JEFFERSON COUNTY CONNECT

News You Can Use, Right from the Heart of Your County

Growing Innovation in Jefferson County: The FAB Innovation Campus

Jefferson County is quickly becoming a leader in food and beverage manufacturing innovation thanks to the Food & Beverage (FAB) Innovation Campus — the first industrial park in Wisconsin designed specifically for food and beverage manufacturers.

Located in the City of Jefferson, the 165-acre campus is strategically positioned near major transportation routes including I-94, I-90, and WI-26, with direct access to Union Pacific rail service. The campus was created to support companies looking to grow in a region known for its strong agricultural roots, skilled workforce, and manufacturing expertise.

The campus has already attracted global industry leaders:

Kikkoman Foods, Inc. selected the site for a $560 million production facility focused on soy sauce and related seasonings.
Onego Bio, a Finnish biotech company, plans to produce animal-free egg protein at the campus.
V&V Supremo Foods, a nationally recognized producer of authentic Mexican cheeses and dairy products, recently purchased 39 acres for a new state-of-the-art facility.

The FAB Innovation Campus reflects Jefferson County’s commitment to economic growth, job creation, and innovation in advanced food manufacturing. With more than 684,000 employees within a 45-minute drive and strong partnerships in workforce training and education, the campus continues to position Greater Jefferson County as a premier destination for food and beverage businesses.

Click here to learn More About the FAB Innovation Campus

Explore Jefferson County: The Interurban Recreation Trail Adventure

Looking for a new way to enjoy the outdoors this summer? The Watertown–Oconomowoc Interurban Recreation Trail offers a scenic, paved route perfect for biking, walking, jogging, and family outings right here in Jefferson County.

Built along a historic former interurban rail corridor, the trail currently features approximately seven miles of paved pathway connecting Watertown and Ixonia, with future expansion creating a seamless connection to Oconomowoc and the Lake Country Trail system. Along the way, visitors can enjoy peaceful countryside views, river crossings, and a smooth, accessible surface designed for all ages and abilities.

Trail Highlights

Fully paved multi-use recreation trail
Great for biking, walking, running, and wheelchair accessibility
Scenic Rock River crossings and rural landscapes
Free to use and open daily
Trailhead parking and restroom access available in Watertown

Exciting Progress Continues

Construction on the final segments of the Interurban Recreation Trail is moving steadily forward. The Jefferson County portion of the project is currently scheduled for completion in mid-July, while Waukesha County anticipates completing its segment by mid-September. At that time, trail users will be able to travel between Jefferson and Waukesha counties on a continuous paved trail, further enhancing recreational opportunities and regional connectivity.

Whether you’re planning a quick evening walk, a family bike ride, or a longer adventure through southeastern Wisconsin, the Interurban Recreation Trail is poised to become one of the region’s premier outdoor destinations.

For the latest construction updates, trail progress reports, and anticipated opening dates, be sure to follow Jefferson County Parks on Facebook.

Additional information, including trail maps and amenities, is available on the Jefferson County Parks website.

County Parks & Outdoor Recreation Plan Update

Jefferson County is continuing work on its 2025–2030 Parks & Outdoor Recreation Plan (PORP), a comprehensive guide that helps shape the future of County Parks, recreation facilities, trails, open spaces, and outdoor programs. The plan also helps maintain eligibility for Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources grant funding and provides a framework for future decisions regarding park improvements, programming, partnerships, and capital investments.

A significant portion of the planning process has focused on gathering public input. Between January and June, the project website received more than 1,400 views and generated 271 contributions from 217 individuals through surveys, map comments, and feedback opportunities. County Parks staff, members of the Municipal and Environmental/Recreation Initiative Team (MERIT), community organizations, and residents have all contributed valuable perspectives throughout the process.

Survey results indicate strong community engagement with Jefferson County parks and trails. Nearly half of respondents reported visiting parks or trails on a weekly basis, and overall satisfaction with the County Parks system was rated 4.16 out of 5. Popular activities included hiking and walking, biking, wildlife viewing, canoeing and kayaking, visiting the Jefferson County Dog Park, and participation in events.

When asked about future priorities, respondents strongly supported expanding connections between existing trail systems and County points of interest while also emphasizing the importance of maintaining and upgrading current park facilities. Additional feedback highlighted interest in more bike trails, nature trails, paved trails, restrooms, and non-motorized water access opportunities. Water quality was also identified as a very important consideration by more than 80% of respondents.

As part of the planning effort, the County has reviewed existing park facilities, demographic trends, recreation needs, and opportunities for future collaboration. Current analysis indicates that additional parkland is not needed to meet overall population projections, although improved connectivity between existing recreational resources may benefit areas expecting future growth. The plan also emphasizes the importance of accessibility and programming that serves all ages.

