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Coroner candidates to face off in Sept. 10 primary
The Sept. 10 primary will decide who will be the Crawford county Coroner. Incumbent Coroner Bonnie Young will be facing off with Debbie Ahrens in the primary, as they are both running as democrats. We asked questions to the two candidates. Here are their responses (Young’s answers are labeled “BY,” and Ahrens’ answers are labeled “DA.”

1. Personal information - State your name, age, marital status, children, address, and any other personal information you would like to share:

BY - I am married to John S. Young and live in Soldiers Grove. We have two grown daughters (Cathy Middlebrook of Minneapolis and Jill Young of Onalaska) and two grandsons and two granddaughters.

DA - Debra S. Ahrens, 34 years old, married to Lt. Erich Ahrens of the Prairie du Chien Police Department. We reside in Prairie du Chien with our six children.

2. Please state your qualification (including any medical or law enforcement experience) you may have.
BY - Coroner for 10 years, deputy coroner for four years. EMT for 28 years. Member of Coroner-Medical Examiners Association for 10 years. Have attended state coroner’s training. Also seminars on Death Scene Investigation, infant and child deaths, forensic science and child abuse.
DA - I have been an EMT for three years. Throughout the last three years, I have had direct involvement with care of deceased individuals and have provided assistance and comfort to families of the deceased. I also have over 15 years of administrative/clerical experience and am a military veteran of 13 years. Throughout these years I have established a good working knowledge of local, county, and state government laws and procedures. I have had first-hand experience with budgeting and planning.

3. Why do you want this position?
BY - I have the experience and time to continue the service I’ve provided for families and knowledge to assist investigators and funeral directors at the scene of a death.
DA - I want to offer the public respectful, compassionate and professional service. It is my goal to aid the survivors of a sudden death and to begin their grieving process by helping them to understand the loss of their loved one. To serve the living is the product of my efforts.

4. What do you think you could offer to improve the public service this position provides?
BY - Expand public safety and preventive health programs through group meetings such as Girl Scout and 4-H Leaders, Senior Citizens and church gatherings.
DA - I will approach this position with knowledge, experience, and common sense. I will strive to establish working relationships with law enforcement, fire, EMS, and Emergency Government officials. This in turn, will ensure proper and thorough investigating of all deaths. I will function as an advocate for families by working with them, ensuring they are properly notified of the death and placing families in touch with other agencies or clergy that will assist in the grieving process.

5. What do you feel is the most important issue facing the coroner’s position in Crawford County and what you will do to address it?
BY - Making public officials and citizens aware of the duties a coroner or medical examiner must perform before a death, at a death scene and follow-up after a death.
DA - The most immediate issue that I will address is response time to death scenes. The State of Wisconsin will allow me to appoint up to six Deputy Coroners. These people will be qualified, reliable people who are dedicated to serving citizens of Crawford County. This will ensure timely response to all parts of the county, proper handling of all death scenes and assistance to families in dealing with the loss of a loved one.
 

School Related...

Q: Is the Prairie du Chien teacher’s union attorney paid an annual salary or is he paid hourly? Who pays his salary? How much is taken out of a teacher’s pay check yearly for union dues? In the school district of Prairie du Chien, do teachers have a choice to be part of the teacher’s union?

A: There are 11 attorneys on the staff of the Wisconsin Education Association Council (WEAC), the union that represents the Prairie du Chien Education Association. The union’s attorneys are paid an annual salary through union dues and through National Education Association dues. Union dues vary somewhat depending upon the area of the state a teacher works in. Dues for a fulltime teacher are about $600 per year. Union members receive numerous benefits, in addition to the collective bargaining done by union representatives, including a $1 million liability coverage, free financial counseling, reduced rates for specific groups of attorneys, life insurance and access to many other kinds of insurance. Membership in the teacher’s union is voluntary
 

