Restaurant owners tell La Cygne council police traffic enforcement is hurting business

Owners and managers of the Wagon Wheel Restaurant told the La Cygne City Council on Sept. 4 that recent law-enforcement contact with patrons is hurting the restaurant's business.

Steve Keaton, owner of the Wagon Wheel, said he is not anti-police but that “the current actions of the police are impacting his business,” citing a Facebook string and patrons’ reluctance to return. Managers and patrons described multiple traffic stops after closing: Max Day raised concerns about officers using blinkers while following vehicles; manager Linda Jo Hisel read the state law regarding tag lights and said patrons feel harassed; manager Carrie Page said, “Stop following people. Pull them over if you are going to pull them over – don’t just follow them – that is harassment.”

Police Chief Zachary Mathies responded that officers are “held to the standards of the law,” reviewed recent monthly enforcement statistics and explained that an active patrol presence aims to deter criminal, drug and theft activity. Chief Mathies asked that officers’ conduct concerns be relayed so he can address them with staff. Mayor Debra Wilson and the council thanked the speakers and reminded residents the police chief is available at City Hall for daytime conversations.

Why it matters: business owners linked patron complaints to a measurable drop in customers and asked the council to help ensure enforcement balances safety and community confidence. The council did not take formal action at the meeting but the chief said he would address the issues internally and review officer behavior.

What’s next: Chief Mathies will review officer conduct and enforcement messaging; the council encouraged patrons to meet with the chief at City Hall if they prefer not to raise concerns at a public meeting.