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or a clone?: Prairie du Chien Chrysler expert can spot the real deal
Most people feel that they are a keen judge, but a Prairie du Chien
man has become a renowned expert at detecting fakes, phonies and clones.
Specializing in Chrysler muscle cars, Galen Govier has been an appraiser
and authenticator for many years. In fact, Govier has written several
pocket-sized books about the decoding and identification of Chrysler
cars and their major parts. Govier's books are sold to collectors and
others interested in Chrysler, Dodge and Plymouth products from the
1960s to 1980. The books give detailed descriptions of part and costing
numbers for different years, production option codes, serial numbers,
production figures, sales codes and their meanings which help to buy and
sell cars. Along with collectors, Govier's books are useful for people
who are restoring cars, as well as for those who go to junkyards looking
for parts to buy and resell. The books are periodically updated. In
addition to his books, Govier also pens a regular column in the magazine
"Mopar Collector's Guide." Govier's column touches upon unusual cars
and options, car trivia, and other unusual information about cars that
he has found. He has previously been published on a regular basis in
other similar magazines since 1988. Due to the high value of rare muscle
cars, Govier said that "cloning" has become quite popular in recent
years, sparking a minor industry in restamping factory codes and
creating replica cars. Citing the 1970 and 1971 Hemi 'Cuda Convertible,
for example, Govier said that the very valuable cars can be built for
about $50,000 by someone with a rust-free Barracuda body and a brand-new
Hemi crate motor. A crate motor is a new factory-built engine. Govier
noted that only 14 1970 Plymouth 'Cuda Convertibles were sold new in
the United States, while just seven 1971 models were sold new in the
U.S. These muscle cars are worth more than $1 million each, said Govier,
who explained that there is a lot of cloning of these two models.
According to an article published in the "New York Times," in which
Govier is quoted, a 1970 Plymouth 'Cuda Convertible powered by Chrysler's
426-cubic-inch Hemi engine is estimated at $2 million by its owner,
Craig Jackson, president of Barrett-Jackson Auction Company of
Scottsdale, Arizona. Govier explained that the most desirable
collectibles are often those that are "matching-numbers" cars, such as
the well-authenticated Plymouth 'Cuda Convertible owned by Jackson.
Matching-numbers means that the body, engine block and other major
components are the same units originally joined on the assembly line. In
some cases, a whole new identity can be created for the car by people
who restamp factory codes and vehicle identification numbers. Govier
said that he and other experts can spot a fake within a matter of
minutes, usually by deciphering the body-code plate located in the
engine compartment. The body-code plates reveal the car's original
color, trim, major options and other specifications. Because body-code
plates can be fabricated, however, authenticators need to also know
factory welding techniques, bolt types and other arcane facts. In
addition to writing books and a magazine column, Govier also works as an
appraiser, authenticator and visual inspector. He works at automobile
auctions as well as for private individuals. "I'm their insurance
policy," said Govier, who explained that people often hire him to give
an appraisal or visual inspection of a car in order to determine if the
car is worth buying or not. Govier can tell the prospective buyer if the
car's parts are original and what the value of the car is. He can also
tell them the proper value of a part that they are considering buying. "A lot of times I will tell the buyer that the car is a good car, but
the asking price is steep," said Govier. "And they will buy the car
anyway because they know it's a good car." Because he belongs to
several car clubs, Govier travels extensively throughout the United
States. He also makes a trip or two to Canada and has done work in
England. Having entered numerous car shows over the years, Govier owns
several trophies for his restoration of classic muscle cars. He
continues to enter shows to support the clubs but no longer seeks
trophies. Rather, Govier is a judge at many events, including Mopar on
the Mississippi at Dubuque Greyhound Park on Aug. 27, a show in
Englishtown, New Jersey earlier this summer and a show in Las Vegas in
March. Govier said that there are two overall categories at car shows, "stock" and
"modified." In the stock category, people attempt to
show their cars as close to original as possible. In order to win best
of class or best of show, they need to be virtually correct in
everything, including the correct paint color, the correct tires and the
correct ignition system, just to name a few. For modified enthusiasts,
the further from original the better. However, good taste also applies
in the modified category, Govier said. Govier also conducts seminars at
car shows and answers people's questions in an effort to help them with
their restoration projects. He says that people often log on to his
website at www.gvgovier.com to find out what auto shows he will be at.
Govier's career in classic Chrysler muscle cars began as a hobby in
about 1980, when he belonged to the Mopar Muscle Club International Car
Club. By April of 1990, his hobby had expanded into a fulltime business.