Book exposes PdC fraud in the 1830s

By Eric Hagen and Kelli Boylen
A book recently published explains a dark point in Prairie du Chien’s history. It shows how government attorneys went on trial on charges that they had taken money from citizens with Native American blood. “‘Neither White Men Nor Indians’ — Affidavits from the Winnebago Mixed-Blood Claim Commissions, Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin 1838-1839,” edited by Linda M. Waggoner, provides a snapshot of this time, illustrating a community in transition. The fur trade, once the prime source of income for this area, was almost dead. Two prior treaties, one in 1829 and another in 1832, has taken much of the Native American land, and this one would completely remove them from the east side of the Mississippi. The 1837 Treaty with the Winnebago Nation (now known as Ho-Chunk) was standard for the time period. It provided for the cessation of their land and removal of the tribe, payment of the debts of the tribe, and allowed a sum of money - in this case $100,000 - to be paid to “relations and friends... having not less than one quarter of Winnebago blood.” The affidavits included in the book were submitted for payment by the local “half-breeds” under this provision. The affidavits describe family relationships, the role many took in supporting the U.S. Government during the Black Hawk Wars, and their lack of formal education. The distribution of the $100,000 to persons with at least one-quarter Winnebago blood caused a local scandal. There were “suspicious proceedings at Prairie du Chien,” government commissioners were sent in and later replaced, proceedings nullified, and the arguments went on for years. To add to the fire, there was also the controversial fact that “half-breeds” were felt to be “not sophisticated enough to understand ‘the nature of powers of attorney and bills of exchange.’” The paragraph in the preface of the book reads, “half-breeds are neither white men nor Indians, as expressed in their names; and the proper treatment of them is neither defined in the regulations, nor, perhaps, established by usage. If it is said they are not white men, and ought therefore to be treated as Indians, as they unquestionably have been in almost all treaties containing stipulations in their favor.” The transcriptions provided in this book provide a wealth of information for genealogists and historians. They are full of details illustrating the general lifestyle of the mixed-blood and the fur trade, relationships, stories about Blackhawk’s Wars, as well as affidavits and signatures from some of the area’s most well-known historical figures. The author also provides a well documented commentary on the allegations of fraud surrounding the first commission, and the rapid placement of that commission with a second commission. An extensive bibliography and an index are also included. Some of the local names included in the book are: Bailley, Barrette, Brisbois, Bean, Bell, Campbell, Chambers, Childs, Clark, Crawford, Dougherty, DuCharme, Fenton, Hill, Johnson, Jones, Knapp, LaRiviere, Lewis, Martin, Mitchell, Moore, Rice, Scott, Stuart, Thomas, Vance, Whitney, Wilkens, Wood and Wright. The book is available at the Fort Crawford Museum at Prairie du Chien, 717 S. Beaumont Road or by contacting Park Genealogical Books, www.parkbooks.com  or (641)488-4416.
It will also be available soon at the Prairie du Chien Library.
 

Lynxville creates community center

By Kelli Boylen
The 176 inhabitants of Lynxville have something new to be proud of — their nearly completed community center and library. The building was erected in the 1950s as the Lynxville School. It later became part of the Seneca School District, and the district stopped using it following the 1998-99 school year. The building sat empty, no lessons being learned, no laughter on the playground. Then, about a year and a few months ago, the Village of Lynxville purchased the building from the district for $25,000. Since that time electrical updates have been made, windows were replaced, air conditioning has been added and book shelves have been built. All of this, along with other remodeling, is nearly complete. Village President Bill Rice said less than $5,000 has been spent on improvements. They now have approximately 5,800 square feet of community space, which is open to the public and includes a library. This winter the village office will relocate to the building, as well as the polling place. The meeting room will easily hold 50 to 60 people. The downstairs community room is available for receptions, family reunions or parties, as well as social gathering such as weekly card parties. Village Clerk Carol Crusan is very excited about the new library and is hoping it will be successful. Many community members have donated items.
The village is working with the Southwest Wisconsin Library System, but they do not yet have a set schedule. Crusan says people should contact her about library hours. The village hopes to replace some of the ceiling in the building as they can. They are also in the process of installing and making improvements to the playground. Community members and some area businesses have donated time, labor and materials. The Lynxville Community Center is located at the corner of County E and Spring Street.
 

