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Awards flowing in for Mississippi River film

Local cinematographer honored for documentary, much of which was shot in PdC area

Upon its television debut last November in the United Kingdom, the film "Mississippi: Tales of the Last River Rat" garnered rave reviews. In recent months, the 50-minute natural history documentary has really come to full fruition, having won four major awards.

"It's just been on a roll," said Prairie du Chien cinematographer Niel Rettig, who shot much of the film in the Prairie du Chien area. This November, "Mississippi: Tales of the Last River Rat" has earned the prestigious Grierson Award for the best documentary on science or the natural world, along with a Royal Television Society award for best cinematography in a documentary.

On Sept. 22, the film won for best cinematography at the 2005 Jackson Hole Wildlife International Film Festival. In winning the best cinematography category, Rettig's film beat out highly-acclaimed films such as Disney's "The March of the Penguins" and an underwater film by James Cameron, who is most famous for directing the blockbuster "Titanic". There were 550 films entered in the Jackson Hole Film Festival.

In August, the film won an award at the International Wildlife Film Festival in Missoula, Montana.

"A captivating portrait of the wildlife and landscape of North America's great icon - The Mississippi River - seen through the eyes of Kenny Salwey, a beguiling old-time hunter and trapper who has lived all his life in a log cabin in the swamps. Breathtaking photography, lyrical story telling and a musical score of traditional country-blues takes us on a journey that explores the mystery and beauty of this magnificent river," said judges at the Grierson Awards.

"Stunningly beautiful and poetic photography...Sensuous and languid, the remarkable footage captured all the moods of the river at all times of day and year. Often complex filming techniques never got in the way of the subject or mood of the piece. This was a near-perfect piece of natural history filming," said judges at the Royal Television Society.

"This is the first time that a natural history film has won in this category," said Rettig, who noted that the Royal Television Society award involved all types of documentaries, not just natural history.

Now that his film is garnering international acclaim, Rettig said that he and the film's director and producer, Andrew Graham-Brown of Bristol, England, have become even more motivated to create a full-length feature film on the Mississippi River and Kenny Salwey. In fact, Rettig and Graham-Brown began talking about a feature film at the highly-successful American premiere of "Mississippi: Tales of the Last River Rat" on March 6 in Alma, Wisconsin, Kenny Salwey's hometown.

"I think that a feature film would be a two-year project," said Rettig, who has contacted friend Terry Malik for advice and insight into making a feature. Malik is the director of "The Thin Red Line," "Days of Heaven" and other features.

A feature film on the Mississippi River would not only be longer, it would be shot with 35 millimeter film, which would be twice as expensive but also twice the quality, said Rettig.

"We need to strike while the iron's hot," said Rettig, who noted that a feature would also be marketed for a theater audience, rather than for television.

After viewing the exquisitely photographed "Mississippi: Tales of the Last River Rat," many industry professionals in the United Kingdom have been telling Rettig and Graham-Brown that they should make a feature film of the subject.

When the current film was completed, Rettig had said that it was the best work that he's ever done.

"I knew a couple of months into the film that we had something special," said Rettig, who has given much credit to those working behind the scenes, including his brother Jon Rettig and well-known local river personality Don Valley.

Valley is a former commercial fisherman who has been in and around the Mississippi River for the vast majority of his life. Also an avid wildlife photographer, Valley directed Niel to many prime filming locations.

Jon Rettig was invaluable in helping to set up cables, a hydraulic lift and other equipment needed for some the intricate camera work that went into the making of the film. Among many other duties, Jon also did some camera work and helped coordinate various boats and canoes, which were used in the filming of Kenny Salwey as he paddled past.

One nice scene of a beaver dam was accomplished by floating the camera on a large piece of styrofoam. The technique allowed for a finished product that shows a very smooth panning of the beaver dam from water level. Many other stunning sequences, such as frenzied, spawning sturgeon were captured by Rettig through the use of underwater gear, snorkel and a camera with an underwater housing.

Quite naturally, Rettig is very pleased with all the attention that "Mississippi: Tales of the Last River Rat" is getting. He is also quite excited about his current project, however, a film about birds of prey for National Geographic and the Public Broadcasting System. He said that much of the film is being shot in the Prairie du Chien area.

One cutting edge technique developed by a friend involves putting a three-ounce camera on the back of a hawk or an eagle. The effect is an absolutely astonishing point-of-view that shows the bird's head and front part of the wings as well as the onrushing scenery as the bird glides over or dives downward.

