Sports : Law enforcement personnel enjoy a round of golf at Tri-County Golf Outing

Photo by Vern Hollister Judge-elect Leon Stenz readies his bag and checks the number of available golf balls. Stenz said that now he golfs only for recreation; and if he hits a ball into the swamp or water, he just pulls out another ball. The law enforcement golf outing allowed him some recreation before he assumes his duties as judge.

Vern Hollister - Correspondent

The first week in June about 50 golfers connected in some manner with law enforcement met at the Nicolet Country Club for a recreational outlet and a round of golf. Known as the Tri-County Golf Outing, the event drew retired officers, detectives, deputies, jailer-dispatchers, and members of probation and parole, all occupations connected in some manner with law enforcement. Participants from Langlade, Forest, Oneida and Oconto Counties arrived for a round of golf and a gathering of people with related professions. Many more, not in attendance, stayed on jobs requiring their presence and protection duties.

Judge-elect Leon Stenz joined the participants. Stenz said, "I used to golf in a men's league. Now I do it for relaxation."

The event was a good time for Stenz to participate before he begins adjudicating for the Forest and Florence County area.

Rick Koch from Laona works with the Department of Natural Resources. Law enforcement has been part of his job description. The day following the golf round would be Koch's last day on the job. Before he retired, he joined the gathering. In July, Koch will be feted at a retirement party.

Some were EMS members, such as Mary Kremer. She spent part of the morning setting up hole number four as a wagering or betting hole. Any money from enforcement personnel willing to put their swing on the line would benefit the Richie Gilligan Scholarship. A member of the emergency service, Gilligan lost his life in an auto accident and a scholarship is being given in his honor.

Like any get-together, the golf outing allowed people who don't see each other often to meet friends. Ken Krusensterna, whose father was a retired deputy, flew in from Arizona because he knew some of the participants. Talk and greetings were heavy enough that jailer-dispatcher and starter Cameron Jakubiec first assigned tee times, but then he changed the order to send groups off on a staggered start. With calls of "Where is hole number eight?" carts wheeled off for the start and one of the first events at the course.

Laona's Quarterback Club held its outing June 14, and this week a Native American tournament is scheduled. Nicolet Country Club is open and busy.