The PORP process is now moving into the recommendations and implementation phase. Upcoming public open houses will provide opportunities for residents to review draft recommendations and offer feedback before the plan is finalized. The open houses will take place on Saturday, September 19th, from 9 to 11 a.m. and Wednesday, October 14th, from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Jefferson UW Extension building room 8–9. Community participation remains an important part of developing a plan that will guide Jefferson County’s parks and outdoor recreation system for years to come.

Jefferson County is continuing work on its 2025–2030 Park & Outdoor Recreation Plan (PORP), a comprehensive guide that helps shape the future of County Parks, recreation facilities, trails, open spaces, and outdoor programs. The plan also helps maintain eligibility for Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources grant funding and provides a framework for future decisions regarding park improvements, programming, partnerships, and capital investments.

A significant portion of the planning process has focused on gathering public input. Between January and June, the project website received more than 1,400 views and generated 271 contributions from 217 individuals through surveys, map comments, and feedback opportunities. County Parks staff, members of the Municipal and Environmental/Recreation Initiative Team (MERIT), community organizations, and residents have all contributed valuable perspectives throughout the process.

Survey results indicate strong community engagement with Jefferson County parks and trails. Nearly half of respondents reported visiting parks or trails on a weekly basis, and overall satisfaction with the County park system was rated 4.16 out of 5. Popular activities included hiking and walking, biking, wildlife viewing, canoeing and kayaking, dog park use, and participation in events.

When asked about future priorities, respondents strongly supported expanding connections between existing trail systems and County points of interest while also emphasizing the importance of maintaining and upgrading current park facilities. Additional feedback highlighted interest in more bike trails, nature trails, paved trails, restrooms, and non-motorized water access opportunities. Water quality was also identified as a very important consideration by more than 80 percent of respondents.

As part of the planning effort, the County has reviewed existing park facilities, demographic trends, recreation needs, and opportunities for future collaboration. Current analysis indicates that additional parkland is not needed to meet overall population projections, although improved connectivity between existing recreational resources may benefit areas expecting future growth. The plan also emphasizes the importance of accessibility and programming that serves both seniors and youth.

The PORP process is now moving into the recommendations and implementation phase. Upcoming public open houses will provide opportunities for residents to review draft recommendations and offer feedback before the plan is finalized. Community participation remains an important part of developing a plan that will guide Jefferson County’s parks and outdoor recreation system for years to come.

Voices of Jefferson County

James Braughler

Jefferson County Supervisor - District 5

Jim Braughler has 15 years of experience working in libraries and is currently a Cataloger and Interlibrary Loans Specialist at the L.D. Fargo Public Library in Lake Mills. His work includes processing new materials, locating hard-to-find resources for patrons, assisting at the circulation desk, and helping with grant writing during the library’s renovation project.

Jim’s path to public service began with the influence of a youth pastor and a pursuit of degrees in education. His career has included 32 years of teaching, library services, university library administration, and non-profit work, ultimately bringing him back to the institutions where he has spent much of his professional life.

Now serving his tenth term as a Jefferson County Supervisor, Jim was originally encouraged to run by a retiring supervisor. He says he looks forward to continuing to serve the residents of Jefferson County.

What stands out most to Jim about Jefferson County is its unified board and staff, forward-thinking employees, and strong location within southern Wisconsin. He is especially proud to see the County’s EMS system become solidified and strengthened.

When asked for recommendations, Jim’s answer is simple: Visit a library. He also suggests Timber Creek Pizza in Lake Mills. His advice for those considering public service is to start small, volunteer, and ask plenty of questions along the way.

Kevin Wiesmann

Jefferson County Parks Director

Kevin Wiesmann has dedicated his career to the outdoors. As Director of Jefferson County Parks, he provides oversight of the department’s budget, staff, operations, and implementation of the County’s Parks & Outdoor Recreation Plans. He has served in his current role for six years and has spent 25 years working in the parks and natural resources profession.

Kevin’s passion for parks began in childhood. Family vacations were spent camping, hiking, biking, paddling, fishing, and exploring state and national parks. Those experiences inspired him to pursue a career that would keep him connected to the landscapes he loved growing up.

His career path has included service as an AmeriCorps volunteer, a Wildland Firefighter with the U.S. Forest Service, conservation leadership roles in Arizona, and natural resource management positions before returning home to Jefferson County in 2010. He became Parks Director in 2020.

