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Successful winery has roots in McGregor

Lawlor Family Winery is well known in Galena, Illinois. They own a six acre vineyard outside of the historic town, and have a wine shop in town. Christine Lawlor was named 2001 Illinois Winemaker of the Year. What many people may have forgotten, however, is that this family winery got its start about 30 years ago in McGregor.

Bob and Joyce Lawlor began visiting McGregor in the early 1960s to enjoy houseboating on the Mississippi. Joyce was familiar with the area as she was born in Dorchester, and had grown up in Waukon. They lived in Cedar Rapids with their four children, Scott, Christine, Becky and Tim. Bob had a career as an insurance investigator. The family enjoyed the area so much that in the 1960's they bought the Diamond Jo building to use as a getaway. The building held a special allure for Bob, who loved boating and was attracted by its history as the home and office of 19th century steamboat magnate, Diamond Jo Reynolds. The building needed some remodeling, as it had been used as the Boji Speaker factory, and the town post office.

When the Lawlor children got to be high school age, Bob decided that a summer business would be a good thing to help the kids gain some practical experience and earn some money for college. So the family started their first business, a pizza parlor known as the Pizza P.O. ‹ it was located downstairs in the former post office. The checker-cloth covered tables for the restaurant were set up in front of the old post office boxes. Scott, the oldest son, had worked in another pizza restaurant learning the recipes in preparation for opening the business. The Lawlor kids ran the restaurant while their parents were home during the week, and Bob and Joyce would return to McGregor on weekends. According to Bob, the business did well. "It was good pizza, all homemade," he said. When the kids started going off to college, the family closed the restaurant.

But pizza was not fated to be the family specialty. During Bob's work as an insurance investigator, he spent time in the Amana Colonies, and he was intrigued with the wineries that were springing up in that area. He wanted his children to have more interesting careers than he had, something more creative. Bob believed that they should "find something to do so that you never have to go to work in the morning," as he described it.

Bob offered to send his oldest son, Scott, to winemaking school in California, after he graduated from college. Scott refused. But a few years later when daughter Chris graduated with a degree in education, he made her the same offer. Chris eagerly took him up on it.

While Chris attended the enology (the science of winemaking) program at Fresno State University in California, Bob and Joyce began purchasing winemaking equipment and installing it in the lower level of the Diamond Jo building. When Chris graduated, the family winery operation was set to begin.

The first vintage in 1976 featured fruit wines ‹ cherry and apple, in dry, medium and sweet varieties, some made with locally produced fruit. The winery was called ŒChristina Cellars,' and a large coachlight sign was installed on the building (and remains there today). For a tasting area, a patio was constructed outside the basement level of the building, and the Lawlors installed a historic fountain on the patio. It was a vibrant period and not just for the Lawlors. Buildings in McGregor were being restored. "That's a time when there was a lot of excitement in town," Bob noted.

But the wine business in McGregor was limited to summer tourism season, and the family had to find a year-round outlet for their products to survive and grow. So in the early 1980's, they moved some of the winery operation to the Freight House in La Crosse. Tim managed the La Crosse operation, and Joyce helped run the wine shop. Chris, of course, focused on the production aspect. They began producing grape wines, beginning with a simple catawba. They also bought property in Galena. Eventually, the family closed the McGregor and La Crosse operations after a terrible fire at the Freight House. They decided to focus on Galena. "In Galena, you get people from Chicago, and [the winery] does really well," Joyce explained. Bob sold the Diamond Jo building in the mid-1980's. "The purpose of leaving [McGregor] was to grow," Bob said. "It was a good place to start, there are a lot of mistakes to be made in making wine," Joyce added.

Since then the Galena Cellars of the Lawlor Family Winery have grown into a very successful business making award-winning wines. Last year the winery produced 60,000 gallons in about 35 varieties. The wines are sold at the vineyard farm,located about six miles outside of Galena, and at the wine shop in Galena. Scott Lawler, (who had refused to go to winemaking school all those years ago) and his wife Karan run the business. "We've learned how to work together as a family. It's not just business relationships," Scott noted. Chris, who married Mike White of Prairie du Chien, continues on as the winemaker. Bob and Joyce no longer help with crushing grapes and bottling and other hands-on tasks as they once did, but they are actively involved with financial and strategic business planning. And a new generation of Lawlors is poised to take over the family business as Chris and Mike's son, Eric, and Scott and Karan's son and daughter, Ryan and Sarah, have expressed interest in the operation. "My son works here now," said Scott. "Our next generation is definitely thinking about how they're going to take over the business," he added.

