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PdC residents rally in support of Delagrave
Joe Delagrave has been a big help to many people in his lifetime,
volunteering countless hours of time to various church, school and other
activities. He's always been an ear that is willing to listen and will often
throw in his advice. He's been looked upon as a leader and has never failed to
deliver. So it's no wonder that in a time when he needs help the most, a
community has rallied around him and asked how they can be of use. Delagrave was
injured in a July 10 boating accident and suffered severe head, back and neck
injuries. He currently resides at Gundersen Lutheran in La Crosse but is
expected home in about two weeks. A massive effort is underway to do two things:
raise money to help defray costs to the Delagrave family and construct an
addition onto the Delagrave house that is wheelchair accessible. "People feel
like they want to do something,'' said co-organizer Annie Beinborn. "But they
just don't know what to do.'' The general contractor of the construction is Tom
Steiner. Steiner came to the conclusion that the current bathroom is too small
to convert into being wheelchair accessible and recommended a 20 by 24 foot
addition to the house. He came up with a plan that is "simplified as possible,''
according to Beinborn. The construction project began Thursday afternoon Sept. 9
following work done by Digger's Hotline. Although the number of volunteers
signed up is already large, they could always use more to help execute the plan.
"We are looking for different people with different skills,'' Beinborn said. To
get involved with the construction portion of the project, you can contact
Beinborn at 608-326-4549. The second portion of the project, the fund-raising,
is already taking place. An account at Wisconsin State Bank has been set up in
Joe's name and donations can be sent to PO Box 378, Prairie du Chien, WI, 53821.
In addition, a golf outing has been set for Oct. 10 at the Barnyard Nine, with
food and music to go along with it for non-golfers. There is also a raffle being
organized, contribution cans around town and many other plans in the works.
For more information on how to get involved with fund-raising, contact Jane
Schaaf at 608-326-6386 or Debbie Morovits at 608-326-4847.
Sprosty, Johnson to face off for treasurer
In the Tuesday primary election for Crawford County Treasurer, Faye Johnson
defeated Gary Heisz 795 votes to 561 in the Republican race. In the Democrat
race, incumbent Martin Sprosty prevailed over challenger Kenneth Meyer by a
count of 1,166-367. Pending the official canvassing of votes at 9 a.m. on
Thursday, the general election in November will pit Democrat incumbent Martin
Sprosty against Republican challenger Faye Johnson. In the only other contested
primary in Crawford County, Camille Smith defeated Joseph Morovits 831-757 for
the Crawford County Coroner position. At this point, Smith has no challenger in
the general election for the coroner position. Incumbent coroner Deb Ahrens has
filed non-candidacy papers. Vote totals by township can be found in a chart on
page two.
Board buys 150 computers during first televised meeting
The Prairie du Chien School Board meeting was televised for the first time
at City Hall Monday night. "It seemed to go very well," said Superintendent Jim
O'Meara, who noted that the technical aspects of the televised meeting went off
without a hitch, except for a brief period when the sound went out due to a
problem at MediaCom. All of the regular school board meetings will now be
televised. As for the business of the meeting, the board approved the purchase
of 150 new IBM computers for $616 apiece. The total cost of the computer
purchase will be paid back within a three-year period. The new computers will
replace older computers in computers labs throughout the district. The older
computers that are functioning well will go into some classrooms, while the old
computers that are no longer functioning properly will be given to the State
Department of Corrections for parts. The board also unanimously approved the
final resolution authorizing the redemption of the $2,040,000 Prairie du Chien
Area School District Taxable Anticipation Notes
Hot contest for Johnsrud's
vacant seat
There are six candidates vying for the 96th Assembly seat formerly held
by Duane Johnsrud of Eastman. Both parties have three candidates in the
primary, so the competition is fierce. The Courier Press asked all of
the candidates to submit information to assist the voters in choosing a
candidate. Todd Allbaugh, candidate for the Republican Party, did not
respond.
Republican Candidates
Judy Schmirler - Judy is a 39-year-old licensed practical nurse who
resides in Westby. She is married and the mother of one daughter. Judy
worked in the 1980s as a nurse volunteer with AIDS patients in East
Africa, and is concerned with issues dealing with health and family and
fiscal responsibility. In the Assembly, she will work to define marriage
as between a man and a woman, protect the unborn and work for the rights
of the elderly and infirmed. She does not support euthanasia. Judy is
also concerned about fiscal discipline. She says, "I will work to make
the hard choices and to eliminate waste in government spending and to
lower the tax burden of our citizens."
Lee Nerison - Lee is a 52-year-old dairy farmer who has lived in
rural Westby his entire life. He began farming in dependently when has
17. He is married with three grown daughters. Lee is interested in
following a path of civic service, he is currently serving as Vernon
County Board chairman, and has been on the Board since 2002. He wants to
make sure the District remains a good place to raise a family and a good
place to farm, and he is interested in finding ways to cut taxes. Lee
says, "On county board I have shown that I can make the tough decisions
to cut taxes and not hurt services." He states that he wants to follow
in the footsteps of former Senator Brian Rude by listening to people and
doing what is right for them.
Democratic Candidates
Gail Frie - Gail is a 53-year-old married father of three grown sons.