One project Kevin is especially excited about is the Interurban Recreation Trail. The Parks Department has worked on the project for more than 12 years, and once complete, it will connect Watertown, Ixonia, and Oconomowoc with a fully separated trail through scenic agricultural and glacial landscapes.

When asked what makes Jefferson County special, Kevin points to its strong communities, rural character, and convenient location between Madison and Milwaukee. For those looking to explore the County, he recommends a paddle on the Bark River, where visitors can enjoy clear water, abundant wildlife, and some of Jefferson County’s most beautiful scenery.

Understanding the Disaster Recovery Process After Severe Storms and Flooding

When severe storms or flooding impact our community, emergency responders, public works crews, and emergency management staff immediately begin working to protect lives, assess damage, and restore essential services. At the same time, local and state emergency management officials begin gathering information to understand the full impact of the event.

One of the most important things residents can do after severe storms is report damage. Damage reports from residents, businesses, non-profits, and houses of worship help officials determine how severe the impacts are across the County and whether Wisconsin may qualify to request federal disaster assistance. If damage is not reported, it may not be counted — which is why every report matters, even if the damage seems minor.

We encourage residents who experience damage to call 2-1-1 as soon as it is safe to do so. When residents report damage, the information is shared with emergency management officials to help track impacts across the County and state. Officials use this information to assess damage to homes, businesses, roads, utilities, and other critical infrastructure.

What Happens After Damage Is Reported?

The disaster declaration process involves several steps and can take time. According to Wisconsin Emergency Management, counties first submit damage information to the state while continuing response and recovery efforts. Local and state officials then review the damage and conduct assessments to determine whether impacts meet state and federal thresholds for assistance.

The process generally includes:

Local damage reporting and documentation
County and state review of impacts
Joint damage assessments with FEMA, if requested
A request from the Governor for a federal disaster declaration
Federal review and a presidential decision on assistance

Not every disaster receives federal approval, which is why timely and accurate damage reporting is so important. If federal assistance is approved, programs may become available to support temporary housing, home repairs, business recovery, and public infrastructure restoration.

What Residents Should Do After Severe Storms and Flooding

If your property is affected by severe storms:

Stay safe and avoid floodwaters
Document damage with photos
Contact your insurance provider
Save cleanup and repair receipts
Report damage by calling 2-1-1

Recovery can take weeks or even months, but strong community reporting helps emergency officials better understand the full scope of an event and coordinate response and recovery efforts more effectively. Early damage reporting also helps local and state officials determine whether additional resources or assistance programs may become available.

While emergency management agencies coordinate assessments and recovery efforts behind the scenes, residents play an important role in the process. Accurate information from the community helps create a clearer picture of storm impacts across Jefferson County and supports informed decisions during recovery. Reporting damage, documenting losses, and staying informed are small steps that can make a significant difference for the entire community.

A Fairgrounds Food Tour You Won’t Want to Miss

One of the best parts of the Jefferson County Fair is arriving hungry — because the food lineup is stacked with local favorites, classic fair treats, and exciting new flavors.

From July 8–12, fairgoers can snack, sip, and savor their way across the grounds with a menu that offers something for everyone. This year’s vendor lineup includes everything from giant wraps and fresh pretzels to gyros, tacos, kettle corn, pizza, grilled cheese, seafood, lemonade, shaved ice, and sweet treats.

Food Favorites Coming to the Fair:

🥨 Ben’s Pretzels

🌯 Big Ass Wraps

🍕 Charlie’s Fair Foods Pizza
🌭 Charlie’s Fair Foods Sausage
🦀 Crab Shack

❄️ Georgia Snow

🍋 Lemonade Concessions Unlimited
🥤 Midwest Sip & Social
🥙 Niko’s Gyros

🌮 Ru Taqueria El Pancho

🍿 Sky Mountain Kettle Corn
🧀 Stormy’s Grilled Cheese
🍭 Sweet Sierras Snacks
… and many more.

More Than Just Fair Food

Many of the food stands help support local organizations, including Jefferson County 4C’s, Farm Bureau, Jefferson FFA Alumni, agri-business groups, and other community partners. Every purchase helps contribute to the traditions and programs that make the Jefferson County Fair a community celebration.

Summer Starts Here: Your Local Jefferson County Event Lineup

LAKE MILLS

Appliance & Electronics Recycling Event

Clear out unwanted electronics and appliances at the Jefferson County Recycling Event on Saturday, June 13, from 8:00 to 11:00a.m. at the Lake Mills Light and Water Department. A $10 per vehicle (cash only) fee applies. Accepted items include computers, TVs, monitors, tablets, microwaves, refrigerators, and more. Please note: Hazardous waste will not be accepted at this event. Be sure to review the accepted items list before attending.

