jan 14-16-2002

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January 16, 2002

Elder abuse, neglect under-reported in county; local PD hopes to help remedy situation
It is estimated that five percent of Wisconsin's elderly are victims of abuse or neglect and that fewer than one out of eight of these cases are reported to authorities. "With more than 3,500 elderly residents in Crawford County, the odds are very high that almost 200 of our citizens may be victims at any given time," says Prairie du Chien Police Chief Mike King. There were two reported cases of elder abuse in Crawford County in 2000 (the most recent year statistics were available). During the past five years, the highest reported number of cases in one year was six. The Prairie du Chien Police Department has been working on a strategic plan to become more involved in the community, and to become more responsive to the community's needs. One area they are currently dedicating time and resources to is serving the elderly. They are entering into a team investigative program with the Crawford County Human Services Department and District Attorney's Office. "I think the elderly may be intimidated by the police and are unsure of the whole criminal justice system," said King. "We need to make them aware that we are here to help protect them and assist with their well being." One officer at the police department, Stacy Polodna, is being assigned as the department's Elder Service Officer and will be specially trained to handle cases of abuse and neglect as well as being a resource for the community's elderly citizens. "If you are a victim of abuse or suspect that a neighbor, friend or family member is being abused you can contact local law enforcement or the Crawford County Human Services Department," said King. He added, "Your confidentiality is protected by law and will be maintained." Since 1986, elder abuse agencies have submitted to the Wisconsin Department of Health and Family Services - Aging Programs on average per year, a total of 1,575 reports of elder abuse. According to the state aging programs, the most common form of abuse reported statewide is self-neglect - 39 percent of all cases; followed by physical abuse - 19 percent of all cases; material abuse (financial exploitation) - 17 percent of all cases; and neglect by others - 17 percent of all cases. Reporting of emotional abuse, although not required under state law, accounts for eight percent of cases received. Elder abusers in Wisconsin are most frequently children. Sons, who constitute the largest single category of abusers, frequently live with the elder (usually their mother), are not caregivers, are unemployed and are alcohol/drug abusers or are mentally ill. Daughters who abuse usually are caregivers and are most frequently neglectful of their elderly parents' needs. Reporting suspected abuse The caller's confidentiality is protected by law. Callers can be anyone - retail cashiers, neighbors, other family members or friends. Prairie du Chien residents can contact the police department at 326-2421. Crawford County residents can call human services at 326-0248 or the sheriff's department at 326-0241. If possible, callers should be prepared to report what happened, when and where it happened, and who the suspected abuser might be. The law requires that, if no emergency exists, an investigation of physical abuse, neglect, or self-neglect of an older person be commenced by the lead elder abuse agency within 24 hours, excluding weekends and holidays. Investigations of material abuse must be commenced within five days. Available services The principal purpose of the investigation is to determine whether abuse or neglect occurred and then offer to the elder person those services he or she might choose to prevent or relieve abuse. Every effort will be made by the social worker assigned to the case to offer services which will maintain the older person in his or her home. Among the services which may be offered are medical services, day or respite care, home-related services (meal deliveries, home repairs, friendly visitors, etc.), transportation, dietary assistance, counseling, support groups, referral to sources of financial assistance or legal assistance and mental health services.

Bark's resignation accepted, Banasik may be offered position
The Prairie du Chien School Board unanimously agreed to accept the resignation of Duane Bark as high school principal Monday night. Bark was also hired by the Riverdale School Board at its meeting Monday night to become superintendent of the Riverdale School District. Bark has been principal at Prairie du Chien High School for the past nine years and his resignation will be effective July 1. Bark's duties as Riverdale district administrator will begin in July. The Prairie du Chien School Board unanimously voted to give District Administrator Jim O'Meara permission to offer the high school principal position to Andy Banasik, who has been the assistant principal at Prairie du Chien High School since January of 1999. Banasik, who is also the athletic director and head boys basketball coach, has been employed at Prairie du Chien High School since 1993. Earlier this school year, Bark had announced his resignation as head coach of the high school football team. Under Bark's guidance, the Blackhawks compiled a 30-16 record. The last two seasons, Prairie du Chien was 15-3, with two of those losses coming at the hands of two-time Division 4 state champion Lancaster. During Monday night's meeting, the board unanimously approved the hiring of Guy Kopp to replace Bark as head high school football coach. Kopp, a high school industrial arts teacher, has been an assistant high school football coach for the last four years at Prairie du Chien.

