August 20th through September 6th marks another statewide crackdown on drunk drivers.  Once again Bayside Police Department joins forces with agencies throughout Wisconsin to arrest impaired motorists.

This is the first statewide crackdown on drunken driving since a new law took effect on July 1st that significantly strengthens deterrents and increases penalties for operating a motor vehilce while intoxicated (OWI) in Wisconsin.  The new state law increases jail time for many OWI convictions.  In addition, it requires first offense OWI drivers who were convicted with a blood/breath alcohol level of .15 or higher and all repeat drunken drivers to install in ignition interlock device (IID) on every vehicle that they own or have registered in their name.  An IID, which measures breath alcohol levels, makes convicted drunken drivers prove they are sober before they can start a vehicle.

Drunken driving devastates individuals, families and communities.  Alcohol related crashes killed 238 people and injured 3,793 last year alone.  There were approximately 45,000 convictions for drunken driving in WIsconsin in 2009.  Don't be a part of those statistics for 2010.

Most people move to Bayside to experience a peaceful, natural environment while still being close to all of the activities a city like Milwaukee can offer.  We are not the only ones that enjoy this environment.  Predatory animals are not an uncommon sight.  Wisconsin is home to wolves, coyotes and several species of fox.  Southeastern Wisconsin, including Bayside, makes an ideal home for both the fox and coyote.

Recent headlines drew attention to the importance of recognizing the impact these animals may have on our lives.  Coyotes and fox are omnivorous and highly opportunistic.  They will eat dead animals (which helps prevent the spread of disease), birds, rabbits and mice, as well as berries and seeds.  Although it is uncommon, both the fox and coyote may prey on a domesticated cat or dog if it is presented the chance.

The coyote and fox prefer to hunt at night beginning at dusk and usually going back into hiding after sunrise.  With this in mind, if you are the owner of a small pet, it is advised that you follow common sense tips:

1.  Do not leave garbage and compost (including meat scraps) uncovered and accessible.

2.  Remove any pet food dishes from outdoors.

3.  Bird feeders attract small animals which in turn attract coyotes and fox.

4.  Don't leave pets unattended outdoors.  Walk your dog on a leash, especially at night.

5.  Reinforce their fear of humans.  Create loud noises or spray them with water to scare them away.

The Police will NOT kill any wildlife unless that animal is exhibiting signs of injury or disease or is creating an immediate danger to humans.  We remind citizens that it is illegal to discharge any firearms within Village limits as well.  If you see a coyote or fox and feel it is posing an immediate danger, it may only take a little noise or commotion on your part, to scare it off.  If you have a particular concern you would like to discuss with the police regarding coyotes or fox, please contact Captain Scott McConnell at 351-8800.  You may also contact the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources at 1-888-936-7463.

As the long, hot summer nights roll on, a problem has again emerged. The Mequon Police Department has, as with previous summers, been experiencing an increase in vandalism incidents. Most often, these incidents involve damage to mailboxes or parked vehicles.

To deter, detect, and catch the people responsible for these incidents, patrol officers are paying extra attention to local subdivisions. However, we are also asking for the community’s continued help. Because the community consists of far more people than the local police department, you play a crucial role in relaying information to law enforcement. If you see any suspicious vehicles or people in your neighborhood, please call your local police department immediately. Furthermore, any additional information that you can provide (such as; license plate number, vehicle color, vehicle make/model/design, direction of travel, or a physical description of the people) greatly increases our ability to locate and identify those responsible.

As always, we strive for a strong partnership between the community and law enforcement, in order to keep our neighborhoods a safe and enjoyable place to live. Thank you for continuing to be a part of the success.

With the Fourth of July holiday weekend here, keep in mind that the Village of Bayside Ordinance 42-81 prohibits selling, exposing, using, keeping or discharging fireworks locally.  While some communities allow individuals to purchase fireworks for use elsewhere, local laws must be observed and are enforced.  Police personnel will be monitoring the community for any persons violating the ordinance and may issue citations with fines up to $114.00 for each incident. Any illegal fireworks including bottle rockets, firecrackers and Roman candles will be confiscated.  Unless  a permit has been granted by approval of the Village Board and Chief of Police, any fireworks need to be limited to paper caps, toy pistols, sparklers or toy snakes.

Beginning May 24th and running through June 6th, Bayside Police Department will once again participate with many other law enforcement agencies throughout the state and the country in the "Click It or Ticket" program.  Our goal is to increase the use of safety belts.  Wisconsin's safety belt use is substantially lower at 74% than that of the national average of 84%.

