GovCast

In this episode, we celebrate Earth Day by highlighting Waukesha County’s Recycle Right Campaign and the important role residents play in protecting our environment. We discuss why recycling correctly matters, how proper sorting helps reduce contamination, and the simple steps residents can take to make their recycling efforts more effective. The episode also showcases the County’s commitment to sustainability and community education, while encouraging listeners to take part in Earth Day by making informed choices that support a cleaner, healthier Waukesha County.

In this episode, we spotlight Waukesha County’s Victim/Witness Program and recognize National Crime Victims’ Rights Week by highlighting the services, support, and advocacy available to victims of crime in our community. Listeners will learn how the program helps individuals and families navigate the criminal justice process, understand their rights, access resources, and receive compassionate guidance during difficult times. Plus, the one and only Pepper, the county's therapy dog stops by! How she plays a vital role in comforting victims.

Severe weather moved through Waukesha County Tuesday night, April 14, and a tornado has now been confirmed as damage assessments continue. With more storms possible on Wednesday, April 15, County teams are working closely with Emergency Management, the Sheriff’s Department, and weather officials to monitor conditions and help keep residents safe. In this episode, we’ll talk about what happened, what people should know right now, and how Waukesha County prepares for and responds to severe weather events.

In this episode, we take a clear-eyed look at body-worn cameras for Sheriff’s Department deputies—what it takes to launch a sustainable program, what questions still need to be answered, and why implementation hasn’t happened yet despite ongoing community interest.

Southeast Wisconsin is seeing an uptick in major development proposals—and one question we’re hearing more often is: could a large AI data center in Waukesha County be next?In this episode, we explain what an AI data center is, why companies are expanding rapidly, and what conditions would need to be in place locally—power capacity, fiber connectivity, land use and zoning, transportation access, and long-term operational needs. We also talk through the community impacts residents typically ask about, including energy demand, potential water use, construction activity, noise, and how large projects move through public review. Also, what role the county plays in land use approval and site selection for any major development.

We’re spotlighting the Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC) of Waukesha County—your front door to information, support, and options for older adults, people with disabilities, and the families and caregivers who support them.We’ll break down what the ADRC does, how to connect with a specialist, and the kinds of services and programs they can help you navigate—from long-term care options, nutrition and benefits counseling to supportive resources that help people stay safe and independent in the community.Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC) of Waukesha County | Waukesha County

Love is in the air at the Waukesha County Courthouse. Meet the Court Commissioner who helps hundreds of couples say "I do." Find out how the process works, and what it's like to be part of these momentous ceremonies.

From patrolling county roads and highways, to parks, courts, jail, community outreach, K9 and more, GovCast goes one-on-one with Public Information Officer Lieutenant Nicholas Wenzel about how they work as a team to keep the community safe.

Waukesha County Public Health Officials continue to investigate the county's first confirmed case of measles in more than a decade. Public Health Officer Ben Jones breaks down the case, whos' at risk and how you can prevent the disease.

Extreme cold is on the way. Waukesha County will close the Courthouse, Administration Center, and Health & Human Services on Friday, January 23. In this episode, go inside the decision: who’s at the table, what weather thresholds trigger closures, and how we keep essential services running.

GovCast goes behind the scenes at the Waukesha County Communications Center, where dedicated dispatchers answer the call when residents need help the most—coordinating critical responses and serving as the calm voice in moments of crisis

From the basics of County government to courts, jury duty scams, fentanyl awareness, Veterans services, budgets, snowplows and parks, we covered it all. Now let's take a look back at GovCast highlights for 2025.

Final students left the UW–Milwaukee Waukesha campus in Spring ’25. With the county‑owned property now nearing sale, here’s what neighbors can expect—and how taxpayers could benefit. PLU's Dale Shaver and DPW's Allison Bussler explain next steps.

Snow’s here—are we ready? DPW’s Allison Bussler and Parks & Land Use’s Dale Shaver take us behind the scenes of winter ops, from plows to parks—and unveil “Highway Reporter,” the fast way to flag road issues. This is GovCast, let’s get moving!

Waukesha County Executive Paul Farrow signs the 2026 County Budget. Farrow breaks down the keys to getting a budget unanimously passed multiple times, plus why the county may consider shifting to a biennial budget process in the future.

Veteran's Services Officer Jeremy Johns explores topics such as navigating VA benefits, transitioning to civilian life, housing & health-care resources, local veteran community programs, and inspiring stories of service and resilience. Whether you’re a veteran, a family member, or someone who wants to support our military community, this GovCast offers real-world insights and information specific to veterans in Waukesha County and beyond. Our goal: to inform, empower, and connect.

Lance Spranger, Chief Information Officer for Waukesha County, dives into how the county is working to protect its systems and residents, what “being cyber-aware” really means at a local government level, and how you — yes, you — can play a key role in staying safe online.  From phishing scams to ransomware, you’ve heard the headlines — now let’s hear the real talk: what’s happening right here in Waukesha County, why it matters to each of us, and what actionable steps you can take this month (and beyond) to bolster your own digital defenses. 

County Executive Paul Farrow breaks down the 2026 County Budget, what's in it, cuts made and how a little bit of luck saved the county hundreds of thousands of dollars!

