I am announcing my retirement as Chief of Police of the Oregon Police Department effective Sept. 1, 2014.  

I have made the decision to leave the job I love due to my health and to spend more time with my family.

In December I would have completed 39 years in public service, 29 of those years serving as your chief of police.

During my tenure we were able to accomplish many initiatives that will continue to move the department forward for many years to come. I am proud of those accomplishments but it is important to point out none of our accomplishments could have been achieved without the hard work, dedication and commitment of our officers and non-sworn personnel.

No police department can be successful without partnerships. In addition to the hard work of our personnel, I have received support from local government, the business community and our citizens.

The Oregon Village Board has been unwavering in its level of commitment to see the police department succeed.

As my career as your chief comes to an end, I leave with the confidence that the department’s new leaders will move the department forward in a positive manner.  I believe the department can only benefit from the fresh perspectives and new ideas those new leaders will bring.

All decisions I made as your chief were always with improving the quality of life for our residents in mind.   

I am honored to have been your chief and humbled by your support.

Chief Doug Pettit
Village of Oregon

I would like to take this opportunity to thank Kevin Gasner for organizing the 4th annual Dave Marchant Memorial soccer game between our defending state champ varsity soccer team and a really talented group of Oregon alumni players.

This game helps the varsity get ready for the season with probably one of their most competitive games of the year. It keeps the continuity of this successful program intact, and most of all it keeps Dave Marchant’s name (who was a great guy and did so much for Oregon soccer and the community as well) and memory alive.

By the way the alumni won a close game 3-1 so they retain the D.M.M. trophy for a year.        

Ray Webber
Village of Oregon

I want to thank all the businesses and organizations that assisted in making National Night Out a huge success by setting up a booth and participating in a safe and fun community night out!

I also want to thank all the volunteers and monetary supporters that helped make this event possible.

These community events could not be possible without your assistance. A large thank you goes to all the community members that attended the event.

Thank you for partnering with the community to help keep Oregon safe.

Officer Cindy Neubert
Oregon Police Department

I have lived in the Village of Oregon for over 20 years. During that time, chief Pettit has always been chief Pettit and the village has doubled in size.

This is a very safe community.  It is a community in which people talk to each other in front of their houses, across their streets and stop in the shops.  It is a community in which people look out for each other and help in many, many ways.  It is a community run on many volunteers who give lots of their time and effort to keep it such a wonderful place.

I’m not going to pretend that I know what all of the incidents that chief Pettit and his department are/were being investigated on are.  I’m certainly not going to pretend that I understand the ramifications of some of the actions that have gotten into the press.  

What I am prepared to say is that chief Pettit has always had a good handle on what is going on in the village and how to keep it safe.  His officers know about the gangs, the troublemakers and the potential hot spots. While we don’t have a crime-free village, we do have a low-crime village.  

I’m prepared to guess that what he and his officers were doing at The Union Sports Club meant that much less crime and trouble was happening either there, in our village or in the surrounding areas, as well.  Did it match perfectly the letter of the law?  That must be the investigation; and in that there is no gray area.  Most business situations have gray area.

The other big news item involving police this week is the murders committed by a recently retired Dane County Deputy Sheriff.  All of those articles speak of the high regard everyone had for the deputy and how surprised they were at his actions.  The man murdered two innocent people who he knew and loved.

Few of the news articles on chief Pettit mention the good he has done for the Village of Oregon.  I find this sad and an injustice of its own.

I have many thanks for all chief Pettit has done in his career.

Christine Johnston
Village of Oregon

Thanks to everyone that came out to the Wednesday evening adult pick up soccer games this summer.  

They were great fun and we will do it again next summer!

It was very good to meet so many new people.

Christine Johnston
Village of Oregon

As many of you know, the Village of Oregon has concluded their investigation of former police chief Doug Pettit.

The investigation remains ongoing by the Wisconsin Department of Justice, to include felony misconduct in public office.

I feel that Village President Steve Staton deserves an enormous amount of credit regarding the leadership and forthrightness he exhibited throughout this matter. Staton did not back down or pretend that something very wrong was not occurring as I experienced with the law enforcement committee in 1993.

I worked with Pettit for nine years. I witnessed his conduct that caused me ethical and legal concerns to the degree that I notified each member of the law enforcement committee.

For the sake of brevity my concerns were ignored. I attempted to solicit support from fellow officers at that time who had approached me previously with their concerns in my capacity as their supervisor.