Blood letting pump, knives stolen from Fort Crawford Museum

By Ted Pennekamp
On Aug. 26 at 10:14 a.m., it was reported to the Prairie du Chien Police Department that several items had been stolen from the Fort Crawford Medical Museum, located at 717 S. Beaumont Road. A blood letting pump, a set of ivory handled knives and several items small enough to be hidden on a person were taken, according to the Prairie du Chien Police Department report. The case remains under investigation and an inventory of the museum’s items is being conducted, the report said. The thefts are believed to have occurred sometime before 5 p.m. Friday, Aug. 23, the report stated. Delores Igou, director of the Fort Crawford Medical Museum, said that several minor artifacts were taken in the theft. Igou said she believes the perpetrator was a visitor to the museum who hid the items in or under their clothing. “It’s pretty sad when people have to do things like this,” Igou said. “We can’t afford to have people (museum staff) in every building.” Igou said that the total value of the stolen items is not known at this time.

Sheriff candidates share their views

By Kelli Boylen
The four men competing for the Crawford County sheriff’s seat will be narrowed to two in the September primary. Incumbent Sheriff Robert Ostrander will appear on the Sept. 10 primary ticket along with Jerry Ostrander and Randy Schmidt, all running as democrats. Whoever wins the primary will face off in November with Gerald Steele, who is running as a republican. We posed questions to the candidates and these are their responses (Robert Ostrander’s answers are labeled “RO,” Jerry Ostrander’s are labeled “JO,” and Randy Schmidt’s are labeled “RS). 1. Please state your age, marital status, children, and address, and any other personal information you would like to share. RO - I’m 58 years old. My wife Nancy and I have been married for 37 years. Our daughter Heidi and our son Leighton have given us six terrific grandchildren. I was born, grew up and raised my family in Seneca where my parents and my grandparents also made their homes. My wife is Postmaster in Seneca and we are members of St. Patrick’s Church. I served in the Navy aboard the U.S.S. Forrestal. My career in Law Enforcement began in 1968 under Sheriff Ray Childs and Under Sheriff Gary Knickerbocker, men to whom I owe a great deal and am proud to call friends. JO - I am Jerry “O” Ostrander, 54, Prairie du Chien, and I am seeking the position as sheriff of Crawford County on the Democratic ticket. My wife, Jan, and I have three grown children who reside and work in the area. Two of our children are currently acquiring degrees in the law enforcement field at local universities. Our oldest son works for a local business. Over the years I have been involved with a number of service organizations such as: The American Legion, Rescue Squad, Law Enforcement Association, Lion’s Club, Independent Little League and Football League, the Prairie du Chien/Crawford County Law Enforcement Scholarship Fund and Hunter’s Safety Program. I have spent the past 25 years serving with the Prairie du Chien Police Department as an honest, credible, and dedicated law enforcement officer. RS - My name is Randy Schmidt, age 51. I am single and have a 17 year-old son, Kyle, who is a senior at Prairie du Chien High School. I was born and raised in rural Crawford County on a dairy farm and currently reside in the city of Prairie du Chien. 2. Please state your qualifications and any prior experience that would help you as sheriff. RO - All of my prior experiences have been as sheriff and deputy sheriff of this county. I know the highroads and backroads; I know the people and the towns and the places that make this county unique. A sheriff should have degrees in Law, Psychology, Administration, Finance, Foreign Affairs and Weapons Control. But, what one really needs is an understanding of human nature, a good bit of diplomacy, a large amount of common sense and the thick hide of a rhinoceros! If you are truly blessed, you’ll have the support of true friends and family when your burdens become too much. JO - As stated in the previous question, I have been serving as either a military or civilian law enforcement officer since 1966. I plan to retire from my current position as Detective of the Prairie du Chien Police Department with the hope of advancing my career as the next Crawford County sheriff. I was stationed in southeast Asia during the Vietnam War for two terms. During that assignment I served as Assistant Non Commissioned Officer in charge of 60 military personnel. Stateside, while enlisted, I was a security policeman/investigator in charge of criminal investigations. After 36 years of “hands-on’’ law enforcement I feel I will be better able to serve the citizens of the county in a management position as sheriff. RS - I have a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice from UW-Platteville. My career is law enforcement began 29 years ago as a patrolman for the Prairie du Chien Police Department. I currently hold the rank of 1st Sergeant. During my many years as 1st Sergeant, I have been responsible for the supervision and evaluation of my fellow officers. I am also responsible for the scheduling of shifts, the planning and organizing of law enforcement activities. I also review and examine all reports written by my subordinates to assure proper completion and documentation. 