‘News from Around the Driftless Area’ is a compilation showcasing the excellent work and interesting tidbits from the community journalists sprinkled throughout our area.
VIROQUA– Viroqua Community Theatre will take theater-goers to the 1920s when it presents ‘Chicago, the Musical,’ at the Landmark Center Theater, 500 East Jefferson Street, Viroqua July 26-27 and August 2-3 reception 6:30 p.m., curtain 7:30 p.m.; July 28 and August 4 reception 1 p.m., curtain 2 p.m. Tickets are $15 for adults; VCT members $12; 17 and younger $10. Tickets available online at www.viroquacommunitytheater.orgbeginning July 12, and at the door… Children and adults who enjoy the Old West are invited to create an outfit for the first-ever costume contest sponsored by the Wild West Days Committee. There are three costume categories – men, woman and children. Prizes will be given for first, second and third place in each category. The time period is the Old West, from 1860 to 1890. Terry Heffner, one of the members of the costume contest committee, said people can dress as a businessperson, a professional person, a hunter, a mountaineer, or any other character from that time period. ‘Kids can dress as kids.’ For safety reasons guns cannot be part of the wardrobe. Judging takes place on the Wild West Days grounds in Viroqua, Saturday, August 17 at 3 p.m. Entrants should be on the grounds by 10 a.m. Contestants can register on the day of the judging at Heffner’s booth on the grounds, or in advance by contacting her at 608-637-3890. If contestants come to the Wild West Days grounds in the morning on August 17, or register in advance Heffner said they will be offered an opportunity to play roles in the skits that are presented Saturday and Sunday. Bribing the judge, whose bench is set up in the jail, is encouraged.
LA FARGE– Henry F. Pauls, 68, Sextonville, was operating a delivery truck carrying liquefied petroleum gas (propane) on Green Hollow Road when his right front tire of the truck went slightly off the right side of the roadway. As the delivery truck went onto the soft shoulder the truck rolled down an embankment and came to rest on its left side. Pauls was extricated from the vehicle by the LaFarge Fire Department and transported to Vernon Memorial Healthcare in Viroqua by La Farge Ambulance. He was treated for minor injuries and released. There was no spillage or any release of gas…The 2019 La Farge Royalty are Miss Fourth of July Evy Price and her attendant Shelby Nelson, Little Miss Fourth of July MaKayla Coggins and her attendant Kaydence Lawrence.
VIOLA– Eugene Winchell, Viola, travels to events providing shoeshines. Recently, he was at the Farmers Market in Viroqua.
ONTARIO– The Wilton Village Board voted to fine contractor Badger Environmental $1,000 for each day after the June 28 deadline that the Center/East Street project remains incomplete… Looking for an interesting way to spend a Saturday or Sunday afternoon this summer? Come to the Elroy Area Museum, which is located on Elroy’s Main Street and take in all of the Elroy-area history from the early 1800s to present. New this year are two beautiful murals, the naming of Art Overgaard to the museum’s Wall of Fame, and an enhanced model railway.
HILLSBORO– After 49 years of serving the Wonewoc area with high-quality horse tack and western memorabilia, Goman’s has sadly yee’d its last haw. The tack shop was first opened in the summer of 1971, operated by Jerry and Vernice Goman – perhaps better known as Ma and Pa Goman.
RICHLAND CENTER– Richland County, along with all other communities in Wisconsin, is asked to count the number of homeless individuals on a specific night. This ‘point in time’ count will happen in Richland County on Wednesday, July 24, from 8-11 p.m. Volunteers are needed for manning the shelter headquarters., community walk-or-drive outs, and ride-along with local law enforcement. Homelessness takes many shapes in a rural community. In summer, it may include people using vehicles or tents as their primary homes. For more information contact Darlene Waldsmith-Tagliapietra at 608-647-0255… The Richland Hospital is offering newborn education, labor support and breastfeeding classes. The Newborn Education class will be held on the second Wednesday every other month from 6-9 p.m. on August 14, October 9 and December 11. The Labor Support class will be held on the third Wednesday every other month from 6-9 p.m. on August 21, October 16 and December 18. The Breastfeeding class will be held on the third Wednesday every other month 6-9 p.m. on July 17, September 18 and November 20. Call the Richland Hospital Birth Center to register at 608-647-6321... The Red Door Gallery is hosting two classes in July at their location on Court Street in downtown Richland Center. On July 18, from 4-6 p.m. Ricki Bishop is instructing a watercolor and pen workshop titled ‘Feather Images,’ The cost is $25, which includes all materials. On July 24, at 4 p.m. Joan Bailey is instructing a class on basic earring construction, for $15. Materials will be provided, but you are welcome to bring your own beads that you wish to recycle. You will leave with a pair of earrings that you have created. Call the Red Door Gallery at 608-649-1700, Wednesday to Saturday, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. to sign up, or just stop by.
PRAIRIE DU CHIEN– A series of ‘apartments’ on Marquette’s riverfront are attracting a great number of purple martin birds, thanks to the efforts of several community members. Area resident, Dennis Mason, with help from his wife Laurie and friend Dan Beck, from Elkader helped establish the housing. Mason asked to put some of the martin houses on the riverfront as they prefer areas where they can easily soar and glide in and out of their houses… Lovin Paw’s Nutrition Center, a new business in Prairie du Chien (located at Nathan Plaza) aims to provide a healthier alternative for pets’ health. ‘It broke my heart to hear about he lack of FDA regulations on pet food. At Lovin Paw’s, we are all about the animal and finding quality food for them,’ said owner Cathy Conant. Lovin Paws also sells homemade Green Tree Paws cannabidiol-based products, which help relieve pets’ stress levels, and Wild Thyme natural soap bars that are made with organic products and essential oils. They also do grooming service and a doggy day care.
BOSCOBEL– The Boscobel Depot Museum will join in the July 20 ‘On Wisconsin Festival’ by having special exhibits at the Museum as well as sponsoring a Junque in the Trunk and Flea Market in the Depot parking lot and on Wisconsin Avenue. If you have garage sale items for sale and/or special vendors or flea market items you can join in the fun for a small fee of $10 (benefits go to the museum). If you are interested in participating, contact Nancy at 608-485-0346… Join Extension Agriculture Educators Amanda Cauffman, Grant County, and Jackie McCarville, Green County, in a family friendly workshop to help you make decisions when breeding dairy cattle to beef. Topics covered will include visual animal body differences, sire selection, calf care and marketing your crossbred animals. The workshop, sponsored by Central Star, will be held Saturday, July 27, at the Livestock Facility on the Grant County Fairgrounds. It will begin at 7 p.m. with a steak sandwich supper grilled by the Grant County Cattlemen, with the program the follow. The cost is $7 per person. RSVP by Friday July 19, to the Grant County Extension Office, 916 E. Elm St. A, Lancaster, WI 53813. Send your payment of $7 per person along with your name, address, phone number and email address.
MUSCODA– The Riverdale High School wrestling team has been staying busy this summer. They recently attended the 10thannual Malecek Team Camp held at Chula Vista in Wisconsin Dells. During the four-day camp, the team competed against teams from Wisconsin, Illinois, Minnesota and Iowa and participated in technique sessions led by Division One college coaches, UWL Wrestlers and former all Americans.
