September 6, 2006

The city of Prairie du Chien Police Department is losing one of its long-time employees, detective Larry Cuff, who is retiring and moving to Baraboo.

A retirement party was held for Cuff in the upstairs meeting room at the Police Department on Friday morning and numerous friends and law enforcement personnel were on hand to share memories.

"It didn't really hit me until yesterday," said Police Chief Mike King. "I'm really sad. Larry is a fixture. He's a terrific friend and a terrific detective. I'm sad as hell that he's gone." The two men then hugged at the front of the room.

"He's one of Prairie du Chien's finest police officers," said former Police Chief Gary Knickerbocker. "He served with honor for more than 24 years."

Retired conservation warden Dennis Kirschbaum praised Larry for his efforts as a hunter safety instructor for many years, showing that Larry cares and is involved in the community beyond being a police officer.

Administrative Assistant Patty Yager said that Larry was the one that could always be counted upon to come to work with a friendly attitude and a smile on his face.

"It's been a fantastic career," said Larry, who noted that young people thinking of entering into a law enforcement career should "give it some consideration." He said that it is very rewarding but it has its dangers as well.

"Your family is the most important part," he said. "But the people you work with become your second family. I thank everyone for coming here today."

Officer Chad Abram will take Larry's place as the new detective for the Prairie du Chien Police Department.

Briefly describe yourself and your qualifications for the position of Sheriff.

I was born and raised in Crawford County, the son of J. Byron and Florence Moran. I grew up on a dairy farm in Rolling Ground, WI. Currently I live in Soldiers Grove. I have four daughters and five grandchildren.

I have been in law enforcement for 33 years and have served as Crawford County Undersheriff for seven years. I also have extensive management experience.

Why are you seeking this position?

While serving as undersheriff for over seven years I saw a need for positive leadership within the sheriff's department. I have the ability to put positive leadership to work, therefore making the sheriff's department a much more productive agency and much better place to work.

What are your primary goals for improving service to the public as sheriff? What is the most important issue facing law enforcement in the county?

My primary goals are to improve cooperation among all emergency service agencies in the county and to restore drug education in the schools as well as actively pursue drug investigations. I plan to reestablish a multi-jurisdictional drug task force and crisis resolution team. I will establish a working environment that will enable sheriff's department members to work productively and harmoniously. I plan to provide adequate training to ensure the safety of our deputies and the public.

The most important issue facing law enforcement is providing adequate law enforcement on a limited budget.

Some residents are interested in creating a position for a humane officer in Crawford County. What is your position on this issue?

Creating a humane officer would relieve the sheriff's department of a lot of animal complaint calls, which would free officers for better service to county residents. I couldn't make a final decision until I knew more about what the cost would be.

Briefly describe yourself and your qualifications for the position of Sheriff.

My name is Bob Ostrander and I am the current sheriff. I have been married to my wife Nancy for 40 years and we have two married children and seven grandchildren. I was in the U.S. Navy as a photographer during the Cuban Missile Crisis. I have been with the Crawford County Sheriff's Department for 30-plus years as a full time officer, including the last eight years as sheriff.

Why are you seeking this position?

I'm seeking re-election because it's a job I love, in a place I love, and I think I've been good at it. A level-headed approach to challenges and a life-long relationship with the people and places in Crawford County have prepared me to handle whatever this job throws at me.

What are your primary goals for improving service to the public as Sheriff? What is the most important issue facing law enforcement in the county?

It's a challenge just to maintain the standards of protection we have now. Budgets are being tightened because of increased demands on tax dollars, and we have to come up with creative ways to stretch those dollars. I'm very proud of our program to maintain our communication towers. By renting space to commercial businesses, we've been able to finance the upkeep and re-equipment of our system. A combined city/county dispatch center had been a long time goal for me and will soon be a reality. This will provide for more efficient use of personnel, and eventual financial savings. I foresee an increasing role for our dive and rescue team, which will involve more training and equipment.

Some residents are interested in creating a position for a humane officer in Crawford County. What is your position on this issue?

I believe a humane officer would be very beneficial to Crawford County. This position would relieve some of the burden from my officers, as well as the town, city and village officials. Perhaps by joining together we could come up with a creative way to fund this position.

Briefly describe yourself and your qualifications for the position of Sheriff.

I was born in Crawford County in 1951, and, except for the time I spent in the U.S. Army and school, have lived my whole life in the Prairie du Chien area. My wife Lynn and I currently live in the town of Prairie du Chien with our sons Zachary, Adam and Daniel. My son Mike and his wife Shelly live in Prairie du Chien, and my step-daughter Lisa lives in the Wauzeka area.

I began working full time in law enforcement as a deputy sheriff (dispatch/jailer) for Crawford County in 1977. In 1979, I was hired at the Prairie du Chien Police Department where I worked until my retirement in July, 2004.

With the PdC police department I held the position of detective for several years and was a sergeant supervising patrol officers at the time of my retirement. I was a DARE officer for the public and private schools in Crawford County for 13 years.

