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Marquette County denied 2025 traffic grant; committee outlines enforcement and event traffic plans
Summary
Chairperson Mike Kowalski reported that Marquette County ranked 52 of 72 and did not qualify for the 2025 traffic grant; the sheriff’s office used last year’s grant to buy a speed trailer. The committee also reviewed traffic planning for multiple spring and summer events, including Montello Fish N Fun and a 175th anniversary parade.
Captain and Chairperson Mike Kowalski told the Traffic Safety Committee on April 2 that Marquette County did not qualify for the 2025 traffic grant after ranking 52nd out of 72 counties. Kowalski said he applied for funding but was denied; he noted the sheriff’s office used last year’s grant to buy a speed trailer and that the office passed a subsequent audit.
Committee members then reviewed traffic and enforcement plans for several upcoming community events. Montello Fish N Fun (May 2–4) was expected to produce heavy vehicle and pedestrian traffic and will receive extra patrols. Memorial Day parades on May 26 will be assisted by the Sheriff’s Office; the Oxford parade will close STH 82 for about an hour. Dairylicious Days breakfast (June 14 at Slowey Farms) will use message boards on CTH A, and the Brakebush Brothers 100‑year celebration (June 21 at the fairgrounds) will use shuttle parking at Westfield High School and Brakebush. The committee discussed Montello’s 175th‑anniversary parade and noted that fully shutting down STH 23 would create major detours; a one‑hour closure using the original parade route is under consideration.
Kim Werden told the committee that the Westfield School District has recorded nine red light violations so far in 2025 (compared with 28 in 2023 and 30 in 2024); buses have cameras and footage is available on request. Werden said she will send route information to Captain Kowalski so patrol deputies can be informed.
Why it matters: the grant denial reduces near‑term capital options (for example, purchase of equipment); officers and staff must rely on existing assets and scheduling to manage enforcement and event traffic. Several community events will require coordination among Sheriff’s Office, highway staff, and school officials to limit traffic disruption and maintain public safety.
What happens next: Kowalski will continue to pursue funding opportunities; Werden will share bus route details with patrol deputies; committee staff will finalize traffic control and parking plans for the listed events.
