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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!
Hopefully you've managed to deal with the recent snow and keep warm despite the big temperature drops. They say thinking warm thoughts helps shake off the winter blues, I'm still trying that out myself! Huge kudos to our Department of Public Works highway operations crews. They've been working tirelessly to ensure our roads are safe by spreading salt, applying brine, and clearing snow as efficiently and safely as they can. While the weather impacts us all, the safety of our residents, commuters, and staff is always our top priority.
As we settle into 2025, we have some big projects on the horizon.
Mark your calendars, Monday, February 24th our brand-new, county website goes live. You'll not only notice not only a facelift on the homepage and site-wide, but we're giving users and visitors what they want, an easy to navigate website that helps they track down the services they need faster. The address remains the same waukeshacounty.gov.
The future sale of the UW-Milwaukee Waukesha Campus continues to move forward. This month the county will release the request for proposals for purchase of the property. Later this spring, we will then review submitted proposals and sign an offer to purchase. Since the land use plan is already amended to reflect mixed residential development, the developer will need to work with the City of Waukesha to obtain zoning and related construction authorizations. Actual redevelopment will be determined by the project schedule of the developer. Breaking ground is not likely until 2026.
The sale of the county-owned land is a crucial step forward in getting the 75.9 acres of land back on the tax roll.
This month on "GovCast" we featured Department of Public Works Director, Allison Bussler, and an update on the sales tax. Stay tuned for new episodes featuring a conversation with Waukesha County State Representative Barbara Dittrich. We'll discuss how state and county governments are related and how their finances are intertwined. "GovCast" is available on all podcast platforms, listen and subscribe!
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Paul Farrow
Waukesha County Executive
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Retzer Nature Center
Spring Workshop
| On March 15, explore the captivating world of birds and how you can help them thrive right in your own yard! Experts will guide you through bird biology, migration, and identification tips, with an optional hike to Retzer hotspots. 9 a.m. to noon; $20/person (ages 15+) | |
Park & Lake Access Annual Memberships | Get unlimited access to Waukesha County's nine fee-based parks or choose a lake access membership. Enjoy amenities like trails, beaches, dog areas, and boat launches. Explore outdoor fun all year long! See all the options on our website and join today. | |
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Park System is
Now Hiring
| We’re hiring for a variety of positions! Whether you're interested in working at a park, ice arena, golf course, or the Expo Center, we have opportunities for you. These positions offer flexible scheduling and a chance to make a difference in our community. | |
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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Spring Break Fun for Kids | |
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Looking for ways to keep your kids engaged during Spring Break? Retzer Nature Center's Spring Break programs, from March 24-28, offer exciting activities for all ages. Morning sessions (ages 3-8) include fun and interactive programs, complete with a story time. Afternoon sessions (for ages 6+) are designed to keep older kids entertained and learning. Sign up today for a week of springtime fun and learning!
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Celebrate Library Lover's Month with Bridges!
Library Lover’s Month is the perfect time to celebrate the joy, connection, and possibilities your library brings to you!
From new books and great programs to accessing tech tools and a welcoming third space to enjoy, there’s so much to love.
Share what YOU love about your libraries with us!
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Advocating for libraries at Library Legislative Day
Bridges Library System staff, member library staff, library trustees, and library friends attended Library Legislative Day at the capitol in Madison on February 11.
Libraries and library systems from around the state had the opportunity to meet with legislators and their staff to share stories about how libraries make a positive impact on communities throughout Wisconsin.
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Health & Human Services Happenings | |
Step Into Confidence:
Ballroom Basics for Balance in Waukesha County
Did you know that loneliness and fear are among the biggest obstacles to healthy aging? The CHIP (County Health Improvement Process) Healthy Aging Action Team and the City of Waukesha Parks, Recreation, and Forestry Department are tackling these challenges head-on with Ballroom Basics for Balance™ — a free, fun-filled program designed to boost confidence, prevent falls, and build meaningful social connections through the joy of dance!