Despite their busy life at the winery, McGregor never left the hearts of the Lawlor family. Last year, the family purchased and remodeled a building on Main Street near the marina where they keep a boat. Bob and Joyce find themselves there on most summer weekends. Is this a sign that the Lawlor Family Winery will return to McGregor? "One never knows," Bob says. "There is much fondness for the whole family here," he added.

Chamber of Commerce honors area business with Recognition Awards

The Prairie du Chien Area Chamber of Commerce held its Annual Dinner Meeting on Tues, Sept. 27, at Huckleberry's. The 2005 C.F. La Pointe Award was presented to Norb Aschom, the "Voice of Prairie du Chien." The C.F. La Pointe 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. Norb commented in his radio interview with Dave Storkson on WPRE, "I enjoyed working with Fred for many years and am honored to receive the C.F. La Pointe Award, named for him."

Norb Aschom started his broadcast career at KATE radio in Albert Lea, Minnesota, but moved to WPRE in Prairie du Chien in April of 1961, 44 years ago. He's been News Director most of that time. In the 1960's and 1970's, he served on the Prairie du Chien City Council for nine years. Over the years he has been active in several civic organizations and in his church. "That's the great thing about a community this size," he said. "You can be involved as much as you want to be, and that's rewarding."

Norb and his wife, Nancy, have two daughters, Amy Krohn and Sara Heiss, and three grandchildren - Bailey, Grace and Miles. "It's the perfect place to raise a family and we're appreciative of that," he said. "Prairie du Chien is unique in so many ways, but it's the warmth and sincerity of the people who live here that make it what it is. It was brought home once again during my recent illness. Thank you, Prairie du Chien!"

Norb is an avid supporter of the Prairie du Chien Area Chamber of Commerce. He works with Chamber staff to make certain that the "word gets out" about the activities and events that happen in the Prairie du Chien area. It's always a pleasure to do an interview with Norb at the radio station. He makes everyone feel comfortable talking with him during the interview process.

Chamber President's Award:

The Chamber President's Award is, in most cases, presented to an individual rather than a business. Each year the Chamber recognizes a person who is actively involved and supportive of Chamber efforts. The recipient of the 2005 President's Award was Gary Koch, Prairie du Chien's City Administrator.

Gary has dedicated over 25 years of service to the City of Prairie du Chien. The Chamber appreciates Gary's quiet understanding and "intuitive" grasp of the working relationship between the Chamber and the City. He is an advocate for collaboration and helps relationships work smoothly. His counsel and advice have been a valuable resource for Chamber staff. He can be counted upon for honesty and integrity in his dealings.

Gary was thanked for his faithful attendance to Board meetings and his valuable input as decisions are made regarding Chamber matters. Gary and his wife, Kathy, have been diligent volunteers for clean-up after the annual Home & Garden Show at the Armory. They "pitch-in" to help our community in so many ways. Gary served as Treasurer of the Prairie du Chien Tourism Council for several years offering his fiscal expertise in budget preparation and financial management. Currently, Gary serves on the Leadership Crawford Advisory Committee where his years of experience in the community help to prepare others for leadership roles.

Seven recognition awards were presented:

* 3M ­ Community Support Award: Manufacturers in Prairie du Chien are hard at work to provide employment and financial stability for many families in and around the Prairie du Chien area. Other businesses benefit as jobs are maintained and as new positions are created.

3M was recognized for its support of the new Leadership Crawford program by offering six scholarships for their employees to participate. 3M believes that active and responsible citizenship can make a successful company even stronger. 3M Prairie du Chien is also committed to the community. 3M has been a partner with the Opportunity Center for over 30 years. Over the years, 3M employees have given generously to the United Way of Prairie du Chien. 3M financial assistance helps with many other community efforts. This year, 3M has given extensively to disaster relief following Hurricane Katrina in both product donations and financial contributions. Each day that employees go to work at 3M, they can count on being safe. In September of this year, 3M PdC set a new safety record by achieving 3.0 million hours worked without a lost time accident.

* SIMPLY ­ Downtown Revitalization Award: Tammie Katzung has worked diligently during the past year to remodel and decorate the building at the corner of Blackhawk Ave and Prairie Street consistent with the historic theme of downtown Prairie du Chien. Her business complex consists of the interesting and complimentary combination of an antique store, coffeehouse, and eatery on the lower level, and lodging rooms on the upper level. Tammie and her staff add to the "warm" hospitality and ambience of our community.

