Gays Mills Flood Pictures  g  Soldiers Grove Flood Pictures  g   Steuben flood pictures on this link

Home
Archives
Classifieds
Contact us
Obituaries
Hoffman Hall
Local Sports
Feature Photo
Subscribe
Guttenberg Press
North Iowa Times

Search Courier Press for:

Click here for NOAA Mississippi River Stage information

Link to LEGALS

CONTACT US for picture reproduction of photos in our paper...reasonable prices!

October 5, 2005

Proposed rule may affect statewide agriculture operations

A proposed rule will soon be brought before legislation that could affect the way some Crawford County farms are run. In fact, ATCP 51, commonly referred to as the Livestock Facility Siting Rule, will affect many farms throughout the state of Wisconsin.

This proposal is geared mainly toward large agricultural operations known as CAFOs (confined animal feeding operations).

In December of 2003, the Advisory Committee of Siting Livestock Facilities produced a report and recommendations in hopes of creating a productive course to facilitate the siting and expansion of livestock farms in Wisconsin. This bill, known as Act 235 passed early in 2004 and, among many other items, "allowed counties and municipalities (i.e. towns, cities and villages) to retain authority to make the decision to approve or deny a farmer's application for a dairy or livestock operation to expand or be sited in Wisconsin."

Richard Castelnuovo, section chief of resource planning for the Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP), explains that before Act 235 there were many battles fought because of the discretion that local governments had in livestock siting affairs. "We needed to change the way local governments operated," said Castelnuovo. "Act 235 forced the local governments to use state standards and state timetables." He went on, "The counties only have to follow the standards if they choose to regulate, though."

The fact that some counties in Wisconsin choose to regulate their livestock siting while others do not, has caused many problems throughout the state.

According to an environmental and industrial waste reduction expert at the University of Wisconsin there were many conflicts with CAFOs moving into communities who did not like to see them there before Act 235 was passed. Since the act has passed, many farmers have been kept from expanding because of their local government's decision not to allow it. The UW-Madison expert also explained trends that have been noticed of large operations "shopping around" to find a county that would grant them a permit and large operations moving into counties with less harsh regulations. Castelnuovo spoke of similar problems. "Some permits were not issued that should have been," he said. He also said that they [DATCP] have received complaints from farmers who have paid thousands of dollars and made other considerable investments for their operations and were not allowed to expand because of non-legitamate reasons.

These are some of the problems that ATCP 51 will try to rid the state of.

In March of 2005 DATCP held 12 public hearings in six different locations throughout Wisconsin on the proposed livestock siting rule. The purpose of this rule is to unify siting laws throughout the state. "If passed, all local governments must follow state standards," said Castelnuovo. "This will certainly change the way that local governments will operate... it will replace the vast amount of discretion."

"I think that people will be more inclined to think about expansion because they know they will be treated fairly," said Castelnuovo. He explained also that ATCP 51 will focus on legitimate standards of siting, such as air and water quality and odor, and not just what a neighbor may deem important.

While this rule will undoubtedly leave some people unhappy if it passes, Castelnuovo urges people to remember that this is a "state-wide problem," that is trying to be fixed on a large scale.

After holding the hearings earlier this year, DATCP learned just how many people found the topic of great importance. An estimated 800 people attended one or more of the hearings and DATCP also received over 500 written comments on the proposed livestock siting rule. After summarizing the results of the comments and making many changes to the rule, DATCP brought the proposal before the Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection Board on Sept. 14, where it was passed unanimously.

According to Castelnuovo, DATCP will most likely hold a public hearing on the proposed rule sometime late this fall after making a few slight changes. When the final draft is ready, it will be ready to bring before the legislature, who will then have the opportunity to make any necessary changes. "The rule will probably be finished sometime in early 2006," said Castelnuovo.

If the livestock siting rule is passed, local governments will issue the permits to farmers who are complying with the standards the state has set. Acccording to Castelnuovo,the "State does nothing but set up a new rule. There is still a degree of local control ‹ the debate is on "is this enough?'."

PdC teen well on way to becoming an Eagle Scout

A 16-year-old Prairie du Chien boy is on the verge of earning the highest honor in scouting, that of Eagle Scout.

Daniel Brom, the son of Tim and Ann Brom, is in the midst of building three sheltered picnic tables that will be installed at La Riviere Park. Daniel, a member of Boy Scout Troop 320 of the Seven Rivers District of the Gateway Area Council, said that his project should be completed by the end of October.

Daniel said that the three sheltered picnic tables will be similar to those at the Wisconsin Badger Camp and that Scout Master Mike Mara had quite a bit of input into the design of the tables. One sheltered picnic table will be installed in each of the three campsites at La Riviere Park. The sheltered tables include a concrete base into which a picnic table with a "roof" are installed.

As with most prospective Eagle Scouts, Daniel has had plenty of help along the way in completing his project, including input, support and labor from members of his family, friends, Scout Master Mike Mara, former conservation warden Dennis Kirschbaum and others.

