Last year's triathlon champions, B&R Construction team, will return this year to try and hold onto the trophy. other returning teams are Great River Care Center, Mar-Mac Rescue Squad, Josie's River Queen tavern, the McGregor Fire Department and the Thornton family.

For more information, call Cathy Corpian at 873-3816.

New weight room becomes closer to reality for Prairie du Chien High School

Prairie du Chien students, athletes and community members can expect a new, state-of-the-art fitness facility for all to enjoy. Plans for a new weight room at the Prairie du Chien High School are currently underway, thanks to the Prairie du Chien Athletic Booster Club and other private donors. Organizers are hopeful that the project is finished by the end of the year, but the planning stages began long ago.

Nearly four years ago, many coaches and teachers at the high school decided that students in the district were lacking the opportunities to increase their health and fitness levels. They felt that the weight room in the high school did not meet the needs of students and community members ‹ from a fitness and health curriculum for students, to strength training for athletes, to affordable, available equipment for community members.

According to Athletic Director Joe Zydowsky and coach Mel Dow, there are many reasons that additional facilities and equipment are needed. One main problem is that the current facility is only about 800 square feet and can only hold 15-20 lifters at a time. The proposed weight room will provide four times the amount of space; almost 4,000 square feet, and will hold enough equipment for over 60 people. Other problems with the current room include the fact that it is not handicapped accessible, has many pieces of outdated equipment and has no storage or supervision areas.

The current weight room, located inside the high school building, is open to the community for use from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., Monday through Friday. It was decided that to make the facility more "community friendly" a free-standing building on the southeast corner of the school would be the best option.

"This will be a twenty-first century facility," said Dow. "It will address the needs of so many people."

When the Prairie du Chien Athletic Booster Club decided to take on this project, a weight room committee was formed. It's members: Dow, Zydowsky, Kevin Schaaf, Todd Yager and Becky Nommenson, with direction from the booster club have agreed to model the weight room after Waukon High School's facility. Waukon is currently completing a 72' x 54' building with male/female restrooms, self contained heating and cooling, water fountains and lighting. "We have spoken to architects and engineers, and will be purchasing plans very similar to Waukon's facility," Zydowsky said. He said that the complete project will cost approximately $250,000, which includes new equipment.

Prairie du Chien Booster Club President Kevin Schaaf said that their group has set aside $25,000 towards the project and according to Zydowsky, many other fundraising goals have been set. Other groups that look to provide financial support include the Athletic Letterwinners Club, Blackhawk Club and Prairie du Chien alumni. Zydowsky also said that they have hopes of private donations to help out the project. Dow said that they are always looking for help and support, and not just in monetary ways. Interested residents are encouraged to attend booster club meetings, held at 7 p.m. on the second Wednesday of every month in the high school cafeteria, or school board meetings to provide input, questions or comments concerning the project.

The weight room committee is also holding a meeting tonight (Monday) at 7:30 p.m. in the high school cafeteria that is open to the public.

"One of our biggest goals is to make this convenient and accessible for the community," Dow said, "so we certainly welcome any suggestions.

According to Zydowsky, the goal is to begin construction at the end of this school year, and have the new facility useable by the beginning of the 2006-2007 school year.

For more information, questions or comments on this project contact Joe Zydowsky (zydowskyj@pdc.k12.wi.us) or Mel Dow (dowme@pdc.k12.wi.us) by email or phone at (608) 326-8473.

Lenzendorf enjoys first season as a Wisconsin Badger

If you looked on the sidelines at Camp Randall you could see him. Wearing number 58 for the Wisconsin Badgers was Prairie du Chien's own Mike Lenzendorf.

The 2005 Prairie du Chien graduate walked on to the Badger football team last September and found himself suiting up for all the home games, along with the bowl game against Auburn.

"It's really weird to go from watching the Badgers to being one of them," Mike said.

Since August, Mike's days have been anything but boring.

A typical day for Mike consists of getting up to lift weights at 5:30 a.m., then sleeping until his classes begin, followed by class until 1or 2 p.m. and then football practice until about 6:30. He then eats, studies, goes to bed and starts all over again.

But he's not complaining.

"It's been a fun time and I've really enjoyed it," Mike said.

Mike never saw any playing time this season, but that's quite all right with him.

"I'm hoping to earn a red-shirt and work my way up," Mike said.

Mike said his first season of being with the Badgers was one he will definitely remember. Mike was able to travel to Florida with the team when they played Auburn in the Capital One Bowl. The Badgers, who were heavy underdogs, upset the then seventh ranked Tigers 24-10 in Barry Alvarez's last game as head coach.

Mike was also on the sidelines as the Badgers outlasted Big Ten powerhouse Michigan 23-20.

"Those were probably the most exciting things from the season," Mike said.

As an offensive lineman and member of the scout team, Mike said one of his duties was helping the defensive line prepare for games.

"We worked with the defensive line all the time. We run the opponents' offense which allows for our guys to get ready for the upcoming game. If we didn't do our job, our guys weren't going to be prepared," Mike said.

Mike also attended meetings and watched game film to prepare for his job on the field.

Practicing with veteran players such as Donovan Raiola, Jason Palermo and Matt Lawrence, Mike has been able to obtain a great deal of knowledge about the game.

"They really help you and tell you what you're doing right and what you should be doing," Mike said.

Mike also became close with former SWAL opponents Zach Hampton (Lancaster) and Luke Swan (Fennimore).

"It's weird to go from playing against these guys to being teammates with them," Mike said. "We are all good friends now."

Mike said that the hardest things to adjust to at the Division I level were the strength, speed and power of the athletes.

"I came in here expecting those things to be the biggest difference (between high school and DI football), and so far it's been what I expected," Mike said.

Going into camp this summer, Mike weighed in at 260 pounds. Now, five months later, he has put on 30 pounds of muscle thanks to the UW strength and conditioning program.

"These guys make you work every part of your body," Mike said. "You're going to use every muscle you can think of and even some you can't."

While the training was tough physically for Mike in the beginning, he has adjusted well to the physical demands of Division I football.

Contributing six hours a day to football, Mike, a civil engineering major, still remembers to keep up the Œstudent' part of student-athlete.

"I got my first C, but the classes are going well," Mike said.

Mike returned home for winter break after the Capital One Bowl game. After getting some much deserved relaxation, Mike returned to the high school where he assisted the wrestling team in practices.

Now back for his second semester at UW-Madison, Mike has already begun thinking about next season.

"I'm going to be switching back to defense and hopefully I can make the traveling team," Mike said.