Dismissal of Ontario police chief unlikely

By KAREN PARKER

County Line Publisher Emeritus

Although a petition reportedly containing more than 200 signatures was presented to the Ontario Village Board at its regular monthly meeting Monday, it appeared no further action will be taken on complaints asking the board to dismiss Police Chief Philip Welch.

The petition was presented by Luke Eness of rural Ontario, one of several who complained at last month’s board meeting that Welch’s policing appears arbitrary and singles specific individuals.

The board met in closed session prior to the regular meeting and did not take any action, nor did it indicate whether any were pending.

Board members also held a closed session at the end of the meeting to consider Debra Fields’ operator’s license, which they had denied last month on Welch’s recommendation. On further consideration, the board granted Fields a license.

Other business

• Bill Teynor, owner of Titanic Canoe Rental, was granted permission to open a primitive campground at his business on the Kickapoo River in Ontario. Teynor said the state had no objection to the development, which he expected to be about a half-dozen sites, so long as the village indicated its approval.

•  Welch saidhe had learned in conversation with the League of Wisconsin Municipalities representatives that the village would have jurisdiction over the portion of Highway 33 that falls between Lincoln Street and the village limits. It appeared the village now could proceed with lowering the speed limit on that section.

• The board will meet with Davy Engineering to discuss the development of a phosphorous-mitigation plan for the sewer plant.

• Sue Blanchard presented a report on the activity of the economic-development committee. She noted that the village website had been updated and plans are underway for a farmer’s market in Ontario on Thursday evenings.

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