JEFFERSON COUNTY CONNECT

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

Jefferson County Opens Financial Empowerment Center

Jefferson County is proud to announce the opening of the Jefferson County Financial Empowerment Center (FEC)—a new public service dedicated to helping residents achieve long-term financial stability. The FEC provides free, confidential, one-on-one financial counseling to any adult who lives or works in Jefferson County. There are no income requirements or eligibility barriers, only a commitment to improving financial well-being .

Counselors work directly with clients to create personalized plans for budgeting, reducing debt, improving credit, building savings, and accessing safe banking options. To make services accessible across the county, in-person appointments are available at locations in Jefferson, Watertown, Fort Atkinson, and Lake Mills. Virtual appointments are also available for those who prefer remote support .

“This is about meeting people where they are—whether that’s in person or online, at no cost,” said FEC Program Manager Rhiannon Tonies. “Financial stability should be within reach for everyone.”

The launch of the Jefferson County FEC is made possible through a partnership between Jefferson County Human Services and the Community Action Coalition for South Central Wisconsin, with support from local foundations, community organizations, and financial institutions. This initiative also connects Jefferson County to a growing national network of Financial Empowerment Centers working to strengthen communities by improving household financial health .

Appointments are now open and can be scheduled at www.jeffersoncountywi.gov/fec.

Investing in Tomorrow’s Leaders: Jefferson County’s Commitment to Growth

Jefferson County is proud to be investing in the future by developing strong local leaders through the Local Government Leadership Academy (LGLA). Offered by the UW–Madison Division of Extension and supported by the Wisconsin Counties Association, this nine-month program helps public sector professionals strengthen skills in communication, collaboration, decision-making, and vision. Over the past six years, 25 Jefferson County employees have completed the program—among the highest participation in the state .

Graduates describe the experience as transformative, noting that it improved their ability to lead with purpose, navigate challenges, and engage the community. As one participant shared, success in county government often comes from working across departments and perspectives to better serve residents .

The benefits of LGLA extend beyond individual growth. As participants bring back new skills and ideas, entire departments become stronger, more connected, and more responsive to community needs. By continuing to support staff participation in this program, Jefferson County is investing not only in professional growth but also in the long-term resilience and innovation of the community .

Want to learn more about how Jefferson County is shaping strong leaders for the future? Read the full article here: Jefferson County – Investing in the Future

Investing in Tomorrow’s Leaders: Jefferson County’s Commitment to Growth

Jefferson County is proud to be investing in the future by developing strong local leaders through the Local Government Leadership Academy (LGLA). Offered by the UW–Madison Division of Extension and supported by the Wisconsin Counties Association, this nine-month program helps public sector professionals strengthen skills in communication, collaboration, decision-making, and vision. Over the past six years, 25 Jefferson County employees have completed the program—among the highest participation in the state .

Graduates describe the experience as transformative, noting that it improved their ability to lead with purpose, navigate challenges, and engage the community. As one participant shared, success in county government often comes from working across departments and perspectives to better serve residents .

The benefits of LGLA extend beyond individual growth. As participants bring back new skills and ideas, entire departments become stronger, more connected, and more responsive to community needs. By continuing to support staff participation in this program, Jefferson County is investing not only in professional growth but also in the long-term resilience and innovation of the community .

Want to learn more about how Jefferson County is shaping strong leaders for the future? Read the full article here: Jefferson County – Investing in the Future

Jefferson County's 2026 Budget: Smart Investments for a Stronger Future

On October 14, County Administrator Michael Luckey will present the proposed 2026 Budget to the Jefferson County Board. The budget builds on the County’s Strategic Plan, focusing on fiscal responsibility, smart investments, and community priorities.

Key highlights include:

Lower Taxes – A nearly 2.34% decrease in the mill rate offers direct relief to property owners.
Smart Use of Revenue – An additional $750,000 in utility aid will be directed to capital projects, reducing future borrowing.
Investments in People & Services – Wage adjustments to support staff, expanded 9-1-1 and public safety services, infrastructure upgrades, and new human services positions funded by state and federal reimbursements.

Residents are encouraged to participate in the budget process:

Public Hearing: October 28 at 7:00 p.m.
Final Vote: November 12 during the County Board meeting

The 2026 Budget reflects Jefferson County’s commitment to careful planning, strategic investment, and putting residents first.

Voices of Jefferson County

Walt Christensen

Jefferson County Supervisor, District 30

I was first elected to the County Board in 2008 and, except for a two-year break, I have been re-elected and served on the board consistently since. The primary responsibility of an elected supervisor is to connect residents with their government and vice versa.