3. If elected sheriff, how would you structure the operation and staffing of the department? RO - It would be ideal to be able to hire additional staff. But, by using part-time officers and patrol to fill in, we are able to keep the shifts filled and meet the standards required by jail regulations. We are now operating on permanent shifts and have been able to eliminate those tortuous, constantly changing swing hours. Off duty personnel earn extra hours by transferring prisoners. These funds are separate and were previously part of the sheriff’s pay. JO - In my opinion, law enforcement is a paramilitary structured organization. I see a need for policies and procedures to be updated as these policies are the guidelines for the departmental personnel. I would like to establish a chain of command allowing supervisors to make responsible decisions. The sheriff must work jointly with the county board, highway department, Prairie du Chien Police Department and surrounding agencies and the citizens if the department is to operate efficiently. The department sets the budget annually with the county boar and I would operate responsibly under normal conditions within this budget. I feel communication and accountability are key issues to a successful department. RS - While I believe in an Open Door policy, a chain of command is of utmost importance. It is important to delegate responsibilities to qualified staff members. Sergeants will be expected to supervise the staff in their assigned department. Every staff person will sign a job description, outlining their duties and responsibilities. Every Sergeant would be expected to list goals that they will strive to achieve in their perspective sector throughout the course of the year. I would hold weekly meetings with all supervisory staff on a weekly basis to assure good communication between the various sectors. Attending these meetings, working as a team, will help pinpoint problems as they arise and resolve any deficiencies promptly. This should result in departmental unity and a better working environment. 4. What do you feel the duties of a sheriff should be? What hours should the sheriff be expected to keep? RO - Number One - It’s not like the movies. The department is not a “Super Star’’ . . . Riding to the rescue and saving the day. The majority of my duties are administrative: meeting, personnel, court, prison issues, budget - managing the purse strings of a dept. in a county that has limited financial resources. Number Two - I’m available 24 hours a day - If I’m not physically in my office, I maintain a constant connection to my office via radio, cell or pager. JO - I feel the public must have a visible/active department who will quickly respond when called upon. The sheriff must work cooperatively with the Crawford County Board, representatives of various communities, and be prepared to provide news releases when necessary. I hope to maintain regular working hours throughout the week, both in the county and the office. The sheriff must have his phone number accessible to the citizens as well. I have every intention of maintaining standard hours as well as being available for calls if needed and I will be there to support the deputies and citizens when called upon. RS - I feel the sheriff should be responsible for proper planning and organization of the department’s day-to-day operations. He must consult with citizens, other law enforcement agencies, and staff within the department to establish objectives. I feel that it is important the sheriff maintain a good rapport with the County Law Enforcement Committee, the County Board, and fellow law enforcement officers. Departmental resources need to be used in the most efficient manner possible to assure that the department operates within the established budget. Because of the demands of nightly meetings, etc. the hours of the sheriff are difficult to define. However, I can assure the citizens that I will be more accessible than the current administrator. 5. Do you feel employee morale is an issue? If so, what can be done to improve it? RO - Until this campaign began, employee morale has been quite good for the past four years. There have been no grievances within our department filed in that entire time. With all candidates working inside the same building, it was inevitable that tensions run high. It’s very uncomfortable for those who wish to remain neutral or not involve themselves in these politics. I made a point during a full squad meeting to let the personnel know I didn’t expect them to participate in any way and to just do their jobs. JO - My current position as detective with the city has allowed me to work in the joint law enforcement center with the deputies of the department. I not only sense poor morale - unfortunately, I have witnessed it. Once again, in my opinion, communication and training are key issues. All deputies are expected to make important spontaneous decisions. Training, seminars, staff meetings are vitally important. Updated policies and procedures are mandatory. We have talented law enforcement personnel who make up the current department - they just need to be reminded they have every right to be proud of themselves and their capabilities if given a chance. RS - Yes, I do feel morale is an issue. Problems with employee morale can be caused by numerous things - insufficient training, inadequate equipment, lack of trust within the department, or promises made by administration that aren’t fulfilled. What can be done to improve morale? Communication, honesty and fairness. Administrators should think very carefully before making promises - if it’s not attainable - don’t promise it! I also feel that occasionally working with my deputies, as a hands-on sheriff, would boost morale. 