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Chippewa County Monument Causing Controversy

By KBJR News 1
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August 6, 2010

Chippewa County Deputy Jason Zunker was killed in January 2008 after he was struck by a vehicle while directing traffic on Highway 53.
Shortly after his death a committee was formed to create a fitting memorial for the fallen deputy.

But due to miscommunication between the Jason Zunker Memorial Committee and the Chippewa County Building and Grounds Committee, the memorial the county is now facing several law suits.

Chippewa County Supervisor Allan Schlaught said "The memorial was presented in May basically with no more oversight from the county and we didn't know what was going to be on it or anything like that and unfortunately we came across the words that you seen on the back of the middle panel."

The words on the back panel were from a letter written by Deputy Zunker in 2002.

The phrase contains a reference to Jesus Christ, something that has Chippewa County Officials nervous.

Schlaught said "It could be offensive to some people that do not believe in god or anything like that."

While no one has formally complained about the religious message on the memorial, Chippewa county lacks the financial resources to fight a law suit. But a comprise may be on its way.

The compromise involves the county defending any law suits in Chippewa County Courts. But spokesmen say if those verdicts are appealed the Jason Zunker Memorial Commission would have to pick up the legal tab to continue a battle in the higher courts.

Some Chippewa Falls residents believe that because the words were written by Deputy Zunker it doesn't constitute the county endorsing religion.

Neil Gilbert said "It's his beliefs and the county or the city didn't put this on here. It was his words and not theirs. And it's a memorial to him and so I don't see anything wrong with that."

The Jason Zunker Memorial Committee has until October First to decide if they will accept the county's compromise.

If the memorial committee decides not to accept the deal, county spokesmen say they will either remove the middle panel, or sandblast the inscription off the stone.