Spencer police to host golf outing to raise funds for K-9

By Kris Leonhardt

SPENCER—The Spencer Police Department is hosting a community golf outing to raise funds for the introduction of a K-9 unit in the village.

The department says that there is a huge need for the program.

“The idea of the K-9 program started a couple of years ago,” said Spencer Police Chief Shawn Bauer. “Officer Stellmach and I saw a need in the community. Some of the activity that we’ve seen in the village, we believe that a K-9 would be an asset to our police department and in the community.”

“Since I became an officer, my dream was to become a K-9 officer,” said Spencer Patrol Officer Mindy Stellmach, who will become the dog’s handler. “I think that it would be really fun, along with really helping the community in getting drugs off the street and keeping them out of the schools.

“We are seeing it a lot more now than we ever used to. I think it is becoming more of an issue. It’s moving into our small towns, and we need to have our own resources to combat it. That is why we need a K-9 here.”

The funds for the program will primarily come through donations, from businesses, the community, and organizations. With an estimated $45,000 needed for the dog, training, and equipment, the department sits at approximately $30,000 in raised funds at this point.

The K-9 would be used to alert for drug presence, as well as aid in apprehending suspects, clearing buildings, and tracking missing individuals, once enough funds have been raised to obtain the dog and needed equipment.

The department is currently organizing a best ball scramble to raise funds to help meet its goal.

The golf outing will be held Aug. 3 at RiverEdge Golf Course, Marshfield. The event will include lunch, a prize payout for first place, and on-course contests.

For more information on the event or to become a hole sponsor, stop by the Spencer Village Hall or contact Chief Bauer or Officer Stellmach at 715-659-5453.

The department hopes to have enough funds raised to send Stellmach and the new canine support to training in the spring of 2019.