Richland County Sheriff's Department

Two Vehicle Crash on Highway 56 Near Viola Results in Fatality

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On Monday 5/18/2020 at 9pm Richland County Dispatch received a 911 call of a 2 vehicle crash on US Hwy 56, 1/4 mile east of Viola. Sheriff’s Deputies, Viola Fire, Kickapoo Valley Rescue Squad and the Wisconsin State Patrol responded. The Richland County Sheriff’s Department with the assistance of the Wisconsin State Patrol is investigating the 2 vehicle crash which resulted in a fatality. Allen G Nemec, 37 of La Farge was pronounced dead at the scene by the Richland County Coroners Office.

Others involved: Clayton A Gatewood, 27 of Westby.

This crash is currently under investigation.

Free Naloxone (Narcan) Training

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The Partners for Prevention Coalition of Richland County is offering free naloxone (Narcan) training sessions for those interested in learning how to administer the medication properly. “Learn how to use the medication and what to do if you suspect someone is overdosing,” said Detective Jason Pilla of the Richland Center Police Department.

The easy 45-minute training will be held at three different times on Thursday, May 7th, at 10 am 1 pm and 5:30 pm.   Participants may attend the training with or without using their video. To log on to the Virtual Training, visit the following Facebook pages-Partners for Prevention of Richland County, Richland Center Police Department and Richland County Sheriff’s Department on the day and time of the session you wish to join. Each participant will receive a box of Narcan upon completion of the training.

The Partners for Prevention Coalition’s mission statement is to engage Richland County residents to prevent substance use by creating safe and healthy communities.  The coalition is part of the Richland County Children and Family Advocacy Council, a local non-profit organization dedicated to preventing childhood trauma and substance use.  Federal and state funding is being provided to support the training.  For more information, visit the Partners for Prevention Facebook page or call Betsy Roesler, Project Coordinator, at 647-6131.

Request for Squad Bids

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The Richland County Sheriff’s Department, under the authority of the Richland County Law Enforcement and Judiciary Committee, is currently accepting bids as described below to purchase four (4) police package squad vehicles and one (1) mini van:

Police Package Dodge Charger 4 door AWD
Police Package Dodge Durango SUV 4 door AWD
Police Package Ford F-150 4 door 4×4 pick up
Police Package Ford Explorer SUV 4 door AWD
Police Package Chevrolet Tahoe SUV 4 door 4×4
Mini Van, 3 row seating, with dual side doors

Detailed Bid Specifications

Bids must be received by Friday, March 6th, 2020 at 4:00p.m.   Bids will be accepted by U.S. Mail, email or hand delivery to the Richland County Sheriff’s Department. Electronic bids should be sent to amber.muckler@co.richland.wi.us and put Squad Bids in the subject line.

If mailing bids, address to:
Richland County Sheriff’s Department
Attn: Squad bids
181 W. Seminary St.
Richland Center, WI. 53581

Requests can be made by calling 608-647-8906 ext. 3 or through email to Administrative Office Manager Amber Muckler at amber.muckler@co.richland.wi.us.

Bids will include all fees associated with the purchase. The bid you give will be a “drive away” figure and will include all dealer and licensing fees.

The vehicle will be delivered within 90 days of the order being placed.

Received bids will be reviewed by the Richland County Law Enforcement and Judiciary Committee. Richland County reserves the right to accept or reject any bid and will consider bids most advantageous to the county. Richland County reserves the right to accept or reject portions of bids. The County also reserves the right to reject all bids and consider purchase from the State of Wisconsin Cooperative Purchasing Program.

Authority: Sheriff James J. Bindl
On behalf of the Richland County Law Enforcement and Judicial Committee

Investigation After Burglary in Viola Results in Arrest

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On 08/07/2019 the Richland County Sheriff’s Department took a report of a burglary that occurred some time during the overnight hours. It was reported someone had entered the Shear Bliss Beauty Salon at 119 W Commercial Street in the Village of Viola. A joint investigation by the Richland County Sheriff’s Department and the Viola Police Department showed entry was made to the building and cash along with other items were taken. Evidence collected at the scene led investigators to speak with Zach Alexander, age 21 of Soldiers Grove. Alexander was contacted and admitted to the burglary. Alexander was arrested and is currently in the Richland County Jail on a felony burglary and theft charge . The case has been referred to the Richland County District Attorney’s Office.

Arrest or Charges: Burglary 943.10(1m)(a) and Theft 943.20 (1)(a)

 

Amish Buggy Incident Results in Minor Injury

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On 8/9/19 at 8:52am Richland County Sheriffs Department Dispatch received a 911 call of a traffic crash on US 14 West near County U. The report was a semi had crashed into an Amish buggy and there were injuries. Richland County Sheriffs Deputies responded, as did Viola EMS and Richland Center Fire Department. When Deputies arrived it was discovered there was no crash. An Amish family was traveling east on the shoulder of US 14 when a semi entered onto the hwy from a gravel drive ahead of the buggy. As the semi pulled out onto the roadway, the horse pulling the buggy spooked and ran into the south ditch causing the buggy to overturn. Two adults and three juveniles were in the buggy at the time, with two of the juveniles suffering very minor injuries. The injured were checked at the scene by Viola EMS and released.

