ELLSWORTH — The Ellsworth Village Board approved a cigarette, tobacco and electronic vaping license for a new store to open up on Main Street as well as a “Class B” alcohol license for Shotgun industries at 252 N. Broadway Street, who faced pushback during Monday’s meeting due to a previous licensing incident.

The tobacco application came from Ceeko tobacco 2 LLC, represented by owner Fatmeh Mustafa. Mustafa said he has other stores in the area including one in Owatonna, with this one set to be at 335 W. Main Street. The location is down the road from the current tobacco and vape shop in Ellsworth, to which Mustafa said is common for these stores, and the field is a competitive environment.

At the Nov. 12 Health, License, Welfare Committee meeting, Ellsworth High School Principal Oren Nehls spoke about issues with students vaping in the district, causing the village to look into a potential ordinance or amendment to further regulate the sale of those products, according to village minutes.

After a conversation led by Trustees Tom Schutz and Tony Hines, the board decided to approve this license unanimously and look into putting a moratorium on further licenses until an ordinance is developed.

Shotguns agent Thomas Bullock spoke on behalf of the business after claims of incidents including Bullock being arrested and cited for operating while intoxicated - first offense and failing to identify himself and obey commands in September outside of the property, according to an email to the village from Police Chief Eric Ladwig. Bullock said he was at the bar because he was looking to purchase the Niki’s Eastender property, the email states. Bullock made a not guilty plea to a pair of charges and had a pre-trial conference Nov. 25.

The second incident, which the board spent more time discussing, took place in October when Bullock was not present but responsible for the property.

“The bartender on duty did not have a valid liquor license and they were unable to locate a valid bartender and the establishment was shut down for the night and they were given a warning for the violation. Officers later spoke to Mr. Bullock and he claimed he wasn’t aware the bartender didn’t have a license. He also claimed he wasn’t aware she needed a liquor license from the Village,” Ladwig stated.

On Oct. 15, Bullock allegedly came to Village Hall upset that the officer was checking the property, Ladwig stated.

In response, Bullock clarified the bartender had a license for Trimbelle and he was told it was an Ellsworth license. He said he is currently aware of the village’s requirements and they now have all proper licensing which is posted at the site.

Some members of the board mentioned that the approval would allow for licensing through June, and if an incident occurs prior, they can make the decision to not renew shortly down the road.

The board also approved a “Class A” alcoholic beverage license and cigarette, tobacco and electronic vaping device license for Six Toes LLC (Cenex) at 610 E. Main Street.

Public comment

Resident Randy Brickner spoke about water bills in the village and mentioned a November letter stating it was the first water rate adjustment since 2006. Brickner said they have seen adjustments in 2012, 2014, 2016 and 2018, each at 3%.

Village President Becky Beissel said it was the last major increase that had to go through the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin, to which Brickner said should have been clarified in the letter.

“If we’re taking this off of our general budget, why would you have bragged up in the bottom of that letter that it would actually be saving us some tax dollars,” Brickner said.

Village Administrator/Clerk-Treasurer Brad Roy said the savings people would see stems from the fire protection being charged to all utility users.

Brickner said he would not consider it a savings for $213,000 to be paid to both the water and sewer and on a tax assessment.

“We’re getting hit twice,” Brickner said.

Schutz spoke during public comment about the resignation of Officer Darren Eckholm after 25 years with the Ellsworth Police Department.

“The guy has asked for help to do stuff, he never got no backup,” Schutz said. “There’s things that he told me that he told you guys, that the village could have been saving money, but yet we have three officers on given days.”

Eckholm has accepted a new position with the Elmwood Police Department. He was sworn in Monday, Dec. 2.

Schutz asked why the officers could not be split up so the village pays less overtime hours. Schutz sought a committee to look into the police schedules.

“There’s a lot of wasted hours there and a lot of overtime that shouldn’t have to be paid,” Schutz said.

During the department head reports, Ladwig said he is willing to attend a Salary and Labor Committee meeting to address the concerns.

An Ellsworth election employee spoke to the board about the election staff making $11 an hour and how that rate is not competitive with others in the area. He said they also end up doing some setup work that goes unaccounted for and asked the village to consider raising the wages.

Recognition

The board recognized Sebastian and Nora Layer, who were given the 911 Community Hero Award for saving the life of their father by contacting the police on Nov. 11. Sebastian called the police and helped them quickly locate the home when he was not sure of the address. Nora called the mother, updating her on the situation so the first responders could focus on the health of the father.

“[The award is] for their exceptional bravery and quick thinking in saving their father’s life,” Ellsworth Police Sergeant Eric Van Nocker said. “Your actions demonstrate incredible courage, selflessness and maturity beyond your years. You are a true hero, and your bravery will always be remembered.”

Other business

• Approved an ordinance to apply the recently approved Downtown Design Guidelines to the Building Code, allowing the guidelines to be enforceable. The topic saw a lot of discussion at the November meeting, but was briefly discussed this time around, with Schutz being the lone vote against it.
• Unanimously approved a HydroCorp Cross Connection contract for about $12,000 per year in residential services and $19,500 per year in multifamily services. Public Works Director Bradley Vick said HydroCorp does inspections and notifications to the public, making them a recommended choice for the village.
• Commenced the strategic plan with Redevelopment Resources, with the process starting at a Village Board questionnaire to gauge values and visions.
• Amended village fees, approved 2025 employee benefits and village engineering services.