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May 21, 2008

Council hears plans for development of Thompson building

After hearing more specific deadlines for a proposed restaurant and bar in the old Thompson building, Prairie du Chien City Council approved an application by Blair Dillman for a Class B liquor license, but debated the placement of stop signs along 15th St. and the purchase of a new mower.

Blair Dillman explained his plans for the Thompson Building at 219 N. Marquette Rd., stating the he intends to open a bar and restaurant, similar to the TGIF restaurant chain concept, at the north end of the building and put an antique store at the south end. The upstairs, he said, could be used for parties and other gatherings. Dillman said they are now in the process of building new windows and hope to have the exterior completed by July. If all goes as planned, he said, he intends to have the businesses operating by Labor Day weekend. The application was granted provided the license is used within three years.

A recommendation from the Protection and Health Committee to place stop signs at 15th St. and Fowler was tabled following discussion. The recommendation, which had passed committee on a 3-2 vote, was explained by council member Joe Ruskey, who said that many people use 15th St. to bypass Marquette Rd., reaching speeds up to 45 mph, and endangering children and elderly along the street. He said he felt stop signs would slow traffic. Council member Becky Hackett said she felt the stop signs would be more effective if placed at Brunson and 15th. Other council members said they had received calls opposing the stop signs. The issue was tabled for collection of more information.

The purchase of a Toro Groundsmaster 4100-D mower for $42,576 was approved with a tie-breaking vote by Mayor Karl Steiner. Council member Frank Pintz objected, saying the city could purchase three smaller mowers for a total of $18,000 and hire students to operate them for the summer. He also objected that the public notice called only for bids on that specific machine, so that dealers who might have submitted a bid for a similar machine did not do so. Pintz, Hein, Dagnon, Brouse, Solomon and Hackett voted against the purchase.

In other business council:

•Approved payment of $124,000 to Vierbicher Assoc. for streetscape construction supervision. Bill Nelson of Vierbicher said this would cover the costs through completion of the construction even if it continues beyond the Oct. 15 deadline.

•Approved a transitional plan for the planning department so that projects begun by departing planner Garth Frable are successfully completed. The plan also includes provision for consulting services from Frable until a new city planner is hired, and revision of the job description before it is advertised.

•Approved purchase of five new pagers for the Fire Department at a cost of $1,700.

•Approved a request for bids on repair to the roof and doors of Prairie St. Fire Station.

•Approved the Finance Committee report on the 2008 Capital Budget Plan.

•Accepted a Property Committee report on development of a picnic table policy. The city currently has no written policy regarding lending or renting of picnic tables, and the committee recommended development of a policy.

•Approved purchase of a new pump for the children’s pool.

•Approved requests from St. Feriole Island Ball Park and Country Inn and Suites’ Buckhorn Grill and Pub for food permits. Buckhorn Grill would like to operate a food stand when Cabela’s has special events.

•Gave permission for use of St. Feriole Island August 16 and 17 for the Great Lakes Watercross Jet-Ski racing team.

Gays Mills to receive $555,694 grant from FEMA grant

The U.S Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) today released $555,694 in Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) funds to the village of Gays Mills, for the acquisition and removal of 10 structures.

"This kind of project is the cornerstone of disaster prevention efforts and illustrates the importance of local, state and federal governments working together for the benefit of citizens," said Edward G. Buikema, regional administrator, FEMA Region V.

"It is our hope that with this grant, the citizens of Gays Mills will be able to move forward towards getting their lives back to normal," said Wisconsin Emergency Management Administrator Johnnie Smith.

The structures, which will be acquired and demolished, have suffered repetitive flooding. The acquired land will be returned to open space, allowing flooding to occur without damage to property. This project will protect the health, safety and welfare of Crawford County residents. Additionally, it will reduce future flood insurance claims and the financial obligation of federal, state and local governments after a disaster.

HMGP provides grants to state and local governments to implement long-term hazard mitigation measures. The purpose of the program is to reduce the loss of life and property, lessen the impact to local communities due to natural disasters, and enable recovery after a disaster. Through HMGP, FEMA will pay 75 percent of the project costs. The remaining 25 percent contribution will be provided through a combination of funds from the state of Wisconsin and the village of Gays Mills.

