03/23/2026
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
La Farge Police Department Reminds Property Owners to Address Vehicle and Junk Ordinance Violations as Spring Cleanup Season Begins
La Farge, Wis. — As the seasons change and spring cleanup gets underway, the La Farge Police Department is reminding property owners to review their yards and properties for vehicles, appliances, junk, and other materials that may be in violation of Village ordinances.
The La Farge Police Department has begun notifying property owners when vehicles and appliances on their property appear to violate La Farge Ordinance Title 10, Motor Vehicles and Traffic. Ordinance 10-5 regulates abandoned, junked, inoperable, unlicensed, unregistered, and wrecked vehicles and appliances, including those kept in public view beyond the time allowed unless they are properly screened, enclosed, or authorized by the Village of La Farge.
The Village’s vehicle enforcement initiative was originally launched last year as part of an organized effort to address ordinance violations in a fair and consistent manner throughout the community. By dividing the Village into enforcement sectors, the Police Department established a more structured approach to notifying property owners, encouraging voluntary compliance, and addressing concerns area by area. That initiative is continuing this year as part of the Department’s ongoing commitment to improving neighborhood appearance, protecting public health and safety, and ensuring enforcement of Village ordinances.
The addition of an administrative assistant within the La Farge Police Department is also expected to help streamline workflow related to ordinance enforcement, follow-up, and compliance efforts. With additional support, the Department will be better positioned to track complaints, issue notices, monitor deadlines, conduct follow-up contacts, and coordinate enforcement action more efficiently. This added capacity will help improve communication with property owners while supporting a more organized and timely response to ongoing ordinance violations.
Chief Palmer also reminds residents that accumulations of junk and other unhealthy, hazardous, or unsightly materials on public or private property may violate La Farge Ordinance Title 8, Health and Sanitation. Such conditions can also contribute to vermin and rodent activity and may create environments that support insect infestations, including cockroaches, making prompt cleanup and proper property maintenance especially important.
The change in weather provides residents with a timely opportunity to take proactive steps to bring their property into compliance before enforcement action moves further.
“Our goal is to give property owners a chance to correct these issues,” said Steven Palmer, Chief of Police for the La Farge Police Department. “With spring here, now is a good time for residents to look over their property and take care of any vehicles, junk, or other property-related concerns that may not meet ordinance requirements.”
Property owners who receive notice will have time to correct the issue. Depending on the violation, options may include removing vehicles, junk, or other materials from the property, repairing vehicles and making sure they are properly registered, placing vehicles inside a building, screening them from public view with approved materials, or obtaining the appropriate permit through the Village Clerk’s Office.
Chief Palmer also noted that current registration alone does not automatically make a vehicle compliant if it is otherwise inoperable, wrecked, junked, or stored in violation of the ordinance.
Residents are also encouraged to keep in mind the upcoming La Farge Village Clean Up Day on April 18 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. The drop-off site and dumpsters will be located at the Quonset Hut on S. Mill Street by Sandmire Park, and the event is open to Village of La Farge residents only. The event provides an opportunity for residents to be proactive and address concerns before enforcement action becomes necessary.
Residents with quantities larger than a truck bed should contact the Village Office. For more information, to schedule a pickup, arrange payment, donate, or volunteer, residents should contact the Village Office by April 10 at 608-625-4422. The cleanup notice also states that fees apply for certain items such as appliances, mattresses, and tires, and that hazardous materials, paint, oil, and building materials will not be accepted.
This notification process is part of a broader community compliance initiative aimed at improving neighborhood appearance, safety, and quality of life throughout the Village. Residents are encouraged to review their property now and address any concerns early.
The La Farge Police Department is asking all property owners for their proactive cooperation in helping keep the community safe, clean, and well maintained. By addressing vehicles, junk, and other property concerns early, residents can help prevent larger issues, maintain neighborhood appearance, and support the overall quality of life in the Village. The Department’s goal is to work with residents and encourage voluntary compliance whenever possible. However, repeated or ongoing violations that are not addressed may result in enforcement action under applicable Village ordinances.
A link to La Farge Ordinances can be found here:
https://www.lafarge-wisconsin.com/village-ordinances
Steven Palmer
Chief of Police
La Farge Police Department
Below is a listing of the Village of La Farge ordinances. Click on a PDF icon to open the document. An index by subject matter can be found by clicking here or looking under the Community Life menu item and choosing Village Ordinances Index.
