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 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.

Thanks for being patient with the Pulse this past week-plus as this writer took a much needed break from the daily writing grind. Truthfully, I do believe some re-assessment of PdCToday was/is in order. I’ll explain later this week. (Oooooh, suspense!)

Though, it’s probably too hot for suspense. Sweet pickles almighty, is it hot! Now, I strongly believe that far too many people fuss and worry about the weather. However, it’s times like these where it is important to pay attention. Drink plenty of water. Don’t over-do it. Check-in on any vulnerable family & friends. These high temperatures and humidity make it pretty easy for heat-related complications to set in.

Expect a high of 96 today with a heat index possibly as high as 118. There’s little relief in the forecast, either, as high temperatures are expected to stay in the 90′s through the weekend.  It’s been about a decade since we’ve seen this level of heat take hold for this long.

A man from Bridgeport died Saturday after being thrown from his SUV and then hit by a train along Highway 35 near Ferryville. He was identified in a report released Sunday as 28-year-old Justin Wilkins.

The latest stature in the sculpture park on St. Feriole Island, Emma Big Bear, was unveiled this past weekend.

That’s today’s Pulse. Stay cool. Thanks for hanging around.