July 24, 2008
Rib Lake offers Kraschnewski Contract
by Mark Berglund
After discussing the future look of the police department, the Rib Lake Village Board decided to offer a contract to Dan Kraschnewski to become the next police chief. The contract terms authorized at the meeting include a 24-hour per week salaried position at a yearly rate of $21,500. Kraschnewski will receive a pro-rated family health care package. Village President Wayne Tlusty conducted the initial negotiations for the contract and will meet again with Kraschnewski to hammer out the details.
Kraschnewski, a retired veteran of the Taylor County Sheriff's Department, has been working for the village as a police department consultant and taking care of chores like the inventory of equipment since the resignation of former chief Roger Engel. The village has depended on Taylor County Sheriff's Department services since Engel's departure as the board weighed the possibilities for replacing him.
The agenda item listed as police officer position began with a general discussion of the future department. Trustee Ned Orthmann presented an informal survey of 30 village residents, showing 23 supported the idea of a full-time officer. Trustees Bob Carpenter, Doug Polacek, Vernell Van Hecker and Tlusty spoke in favor of filling the job with a part-time officer.
