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October 8, 2008 |
At last night's meeting of the Prairie du Chien Common Council, council reconsidered a proposal to provide solar energy to the city, learned of a $268,000 Main Street Enhancement Grant, and heard a positive report from the Tourism Council, which had to overcome several adversities during the year.
A proposal by Novan Solar to conduct a feasibility study for providing solar energy to 12 city-owned buildings or facilities moved a bit closer to acceptance.
Mayor Karl Steiner, who made the initial contacts with the company, said Novan Solar would conduct a free feasibility study of providing solar power to Hoffman Hall, the sewage treatment plant, the museum, tourist information center, city hall, the water and fire departments, the police station, the outdoor pool, 538 street lights, six lift and pump stations and Blackhawk Apartments. The item had been discussed at the previous council meeting, but council denied action on a three-year letter of exclusivity requested by Novan Solar. The company has since reduced its request to one year, and council reconsidered the request.
At issue was not only the letter of exclusivity, but entering into an agreement with Summit Blue, a company which works with Novan Solar in obtaining grants and financing for solar projects. Mayor Steiner, who has urged fast action, said he fears that grant money will be less available after the first of the year. Council members, however, worried about how the city would pay the projected $27,000 for Summit Blue's services, particularly if the grant applications were not successful. Kathleen Hein requested that the proposal be reviewed by the finance committee, which is working on the budget for next year. Council member Joe Ruskey echoed her request, stating that the committee would have to plan for the possibility of owing $27,000 if the grants did not come through.
Mayor Steiner said he would ask that Novan Solar present the city with a contract and that Summit Blue guarantee they would not bill the city until after the first of the year. Council could then make a decision at the next meeting.
City Administrator Jim Gitz announced that the city has received a $268,000 Main Street Enhancement Grant from the Department of Transportation. The grant would require a 20 percent match by the city, but would allow the city to continue the streetscape from Blackhawk to Iowa Street. No action was required at the time.
Patti Wacker presented the Tourism Council annual report. She noted that they faced many obstacles this year, including the closing of the state Welcome Center, extensive street work in the city and June flooding which not only decreased attendance at Rendezvous but left many potential visitors with the impression that Prairie du Chien itself was flooded.
Nevertheless, Wacker said, their revenue from room tax charged by city motels dropped only slightly from last year. The Tourism Council gets 70 percent of that tax; the remainder goes to the city. They also received a $12,500 recovery grant from the state. The Tourism Council conducted an extensive advertising campaign in Wisconsin, Minnesota, Iowa and the Chicago area, and Wacker said the campaign seemed to have paid off in increased inquiries and requests for information. Council members Hackett and Boylen congratulated Wacker on the Tourism Council's accomplishments, and Council member Jaaren Riebe asked how much revenue would be generated from Bridgeport, which has recently agreed to collect a room tax. Bob Moses, executive director of the Prairie du Chien area Chamber of Commerce, said it was too soon to tell, as they would not see any revenue until January.
In other business, the council:
´Turned down a proposal by Mississippi Valley Archeology Center in La Crosse to conduct a required archeological survey of the Stratton Property. A late report by that same company caused a major delay in the city's streetscape project earlier this year. Council member Phil Dagnon said, referring to the previous study, "They were told at the time of the importance of this and still didn't get it done on time."
´Heard a report from Fire Chief Harry Remz on the receipt of a $10,000 grant from Prairie du Chien Memorial Hospital for purchasing new turnout gear. Remz said it would help the department tremendously.
´Approved acceptance of a $4,000 grant to help the police department pay for overtime and other needs.
´Approved the purchase of new handheld meter readers for $13,000. The current readers are over 10 years old and parts are no longer available.
´Accepted the resignation of Frank Weeks from the Airport Commission. In his letter of resignation, Weeks said that because he spent so much time in Florida, he felt someone local should take his place.
´Passed a resolution declaring October United Way Month.
´Approved a request from St. John's Church to construct a 40 foot curb opening in front of the building for easier wheelchair access.
´Approved a lot split for Cabela's property located at the northwest corner of Cliffwood Drive and Highway 35.
A guard at Prairie du Chien Correctional Institution, James L. Trentin, is no longer charged with sexual assault of inmates.
The state of Wisconsin filed an amended criminal complaint Monday, which only listed three counts of delivering illegal articles to inmates.
Twenty-two counts of sexual assault of an inmate, which had been part of the original criminal complaint, were not part of the amended criminal complaint. Three counts of delivering illegal articles are also no longer part of the case.
A member of the Crawford County Clerk of Courts Office said that technically, the sexual assault counts were not dismissed, but that they are no longer part of the case.
Crawford County Clerk of Court personnel said that Trentin entered a relatively complicated plea known as an "Alford Plea" during Monday's plea and sentencing hearing. Trentin was then found guilty of the three counts of delivering illegal articles to inmates. Trentin was fined $500 for each of the three counts plus court costs.