* Eddie's Irish Pub ­ New Look Award: Brian Edwards, Mark Peterson, Jerry Waller, and Jan Waller were recognized for their investment in the improvements of a landmark hospitality business in Prairie du Chien. The Chamber noted the site improvement that took place at the corner of Marquette Road and Crawford Street, through the transformation of the ever-popular Eddie's Inn as it went down and emerged to become the stylish Eddie's Irish Pub that people enjoy visiting today. The charm of the establishment and good food on the expanded menu appeal to locals and visitors alike.

* Thornburg-Hanson Funeral Home ­ Building Renovation Award: Gene Hanson was busy this past year with changes in the appearance of his downtown service business to better address client needs. The inside and outside of the Thornburg-Hanson building have taken on a new look with special attention given to fine details with an historic theme in mind. This "new look" showcases another marked improvement in our Downtown Business District.

* Eagles Landing Winery ­ Attraction Expansion Award: Connie and Roger Halverson, owners of Eagle's Landing Bed & Breakfast, were recognized for the addition of their winery business in Marquette, Iowa. The Halversons raise their own grapes on a farm in northeastern Iowa. The production, of their private label ­"Marquette Maid" wines ­ takes place in the former home of "Emma Big Bear" in downtown Marquette at 127 North Street. The location will soon feature a tasting room and gift shop. The front of the house/winery kept its original look, with the entry room decorated with pictures, baskets, framed stories, and other memorabilia paying tribute to "Emma Big Bear," an historic figure from our past living from 1869 to 1968.

* St. Feriole Island Park ­ Community Enhancement Award: The park is another new attraction that brings visitors to our area and provides recreational opportunities for local residents. St. Feriole Island Park features three diamonds, two of which have lighting for night games. Built in 2004, the inaugural game was played September 11. Seasonal play began in the spring of 2005. On June 23, the park hosted The King and His Court® in a performance against the 229th Engineers. Around 400 people were in attendance at the event. August 4 - 8, the American Legion Class A State Baseball Tournament was played at the park. The Chamber appreciates everyone who has worked so hard to make the park a reality, including the Park Board, corporate sponsors and those who continue to give to meet the financial challenges that still exist.

* Stark's Sport Shop ­ Family Enterprise Award: Stark's is one of those traditional family enterprises, that over the years, has become a Prairie du Chien landmark. Many people have come to rely upon this retail business and boat service center located in Downtown Prairie du Chien. The Chamber appreciates the involvement of Stark's Sport Shop in the annual Ice Fisheree and Carparee Family Fun Days. Stark family members invest volunteer hours in the community. For example, Randy Stark currently serves on the Tourism Council as President and Ron Stark is President of Prairie du Chien Downtown Revitalization, Inc. Stark's is sure to be a vital part of our community for generations to come.

George Family Foundation donates to St. Feriole Island Park

The George Family Foundation of Prairie du Chien has donated $50,000 to the St. Feriole Island Park Baseball Complex.

In donating the $50,000, the George Foundation has acquired the naming rights to the last of the three fields of the St. Feriole Island Park.

"The George Family Foundation is happy to have a chance to give back to the community," said Roy L. George.

"On behalf of St. Feriole Island Park, I wish to thank the George Family Foundation for this generous donation, which will play an integral part in the future success of this beautiful facility," said St. Feriole Island Park Board member Kevin Mulrooney. "The George Family Foundation truly fosters a spirit of giving back to the community and because of that we are all very appreciative."

The George Family Foundation includes Roy L. George, Roy C. George, Cindy Standorf, Ellie Lybeck, Penny Remz and DeDe Stark.

All three fields have now been named. The names of the other two fields are Isle of Capri Field and the Ernest "Doc" and Lillian Dillman Memorial Field.

There were 310 games played in the summer of 2005, the first full season for St. Feriole Island Park. Those games included boys and girls 9-10-year-old Little League games, 11-12-year-old Little League games, 13-14-year-old Little League games, freshmen high school baseball, American Legion baseball, Home Talent baseball, co-ed softball, men's softball, the King and His Court, La Crosse Loggers and the American Legion State Baseball Tournament.

The St. Feriole Island Park Baseball Complex needs approximately $72,000 in order to be completely paid for. Those wishing to donate can contact Tom Farrell at People's State Bank.