6. Do you feel there is a need to improve the working relationships between the Crawford County sheriff’s department and other departments (such as the city and neighboring counties)? If so, what could be done to improve them? BO - Mutual Aid is a vital part of maintaining good law enforcement. This department has an outstanding working relationship with the neighboring counties and I enjoy close ties with my fellow sheriffs. I do take issue when comments are made publicly which ridicule the personnel or the handling of cases within our jurisdiction. Such tactics are self-serving and childish and create bad feelings all around. Personal differences should not affect the jobs we’re all sworn to do and the confidence we need to have in each other. JO - Yes! In my current position as Prairie du Chien Detective I have always worked with other agencies to solve crimes whether it was with neighboring departments, the Wisconsin State Crime Lab, Wisconsin and Iowa Department of Criminal Investigations, FBI, Wisconsin Division of Narcotic’s Investigations or local agencies. Establishing working relationships with other agencies often leads to solving “additional’’ crimes. I would not be opposed to rotating joint round-table meetings with surrounding counties. This would involve sending a representative from the department once a month to share intelligence information. In my opinion, law enforcement only works properly if it becomes a “we” agency for the benefit of the entire community an the citizens it serves. RS - Yes, I feel there is a need to improve the working relationships between this department and other departments. It would be very beneficial and more cost effective if training sessions could be held jointly with other law enforcement agencies, sharing the cost of the training. Communication between all sectors of law enforcement needs to improve. By having a good rapport with other agencies, much information can be shared whereby everyone benefits including the taxpayer. 7. What programs and training do you feel are necessary for the department and how will you prioritize them? RO - Modern law enforcement requires constant training and updating as new problems arise and new procedures initiated. Officers are required to complete 24 hours of training every year and each position requires special emphasis whether they’re investigators, traffic, dispatch or jailers. In the past, we have utilized instructors at SW Tech, FBI, EMT’s, local trainers and fellow law enforcement officers. JO - There are some vital areas which I feel need to be improved upon - narcotics training/investigations and continuance of the Crisis Resolution Team. I have found that during this campaign these are the two main issues I have been asked about. I feel that the investigators should be skilled in overall drug awareness along with their daily duty. There is funding available for this training at the federal, state and local levels along with money to pay the deputies. I would like to see the Crisis Resolution Team continue its interaction with the city police department. This is a team of trained officers from both the city and county who respond to hostage situations, or barricaded subjects. I would like the area EMTs to become involved with this group. RS - I cannot prioritize training - all training is important. A law enforcement officer cannot do his/her job properly if he/she does not receive the necessary training. With a well trained staff liability issues significantly decrease. Certain training is mandated by the state and I will make sure that all of my deputies receive this training. Good policies and procedures must be in place and all training needs to be properly documented. There are numerous programs that are cost efficient and need to be explored such as “Amber Alert’’ and “Fresh Start.’’ 8. Are there any other issues you wish to discuss? If so, please use this opportunity to address those issues in a concise manner. RO - 911 is finally up and running after endless hours of research, meetings and ironing out of kinks. Thanks to a fantastic crew! A new communications tower is operational, erected on county owned land, providing much improved service in the eastern section of our county to emergency personnel. The prisoner release program is a huge success. It accomplishes two important goals. Needed work is done at no additional cost and prisoners are able to “earn’’ hours against their sentences further reducing jail costs. Renting space on two of our communication towers will in a very short time have established a self-sustaining fund to maintain these towers. The Crawford County Dive Team is a great asset thanks to the donations of our citizens. We’ve been busy. I’m not done yet. Give me another term and watch what I can do! JO - During this campaign it has been brought to my attention by the voters that only during a political year certain issues are addressed. The northern part of our county would like to see the drug problem addressed on a continual basis. All citizens would like to see “fair and equal treatment’’ by the department. I would also! There can be no picking and choosing if you are to uphold the law with honor and integrity. A third issue brought up by the citizens is concerning off duty use of county owned unmarked squad cars. I concur with the citizen’s concern. Again, common sense applies. I have no problem with personnel enjoying their off duty time, but, county owned squad cars should not be operated by the driver while under any influence of intoxicants. If elected sheriff I will address this issue. To the voters of our county - thank you for your continued support! RS - Budget restraints will be a major priority to whoever is elected. There is a need to explore federal and state grants to assist with the purchase and cost of equipment, training, and other key items that will help with department costs and alleviate the burden on the taxpayer. I feel there is a need for community policing in the county. This will help increase citizen awareness of highway safety, help combat underage drinking, and promote good rapport between law enforcement and the general public.
 

