La Crosse Police look to strengthen relationship with citizens on National Night Out

The La Crosse Police Department has been part of the National Night Out events for the last 21 years and Tuesday night will make 22.

It’s where neighborhoods gather to barbeque and officers come and show their support for where they serve.

Officer Kurt Weaver notes that these types of events are sometimes the only contact neighbors have with each other all year, which didn’t used to be the case.

“In the modern age of cellphones and everyone in such a hurry, I think we’ve lost that.” Weaver said. “This is a chance to reconnect, get to know one another, and when you know your neighbors you’re more likely to look out for them.”

Officers will be manning the grills for most of the night. Weaver said it can help people see them in a different light.

“It’s very informal. We encourage our officers to stop in on a break to have a hot dog or brat.” Weaver said. “It’s a chance for neighbors to convey concerns to the officers.”

When the department first started participating in the event 21 years ago, Weaver notes there were only a few areas of the city that would participate.

Below is a list of locations and times of tonight’s festivities.

Schuh Homes 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Viterbo University (grass commons) 5:00 PM – 6:30 PM
Elite Repeat (16th/Jackson St.) 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM
Manor Homes 5:00 PM—8:00 PM
Burns Park (Downtown Neighbors Assoc.) 5:30 PM—7:00 PM
21st/ Weston and Barlow St. 5:30 PM – 8:00 PM
3456 & 3458 Woodbridge Ct. 5:30 PM – 8:00 PM
2300 Pine St. 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Bluffview Park (28th/Jackson St.) 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM
3023 Lakota Pl. 4:00 PM—7:00 PM
Municipal Boat Harbor 5:00 PM—7:00 PM
Powell Park(Party in the Park) 5:30 PM – 8:00 PM