Wisconsin town uses explosives on frozen creek
LA CROSSE, Wis. (AP) — One Wisconsin town among those dealing with frozen waterways and clogged drains because melted snow has no place to go has tried an explosive new approach: blowing up a creek.
Town of Onalaska officials hired a blasting company to stick several hundred sticks of plastic explosives in the frozen Sand Lake Coulee Creek and detonate it on Friday.
Officials turned to explosives because when it rained Feb. 23, the water ran on the ice and went around a dike that protects about a dozen homes. After the blast, crews dug out the ice and created a channel for the water.
Jerry McManigle says in 50 years in the business, he's blown up barns, foundations and beaver dams — but never a creek before.
___
Information from: La Crosse Tribune, http://www.lacrossetribune.com
___
Information from: La Crosse Tribune, http://www.lacrossetribune.com