Taste of PdC this Monday
The Prairie du Chien Area Chamber of Commerce invites everyone to attend the 2002 Taste of Prairie du Chien on Monday, Jan. 21 from 5-8 p.m. at The Barn Restaurant. Sixteen area businesses will be on hand to present a wide variety of food and beverage selections ranging from spicy drummies, seafood lasagna, and slow-roasted beef tenderloins to delicious desserts, beverages, and much more. The Prairie du Chien High School Swing Choir will provide entertainment for the evening. Bluff View students will have artwork on display. Admission at the door is $1. Food and beverage samples will be 50 cents each, allowing attendees to sample many different items. Admission tickets qualify attendees for door prizes that will be given out during the evening. For additional information about the Taste of Prairie du Chien, call the Prairie du Chien Area Chamber of Commerce (608)326-8555.

Jones serves Prairie du Chien accounting needs since 1957
Editor's Note: This is the first a series of article about longtime downtown businesses.
With the prospect of tax season upon us, it was decided that a good place to kick off our series about longtime downtown businesses would be with W.J. Jones Accounting Services, Inc., 209 W. Blackhawk Ave., Prairie du Chien. The founder of W.J. Jones Accounting, Jim Jones, has been helping Prairie du Chien area people and businesses with a variety of services for the past 45 years. "I like it, of course, and I'll be in business until I can't do it anymore," said Jim while sitting at the same solid and reliable desk he has used since 1957. And, in turn, Jones Accounting has garnered a solid and reliable reputation through the years. "We do tax service, bookkeeping and accounting for individuals, farms, partnerships and corporations," said Jim. "We do everything except auditing," Jim and his family moved to Prairie du Chien on Labor Day weekend in 1957 and he has been a stalwart businessman in the community ever since. Jones said he began with the certified public accounting firm of Rueschlein and Stortroen of Madison, working out of the branch office at 215 W. Blackhawk Ave. in Prairie du Chien, the building where the Main Entrance is now. In 1962, the business moved into the building that now houses the Crawford County Veteran's Service Office behind the Satter Building on South Prairie Street. Jones said he shared office space at 215 W. Blackhawk and at the South Prairie Street location with Rodney J. Satter, attorney at law, from 1957 until 1972. Jones said he began business on his own as W.J. Jones Accounting in January of 1965. The business incorporated in 1984 and became known as W.J. Jones Accounting Services, Inc. In May of 1987, Jones purchased the building that had been the former home of The Knotty Pine Bar at 209 W. Blackhawk Ave., and W.J. Jones Accounting Services, Inc. has been serving clientele from that location ever since. "I'm still here, they haven't ridden me out of town yet," said Jim with a sly smile as he recounted his years of experience. "In the early years, it was strictly suit and tie," he said. "And everything was done by hand." Now, of course, computers make things much more efficient, and, while the atmosphere is a bit more relaxed, the strict professionalism remains as the business serves its clients needs and keeps abreast of the ever-changing tax laws. Upon entering the business, one is greeted by a warm smile and a polite hello from receptionist Dawn Arnold. The wildlife and western artwork on the walls adds a touch of personality that helps put clients at ease. A moment later, Jim says hello and his son Bobby bounds around the corner with a friendly grin. Bobby, 48, began with the business in 1986 and has been serving his own clients since 1990.

