Jenna Wakeley sworn in as District 4 Supervisor at County Board meeting

The Waushara County Board meeting on April 15th at the Waushara County Government Center in Wautoma included the swearing-in of Jenna Wakeley as the District 4 Supervisor by the Honorable Guy Dutcher, Circuit Court Judge, Branch 1. Wakeley replaces Dillon Gray who recently resigned as supervisor of the district.
During public comments, Gene Wedde asked the board to support expanding the Waushara County ATV/UTV trail system to include State Hwy. 152. Wedde had a conversation with Rich Handrich, DOT Access Engineer, regarding Hwy 152 usage. Being a lesser traveled, 3-digit highway, there is a good possibility of approving usage pending support from local municipalities. Wedde also spoke to Dan Nowak, Town of Mt. Morris Chair and is in support of 152 for ATVs and UTV. He will address it at the Town Meeting. John Nixon, president of the Waushara County ATV/UTV Club fully supports the Hwy. 152 opening. Wedde requested the supervisors to put it on their May agenda.
County Administrator Megan Kapp introduced Desiree Acantilado, (former Payroll Specialist) as the new county clerk, to be sworn in on April 21 in Branch 3. Kapp said the former courthouse building is being demolished, and it has taken longer than expected due to asbestos removal. The two statues were removed on April 15th and moved to Wild Rose. She said the 2026 budget discussion is underway and she will be working with departments on the budget.
Kapp reported that Power of Attorney Day in cooperation with ADRC had over 50 participants and was well attended and will become an annual event. She also attended the awards ceremony at the Waushara County Sheriff’s Department where 12 awards were presented.
Corporation Counsel Ruth Zouski presented a written annual report and told of what crosses her paths every day, how every day is different, and how she must multi-task. One situation she addressed was how mental health could have better laws and guidelines. Zouski said a recent jury trial for an individual in Waushara County proved how broken the system is for medical clearance. “Bad facts make bad laws, and every facility is interpreted differently. “I find it sad, and the state needs to look at it,” said Zouski.

My job is something no one understands until you see it. “Every day I walk in and I don’t know what my day will be like,” she said. She concluded by touching on the Luke Joseph lawsuit filed against the County Board, the Sheriff, the County Administrator, and the Security Lieutenant. The case has been dismissed on several occasions in multiple courts. As of the date of the report, Mr. Joseph continues to file appeals and documents with courts.
Tim Borud, Community Development Educator, gave his Quarterly Strategic Planning Update and said he received 396 responses to SWOT. Respondents included 322 noting Service as a strength, and 119 indicated Teamwork. Weakness numbers were 94 for Service and 96 for Teamwork.
In other business, the following proclamations for April/May were approved:
*April is National County Government Month
*May 4-10 as Correctional Officers’ Week
*May 11-17 as National Police Week; and May 15 as Peace Officer’s Memorial Day
*May as Foster Care Month
*May as Older Americans Month
The next regular meeting of the Waushara County Board of Supervisors will be held at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, May 20th at the Waushara County Government Center, Wautoma.