2010-12-30 Geneva, Linn Township

A year of controversy, retirement, tornadoes

Pick up the Regional News for more top stories from 2010.

December 29, 2010 | 09:15 AM
1. It's tough behind the badge

It wasn't a good year for some police officers in the towns of Geneva and Linn, especially former Geneva Police Chief Ed Gritzner. Although he received a warm sendoff when his retirement was announced Sept. 16 at a special Geneva Town Board meeting, it was a tough year for the longtime chief.

In March, he was suspended for a day by the Geneva Town Police Commission. Then, in August, some people alleged Gritzner had an altercation with another Town Board supervisor during the FunFestival. To date, no town officials have confirmed it. In an e-mail Friday, Geneva Town Chairman Dan Lauderdale said he offers "no additional comment on the FunFestival incident."

However, the circumstances surrounding the end of former Geneva Town Sgt. Robert Haase's local career weren't as mysterious. In 2009, Haase faced charges made by Gritzner, including one for mishandling evidence. This year, the way he reportedly handled evidence in a sexual assault case found him the subject of two felony charges. In July, prosecutors agreed to drop those charges if Haase resigned from the town of Geneva. The Linn Town Police Department saw its share of trouble from what one resident dubbed "tractor-gate."

Geneva, Linn Township

Recent Geneva, Linn Township

Will Linn have a primary?
Dec 23, 2010

GLEA approves well water testing plan
Dec 16, 2010

Good for people, bad for mosquitoes
Dec 09, 2010

BREAKING - Charges filed against Elkhorn man in death of local boy
Dec 02, 2010

Talking about aspects of a potential renovation project
Dec 02, 2010

Extras

e-mail this article link to a friend

Larger | Smaller

That was Jim Keeler, one of 14 residents who signed a July complaint which stated several allegations against Linn Police Chief Dennis Wisniewski. Last year, his alleged sale of a lawn tractor impounded as evidence sparked controversy. This year, former Linn Lt. Terry O'Brien attempted to return to duty after his role in the controversy. That ended in March, when O'Brien and the town reached a $75,000 settlement in a separation agreement. The Linn Town Board still hasn't made a public decision about the complaint. However, when former longtime Linn Chairman David Bollweg retired in May, he said one of his reasons was "the tractor."

Although it remains to be seen how the board handles the matter in Linn, Lauderdale said Friday Geneva is close to hiring a new police chief.

"We are hopeful that a new chief of police will be in place on or about March 1, at which time the retired Chief Ed Gritzner will be asked to provide for a 30-day transition process," Lauderdale said.

Feedback

›

Missed one
December 30, 2010 | 06:58 AM

The town of geneva pd still has one bad apple working there. We all know who that is, you know the one who wants to be chief so bad he'll do anything he can against his fellow officers and anyone else. Check his background sometime, not the one the towns people would want as chief.

John
Lake Geneva
John
December 30, 2010 | 08:21 AM

What is the matter you not man enough to say who it is and why he should not be chief?

Local Resident
Hey John
December 30, 2010 | 01:19 PM

If he wants to be chief so bad then why didn't he fill out a app, Also you should be glad that Ken and Bob.Linder both have stepped up to the plate and have taken charge till a new chief is in place. Anything has to be better than the past drunk who did nothing.

RH
LKG
RH
December 30, 2010 | 02:12 PM

I would not say he did nothing, he did quit that was something.

Local Resident
TO: RH and LOCAL RESIDENT
December 30, 2010 | 05:29 PM

It is because of so called human beings as the both of you the best Chief this Township has had decided to retire, not quit. I give the man credit for stepping down because who would want to serve a community with people in it like you.
I have gotten to know the Chief very well and he is a kind, considerate person. One who cares about people. Neither one of you and the many out there who bashed this mans life wouldn't know that. He will truly be missed by this Township and probably one day by the same one's who bashed him on this site. No one in this world is perfect, we all have made mistakes we regret. But, because of the few who have such a low self esteem of themself they feel it necessary to bring others down to their level instead of picking themself up and raising their level of esteem.
This man and all those in the Police Department have given their life's to their job. Including putting their personal life on hold to serving this community and why I don't know. Because so many do not appreciate it. Well this citizen says THANK YOU to Chief Gritzner and his entire staff for all you have done. Good Luck Chief and don't look back, it isn't worth the time. Just enjoy your retirement and family you earned it.

Concerned Resident
Concerned Resident
December 30, 2010 | 07:22 PM

He sure was a great protector. Hell he protected the hell out of the bars he sat in.