The National Highway Safety Administration estimates that nearly 200 lives were saved in Wisconsin in 2008 by the use of safety belts.  Consistent safety belt use is the single most effective way to protect people from being ejected from a vehicle or being thrown around violently inside it during a crash. Economic losses from traffic fatalities and injuries in Wisconsin were nearly $2 billion in 2008.  Society picks up 75% of these costs in terms of higher insurance premiums, taxes, and other public funding. 

Traffic crashes are the leading cause of death nationwide for teens and young adults. Surprisingly, only 58% of drivers ages 16 to 25 use safety belts, which is lowest of any age group in Wisconsin.  On average, a motorist age 19 or under is killed or injured in a traffic crash every hour and 12 minutes in Wisconsin.

In 2009 Wisconsin enacted a "primary safety belt law" which allows law enforcement to stop and ticket unbuckled drivers and passengers even if another violation is not observed.  The "Click It or Ticket"  campaign is designed to increase the awareness of all motorists.  Always wear your seat belt and insist that everybody in a vehicle you are riding in is wearing one as well.  Fines range from $10 to $172.

The Bayside, Fox Point, & River Hills Police Academy will be starting with its first class in early April.

The academy consists of twenty-seven hours of training, three hours per session. The training will be offered to all village residents and persons employed in the three communities.

Participants will be instructed in the basic police procedures, ride along with officers, and participate in much of the same training officers receive, such as; defense and arrest tactics, evidence collection, patrol functions, and firearms training. This program will also provide citizens with the opportunity to ask questions about police services and to express any concerns they may have.

The main goal of the citizen police academy is to help the residents of the three villages better understand how the police work in their community. It is hoped that all graduates of the academy will get to know more about the men and women that protect their community and why they make the decisions that they do.

Starting April 8th, 2010, classes will be held for 8 weeks on Thursday evenings from 6:30 PM to 9:30 PM. There will be one class on Saturday morning, April 17th.

Applicants must be:

• At least 21 years of age.
• Bayside, Fox Point, or River Hills resident, property owner, do a majority of their work, or be an active member of a social organization in the listed communities.
• No felony convictions
• Applicant, or their immediate family, must not be under investigation for criminal activity.
• Applicant, or their immediate family, can have no pending or active, criminal, municipal, court cases with the Bayside, Fox Point, or River Hills.

Brochures are available at the Bayside, Fox Point, & River Hills Police Departments.

The Bayside Police Department has joined more than 700 law enforcement agencies throughout North America to give the public vital information regarding crimes in our area.  By going to www.crimereports.com you can view locations of thefts, burglaries, traffic arrests and other police related activities in our area.

This valuable tool assists participating law enforcement agencies in evaluating crime trends in a timely manner, allowing us to not only respond more efficiently to calls for service but be even more proactive in our patrols of neighborhoods.

Crime Reports allows community members not only access to these maps but also the opportunity to be notified immediatly of any crime alerts we provide to them.  Log on today and see how this new tool can benefit you in making our community safer.

If all goes as scheduled, demolition and reconstruction of the Brown Deer Road bridge over I-43 will begin February 13 and be completed in December.  Construction barrels have been in place and paving of some sections used to re-route traffic have been completed.  Temporary signals have been erected on Brown Deer Road at I-43 and will be operating for the duration of the project.

Both eastbound and westbound traffic will be routed onto the eastbound lanes during demolition of the westbound lanes of the bridge.  Once that portion is finished, all traffic will be using the westbound lanes until reconstruction is completed.  At times, I-43 traffic will be re-routed off of the freeway at Brown Deer Road.  It will cross over Brown Deer Road and re-enter north of the bridge.  Freeway traffic will be given priority and drivers on Brown Deer Road should expect delays. 

Construction engineers expect that at times, while drivers adjust to the lane closures, westbound traffic may backup as far east as Lake Drive. Port Washington Road is also expected to see heavy delays during peak travel times.  Keep in mind, bridges at Good Hope Road and Green Tree Road will also be rebuilt during this period as well.

In June, reconstruction of the Port Washington off ramp will also begin.  Traffic signals will be put in place both at the end of the off ramp and on Port Washington Road, in order to reduce the number of accidents occurring at that location. 

Any questions or comments regarding the construction should be directed to Frank Rivera or 414-351-0014.

In cooperation with Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewage District (MMSD), Bayside residents are asked to drop off any no longer used or expired medications at the Bayside Police Department.  Our department will accept both prescription and over the counter medications, ointments, sprays, inhalers, creams, vials and pet medications.  The purpose of this program is to prevent contamination of our water. 

We will not accept biohazardous materials (anything containing bodily fluids), needles/sharps, personal car products such as soap, shampoo, lotions etc., or household hazardous waste such as paint, oil, gas or pesticides. 

