FAIR is taking a comprehensive look at Fort HealthCare’s renovation. Senior VP and CFO James Nelson described Fort HealthCare’s remodeling project as a “major transformation,” referencing the six-year renovation project at the main hospital campus on Sherman Avenue. The project represents a major stride in community health services, symbolic of positive local economic development. Three years in planning and 18 months of major on-site work, the renovation is now within two mo

Today (September 17) the Fort Atkinson Independent Reporter (FAIR) celebrates National Constitution Day and the start of National Constitution Week.

The Jefferson County Department of Human Services and Community Action Coalition for South Central Wisconsin (CAC) formally opened the Jefferson County Financial Empowerment Center (FEC) on Tuesday, September 9, 2025.

Fort Atkinson is extending its Community Retail Marketing Survey through Friday, August 29. This important survey gives everyone an opportunity to voice their opinions about the future retail landscape, according to City Manager Rebecca Houseman, "so that the community can attract the businesses and services that are truly wanted and needed."

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.”

Today marked a momentous event for Fort Atkinson with groundbreaking for the city’s first housing development in 25 years.

The City of Fort Atkinson took another major step forward in its economic development plans on Friday, July 11, 2025 with the closing of 10.79 acres in the Klement Business Park to WI Development Partners, LLC.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

The Jefferson County Parks Department recently completed the planting of a variety of flood-tolerant trees at the Burnt Village County Park.

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.

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.

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.