Rettig said that he was also honored to have been chosen to write one of the forwards to the new book by Kenny Salwey, "Tales of a River Rat - Adventures Along the Wild Mississippi." Andrew Graham-Brown also wrote a forward. Salwey will be at the Paper Moon from 1 to 3 p.m. on Dec. 3 for a book signing.

PdC Memorial Hospital partners with Gundersen Lutheran to save lives

"When it's a heart attack, every minute counts because time is muscle," explains Betsy Thorson, RN, ER Clinic Coordinator at Prairie du Chien Memorial Hospital. "If you or someone you know is experiencing symptoms of a heart attack, it's crucial for the patient to receive the necessary treatment as quickly as possible. Today, thanks to a new partnership between Prairie du Chien Memorial Hospital and Gundersen Lutheran Heart Institute, heart patients can get help faster than ever. The partnership is called the Priority One Heart Attack Program.

"Priority One Heart Attack is the term used to identify the type of patient who may need to go directly to a heart catheterization lab for treatment," states Ellen Zwirlein, RNC, Director of Nursing at Memorial Hospital. "The emergency staff at the hospital is implementing the protocol required for rapid treatment required by Gundersen Lutheran Heart Institute's Priority One Heart Attack Program, developed by Gundersen Lutheran Medical Center. The program allows the patient to be moved as quickly as possible to open a blocked artery."

The Priority One Heart Attack Program is a result of high level cooperation between community hospitals such as Prairie du Chien Memorial Hospital, and Gundersen Lutheran Medical Center and Gundersen Lutheran Heart Institute. The goal of the program is to transport a patient safely to Gundersen Lutheran Heart Institute for angioplasty/stenting treatment, whether or not thrombolytics (clot busters) are used, within an ideal time of 90 minutes or less.

"A standard protocol for treatment is utilized by Prairie du Chien Memorial Hospital," states Betsy Thorson. "The program gives heart attack patients the advantage of time. The process begins when someone who is suffering a heart attack caused by a blockage (clot) in a coronary artery arrives at the hospital. Coordination immediately begins on a number of different fronts involving training personnel who understand time is of the essence in order to minimize heart muscle damage. While local emergency personnel streamline patient treatment, the hospital's Emergency Room physician assesses the patient's condition and declares a Priority One Heart Attack determined by specific criteria shown in the patient's electrocardiogram (EKG)."

The Priority One Program has been beneficial to a number of small communities already. The program includes on-site education for physicians and staff at each community hospital emergency department with regular updates, regular quality assurance reports specific on the referring hospital, and regular quality assurance reports for the entire program.

While the Priority One Program works without a hitch in theory, once real life sets in, it might not always be an option. Many aspects of the program have to align for it to work properly within the 90-minute time frame. Inclement weather such as fog, rain, and snow can keep the helicopter from being able to make it to Prairie du Chien Memorial Hospital in such a short period of time. There is currently one MedLink helicopter, so in order for a Priority One case to make it to Gundersen Lutheran from Prairie du Chien in 90 minutes, the helicopter would have to be available and not out on another call.

On October 25, Prairie du Chien Memorial Hospital ran a trial drill with a mock patient in order to make sure the process would be done in the required timeline. Prairie du Chien Memorial Hospital employee Kila Nuehring, RN, played the role of the patient. She entered the Emergency Room stating that she was experiencing chest pain. An EKG was completed within five minutes, and within 10 minutes, the Emergency Room physician had identified a ST elevation MI and had made the critical call to Gundersen Lutheran Medical Center to initiate the Priority One protocol, and the MedLink helicopter was dispatched.

While waiting for the helicopter to arrive in Prairie du Chien, the mock patient was "stabilized," attached to heart monitors, IVs were started, medications administered, and x-rays taken. When the helicopter arrived, Gundersen Lutheran MedLink personnel quickly prepared the patient for the flight to LaCrosse. When mock patient Kila Nuehring arrived at Gundersen Lutheran Medical Center, she was taken immediately to the Heart Institute's heart catheterization lab where a cardiology team was available to provide immediate care.

Following the practice session, Gundersen Lutheran Heart Institute and Prairie du Chien Memorial Hospital staff discussed the trial. Gundersen Lutheran was pleased with the results of the time obtained by the trial.