Drop off medications Monday-Friday from 8am-5pm at the Bayside Police Department, 9075 N. Regent Road.   

The Mequon Police Department is now accepting applications for the 2010 Citizens' Police Academy.

Academy participants will receive an inside look into how police officers perform their duties.  A large part of the Academy is participation in role playing and scenarios. These scenarios provide a hands-on learning experience.

Class topics include:

·         Criminal Investigations

·         Defense and Arrest Tactics

·         Use of the Taser

·         Operating While Intoxicated Detection

·         Mock Traffic Stops

·         Drug and Drug Recognition

·         K-9 Demonstration

·         Room Clearing with Simunitions

Classes begin on Thursday, March 4, 2010. The FREE six-week program is held on Thursday evenings from approximately 6 to 9 p.m., in the lower level of the Mequon Safety Building, located at 11300 N. Buntrock Ave., Mequon, WI.

Attendees must be (1) age 18 or older and (2) a resident of Mequon or Thiensville or an employee of a Mequon or Thiensville business.

Application forms may be picked up at the Mequon Police Department and are due by Friday, February 19, 2010.

Please contact Sergeant Patrick Pryor with any questions:

ppryor@ci.mequon.wi.us, 262-242-3500

While the arrival of the holidays brings many happy things, unfortunately it can also bring opportunistic thieves. There are several things to remember during the holiday season that can help reduce crime potential.

When shopping, do not leave valuable items in plain sight inside your vehicle. Instead, place recently purchased gifts and other valuables in your trunk or under a vehicle seat. Another easy measure to prevent theft is to lock your vehicle. If you find yourself at the mall, parking in a well lit or heavily traveled area will also discourage would-be thieves.

While you are away from home, keeping your blinds or curtains closed will prevent others from seeing valuable items inside your house. Additionally, leaving lights on in and around your home increases visibility and can deter crime.

After the holidays have passed, be cautious of the manner in which you dispose of your packages. Leaving packaging from valuable items at the curb for garbage pickup is a red flag. Place packaging in closed containers, disguise it by crushing it, or wait until the morning of garbage pickup to place it on the curb.

Taking simple preventative measures can go a long way to ensure that we all have a safe and crime-free holiday. As always, if you see any suspicious people, vehicles, or activity in your neighborhood, please call your local police department immediately.

From everyone at the Mequon Police Department, have a safe and happy holiday!

Although deaths and injuries from traffic crashes devastate individuals, families and entire communities throughout the year, they seem to be even more tragic during the holiday season.

To prevent these horrible crashes, Bayside, River Hills and Fox Point Police Departments will mobilize along with other law enforcement agencies throughout the state for the "Booze and Belts" traffic safety effort from December 7th to 15th.

We are providing ample warning that we will be cracking down on impaired drivers and unbelted motorists during this mobilization.  although this may be the time of year for the "holiday spirit" of forgiveness, we absolutely will not accept excuses or make exceptions for disregarding traffic safety laws.

Our goal is to save lives and prevent injuries-not to write more safety belt tickets or make more drunken driving arrests.  We hope that people will voluntarily decide to buckle up and drive sober.  But if they don't, our intensified traffic enforcement will increase the risk of getting caught.  Our ultimate goal, during the Booze and Belts mobilization and throughout the year, is to one day attain zero preventable traffic deaths in Wisconsin.

Over the last several months, the Village of Bayside Police Department has attempted to raise money in order to install cameras at the intersection of W. Brown Deer Road and N. Port Washington Road.  This intersection is the most heavily travelled in the Bayside/Fox Point area.  Over the past year police have responded to more than 1300 calls for service in a two block radius of the intersection.  The calls range from a fatal car accident, armed robberies, thefts and suspicious activity to vandalism and worthless check complaints. When patrol cars are near the intersection, our apprehension rate for crime related calls approaches 100%! 

The two cameras would be installed on a pole at the intersection and be controlled by our dispatch center.  Having cameras at the intersection would allow the Police Dispatchers to quickly identify the perpetrators and their direction and mode of travel.  We would be able to monitor the intersection in "real time",  24 hours per day and provide information to officers responding to calls in the area.   

On 12/30/09 with the help of Best Buy, the Village of Bayside Police Department will hold a drawing with first prize of a 42" LG LCD TV with a  LG Home Theater System including a Blu-ray Player and Harmony 510 Remote.  The second place winner receives an Avital Car Starter with Remote and third prize includes a Tom-Tom One 140s GPS.  The prizes were donated by Best Buy and proceeds will help Bayside raise funds for the Neighborhood Camera Project.

