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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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I hope your spring is off to a fresh start.
If you had the opportunity to take a spring break, hopefully you are feeling reenergized!
The Brewers are back in action, the days are slowly warming up and we have much to look forward to when it comes to county initiatives and projects.
Our courthouse construction project is about to show off a major progress milestone. Beginning Monday, April 21st, the north-south corridor will re-open to the public which means visitors will be able to walk straight through to the courts tower after going through security. The courts tower houses our criminal courtrooms. We appreciate your patience navigating the detour for more than a year! Hopefully this will reduce the confusion of getting around. We will also be removing the blue floor dots and taking down the courtyard tunnel.
The County is also launching a brand-new career site. We're switching from NeoGov to Workday. You'll be able to look at job opportunities beginning Monday, April 28th at 8am.
For those of you following my cancer journey, I'm pleased to share that my surgery in March went well. Doctors were able to remove the cancer, but the road to recovery is slow. I am working to gain my strength back one day at a time. I have been able to keep in touch with staff, attend meetings virtually, and continue business as usual. I appreciate all of the kind words and well wishes.
This month on "GovCast" you'll hear from Emergency Management Coordinator Alex Freeman about "Severe Weather Awareness Week" and next week, Health & Human Services Director Elizabeth Aldred stops by for a chat! Subscribe and stay tuned!
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Paul Farrow
Waukesha County Executive
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| Earth Week & Beyond: Exciting FREE Programs at Retzer Nature Center | | |
Earth Day Celebration
Sat. 4/26 | 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Bring the whole crew for hands-on activities (inside and outside) to learn how small actions can make a BIG difference! Details.
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Springtime Hike
Tues. 4/22 | 2-3 p.m.
Join our naturalist as we explore what’s blooming this spring! Learn about local plant life and connect with the outdoors. Details.
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Sound of Silence: Acoustic Monitoring & Bats
Wed. 4/14 | 7-8:30 p.m.
Join WI’s bat expert to learn how we identify bats by their ultrasonic calls! Details.
Meditate, Move, and More
Sat. 5/3 | 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Take a break from the hustle and bustle and immerse yourself in nature! Details.
A Mindful Walk in Nature
Thurs. 4/24 | 10-11 a.m.
Explore ways to deepen your connection to nature. Details.
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Volunteer With Us!
Arbor Day Tree Planting (Fri. 4/25 | 10:30 a.m. - noon) – Help make a difference in our community by planting native trees. Details.
Volunteer Clean Up (Sat. 4/26 | 8 a.m. - 4 p.m.) – Litter takes away from nature's beauty! Help with an Earth Day clean up at our Waukesha County Parks. Details.
| | | Compost Bin Presale is Open! | | |
Transform your garden and contribute to environmental sustainability with composting! Compost enriches soil by enhancing its structure, boosts water retention, and increases nutrient density - all while naturally recycling food scraps and yard waste to reduce landfill waste.
• Compost Bin Presale (Now - 5/10; while supplies last!) – Purchase your bin now, with a convenient pick up at Retzer Nature Center on May 10 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Let's create a greener community together! Details.
• Drop-in Learning (Sat. 5/10 | 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.) – Join us at Retzer Nature Center for free, drop-in learning sessions focused on composting, yardening, and soil health. These sessions are tailored for adults eager to enhance their gardening knowledge and embrace eco-friendly practices.
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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.
Your membership will be active immediately and extend through December 31, 2025.
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Support Your Libraries!
Help protect the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) from funding cuts that could impact communities across Wisconsin.
Learn how library funding works and what you can do to speak up for libraries!
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Libraries at Public Hearing
On April 4, Bridges Library System staff, library directors, trustees, and dedicated library supporters attended the Wisconsin Joint Committee on Finance public hearing at Wisconsin State Fair Park to advocate for continued state support of libraries.
Librarians spoke about the essential role libraries play in strengthening communities. From helping people find employment resources to supporting early literacy, offering digital skills training, and providing safe, welcoming spaces, libraries deliver programs and services that meet real needs in the communities they serve.
With state support, libraries can continue doing what they do best: connecting people to resources, opportunities, and each other.
Submit your public comment on the proposed 2025-2027 biennial budget.
| | Health & Human Services Happenings | | |
Honoring Family Strengthening Month
April marks Family Strengthening Month! Previously known as Child Abuse Prevention Month, this initiative emphasizes creating nurturing environments for children.
One Friday, April 5th, we were proud to stand united for #WearBlueDay, a powerful movement to raise awareness for child abuse prevention.
34 of our dedicated HHS leaders gathered for a "Unified for Families: Strengthening Collaborative Systems" workshop, showcasing our commitment to building safer and more nurturing communities for every child. It was a wonderful day of collaboration and education, and the leaders are excited to use what they learned to keep improving our services for children and families across Waukesha County.
| | | Waukesha County Teen Court Achieves Zero Repeat Offenders in Four Years, Demonstrating Impressive Success
Highlighting the success of Waukesha County's Teen Court program, here's a captivating story verified over four years: No repeat offenders!