Join the Movement!
Ready to take the first step? Ballroom Basics for Balance™ is free to Waukesha County residents and will be offered this winter and spring. Visit the City of Waukesha’s Activity Guide or call 262-524-3737 for more information. By joining, you will:
- Improve your balance and mobility.
- Gain confidence in your daily movements.
- Strengthen your social connections.
Classes are free of charge, and pre-registration is required.
- Location: Rotary Building, 1140 Baxter St.
- Tuesdays from 1:00 to 2:00pm and 5:30 to 6:30pm
- Fridays from 8:30 to 9:30am
Dancing Toward Better Health
Ballroom Basics for Balance™ combines dance with proven fall-prevention techniques, helping participants improve balance, confidence, and overall well-being. Beyond the steps, it fosters community and connection, two essential ingredients for healthy aging.
The Hidden Health Risks of Loneliness and Falls
The U.S. Surgeon General’s 2023 report called out social isolation and loneliness as a growing epidemic. For older adults in Waukesha County, these challenges are especially critical. Did you know:
- Social isolation increases the risk of heart disease by 29% and stroke by 32%.
- It also leads to a 50% higher risk of dementia and a 60%+ increased risk of premature death.
- Falls are a top concern too — Wisconsin has the highest fall-related death rate in the nation, with Waukesha County exceeding state averages for fall-related hospitalizations in adults 65 and older.
These staggering statistics highlight the urgent need for action — and Ballroom Basics for Balance™ offers an innovative solution.
A Shared Mission: Healthy Aging in Waukesha County
This program aligns with the CHIP Healthy Aging Action Team’s goals of reducing falls and improving social connections among seniors. Together, we’re empowering Waukesha County’s older adults to lead safer, healthier, and more vibrant lives.
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Leading the Way: Waukesha County Overdose Fatality Review Team Pioneers New Approach
Waukesha County proudly stands at the forefront of substantive change as the first county in Wisconsin to have a social worker lead its Overdose Fatality Review (OFR) team. Upholding our motto of "Leading the Way," this initiative showcases our commitment to compassion and innovation in addressing substance-related fatalities.
The OFR team, launched in January 2024, operates under a nationally recognized framework supported by state and national training providers. It includes 60 professionals across 20 agencies, promoting targeted harm reduction and prevention strategies.
Waukesha County has pioneered a "Cards for a Cause" initiative, providing personal and heartfelt support to families affected by overdoses. This effort, coupled with impactful leadership, exemplifies our dedication to a sensitive and educated response to grief.
Collaboratively, the OFR team unites various agencies, including public health, law enforcement, and social services, to share critical data and insights. This coalition actively uncovers and reforms outdated policies, bridging gaps to inform data-driven interventions.
The program's early success demonstrates the transformative potential of compassionate leadership and partnership. As we continue to build on this foundation, Waukesha County remains committed to reducing substance-related fatalities and enhancing community health outcomes.
For more details, check out the full article on page 30 of the February edition of Wisconsin Counties Magazine.
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Volunteers needed to complete brief, in-home assessments for Home Delivered Meals clients!
There are over 550 older adults in our community who receive meals delivered to their door. Annually, any older adults 60+ who is receiving a home delivered meal through our program (sometimes referred to as Meals on Wheels) must go through a brief in-person assessment to make sure they re-qualify. These assessments also help identify any other needs they may have in the home. Reassessment Volunteers make it possible to fulfill these necessary re-assessments.
Requirements to volunteer:
- You must be at least 18 years old
- Have your own vehicle to get to client’s homes (mileage reimbursement is available)
- Pass a background check
If you or someone you know is looking for a volunteer opportunity, contact our Volunteer Program Specialists at HHSVolunteers@waukeshacounty.gov
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Wisconsin Flood Safety Awareness Week
February 24th - 28th, 2025
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Let it Snow!