"I took it to the next level," he said. While pursuing his hobby,
Govier began asking more and more questions that people couldn't give a
satisfactory answer to so he conducted research and found the answers on
his own. Through his years of research, Govier has made a vocation out
of his avocation and along the way has gained renown as an expert in his
field.
Prairie du Chien native starts nonprofit organization to help
citizens of Tanzania Prairie du Chien native Ryan Skaife is a busy young man. Courier
Press readers may recall a story about Ryan Skaife and his fiance Laura
Belken which appeared in our Valentine's Day section in February of
2003. That article told about their plans to cruise around the world.
Well, while on this journey, during a stop in Tanzania, Ryan met Eric
Winson, who he describes as a former African diplomat turned
humanitarian. Ryan says Eric Winson, "a humanitarian with a vision"
and his wife Karen have dedicated their lives to the Mngeta Farm
Project. The farming town of Mngeta is located approximately 300 miles
southwest of Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania. After meeting Winson, Skaife was
motived to found the HOPE in Tanzania Foundation, Inc. (HIT). HOPE
stands for "helping other people eat." Skaife says HIT is dedicated to
providing education, healthcare, and agricultural assistance to
Tanzanians through opportunity, inspiration, and world unity. The HIT
Foundation, a newly created nonprofit organization based in Milwaukee,
is designed to work hand-in-hand with the support of the Equal
Opportunities for All Trust Fund (EOTF), the charitable organization
created by the First Lady of Tanzania. Through Eric Winson, HIT &
EOTF will combine efforts for a better quality of life for all
Tanzanians, says Skaife. He explains that the Mngeta Farm Complex sits
at the base of the Udzungwa mountains in the Kilombero Valley. It
contains 12,500 arable acres of land, complete with canals for flood
irrigation. Eric and the Foundation plan on giving 2 and 1Ž2 acres to
5,000 farmers for the purpose of growing rice and corn. Skaife says one
main advantage of this project is that a hydropower station is already
in place. Other advantages in this area include: more than 100 pieces of
agricultural machinery, a TAZARA railway line that will connect Mngeta
farmers to the local and international markets and a two-way long range
communication system. He estimates the first year of the project they
will be able to feed 150,000 to 200,000 people. Skaife started the
foundation in March, and quit his job at a Milwaukee TV station by
April. Lately, he has been busy contacting potential sponsors, such as
Pioneer for seed donations. "Every day something new happens," he
says. For 10-plus years Ryan worked as a television photojournalist in
markets such as Las Vegas, Ft. Myers, Fla. and Milwaukee, and now he is
using those connections to promote the foundation. He estimates it will
take $4 million for the project to become a reality. Ryan says during
his visit to Tanzania, he witnessed firsthand the richness of the land
and the poverty of the people and saw a need for a project like Winson's. He realized that the whole infrastructure for this effort
already exists and that the Tanzanians just need a start to become
self-sufficient. "I believe that if we are able to work together on
this project, it can become a model for the rest of Africa and,
ultimately, the rest of the world," says Skaife. "We can make a
difference through this great opportunity to help an entire nation of
people who are much less fortunate than we are in the United States."
The HOPE in Tanzania Foundation's main objective is to help provide any
and all resources to the Mgneta Project, enabling the country's people
to become self-sustainable. In addition, programs in the educational and
medical fields are currently being researched and developed for future
implementation. These objectives can be accomplished through limitless
opportunity, persevering inspiration, and the unification of
compassionate and hopeful people around the world. To learn more about the needs of the Tanzanian people and our
agriculture, healthcare and educational programs, call 414-873-7981,
email rskaife@hopeintanzania. org or mail 2546 N. 61st St., Milwaukee,
WI, 53213.
PdC woman found not guilty of embezzlement from dental clinic
A Prairie du Chien woman has been found not guilty in a theft case
involving McKeever Dental Clinic of Prairie du Chien. Rebecca L. Tesar,
40, was found not guilty of "theft in a business setting" during a
jury trial in Crawford County Circuit Court on July 21. Tesar had faced
up to 10 years in prison and a $10,000 fine, if convicted. Tesar had
been accused of using her position as office manager at McKeever to
falsify her overtime hours and steal $90,962.43 from the clinic from
between Jan. 1, 1999 and March 8, 2003. Tesar had also been accused of
ordering excessive amounts of office supplies in order to receive
approximately $1,200 worth of "shopping cards" for certain retail
stores such as J.C. Penney or Target
PdC woman celebrates 100
years
On July 29, Mattie Boldt will note her 100th birthday. She has resided
at Prairie Health Care Center since April of 1998, and was very
accepting of the fact that as her health began to decline she needed to
be safe. Mattie was born at Bridgeport, to John and Viola Mayne, and was
the third oldest in a family of 13. She attended school through the
eighth grade which was quite customary at that time. She speaks fondly
of her parents and the close relationship she had with them. Mattie was
married to John Boldt at Madison and had a good marriage. The couple
farmed and lived near the Dew Drop Inn, rural Bagley, before moving to
Prairie du Chien in 1960. They were privileged to celebrate their 50th
wedding anniversary. Together they raised a family of five children,
Patricia Check of Prairie du Chien, Bob and John Boldt of La Crosse and
LeRoy and Donald, who are deceased. She says, "They were good kids and
smart too!'' Mattie also has 18 grandchildren and "lots of
great-grandchildren.'' She always enjoyed being involved with her
church, St. Peter Lutheran, when her health permitted. Following her
retirement from Prairie Memorial Hospital, where she worked in the
dietary department and made many friends, she found retirement very
boring until she began sewing and quilting. She soon found much pleasure
in her new hobbies and flowers and gardening also became a joy to her.
