30-01-2025
Bloomer man sentenced to three years in prison for seventh drunk-driving offense
CHIPPEWA FALLS — A Bloomer man has been sentenced to serve three years in prison after he was convicted Wednesday of his seventh drunk-driving offense.
Scott R. Kerckhove, 55, 1726 17th Ave., pleaded no contest to OWI-7 in Chippewa County Court.
Dunn County Judge Luke Wagner ordered the prison sentence, along with three years of extended supervision. He was given credit for 96 days already served. Kerckhove, who was free on bond, was taken into custody at the conclusion of the hearing. He is eligible for a substance abuse program.
Kerckhove also was ordered to pay $1,323 in court costs and fines, and he must submit a DNA sample. While on extended supervision, he cannot consume alcohol or enter taverns. His driver's license was revoked for three years, and he must have an ignition interlock device for three years. The trial, slated for March 6, has been canceled.
According to the criminal complaint, the Bloomer Police Department received a call about a van swerving on a road in town. The officer found the vehicle on 17th Avenue, near Main Street. The license plate matched the one provided by the caller. The driver, Kerckhove, showed signs of impairment and failed field sobriety tests. A preliminary breath test showed no alcohol in his system, but the officer suspected use of marijuana. Kerckhove was arrested and taken to the Chippewa County Jail.
Court records show that Kerckhove was last arrested for driving under the influence in February 2018. He served a one-year jail sentence. He was convicted in 2021 in Chippewa County Court of operating while revoked and possession of marijuana and paid $886 in fines and was ordered to submit a DNA sample.
Kerckhove also was convicted in Clark County Court in 2023 for driving while not carrying his license; a felony-level bail jumping charge was read-in and dismissed.