Peregrine falcons seen at McGregor nesting site

A nest box to attract peregrine falcons to a McGregor site may finally be seeing some success after eight years. A pair of peregrines was seen visiting the box and displaying courtship behavior about two weeks ago.

The nest box was built by well-known peregrine researcher Bob Anderson and placed atop the stackhouse of the grain elevator in 2000. Peregrines had been spotted checking out the box over the years but none had taken to it.

About two weeks ago, peregrine researcher Dave Kester, who lives in the McGregor area, observed an adult male and a female with juvenile plumage going in and out of the box and displaying courtship behavior.

"We’re excited because we feel that this box is now starting to pull them in," said Kester. "Peregrines attract peregrines."

On Monday afternoon, Kester returned to Point Ann atop a bluff across from the stackhouse to see if the peregrines were still using the box and to hopefully see the female in the box nesting on some eggs. Kester said that because the female was young and still had her juvenile brown plumage, there was a 50-50 chance that she would be nesting. He also noted that although he had seen courtship behavior two weeks prior, he hadn’t observed copulation.

No peregrines were seen Monday afternoon and the box was empty. It is unknown if they have left the area, but it is clear that no offspring will be forthcoming this spring at the site.

Prospects look very good for next spring, however.

"A pattern has been established for next year. They definitely will be back next spring," said Kester, who noted that this same pattern has happened at several other peregrine sites along the Mississippi River. "Next year, there will be a higher chance of success."

Kester said that previous patterns at other sites have shown that a Tiercel (adult) male will pull in a young female, but that there will be no offspring. Then, the next year, when the female has matured, the nest will produce fledglings.

"Indications are good that it might work for next year," said Kester. "We’re excited for our prospects for next season."

Through the work of Kester, Anderson and others, the peregrine population has been making quite a comeback along the Upper Mississippi. The use of DDT extirpated peregrines from the area in the 1970s, but now nest boxes placed near power plants and other sites have helped bring a resurgence.

Kester noted that as of two weeks ago there has been activity at 21 sites along the river. Thirteen of those sites show strong potential as active nest sites, he said. Ten years ago, there was no activity at all.

Kester said that peregrines like high bluff tops, with shear cliff faces high above rivers, thus making the Mississippi River a prime choice. Peregrines like bluff tops above rivers because of the thermal lifts that occur and the fact that peregrines can dive down upon prey and the prey have nowhere to go with the river below them.

Peregrines also like the Mississippi Flyway because of the large amount of food base it draws each spring and fall in the form of smaller migratory birds.

Kester said that Tundra peregrines can be observed at times while they are in migration along the Upper Mississippi River. However, it is the Anatum peregrines which have been taking to the bluff sites. The Anatum peregrines have historically lived in this region, said Kester.

May 19, 2008

New twist in hog farm case

Siting Review Board says Roth’s permit is valid

By Ted Pennekamp

Friday afternoon, the Wisconsin Livestock Siting Review Board voted to uphold a Crawford County decision granting A.V. Roth of rural Wauzeka a permit to expand his hog farm.

The Board voted that the challenge to Crawford County’s decision was invalid because Roth’s permit application meets state standards, according to Wisconsin Administrative Code.

In January, the Crawford County Land Conservation Committee voted to approve of Roth’s application and granted him a permit to expand his operation to 2,900 sows.

This action was challenged when Ron Stadler, who lives near Roth, filed an appeal. Twenty-eight other neighbors living within two miles of the Roth farm also filed an appeal and were represented by Midwest Environmental Advocates.

On April 18, the Siting Review Board voted 7-0 to reverse Crawford County’s decision, saying that portions of Roth’s application were inconsistent. The Board also expressed concerns with the nutrient management data submitted by Roth.

Roth immediately filed a request for reconsideration, saying that the Board had misinterpreted some of the numbers in his nutrient management plan, and thereby had made an erroneous decision.

On Friday, the Board concurred and said that the challenge to Roth’s application by the 29 neighbors was not valid. Jane Hewston Larson, public information officer for the Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection, said that the Siting Review Board’s decision means that Roth’s permit remains valid.

The Board’s original decision to deny Roth’s permit was never made official. The Board’s latest decision that Roth’s permit remains valid is not official yet. Larson said that the Board needs to meet again and approve the written statement of their decision before it will become official.

