Police chief calls attention to dangerous intersection
Following a fatal accident at the intersection of STH 13 and Oak Road in Colby earlier this month, police chief Jason Bauer said he’s hoping the Wisconsin Department of Transportation can do something to improve safety at the high-traffic area.
“The DOT I don’t think likes that intersection,” he said. “I certainly don’t like that intersection.”
Bauer made his comments during his monthly chief’s report at Monday’s police commission meeting. The accident he referred to occurred on July 2 when a southbound motorcycle traveling at a high rate of speed struck an eastbound van, killing the 28-year-old motorcyclist and severely injuring the van driver.
Once the city of Colby extends Community Drive to the south so that it intersects with Elderberry Road, Bauer believes the alternate route will clear up a lot of the congestion at STH 13.
Until then, he said drivers have to be careful when trying to turn onto the highway from either side of the intersection. As an example, he said a driver waiting to turn left (southbound) from Elderberry onto STH 13 may want to turn right instead and go north on STH 13 before turning around to go back south.
Bauer said he plans on reaching out to the DOT to see what options there are for making the intersection safer.
“I’m not a big fan of roundabouts, but that may a solution,” he said after Monday’s meeting.
Other business
_ Bauer told the commission about an offer he made to Dorchester’s village board for 24/7 police coverage, which would involve hiring two additional officers and getting another squad vehicle. Bauer said the village would be charged just under $207,000, and he would like to see the initial contract last for at least three years to make sure the arrangement is stable.
“If they can figure out a way to pay for it, we can move forward,” he said.
_ The commission accepted a letter from the local police union to begin negotiations for a new contract. The officers are currently working under a oneyear contract that expires at the end of this year. Bauer said he would like to get the contract finalized at the same times he’s putting together a 2022 budget.
_ The K-9 unit was deployed four times in June, resulting in four arrests.
_ The commission approved $16,719 in monthly expenses.