The case is now closed.
Approximately 25 people enjoyed a cruise aboard the Mississippi Explorer Friday morning as part of a dedication for Northeast Iowa's newly designated Important Bird Area (IBA).
The new IBA encompasses approximately 135,000 acres, including the Effigy Mounds National Monument, the Yellow River State Forest, Pike's Peak State Park, the Sny Magill/North Cedar Unit of the Iowa DNR, the Bloody Run Wildlife Management Area, and portions of the Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge.
"This is the most important IBA on the river," said dedication organizer Jon "Hawkman" Stravers of the Audubon Mississippi River Initiative. Stravers said that the IBA designation would not have come about without partnerships between several agencies, organizations and individuals. Stravers noted that the new IBA offers wonderful habitat for migratory and non-migratory birds and will be the priority IBA on this stretch of the Mississippi.
"Native birds enrich all of our lives," said Mark Peterson, the director of Audubon Minnesota, who noted that the IBA program is an international system involving more than 220 million acres. "This is truly something special, unique and not to be taken for granted."
"This is the most diverse area in Iowa as far as bird life," said Bruce Ehrsman of the Iowa DNR, who noted that the Effigy Mounds „ Yellow River Forest IBA harbors more than 70 of Iowa's 83 species of "greatest conservation need."
"The Effigy Mounds Yellow River Forest IBA is a perfect example of the important role Iowa's landscape plays in the survival of birds," said Phyllis Ewing, superintendent of the Effigy Mounds National Monument. Ewing noted that the area is in the middle of the Mississippi River Flyway. "They (birds) rely on our land to survive their journeys," she said. "Through Audubon's IBA program, we are working to ensure places like Effigy Mounds and Yellow River State Forest continue to benefit these birds, as well as the enjoyment by local communities."
A few of the species in Iowa's newest IBA include cerulean warblers, red-shouldered hawks, red-headed woodpeckers, ruffed grouse and peregrine falcons.
The Iowa DNR, the Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation, and Audubon are working closely in order to help shape a strong public and private effort to protect and restore habitat on public and private lands.
October 6, 2008 |
The recall of Prairie du Chien council member Becky Hackett has been cancelled.
Renee and Bill Hampton submitted a letter to City Clerk Barb Elvert officially withdrawing the recall.
According to the letter, it is being withdrawn for two reasons. One reason is to avoid the cost to the city of a special election. The letter states that "we do not want the taxpayers to bear this burden when we are so near to the April election where the people will be allowed to speak."
The second reason is the hope that cancellation of the recall will help the mayor and council members work together for the good of the city.
The C. F. LaPointe Award is the most prestigious and long-standing award the Chamber bestows on its members. It is named for Fred La Pointe, who was the Chamber's Executive Director for 17 years. The C.F. La Pointe Award is given to an employee of, or an owner of, a Chamber Member Business that goes above and beyond their normal job related duties to enrich the Prairie du Chien community.
Hamann's Variety Store was started in 1929 by Rick's grandparents, Henry and Gertrude Hamann. Later, it was operated by Rick's parents, Stanley and Leona Hamann. Leona died in 1999, but Stanley, 86 still makes a brief visit to the store every morning. Rick and Patty have owned the business since 1983, and have worked their since 1973. The business began in a nearby location, however has been in the current one since it was built in 1939.
As every area resident knows, Hamann's Variety Store offers such merchandise as bulk candy, Prairie du Chien souvenirs, fishing tackle, postcards, stationary, scrapbooks and photo albums, party supplies, gift items, hardware, housewares, spices and greeting cards. It also features a toy department in the basement. With so much to offer, customers of all ages patronize Hammans Variety Store. From kids coming for candy, to older people looking for that speciality item, no matter what your age, or what you are looking for, you will find it at Hamman's.
The store's old wooden counters were built by Rick's great uncle, Herman. Its bulk candy is in wooden, porcelain and glass bins that Rick and Patty believe were built before the current store was constructed in 1939.
Hamann's Variety Store has two century-old cash registers, one of which is still in use today. One of the first things people notice when the come in to the store is the Coke machine. It originally dispensed bottled soda, but now dispenses canned soda priced at 45 cents.
The Chamber's President's Award for 2008 was presented to Pat Balk, from Homeward Bound and Chamber Board member. The Presidents award is usually presented to an individual rather than a business. Each year the Chamber of Commerce recognizes a person who is actively involved and supportive of the mission and efforts of the Chamber.
This year's recipient has been an active board member for a number of years and generously continues to give of her time and talents to the workings of the Public Relations Committee.
She has regularly attended monthly board meetings and can always be counted on to be in attendance for all Chamber functions, including regular events, luncheons, and special meetings of which there were many this past year.
She volunteers whenever needed„even to the extent of allowing herself to be hypnotized for entertainment at last year's annual meeting.
