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May 12, 2010 |
By Ted Pennekamp
The new Prairie du Chien Veteran's Memorial may soon become a reality.
Laura Moore, a member of the five-person Veteran's Memorial Committee, said that groundbreaking for the new Veteran's Memorial will be attempted this weekend or next weekend, depending upon the weather.
The new memorial will be located on the same site where the current Veteran's Memorial is located along South Marquette Road in Prairie du Chien.
Moore said that the black granite tablets, which will be engraved with the names of the Prairie du Chien veterans, are expected to arrive in July. Moore said that all of the names that are to be on the memorial need to be submitted no later than May 28. The La Crosse Memorial Company, which is creating the memorial, is expected to engrave the veteran's names beginning in the first part of June.
The new Veteran's Memorial will be at least 51x51 feet, and might be a bit bigger, said Veteran's Memorial Committee Chairman Dean La Pointe.
"When this thing goes up, it's going to be very colorful," La Pointe said.
Moore and Gene La Pointe have been researching all of the veteran's names on the current memorial and those that have been submitted since the project began in November of 2007. Moore said that all veterans who will be on the new memorial need to have been honorably discharged. They also must have resided within the 53821 area code at one time. Veterans who are members of American Legion Post 68 or VFW Post 1945 are also eligible to be on the memorial.
Dean La Pointe said that Steiner Construction of Prairie du Chien will be donating all of their labor for the new Veteran's Memorial project. Blair Dillman will also be donating to the project, La Pointe said.
Approximately $65,000 has been raised for the new memorial so far. La Pointe said that the goal for the project is $90,000.
La Pointe said that there will be four benches at the new memorial. One bench has been sold, but three are still available. Benches can be purchased for $3,000 each and will be engraved with whatever is appropriate that the purchaser should choose. Flagpoles can also be purchased for $2,000 each. The flagpoles will each have a marker at the base with the names of those who purchased them. Granite pavers that are 12"x12" can be purchased for $1,000 each. Brick pavers that are 4"x8" can be purchased for $100 each.
"These benches, flagpoles, granite pavers and brick pavers will all be lifelong advertising," said La Pointe.
All donations are tax exempt. "We really could use the money right now," said La Pointe. Anyone wishing to donate money can send their donation to Prairie du Chien Veteran's Memorial, P.O. Box 5, Prairie du Chien, WI, 53821. For more information about purchasing benches, flagpoles, granite pavers or brick pavers, interested persons can call the Veteran's Service Office at 326-0204 or Dean La Pointe at 326-2779.
By Jen Schultz
KaLynne Severson of Special Touch Permanent Cosmetics devotes her time to helping her clients feel good about their appearance.
With the art of tattooing, KaLynne can provide a safe and natural looking alternative to the daily makeup routine. Permanent Cosmetic Makeup also known as intradermal pigmentation is a process where pigments are inserted into the dermal layer of the skin, permanently. Although techniques may vary, the results are always the same’Äîpermanent, waterproof, hassle-free and always fresh in color.
"People come to me for a variety of reasons - for some it is about beauty, others because of insecurities," says KaLynne. But KaLynne admits that those aren't the only reasons people come to her for permanent cosmetics including:
 | an active lifestyle |
| visual impairment |
| hay fever or watery eyes |
| little or no brow hair |
| unsteady, shaky or arthritic hands |
| scars resulting from accidents, trauma, or surgery |
| allergies to conventional cosmetics |
| anyone who desires freedom from daily makeup application |
| those who are physically incapable of applying makeup |
| Permanent cosmetic makeup can be used for a variety of everlasting cosmetic enhancements. |
"A lot of my work centers around enhancing the fullness and definition of eyebrows. Many of my clients have little or no brow hair, some even have had significant hair-loss due to chemotherapy or other medical issues. They'll never have to use an eyebrow pencil again," says KaLynne.
