Citing ‘low morale’ due to village board Arena PD moves to part-time immediately after Arena police officer, DNR warden receive Life Saving Awards

The Village of Arena Police Department’s officers are transitioning to part-time positions due to low morale and conflicts with the Village Board of Trustees. Chief of Police Nicholas Stroik announced the shift, citing unjustified interference and non-supportive comments from board members. Despite the reduced hours, the department pledge to maintain the community’s safety, while acknowledging the potential for increased response times. The decision was approved by the village board amidst criticisms about the impact on emergency services.

EDITORIAL: It’s a matter of health and safety now — It’s time to take Arena’s issues seriously

The Village of Arena Police Department announced its shift to part-time service, citing “low morale” due to issues with the village board. This change sparked concerns among residents about potential increase in emergency response times. Village President Kate Reimann’s response to these concerns — “No records were requested so no answer is given” — is inappropriate and inadequate. Something needs to change.

Arena board hears tenure of current Arena clerk audited in Monticello, discrepancies found in water bills

Audit reached no conclusions, but shows potentially large errors in water bills.

During public comment at last month’s regular meeting of the Village of Arena Board of Trustees on March 7, board members were handed papers by former Village President Paul Pustina. Those papers contained an “Independent Accountant’s Report” covering current Arena Village Clerk/Treasurer DeNean Naeger’s tenure in Monticello. The report represents the findings of what Monticello Village Board minutes refer to as a forensic audit. Arena officials have stayed quiet since the meeting, but the current Monticello village president insists he saw no evidence of wrongdoing.