Local Resident
TO: LOCAL RESIDENT
December 30, 2010 | 07:59 PM

You know the same people must all own every bar in this area. Because everyday I pass these bars at various times and I see the same vehicles parked in the lots that I seen earlier at other bars and none of them belong to the chief. Your argument and many others about the chief is so full of BS you can smell it all the way to Milwaukee as you can smell these same people. WOW!!! If they could only find a bathtub like a bottle of beer.

Concerned Resident
Concerned Resident
December 31, 2010 | 05:56 AM

You must really be a GOOOD Buddy to the Ex. Could it be that you and him have a very interesting relationship? Speaking of bathtub, do you and the ex fit in one?

Local Resident
Local Resident
December 31, 2010 | 06:41 AM

That comment sounds like something right out of the mind of the moronic mind of Uranus. Still up to your old filthy thoughts and comments. What grade would you have finished if you went to school?

Local Resident which one?
Do We know
December 31, 2010 | 11:06 AM

what the results were of the drug analysis done on Mr. Dees? It has been weeks now and no word has been printed on whether this guy was on drugs or something else that caused the death of a nine year old. I would like to know what is happening in this case. I drive by the scene daily and still see the spot where the car landed. What was determined?

Local Resident Which One?
Concerend Res
December 31, 2010 | 11:07 AM

What drunk may you be, I bet you and old cry baby Ed fight over what bar stool is yours.

RH
LKG
Speaking of stool
December 31, 2010 | 12:25 PM

I bet Ex and Concerned pack each others.

Local Resident.
I don't know about last year
December 31, 2010 | 12:49 PM

being so good but I sure hope I get some this year coming up!

ME
TO:RE and LOCAL RESIDENT
December 31, 2010 | 01:02 PM

Both of you need to make a New Years Resolution to try to increase your intelligence over the next 12 months so you can have an intelligent conversation with others and make an intelligent comment. Neither one of you are worth commenting to and I will no longer acknowledge your ingnorance and stupidity.

Concerned Resident
Concerned Resident
December 31, 2010 | 01:15 PM

Thank you. F Face.

Local Resident
Hey ME
December 31, 2010 | 01:16 PM

Concerned Resident will give you some.

Local Resident
cowards
December 31, 2010 | 03:59 PM

I personally worked for the chief at one time and he is an outstanding person. The problem is, the people who have a problem with him are probly the same people who have problems! Unfortunately, police have more incounters with law breaking citizens more often that law abiding ones which creates the negative attitudes towards police. Follow the rules and you'll have no problems. You have all the balls in the world to voice your opinion yet not enough to post who you are. NICE!!

Reka Minnich
Burlington, WI
G Reka
December 31, 2010 | 04:58 PM

Being a female and knowing how the chief loves the split tails It is no wonder you liked him. I see you had your share of run ins with the law yourself. I bet you were very good at giving oral warnings. DC

Local Resident which one?
To: Lisa the editor
January 01, 2011 | 01:49 AM

are we going to have to go thru this stuff again with people making obnoxious comments and using other peoples signature names. This person and I use the term loosely is at it again. I believe we know who it is because the MO matches previous comments they made a few months back. The following comment was made by that person and used my signature name.

G Reka
December 31, 2010 | 04:58 PM

Being a female and knowing how the chief loves the split tails It is no wonder you liked him. I see you had your share of run ins with the law yourself. I bet you were very good at giving oral warnings. DC

Local Resident which one?

It is ridiculous already. I am all for having to register to make comments if this will stop these children.
I know Reka from her days as a Police Officer in the Township and comments made here about her should be removed. She helped me in my business several years ago with unruly customers and I appreciated that.

Local Resident Which One?
Hey Reka
January 01, 2011 | 11:55 AM

You have to be joking you out of all people have no room to talk about how great the ex chief is, you sure were playing a diffrent tune on the old blow horn in the past. Please think before you speak you look very dum, hey also I almost forgot did you ever get a real job or are you still up to your little side "DEAL".

RH
LKG
Also Reka
January 01, 2011 | 12:30 PM

How about that low life who impregnated you? You must have the morals of an alley cat. So shut the hell up. DC

Local Resident
Loser local resident
January 02, 2011 | 08:57 AM

Reka has more morals in the dust under her pinky fingernail than some hopeless fool like you that thinks he/she can tear people down by making comments to them on a newspaper website. At least she's smart enough not to fire back because she knows that's what you want. She's probably laughing you off because anything your little pea brain can conjure up isn't worth spending an atom of a second over. Go ask your mommy to get you some more cookies and milk and be sure to delete your history so she doesn't find out what her little sunshine is doing when she's not looking. Cheers!