Fall is here in Waukesha County! From crisp hikes and colorful trails to Apple Harvest Fest at Retzer Nature Center, we’re diving into all the ways you can enjoy the season in our parks. Tune in for fall fun you won’t want to miss!Community Events | Waukesha County

Waukesha County has played a pivotal role in the response and recovery from the historic floods August 2025. The cleanup and recovery remain ongoing as FEMA officials are about to go door to door in flood damaged neighborhoods to assess the damage, which could lead to federal assistance to our region.

How does Waukesha County decide to spend taxpayer dollars? What services are funded and what does the future financial picture look like? Waukesha County Executive Paul Farrow breaks down the annual county budget process and how the county will be hosting a new interactive budget open house to educate residents and get their feedback on their budget priorities.

Ever wondered what it's like to work in the heart of county leadership? Get an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at life inside the Waukesha County Executive's Office!Join us on this week’s episode of GovCast as we dive into what makes our team tick, from steering county initiatives to ensuring our community thrives. 

The oldest county fair in Wisconsin, the Waukesha County Fair is officially underway! The 183rd year of the fair brings farm animals, fair food and tons of great stuff for the whole fam! The event runs July 16-20th at the Waukesha County Expo Center.

The GovCast crews takes the show on the road to highlight several road construction projects impacting Waukesha County. DPW Director Allison Bussler breaks it all down, between funding, safety and long-term projects in the works.

GovCast catches up with Waukesha County Park System Manager Rebecca Mattano to find out about golf, beaches, boat launches, beer gardens and more, everything that you can enjoy all summer long!

What do County Supervisors do? How are they involved in the annual county budget process and who makes policies? Your burning questions about local government answered from Board Chairman Jim Heinrich.

Who runs our circuit court system? Did you know it's a state and county operation? Clerk of Circuit Court Monica Paz explains our judicial system and the burning questions about jury duty.

Lesli Boese is a veteran prosecutor, serving 30 years in the Waukesha County District Attorney's Office, but in November she was elected District Attorney. In her new role, she's navigating staffing shortages and a rise in regional crime. How she's working to combat both serious public safety issues.

We're back with Health and Human Services Director Liz Aldred. She discusses the important initiatives, outreach and awareness efforts HHS is doing to continue to combat opioid addiction and overdoses in our community. For more info visitOverdose Prevention | Waukesha County

From Public Health, Veterans Services, mental health and much more, Waukesha County's Health and Human Services provides critical services our community relies on. Director Liz Aldred shares insight into their core initiatives, how they manage tight budgets while administering state mandated programs, the impact of potential federal cuts and successful programs truly impacting our community.

Waukesha County boasts a dedicated team tasked with preparing, training, and responding to natural disasters. Introducing Emergency Management Coordinator Alex Freeman, who provides crucial advice for Wisconsin's Severe Weather Awareness Week and highlights the life-saving significance of emergency alerts.

Judge Jennifer Dorow is a former Wisconsin Supreme Court candidate. Dorow expresses who she feels has the best chances to win a judicial seat locally in Waukesha County and on the state's highest court April 1st.

Scammers are trying to cash in on your civic duty. Waukesha County Clerk of Circuit Court Monica Paz explains how scammers are trying to trick you, the red flags to watch for and what to do if you get a suspicious phone call about your failure to report for jury duty.

Judge Jennifer Dorow has presided over several high-profile trials including the Waukesha Christmas Parade tragedy and the Visine eyedrops homicide case. Her background includes time as a prosecutor and defense attorney. Dorow shares insight on regional crime cross-over into Waukesha County, plus her thoughts on the spring election races including, state Supreme Court and local judicial seats on the April 1st ballot.

Did you know county and state finances are often interconnected?? 99th Assembly District State Representative Barbara Dittrich who covers the northwestern portion of Waukesha County breaks it all down and dives into the newly released state budget proposal.

County Executive Paul Farrow is back with an update on the future of a sales tax proposal first introduced in October. Why he says the tax package is dead and where the focus turns now to generate more revenue.

What is the Department of Public Works? Why do we wet the roads before it snows? County roads versus state and local roads, everything you want to know, Director Allison Bussler has you covered.

Waukesha County owns the 75.9 acres and maintains the facilities located in the city of Waukesha located at 1500 N. University Drive, Waukesha, WI. UW-Milwaukee is closing its Waukesha campus after the spring 2025 semester. Parks & Land Use Director Dale Shaver explains the history of the property and what the next steps include for the sale and redevelopment of the land.

Join us as we explore how the Waukesha County Department of Parks and Land Use is actively shaping the future through collaboration, innovative education, and regulations. Discover their dedication to boosting economic development, ensuring thoughtful land use, and preserving our cherished natural resources, all while promoting citizen health and well-being. Tune in to uncover how a community comes together to thrive! 

What role does the County Executive play as the elected leader of the 3rd largest county in Wisconsin? On this episode, you'll learn about Paul Farrow's rich political history, how he's turning his cancer battle into a platform for education and how he plans to tackle the county's financial challenges head on. All that and more on this episode of GovCast!

What's the deal with county government? Through captivating interviews with county leaders about relevant topics, your hosts Public Information Officer, Hillary Mintz and Chief of Staff, Shawn Lundie will help listeners better understand how the county operates and how it impacts our residents' lives on a daily basis.