The next meeting is scheduled for June 20, but Larson said that it is possible that the Board will make their decision official sooner than that.

Roth said that he is happy with the Board’s latest decision to uphold his permit and to deny the challenge.

"I just hope that I and my neighbors can put this behind us and move forward," said Roth. "I would like to thank everyone out there for their support."

Roth said that he applied for a wastewater discharge permit from the Department of Natural Resources on Jan. 22. He said that the DNR is in the process of reviewing his application and that it generally takes from six months to a year before the DNR makes a decision.

The Roth farm has always been a hog farm. When Roth first applied to Crawford County for a permit, he had 1,450 sows. Roth said that he currently has 1,600 sows on his farm. He plans to expand that to 2,900. He said that 2,500 sows equals 1,000 animal units. An animal unit is defined as 1,000 pounds of any critter.

"It’s going to be a slow process," said Roth about the expansion. Roth can expand to up to 2,499 sows with the Crawford County permit. He would need a DNR permit to expand beyond that, said Michael Murray, a representative of DATCP.

"If anyone wishes to contact me with any questions, they can do so," said Roth, in noting that he will continue to address neighbors concerns to the best of his ability.

Jamie Saul of Midwest Environmental Advocates said, "We and our clients are currently weighing our options but no decision has been made yet." Saul said that MEA and its clients will be involved in the DNR permitting process and will submit comments to the DNR. He also said that it is "very likely" that they will challenge Roth regarding the DNR permit, but that they will have to wait and see how that process goes.

"We still believe that there are very serious deficiencies with Roth’s nutrient management plan," said Saul. "Our clients are going to do everything they can in order to protect the surface and groundwater on their properties."

Regarding the Siting Review Board’s latest decision, Saul said, "It’s disappointing but not entirely surprising. The process is heavily weighted in favor of granting these permits."

If the Livestock Siting Review Board makes its decision final and upholds Roth’s Crawford County permit, MEA and the people they represent could also file an appeal to Crawford County Circuit Court. Saul said that an appeal will be considered.

"It’s our firm belief that the state livestock siting law has backed all of the residents of Crawford County into a corner," said Emile Smith, a chairperson with the Crawford Stewardship Project (CSP). "The cards have been stacked so hard against us."

Smith said that one of the main goals of the CSP is to bring about community awareness regarding such issues as large animal livestock operations, environmental concerns, and public health.

"This livestock siting law was craftily and very well written in favor of large agricultural operations," said Smith. "It makes it almost impossible for small farmers to survive."

Smith said, "There is a complete lack of soil and karst geology knowledge for Crawford County. We would like these issues addressed before there are any problems." He said that one of the goals of the CSP is to modify the state livestock siting law because not all counties are the same in terms of soil, geology and potential environmental problems due to large amounts of animal waste.

"It’s a shame to be forced into a position to be watchdogs," said Smith. "I would rather pay for a karst study ahead of time rather than pay the tax for a clean-up later."

Smith also said that he feels that the DNR does not adequately enforce laws that are already on the books, unless citizens complain.

Roth has said in the past that he would also welcome a karst study. He said that he would also give Crawford County a copy of his nutrient management plan as per an informal request by the county, should Roth’s permit be upheld.

After 50 years, Darlene Wolfgram continues to work with PdC students

Darlene Wolfgram retired in 1991 after working for 32 years in the Prairie du Chien School District. After that, she continued to help students as a charter member of the Futures scholarship fund for Prairie du Chien. She withdrew from the board of that organization last year--—she felt it was time for younger people to get involved--—but continues to work with students as a volunteer at Bluff View Intermediate School.

Wolfgram started working for the school district in 1959. She worked in the library when the high school was still located where B.A. Kennedy Elementary School is now. In 1963, the high school relocated to its present building, and she became administrative secretary for Superintendent John C. Mulrooney. Of those years during which she worked for him, Mulrooney says, "She had a great way with kids and staff. I can’t say enough complimentary about her." Her daughter, Sue McDonald, remembers that she loaned money to many students who needed it, and only one student did not repay her.

