What’s happening in #WalCo? Lakeshore Landscaping Workshop, Meals on Wheels Volunteers needed, ADRC Governing Board vacancy & more.
Youth Government Day Recap
Except for the two-year hiatus due to the recent pandemic, Walworth County Government and the Wisconsin American Legion have hosted Youth Government Day since 1964.
On March 8, 2023, Walworth County once again hosted Youth Government Day, with 25 high school students in attendance. This annual event educates students about the role of local government and encourages civic engagement and youth leadership in government.
Students ran a mock County Board meeting and met with representatives from various County departments, including Health & Human Services, Public Works, the Sheriff’s Office, Land Use & Resource Management, UW-Extension, and County Administration.
Thank you to the students from Williams Bay High School, Delavan-Darien High School, and Faith Christian High School for being thoughtful, curious, and engaged participants. And thank you to the American Legion volunteers.
Walworth County Hosts Alice in Dairyland
Walworth County is the proud host of the 76th Alice in Dairyland. This is the first time that Walworth County is hosting an in-person event to select the newest Alice in Dairyland. The selection event will take place May 11 to 13 at Grand Geneva Resort in Lake Geneva.
The selection process began on Friday, March 10, when this year’s top candidates were announced at Lake Lawn Resort in Delavan. Opening remarks were given by Walworth County Administrator Mark Luberda. This year's candidates include Ashley Hagenow, Poynette; Shannon Lamb, Dane; Lydia Luebke, Kiel; Jackie Rosenbush, Sarona; Charitee Seebecker, Mauston; and Jodie Weyland, Neenah.
The candidates will spend the next few weeks learning about the Alice program, Wisconsin agriculture, and Walworth County to prepare for the Finals.
Alice in Dairyland is a one-year, full-time public relations professional employed by the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade, and Consumer Protection. Each year, Alice in Dairyland travels more than 30,000 miles throughout the state promoting Wisconsin agriculture. Learn more about Alice at www.aliceindairyland.com.
Meals on Wheels Volunteers Needed
We’re looking for volunteers for the Meals on Wheels program in many of the communities within Walworth County. Volunteers are currently needed most in Williams Bay, Lyons, or East Troy. Volunteers should be available one to two days a month, Monday through Friday, between 11 a.m. and noon. Volunteers deliver a hot meal and in return get a warm smile. To complete an application, call Volunteer Services Coordinator Karin Texidor at (262) 741-4223 or visit www.co.walworth.wi.us/574/Volunteer.
Lakeshore Landscaping Workshop
The Walworth County Land Use and Resource Management Department, in partnership with the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources and UW-Extension Walworth County, will host a Lakeshore Landscaping Workshop on Thursday, March 23, 2023, from 8:30 a.m. to noon.
The workshop will cover compliance and inspections for construction site erosion and sediment control permits, shoreland vegetation management and permitting, retaining wall regulations and permitting, shoreland zoning updates, shoreline education and resource guide introduction, and site analysis and permitting requirements for impervious surface mitigation practices.
Registrants may attend either in person or virtually via Zoom. The workshop will be held at Government Center (room 214), 100 W. Walworth St., Elkhorn. In-person attendance costs $20 (cash or check), which covers materials, mailing, and refreshments. Registration is required for both options. Please register by March 17. To register, submit the form available at www.co.walworth.wi.us/1119/2023-Lakeshore-Landscapers-Workshop or call (262) 741-4972.
Lakeland School Early Dismissal and Spring Break
Lakeland School students and families, don’t forget: There is an early dismissal scheduled for Wednesday, March 22, at 1 p.m. And mark your calendars for Spring Break, March 27 through March 31. https://www.co.walworth.wi.us/374/Lakeland-School
April 4 Election Deadlines
Are you prepared for the April 4 Spring Election? Register in person at your local clerk’s office by March 31 or at the polls on Election Day.
Registered Wisconsin voters can request an absentee ballot at www.MyVote.wi.gov. If you are a regular voter, your absentee ballot request must be received by your municipal clerk no later than 5 p.m. on March 30, 2023.
To view election deadlines, polling locations, and your ballot, visit www.MyVote.wi.gov.
Be Someone's Lifeline: Attend QPR Suicide-Prevention Training
Walworth County Health and Human Services, in collaboration with Lake Geneva Public Library, will host free QPR suicide prevention training for anyone over the age of 16. The free training will take place on Wednesday, March 22, from 6 to 7:30 p.m., at the Lake Geneva Public Library.
QPR—or Question, Persuade, Refer— teaches bystanders how to provide initial support to someone in need and gives them information on where they can find additional support. Just as people trained in CPR save thousands of lives each year, people trained in QPR learn how to recognize the warning signs of a suicide crisis and how to question, persuade, and refer someone to help. QPR is a nationally recognized, evidence-based mental health intervention. Walworth County Health and Human Services trained more than 300 community members in QPR in 2022.
The Lake Geneva Public Library is located at 918 W. Main St. Lake Geneva. Space is limited; registration is not required but strongly encouraged. You may register by visiting https://bit.ly/3xb1EVK, emailing walcoph@co.walworth.wi.us, or calling (262)741-3200.
If you or someone you know is in crisis, call or text 988 for 24/7 crisis support, or chat at 988Lifeline.org to connect with a trained crisis counselor.
ADRC Governing Board Member Vacancy
The Walworth County Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC) is seeking applications on behalf of the Walworth County Administrator for a citizen appointment to represent persons age 60 or older and adults with disabilities on the Aging and Disability Resource Center Governing Board. The ADRC in Walworth County provides information on a broad range of programs and services, helps people understand the various long-term care options available to them, assists people in applying for programs and benefits, and serves as the access point for publicly funded long-term care.
ADRC governing board members represent the needs, concerns, and well-being of older adults and adults with disabilities in Walworth County. Applicants must reside in Walworth County. Appointments are for a three-year term. In an effort to have representation of all populations residing in Walworth County, we highly encourage individuals that could represent the Latino population to consider submitting a notice of interest.
Notice of Interest to Serve as a Citizen Representative applications are available upon request from the ADRC, (262) 741-3400. An application may also be obtained by emailing Randy Kohl, Division Manager, at rkohl@co.walworth.wi.us, or downloading via www.co.walworth.wi.us/532/Citizen-Committee-Members.
The deadline to submit an application is Friday, April 21, 2023, at 5 p.m. Applications must be submitted to the ADRC, Attn: Randy Kohl, 1910 County Road NN, P.O. Box 1005, Elkhorn, Wisconsin 53121, or rkohl@co.walworth.wi.us.
Job of the Week: Correctional Officer
Are you seeking to join a workforce with meaning? Is helping people something you are passionate about? Whether you are looking for a new start or to rejoin the workforce, the Walworth County Sheriff's Office is looking for individuals like you to join our Corrections division. Our Correctional Officers come from diverse backgrounds and all walks of life. Join our team today! https://www.co.walworth.wi.us/.../Current-Opportunities...
Follow us! Walworth County is on Facebook
Walworth County has launched an official Facebook page. Here’s what you can expect to see on the page: News alerts, information about upcoming County Board meetings and public hearings, details about programs and services, park events and highlights, construction updates, community updates, career and volunteer opportunities, answers to FAQs, behind-the-scenes snapshots, and more. We hope you’ll give us a follow and share this page with your friends, family, and neighbors. Also, check out these County departments on Facebook: