Again, I appreciate the patience as these Pulse columns have been posted infrequently during the past couple weeks. These are busy times here during mid-summer.

And quite honestly, it’s damned hard to continue to be motivated to research and write late each weeknight (for the following morning). Operating PdCToday has always been an unpaid labor of love and I’m constantly seeking a balance between what’s worthwhile for you, the readers, and what’s rewarding for me as a writer.

The purpose of these Pulse columns has always been to seek out and link to articles related to the Prairie du Chien area, southwest Wisconsin, and northeast Iowa, while offering some commentary when applicable.

Moreso, the purpose of PdCToday has been to provide a credible example of how local, online news and commentary can be presented…with limited investment. Granted, it would be great to sell advertising and make a bit of money doing it, but I’ve never wanted to see this site cluttered with ads. In that case, it’s a good thing that not terribly fond of selling advertising.

I’m continually seeking the right “direction” for the site. The fact that this site continually evolves is very appealing to me. It may drive you nuts, but each time the site “changes gears”, changes design, changes direction, etc, it provides new inspiration.

I think I’m getting close to that.

In the meantime, the Pulse column may continue to be sporadic.

In the meantime, if you’re looking for Prairie du Chien information, I’d highly recommend “liking” the city of Prairie du Chien facebook page. All the meeting notices are there, plus links to some area articles, press releases and more.

In the meantime, check Google News for Prairie du Chien. A lot of the links I get come from there. Or, do a Prairie du Chien search on Twitter. I see that country singer Trent Tomlinson just tweeted that he’s excited for Country on the River.

Hey, even the Courier Press is on Facebook. Though, you have to “friend” them instead of “liking” them – which drives me nuts when businesses do that. Regardless, they are there…though, PdCToday still has more fans, errr, friends.

The evolution of PdCToday will be cool and worthwhile. Thanks for your patience and coming along for the ride.

- Dan

The 3M Corporation today made a major commitment to the Hoffman Hall Capital Campaign, presenting the City of Prairie du Chien a donation of $150,000. The contribution to the $2 million campaign was made at a ceremony this afternoon (Wednesday) at the company’s facilities in Prairie du Chien.

“With this generous contribution from 3M, and the 3-year, $100,000-per-year commitment made last month by Prairie du Chien Memorial Hospital, the momentum for this campaign continues to build,” said Mike Ulrich, Parks and Recreation Director for the City of Prairie du Chien. “We are very grateful for the support from 3M on behalf of all of the patrons who use Hoffman Hall.

“The preservation of and improvements to Hoffman Hall are a key component of the quality of life in Prairie du Chien,” said City Administrator Aaron Kramer. “3M’s contribution to our efforts today further underscores the role that a new and improved Hoffman Hall will play in helping our local businesses attract and retain employees who are seeking a safe community with a number of healthy and diverse options for recreation and entertainment.”

“This is a very exciting day for the Capital Campaign,” said Mayor Dave Hemmer. “The donation from 3M brings us one step, one very large step, closer to our ultimate goal, and, speaking for the supporters of Hoffman Hall, I want to extend a thank you to everyone at 3M for their support.”

Built in 1962 as part of Campion Jesuit High School, Hoffman Hall was purchased by the City of Prairie du Chien in 2000. No major renovations have been made to the building since it was acquired by the City. The campaign goal of $2 million focuses on the urgent needs of the building’s structure and mechanical systems. Although the building is structurally sound, the planned modifications will make the building more energy efficient and sound for future generations.

Hoffman Hall is envisioned as a top-shelf community attraction that will provide recreation, wellness, health and fitness infrastructure and programming to all residents of Southwest Wisconsin and Northeast Iowa. An upgraded and enhanced Hoffman Hall will become home to expanded programming that will elevate community life and achievement in the spheres of recreation, fitness, health, sports, leisure education and the arts.

The excessive heat warning continues and will continue through the weekend. In fact, the temperature isn’t expected to drop below 70 degrees until Sunday night according to the National Weather Service. Heat index of 114 today. It’s ONLY forecast to be 113 on Wednesday. Relief is in sight! *ahem*

It can be hard for some people to find a place to go and cool off. Grant County has opened 18 “cooling centers” (in libraries, churches, community rooms, etc) throughout the county.

The La Crosse Tribune published an article about the effort to save the Mount Sterling post office from being closed down.