"Eyeliner is another popular enhancement. The technique is subtle and natural looking, mimicking thousands of tiny eyelashes with the implantation of pigments in the lash line. Additional shadowing of color can be added for a soft natural liner or a bold defined line," adds KaLynne.
"Lip liner and lip color are another popular enhancement. Clients can get more definition, correct uneven lips or add fullness to the mouth," says KaLynne.
The lip liner and lip color procedure can also help prevent lipstick from bleeding and can minimize the appearance of wrinkles. The procedure can appear to change the size and shape of the lips as well as the color.
Other permanent cosmetic procedures include birthmark, beauty mark, vitiligo, stretch mark and scar camouflage; areola restoration following breast reconstruction surgery; hairline enhancement; and skin repigmentation to restore or enhance areas that have lost their natural skin tones.
What to expect
KaLynne offers complete confidentiality with all of her clients. She believes that her clients appreciate this privacy.
KaLynne offers free consultations. During this session potential clients get to look at photographs, talk about the experience and decide what they would like done. The consultation includes a review of the client's medical history and before and after-care instructions.
The next appointment with KaLynne is the procedure. Most procedures take between one and two hours.
"If I feel that there are any hesitations or second thoughts coming from the client, I'll propose that we delay the procedure to another day so the client has more time to think about it," admits KaLynne.
Before the procedure, a topical is applied that numbs the area. The procedure will feel sort of like tweezing in the beginning, but after a few minutes, there will be no pain. Steps are taken to make sure the client is as comfortable as possible.
"Although everyone's tolerance level is different, most clients agree permanent makeup procedures are far more comfortable than originally anticipated," notes KaLynne. "The clients comfort and safety are most important to me."
KaLynne follows strict sanitation and sterilization guidelines in accordance with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Single use sterile needles are used with each application.
After the procedure clients can expect slight swelling in the area. Ice and ibuprofen are recommended.
"After the eyeliner procedure, it will look like the client has been crying for a day or two because the eyes will be red," notes KaLynne.
The heal time is about one week for most of the procedures. KaLynne recommends that the services be done on a Friday so the client has the weekend to heal.
"Clients are scheduled for at least one follow-up visit to do any touch-up work and to ensure the procedures meet the client's expectations," says KaLynne.’Ä®
What are the risks?
"These techniques will last forever. If you are unsure about permanent makeup, I would suggest starting with lighter colors first before trying more dramatic colors," recommends KaLynne.
Other than the fact that the procedure is permanent, KaLynne says the only real risk involved with permanent cosmetic makeup is if a client has an allergy to the pigments she uses. KaLynne does a patch test in a hidden area to make sure that all of her clients have no reaction. The pigments she uses are all organic. KaLynne has never had a client with allergic reactions to her pigments.
KaLynne's qualifications
KaLynne has been applying permanent cosmetic makeup for two years. She has a nursing background and has attended numerous educational courses for permanent cosmetic makeup, including advanced hands- on training from the American Institute of Intradermal Cosmetics and the Society of Permanent Cosmetics Professionals as well as attending a Bloodborne Pathogens Workshop.
How to contact KaLynne
KaLynne and her husband Brent own The Skin Gallery, a full service tattoo and piercing parlor, located in Prairie du Chien. Special Touch Permanent Cosmetics is located within the premises. For questions regarding permanent cosmetic makeup, contact KaLynne at 326-2846.
KaLynne sums up her business by stating "Permanent cosmetic makeup is everlasting beauty which makes a person feel more confident."
May 10, 2010 |
By Jen Schultz
Two area teens, Cadets Tyler Knowler and Clara Stagman, are currently enrolled in the Wisconsin Challenge Academy at Fort McCoy. Both cadets started the program on January 14 and will be graduating on June 12.
The program is a no-cost alternative program for Wisconsin’s "at risk" youth. The program offers high school drop outs or habitual truants a chance to earn their High School Equivalency Diploma, essential job and life-coping skills and most importantly the strength of character to become successful, responsible citizens.
