Kewaunee County Sheriff's Department

05/28/2020

Please turn your lights on!

Wisconsin State Statue 347.06(1) – Operating without required lamps lighted (Fine: $162.70 and 3 points on your driving record)

“… No person may operate a vehicle upon a highway during hours of darkness or during a period of limited visibility unless all headlamps, tail lamps, and clearance lamps with which the vehicle is required to be equipped are lighted. Parking lamps … may not be used for this purpose.”

While observing traffic today, there are still too many vehicles out there that are not turning their lights on during inclement weather. Turning lights on is not necessarily for you to see, but for people to see you, ultimately keeping more drivers safe on our roads.

Another reminder, AUTO IS NOT ON! Technology is great, but only if it works! Many of us, (yes as law enforcement too) are guilty of relying too much on our auto lights. While they are a great feature, they are not great during times of inclement weather. Depending on your year, make, and model of your vehicle will determine what lights are activated (usually not all).

Make a new habit, any time you are driving start manually turning your lights on. Then turn them off when you arrive at your destination.

05/18/2020

Attempted Robbery - Repost

Incident # 20-02245

(Kewaunee, WI) On April 7th, 2020 at approximately 8:30 PM The Kewaunee County Sheriff’s Department received a call of an attempted Robbery at the L&L One Stop located in the Township of Carlton. The caller stated that the suspect, a male subject described as tall and thin wearing a red Wisconsin Badgers Sweatshirt, sunglasses and a dark colored mask entered the convenience store and demanded money. The caller stated that she refused to provide any money and the subject then left the store.

We are still attempting to gather additional information in regards to this incident and have added a picture of the vehicle involved. If you or anyone you know has information related to this incident, you may ask to remain confidential and are asked to contact the Kewaunee County Sheriff’s Department at (920)388-7108.

05/18/2020

Kewaunee County

The Kewaunee County Highway Department has temporarily closed a portion of CTH E due to flooding. The closure is from Side Road to 1st Street in Kewaunee. Local traffic only, please plan accordingly.

NOTE: This photo of CTH E was taken on May 1 when high water from the Kewaunee River started to recede after a temporary closure and is not a look at the current situation.

05/14/2020

Please see below information from our Public Health Director, Cindy Kinnard. This was a collaborative decision with both the health of our community along with the well being of our business community in mind.
Speaking for myself, I am confident in our community's ability to engage in various activities, while maintaining a vigilance to the health of our neighbors.

Thank you for making Kewaunee County a model of what can be done when we put our trust in each other, and faith in our businesses and institutions.

http://www.co.kewaunee.wi.gov/docview.asp?docid=26882

05/06/2020

I was recently made aware that a letter has been generated by the Kewaunee County Tavern League regarding the decision of some establishments to resume business and open their doors, allowing customers to eat and drink within their respective businesses. I would like to address the implications of this decision from a law enforcement perspective.
While I fully understand the hardships that have been endured as we continue to work through the statewide restrictions, I feel it important to reiterate that these restrictions are in fact based in statutory law and compliance to them are not discretionary. We have all striven to adjust our lives in an effort to keep our vulnerable population safe. Many of us who would like very much to attend a Religious Services, High School or College Graduation, or one of our kids sporting events would like nothing more than to return to these activities as well. There are many businesses who are facing financial crisis due to these restrictions, but they too remain steadfast in their responsibility to keep our community members safe.
I commend those businesses who continue to do the right thing despite the burden, as well as so many from our community who make an extra effort to patronize all of our local businesses. We all have a role to play in the ability of community to not only endure these challenges, but to thrive in the many years to come. Our actions now will make a difference in our local economy, and when one part of our local economy succeeds, we all succeed!
If anyone has any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact me directly. Please note that I am currently activated with the Wisconsin National Guard assisting with COVID-19 support operations.
(920)255-1100 - Sheriff Matt Joski

05/05/2020

Industrial Accident

Incident # 20-02810

(Kewaunee, WI) On May 4, 2020 at approximately 8:18 a.m. the Kewaunee County Sheriff’s Department responded to a call of a male subject who was trapped in a piece of industrial equipment. The caller stated that the subject was unresponsive. Upon arrival Deputies were able to free the 46 year old male subject from the skidsteer which he had been working on, however he had already succumbed to the injuries he sustained in the incident. The victim in this incident has been identified as Justin D. Kuehl of Kewaunee.

This incident remains under investigation.

