GovCast

This episode gives residents a quick overview of a temporary courthouse entrance change and what it means for the public over the next year. We cover why the entrance is shifting, how visitors should plan ahead, and what to expect when arriving for court, county services, or other appointments. Listeners will hear key details about access, parking, signage, security screening, and accessibility ac...

On this episode of GovCast, "County Budget 101" breaks down how a county budget is built, what it pays for, and why it matters to residents every day. In this episode, Department of Administration Director Andy Thelke explains where county funding comes from, how priorities are set, and how budget decisions support essential services like public safety, roads, health and human services,...

Summer construction season is here — and so are the orange barrels. In this episode, we break down what road work means for drivers, neighborhoods, and daily County services, including how projects are planned, what residents can expect, and how to stay safe while crews are on the job. Tune in for a quick guide to navigating construction season with fewer surprises and a better understanding of wh...

Mental health affects individuals, families, workplaces, and the broader community — and getting help should never feel out of reach. In this episode, we talk about the importance of mental health awareness, highlight county resources available to residents, and introduce a new video series designed to reduce stigma and connect people with support. We’ll discuss how these tools can help people rec...

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...

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 gui...

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, wh...

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,...

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, n...

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 s...

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...

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.