"The Priority One Heart Attack Program is a great program for our rural community," states Harold W. Brown, CEO at Prairie du Chien Memorial Hospital. "This new partnership will benefit the people of Southwest Wisconsin and Northeast Iowa. It will save lives."

Drawing the line

Area tattooist at forefront of creating more stringent regulations for body art

While most industries loathe ever-increasing and more stringent regulations, an area businessman takes the opposite approach for his industry. In fact, Mike "Easy" Manning has been at the forefront for many years in striving for increased regulations for body art.

"We welcome regulation and licensing. It's for the safety of the public," said Manning, the owner and operator of Choice Tattoos of Wauzeka. "And, it's going to get tougher yet. It's got to."

Manning, who is a member of the Body Art Committee for the Wisconsin Department of Health and Family Services (WDHFS) and is also on the Advisory Council regarding body art for the WDHFS, said that he is looking forward to a new bill that will likely be passed in the near future that will make body art regulations in Wisconsin more stringent. The Body Art Committee has been meeting once a month for the past two years working on the new exams and requirements.

In fact, Manning has drafted 125 of the approximately 500 questions for the proposed State Tattoo and Body Piercing exams. Once the exams become law, all tattooists and piercers will have to score at least 92 percent on these exams in order to pass and obtain the proper licenses. As it stands now, prospective tattooists and piercers need only pay the $50 license fees.

In addition to the exams, enforcement penalties for tattooists and body piercers will be increasing. The penalty for practicing without a license and for practicing in an unlicensed facility will increase from a $500 fine and 30 days in jail to a $1,000 fine and 60 days in jail. Also, all equipment will be confiscated. After two infractions, the practitioner will never again be able to be licensed in the state of Wisconsin.

"We don't want to stop people from tattooing. We just want them to do it correctly," said Manning. "It's easy to cheat in this business and that's bad for the industry, the customer and the public."

Manning has worked with local and state health departments and state legislators for many years, and, in 1995 helped bring licensing and regulation of body art to Wisconsin. Then, in 1996, Governor Tommy Thompson signed the "Tattoo Bill" (HFS 173) into law.

"That was a happy day for professional tattooists statewide," said Manning, who noted that a tattooist needs a tattooing practitioner license along with a pre-inspected facility license. A body piercer also needs a body pierce practitioner license.

Manning continues to work towards increased awareness and education and he said that he would like to see the laws regarding body art published for the benefit of consumers. Health sanitarians come to Manning's studio in order to enhance their training. Along with sanitary requirements, Manning points out to the sanitarians the ways in which unscrupulous practitioners may try to cheat. Manning has also given presentations at Career Days at Southwest Technical College and at Wauzeka-Steuben schools. On numerous occasions, he has educated students about safety procedures concerning tattoos and body piercings.

In the state of Wisconsin, permanent tattoos are reserved for persons 18 years of age or older, no exceptions and no parental consent. The person must be at least 18 on the day they receive their first professional tattoo.

Body piercing is allowed at age 16 through 18 with parental consent. However, prospective clients must have legal identification and must have a parent present. Permission notes or phone calls are not allowed.

Manning is in his 34th year of tattooing and has helped his industry to change over the years. Tattooing was once considered controversial and underground but it has evolved so as to attract more "mainstream" customers. "Tattooing has really changed. Today, my most popular customer is between 35 and 50 and is a middle to upper class woman getting her first tattoo," said Manning. "It's a pleasure to be part of this history from the ground up and to see the positive changes the art and the industry have taken." Manning has given tattoos to many law enforcement personnel, legal professionals, businesspersons, nurses, professional football players, sports figures and other celebrities.

Along with many other pioneers working to set legal and professional standards, Manning is a member of the Alliance of Professional Tattooists, which works with legislators to help form the laws of every state.

The Alliance of Professional Tattooists, in fact, has higher standards than does the state of Wisconsin. A tattoo studio must have an autoclave for the sterilization of all reusable instruments, for example. Manning, however uses all new needles for each new tattoo. "We have a lot more stringent standards than the state of Wisconsin," Manning said.

The Alliance of Professional Tattooists, which has 3,000 members, continues to contribute to the health departments of all 50 states by supplying educational material regarding tattooing.

There are many factors that a prospective customer should consider carefully before choosing a body art establishment. When you walk through the door, what does your nose say, your eyes, your gut feeling? asks Manning. Are you comfortable in knowing that this place performs the critical procedures to ensure your safety and health in your decision to receive body art? Are your questions answered politely, professionally and knowledgeably? Are you treated as the most important person in the room? "As a prospective client, you are (the most important person in the room). Don't forget that," says Manning. If a prospective client is uncomfortable about anything at all, he or she should walk out of the establishment, Manning said.

