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Waukesha County
262-548-7902
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Waukesha County Newsletter
News and tips for Waukesha County Residents & Visitors
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Greetings!
2025 is off to a great start! As we all settle into a new year, we have some exciting community projects to tell you about!
Our new Waukesha County website is about one month away from going live. The new and improved platform will offer a more user-friendly site to help our visitors navigate and get the information they need! The address will remain the same www.waukeshacounty.gov, but the look and feel will be totally different. Stay tuned!
But wait, there's more! In the age of podcasts, we're pleased to announced Waukesha County is getting in on the action! This month our Public Information Officer Hillary Mintz and Chief of Staff Shawn Lundie launched "GovCast." This project is designed to inform, engage, and connect with our community in exciting and accessible ways.
The podcast aims to provide insights for the public into county initiatives, highlight community stories, and discuss important local issues. Each 20–30-minute episode will feature interviews with county officials, community leaders, and experts, offering diverse perspectives on topics that matter most to our residents.
It's a platform for sharing the incredible work we do and fostering a more informed and connected community.
You can listen to the podcast on all major streaming platforms, including Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon and YouTube Podcasts.
Take a listen to our first few episodes, featuring yours truly and our Parks and Land Use team discussing JanBoree, plus the future sale of the UW-Milwaukee Waukesha Campus.
On our next episodes, we'll dive into the world of DPW and the State Budget's impact on us!
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Paul Farrow
Waukesha County Executive
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Waukesha County Parks Events at JanBoree | |
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Join us for winter fun at Waukesha County Parks as part of the 2025 Waukesha JanBoree! We’re hosting a variety of activities for all ages, from ice skating to winter nature walks and more.
To view *all* JanBoree partner offerings, visit: https://www.janboree.org/
You can view and register for *our* JanBoree events at: wauk.co/webtrac (click "Programs & Special Events”)
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Park User Survey
Do you have feedback? We have a brief survey!
Help us plan for the future of the Park System by giving your input today.
The survey takes just 5 minutes to complete! Thank you!
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Winter Salt Week
January 27-31, 2025
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Waukesha County Parks and Land Use is encouraging residents to be mindful of salt usage this winter. Excessive salt can harm water quality, plants, and wildlife.
Consider using alternatives like sand and apply salt sparingly where needed. Small changes can have a big impact!
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January is Radon Action Month | | |
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January is Radon Action Month. It's a great reminder to test your home for radon, a colorless, odorless gas that can pose serious health risks. Testing is easy and affordable, and it's the first step in protecting your family. | |
Explore More, Save More
with Park System Annual Membership!
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An annual membership gets you access to Waukesha County Park System's parks and lake access sites.
A Park membership includes unlimited entrance to nine fee-based parks for an entire calendar year. It also provides access to countless amenities, from trails, to dog exercise areas, to beaches and ponds, and so much more.
A Lake Access membership grants entry to five Waukesha County boat launch locations. Launch your boat, carry in your canoe, fish from shore, or just park your vehicle and enjoy the water views.
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Public Programs Now Open for Registration! | |
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Exciting public programs at Waukesha County Parks are now available for registration through June 2025! From nature explorations in Wee Wonders, to hands-on learning with Outdoor Classroom programs, to peaceful Meditation & Night Hike experiences, and much more, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
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Frost & Found Trivia: Play to Win! | |
Discover the hidden gems of your library system this winter.
Explore Bridges Library System's services and resources, complete fun trivia quizzes online, and compete for a chance to win cool prizes through February 14.
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What are you reading?
Do you want to set some reading goals for the new year but need some fresh ideas?
Build your 2025 reading list with NoveList Plus, a free online tool from Bridges Library System that lets you browse curated lists, filter titles based on your interests and preferences, and easily find read-alikes for all genres and age levels.
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Health & Human Services Happenings | |
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Breaking the Silence: How the CHIP Mental Health Action Team is Making a Difference.
Are you concerned about mental health in Waukesha County? You're not alone. The Mental Health Action Team of the Community Health Improvement Plan (CHIP) is taking proactive steps to address the growing mental health needs of our community by vetting impactful programs like Ending the Silence by NAMI Southeast Wisconsin.
Why Should You Care?
Mental health impacts everyone—whether it’s a student struggling with anxiety, a family member dealing with depression, or a friend in need of support. Ending the Silence is a evidence-based presentation that educates youth, parents, and teachers on recognizing the warning signs of mental health challenges and how to take action.
By ensuring the program’s alignment with Waukesha County’s mental health priorities, the CHIP Mental Health Action Team is working hard to make it accessible to schools, community organizations, and families—empowering all of us to create a more supportive environment.
What Do We Want You to Do?
- Spread the word: Encourage your local schools, PTAs, or youth organizations to explore Ending the Silence for their next mental health program.
- Take action: Request a free, customized presentation for your group by contacting NAMI Southeast Wisconsin today.
