If you’re a current subscriber, log in below. If you would like to subscribe, please click the subscribe tab above.
Please enter your email and we will send you a password reset link.
By Amber Hayden
BOYCEVILLE — During a public safety meeting held on Tuesday, June 18, the Village of Boyceville board members met with members from the Village of Wheeler to discuss Wheeler joining the municipal court.
“We are in the process of hiring a new chief of police,” said Wheeler president Ben Stephens. “We are trying to clean up the village ordinances more than anything, and the county hasn’t been helping out.”
Boyceville village president Gilbert Krueger explained to Stephens and Wheeler village trustee Linda Crosby he had yet to speak with judge Brad Erickson on the matter.
“I know at one time we did share a judge with Colfax,” said Krueger. “And I thought we also did with Knapp.”
Stephens and Crosby know the first step for Wheeler is to file the paperwork with the state that would allow them to go to Boyceville with an agenda item to join and have the paper work signed, according to Stephens, he also stated that when they had spoken to someone about the matter that it would be an easy transition.
Wheeler’s new chief of police, Jason McDonald, was a previous county officer and is aware that they will have to start with radios and his personal laptop after the old laptop had been confiscated.
“We want to start as small as we can,” Stephens said. “Mainly with citations and then work up to speeding tickets eventually.”
All citations would be handled by Judge Erickson as Wheeler has no way of tracking if the citations have been paid.
Krueger explained to Stephens that Wheeler would have to pay the fees and wages that the clerk of courts would spend on cases dealing with the village, to which both village presidents agreed on.
“I think it seems reasonable,” Krueger said. “I think it’s a fine idea, and being neighbors we are willing to help out.”
Stephens and Crosby told the Boyceville board that they believe they will get further with residents in the municipality if they have someone with them that has authority when they are serving out citations.
The police vehicle for Wheeler has already been inspected and it good to go despite it being 14 years old, according to Stephens, he also believes that things have been too relaxed for too many years.
During the meeting the Boyceville Village Board also discussed placement of a portable or permanent stop sign on the east side of Winter Street.
This was brought up after concerned citizens explained that people will drive around buses that are being loaded at the school and the sign on the west side is not in view.
We use cookies to improve your experience. By continuing to use this site, you agree to our use of cookies. Privacy Policy
