DOVER - Town residents are divided between those arguing constables are hurting their businesses and those arguing constables keep their town safe.

Several local tavern owners are complaining the increased patrolling by the town constables is hurting their businesses and harassing their customers.

"They're pulled over for nickel and dime things, like going a few miles over," said Dean Larsen, owner of Hogs Nest Saloon in Downtown Kansasville and a former town supervisor.

Some residents, on the other hand, especially those living near busy highways like Highway 11 or 75, have no

complaints.

"I just don't understand what the problem is," said Pat Cowles, 46, of Dover. "If you're not speeding, not running stop signs and not driving drunk, then what's the problem?"

Cowles, who lives on Highway 11 across the street from Players Park in Kansasville, said it's been "night and day" since the constables came into town. He said before, there would be motorcycles zipping by the 35 mph zone in front of his house. Now there's a noticeable difference and things are quieter and calmer.

"They're hurting my business, too, but what's more important to you?" said Marie Frederick, owner of Wildlife Refuge on Highway 75. "I'd rather have the town safe than serve another beer to somebody."

The Town Board appointed the nine-member constable service in May after residents complained about heavy traffic, trash and speeding. The board also determined it would save costs to have their own constable service for 20 hours a week rather than renew the town's contract with the Racine County Sheriff's Department for six hours a month of extra patrols, said Supervisor Mario Denoto.

"We weren't feeling the county with the current contract was able to take care of all our ordinance issues," he said. "They did what they could, but we needed more."

The Dover constable is a peace officer "who maintains public order and makes arrests for crimes" and is a fully sworn officer, according to the Town of Dover Constable office. Additionally the constable is responsible for water patrol on Eagle Lake.

"The board's position is that (the constable service) is more positive than negative," said Town Chairman Ray Gromacki. "The only complaints are from tavern owners claiming harassment of their customers and that is untrue."

Larsen said he and other tavern owners presented a petition of about 500 signatures for the elimination of the constables office to the board Monday night at the Town Hall, 4110 S. Beaumont Ave., that drew quite a crowd. Gromacki expected the issue would be discussed at the next several town meetings. He added the signatures and addresses on the petition are being verified.

"(The officers) sit outside the taverns," said petition leader Larsen, who is also president of the Racine County Tavern League. "(Customers) are afraid to go out."

Chief Constable Joseph Cashin disagreed with the allegations.

"We will be continuing to our job on an ethical basis and continue to make patrols," he said. "We're certainly aware of their concerns, but I want to make a note my officers are not harassing anyone."