Daniel said he had the concept for constructing the sheltered tables this spring. On April 22, the George Family Foundation donated $1,500 towards Daniel's project. On July 7, the project was approved by the Gateway Area Council and on Aug. 2, ground was broken at La Riviere. Since Aug. 2, the concrete has been poured and the beams istalled.

Daniel said that after the project is completed, he will write a report about it and send the report to the Gateway Area Council of La Crosse in order to become an Eagle Scout.

"The George Family Foundation has been good to work with and Mike Mara has been a great Scout Master," said Daniel, who noted that he is grateful for all who are helping with his project.

Daniel, who is home-schooled, has been in scouting for five years. In addition to his own Eagle Scout project, he said that helping out on the Eagle Scout projects of others has been a highlight of his scouting career.

While very few attain the rank of Eagle Scout, Daniel pointed out that Troop 320 produced two Eagle Scouts last year, John Cram and Steven Mink of Prairie du Chien.

As for the future, Daniel says, "My dream is to go to the Air Force Academy." He noted that the Air Force Academy has similar core values as that of the Boy Scouts of America.

City Council holds public hearing, discusses trick-or-treat date and time

A public hearing was held last night during the city council's 7 p.m. meeting to discuss a request by Gundersen Clinic to rezone lots neighboring their business. Specifically, the request is to rezone Lots 5, 6, 7, 8, 15 and 16 of Block 4 of Long's Addition from R-1 "Low Density Residential" to B-2 "Highway Commercial." A representative from the Gundersen Clinic said that if their request was granted, they have future plans to use the lots for employee and patient parking. He also said that this request is being pursued because of recently received patient satisfaction reports signifying that many patients felt that there were an were an inadequate number of parking spaces. He also sited the many safety concerns of having many cars parked on neighboring streets as a major reason for the request.

Craig Moser, manager of Prairie du Chien Downtown Revitalization, Inc., also introduced himself in front of the council last night. "I'd like to extend a thank-you to the council and to the people of Prairie du Chien for their support of the downtown revitalization efforts," said Moser. He also announced that they will soon be holding meetings to develop a streetscape plan for downtown.

The council also voted to keep the trick-or-treat date for Prairie du Chien children on Halloween evening (Monday the 31), from 5 to 8 p.m.

Other items on last night's agenda were a report from School Resource Officer, Chad Abram and the Public Works Committee's report on East Crawford Street parking by the high school.

 

October 3, 2005

Blackhawk statue to be revealed Saturday: many events being held to raise awareness

On Saturday, October 8 at 3 p.m. the larger than life bronze sculpture of Blackhawk will be unveiled at the sculpture park site on St. Feriole Island in Prairie du Chien.

After being unveiled, the sculpture will be blessed by a representative of our American Indian Nations. After that, patrons Patrick and Janet Leamy will present the sculpture to Cheryl Mader, Mayor of Prairie du Chien. The artist of the statue, Florence Bird, and others involved with developing the sculpture park will give brief speeches.

Following the presentation there will be time to personally view the sculpture of Blackhawk and enjoy a pot luck picnic. Guests are asked to bring dishes of food to share and a blanket or lawn chair to sit on. Tableware and beverages will be furnished.

That evening, all are invited to the nearby sculpture park firecircle for poetry, drumming, songs and stories about Black Hawk.

"Where is Blackhawk?"

Everyone is encouraged to participate in the "Where is Blackhawk?"game that is continuing through this Friday. Each day a miniature bronze sculpture of the Indian warrior will appear at a different area business.

The first person to spot Blackhawk and call WPRE Radio will receive a prize from the business of the day.

Poetry and Essay Contest

Another event being held to raise awareness of Chief Blackhawk is a poetry and essay contest. Contestants should write a piece about Blackhawk's impact on our area and culture and submit it to WPRE Radio or AmercInn before Friday. The winning entry will be read at the unveiling ceremony on Saturday.

"Blackhawk: The End of the Trail"

In northern Crawford County and southern Vernon County there are Blackhawk markers telling about the trials of the Indians and the federal troops. Watch in today and Wednesday's issues of the Courier Pres for information about the seven markers.

People are encouraged to take the "Blackhawk: The End of the Trail" tour and verify it with a picture of each marker. Send or take the pictures to AmericInn to have your name put in a drawing for two free tickets to the Villa Louis and Fort Crawford Museum.

To learn more about the Blackhawk statue and the Mississippi River Sculpture Park, log on to www.mississippiriversculpturepark.com.

Prairie du Chien to be part of Midwest World Fest

ShegoBand to begin ambitious international cultural exchange program for community

Beginning Oct. 9, the Prairie du Chien community will get the opportunity to engage in a unique cultural and musical exchange.

ShegoBand, a very talented ensemble from Somalia, will be in Prairie du Chien for a one-week residency, during which they will conduct workshops in eight area schools, perform at the 3M Company and jam with local musicians. The week of Oct. 9-15 will culminate with a performance on Oct. 15 at 7:30 p.m. in the Prairie du Chien High School Auditorium.