Tractor Roll Over Results in Possible Injury

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On 8/7/19 at 3:33pm Richland County Sheriff’s Dispatch received a 911 call stating there was a tractor roll over on St Hwy 80 south near Joe Miller Lane. Richland County Sheriffs Deputies, Richland Center Police, Richland Fire & EMS all responded. The tractor was located in the west ditch, upside down at a driveway culvert pipe. Norman Putz, age 81 of Richland Center, had been using the tractor to mow the ditch line using a 3 point mower. As he attempted to mow around the culvert, the tractor overturned, landing upside down in the ditch with Mr Putz underneath it. Putz was extricated from under the tractor by the Richland Center Fire Department with assistance of Wegner Towing. Norman Putz was transported to the Richland Hospital with a possible injury. A WI DNR Warden assisted Richland County Officials at the scene.

Search Warrant Leads to Drugs, Paraphernalia, and Money Seized

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On 05-21-2019, the Richland-Iowa-Grant Drug Task Force along with the Richland County Special Response Team executed a drug related search warrant at the address of 28875 McNurlin Street in the Village of Gotham. A search of the residence was conducted and officers located methamphetamine, marijuana, and U.S. currency. Also located were numerous items of drug paraphernalia to include: used syringes, glass smoking devices, a digital scale, a drug ledger/log, and plastic baggies with residue. The suspect, William C. Giddings was arrested and transported to the Richland County Jail on numerous drug related offenses. The public is encouraged to report any suspicious/drug activity to Richland County Crime Stoppers at 647-Clue(2583).

Other agencies involved were the Richland Center Police Department and Lone Rock EMS.

As a result of the investigation Giddings was placed under arrest for the following tentative charges:

William Giddings

  • Possession with intent to deliver methamphetamine
  • Possession with intent to deliver THC
  • Maintaining a drug trafficking place
  • Possession of drug paraphernalia
  • Resisting or obstructing an officer

RCPD Click It or Ticket 2019

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Richland Center Police Department to mobilize for Click It or Ticket safety belt enforcement from May 20th to June 2nd.

Chief Lucas Clements points out that this year marks the 10-year anniversary of Wisconsin’s primary enforcement seat belt law. Since the law took effect in June of 2009, Wisconsin’s seat belt use rate has climbed from 74 percent in 2009, to just over 89 percent today. Over the last decade alone, numerous motorists in Wisconsin have avoided serious injury or death thanks to the simple click of a seat belt.

Still, law enforcement and other emergency responders see far too many people who make the dangerous – and frankly – irresponsible decision to not wear a safety belt. Last year, about half of the car and truck occupants killed in Wisconsin traffic crashes were not buckled up. These needless tragedies devastate families and generate enormous societal costs. Chief Clements states, “As part of our larger public safety mission, the Richland Center Police Department will join law enforcement agencies across Wisconsin as part of the national Click It or Ticket mobilization May 20 to June 2.”

Across our state and nation, officers will work in greater numbers for longer hours – not to simply stop and cite motorists – but to encourage everyone to voluntarily comply with traffic laws that serve to keep the public safe. During Click It or Ticket – and throughout the year – our goal is to ensure that all motorists are safely buckled up – every seat, every trip

Click It or Ticket 2019

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Date: May 9, 2019
For more information contact: Sheriff James J Bindl 608-647-2106

Richland County Sheriff’s Department to mobilize for Click It or Ticket safety belt enforcement from May 20th to June 2nd.

The Richland County Sheriff’s Department will join hundreds of law enforcement agencies throughout Wisconsin for the annual Click It or Ticket safety belt enforcement campaign from May 20 to June 2.

“As we enter another major travel season, we’re reminding motorists that wearing a safety belt is the single most effective way to protect themselves and prevent needless tragedies along our roadways,” said Sheriff Bindl.

Currently, Wisconsin’s seat belt use rate stands at 89 percent, behind our neighboring states of Minnesota and Michigan that are both over 90 percent. Last year, about half of the car and truck occupants killed in Wisconsin traffic crashes were not buckled up.

“Our goal is voluntary compliance with traffic laws, not to write citations,”Sheriff Bindl said. “But given a choice, we’d much rather write a ticket than have to knock on someone’s door and inform them that a loved one has been killed or seriously injured in a crash. So we’re reminding all motorists to buckle up, every seat, every trip ”

This year marks the 10-year anniversary of Wisconsin’s primary seat belt law that allows law enforcement to stop and cite motorists for failing to wear a safety belt. In addition, drivers can be cited for every unbuckled passenger in their vehicle. Last year in Wisconsin, there were 50,875 traffic convictions for failure to fasten seat belts.

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Download printable news release – Click it or ticket 2019

Two Vehicle Crash Involving School Bus

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On 04/29/19 Richland County Dispatch received the report of a 2 vehicle crash on State Hwy 80 South of the City of Richland Center between a SUV and a School bus. 

Parker was operating a 2014 SUV Southbound on STH 80 which was slowed/stopped in traffic due to a vehicle in front of her attempting to turn left into Wegner Auto Service. Downs was operating a 2017 School Bus for Kobussen also traveling South and failed to stop for the vehicles stopped in front of him, causing a crash. Parker was transported by private vehicle to seek medical attention. There were no injuries reported to the students on the bus. The crash is still under investigation.

WHO INVOLVED:
Miranda Parker, 40 of Richland Center
Steven Downs, 62 of Richland Center

WHEN: 04-29-19          TIME of Incident: 7:22AM        Location: State Hwy 80 South of Richland Center

Other Agencies Involved:
Richland Center Police Department

Arrests or Charges:
Downs was cited for Failure to have control of a vehicle.