Mattie enjoys daily visits from her daughter, Pat and also from Phyllis
Steiner, who has been a true friend from the time the two ladies became
neighbors over 40 years ago. Mattie has two living siblings, Viola Fritz
and Earl (Ann) Mayne all of Boscobel. Everyone is invited to remember
this special lady on her special day with cards and good wishes at 1505
E. Brunson St., Prairie du Chien, WI 53821.
Options for all ages at Crawford County Fair this coming Thursday
- Sunday
For the 146th time, the Crawford County Fair will convene this
Thursday through Sunday in Gays Mills. "Magic in the Hills" has a
variety of entertainment options for everyone, including a petting zoo,
bingo, exhibit and animal judging and much more. The Fairgrounds are
located just outside of Gays Mills on Highway 131. For more information,
call the Crawford County Extension Office at (608) 326-0223 or 0224. You
can also visit their website at www.friendsofthefair.com. The Crawford
County Fair has contracted a new carnival, Calkins Midways, to furnish
the amusement rides for the fair. Special Calkins Midways events
include: Thursday 6-10 p.m. "Sneak-a-Peak" Wristbands $15; Friday 1-5
p.m. "Kids Day." All rides only $1; register to win an XBox; Sunday 1-5
p.m. "Last Blast" Wristbands $15. Grandstand events this year include a
Tri-State Truck and Tractor Pull at 7 p.m. Friday, a Demolition Derby
Saturday at 2:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., an Ugliest Truck contest Saturday
during the demo at 7:30 and Buffington Professional Rodeo Sunday at 1:30
p.m. Every day at the fair this year you can enjoy the FFA Petting Zoo,
Friends of the Fair bingo: 3-4 times daily, Kids Pedal Pull, Horse
drills, and a Raffle ‹ $200 daily prize, with a $2,000 grand prize
being given away Sunday. Thursday Exhibit judging begins. On Thursday,
it's poultry, rabbit and swine judging. There is also Porky Pig show at
5:30, Land Conservation award ceremony at 6:30 and Club Lucky Jazz
Ensemble at 7:30. Friday The judging continues with dairy, beef, dog and
sheep judging. Other events include Farmer Bud show, Master Gardener
presentations, Kid's Parade at 12:45 p.m., caricatures by John Mundt at
1 p.m. and a teen dance beginning at 8 p.m. deejayed by Ultimate
Entertainment. Saturday The dairy judging begins at 9:30 a.m. at the
dairy show barn. Magic Mike the Magician will be on hand beginning at 11
a.m. In addition, the livestock auction is at 12:45 p.m. rock climbing
wall from 1-6 p.m., Master Gardener presentations at 2 p.m., Barbershop
Choir at 1 p.m., a dog agility demonstration at 4 p.m., and the Soggy
Prairie Boys finishing off the entertainment tent at 10 p.m. Sunday The
judging concludes with cat and small animals. Richard Kientopf, cowboy
poet, will be entertaining patrons at the grandstand at 11 a.m., the
same time that Magic Mike will again be on hand. Pedal Pull finals are
at 12 p.m. and the Buffington Rodeo will help close out the 2004 fair at
1:30 p.m.
Prairie Dog Blues Fest to rock into the night
The Prairie Dog Blues Festival has always been an energy-packed good
time with searing guitar licks and soaring vocals. The seventh annual
fest this July 30-31, however, promises to rock your world even harder. "We're
focusing a lot harder on the rock side of things," said fest organizer
Todd Yeomans. "We're going after the 20 something age group a lot
harder." To this end, Yeomans has booked the likes of up-and-coming
string benders such as Joe Bonamassa, J.D. Simo and Corey Stevens, as
well as the highly regarded Bernard Allison, who plays in a variety of
styles perfected through extensive and highly successful European tours.
