Oct. 2, 2025
LA FARGE, Wis. – The La Farge Police Department on Tuesday, Sept. 24, completed a court ordered cleanup of a chronic nuisance property at 316 South State Street after multiple community complaints and violations of village ordinances.
The department executed a warrant from the Vernon County Circuit Court after several unsuccessful attempts to work with the property owner. The property was designated a chronic nuisance under Village Ordinance 11-7, leading to the court ordering the abatement and removal of various materials.
The court order specified the removal of junk, trash, abandoned merchandise, hazardous materials, and wrecked or unlicensed vehicles. The order also included the removal of materials that could attract vermin or pose health hazards, noxious weeds, and dilapidated structures considered unsafe. The cleanup was carried out by River Valley Junk and Demo and Mike Lepke Excavating. Security was provided by several area law enforcement agencies, including the Vernon County Sheriff’s Office.
La Farge Police Chief Steven Palmer said the action was taken to protect the community’s well being. Chief Palmer expressed appreciation to La Farge residents and visitors for their patience and support. He also thanked Village Attorney Nikki Swayne of Abt‑Swayne Law for her guidance throughout the process, and extended gratitude to the La Farge Village Board and Village employees for their foresight and support. He further recognized the invaluable assistance of the involved law enforcement agencies, whose coordination and professionalism were essential to the safe completion of the operation.
Palmer said the action reflects effective collaboration among law enforcement, municipal officials, legal counsel, Village employees, visitors, and community members—and represents a significant step in restoring the community’s appearance and quality of life. It also sends a clear message to property owners who decline to work with the Village to correct ordinance violations.
“Our community’s safety, health, and appearance remain top priorities,” Palmer said. “This step shows the Village will continue to use appropriate legal mechanisms to address ongoing violations”.
Village President Aaron Nemec said the cleanup is part of a larger effort to improve the village.
“Today is just another step forward in our continuing efforts to bring back the beauty of our community and also restore a sense of pride in our community,” Nemec said. “I also hope that today’s actions encourage all property owners to work with us, and our actions encourage other municipalities to do the same”.
This recent cleanup is part of a broader, ongoing effort by La Farge officials to address nuisance properties. In January 2025, the village conducted a similar involuntary abatement at 121 South State Street. That property had been the source of complaints for over a decade, starting around 2013. After multiple failed attempts to resolve the issues, the village obtained a court order and cleaned up the property.
The village’s enforcement efforts started when the police department launched an initiative to address junked, unregistered, and inoperable vehicles throughout the village. The department said the effort is based on crime prevention principles suggesting that maintaining community appearance can deter criminal activity.
La Farge Village President Frank Quinn, who served prior to Nemec, said Palmer has been a “huge asset” in addressing nuisance properties. Palmer noted that a nuisance property committee had been formed to help mediate issues and that the village was developing a permit system for residents to keep one unregistered vehicle on their property. Residents can apply for a Temporary Storage Permit for a $50 fee, allowing one non-compliant vehicle to remain for up to one year.
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