COURIER PRESS PUBLISHED IN HISTORIC PRAIRIE DU CHIEN, WISCONSIN • SINCE 1848
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VOLUME 166 • NO. 46 ❘ PDCCOURIER.COM ❘ WEDNESDAY, JUNE 12, 2019 ❘ ONE DOLLAR
F LO O D E H T G N FEELI
Tourism-Related Businesses
Customers noticeably down due to flood
Editor’s note: This is the fourth story in a series about Prairie du Chien’s St. Feriole Island experiencing sustained flooding for 87 consecutive days, and how that has affected the community.
By Correne Martin It’s been a far from ideal spring for Prairie du Chien area businesses who rely on river traffic, resort visitors and tourists in pursuit of leisure and attractions. The Mississippi River crested twice in McGregor in April, at 21.34 feet on April 5 and 21.75 feet on April 26—among the highest ever recorded at the location. Water above flood stage for three months has hampered the usual influx of people that arrives locally in March and April. Some establishments have felt the lull in customers more than others. The Villa Louis Historic Site was closed for 10 days of its season thus far when St. Feriole Island was completely closed to the public. With word spreading about the flood, revenue May 27 through June 2 was down 50 percent, while attendance declined 55 percent. See FLOOD, page 2
This scene at Rolette and Second Streets depicts the unsightly brown muck left in the aftermath of nearly three months of standing river water on Prairie du Chien’s usually picturesque St. Feriole Island. Some areas were spared, but there’s unfortunately a lot of cleanup and regrowth needed. (Photo by Correne Martin)
Metal street banners grace Monona The city of Monona put up its new metal street banners last week. The project dates back to last fall, when the city’s visioning committee, along with Monona Chamber and Economic Development, Inc., sponsored a contest that encouraged residents of all ages to develop imagery they felt best represented Monona. Six different designs—a soldier, an See BANNERS, page 4 Monona mayor Lynn “Marty” Martinson and street supervisor Randy Evanson install the first banner. (Photos by Audrey Posten)
Lazy River canceled, Mar-Mac Chamber planning alternate event for June 21-23 Another area event has fallen prey to the unpredictability of the Mississippi River. Last week, the McGregor-Marquette Chamber of Commerce announced it will cancel this year’s Lazy River Beer and Wine Festival, scheduled for Saturday, June 22, on the Marquette riverfront. But the chamber still hopes to encourage residents and visitors alike to spend time in Marquette and McGregor that weekend, June 21-23, by sponsoring the Ports of Discovery Shopping Expedition.
The event, which plays into the “Ports of Discovery” name the two communities created when applying for Great Places re-designation this year, welcomes people to discover the unique shops, bars, restaurants and attractions McGregor and Marquette have to offer. Simply pick up a bingo card at any participating business or attraction from June 21-23. Fill out the card by making purchases in Marquette and McGregor, then See LAZY RIVER, page 4