WATERTOWN

Agri-Business Club Dairy Breakfast

June Dairy Month is here and we're excited to have the McFarlandale Dairy hosting this year! We will have live music featuring the Gary Beal Band, farm tours, and of course, a delicious breakfast! Make sure to bring dad and the whole family for a great meal and experience on the farm! Learn more.

June 20 & 21, 2026 | 7:00a.m.-12:30p.m.
McFarlandale Dairy
N302 County Road K
Watertown, WI 53098

WATERTOWN

YMCA 100TH Anniversary Party

Join us at the Y as we celebrate a century of community, connection, and impact! This milestone isn’t just about our history—it’s about you and the incredible community that has made it all possible. Invite your family and friends, bring some chairs, and get ready to spend a fun evening celebrating with us, featuring activities for all ages!

June 25th, 2026 | 5:00–7:00p.m.
Location: YMCA South Parking Lot

LAKE MILLS

Town & Country Days

The Town & Country Days Festival takes place each year on the last full weekend of June. In 2026, the festival will run from Thursday, June 25 – Sunday, June 28, in partnership with American Legion Post 67 and the Sons of the American Legion. Enjoy food, carnival rides, music, and beer. The 2026 Parade will take place on Saturday, June 27, at 10:30a.m., with a festive route marching straight down Main Street.

JEFFERSON

Jefferson County Fair

Get ready for five days of family fun, live entertainment, and agricultural tradition at the 2026 Jefferson County Fair. From truck and tractor pulls to live music, youth livestock shows, local food vendors, and hands-on activities, there’s something for everyone. This year's fair runs from July 8th - July 12th. Learn more at jcofair.com.

WATERTOWN

Beer & Bacon Walk

The Watertown Main Street Program Beer Walk returns on Friday, July 17th from 5:30 to 9:00 p.m.—and this year we’re adding something new… BACON! Participants will visit 14+ locations throughout downtown Watertown, each featuring a specially selected craft beer to sample. New for 2026, select stops will also feature bacon-inspired appetizers, adding a savory twist to this already-popular event. Enjoy an evening of strolling, sampling, and exploring downtown Watertown while discovering local businesses and trying a variety of craft brews.

LAKE MILLS

Brew With a View

Brew With a View is a fundraiser for the Jefferson County Parks Department. Funds are raised through beverage sales so please no carry-in beverages! Live musical performances, beverages, and delicious food vendors will be at each event. All with a beautiful view of Rock Lake at Korth Park in Lake Mills! The event is on July 23rd from 5:00p.m. to 8:00p.m.

JEFFERSON

Goat Fest

Join us for Goat Fest, the annual fundraiser hosted by the Friends of Goat Island (FOGI) in Jefferson! Every summer, FOGI places goats on Goat Island, a lush retreat nestled in the middle of the Rock River. But on the first Saturday in August, the goats come ashore for one unforgettable day of fun at Rotary Park from 9a.m.-7p.m.—and you’re invited! Goat Fest is a FREE, family-friendly event packed with entertainment and activities for all ages.

WATERTOWN

The Big Pop-Up

Experience the magic of downtown Watertown on Saturday, August 8th. Stretching from First Street to Sixth Street along Main Street, the heart of the city will be closed to traffic and transformed into a vibrant, pedestrian‑friendly marketplace featuring 100+ vendor and activity booths. Attendees can explore a diverse mix of artisans, food vendors, non-profits, and interactive experiences while enjoying the unique atmosphere of downtown. Click here to learn more.

OCONOMOWOC

Lake Country DockHounds Game

Attend a Lake Country DockHounds game and help raise money for the Financial Empowerment Center. Enjoy a fun family outing on August 18th. Gates open at 5:35p.m. Game time is 6:35p.m. Click here to buy your tickets.

JEFFERSON

Dance the Night Away Community Bash

Get ready for a night of music, laughter, and great company! Join us for our second annual celebration featuring a live performance from The Barracudas, rocking all your favorite classic hits. Food available for purchase. Full cash bar. Door prizes. Meet up with old friends and make new ones!

August 22nd | 5:30p.m.-10:00p.m.

VFW/Rosie's Place 1420 S Rockwell Ave.

From the Jefferson County Blog

Watertown to Unveil Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall on Memorial Day

This Memorial Day, Watertown will host a powerful tribute to the men and women who served during the Vietnam War with the official unveiling and dedication of the new Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall at Marine Corps League Aero Park (984 Boomer St.).

Set for 3:00 p.m. on Memorial Day, the event will bring together veterans, families, community leaders, and visitors from across Wisconsin to honor those who served and sacrificed during one of the most challenging periods in American military history.