My interest in local government got real in the mid 1990s when I began attending some town board meetings. Prompted by the Koshkonong Town Chair, I ran for and was elected to that town board. I campaigned on my support for protecting ag lands, open space and our community’s natural attributes. I was inspired in this effort by the results of a Town of Koshkonong, and later, Jefferson County land use survey, both reporting very high public support for protecting those same resources.

A personal goal in seeking public office was to force myself to overcome my fear of public speaking. Still working on that.

During the time when the County Board was seeking a location for a new highway shop, serious consideration was given to Jefferson County’s farm land. At that time, I was on the Land and Water Conservation Committee, which met with two other committees to decide on a site. Several near misses had come and gone and a decision to use the County Farm was imminent. However, I was not convinced that that was the best site, and I was also protective of farm land. I had prepared a motion and when the time came, I moved to delay the decision for ninety days and seek a better site. The motion carried. Not long after that, the County’s old Countryside Home land became available, was purchased, and the new highway shop was built on our former land, by then a brownfield. That experience taught me that in local government, compromise, patience, persistence and preparation can lead to success.

What I most enjoy about being a Jefferson County Board member is the great variety of interesting government functions to learn about. Our county, in so many ways, helps residents reach their potential.

For those who might consider a role in local government, I say, in any elected body, you need someone on the inside and someone on the outside. An elected official, on the inside, has the opportunity to guide the community, but needs direction and support from residents. The people, on the outside, need to pay attention to the work of their government, make suggestions, be critical or supportive when called for. Such open collaboration makes good outcomes likely and durable.

For over twenty years, I have volunteered with a small group to maintain and improve Mush ko se day Park. In the Town of Koshkonong. We work once a month to clear the bad vegetation, plant native seed, burn, mow and in many ways have a fun time on 52 acres. We have become a group of friends. I count myself as a very lucky guy for having family around the country and locally, several friend groups, including a weekly meeting of gearheads, Friday friends dinner at the Café Carpe and membership in the Vietnam Veterans of America and The American Legion. Capping this happy life is my home on six acres of habitat and workshop space.

As a bird watcher, a favorite county spot is Dorothy Carnes Park, where I have seen and heard Wood Thrush and Bobolink along with very many other species.

I have been influenced by a book on decision-making titled, Farsighted by Steven Johnson, which explains how good ideas can come from unexpected sources. My dad, Alton, gave me this guiding principle: “you will be judged by what you did with what you were given." Then, of course, I have also been influenced by my long occupation in wheeled vehicle repair, where I learned that one must understand the system in order to fix it. A universal idea.

The times I have enjoyed most have been on a motorcycle, touring the mountain west, camping and hiking and meeting local people. And made even better with a companion.

For the general public: as you read this newsletter, I hope you will be inspired to get to know county government as it is easy to access, online or in person. Cheers!

Audrey McGraw

Jefferson County Clerk

Audrey McGraw has been a dedicated member of the Jefferson County Clerk’s Office for 25 years, officially stepping into the role of County Clerk in April 2019. Her commitment to public service stems from a genuine love for working with people and serving the community.

Reflecting on her leadership journey, Audrey notes that a past challenge—working under a boss at a different employer who didn’t value communication—shaped her own leadership style. Today, she strives to lead in the opposite way: with openness, clarity, and collaboration. She also credits the UW–Stevens Point Leadership Academy with equipping her with valuable tools as she began her role as a department head.

What Audrey enjoys most about her work is the close-knit teamwork in the Clerk’s Office. With just two staff members, she and her colleague balance hard work with laughter, ensuring the office runs smoothly while maintaining a positive atmosphere. For those considering a career in public service, Audrey offers this advice: “If you’re looking for a job that will likely be different every day, then public service is for you. Sometimes it can be tricky, but it can also be very rewarding.”

Outside of work, Audrey finds joy in simple pleasures—spending time with family and friends, relaxing with a good book on her Kindle, or enjoying time on the water aboard a pontoon. Guided by the principle “Dreams don’t work unless you do,” she brings energy, dedication, and a people-first mindset to her role in Jefferson County.

Building a Stronger Jefferson County with UW Extension

The University of Wisconsin–Madison Division of Extension Jefferson County is helping to strengthen our communities through education, leadership, and collaboration. With deep local roots and the support of the state’s flagship university, Extension connects residents to research-based resources that support farmers, empower youth, and foster community growth.

Extension’s work touches nearly every corner of the county. From agricultural education that keeps local farms resilient, to 4-H programs that prepare young people for leadership, to horticulture and nutrition programs that promote healthier lifestyles, their impact is wide-reaching. Even as challenges like the upcoming loss of federal funding for FoodWIse programs loom, Extension remains committed to finding new ways to support Jefferson County residents.