Raffle tickets are available at the Bayside Police Department which is open 24 hours per day.  One ticket is $15 or three for $25.  Bayside employees are not eligible to win.  For further information contact the Bayside Police Department at 414-351-8800.

Mequon-Thiensville's annual Trick or Treat will be held on Sunday, October 25, 2009, from 4:00pm until 7:00pm.

As a reminder, here are some general safety tips:

·         Children should be accompanied by a parent or responsible adult

·         Wear reflective or bright colored clothing to increase visibility

·         Carry a flashlight or other light device to alert vehicles of your presence

·         Be cautious of traffic when walking in subdivisions that have no sidewalks or limited street lights

·         Parents should check through candy to ensure nothing has been tampered with

The Lakefront Marathon will be on Sunday, October 4, 2009. The race will begin at the Grafton High School at 8:00 AM.

The Course:The Lakefront Marathon is a USAT&F Certified Course (WI-06092-JW) that starts in front of Grafton High School on Hwy. 60 (about one mile west of I-43). This flat and scenic point-to-point course travels south through rural countryside, quiet northshore neighborhoods and finishes along the shores of Lake Michigan north of the Milwaukee Art Museum at Veterans Park. The Lakefront Marathon is a Boston Marathon qualifying course (and if you qualify at Lakefront you would be eligible to use that time for the next two runnings of the Boston Marathon). Check out the Course Map.

www.badgerlandstriders.org/lfm/

Please pay extra attention while driving on the course route.

Beginning at 12:00pm and ending at 5:00pm, on Saturday September 12th, the Village of Bayside will once again hold our village picnic.  Everyone is welcome to join in the annual festivities.  Ellsworth Park, located at 600 E. Ellsworth Lane in Bayside, will once again be the sight for a variety of activities.

Not only will great food and drinks be served, several events will keep both young and not very young entertained.  "Bayside Best" competition will feature our increasingly popular singing contest.  More music will be provided by DJ Brian Redd.

On hand will be North Shore Fire Department, North Shore Library, US Coast Guard and an informational booth.  Raffles and games as always will be featured as well.  Parking will be permitted at Bayside Middle School, 601 E. Ellsworth and at the South parking lot of the Village Hall, 9075 N. Regent Road.  Ellsworth Lane will be closed near the park entrance to allow for a safe route for the fire department vehicles.  The picnic is held rain or shine. 

Every day throughout Wisconsin there are serious and even fatal motor vehicle crashes. Many times, these crashes can be avoided by paying extra attention and following simple rules of the road. Vehicle crashes frequently occur in and around intersections. In accordance with state law, drivers must stop for all red traffic signals and must also stop for all yellow traffic signals, as long as it is safe to do so.

Furthermore, drivers need to pay more attention while driving in order to prevent collisions. Inattentive driving related crashes, including those caused by cell phone usage, can result in serious injury, large fines, and even jail sentences. Keep yourself and other drivers safe by practicing these safe driving strategies:

·         Minimize distractions in your vehicle so the driver can focus on driving.

·         If you must use a cell phone, pull over in a safe location, out of traffic.

·         When following other vehicles, leave extra space. A good rule of thumb is a "two second distance." For example; if you are traveling 40 mph, a two second distance is the equivalent of approximately 120 feet. This distance will help ensure that you have enough time to perceive a hazard, respond to the hazard, and safely stop your vehicle.

·         Be alert for vehicles that are not easily seen, such as motorcycles. Considering motorcycles can turn more sharply and stop quicker than automobiles, drivers must leave additional space when around them. Remember, motorcycle operators do not have the structural protection that automobiles do. Recently, the State of Wisconsin passed additional penalties that will be levied against drivers who cause motorcycle crashes.

It is each individual driver's responsibility to drive safely and obey traffic laws. By paying attention, obeying the rules of the road, and providing additional space between vehicles, we can all work together to reduce the number of injuries and fatalities that occur on Wisconsin's roads. And please, if you observe reckless, dangerous, or possibly intoxicated driving, call 911 immediately.  

From August 21st through September 7th, Bayside Police Department along with Fox Point, River Hills and agencies throughout Wisconsin and thoughout the nation will be patrolling in greater numbers and for longer hours to arrest impaired drivers and get them off the road.

Saturation patrols and other types of high visibility enforcement have proved to be an effective deterrent to impaired driving, especially when combined with an effective media campaign like Drunk Driving. Over the Limit. Under Arrest.

