Richland County Sheriff's Office

Sheriff’s Department Selects New K9 Handler

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K9_CzysThe Richland County Sheriff’s Department has named their next K9 handler. The selection came through an internal promotion process where Deputy Mike Czys was awarded the position. A management panel that included the Sheriff, Chief Deputy, Lieutenant, and Sergeants made this decision.

Czys joined the Sheriff’s Department as a Jailer/Dispatcher in 2012 after receiving a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice from the University of Wisconsin Eau Claire and graduating from The Law Enforcement Academy at Chippewa Valley Technical College. In 2014 Czys was promoted to Road Patrol and has had a lifelong interest in becoming a K9 Handler. Czys stated that his interest in becoming a K9 handler stems from a passion to combat the growing drug problem in the area and a desire to utilize the K9 to practice a community based policing model.

Community Based Policing is a term that refers to a type of policing where law enforcement and the community work together toward common goals. The Sheriff’s Department believes that public K9 demonstrations and appearances in area schools and businesses that show the K9’s abilities is a way to strengthen the relationship between law enforcement and the community. The public also has an important role in the success of the fight against drugs: reporting suspicious activity or any other information to Richland County Crime Stoppers, properly disposing of unused prescription medications, and educating youth on the dangers of drugs are all great ways for law enforcement and the community to come together to fight the problem at hand

The drug problem in Richland County and the surrounding areas is a growing concern, and the Sheriff’s Department believes that a K9 that is specially trained in the detection of narcotics is crucial to fight the problem. In recent years, there has been an increase in the availability and abuse of more illicit drugs including heroin, methamphetamine, and prescription pills. These substances coupled with marijuana, cocaine, and other drugs are becoming more potent and unpredictable as they are brought in from larger cities onto Richland County’s streets and highways, and eventually into our homes. Drugs are affecting the community by causing overdose deaths, and can also be linked to thefts, burglaries, and other property crimes. [Read more…]

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DTF Investigation Leads to Drug Arrest

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On December 31st, 2015 members of the Richland-Iowa-Grant Drug Task Force apprehended a male subject identified as Larry S. Parmer, age 34 of Arena, through a pre-arranged meeting in the Lone Rock area. Parmer was involved in the delivery of a controlled substance, purported to be Heroin. Through this investigation Parmer was arrested for delivery of a Schedule I or II Narcotic Drug. The basis for the arrest stems from a separate, on-going investigation where subsequent charges of possession and delivering of Heroin are expected to be forwarded to the Richland County District Attorney’s Office for prosecution.

According to Sheriff James J Bindl, “We will continue to take the necessary steps to combat drug delivery and drug use in Richland County. These activities are not welcome here.”

The Richland-Iowa-Grant Drug Task Force, as well as Richland County District Attorney Jennifer Harper, continue to fight against Narcotic drug use and distribution of drugs in the area. Citizens are encouraged to work with law enforcement in that fight. Anyone with information related to illegal drugs or any other crime can call the Richland County Sheriff’s Department, the Richland Center Police Department or call Crime Stoppers at 647-CLUE (647-2583).

Involved: Larry S. Parmer, age 34, Arena, WI.

Richland –Iowa-Grant DTF

County Hwy OO Change to County Hwy RC

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Richland County has numerous roadways that separate into two different sections and have the same name. One such section of roadway is County Hwy 00. The first section starts at State Hwy 80 near the Middle School and heads east to County Hwy O near Pine Valley Healthcare. The next section of County Hwy OO starts at the intersection of County Hwy O and Santa Klaus Lane and continues south to State Hwy 80.

The Richland County Board has been working with the Richland County Sheriff’s Department, Emergency Management, Zoning and the Richland County Highway Department to change this section of County Hwy OO from State Hwy 80 continuing east to County Hwy O. This section will be renamed “County Hwy RC”.

The change is already in place. The post office will recognize both addresses for one year. On January 14, 2016 the new blue address signs and the new road signs will be installed. This entire section of roadway will be readdressed and re-posted as County Hwy RC.

I want to thank the property owners along this section roadway for working with the county during this change.

Sheriff James J Bindl

Richland County Sheriff’s Department

January 2016 Squad Car 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 for the purchase of two (2) Police Package 2016 Fleet/Non-Retail Chevrolet Caprice Police Patrol Vehicles, 4 door sedan to be delivered within 90 days of the order being placed.

