Column: Cops, community, commitment, and Karma

By Dan Kontos

I know, I know. I often like to reflect on what a wonderful area we live in here in Central Wisconsin. While we can all be critical of things that we think are going wrong, and we certainly do, this is a chance to highlight one of those happenings that help to make our community great.

Last Monday was an opportunity for the people of the Metro area to give back to each other and have a direct impact on the neighborhood where they live. This was the inaugural launch of the K9 Karma Classic.

What is that, you ask? It was a golf outing and fundraiser to support the canine program of the Plover Police Department. You may or may not know that all three major law enforcement agencies in Portage County have a canine program, and Plover is no exception.

The department utilizes a specially trained dog that supports its operations. Karma is the name of their four-year-old Belgian Malinois, who is skilled in narcotics detection, evidence recovery, tracking, and suspect apprehension (euphemistically referred to as “bite work”). Karma is assigned to her handler, Officer Jeremy Anderson, who employs this highly trained dog as part of the complex and multi-faceted world of law enforcement.

This dynamic duo is certified by the American Police Canine Association and regularly works, not only on patrol, but in support of specialized operations, such as investigations, lost and vulnerable persons searches, as well as high-risk tactical operations. The canine program at the Plover Police Department is supported, not directly by tax dollars, but through the generous contributions of the community. That’s where the K-9 Karma Classic comes in.

According to the 2025 budget for the village of Plover, the police K9 program costs $5,000 annually for equipment and supplies, but trust me, having once been involved in a larger law enforcement canine program, I know the costs are much higher. Vehicle-associated costs, callouts, veterinary bills, training, and much more create often unforeseen financial pressures to keep this capability available to the police.

To the point, the K9 Karma Classic was a golf outing, sporting around 150 golfers at the Stevens Point Country Club. Though the 18-hole adventure was cut short by some vigorous thunderstorms, the gathering was followed by a dinner and associated events at the Springville Sports Barn.

Supported by several great community sponsors, and spearheaded by Sarah Smith and Chris Adams at Section 715 Throwing Company, several area businesses and other organizations stepped up big time to sponsor the event. Thanks to them, there were a lot of opportunities to walk away with a little more joy. In addition to a very nice little swag-bag for the golfers, more than 50 raffle baskets (including a $600+ bourbon basket that slipped through my fingers, but I digress) were given away at the dinner.  Additionally, there was a $2000+ 50/50 raffle, and a $1200 gun raffle for a Glock model 45 with a Holosun sight, the same set-up used by the officers of the PD.

This was a wonderful event, packed with people from all around the area, showing their support, not only for the canine program, but the Plover Police Department in general. The warm comments, praise for our men and women in blue, and the sense of community welfare permeated the night. You couldn’t help but feel good about the evening and what it supported.

It was almost lost in the mix that the evening also celebrated the 50th anniversary of the Plover Police Department, founded in 1975. The department has come a long way in 50 years, and has great plans moving forward, protecting and serving an ever-growing village.

In 2021, the village of Plover ranked among the top 50 safest communities in Wisconsin, coming in at number 32. Stevens Point, by comparison, came in at a very respectable 36. This is a testament in great part to the dedicated men and women who patrol our streets, deter crime, and pursue justice on our behalf.

The generosity of the citizens of our community didn’t stop there. Not only were contributions pledged that evening in addition to what was already committed, but almost a week after the event, more donations were given to the program to ensure its future success. As always, it’s not too late for others to consider donating to this most worthy cause.

Just as a disclaimer, as always, I crafted this column because I was impressed with this event. The village, its police department, or any of its folks knew anything about what I was about to write. Heck, I don’t even live in Plover, but when I saw a great community event like this, I just had to bring it to your attention.

Besides, some of you missed me; not all, but some…

Plans are already underway to hold this event again next year. I suggest that if you plan on golfing in 2026, you don’t delay. Slots sold out very fast this year, and additional teams were shoehorned in at the end to try and accommodate as many people as possible.

So, many thanks to the golfers, sponsors, the army of volunteers, and the community for supporting the inaugural K-9 Karma Classic. See you next year!

So, with that, let’s meet in the opinion section to talk about all of it, joyously, respectfully, and with an appreciation for all our law enforcement officers (and their canines). Until then, remember that God loves you, and so do I.