January 14, 2002

Prairie du Chien City Hall project on schedule
The $1.2 million Prairie du Chien City Hall project is on schedule and on budget, according to City Administrator Gary Koch.
Koch said there have not been any major changes or surprises thus far in the renovations of the former Kozelka's Western and Work Wear building, located at 228 W. Blackhawk Avenue.
The project should be completed in April.
Work on the building includes a new roof, and Koch said when they removed the original 1974 roof they found it was in much worse condition than they expected.
The project also included replacing the building's original heating and cooling system with a more energy efficient model.
The front of the building has been removed, and will be replaced with a historically themed look, which includes several windows and moving the entrance to the west (see inset drawing). It will be constructed out of brick, which will be a dark red color, similar to that on the Sutton building downtown.
Koch explained that the cost between filling the large, inefficient retail windows and creating a entire new front was not significant, and it was felt that the structure should have an office-type of look which fit in with the other structures downtown.
There are no other windows in the structure other than the four which will be put in on the front.
Several skylights will be added to the main hallway to utilize natural lighting.
The space added to the west side of the building houses the elevator, and escape stairways from the second floor community room (a total of three stairway exits from the second floor will be placed as required by State Code based on the capacity of 200.)
The west entrance will have the same brick facade as the front of the building, and the rest of the structure will be painted.
There will be public restrooms on the first and second floors, also based on State Code for the capacity of the building.
The new council chambers, located below the mezzanine, will easily hold up to 75 in addition to the council members. The current chambers comfortably seats about 12.
Koch said he feels one of the most exciting aspects of this project is the community room.
The community room will feature a service kitchen which will allow meals to be catered in.
"The community room will definitely bring people downtown said Koch, noting they have already been receiving inquiries from community groups interested in using it.
The back of the building will have a drive-up drop off slot in the alleyway. They are discussing the possibility of having a drive-up mailbox there also.
LDL Construction of Boscobel is doing the renovations of to the building.
LDL had the low bid of $905,600 for all of the renovations.
Subcontractors for the project include Rickleff Plumbing, Prairie du Chien; McGregor Roofing, Furniture Showcase, Prairie du Chien (flooring); Jim's Electric, Prairie du Chien; and Thermal Dynamics of La Crosse for the heating and cooling system.
"Once this is completed it will be a source of community pride," Koch said.

Highway 18 corridor study continues, public meeting set for Wednesday evening
The La Crosse office of the Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) and its consultant team, led by Dan Dupies of CH2M HILL, are studying long-range alternatives for improving travel and safety on Highway 18/Marquette Road.
The present engineering and environmental study phase is a follow-up to planning work that began in 1999 and concluded in 2000 with a report titled "The Prairie du Chien Area Transportation Study."
WisDOT and local officials from the cities of Prairie du Chien and McGregor, the towns of Prairie du Chien and Bridgeport, and Crawford County conducted the initial planning effort. They identified problems, needs, and preliminary alternatives for addressing future traffic demand and safety concerns in the Highway 18/Marquette Road corridor.
The study area begins at the Highway 18/Wisconsin Highway 60 intersection in Bridgeport and extends northwesterly about eight miles to the County K/WIS 35 intersection north of Prairie du Chien.
Sections of Highway 18 currently carry up to 18,000 vehicles per day and it is anticipated volumes will grow to over 32,000 vehicles per day by the year 2030. Ten to 12 percent of this traffic is trucks. The high traffic volumes combined with the percentage of trucks add to congestion and safety problems during peak periods in the heart of Prairie du Chien.
The objective of the Highway 18 Corridor Study is to produce an engineering concept plan to improve traffic flow and safety in the Highway 18 corridor.
The present study builds on the earlier work through a more detailed environmental impact evaluation process required by the National and Wisconsin Environmental Policy Acts for transportation improvement projects.
Two additional public information meetings will be held during the study. The additional meetings and periodic status reports will be announced in the Courier Press.

A Public Informational meeting on the US Highway 18/Marquette Road study will be held Wednesday, Jan. 16 at Bluff View Intermediate School Cafetorium, 1901 East Wells Street, from 5-8 p.m. There will be a brief presentation at 6:30 p.m.
There will also be a "Local Information Center" on Thursday, Jan. 17, between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. at the Rural Bridgeport and Prairie du Chien Fire Department on Vineyard Coulee Road. The public is welcome.
There is a project toll-free number for reaching the CH2M HILL study team members. Persons may call anytime between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. The number is 1-877-860-2426.

Prairie du Chien principal to become Riverdale administrator
Following tonight's school board meeting, in all likelihood, it will be official that Prairie du Chien High School Principal Duane Bark will be leaving Prairie du Chien to become District Administrator of the Riverdale School District in Muscoda.
Riverdale has announced that Bark will be hired to replace outgoing administrator Tom Yager, pending approval by its school board Monday night.
Likewise, it is expected that the Prairie du Chien School Board will accept Bark's resignation during its Jan. 14 meeting.
"I'm excited about the move, it's a new opportunity in my career," said Bark. "I've had nine good years at Prairie du Chien and hopefully I've left the school in a better position than when I came. I've enjoyed working with the staff and the kids at Prairie du Chien High School and there have been many positive changes at the school due in large part to the staff and the students."