2016 Chevrolet Caprice Specs

Bids must be received by Thursday, January 7, 2016 at 4:00p.m.   Bids will be accepted by U.S. Mail or hand delivery to the Sheriff’s Department.

If mailing bids, address to:

Squad Car Bids
c/o Chief Deputy Chad Kanable
Richland County Sheriff’s Department
181 W. Seminary Street
Richland Center, WI 53581

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

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 (State Bid).

Authority: Sheriff James J. Bindl

Crash Between a Passenger Car and ATV

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On 12/24/15 at 6:58am the Richland County Communications Center received a 911 call of a car vs ATV crash on US Hwy 14 west, just west of Cty Hwy ZZ on the Bashford Hill. The report was one person was injured and laying in the roadway. Richland County EMS, Richland Center Fire Duty Crew and Sheriff’s Department Deputies all responded.

When Sheriff’s Deputies arrived they discovered an adult male subject from Richland Center sitting in the roadway against a passenger car which had been driven by a party out of Soldiers Grove. Initial indications showed the male had attempted to cross the travel lanes of the highway when he was struck on the ATV by the westbound vehicle.

The male was transported to the Richland Hospital by Richland EMS,and was later transfered to UW Hospital in Madison with head injuries. He was not wearing a helmet at the time of the crash. The crash remains under investigation and alcohol is believed to have been a factor.

The Richland County Sheriff’s Department was assisted by Richland County EMS, and the Richland Center Fire Department.

WHEN: 12-24-2015 TIME of Incident: 6:58am

WHO Involved:  

  • ATV Rider/Injured:  Randall D. Buroker of Rural Richland Center
  • Passenger Car Operator:  Nicole L. Harding of Soldiers Grove

WHERE Incident Happened: US Hwy 14 West (West side of the Bashford Hill), Dayton Township, Richland County, WI

Richland County Sheriff’s Department

Drug Task Force Executes Search Warrant – 3 Arrested

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Crook - Rundle - Williams

Crook – Rundle – Williams

On 12/05/15 members of the Richland-Iowa-Grant Drug Task Force executed a search warrant at a residence at 352 E Exchange St in the Village of Lone Rock. While performing the search warrant, numerous items of drug paraphernalia, Methadone, Morphine, as well a quantity of Crystal Methamphetamine was located. Three suspects were located during the search and were arrested. Leanne K. Rundle, age 33 of Lone Rock, was charged with Resisting/Obstructing an Officer, Possession of Methamphetamine, and Possession of a Schedule II Narcotic. Sean T. Williams, age 37 of Lone Rock was also charged with Possession of Methamphetamine, Possession of a Schedule II Narcotic, and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. Toney J. Crook, age 26 of Lone Rock, was charged with Possession of Drug Paraphernalia and Bail Jumping. Child Protective Services was contacted in regards to children living at the residence. Five dogs were also located and removed from the residence due to poor living conditions. Investigations are still ongoing at this time. Members of the Richland-Iowa-Grant Drug Task Force and the Richland County DA Office has assisted in this investigation.

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Suspicious Vehicle Leads to Drug Arrests

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pressReleaseHandcuffsOn November 21st, 2015 at approximately 1:50 A.M a deputy from the Richland County Sheriff’s Department stopped to investigate a suspicious vehicle with two occupants inside, behind the Village of Viola Post Office. The two occupants inside vehicle were identified as Kevin Anderson, and Christina Stone. When contact was made with Anderson and Stone, an odor of marijuana was present coming from the vehicle. A search of the vehicle and persons inside was conducted. During the search 129.8 grams of marijuana was recovered from inside the vehicle as well as 2.1 grams of cocaine and other drug paraphernalia. Four grams of cocaine was also found on Anderson during a search of his person. Anderson was arrested and transported to the Richland County jail and is facing charges of possession of cocaine, possession of marijuana with intent to deliver, possession of drug paraphernalia, and obstructing an officer. Stone was also arrested and transported to the Richland County jail. Stone is facing charges of possession of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia. Anderson is currently being held in the Richland County jail on felony drug charges.

WHEN: 11-21-2015 TIME of Incident: 1:50am

WHO Involved: Kevin T. Anderson, 12-09-1969, of Viola, WI and Christina S. Stone, 02-18-1991, of La Farge, WI

WHERE Incident Happened: Viola, WI Post Office parking lot.