"There's a lot of good talent this year," said Yeomans, who noted that
the event will be a "blues (slash) rock fest." "It is just good music."
In addition to aiming more at the younger crowd, Yeomans said that he
also is trying to draw more people from the Madison area and the central
part of Wisconsin. Because the Madison Blues Fest will not be held this
year, Yeomans spent an additional $8,000 in advertising in the Madison
area in hopes of drawing those blues enthusiasts about a hundred miles
west. Another good note for the Prairie Dog Blues Fest is the fact that
Decorah's Nordic Fest and the Dodgeville Blues Fest will both be held a
week before the Prairie Dog Blues Fest rather than on the same weekend
as in past years. For beer drinkers, a welcome innovation at the Prairie
Dog Blues Fest this year will be the four "beer girls" who will be
roaming the crowd serving beer so that patrons don't have to make the
trek to the beer tent. The Clayton Miller Band will kick off the blues
fest this year on Friday, July 30 at 5 p.m. Up next will be John Resch
and the Detroit Blues. The New Crew Band will be featured in the beer
tent. At 9 p.m., Corey Stevens will hit the stage. "Stevens has the
voice of Eric Clapton and plays guitar like Stevie Ray Vaughan," said
Yeomans. Stevens was a favorite on the emerging blues scene in Los
Angeles in the early to mid-1990s and by the end of 1995, Stevens had
graduated to a national act. His first album, "Blue Drops of Rain,"
garnered critical acclaim and a top-ten spot on the Billboard Blues
Album Chart for 33 weeks in a row. Stevens developed a huge fan base
nationwide during his first tour, where sellout crowds experienced his
now-famous rock-blues guitar and vocal style. He is currently on tour in
support of his latest album, "Bring on the Blues." The headliner on
Friday night will be blues-rocker Joe Bonamassa. Bonamassa has been
playing guitar since age 4 and the young prodigy was discovered by blues
legend B.B. King when Bonamassa was 12. Bonamassa would go on to tour
with King as well as with John Lee Hooker, Albert Collins and many
others. Currently, he is the opening act nationally for Peter Frampton.
Blues or rock fans are sure to enjoy this act. Bonamassa is poised to
break out on the rock stations soon. His last CD was produced by the
same man who produced for Rod Stewart, Eric Clapton and Aretha Franklin.
The Gary Gibson Group starts things off on Saturday, followed by
Cadillac Pete and the Heat. Up next will be Melvin Taylor and the Slack
Band. At 6 p.m., the voice of Nora Jean Bruso will pack a powerful
wallop. Bruso was a crowd favorite in the beer tent last year.
Eighteen-year-old guitar prodigy J.D. Simo will scorch the stage at 8
p.m. Simo is currently playing major festivals across the country. He
has shared the stage with the likes of Buddy Guy, John Lee Hooker,
Lynyrd Skynyrd and Santana. Earlier this year, Simo opened up for the
Goo Goo Dolls to the screams of thousands. Simo's is a blues-rock
performance not to be missed. Saturday night's headliner is Bernard
Allison, who will light up the stage beginning at 10 p.m. Allison, the
35-year-old son of blues legend Luther Allison, mixes funk, rock and the
blues. The youngest of nine children, Allison was exposed to a myriad of
sounds, in addition to the recordings of his dad. "I think it's
important for me to play a lot of different styles because that's how I
grew up," he said. In 1983, Allison took the helm as bandleader in Koko
Taylor's Blues Machine. He then formed his own group and performed a
great deal in Canada. Allison joined his dad for a set at the 1983
Chicago Blues Festival. Along the way, he received tips on slide playing
from Johnny Winter and hung out with the late Stevie Ray Vaughan. In
1989, Allison moved to France to record and tour with his dad. He stayed
on as his father's bandleader until 1993, when he got his first
recording contract. Several successful European tours and albums later,
Allison was in high demand in the United States and he decided to make
the U.S. his home again. Prairie Dog Blues Fest organizer Todd Yeomans
said that a band not listed on this year's brochure, The Chris Aaron
Band, will be performing in the beer tent on Saturday. The Chris Aaron
Band was originated in the Appleton area and along with the guitar
wizardry of Chris Aaron, the band features vocalist Cory Sterling, the
former lead singer for Kenny Wayne Shepard. "Blue Highway," a song about
the Mississippi River, was a national hit a few years back. In the
future, Yeomans said that he would like to expand the Prairie Dog Blues
Fest in non-musical ways, as well. "My real goal is not just a music
event but a community festival," said Yeomans, who explained that he
would like to have volleyball and softball tournaments sponsored by
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