I am deeply disappointed in the two senior officers, now retired, that cowered down and would not stand next to me when I approached the committee with information.

Now 21 years later, the Village of Oregon has had to contend with similar concerns. You were fortunate to have had Steve Staton as your village president during this situation.

Dean Atkinson
Former Sgt. of the Oregon Police Department

I want to community of Oregon to know they have someone very special on the Oregon School Board. Her name is Rae Vogeler.

Vogeler sincerely cares about the Students in the OSD and doesn’t shy away from supporting and advocating for them and their families.

She is one of those rare Public Servants who sincerely cares about her constituents. She believes all students in our community should have a voice and deserve a chance to succeed in the OSD.

I have personally witnessed her passion to help and advocate for students and their families when they need someone to listen to their concerns and take them seriously. She is not afraid to speak up on their behalf, even if it is unpopular with OSD administration or fellow school board members. She does this because it’s the right thing to do.

We are fortunate to have a great school district in Oregon. But, even in the best school districts, problems do arise.

When this happens, parents and students need someone to go to when all others avenues are exhausted and they feel frustrated and powerless to help their child with their educational needs and concerns.

Every single student in the OSD should matter.

Voegeler has a committed and genuine concern for the well-being of all students in our district. She excels and her willingness to listen to others.

Her’s is a genuine, sincere empathy for others. She is always willing to listen and give her time and energies to help her constituents.

We are lucky to have her representing the students of the Oregon School Board. We need more board members like her that are willing to listen and advocate for their Oregon constituents.

Nancy M. Krumrei
Village of Oregon

Are you sending your children to school or to a biased political forum?

The Oregon School District recently held a mandatory assembly through the Social Studies classes. Our children were told it was going to be on voting history and the importance of voting. It went way beyond that. Beth Cox, a judge here in Oregon, spoke directly to our children about a big political issue as well. She gave a very pressured speech with leading statements about the importance of dropping all voter ID at the toll booths.

We feel Beth Cox has used her position in our community to her political advantage. She has also chosen an opportune time to do it with the elections right around the corner. Beth Cox, our public servant, is supposed to be a person we can trust to be just and fair. She deliberately targeted the most inexperienced, receptive voters, our children. This is unacceptable, immoral, irresponsible behavior.

Why didn’t our teachers and staff stop this biased platform? Are they aware of the material that is being taught to our children? Where is the responsibility on the part of the Oregon School District to protect and ensure an unbiased, safe, environment for all of our learners?

Beth and Randy Craig
Village of Brooklyn

As a current college student, the cost of my education is something that’s on my mind nearly every day.

I’ve had to take out student loans in order to further my education. I worry about the debt I will have hanging over my head as I enter the professional world.  

Thankfully, in this legislative session Rep. Janis Ringhand has been working to make student loans more manageable and affordable.  She co-sponsored the “Higher Ed, Lower Debt” bill that allows borrowers to refinance their loans.

This is my top concern – you may have others. The fact is Janis cares what your concerns are and will take time to listen. She has a proven record of assertive leadership that will cut through the noise at the capitol. Her steady hand is much needed in the state senate.  

Please support Ringhand on Tuesday, Nov. 4.

Meghan Parker
Village of Oregon

I am writing this letter in support of the school referenda scheduled for a vote on Nov. 4.

The capital referendum addresses the needs of our district. The board of education and administrative team have been very diligent in getting input from a variety of shareholders in the district  to determine the highest priorities to put before the voters. This professional and conscientious approach has gained my trust and I am confident that a successful referendum will put in place the improvements that will significantly enhance our educational programs.

This will ensure that all of our children will get the best education available.

A key factor in any referendum is having informed voters. Please take the time to understand what is included and why it is something that is needed, and not just an item off of a wish list.  

I had the privilege of serving as the principal when the middle school was built so I had an opportunity to see firsthand how a successful referendum can have a positive impact. Our students and staff went from a barely adequate facility to a new building. This had an obvious positive impact on instructional programs, student behavior, staff morale and increases in student achievement. This referendum will have the same impact on the five buildings that it will effect.

I also see this referendum as important to the future of our village and surrounding municipalities. Education is very important and having schools that meet the expectations of prospective parents and their children is critical to attracting families to our school district. If we allow our instructional programs and facilities to lag behind other communities it will have a negative impact on our future.