ARREST or CHARGES: Possession of Cocaine, Possession of Marijuana with Intent to Deliver, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Obstructing an Officer.

Richland County Sheriff’s Department

Deer Crashes – Self Report Form

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If you’re in an injury accident, your first duty is to immediately stop your vehicle as close as possible to the accident scene. However, try to position your vehicle in a spot that causes the least obstruction to other motorists.

You must remain on the scene until you’ve fulfilled the rest of your duties, presuming you’re capable of doing so. What are your duties? You must give your name, address, and registration number of the vehicle you were driving to the others involved in the accident. If requested, you must also show your driver’s license.

If someone is injured, you must provide “reasonable assistance,” meaning either calling for help or taking the injured to receive help.

Accidents involving an injury, $1000 or more of property damage to any single property, or $200 or more of damage to government property (other than a motor vehicle) mean that you must contact police right away.

If for any reason you can not remain at the scene of the crash, you’ll need to fill out the Driver Report of Accident. When using the self report form, please contact the Richland County Sheriff’s Department at 608-647-2106 to report the crash. Advise the dispatcher you will complete the self report form. If a deer (or other animal) was struck, please advise the dispatcher the status of the animal and the exact location of the crash.

Contact the DNR vehicle-killed deer hotline at 608-267-7691 prior to possessing or removing the deer from the scene. Upon completing notification to DNR, a vehicle-killed deer may be legally possessed and transported without a tag in compliance with the chronic wasting disease transportation rules, available in the annual Deer Hunting Regulations pamphlet.

Send the completed form to:

  • Department of Transportation
  • P.O. Box 7919
  • Madison, WI 53707-7919

Supplemental reports may be required by law enforcement if more information is needed.

Halloween Safety Tips

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trickOrTreatTimesCity of Richland Center Trick or Treat hours are 5:00 – 7:30 p.m. on Halloween evening (October 31). Please leave a front porch light on if you wish to be visited by trick-or-treaters. Following are a few safety tips for trick-or-treaters.

General Safety

  • Plan your route with your family ahead of time. Pick streets that are well lit and in your own neighborhood. Parents should provide a watch and indicate a time children should return home.
  • Trick-or-Treat with a parent, older sibling, or with a group of children if someone older can’t go with you.
  • Children should go only to houses where the porch lights are on, and never go into a house. Children should walk from house to house – NEVER RUN!
  • Children under the age of 12 should not be alone at night without adult supervision. If kids are mature enough to be out without supervision, they should stick to familiar areas that are well lit and trick-or-treat in groups.
  • Children should carry a flashlight after dark.

Keep Costumes Both Creative and Safe

  • Decorate costumes and bags with reflective tape or stickers and, if possible, choose light colors.
  • Choose face paint and makeup whenever possible instead of masks, which can obstruct a child’s vision.
  • Have kids carry glow sticks or flashlights to help them see and be seen by drivers.
  • When selecting a costume, make sure it is the right size to prevent trips and falls.

Drive Extra Safely on Halloween

  • Slow down and be especially alert in residential neighborhoods. Children are excited on Halloween and may move in unpredictable ways.
  • Take extra time to look for kids at intersections, on medians and on curbs.
  • Enter and exit driveways and alleys slowly and carefully.
  • Eliminate any distractions inside your car so you can concentrate on the road and your surroundings.
  • Drive slowly, anticipate heavy pedestrian traffic and turn your headlights on earlier in the day to spot children from greater distances.
  • Popular trick-or-treating hours are 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. so be especially alert for kids during those hours.

Body Located in Marshall Township Identified

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The Richland County Sheriff’s Department has released the identity of the subject found deceased in Marshall Township over the weekend.  Justin Chamberlin, 37, of Poynette, WI was identified as the subject found on Sunday lying in a wooded area off from Spring Hill Road.

According to Investigators, a vehicle registered to Chamberlin was seen parked on the edge of Spring Hill Road on Wednesday October 21st, by passers by, however no call to authorities were made.

Late Saturday, a deputy checked the vehicle after the Sheriff’s Department received a call it may be abandoned.  Attempts were made to contact the owner but were not successful.

On Sunday, a pair of hunters contacted the land owner stating they saw what they believed was a campsite in the woods.  The land owner went to the area to check and subsequently located the victim.  The death has been ruled a suicide.  The Sheriff’s Department was assisted by the Richland County Coroner’s Office and the Richland Center Fire Department.

Richland County Sheriff’s Department