He has worked as a small business owner and dairy farmer. Currently he
is the Vernon County Solid Waste-Recycling program manager. He resides
in Viroqua. Gail has 23 years of experience in working with state and
local government, serving on several advisory and rule-making
committees. In 1991 he started the Vernon County solid waste recycling
program, after advocating for recycling in Madison. He also sits on the
Viroqua City Council. Gail is interested in bringing a style of
consensus-building activism to the Assembly, saying that he is
comfortable working alongside others with differing viewpoints. He is
also very interested with initiating tax reform. He says, "I believe
that working families, seniors and the disabled deserve affordable
healthcare, and I know that our families pay plenty of taxes already. I
will sponsor a top-to-bottom review of state taxes to make sure that
everyone is paying their fair share."
Betty Havlik - Betty is a 68-year-old former school teacher from
Hillsboro. She spent years in Minneapolis with her husband and in
Virginia before returning to the Hillsboro area in 1990. Betty has
experience as an accountant at St. Joseph's Hospital in Hillsboro and
sat on the Vernon County Board of Supervisors, as well as the school
board and city council. She says, "We need a strong and effective voice
for rural southwest Wisconsin. I pledge my experience and my enthusiasm
to keep our interests on the front burner in Madison."
Miguel Morga - Miguel is a 21-year-old from Gays Mills who is single.
Miguel serves on the North Crawford School Board. He is particularly
interested in healthcare issues. He says that he is an opportunist and a
passionate Democrat who is a good listener. He says, "I'm not running
because this is an open seat, I'm running because I want to make a
difference."
County Coroner's Primary between Morovits and Smith
Family: Married to Arlene (Dahl) in 1984. We have two children -
Kevin, 19, and Alan, 17, both of whom have attended school in Seneca.
Occupation: I am a lifelong resident of Crawford County and have been
employed by Cabelas since 1998. I have been an EMT for 11 years and am
currently actively involved with the Seneca First Responders, Eastman
First Responders and am president of Prairie du Chien EMS. I am a member
of the Southwest Wisconsin Regional Trauma Advisory Council, Seneca
Community Club, United Way and am involved with North Crawford and
Seneca wrestling. I am an active instructor of CPR, AED, First Aid and
Pediatric Education of Prehospital Providers (PEPP). "I am seeking
election as county coroner because I truly feel I have the skills and
abilities to perform the job with both compassion and professionalism. I
am a lifelong resident of Crawford County and would like the opportunity
to serve as coroner in the county that has given me so much. I have been
an EMT and First Responder for numerous years and with this I have
consistently maintained my training and have always sought new
information and new ideas." Family: Married with three children.
Occupation: Owner, Sebastian's Specialty Hardwoods, Inc., Seneca.
Background and Education: Smith received her BA from St. Mary's
University in Winona, MN. Smith is an active first responder. She is
provisionally certified Doula (Birth Assistant). Smith is a Girl Scout
Troop Leader in Seneca. Smith is endorsed by current Crawford County
Coroner Deb Ahrens and former Crawford County Coroner Bonnie Young.
Smith said, "I am seeking election as Crawford County Coroner because I
know I am the most qualified person for the job. I have served Crawford
County as Deputy Coroner under Deb Ahrens, and spent the past two years
attending classes and conferences specific to both the First Responder
(or EMT) and Coroner. As Crawford County Coroner, I will put my
exceptional communication skills and unending compassion when dealing
with grieving loved ones on what is often the worst day of their lives.
Although the job is extremely demanding, it is satisfying knowing that I
c
Four candidates vie for County Treasurer in September 14 Primary
Election
Gary Heisz Hometown Eastman Age: 51 Family: Married 30 years to wife
Lori, father of three children and grandfather to five. Occupation: Gary
owns and operates Box Office Video in Prairie du Chien. Background and
Education: Gary graduated from Seneca High School and recieved a degree
in in business administration and economics from the University of
Wisconsin- Platteville in 1975. Gary is seeking the Treasurers' office
because he believes it is time for a change. he understands the value of
up-to-date and accurate financial information for survival and growth.
As a well-organized and ambitious person, Gary would strive for accuracy
and accountability. Ken Meyer Hometown: Prairie du Chien Family: Married
24 years to Rev. Janice Meyer, father of five grown children, with five
grandchildren. Occupation: Employee of Martin is a lifelong resident of
Crawford County. He was on the squad of the undefeated 1963 Seneca
football team, graduating in 1967. He later attended the University of
Wisconsin-Platteville, earning a degree in mathematics with a minor in
computer science. Martin enjoys spending time in the outdoors and with
friends and family. Sprosty is seeking re-election based upon his hard
work and 32 years of experience. He has worked to ensure that his office
has kept up with advancement in technology; the current computerized
system Sprosty helped to implement is an example of only one of the
advancements made under Martin Sproty's leadership. Martin also knows
that there are great things in store for the future and he wants to be a
part of it. Faye Johnson Hometown: Prairie du Chien Age: 53 Family:
Married to Ken Johnson, three children Joseph, Jessica and Kent, one
granddaughter. Occupation: "I served as Deputy County treasurer for 28
years from May of 1976 and continued working through March of 2004.
While in office, there were times I had to take over and run the office
on my own. I feel these times have given me more skills than just the
Deputy's job. Since I have left the job, I really miss working with the
public. I have a great desire to get back into the office and show the
taxpayers how well the office can be run."
"I am seeking election for the County Treasurer's Office because I
feel it needs to be run in a more organized fashion. The office needs to
have completed records that are done in a timely manner. With my 28
years of working experience in the Treasurer's Office, I feel I'm
qualified and knowledgeable of the office duties. I feel there are a few
changes, updates and modernizations that should be done to make the
office more efficient. I'm familiar with the day to day duties,
responsibilities and statutes that the office has to abide by and would
uphold the laws governing the office."
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