Impaired driving is prevalent and deadly:

1.  Wisconsin has the highest rate of drunken driving in the nation.  More than 26 percent of Wisconsin adults who were surveyed admitted that they had driven under the influence of alcohol in the previous year, according to a nationwide study by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services released in 2008. (you can find the study at http://www.oas.samhsa.gov/2k8/stateDUI/stateDUI.cfm ).

2.  Last year, alcohol related crashes killed 234 people in Wisconsin and injured 4, 319.

3.  Deaths from motorcycle crashes are increasing this year.  Approximately 47 percent of all fatal motorcycle crashes in Wisconsin are alcohol related.

Drive impaired and you'll get arrested:

1.  Last year in Wisconsin, approximately 37,000 drivers were convicted of drunken driving.  That number exceeds the population of many major cities, including Manitowoc, Superior and West Bend, and nearly equals the population of Beloit.

2.  Our message is simple - if you're over the limit, you will get arrested.  There will be no warnings or second chances.

3.  If you're arrested, you can lose your license as well as a huge amount of money.  Repeat offenders also face imprisonment.  If you hurt or kill someone in a crash you will face very serious charges, like vehicular manslaughter.

4.  Refuse a blood/breath alcohol concentration test and you can lose your license on the spot and have your car impounded.

5.  Our goal is not to arrest more drunken drivers.  Our goal is to deter drunken driving, so that we can reach our ultimate goal of zero preventable traffic deaths.

Important advice:

1.  Choose a sober designated driver before you start drinking.

2.  If you're feeling buzzed, you likely are over the 0.08 BAC limit and should not drive.

3.  Rather than risk an arrest, take mass transit, a taxicab or ask a sober friend to drive you home.

4.  Save a life - don't let your friends drive drunk.

5.  Some taverns and restaurants have programs to provide patrons with a safe ride home.  Visit www.tlw.org/ and click on Safe Ride.

6.  Report impaired drivers to law enforcement.

Online resources:

Drunk Driving. Over the Limit. Under Arrest Law Enforcement Action Kit:  http://www.dot.wisconsin.gov/safety/motorist/media/index.htm

Zero In Wisconsin traffic safety campaign, including TV and radio commercials:  http://zeroinwisconsin.gov

Drunk Driving. Over the Limit. Under Arrest logos and artwork: http://www.stopimpaireddriving.org/planners/crackdown2009/index.cfm

Wisconsin drunken driving facts and statistics:  http://www.dot.wisconsin/gov/safety/motorist/drunkdriving/index.htm

UW Madison Law School Resource Center on Impaired Driving:  http://www.law.wisc.edu/rcid

Recently we have received numerous complaints about bicycles being to far into the roadway. In the past few weeks, Fox Point and Bayside have had bicyclists struck by a motor vehicle. A Wheel and Sprocket employee has also been struck by a motorists.

Wisconsin state law states the following:

• Bicycles are vehicles. They belong on the road.
• Cyclists need room to get around potholes, sewer grates and other obstructions.
• Leave at least three feet when passing bicycles, more room at higher speeds.
• Change lanes to pass any bicycle traveling in a narrow lane.
• Train yourself to scan for fast moving (it's hard to tell speed) bicycles and motorcycles in the opposing lane to you when turning left, and scan sidewalks and crosswalks for pedestrians and bicyclists using the sidewalk and crosswalk as a pedestrian. Always scan to your right side sidewalk before you leave a stop light or stop sign. And to the left and right side sidewalks when on a one-way street.

Just a reminder to bicycle riders, as with motor vehicles who break traffic laws, bicycle riders can receive moving violation citations, the most common being stop sign violations.

In order to obtain a drivers license in Wisconsin, new drivers must first pass a written test, then a road test.  Over a period of time, many drivers become complacent or just "forget"  some of the traffic laws.  For instance, I have pulled drivers over for passing school busses while the red lights are flashing and the stop arm is activated.  The excuses given are "I thought only cars behind the bus had to stop" or "I saw that the kids had already gotten on the bus". 

With summer months here, we see more pedestrians and bicyclists on the road.  This means drivers need to be more aware of their surroundings.  Remember, it is the responsibility of the driver to stop at a crosswalk to safely allow pedestrians/bicyclists to cross.  This pertains to crosswalks at controlled (signals) or uncontrolled intersections.  In turn, pedestrians/bicyclists have a responsibility to refrain from entering an intersection when any approaching vehicles would not be able to stop safely.

Another tip regarding crosswalks, when approaching a red light at an intersection, you must stop behind the crosswalk.  Allow pedestrians to cross the roadway safely without having to walk outside of the painted lines.  Further, many signals are activated by sensors beneath the roadway.  If a vehicle is in a crosswalk and not behind the line, the sensors may not be activated and the signals may not change in a timely fashion.