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September 8, 2026 America's 250th Anniversary Celebrations Committee Agenda
SEPTEMBER 8, 2026 AMERICAS 250TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATIONS
COMMITTEE AGENDA.PDF
September 8, 2026 America's 250th Anniversary Celebrations Committee Packet
SEPTEMBER 8, 2026 AMERICAS 250TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATIONS
COMMITTEE PACKET.PDF
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County Board America’s 250th Anniversary Celebrations Committee
MEETING NOTICE
Tuesday, September 8, 2026
4:30 PM
County Board Room 114
Walworth County Government Center
100 W. Walworth St., Elkhorn, Wisconsin
Susan Pruessing, Chair Kathy Ingersoll, Vice-Chair
Supervisor Joanne Laufenberg Supervisor Ken Monroe Supervisor Sheila Reiff
Supervisor Bud Wojcik Pat Blackmer John Scholtz
(Posted in compliance with Sec. 19.84 Wis. Stats.)
A quorum of the County Zoning Agency and Human Resources Committee will be in attendance. It is possible that
a quorum of the county board or any of its other committees could be in
attendance at this meeting.
Agenda enclosures are available upon request from the County Administrator’s Office or on the County’s
web page (www.co.walworth.wi.us).
A G E N D A
Note: all agenda items are subject to action.
1. Call to order
2. Roll call of committee members
3. Agenda withdrawals, if any
4. Agenda approval
5. Approval of minutes
a) August 27, 2026, America’s 250th Anniversary Celebrations Committee Meeting
6. Public Comment Period
7. Unfinished Business
a) Discussion on planning and programming for events, activities, and promotional
strategies for celebrating America’s 250th Anniversary including but not limited to
review and closeout of the Walworth County Fair event, review of the committee
NOTICE: THIS MEETING IS PLANNED TO PROVIDE FOR REMOTE OR OFF -SITE ATTENDANCE
BY COMMITTEE MEMBERS.
THE PUBLIC CAN WATCH THE MEETING STREAMING LIVE:
https://bit.ly/2026SeptAMER250ANNIV
Individuals wanting to provide a Public Comment can do so remotely by telephone but must contact
the County Administrator’s Office at 262-741-4357 on the day of the meeting and at least 15 minutes
prior to the start of the meeting to obtain instructions.
AGENDA – Walworth County America’s 250th Anniversary Celebrations Committee
Tuesday, September 8, 2026, at 4:30 PM Page 2 of 2
budget, and any potential additional meetings of the committee
8. Reports/announcements by Chairperson
9. Set/confirm next meeting date and time – TBD
10. Adjournment
Submitted by: Susan Pruessing, Committee Chairperson
Mark Luberda, County Administrator
Posted: September 4, 2026
DRAFT Walworth County Board of Supervisors
County Board’s America’s 250th Anniversary Celebrations Committee
Thursday, August 27, 2026
Walworth County Government Center, County Board Room 114
100 West Walworth Street, Elkhorn, Wisconsin
Chair Susan Pruessing called the meeting to order at 3:30 p.m.
Roll call was conducted and the following members were present: Chair Susan Pruessing;
Vice-Chair Kathy Ingersoll; Supervisors Joanne Laufenberg, Sheila T. Reiff , and Bud Wojcik;
and John Scholtz. Supervisor Ken Monroe and Pat Blackmer were absent. A quorum was
declared.
Others in Attendance
County Board Supervisor: Supervisor Dennis Karbowski
County Staff: Walworth County Administrator Mark W. Luberda and Communications
Manager Jenny Quill
On motion by Supervisor Reiff, second by Vice-Chair Ingersoll, the agenda was
approved with no withdrawals.
On motion by Supervisor Wojcik, second by Vice-Chair Ingersoll, the August 4, 2026,
America’s 250th Anniversary Celebrations Committee Meeting Minutes were
approved.
Public Comment
There were none.
New Business
7a. Discussion on planning and programming for events, activities, and promotional
strategies for celebrating America’s 250
th Anniversary including but not limited to planning
and scheduling for the Walworth County Fair event and review of the committee budget, the
purchase of ribbons, the drone show, and marketing efforts.
John Scholtz stated that Supervisor Reiff, Communications Manager Jenny Quill, and him
met with Master Sergeant Shawn Souders on August 13
th. Scholtz stated that he will be
meeting with MSgt. Souders again tomorrow to go over specifics regarding the stage and
presentation of the coins and certificates to the veterans.
Chair Pruessing informed Scholtz that she has requested chairs with arms for the veterans.
She informed Scholtz the sound technicians will be present to assist if needed. Chair
Pruessing indicated to Scholtz to let her know if the chairs are not there for the veterans.