FALLFIRE Art Contest open to all artists

John Mundt keeps Prairie du Chien creative

John Mundt had no idea that the sock monkey he bought as a child at a flea market would still be such a big part of him today. What he thought was just an entertaining toy has led to World of Monkey Productions (WOMP) and his own comic book, "The Adventures of Monkey." Besides his comic books, the long-time resident of Prairie du Chien has, as always, many projects currently on the table.

From now until October 31, Mundt (who has also coined himself as Esquire) is inviting people from near and far to participate in his Second Annual "FallFire" Art Contest. This contest is just one of the very many creative ideas that Mundt has made into a reality. This contest, Mundt claims, is not between competitors, but rather between the artist and their art. An intriguing idea for a contest, which is also open to nearly any form of art imaginable, too! FallFire is for anyone who displays any sort of artistic ability. Anyone from cartoonists and photographers to dancers and basket makers are welcome to submit their works of art. The only stipulation is that the piece of work is to be inspired by the word FallFire.

According to Mundt, the contest's namesake was inspired by his love of autumn. "I've been going on a lot of walks with my wife in the area, and just looking at everything...it's made me so inspired," said Mundt. "This [FallFire] is a chance for people to really have fun with the season." He went on, "It's also an opportunity to be involved in a single fun project without people having to leave their homes." Mundt says that he also remembers all too well what it was like to be a young artist starting out with a bare portfolio. He says that this will be just one more thing for an artist to put on a resume' or into a portfolio. Mundt said that last year, he received about 15 entries and hopes that the contest continues to grow each year.

Mundt will also be helping out Fort Crawford Museum on October 1 and 2 by offering unique Christmas present ideas. Everyone is invited to bring in their children or pets for an 8 x 10 sketch, with all proceeds going to Fort Crawford Museum.

These current activities are just products of an extremely imaginative and active childhood of Mundt's. He said that he remembers using the infamous sock monkey to re-create action heroes and other characters popular on TV when he was a child. By the time he was in fourth grade he had drawn his own comic book, and has pretty much stayed with that ever since. In 1984 Mundt graduated from Prairie du Chien High School and began pursuing the Joe Kubert School, a prestigious cartoonist college in Dover, New Jersey, and was accepted shortly thereafter. When asked what cartoonist school was like, Mundt replied, "Exactly what you think it would be."

Although he only attended the college for a year, Mundt said that he made some valuable friends and contacts that he has kept ever since. "One thing that didn't occur to me at the time was that they were all competitors," said Mundt about his fellow classmates at Joe Kubert. He also quickly added that out of roughly 100 students in the school, only three of them were girls. "They were very popular," recalled Mundt.

In 1997 Mundt began his comic book, "The Adventures of Monkey" which featured (you guessed it) the sock monkey, who became the super hero sock monkey of the world in his comics. Mundt has so far produced four issues of the comic book, and although he says the books have been put on a halt for a few years, he does have books five and six planned already.

Somewhere between producing comics, attending conventions, participating in fundraisers and spending time with his wife, Vicki, John Mundt, Esquire has managed to fit one of the most rewarding things of all into his schedule ‹ helping others. "I go to the middle school every year and help out with different things, and I always help out with their play...it's great," said Mundt. As he tells a story about a young fan at a comic book convention he seems to recall many other memories of the young poeple he's helped along the way "I just live on those genuine comments from kids," said Mundt. "Even if I never do anything else with my life, I think I'll have a good feeling because of all the kids I've helped."

New administrator fills several roles in Prairie du Chien

As the new person on the Prairie du Chien School District administrative team Adrienne Schneider fills several roles. She is the assistant principal at Bluff View Intermediate School, the assistant principal at B.A. Kennedy Elementary School and the Director of Special Education.

"I would like to see all of our students continue to succeed in regards to Œno child left behind'," said Schneider, who began her duties in Prairie du Chien on Aug. 1.

While Schneider is settling in and getting to know the school district, she is also getting more acquainted with the community. "I love the small town atmosphere," said Schneider, who came to Prairie du Chien from Oshkosh, where she was a special education teacher. "Everyone is so friendly and it doesn't take 20 minutes to drive across town. I'm also very comfortable with walking around town any time during the day."

When she's not working, Schneider enjoys reading and cooking and walking, camping and watching football with her husband Tim and 2-year-old son Joey. "We're looking forward to fall when the leaves are changing. It's such a beautiful area," she said.

Originally from Rice Lake, Wisconsin, Schneider completed her undergraduate studies at U.W. Oshkosh and received her graduate degree from Marian College in Fond du Lac.