EM village board approves new dugouts at Village Park

By Cara L. Dempski

ELK MOUND — The Elk Mound board of trustees and president pro tempore Greg Kipp agreed this past Wednesday to erect dugouts on field three at the Village Park.

Public Works Director Mark Levra proposed the construction of dugouts on the third softball/baseball field at the park during the September 20 regular meeting. He cited a need for shelter and shade for players – and fans – using the field, which is approximately one-quarter mile away from the covered picnic area.

The board approved an expenditure of approximately $2,200 for the the dugouts to be built.

In other business, the board also learned the Village Park would be one of several sites used in the village September 23 as part of a multi-agency trauma training event. Several agencies from around Dunn County will train for handling different emergency situations at different locations in Elk Mound.

Teams undergoing training will be bused from site to site during the day.

The village board also learned progress has been made regarding snowmobile routes through the village and the ordinances related to them. Interim police chief Mike Tietz indicated the route and ordinances would be given to attorney Allen Harvey to examine prior to being presented to the Public Safety committee for recommendation to the board.

The board approved a license to serve alcohol for Nicole Kolb of the Junction, and approved a lease agreement with Margaret and Steve Dieter to lease land at 307 University Street for the village ice rink, which doubles as snow storage on East University Street.

Finally, the trustees and president pro tempore approved building permits for Jordan Schneider (306 Fir Avenue, Wood and Metal Fencing), Merle Roth (E205 Menomonie Street, 30 x 34 shed), Leslie and Alan Longanecker (103 Kings Court, plumbing in basement bathroom), and Timothy Riley (104 Taylor Street, two-car garage).

Police report

While interim chief Tietz’s report for the period between August 20 and September 20 did not contain many surprises, there were three items of note in the calls made to both the Dunn County Sheriff’s Office and to the Elk Mound.

On August 23, someone reported criminal damage to property at 105 East Menomonie Street. A day later, August 24, residents at a home on South Holly Avenue reported the theft of several items from a vehicle, and an unlisted location on South Holly reported vandalism as well.

Tietz reported the Dunn County Sheriff’s Office developed a suspect who lives outside the community, but who was visiting friends in the village at the time the crimes were reported. His written report indicates the suspect has not been cooperative with the investigation.

The current chief also informed the board he has done some training with the school crossing guards, and has been out in the department truck at various times in the morning and afternoon on school days as a deterrent.

He noted he will not be available for the September 20 homecoming parade due to prior commitments, but has made contact with the county and coordinated with the public works department to ensure a safe day for all participants.

Tietz indicated the junk ordinances may need revision, and he followed up with Allen Harvey as two ordinances seem to cover the same items. He will provide further information on this as it is made available to him.

The interim chief also said over 30 of the property owners sent letters regarding non-compliance with the village’s junk ordinances have complied. Tietz plans to make personal contact with the nine who have not complied to determine the reason for the continue issues, and give them additional notice.

Finally, he informed the board seven application packets have been sent out, leading him to recommend the board start thinking about how the next steps in the hiring process should look. He encouraged the board to think about the interview process, and consider having multiple interview panels of board members, community residents, school representatives, and law enforcement professionals.

He anticipates interviews starting in late October after all panels have created questions to be scored. In the meantime, he and village clerk Pat Hahn will continue doing legal research to guarantee the interviews are conducted legally, as law enforcement screening is different than hiring general employees.