I served on the Prairie du Chien school board for seven years. I have been involved with the Prairie du Chien Rescue Squad, Children's Advisory Board and CARE. Through my employment and volunteer activities, I have gained experience in budgeting, personnel matters and cross-agency collaboration.

Why are you seeking this position?

Local law enforcement needs to work closely with other agencies and organizations within Crawford County, in neighboring counties and at the state and federal level to provide the best services for our citizens. I want to use my experience to improve relationships with other area agencies. I am also seeking this position because we need a change in leadership, and I believe I am the candidate best able to provide that change.

What are your primary goals for improving service to the public as sheriff? What is the most important issue facing law enforcement in the county?

Safety for the public and the officers will always be the primary goal. I hope to improve training for officers, increase community education and establish a K-9 unit in the county (for officer safety and increased drug enforcement).

Drug and alcohol use/abuse is an important issue facing law enforcement. Alcohol is involved in many domestic disturbances, traffic accidents and other crimes. We have seen in increase in methamphetamine use in western Wisconsin and we need to step up enforcement.

Some residents are interested in creating a position for a humane officer in Crawford County. What is your position on this issue?

I would like to see a job description and estimated costs with regard to a humane officer before taking a stand on this issue. I would gladly meet with interested parties to look into this further.

Briefly describe yourself and your qualifications for the office of Register of Deeds.

Jane Bushnell replies:

I was born and raised in Crawford County and have been a loyal resident for 42 years. I have been married for 27 years and have three children. I hold an associate degree in business and human resources with additional schooling in accounting, communications, law and computer consulting. In my five years away from the county, I worked for Xerox Corporation as a computer analyst. My past 20 years were spent working for Wal-Mart Corp. (Prairie du Chien) in management and business operations, district computer trainer and human resources.

Why are you seeking this position?

A county service position is more than a job - this person should have a solid and consistent work record, business and computer skills, leadership, professionalism, show a true caring/commitment and be well recognized in the community. With 25 years of experience, I have the business, office and computer knowledge to perform this job in an exceptional manner. I have 25 years of solid and exceptional work performance. I have proven my commitment to the county and citizens - serving on several boards of directors, originating community programs, and over the past four years, voluntarily assisting 80 charitable organizations and organizing over $700,000 in community grants and fund-raisers. I will use my 25 year of business experience, coupled with my community commitment and leadership, to benefit the taxpayers.

What are your primary goals for improving service to the public as Register of Deeds? What is the most important issue facing this office in the year ahead?

I have spent 20-plus hours each week introducing myself and listening to citizens throughout Crawford County. I have many goals to improve service: expansion of the ïLandshark' website by further computerization of online land records, generating county revenue; optical imaging/preservation of historical documents and working with historical societies; genealogy assistance; offer friendly, efficient assistance and establish excellent relationships with everyone I serve; work with city, county and government offices and officials in helping them obtain much-needed grants; establish an effective communication system, county newsletter and service offerings listing; serve on Register of Deeds associations.

One of the most important issues in the year ahead is making our services more efficient and convenient for you, and this will be accomplished by having the ability to order your vital records online.

Briefly describe yourself and your qualifications for the office of Register of Deeds.

Melissa Mezera replies:

I grew up on a small farm in Eastman where I still reside. I am the daughter of Jerry and Brenda Nagel and the late Tom Hill.

This is my sixth year in the Register of Deeds Office. Prior to my appointment by Governor Doyle in June of 2005 I served you as the Chief Deputy Register. I was chosen by the Governor to serve as the Register of Deeds over many applicants as I was the most qualified for the position. I pride myself on my customer service skills and have always run the office in a productive, professional, efficient and friendly manner. I have extensive computer knowledge and was instrumental in the computerization of the office. I know every aspect of the office and continually look for ways to benefit the residents of our county.

Why are you seeking this position?

As the current Register, I have enjoyed serving the residents of my county and look forward to providing exceptional customer service for years to come. I have worked hard to get the office where it is today and I take great pride in what I have accomplished thus far. It is to the taxpayer's advantage to have an experienced Register in the Register of Deeds office.

What are your primary goals for improving service to the public as Register of Deeds? What is the most important issue facing the office in the year ahead?

Currently the office is working on back-scanning land records to make them accessible to the public via the internet, which will in turn bring in more revenue. In the next few months we will also be implementing a new system to order your vital records (birth, death and marriage records) online with a credit or debit card. This will be a huge benefit to our customers! I will continue to keep the public informed through the local papers as I have in the past. I will continue to provide the fast, friendly, courteous customer service the public deserves!

In the next year the state will be implementing a new computer system for vital records. The state will be mandating many changes with this system which are going to affect the county Register of Deeds offices dramatically. I have already been preparing our office for these changes so that when the time comes all will go smoothly.

I would like to say thank you to everyone who has continually supported me and the office and I look forward to serving as your Register of Deeds for many years to come!