When Morris McFarlane, a 1944 graduate of Prairie du Chien, organized the Futures Scholarship program in 1991, Wolfgram, also a member of the Class of 44, became a charter member of the group. That first year, the group awarded one $500 scholarship to a graduate of the class of 1992. During Wolfgram’s tenure on the board, Futures awarded over $100,000 in scholarships. It is her contribution to Futures, Wolfgram says, that she feels has given her the most satisfaction. "It’s a fantastic program," she says, and notes that the appreciation of the recipients has been very gratifying.

At the end of last year, however, she made the decision to resign. "It was time for someone else to take over," she explains. Of her service on the board, George Sutton, also a charter member of Futures, says, "She’s quite a gal. She was the institutional resource for Futures for years. She was very knowledgeable of the school and the students, very upbeat and positive."

Wolfgram’s retirement and resignation from Futures, however, doesn’t mean she’s no longer involved with or interested in students. She volunteers at Bluff View, where her teacher daughters, Sue McDonald and Nancy Trautsch, work. McDonald is a fifth grade teacher and Trautsch is the school librarian.

In addition, she remains active in other things. She is chairperson of Partners at Prairie du Chien Memorial Hospital, belongs to Women’s Civic Club and enjoys bowling. That still leaves her time to work the crosswords and other puzzles in the newspaper, and to enjoy her four grandchildren and one great-grandchild (another is on the way, she says).

Her husband, Herman, passed away about nine years ago.

Wauzeka-Steuben graduating class

Kyle George has been named the valedictorian and Sandra Check the salutatorian for the Wauzeka-Steuben High School 2008 graduating class. Kyle is the son of Diane Pitzer of Wauzeka and Gregory George of Boscobel, and Sandy is the daughter of Elizabeth Kozelka of Wauzeka and Michael Check of Steuben.

To say that FCCLA (Family, Career, and Community Leaders of America) has been a large part of Kyle’s life for the past six years would be an understatement. As a member of this organization, Kyle he has been the reporter, Vice-President, and then Chapter President. He has been awarded ‘Outstanding Chapter Member’ and has been a National STAR Events Qualifier for five years. He is a four-year band member; he plays the clarinet, penny phistle, keyboard, alto saxophone and tenor saxophone. National Honor Society and Student Council are two of the leadership organizations that Kyle has been part of for three years. He is serving this year as Vice President of both organizations. He has been the lead and a supporting actor during his three years in Drama Club and has been involved in our school letter and pep clubs (now called the Hornet Club collectively) for most of his high school career. Kyle also participated in YCC (Youth Connecting Communities) and was a member of a team which produced our 2003 Reality Check Video.

Being a member of the baseball team for four years, playing basketball for three years, football and cheerleading for one year each and winter league volleyball for two years, has kept Kyle active in the athletic program. Kyle received a Hornet Award, All Conference Honorable Mention and lettered in baseball for three years. He also lettered in basketball twice and in cheerleading and football once each.

Kyle received the National Science Merit Award his eighth grade year. He is going to attend UW-Stevens Point to major in pre-veterinary medicine and would like to then attend Veterinary School at UW-Madison.

Kyle would especially like to thank his mom for her continued support throughout his life.

Sandra Check has been in band for four years, playing the bass guitar. She has been in Student Council for one year, was the senior editor during her year in yearbook and was in Art Society two years. Sandy has been in National Honor Society for two years and helped this year with the spaghetti supper fund raiser. She has been involved in school letter and pep clubs (now called the Hornet Club collectively) for two years. She was elected ‘Student of the Quarter’ during her Junior year.

Sandy is an active athlete at Wauzeka-Steuben High School. She has been in basketball and softball for four years each where she served as Captain in Basketball and in both sports, received the Hornet Award. In football, and dance/cheer team, she spent one year each earning the All-Around Dance/Cheer team Award. Sandy has also been in volleyball for three years.

Sandy has taken all of the courses necessary to ensure success in college. She plans to attend UW-Milwaukee to major in nursing and specialize in pediatrics. She has a high interest in helping people which she has shown throughout her years at WSHS.

Sandy would like to give thanks to her parents and close family and friends for being behind her with the decisions and choices she has made and to her teachers for pushing her to do her best. She says "I will miss all of you and thanks a bunch."

Wauzeka-Steuben graduation is scheduled for Saturday, May 24, at 1:30 p.m. in the new gym.