By Jacob Mathias

Two Wisconsin Rapids residents are charged with child neglect after health and human services reportedly declared their home unfit for a child.

John Kiedrowski, 49, and Elizabeth Kiedrowski, 45, are both charged with neglecting a child, a class A misdemeanor with a maximum sentence of up to nine months imprisonment, a $10,000 fine or both.

According to court documents, on April 21 a Wisconsin Rapids Police officer was dispatched to a home on the 500 block of 11th St. S. to assist a social worker who was doing a health and welfare check for Wood County Health and Human Services. Upon observation, there were numerous incidents making the home unfit.

John Kiedrowski’s 9-year-old son was reported to sometimes stay at the home.

Police reports state that there were approximately two dozen cats living in the house with multiple unchanged litter boxes. Cat and dog feces were littered throughout the home including where the child would sleep. Cat urine was found on a table where the child would eat. Feces were also reported to be “all over” the basement floors and walls.

The report also states there was a strong odor that made it difficult for officers to breathe.

Both John and Elizabeth Kiedrowski both pleaded not guilty to the charges at their initial appearance in Wood County Circuit Court on September 28. They are both free on a $500 signature bond.

They return to court on November 20 at 10:00 AM for a pre-trial conference.