"This is the most ambitious project that we've ever attempted to present here," said Terri Connell, the outreach coordinator for the Prairie du Chien Committee for the Performing Arts. "To have a full week of activities is an outstanding opportunity for our community and schools."

Connell explained that other bands have given workshops in Prairie du Chien but never for a full week. The residency by ShegoBand will kick off a cultural exchange program over the next two years during which four high-caliber international performance groups will perform, conduct workshops and share their cultures.

In addition to ShegoBand this October, there will be a group from Japan in March, a group from Mexico in September of 2006 and a group from Israel in April of 2007.

Prairie du Chien is the only community in Wisconsin to take part in the nine-state 2005-2007 Midwest World Fest cultural exchange program. The program was arranged by the regional arts agency, Arts Midwest.

Connell said that it is the first cultural exchange program of its kind in Prairie du Chien and in the 22-year history of the Committee for the Performing Arts.

"We're very grateful that Arts Midwest would go to the trouble to create this program and get the funding that would make this possible, especially for a small, rural community," said Connell, who noted that the 3M Company is a major sponsor. "We've had great support throughout the Committee for the Performing Arts history but this is really a special program that allows us to foster an understanding of other cultures that we normally wouldn't be able to afford."

"We do think that it's a very exciting program and we're very pleased to be partnering with Prairie du Chien," said Ken Carlson of Viroqua, Midwest World Fest Program director for Arts Midwest. Carlson noted that Prairie du Chien was chosen because it is a small community that has a successful and very active Committee for the Performing Arts, which has shown the ability to take on such a project. Also, the 3M Company has plants located in Prairie du Chien.

Carlson said that a smaller, more rural community doesn't typically have the kind of cultural experience that this program will bring.

"We are doubly delighted to bring these world class artists to the community and the students," said Carlson. "We hope that the community will welcome them and have an adventure. They're wonderful. I think everyone's going to be surprised by how much we have in common."

Carlson said that ShegoBand will give Prairie du Chien residents the chance to experience something they haven't had before. "I think it's pretty remarkable. We all have a chance to grow through this," he said, in noting that ShegoBand will touch a "wide variety of folks" from small schoolchildren, teens and adults of all ages, including local artists. "We can make connections through a variety of ways."

ShegoBand will be giving workshops, along with performances, cultural background information and question and answer sessions at several locations throughout the week.

On Sunday, Oct. 9, at 7 p.m., there will be a welcome gathering for ShegoBand in the Windsor Place Inn lobby.

On Monday, Oct. 10, ShegoBand will be at B.A. Kennedy School and Bluff View Intermediate.

On Tuesday, Oct. 11, ShegoBand will be at St. Gabriels' School cafeteria. Home school families are welcome to attend.

On Wednesday, Oct. 12, they will be at River Ridge High School and River Ridge Middle School.

On Thursday, Oct. 13, the band will play for the workers coming and going at the 2 p.m. shift change at 3M of Prairie du Chien.

Also on Thursday, ShegoBand will be at The Main Entrance (215 W. Blackhawk Ave.) at 7 p.m. for an informal gathering with local musicians.

On Friday, Oct. 14, the band will be in the Prairie du Chien High School Auditorium for two school performances with cultural information plus question and answer time.

On Saturday, Oct. 15, ShegoBand's residency will conclude with a performance for the public at 7:30 p.m. in the Prairie du Chien High School Auditorium.

ShegoBand, an energetic and versatile ensemble led by Shego Said, is rooted in the traditional sounds and rhythms of Somali culture, but equally comfortable with a more contemporary Somali sound the ensemble has worked to create in the last 10 years. ShegoBand has toured widely in Canada as well as in England and Scandinavia.

Joining ShegoBand will be two outstanding traditional artists. Hibo Nuur's legendary voice drew thousands to concerts from Mogadishu to Toronto until civil tumult in Somalia forced her to the United States, where she lives with little of the recognition she formerly enjoyed. Currently living in Canada, Kooshin is renowned for his skill with the oud, a primary instrument in Somali traditional music. His skill combining with Hibo Nuur and ShegoBand will result in an outstanding taste of Somali culture.

"We're looking forward to coming to Prairie du Chien. It should be a great experience for all of us," said Ken Carlson.

Coming in March of 2006, as part of the Midwest World Fest will be The Bamboo Orchestra of Japan. In September of 2006 will be Chuchumbe' from southern Veracruz, Mexico. In April of 2007, Esta, a multi-ethnic Israeli ensemble, will entertain and teach in the Prairie du Chien area.

The Midwest World Fest is a global arts, education and outreach program designed to provide inspiring arts enrichment while it instills appreciation for diversity and encourages acceptance of others and their cultures.

Midwest World Fest is made possible with support from the 3M Foundation, the William Randolph Hearst Foundation and the National Endowment for the Arts. Major sponsorship has been provided by Amstore Corp., Hanon McKendry, Verizon, the Consulate General of Israel to the Midwest in concert with the Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Israel, and the "Muskegon Chronicle".