Manning said that a prospective customer should satisfy themselves that the studio furnishings and tattooist are clean and orderly in appearance, much like a medical facility. A prospective client should also feel free to question the tattooist as to any of his sterile procedures and isolation techniques. The prospective customer should take the time to observe the tattooist at work and do not hesitate to inquire about their experience and qualifications in the tattoo field. The client should insist that they see the tattooist remove a new needle and tube setup from a sealed envelope immediately prior to getting the tattoo. They should be certain to see the tattooist pour a new ink supply into a new disposable container and they should make sure that the tattooist puts on a new pair of disposable gloves before setting up the tubes, needles and ink supplies.

Working out of his Choice Tattoos studio at 51018 Harvest Lane, Wauzeka, Manning has won numerous awards over the years at tattoo shows, including the Shades of Blue show in La Crosse. He was also commissioned to create the drawing for the Shades of Blue T-shirt.

"I am past the money part in tattooing and am in the art part," said Manning, who draws directly on the skin to create a one-of-a-kind original for every client.

Manning was always interested in art and received a degree in graphic arts from Memorial Area Vocational School in Louisiana in 1987. He and his wife Kay built their home and studio just outside of Wauzeka in 1989. He also has the first licensed mobile tattoo unit in the state of Wisconsin.

Manning has taken courses in mechanical drawing to enhance his tattooing and placement and has also studied anatomy to enhance his body piercing.

Anyone interested in more information about Manning's continuing work for stronger laws and requirements or in getting a tattoo in the correct and sterile manner can contact (608) 476-2333 or log on to the website at www.choicetattoos.4t.com.

Cutlines:

Mike Manning of Choice Tattoos of Wauzeka applies some vibrant colors to the "dragon" tattoo on the calf of Summer Wahl of Richland Center during a recent session. Manning always uses proper techniques such as wearing a new pair of disposable gloves for each client and "bagging" his instruments.

Mike "Easy" Manning works on a tattoo on the leg of Summer Wahl in a friendly, clean and comfortable atmosphere.

The wall behind the counter at Choice Tattoos is filled with Manning's numerous awards, education certificates, health certificates and other accomplishments.

PDRI to host a variety of holiday events this week

The Prairie du Chien Downtown Revitalization Inc. (PDRI) will be hosting numerous holiday events throughout the week of Nov. 28.

On Monday from 4 - 6 p.m. children are invited to Simply in downtown Prairie du Chien for Christmas cookie decorating. Each child is able to decorated one cookie, and additional cookies will be available for purchase.

On Tuesday, Nov. 29, Commerce Court Mall will host "Make ŒN' Take Craft" from 5 - 6 p.m. During this fun holiday event, children of all ages can create their own Christmas ornament to hang on the tree. This event is sponsored by the Family Resource Center and is appropriate for children aged 1 and up.

Fans of Thomas the Train will have a great time on Wednesday at Smarty Pants. From 5 to 8 p.m., all are invited to come to the downtown children's store where children will be able to paint their own model tank engine, and then keep it for their very own! There will also be a drawing at Smarty Pants to give away a Thomas Around the Tree train.

On Thursday evening, be on the lookout for Santa and Mrs. Claus. From 5 to 7 p.m. the famous couple will be escorted around town to different area businesses. Whoever spots them gets a treat!

Also on Thursday from 6 to 7 p.m., will be a special Christmas Storytime hour at Commerce Court Mall. Children can enjoy milk and cookies while listening to Cheryl Mader, Craig Moser and Norb Aschom read Christmas stories. Then, at 6:45 Santa Claus himself will read a story to the children.

On Friday at 5:30, the Holiday Parade will take place on Blackhawk Avenue. After the parade, head to True Value to listen to 4-H carolers.

People are also reminded that on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday all downtown stores will stay open until 8 p.m. for convenient holiday shopping.

Prairie du Chien citizens are also encouraged to take part in a Christmas Tree Decorating Contest that is taking place through Dec. 3. Visit any downtown district merchants to vote which tree is best. Ballots and ballot boxes will be provided at each store. The store that has the tree with the most votes receives $100, second place gets $50, and the third place winner receives $25. Check out the ad in this week's Courier Press to see the businesses sponsoring this event.