05/02/2020

Death Investigation

Incident # 20-02742

(Algoma, WI) On May 1, 2020 at approximately 7:43 p.m. the Kewaunee County Sheriff’s Department received a request to conduct a welfare check at a residence in the Township of Ahnapee. Caller stated that they had not heard from an acquaintance who lives at the residence for a few days and is concerned. Upon arrival, Deputies attempted contact, with no response. Deputies did then look through a window of the residence and observed the bodies of two individuals located on the floor.

Upon making entrance to the home, it was determined that the two individuals, who resided at that residence, were in fact deceased. The deceased were a 71 year old male subject, along with a 56 year old female subject. There were no other persons in the residence at the time. This incident does not pose a safety threat to the community.

This incident remains under investigation with the assistance of the Wisconsin Department of Criminal Investigation.

04/21/2020

Kewaunee County

Construction season is about to start back up and work to complete the bridge project on CTH S (Second Street) over the Ahnapee River in Algoma will restart around Monday, April 27, 2020. The site will be closed to traffic. Drivers will be detoured on STH 42 and CTH J in Door County. It is anticipated the project will be complete around Friday, May 15, 2020. If you have any questions, please contact the Kewaunee County Highway Department at (920) 388-3707.

Photo: Ahnapee River Bridge (CTH S/Second Street) Summer 2019

04/16/2020

Sharing some photos of beautiful Kewaunee.

04/13/2020

With all that is going on around us and the gesturesof support being provided to so many of those who serve our communities, it is fitting that this week is set aside for us to recognize Public Safety Telecommunicator’s.
We seem to always focus on those resources that respond to the scene with the lights and sirens, but all too often forget about the Dispatchers who are the first ones to get the call and many times try to make sense out of frantic voices on the other end of the line. Without the skills of the Public Safety Telecommunicator, none of the subsequent efforts would be possible.
Each Year the second week of April is designated as Public Safety Telecommunications recognition week. While this role in public safety is not as recognized or publicized as a Law Enforcement Officer, Fire Fighter, or Rescue Personnel, it is without a doubt as important as those other professions. The Public Safety Telecommunicator is the first contact in most critical events. Whether it is a motor vehicle accident, a fire, a crime, or even someone locking their keys in their car, the first voice they will hear that will ultimately get them the services they need will be the voice of a Public Safety Telecommunicator.
Most people refer to them as Dispatchers, and while this is one of the key roles they perform, there is much more to this position. Here in Kewaunee County we have the distinction of being one of the last agencies that “Dual Role” our staff. The official title for this position at the Kewaunee County Sheriff’s Department is Jailer/ Dispatcher. What this means is that our Dispatchers also serve as our Jailers, and our Jailers as our dispatchers. This allows us to meet the state requirement to have two jailers on shift at all times. While there is no requirement to have two dispatchers on at all times, having the flexibility to have a second dispatcher when those critical calls come in is definitely an advantage.
Most of us have heard of “Multi- Tasking” but I don’t think you can truly appreciate that phrase until you see what the typical day is in the life of one of these staff members. Even the most minor of calls will require them to take the initial call, communicate that call to the proper response unit, and further more document that call with absolute accuracy all at the same time. When you take this to the level of a multi-agency response to a major event such as a structure fire, their skills are truly put to the test. It is fitting that we take some time to give our appreciation to those who truly are on the front lines of keeping our communities safe.
I want to personally thank all of the men and women who hold these law enforcement positions and I want to reiterate that they do in fact “Serve and Protect with Pride and Integrity” the citizens of Kewaunee County just as any other member of our Law Enforcement family.

04/08/2020

Vehicle Break-ins

Incident # 20-02251

(Luxemburg, WI) On April 8th, 2020 at approximately 3:11 AM the Kewaunee County Sheriff’s Department received a complaint of theft from motor vehicles in the Village of Luxemburg. The caller stated that the suspect had broken a window in her vehicle to gain access and that the suspect had just left the scene.

Deputies from the Kewaunee County Sheriff’s Department were able to respond quickly and in a short time were able to detain the suspect involved. The suspect subsequently admitted to entering multiple vehicles in the Village of Luxemburg as well as in the City of Kewaunee. Numerous stolen items were recovered.

This incident remains under investigation and charges will be referred to the Kewaunee County District Attorney.

04/08/2020

Attempted Robbery

Incident # 20-02245

(Kewaunee, WI) On April 7th, 2020 at approximately 8:30 PM The Kewaunee County Sheriff’s Department received a call of an attempted Robbery at the L&L One Stop located in the Township of Carlton. The caller stated that the suspect, a male subject described as tall and thin wearing a red Wisconsin Badgers Sweatshirt, sunglasses and a dark colored mask entered the convenience store and demanded money. The caller stated that she refused to provide any money and the subject then left the store.