- Stay informed: Follow CHIP’s updates in these areas (LinkedIn, Facebook) to see how we’re driving change for adolescent mental health in our community.
Don’t Wait—Act Today!
Mental health education is too important to delay. Ending the Silence is available to schools and community organizations in Waukesha County. Help us make a difference—one conversation at a time.
Visit NAMI Southeast Wisconsin’s website or contact CHIP Mental Health Action Team to learn more and book your session today. Together, we can end the silence and build a brighter future for our youth.
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The Hartland Library Teams Up with Public Health to Promote Teen Mental Health
The Hartland Library is joining forces with Waukesha County Public Health to spread awareness about the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline – a vital resource for mental health and substance use support. In anticipation of final exam week at Arrowhead High School, the library has extended its hours until 10 PM to accommodate the expected increase in adolescent visits during this stressful time.
This collaboration aligns with the goals of the Community Health Improvement Plan (CHIP) Mental Health Action Team, which focuses on improving access to mental health services and increasing awareness of available resources for adolescents aged 12-18 across Waukesha County.
By creating a safe, supportive space and sharing critical mental health information, the Hartland Library and Public Health are working together to support the well-being of local teens during a time they may need it most.
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Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse (AODA) Volunteer Program:
Interview with Mike, Waukesha County’s Jail Recovery Volunteer and Site Coordinator
Mike is Waukesha County’s Jail Recovery Volunteer and Site Coordinator and has 36 years of sobriety and recovery. He has been a volunteer for the past 32 years for this program in partnership with Waukesha County’s Department of Health and Human Services and the Waukesha County Jail Division.
Why did you become an AODA volunteer?
"I bottomed out with this disease. In my early stages of recovery, I took a good look at myself, my behavior, and where my life was going, and I knew I needed to make a change. Volunteering has been instrumental in my personal development, transforming me into someone who gives back as a volunteer. It's a journey of growth and fulfillment that I wish for everyone."
What impact do the volunteers have in the jail?
"The hope is that our groups will leave a mark on people. Any of the people who have been incarcerated who have attended any of our groups might think back on our group and remember our messages and the options that we have discussed.
Our volunteers plant the seeds, the ideas and alternatives to using [drugs and alcohol]. We share what has happened in our lives before, during, and after. Without us going into the jail every week, the inmates would never hear this message from people like them. It's up to the inmates to decide what to do with the message, but the hope is that it touches them."
This is an abridged version of the interview, go to the complete article to read more.
| We seek additional facilitators to join our program in our jail and other sites in the community! Interested in volunteering? | |
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What a day! Thank you to all who stopped out to visit our JanBoree at Waukesha County Airport January 18th. Over 475 guests stopped by our Airport Open House and more than 250 stayed for Disney’s movie Planes.
The open house event featured pre-flight activities, CAF postcards to veterans, hands on hawk display, coloring corner, avionics area with headsets, and a paper airplane throw! With a chili cookoff, airplanes on display, and a showing of Disney’s movie Planes, it was a day to remember.
Missed it? No worries. Airport has lots of events throughout the year that you can join. Follow them on social media to keep up with the latest and greatest news, events, and beautiful pictures!
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Become a StrongBodies Volunteer and Make a Difference in Waukesha County! | |
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Are you passionate about promoting health and wellness and giving back to your community? Become a StrongBodies Volunteer Leader and help keep Waukesha County residents active, strong, and socially connected!
StrongBodies is an evidence-based strength training program designed to help adults stay strong and independent. By volunteering you will foster social connections with participants and gain valuable leadership and wellness experience.
What’s the Time Commitment?
- Attend a 1-day StrongBodies Leaders Training on April 9, 2025, in Madison, WI
- Become CPR Certified
- Classes are 75 minutes and meet twice per week for 10-12 week sessions
Interested?
Contact Jillian Smith at jillian.smith@wisc.edu to learn more about becoming a StrongBodies leader.
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What To Do In Waukesha County | |
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Wild Winter Night & Candlelight Hike
February 13, 2025 (Retzer Nature Center)
February 27, 2025 (Fox Brook Park)
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Join us for a fun-filled evening of adventure!
Experience the beauty of winter as you hike by candlelight, and enjoy other special offerings that vary by location.
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CCW- Concealed Carry Weapons Class
This 4-Hour class satisfies the WI DOJ CCW license application requirement.
Class registration is required.
Classes are held at the Waukesha Count Sheriff's Department
515 W. Moreland Boulevard Waukesha, WI 53188
Available Spring 2025 Classes:
February 5th 6pm-10 pm
February 8th 8am-12 pm
March 12th 6pm-10 pm
March 15th 8am-12 pm
April 23rd 6pm-10 pm
April 26th 8am-12 pm
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WAUKESHA COUNTY JOB OPPORTUNITIES | | | | |