Chair Pruessing, Scholtz, and Supervisor Karbowski discussed the availability of golf carts
for transporting veterans. Supervisor Karbowski will meet and greet the veterans, assist
them into the golf cart, and direct them to the Park Stage.
Walworth County Board of Supervisors
August 27, 2026
America’s 250th Anniversary Celebrations Committee Meeting Minutes
Page 2 of 4
Scholtz stated he had the Purple Heart parking signs to put up the day of the event. Chair
Pruessing stated she had requested 20 chairs for the veterans, and Scholtz said 14 veterans
would be there. Chair Pruessing stated that if there were any medical problems, security
should be called. There is a triage over by the main gate.
Communications Manager Jenny Quill will attend the Log Cabin Ribbon Cutting Ceremony
on Wednesday and the Walworth County Proudly Salutes America’s 250th Celebration on
Thursday. The Department of Public Works is adding baluster sand to the sandwich boards.
Walworth County Administrator Mark W. Luberda noted the Walworth County sandwich
board, bought by the County Administrator’s Office, will be used at multiple County events,
including the ribbon cutting ceremony. Chair Pruessing said banners will be displayed at the
County Fair, with one by the Park Stage and another by the fence. Quill reported the Meta
ad is running successfully. Chair Pruessing confirmed the President of the Fair will read a
script at the Log Cabin ceremony and discussed details of the ceremony. All County Board
Supervisors, Fair Board members, and royalty are invited to the photo opportunity. Melody
from the Fair has agreed to lend their big scissors for the ceremony.
Chair Pruessing noted that Channel 58 will be on location at the Log Cabin on Wednesday
morning during the Walworth County Fair, highlighting its restoration as a great human-
interest story. Quill will reconfirm the station's attendance.
Luberda suggested it may be more appropriate if County Board Chair Stacey is not
available for the ribbon cutting, that the Chair of America’s 250
th Anniversary Committee be
the one to speak at the ribbon-cutting ceremony. Supervisor Reiff confirmed County Board
Chair Stacey is available for the ribbon-cutting ceremony. Luberda explained he is resolving
a potential scheduling conflict with Wednesday's opening ceremony. He reported that the
event tents have arrived; the Department of Public Works (DPW) will scope the site
tomorrow and practice setup to ensure they are up by 8:00 AM on event day. Luberda
requested spare tickets for DPW or IT staff and noted that he and Supervisor Wojick are
coordinating logistics to transport necessary items to the fair on Thursday.
The committee reviewed and discussed details of Supervisor Laufenberg’s map and the
layout for the 250
th Anniversary Celebration tents. Luberda said a 10-foot pop-up tent for
volunteer coolers will be behind the main tent, separate but accessible. He reported IT
issues are resolved, and ice cream tickets will be printed. Luberda distributed the time
capsule inscription text and will arrange its pickup. He also understood the cannon would be
at the end of the tent.
Supervisor Reiff stated she spoke to Dale Reich and told him that there is a place for him to
change at the Dusterbeck’s building. Reich will have a headset and a microphone.
Walworth County Board of Supervisors
August 27, 2026
America’s 250th Anniversary Celebrations Committee Meeting Minutes
Page 3 of 4
Vice-Chair Ingersoll said there was a rehearsal last week for the music, and the music
director is hoping for more young adult participation. Chair Pruessing confirmed the ice
cream tickets will be handed out, not left on the table.
Chair Pruessing instructed committee members to contact Emily at the Administrator’s
Office if they require tickets. She noted that all setups must be complete and all personal
vehicles must be moved out of the area by 10:00 a.m.
Supervisor Laufenberg reported that 30 volunteers have signed up in all areas, including
floaters, water, and equipment, noting a floater shortage from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Two people
will staff the tent all day with overlapping shifts, while Supervisor Schneider and a friend will
handle teardown. Chair Pruessing requested that any unused tickets be returned for the
Fair, reminding members the tickets are strictly for County personnel working the 250
th
Anniversary Celebration.
Chair Pruessing answered Luberda’s inquiry about a time frame for packing up the vehicles
by stating she will speak to the fair regarding the vendor contract and the time frame. She
does not believe there will be a problem. Luberda stated he has been informed that he and
Supervisor Wojcik could pull their vehicles up to where the space is reserved for the
veterans at the end of the event. Chair Pruessing said she will check with the Walworth
County Fair office on the deadline to load up in the Park Stage zone of the fairgrounds.
Supervisor Wojcik asked Luberda to confirm the tent practice setup location (Fairgrounds or
DPW) and when side kits are needed during assembly. Luberda agreed to check with DPW.