This incident remains under investigation and if you or anyone you know has information related to this incident, you are asked to contact the Kewaunee County Sheriff’s Department at (920)388-7108

04/08/2020

With everything going on in our world it is always great to see that there really are amazing acts of giving going on around us every day. Thank you to Braelyn,Brooklyn, Brystol and Bentley Massart along with their Mother Amber for donating PPE supplies to the Kewaunee County Sheriff's Department! We are lucky to have you in our community!

04/07/2020

A big thanks goes out to Tom Rueckl for creating these amazing face shields to keep our community safe!!

04/04/2020

**Burn advisory**

The Wisconsin DNR has placed a burn ban on all DNR regulated counties until further notice. Kewaunee County does not fit under this regulation but in talking with our local fire departments we will be placing a burn advisory.

The Sheriff's Department and Fire Departments are recommending you refrain from large brush/debris fires until further notice. Small campfires would still be acceptable with clean dry wood. Concern comes in with the drying conditions along with the containment and control of COVID-19. The issue arises if multiple fire agencies need to respond to put out a brush fire we are putting more people at risk of exposure.

We understand the weather is getting nice out and this may be an inconvenience but hope we can all work together to make it through these tough times.

Thank you and be safe!

04/03/2020

04/01/2020

The Ultimate Internet Safety Guide for Seniors

Some great resources to keep our Senior Citizens Safe!

https://www.safetydetectives.com/blog/the-ultimate-internet-safety-guide-for-seniors/

Our experts help you watch out for your loved ones in this blog about internet safety for seniors.

03/24/2020

content.govdelivery.com

https://content.govdelivery.com/attachments/WIGOV/2020/03/24/file_attachments/1409408/Health%20Order%20%2312%20Safer%20At%20Home.pdf

Please see information regarding the most recent order from Governor Tony Evers. After reviewing the document, please contact your place of employment to determine if and how this may affect you and your family.

Please note that nowhere in this order does it direct law enforcement to stop or detain travelers. I have had numerous questions regarding "Placards" that are supposed to be displayed in vehicles for those who are "Essential" . There has been no such order, nor are we going to be stopping drivers to ascertain their purpose. I would ask that you use common sense and travel only if absolutely necessary.

This order contains the ongoing message of both Social Distancing as well as Self Quarantine. If you have any questions regarding law enforcement's response to this order, please feel free to contact me directly. (920)255-1100 Thank you, Sheriff Matt Joski

03/19/2020

With all that is going on, I would like to spread a message of caution to our community regarding scams. I just received a call this morning from one of our citizens who were on the receiving end of a popular scam known as the "Grand Child" scam. In this instance, the caller pretended to be a family member who had gotten into a vehicle accident and needed money for medical treatment. Fortunately the potential victim was wise enough to make a call to her family member before actually sending the money only to find out that there had been no accident.
These scams all have one thing in common, they use fear and emotion as a tool to gain compliance. While we have not seen any scams specific to the COVID-19 virus, it is important to verify any and all requests for personal information or money prior to any action. Remember, any legitimate government or legal agency will not demand action based on a phone call. It is always a good practice to contact either your financial institution or local law enforcement before taking any action which requires the sharing of personal or financial information. Stay Safe!

03/18/2020

Smart Deposit Plus

March 18, 2020

From: Sheriff Matt Joski

Ref: COVID-19 Virus related changes to Kewaunee County Sheriff’s Department Operations

As of March 18, 2020 and continuing until further notice, the following measures will be in place regarding the response and protocols of the Kewaunee County Sheriff’s Department. These measures are being taken to minimize the risk of exposure to both our staff as well as to the community as a whole.

1. Access to the Kewaunee County Safety Building is being restricted to essential personnel only. There will be no visitation, fingerprinting, or prescription medication drop off services provided during this time. Those wishing to deposit funds into an inmate’s account can utilize www.smartdeposit.com
2. All public presentations from Sheriff’s Department Staff are also being cancelled and postponed for later dates.
3. Unless life savings measures are necessary or if requested by EMS personnel, Deputies will not be responding to Rescue Calls.
4. Most minor damage property reports will be handled by phone
5. Non-Reportable accidents (under $1,000.00) may be asked to be self reported through the DOT Website.

We ask that when contacting the Kewaunee County Dispatch Center for response to your emergency, in addition to the standard information, you provide the Dispatcher with any information on any persons exhibiting flu like symptoms at the location of the incident.

Thank you for your patience and understanding during this time. These measures will be evaluated continually and any changes will be announced as soon as they become available.