Pat is also an active sponsor in the Senior Fest event, "Active Living Active Life," scheduled for October 23. She is continually involved in community events including the Telethon and blood drive, just to name a few.
The Prairie du Chien Country Club received Golden Anniversary Awards and was honored for providing 50 years of service to the Prairie du Chien Area community.
Special Achievement Award was presented to Big River Long Rifles with a Special Achievement Award for bringing "commerce" to the Prairie du Chien Area for 35 years.
Linda Ginkel received Volunteer of the Year Award for her years of dedicated service to the community
Dan Riley, performed his "I'm A Boomer, Baby" musical show about and for Baby Boomers.
Millie Garside with a favorite painting
"Be it a yard that needs landscaping, a blank canvas, a mound of clay, yardages of fabric or a child," says Millie Garside, "one starts with what it is. Give that entity a good foundation, care, nurturing, guidance and love. It will try to do its best for you."
That philosophy is evident everywhere in the lives and home of Millie and Dick Garside. Millie, a former art teacher, and husband Dick, a retired industrial technology teacher, have taken ïwhat is,' be it nature, or wood, a child or an idea, and helped it realize its full potential.
One need only walk into their yard at the end of Webster Street next to the quarry to realize that, while nature flourishes, art has had a hand in shaping it. The yard did not take shape overnight. She and Dick started working on it when they first moved in about 35 years ago. They cleared out dead elms which had succumbed to Dutch Elm Disease, took down five old barns, cleared areas for gardens and gradually transformed the former horse pasture into a yard filled with flower beds and healthy green plants. Dick made and erected approximately 200 bird houses scattered over the 2.5 acre yard. Artistic and decorative elements enhance, rather than detract from the impact of the gardens. Old garden tools, planted handle first, ïbloom' beside hydrangeas; a birdbath snuggles into another bed; rocks and trellises and benches, all carefully placed, invite the visitor to stop and enjoy.
When they bought their house, they were told it was 133 years old, but they have never had the chance to verify it. Whatever its age, it is quite obvious that they have respected the existing structure, refinishing furniture and woodwork and modernizing where necessary, but allowing it to bloom as the comfortable old farmhouse that it is.
As might be expected, Millie's paintings and baskets adorn the walls. Her paintings, all done in acrylics, range from still life to flowers and animals.
She has done three art shows, choosing her church, Holy Trinity Episcopal, as the site. "It's a beautiful, historic, quaint church that begs for this sort of presentation," she explained. The first show was in conjunction with her daughter, Tina Kasper, also an artist; the second also included her former daughter-in-law and her quilts, and the third, done in 2007, was a another three-woman show, Millie and two quilters. She is currently exhibiting her work at The Carriage House in Boscobel, and is also interested in showing at the new art gallery in McGregor.
In addition to her painting, Millie designs and makes baskets. About 10 years ago, she began taking classes to learn the techniques, and now makes original baskets as gifts or by request. She works in bamboo and dyes her own reed.
Recently, she has branched out into other areas as well, trying her hand at writing and quilting. She has taken two quilting classes at The Pickett Fence and is a member of Sew Watts quilters. Working on her third quilt, she insists that she not be referred to as a quilter, since she is still only a beginner.
If she can't be referred to as a quilter, then she definitely qualifies for the title of writer. She has recently published her first book, a children's book titled Stay Away from the Horses. It is based on her own experience of growing up on a farm in central Minnesota. Her parents still had horses which they used for field work and she wasn't allowed to ride them. That didn't mean she didn't want to, however, and the book tells the story of a girl who, in defiance of her parents, keeps trying to ride the horses. She wrote and illustrated the entire book herself.
Her goal, she said was not only to tell about a time in her life but to share it with children and encourage them to tell their stories. "I will always be a teacher," she explains. She has been doing some workshops in schools and public libraries, and is planning some future programs for children and their grandparents„to encourage the grandparents to share their stories.
Writing, she says, has always been something she wanted to do, and she credits a writing group which meets in the McGregor library with helping her attain her goal. Many of them are published writers and, she says, "they model permission to write." With their encouragement she is trying other forms of writing such as poetry and short stories.
Dick continues to use his woodworking talent to create furniture for themselves, their children and their church. He makes all of Millie's easels and picture frames.
Millie believes that all people are born inherently creative, and how that creativity is developed is based on many things, including encouragement. She taught art education in Prairie du Chien for 24 years before retiring six years ago, and it pains her when people think of art as an "add on" activity. "I'm a firm believer, " she says, "in art as the first language. It's the first thing we know as a child."
The Garside children have gone on to develop their artistic talents as well. Daughter Tina is an art teacher and certified art therapist in Horicon. Jon is a Human Resource manager at Boston Scientific in St. Paul, and a gifted woodworker.
Anyone interested in purchasing Millie's book may contact her via email at rmgarside@mchsi.com