PdC man critical after falling from moving vehicle

A 29-year-old Prairie du Chien man was critically injured Tuesday morning after he exited a moving vehicle on Highway 18/35 in Patch Grove Township, near River Ridge School. Steven L. Knight was seated in the passenger side of a 1991 Ford Van driven by his wife, Lia B. Knight, 24, when he exited the van as it was traveling south at about 40 miles per hour. He was not struck by another vehicle as first reports suggested, but sustained severe injuries to his head from striking the roadway. He was transported to Prairie du Chien Hospital by the West Grant Rescue Squad and later flown to Gundersen-Lutheran Hospital in La Crosse. He was listed in critical condition. The incident remains under investigation and no further information was available at press time.
 

Villa Louis Carriage Classic

Sept. 7 & 8 in Prairie du Chien

The 22nd Annual Villa Louis Carriage Classic will be held Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 7, 8 on the grounds of the Villa Louis Historic Site, Prairie du Chien, Wis. The event begins at 8:20 a.m. each day. The public is invited to watch exhibitors at the Carriage Classic compete in divisions that include horses or ponies, hitched singly, paired, or in teams of four. Olympic style obstacle courses are divided into three classes: gambler’s choice, cones, and cross country.

A highlight of the Carriage Classic is the “Victorian Picnic Class” held Saturday noon near the duck pond where competitors unhitch their horse from the carriage and spread out their picnic wares for their lunch. A dinner/auction at 5:30 p.m. Saturday is open to the public. Dinner reservations are required. The Concours d’Elegance and Awards Party will be held Sunday at 3:30 and 4 p.m. There is a daily admission. Food stands on the grounds. For more information on the event contact the Carriage Classic office 608-326-4436 or visit their website at www.carriageclassic.com . This is event for the whole family to enjoy.
 

PdC PD will not unlock car doors anymore

By Kelli Boylen
If you lock yourself out of your car in the city limits, the Prairie du Chien Police Department will no longer be able to help you get back in unless it is an emergency. Acting on a recommendation from the city’s Protection and Health Committee, the Prairie du Chien Common Council took action during their Tuesday night meeting to put an end of the opening doors policy. The dispatcher will have a list of locksmiths those locked out can call. Over the years the city has sometimes allowed officers to open doors, and sometimes they have voted against it, often depending upon the availability of local locksmiths. Police Chief Mike King says he is disappointed in the action because he believes having officers opening doors is a good public service.
 

Council debates tree cutting at LaRiviere Park, plans for WWTP boat landing