The initiative, where low-level offenders are judged by their peers, boasts an impressive track record in preventing young offenders from spiraling into a life of crime.
Thank you to TMJ4 for helping us share our story: Zero repeat offenders: Waukesha County Teen Court shows impressive results for 4 years.
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April is National Volunteers Month!
HHS has over 400 volunteers who help in a variety of programs including:
- Emergency Preparedness
- Senior Home Delivered Meals and Senior Dining
- Recovery peer support groups
- Youth Justice
- Health Education programs
- Other various HHS programs
Volunteers are the backbone of various community programs, providing invaluable services that enhance the quality of life for many. Their dedication helps foster community spirit and brings about positive change. Volunteering not only supports community growth but also enriches the volunteers themselves by enhancing skills, creating social connections, and promoting a profound sense of fulfillment.
Join us this month in thanking a volunteer for their commitment and consider volunteering to experience these rewarding benefits.
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National Weather Service Storm Spotter Training
We are pleased to report the great success of our recent Storm Spotter Training held on April 15th, 2025, at the Oconomowoc Public Library. The event featured two fully attended sessions, demonstrating our communities' strong commitment to weather safety and preparedness.
Thank you to all attendees who dedicated their time to becoming qualified Storm Spotters. Your involvement plays a crucial role in assisting the National Weather Service in issuing timely and accurate warnings and forecasts with real-time weather monitoring and reporting. Your assistance is invaluable for the safety and security of the entire community.
Fox 6 News covered the training sessions, helping to raise awareness of the importance of storm readiness across our region.
If you were unable to attend our sessions, don't worry. There are more offerings for in-person Storm Spotter Training being held in the State and a virtual option as well.
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'Tis the Season...
…for road projects! We’re sure you’ve seen the bright orange barrels, flaggers, signage, and trucks. As we slowly move our way into better weather, this season’s projects begin to kick off and take shape. What does this mean for you?
· Expect delays/detours while traveling
· Keep your eyes out for signage/flaggers
· Updates will be posted as they arise
Don’t forget, we have a road projects page on our brand-new website! To keep you in the know, we add as much information as possible, such as news releases, summaries, overviews, maps, public information meeting materials, pictures, project forms, and updates.
| | Did you know on a daily basis couples say "I do" at the Waukesha County Courthouse? It's true and Court Commissioner Christopher Bailey officiates just about all of them, want proof? This ceremony pictured below on April 14th marked his 1,000th wedding since 2021 when he was sworn in. Congratulations to Commissioner Bailey and to all of the couples who wed in a Waukesha County courtroom. | | 2025 Extension Waukesha County
4-H Summer Camp Registration Now Open
(4-H membership not required) | |
Send your youth for a Mythical and Legendary time to the 2025 4-H Summer Camp! Youth will enjoy various activities including archery, canoeing, horseback riding, rock climbing, swimming, team building, educational crafts, evening campfires, songs, skits, and MORE special themed programs to complete the experience. This Myths & Legends themed camp will be held at Phantom Ranch in Mukwonago with both overnight and day camp options available to meet the needs of youth. Registration will be open from April 1st-May 15th or until full.
For 4-H Camp registration questions, please email McKenzie at mknudson@waukeshacounty.gov. For any questions about the Extension Waukesha County 4-H program or 4-H camp contact James at James.boling@wisc.edu.
| | | WAUKESHA COUNTY GIVES BACK | | |
We are thrilled to share the remarkable success of our recent food drive. Thanks to the incredible generosity and community spirit from several departments county-wide, county staff collected a whopping 704 pounds of food for The Food Pantry of Waukesha County! This achievement demonstrates our collective commitment to supporting those in need within our community. This food drive not only provided essential support to local families, but also reinforced our role as community leaders in championing causes that matter. The Food Pantry serves all Waukesha County residents and have clients from every zip code in the County. About 30% of their clients are children and 10% are seniors. Your donations are helping to build a hunger-free community. For more information visit The Food Pantry of Waukesha County
| | What To Do In Waukesha County | |
Save the Date: Volunteer Workday
May 17, 2025
Help control invasive garlic mustard with hands-on volunteerism at Muskego Park! Details.
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Golf Season, Beer Gardens, and Camping
• The golf season is now open at Moor Downs and Naga-Waukee War Memorial Golf Courses, so it's the perfect time to hit the links.
• Additionally, the Tap Yard Beer Gardens at Minooka, Fox Brook, and Menomonee Parks will open on May 1.
• Waukesha County Parks camping season has already kicked off as of April 1, so it's the perfect time to plan your next outdoor getaway.
Visit our website to learn more, or purchase a daily permit or annual membership, make reservations, or reserve a tee times here.
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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
| | | Need a job? Want to work for Waukesha County?? Stay tuned, we're in the process of transitioning to our new career site, switching from NeoGov to Workday. Job postings are currently unavailable for viewing online, but be sure to check back Monday 4/28 at 8am. Visit www.waukeshacounty.gov then click on the "careers" tab on the top right of our homepage. | | | | |
