OCONTO COUNTY, WI (WTAQ) – There’s a new way for Oconto County neighborhoods to stay connected with local authorities.
County law enforcement has rolled out Nextdoor, which allows them to keep in touch with residents.
Chief Sheriff’s Deputy Ed Janke says it allows them to “communicate with neighborhoods regarding any crime trends, criminal activity that’s going on, any notices, any scam alerts.”
Janke notes the convenience of the program.
“We can put out emergency notifications, so people can actually get alerts on their phones so when we send out things, they’ll receive it immediately.”
Each neighborhood has its own private website, where it can also share information on public safety issues and community events.
“There is no cost. Go to nextdoor.com and sign up. They’re allowed to identify by the neighborhood that they’re in. That will take them back to the sheriff’s office or one of the municipalities that are participating (Oconto, Oconto Falls, Lena, Gillett, and Suring).
At last word, Janke says roughly 25 neighborhoods and 400 residents had signed up.