Lisa please block this morons i.p. & set up a lo
Whatever
Reka=Morals?
January 02, 2011 | 01:00 PM

So she has so many morals she dated and boned Nick Larson and put up with his physical abuse? She never had him arrested for abusing her? Sounds more like she liked being beat on. Reka if you were such a wonderful cop in that great town of Geneva how come you left? It is certain not to go to a better dept. was it? You're still a DC. But you do have your following, I wonder if it is because you were so good on your knees??

Local Resident.
Local Resident
January 02, 2011 | 01:41 PM

You asked this question.
Reka if you were such a wonderful cop in that great town of Geneva how come you left?
Your comment was the answer.
Reka=Morals?
January 02, 2011 | 01:00 PM

So she has so many morals she dated and boned Nick Larson and put up with his physical abuse? She never had him arrested for abusing her? Sounds more like she liked being beat on. It is certain not to go to a better dept. was it? You're still a DC. But you do have your following, I wonder if it is because you were so good on your knees??

Local Resident.
Because of comments like the one's you make it would lead anyone to want to leave. People like you have no moral principles otherwise you wouldn't make such commentsabout others.
Anyway it is no one's business.

Local Resident Which One?
Point proven
January 03, 2011 | 08:50 PM

You are commical! Why don't you post your name so I can do a background check on you? FYI My 'history' isn't bad. As far as my personal life with Mr. Larson, that's none of your business and he did sit time. It's no wonder your pitiful life never improves. I have never had to do anything immoral to get where I am in life. Hard work and being a good person gets you everywhere. Maybe try that once. The reason I don't work for the township anymore is absolutely none of your business but, then again you seem to know so much about me, maybe you could enlighten all of us.

Reka
Reka
January 04, 2011 | 09:44 AM

You do know me intimately. As far as Larson is concerned you made it everyone's business when you told the world you had a child with him, that should be enough to let everyone know your morals. Slurp.

Local Resident
OK!
January 04, 2011 | 12:11 PM

Local Resident or I believe we know who you're previous name was Uranus. Oops! I was thinking out loud. Stop this already we know you are an ignorant idiot without morals. Otherwise you wouldn't br doing this to others. So you of all should not be speaking about who has and hasn't any morals.

Local Resident Which One?
Local Resident, Which One
January 04, 2011 | 01:16 PM

Sorry but you have no clue who I am. As far as morals is concerned, Reka brought that up by telling the world what a skank she is by having sex with this Larson guy and having his bastard child. I would never have unprotected sex with a loser like that. She gives women everywhere a bad name. She made her bed with Larson now she has to raise his spawn. If she was such an asset to the police dept. why isn't she doing it now?

Local Resident
Local Resident, Which One
January 04, 2011 | 01:16 PM

Sorry but you have no clue who I am. As far as morals is concerned, Reka brought that up by telling the world what a skank she is by having sex with this Larson guy and having his bastard child. I would never have unprotected sex with a loser like that. She gives women everywhere a bad name. She made her bed with Larson now she has to raise his spawn. If she was such an asset to the police dept. why isn't she doing it now?

Local Resident
Local Resident
January 04, 2011 | 04:39 PM

First off where is it any of your business or anyone else's what she has or is doing with her life and who she is doing it with? Who appointed you sheriff over morals in the first place? You have the nerve to bring up peoples morals with the commenting you have done against people. Second as for serving on the Town of Geneva Police Department. Looking at all the bashing of the police department why would anyone want serve this township. Their efforts are never appreciated or acknowledged. All they ever get is their character assassinated at every chance. If people would back the Town of Geneva Police Department and not tear it down maybe people wouldn't leave. But, No childish antics like what has been written on this site about our Former Chief Gritzner, Officer Haase and Reka do not make it a pleasant community to want to serve. No one is saying they are perfect. ALL of us including you and myself have done things at one time or another we are not happy about. Now that being said who are any of us to judge these people in their personal life. There is an old saying and I don't know it exactly but it basically says " DON'T JUDGE UNLESS YOU WANT TO BE JUDGED"

Concerned Resident

Site Search

Pick up The Lake Geneva Regional News at these convenient locations

Thursday

05 - 23 - 13
07:17

Translation

Search the Net