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Michael Luckey Delivers His First State of the County Address
In his first official “State of Jefferson County” address on July 24, 2025, County Administrator Michael Luckey outlined a future that balances progress with preservation stating that, “Jefferson County is growing intentionally with a strong sense of purpose, vision, and responsibility.”
3 days ago4 min read


Reflections on Local Community Journalism, Part One – Our Anniversary
Fort Atkinson Independent Reporter (FAIR) celebrates its sixth-month anniversary this month, July 2025. We mark this occasion by reexamining and expanding our aims and goals in local reporting – a self-study on how our efforts add value to the lives of our readers and community.
Jul 313 min read


Groundbreaking Held for Fort Atkinson's First Housing Development in 25 Years
Today marked a momentous event for Fort Atkinson with groundbreaking for the city’s first housing development in 25 years. Rebecca...
Jul 234 min read


Welcome Readers ... Here's What's New
Our Managing Editor is on a brief summer sabbatical, completing post-graduate studies in administrative law and municipal management at the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh. Our reporting will resume in August.
Jul 201 min read


Fort Atkinson's 2026 City Budget Cycle Begins
The Fort Atkinson city government has published its planning schedule for the 2026 annual Operating Budget. Also included in this activity is development of the city’s Capital Improvements Budget for the six-year period from 2026 through 2031. These city budgeting processes occur every year.
Jun 254 min read


State Representative Joan Fitzgerald Commemorates Gun Violence Awareness Day
Today marks Gun Violence Awareness Day in the United States, the
nationally recognized movement that honors 15-year-old Hadiya
Pendleton, who was fatally shot by a stray bullet on a playground in
Chicago in 2013.
Jun 62 min read


Broadband Internet Expansion to Benefit Over 4,200 New Addresses in Rural Jefferson County
Charter Communications and Spectrum Internet announced this week, the expansion of Spectrum Internet, Mobile, TV and Voice services to more than 4,200 homes and small businesses in previously unserved or underserved addresses in portions of Jefferson County, Wisconsin.
Jun 42 min read


Jefferson County Announces Funds Available for Soil Health and Water Quality Practices
The Jefferson County Land and Water Conservation Department (LWCD) has announced availability of funding to landowners and farmers for a variety of conservation projects. The projects must prevent erosion, enhance soil health or protect the water quality of our lakes and streams. LWCD staff are available to assist interested citizens who have erosion or water quality concerns on their property.
May 303 min read


Fort Atkinson Observes Memorial Day 2025 – Keynote Speaker United States Army Combat Veteran Kyle Bente
A special highlight of Fort Atkinson’s 2025 Memorial Day observance at Evergreen Cemetery on Monday, May 26th was the keynote address given by combat veteran Kyle Bente, Specialist, United States Army Transportation Corps. Specialist Bente served during Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan following the September 11, 2001 attacks on the United States.
May 293 min read


Fort Atkinson Memorial Day 2025 – Honoring Those who Died in Service to our Country
Many citizens of Fort Atkinson’s community turned out to honor the fallen and express gratitude on the day of remembrance for those who have died in service of the USA at the Memorial Day ceremony at Evergreen Cemetery in Fort Atkinson on Monday, May 26, 2025.
May 293 min read


Special Series on Local Government Officials: Amanda Golson of Fort Atkinson – Reflections on her First Year as Jefferson County Supervisor
Fort Atkinson resident Amanda Golson was elected to the Jefferson County Board of Supervisors as a write-in candidate for District 26 on the April 2, 2024 Spring general election ballot, and was sworn in to that office on April 16, 2024. Represented by Golson, Jefferson County District 26 covers Wards 1 and 2, City of Fort Atkinson.
May 285 min read


Replanting for the Future - New Trees Bring Life Back to Burnt Village County Park
The Jefferson County Parks Department recently completed the planting of a variety of flood-tolerant trees at the Burnt Village County Park.
May 263 min read


Jefferson County Land & Water Conservation Department Receives ‘Working Lands Preservation Award’ From Gathering Waters: Wisconsin’s Alliance for Land Trusts
Jefferson County’s Land and Water Conservation Department is being recognized for its land preservation efforts with the “Working Lands Preservation Award.” The annual Land Conservation Leadership Awards – presented by Gathering Waters-Wisconsin’s Alliance for Land Trusts - recognizes individual and organizational efforts to protect Wisconsin’s land, water and wildlife.
May 253 min read


Jefferson County Government –Financial Reporting Recognition Reinforces ‘Transformative Government’ Strategy
For the 12th consecutive year, Jefferson County has received the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting from the Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada (GFOA). “This is the highest form of recognition in governmental accounting and financial reporting according to the GFOA,” and as stated in a news release received from the Office of County Administrator.
May 232 min read


Fort Atkinson Students Dig Into Nature at Dorothy Carnes Park
Science met service under sunny skies on Monday, May 19, as more than 70 Fort Atkinson High School Earth Science students rolled up their sleeves for a day of learning and stewardship at Dorothy Carnes Park. The hands-on experience, coordinated in partnership with the Jefferson County Parks Department and the Friends of Rose Lake, turned the park into a vibrant outdoor classroom where education came to life.
May 222 min read


Fort Atkinson Memorial Day Events – Monday, May 26, 2025
The Memorial Day Committee of the American Legion Post 166, Fort Atkinson, has announced city events for this Monday, May 26th, 2025. The rich tradition of the Fort Atkinson community has long honored its members who currently serve in all military branches - Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, Coast Guard, and Space Force – as well as veterans who have served, and those of our community and nation who have given the ultimate sacrifice in defense of our country.
May 213 min read


Jefferson County Home Buyer Education Workshop May 14 - Home Owner Assistance Program Offers Help with Repairs, Rehabilitation
The Jefferson County At Home program extends a wealth of assistance to help individuals and families make informed decisions about their housing options. HUD-certified housing counselors provide counseling on a wide range of housing-related topics, including financial management and budgeting; home improvement and rehabilitation; purchasing or renting a home; and post-purchase counseling.
May 72 min read


State Representative Joan Fitzgerald Announces Marshall & Deerfield Office Hours
State Representative Joan Fitzgerald (D-Fort Atkinson) will hold two in-district office sessions this month - first in Deerfield, followed by a second session in Marshall.
May 21 min read


Jefferson County Spring Legislative Breakfast Brings Together Local, State, and Federal Leaders
Leaders from town, city, village, and county government joined those representing Jefferson County at the state and national level for the “Spring Legislative Breakfast” held at the Jefferson County Courthouse on Friday, August 25, 2025.
Apr 302 min read


Fort Atkinson Club & Community Center Holds First Annual Joan Jones Spirit of Service Award
The Fort Atkinson Club and Community Center held its inaugural Volunteer Appreciation Event on Sunday, April 27, 2025. The Fort Atkinson Club and Community Center held its inaugural Volunteer Appreciation Event on Sunday, April 27, 2025, attended by an estimated 35 people. The event honored a remarkable group of individuals with the inaugural Joan Jones Spirit of Service Award.
Apr 293 min read
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