Cadet Tyler Knowler, 17, is from Prairie du Chien. He says that prior to enrolling in the program he was doing drugs, skipping school and didn’t think authority was right-—he didn’t listen to his parents, either.
"Eventually I got into trouble and it all caught up with me. My social worker mentioned that I should enroll in the program," explains Cadet Knowler. He believes that without the academy, he would have ended up in jail.
Cadet Knowler’s mentor through this process has been Logan Ewing, a friend of his dad’s, Jim Knowler of McGregor, Iowa.
"I’m shocked at how healthy I can be. Life is too short to do stupid things. I’ve learned that you need discipline in order to get where you want to go and you need to respect others," comments Cadet Knowler.
When asked what he misses the most, Cadet Knowler responded with seeing his family.
Cadet Clara Stagman, 17, is from Wauzeka. Cadet Stagman had frequently skipped school and was behind in credits. She had gotten involved with the wrong group of people.
"I’m almost positive that I wouldn’t have graduated and I probably would have gotten in more trouble with the law," admits Cadet Stagman.
Her mentor, Kathy Quamme suggested the program to her and her parents were supportive of the idea.
"Mentors at the challenge academy help you through the program and after the program," explains Cadet Stagman.
"Honestly, I’ve learned so much from the military lifestyle and I’ve really grown as a person. My priorities have changed and I’m valuing myself and my family. I also appreciate my family a million times more than I did before," states Cadet Stagman. "The military lifestyle applies to many aspects of civilian life including waking up early, eating right, exercising and being organized."
"What I miss the most is my family and my daughter Danica who will be two on May 19. I’m doing this for her," says Cadet Stagman.
The Wisconsin National Guard Challenge Academy is now in its 11th year of service. Currently there are 110 cadets with "The Courage to Change." Since 1998, 1,971 cadets have graduated from the academy.
The National Guard’s Youth Challenge Program is designed to take selected at risk youth and to intervene in their lives early enough to prevent drug use and criminal behavior from becoming a lifestyle. The 17-month program is divided into two phases-residential and post-residential.
The residential phase is five and one-half months long and consists of a high impact, quasi-military environment that is conducted at Fort McCoy. This phase focuses on eight core components: academic excellence; job skills; physical fitness; leadership/followership; health, hygiene and nutrition; life-coping skills; responsible citizenship/character development and service to the community.
The post-residential phase is 12 months following graduation and provides a carefully selected, trained mentor that the Cadet must contact weekly. Cadets must be either enrolled in high school or HSED program, enrolled in a trade or vocational school, enrolled and employed part-time, enrolled in post-secondary school or employed full-time or in the military service.
The cadets will graduate on June 12. This will be the end of the residential phase and the beginning of the post-residential phase for them.
"I’m excited to know that I achieved something in life and to know I’m not a failure and to see my family," admits Cadet Knowler. After graduating, he plans on either joining the national guard or joining AmeriCorps. He’s hoping to eventually get into mechanical design or work construction.
"This place has given me a second chance to have a future and be successful. I don’t think I would have had that opportunity without this program," comments Cadet Stagman. After graduation, she plans on seeking full-time employment after graduating and attending college in the fall to become a medical assistant.
"To any other teenager on the wrong path," Cadet Knowler says, "this is a life changing place as long as you have the courage. If you have the courage you can accomplish everything in life."
Cadet Stagman agrees, "If anyone is thinking of this program, I would really do it. It’s worth it and if you put your mind to it, you can do it.
Program costs are shared by federal and state governments and currently funded in 28 states and Puerto Rico.
For more information about the Challenge Academy, visit challengeacademy.org.
By Ted Pennekamp
An avid birder from Prairie du Chien recently added about 40 new species to his lifetime list. Former conservation warden Dennis Kirschbaum and his wife Alice recently enjoyed a trip to Central America, including the countries of Panama, Costa Rica and Belize. While visiting many interesting places in the three countries, Dennis was able to view numerous species that he had not before seen, thus bringing his lifetime total to more than 500.
"Keeping a list is one way to enjoy birding," said Kirschbaum, who noted that birders may keep several different lists. Lists may include species seen in one’s lifetime, species seen at one’s feeder each season, a list of birds seen in one’s state on a yearly basis and a variety of others.
"Birding is one of the fastest-growing sports," said Kirschbaum. "Keeping lists is an interesting way to keep track of your sport."
Kirschbaum has viewed birds in the Caribbean, Central America, and much of the United States, nearly everywhere from Panama to Alaska. One area he hasn’t visited yet is the southwestern part of the U.S. "It’s on my list of places to go," he said.
Some of the more noteworthy birds spotted while he was in Central America were the mangrove swallow, Montezuma oropendola, scarlet-rumped cacique, jabiru, northern jacana, bat falcon and the vermilion flycatcher.
The Kirschbaums were on a cruise ship and they also took field trips by boat, bus, and on foot. A few of the interesting trips included viewing the jungle areas along the Belize River, visiting Mayan ruins, and a tram ride up through part of the rainforest.
Kirschbaum grew up in Cassville and began birding in the early 1960s. He said he was inspired by a birding program that was on the radio, and also by being out on the Mississippi River, where many permanent and migrating birds can be spotted.
"We’re so lucky in the Prairie du Chien area to have four or five areas where the birding is fantastic," said Kirschbaum, who noted that the National Upper Mississippi River Wildlife Refuge is along the Mississippi River Flyway. "We have 300 species that are in, or come through, this area," he said. Kirschbaum noted that Wyalusing State Park, Pikes Peak State Park, the Effigy Mounds National Monument and La Riviere Park all offer excellent birding opportunities and draw numerous birders each year.
There are several birding events in the Driftless Region each year. To aid prospective birders, Kirschbaum helped to put together a birding guide called "The Great River Birding Trail," published by the Audubon Society. The Great River Birding Trail gives information about birding events and great birding areas along the Mississippi River in Iowa and Wisconsin.
Each year, Kirschbaum helps give various guided bird walks at La Riviere Park. People come from near and far and share their birding experiences. "You always learn something," he said.
Since 1987, a yearly list has been kept at La Riviere regarding the arrival date of birds during migration. This list can be quite helpful to prospective birders. For example, Kirschbaum said that a man wanted to visit La Riviere to see warblers. The man called for information, and Kirschbaum told him that he would be about a week too early for warblers. The man delayed his trip and came to La Riviere at the peak time. "He said it was fantastic," Kirschbaum said.
Along with keeping lists of when various birds arrive, there are other lists in which volunteer birders are needed. There are survey lists that keep track of breeding populations, for example, which are conducted by various agencies. Such lists give biologists a data base and information about trends in population and distribution.
The United States Department of the Interior conducts a breeding bird survey across the nation each year with the help of numerous volunteers.
Another biological survey is the annual Christmas Bird Count during which volunteers throughout North America count all of the species of birds that they see and hear in a given area.
Kirschbaum said that birding is a relatively inexpensive hobby that anyone can enjoy for a lifetime. A good bird book and a good pair of binoculars is a starting point. Birders can also gain experience more quickly by seeking advice from a known birder, Kirschbaum said.
In addition to his sightings in Central America, Kirschbaum also had some nice discoveries close to home. He spotted a grey-cheeked thrush on migration at La Riviere Park recently. The bird makes its home in northern Alaska and Canada. Kirschbaum’s bird feeder also drew some interesting birds. Kirschbaum saw a Cooper’s hawk on the feeder one day and took a photo of it. He also witnessed a European green finch, a bird that he had never before seen. He said that the European green finch was likely an escapee because it would not normally be in Wisconsin.
Whether you are an experienced birder, or just starting out, the Prairie du Chien area is a great place to view numerous species.