Pretreating with brine and lengthening shifts, Highway Operations was quick to confront the latest storms. You don't need to worry, we've got this! Our team is always ready to battle the elements to keep our highways as clear and as safe as possible.
Ready to help? Great! We always ask drivers to stay back from plows 200 feet, keep away from their blind spots, and don't try to pass them. With large blades, blowing snow, and other traffic, it's much safer that way. Don't forget, our plow drivers are out there handling multiple tasks to get the highway cleared, so they will only be going about 25mph or so while making frequent stops and turns.
Did you know? Not only does our Highway Operations handle county highways, but state highways as well! You can find out more on our involvement with state highway winter maintenance, and other frequently asked questions, at WisDOT's FAQ website.
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Educational Highlight - FoodWIse Nutrition | |
In addition to working with youth, Extension FoodWIse Nutrition Educators work to keep seniors strong and healthy in our community.
In 2024, FoodWIse Nutrition Educators engaged groups of senior citizens at apartment complexes, senior organizations, and Waukesha County meal sites in Waukesha, Sussex, Menomonee Falls, Mukwonago, New Berlin, and Oconomowoc, teaching eleven Seniors Eating Well series and three StrongBodies series.
Participants discussed physical activity, spices, fats, and heart-healthy meals and snacks. Participants loved learning about spices, one declaring the caprese salad (see photo) food sample was the “best salad I ever had.” Seniors commented on how they planned to make changes such as reading labels more often and eating more whole grains.
For an overview of the education provided to other audiences by Extension Waukesha County in 2024, read our 2024 Spotlight. To learn more about the education provided by Extension in Waukesha County, visit our website at waukesha.extension.wisc.edu.
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We're excited to soon launch our brand-new county website! Mark your calendar for February 24th and prepare to have your mind blown! We've condensed more than 16 thousand pages on our old website to just a few hundred reducing countless and redundant clicks. You'll be able to find the information and services you need faster than ever. It's the same address www.waukeshacounty.gov | |
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PROTECT AGAINST PROPERTY FRAUD
With new scams popping up across Wisconsin, Waukesha County's Register of Deeds is reminding residents of a free service to prevent fraud. Recording Notification Service (RNS), often referred to as “fraud alert,” allows members of the public to sign up to receive an email alert when a document is recorded in our office affecting property located in Waukesha County. While RNS does not prevent fraudulent activity from occurring, it can provide an early warning of fraud that may have otherwise gone undetected. To sign up for RNS, you must use one of the following for the property:
- Parcel Identification Number (PIN)/Tax Key
- Legal Description (Subdivision/Condo/Certified Survey Map) To sign up, click the link below.
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What To Do In Waukesha County | |
Wild Winter Night & Candlelight Hike | |
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Join us at Fox Brook Park on February 27, from 6-8:30 p.m.! Enjoy a self-guided hike by candlelight, cozy up by a campfire on the beach, and enjoy food and drinks for purchase. All you need is a daily permit ($7) or your Parks annual membership. No registration is necessary.
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Join us at Retzer Nature Center on March 18 or 20 from 5-7:30 p.m. for exciting Cub Scout programs like Mountain Lions and Tigers in the Wild, Sky is the Limit, Into the Woods, and more! Come as a Scout Den or individually—just make sure each Scout registers separately and is accompanied by a chaperone (parent or leader).
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Field Ornithology: Birds of Southeast Wisconsin | |
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Join Dr. Andrew Cassini for a nine-week course at Retzer Nature Center, running from April 1–June 3, 2025. Learn to identify local bird species by sight and sound, plus gain skills in using binoculars and spotting scopes. The course includes 10 Tuesday evening classes and 5 Saturday morning field sessions at birding locations around southeastern Wisconsin.
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Ice Skating Lessons for All Ages! | |
Eble Park & Naga-Waukee Ice Arenas offers year-round group learn-to-skate classes for all ages and skill levels. Check out the programs currently accepting enrollment! | |
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 | | | | |