Please note that the Oregon Education Association and the Chamber of Commerce have endorsed a positive vote. Having our educational and business communities supporting passage of the referendum is a strong voice for everyone to consider as they inform themselves about the referendum. I would also like to point out that the price is right. Although the total is a substantial amount, the cost that we all will pay is quite reasonable. 

I have studied the details of the referendum and I am convinced that it includes the most important needs of our district and that passage will enhance the future of our students and school district community.  

Please take time to be an informed voter and I encourage you to support this referendum.

Steve Staton
Village of Oregon

On Nov. 4, the current generation of Oregon will have an opportunity to leave a legacy and shape the future. 

The referendum on the ballot is several years in the making, is the result of intense collaboration and input from a wide variety of stakeholders and offers an incredibly high return on investment for taxpayers. 

A successful referendum will result in a district that can compete and win against other local school districts for current and future enrollment as well as enhance property values of school district homeowners.

Now is the time to vote “Yes”. Our school district is aligned on a Yes vote, as the Board, Administration and Education Association all want this referendum to pass. The business community is a Yes vote, evidenced by endorsements from the Oregon Chamber of Commerce and the Oregon Rotary Club.

Parents, empty nesters and retirees support this effort, shown by a 2012 survey that found 77 percent of Oregon residents support a comprehensive referendum.

Oregon is united behind this investment. Let’s send a message to Dane County and Wisconsin about our community. Let’s do this, Oregon. Vote yes on Nov. 4.

Mike Victorson
Village of Oregon

I write concerning Beth and Randy Craig’s quirky letter to the editor concerning Municipal Judge Cox’s presentations to high school students on the history of voting.

Quirky, how?  In form and substance.

There were two I-think-I-know-what-they-must-mean accusations that started me down the path of questioning their credibility.  The first charged Cox with “leading statements about dropping all Voter I.D. at the toll booths.”

They may have topped that with, “She deliberately targeted the most inexperienced, receptive voters, our children.”

The much weightier objection is to their drawing conclusions as loosey goosey as their written expression. They concluded that hers was “unacceptable, immoral, irresponsible behavior” and that she was “taking political advantage.”  Was that not a tad heavy-handed when there was not a crumb of factual support offered?  Then again, how could they have cleared that hurdle when they were not even present for Judge Cox’s lecture?

Also, shame on the Observer reporter, who stated the Craigs stood behind their letter even after they saw a video of Cox’s presentation.  The reporter should have viewed it and quoted verbatim anything warranting public discourse.

Judge Cox provided an advance copy of her presentation to school officials and Superintendent Brian Busler confirmed that policy guidelines regarding guest speakers were followed.  Yet on the basis of zero factual support, a local judge performing vital community service gets ripped for it.

If Judge Cox were to offer to area adults a lecture on voting rights or other topical subject, I would be among many who would gladly attend.  I’m sure I also speak for many in hoping the school district is not cowed by this shallow, shoot-from-the-hip diatribe and that Judge Cox continues to help prep our young people for adult citizenship.

Mark Kiley
Village of Oregon

This is a response to an Oct. 15, letter to the editor regarding Judge Beth Cox’s presentations to several social studies classes at Oregon High School.

Judge Cox and Oregon teachers followed School Board Policy 357 - Guest Speakers with the presentations that were made to students at Oregon High School concerning the civic responsibility of voting.  This process was reviewed and approved by the school district’s in-house counsel and was in compliance with school board policy.

Furthermore, it is important for those of you that don’t know - Judge Cox has been a tireless supporter of Oregon students and families.  She helps support students, families and the Oregon School District’s work with student attendance and truancy issues.

Thank you - Judge Cox!

Dr. Brian Busler
Superintendent
Oregon School District

I was surprised and saddened by the highly personal attacks in the letter concerning my recent talk at the high school on the history of voting. And while the letter writers are entitled to their own opinion, they are not entitled to their own facts.

The fact is my talk was squarely within the District’s guidelines for outside lectures. The fact is my sole message was for young people to participate in elections; that they, like all of us, have a responsibility to vote. The fact is this message is not partisan and never has been.

I stand by my statements and will continue to work with and for the youth of our community, always to encourage the importance of being good citizens.

Beth Cox
Town of Oregon

When we cast a ballot is it private, personal. Our political views are not public information.  That is our right.  

During the last presidential election our middle school students were asked to make posters of their preferred candidate to be displayed on their locker. This is wrong. By the end of the day, Republican posters were torn down.