Through partnerships with schools, nonprofits, local governments, and community organizations, Extension ensures that its programs are inclusive, accessible, and impactful. Looking ahead, their goals include expanding visibility, reaching underserved populations, and sharing more stories of community success. By providing resources for everyone—from farmers and civic leaders to families and first-time gardeners—UW Extension continues to help Jefferson County grow stronger, together.

Discover more about Extension’s programs and impact by reading the full article here: Jefferson County Extension

Deb Reinbold Named Woman Executive of the Year

The Jefferson County Board of Supervisors recently honored Deb Reinbold, President of Thrive Economic Development (ThriveED), for being named Woman Executive of the Year by BizTimes Media. Reinbold received the award at the annual Women in Business Symposium on August 21 at the Brookfield Conference Center, where this year’s theme is “Leading Through Uncertainty.”

Under her leadership, ThriveED has attracted transformative economic development projects representing over $1 billion in new investment in Jefferson County. But her impact extends far beyond the numbers.

“Deb Reinbold has elevated Jefferson County’s profile as a prime location to do business,” said Steve Nass, Chair of the Jefferson County Board of Supervisors. “Her ability to bring in major employers while preserving the character of our communities is exactly the kind of leadership worth celebrating.”

County Administrator Michael Luckey echoed those sentiments: “We are fortunate to have a leader like Deb Reinbold at the helm of economic development in Jefferson County. Her vision and intentional approach to growth will benefit our residents and communities for generations to come.”

Reinbold’s recognition highlights not only her role in shaping the county’s economic landscape, but also her commitment to balancing progress with community values.

For more information about Thrive Economic Development, visit www.thriveed.org.

Annual Youth Outing Builds Community Connections

Jefferson County hosted its Annual Youth Outing on August 13 at Riverfront Park, bringing together county staff, community partners, and area youth for a day of fun and connection. Activities like kickball and rock painting set the stage for relationship-building and highlighted the strengths of young people in the community. As Brent Ruehlow, Director of the Jefferson County Human Services Department, shared, the event is an opportunity for youth to engage with local law enforcement and county staff in a positive, supportive setting.

This year’s outing featured broad participation, including the Jefferson County Youth & Family Services Team, Youth Advisory Board members, and families from across the county. They were joined by law enforcement from multiple jurisdictions, the county’s juvenile and municipal judges, as well as representatives from the Citizen Review Panel, Child Protective Services, the Intake Department, and mental health services. The variety of attendees underscored the county’s commitment to creating a strong support network for its young people.

Youth Justice Supervisor Jessica Godek noted that “it only takes one positive adult to turn a struggling youth’s life around,” and praised the collaborative spirit that made the event a success. With funding support from the Citizen Review Panel, the outing not only celebrated community connections but also reaffirmed Jefferson County’s dedication to investing in its next generation. Organizers are already looking ahead to continuing this tradition next year.

Fall Into Winter: Your Local Event Lineup for Jefferson County

JEFFERSON

Boo Bash

The Jefferson Area Chamber of Commerce will be having Boo Bash on Thursday, October 16th, from 4:30pm - 6:30pm in Downtown Jefferson. Downtown businesses will be handing out candy, making it a fun and family-friendly way to visit local shops celebrating the season.

JEFFERSON

Electronics and Appliances Recycling

Join us on Saturday, October 18 from 8–11 a.m. at the Jefferson County Fair Park to recycle old electronics and appliances, including computers, TVs, microwaves, refrigerators, and more. A $10 cash fee per vehicle applies. Hazardous waste, batteries, and certain small appliances will not be accepted. Do your part to keep Jefferson County clean—bring your items to recycle!

Click here for more information.

FORT ATKINSON

Trunk or Treat

Bring the family for a safe and fun Halloween celebration at Jefferson County’s Trunk or Treat at Jones Park in Fort Atkinson on October 31st from 6:00pm - 8:00pm. Kids can collect candy, show off their costumes, and enjoy festive decorated trunks. Don’t miss this community favorite—come for the treats and stay for the fun!

WATERTOWN

Run Turkey Run 5K

13th Annual Run Turkey Run 5K Run/Walk and 1K Kids Fun Run at Riverside Park in Watertown. When you register for The Run Turkey Run you are giving back to our local community. 100% of the proceeds from the Run Turkey Run fund community organizations which has raised $235,000 since the race started.

JEFFERSON

Jefferson's Holiday Parade of Lights

Saturday, December 6th will be bright as we host Jefferson's 29th annual Holiday Parade of Lights! The parade will start at 5:30 p.m. in downtown Jefferson.

From the Jefferson County Blog

Voices for HOPE: Leading Suicide Prevention Efforts in Jefferson County

Suicide impacts families and communities across the nation—and Jefferson County is no exception. In response, a dedicated group of local leaders, health professionals, and community members have been working together for nearly a decade to strengthen prevention and support efforts.