During the recall election of our governor, Scott Walker, students were offered the opportunity to walk out of their classrooms in protest of Scott Walker. This is wrong. This issue is controversial – it should not be in our schools. Our children should not be asked to stand up against their peers on political matters.  

It is time to let our school district know that biased politics do not belong in our schools. We don’t want a letter or an email sent home telling us of an upcoming political bias to be shown at school. This should not be in our schools. We can do better than this. Our children deserve better!   

Beth Craig
Town of Brooklyn

I am responding to a letter to the editor regarding a speaker at Oregon High School. 

Beth Cox spoke at an assembly about the history and importance of voting. The authors of the Oct. 16 letter clearly showed their bias for voter ID as a requirement for voting. They blamed the messenger for explaining to students that the Supreme Court declared they would not need an ID in order to vote. Beth Cox did not create the law; she merely explained it to students.

Clarification of the Supreme Court’s decision is highly relevant to the topic of voting history and the importance of voting. It is an important current topic for students to understand. To discuss the history of voting without mention of voter ID laws would be incomplete, erroneous, and a disservice to young citizens about to embark on that central precious democratic American right to vote.

Cox is a knowledgeable, honest, fair-minded, respected judge in our community. 

Kudos to the Oregon School District. With elections happening just after Cox’s talk, what more perfect time to inform students? 

If any students of voting age lack an ID, it is essential for them to know they can vote without it.

Susan Shedivy
Village of Oregon

The Brennan Center For Justice based at the New York University School of Law published a recent report on the voter I.D. laws being enacted in Republican states. Their conclusion was that more than 5 million qualified American voters would be disenfranchised by these laws.

The Washington Post conducted a comprehensive investigation of voting records from the year 2000 through the present. Their conclusion was that there were over a billion votes cast nation wide with only a handful of cases of voter fraud. They also concluded that “in-person” voter impersonation, which is what photo I.D. laws are intended to stop is “virtually non-existent,” and that photo I.D. laws wouldn’t necessarily prevent cross-district voting anyway.

The people most affected by these laws are the young, ie. high school seniors without a drivers license, the poor, minorities and the elderly. Both political parties identify this as a Democratic voting bloc.

It logically follows that if voter impersonation fraud is statistically non-existent, and the last three presidential elections were won by less than 5 million votes that the real reason for these laws is for Republicans to win elections by any means.

Finally, it’s been suggested that this is a huge issue for Democrats and I couldn’t disagree more. As Americans, we should all be asking ourselves if it’s acceptable, moral, or responsible to pass laws that deny certain people their rights.

Rick Bechen
Town of Oregon

This letter is in support of Jon Nedelcoff. I have had the honor of knowing Jon for over 30 years in a variety of ways. Jon and I grew up in the rival towns 5 miles apart, he in Hazel Green and I in Cuba City. 

I was a math/computer/band geek in a basketball town. Given the small size of my high school, I also participated in sports so I knew who Jon was. I recall from those early 80’s years that Jon was a gifted athlete who was a leader for his teams and in his school.

Not once, from grade school through high school where by virtue of the power that comes with being a “jock” and leader in his school did I ever witness any type of behavior coming close to bullying. In fact it was just the opposite. When Cuba City went to Hazel Green Jon’s senior year of basketball for a game at the peak of its rivalry, it was Jon who acted with class when things got nasty on the floor and Hazel Green won.

After high school many of us from the small town surrounding UW-Platteville commuted to classes there. Given my history with Cuba City, which included being the target of bullying for being the geek I was, I took the opportunity to find a new group of friends and wound up with a group of people from Hazel Green which included Jon Nedelcoff.  From my perspective Jon had nothing to gain from becoming my friend. He was well on his way to a coaching career, was working with Bo Ryan and did not need this friendship. But that’s not Jon. The geeky kid from his rival town and Jon did become friends. Not once during those college years did I see him treat anyone disrespectfully. Not once.

After college our careers have taken us different directions, but we did keep in touch. It was clear when we had those opportunities to talk that Jon has a passion not just for basketball but for all the kids who come through his classroom. When I heard Jon was coming to Oregon to coach, I was thrilled to know our community was getting not only a great coach, but a great person.

None of us are perfect, but to hear an accusation that Jon verbally assailed a student to the point of bullying is counter to everything I know of Jon that goes back over 30 years! I am honored to be able to call Jon a friend. 

Oregon should be proud to have someone like Jon as a teacher and coach now, and for a long time to come.

Jon’s still geeky friend,

Marty Johll
Village of Oregon