Supervisor Wojcik noted that Supervisor Monroe is adjusting a boulder to better fit a plaque.
Luberda confirmed DPW could arrive at the fair as early as 6 a.m.
Chair Pruessing announced that Pat Blackmer’s books have arrived and will be distributed
during the program. She also reminded committee members to request additional tickets if
needed. Luberda confirmed he will provide the printed, laminated tickets to Chair Pruessing
once they are ready, noting that a final line has been added to the design.
Chair Pruessing showed the committee members the buttons to be given to the veterans
and stated the price came in higher. Luberda stated the cost of the buttons was $793.02.
Vice-Chair Ingersoll offered a motion, second by Supervisor Wojcik, to approve
additional funding in the amount of $543.02, for the purchase of veterans’ buttons and
ribbons. Motion carried 6-0.
Chair Pruessing stated the time capsule is in Kenosha, and Luberda will have it at the same
table as the TV program display in the tent.
Walworth County Board of Supervisors
August 27, 2026
America’s 250th Anniversary Celebrations Committee Meeting Minutes
Page 4 of 4
Chair Pruessing announced that Pearce’s Farm Stand is donating flowers for the log cabin’s
front flower boxes. She will pick up the donation this weekend or next Monday. Supervisor
Wojcik volunteered to assist with planting.
Chair Pruessing reported that she received the final drone show outline incorporating the
suggested corrections. While noting that the audio details have been resolved, she
expressed concern that some of the music selections do not align with the event's theme.
Additionally, Chair Pruessing raised questions regarding the launch location and overall
visibility across the fairgrounds. She emphasized that if the show is only visible from the
grandstand, attendees would have to pay to view it. Chair Pruessing concluded by stating
the committee must determine alternative viewing areas throughout the grounds.
Chair Pruessing showed the committee a reproduction of a 1936 photograph regarding the
Log Cabin. She said that one of the pictures will be donated to the County Administrator’s
Office, and the other will be given to the Walworth County Fair to hang in the Log Cabin.
There was a discussion on where the drone show could be seen from different areas of the
fairgrounds.
Chair Pruessing informed Luberda that she had sent in the names of the volunteers for the
event to the Walworth County Fair office.
Luberda presented a diagram detailing the drone show's 90-degree viewing angle and
optimal viewing locations. He explained how fields of view vary based on distance, noting
that anyone within the shaded blue area would have an unobstructed view of the drones,
provided their line of sight isn't blocked. Additionally, Luberda confirmed he spoke with the
Superintendent of the Elkhorn Area School District regarding the County's reservation of the
school field, noting there will not be a conflict with the school district.
Reports/announcements by Chairperson – There were none.
Confirmation of next meeting date and time: The next meeting was confirmed for
September 8, 2026, at 4:30 p.m. or immediately following the budget meeting.
Adjournment
On motion and second by Supervisor Reiff and Vice-Chair Ingersoll, Chair Pruessing
adjourned the meeting at 4:33 p.m.
_________________________________________________________________________________
Submitted by Kathleen Aukland, Administrative Assistant. Meeting minutes are not considered
final until approved by the America’s 250th Anniversary Celebrations Committee at the next
regularly scheduled meeting.
United States of America - 250th Annniversary Celebration
ARPA Interest - Revenue
Original Budget 100,000.00
Administrative Hold (22,000.00)
Current Available 78,000.00
Budgeted Expenses Actual Expenses (MUNIS) - 259105-54520
Request
Date
Comm
Approval
Date
Description Budgeted
Amount Description Amount Date of
Purchase Rec'd
1/13/2026 1/13/2026
America's 250th Anniversary
Flags- qty 100 3,998.46
America 250th Flags-
qty 100 $3,998.46 2/18/2026 2/24/2026
1/13/26 &
1/28/2026 1/28/2026
Re-Enactor: Dale Reich-
Blackmer/Pruessing: $100-
$150 150.00
1/28/2026 2/25/2026
Farm Bureau coupons for ice
cream-Pruessing suggestion 2,000.00
1/28/2026 3/10/2026
Funds for repairing Log Cabin-
Pruessing Suggestion. Work
completed 8/17/26 28,000.00
1/28/2026 3/10/2026
Drone show-
Pruessing/Ingersoll 27,000.00
1/28/2026
1/28/26-no
official vote
Blackmer's book (focus on
educational book for
students) qty 1,000 2,460.00 Booklets $2,468 8/31/2026 8/11/2026
1/28/2026 2/11/2026
Pocket Declaration &
Constitution-qty 1,000 520.00
Pocket Declaration &
Constitution-qty 1000 $520 2/17/2026 2/20/2026
1/28/2026 2/11/2026
Pop-Up Panel Exhibiion &
Travel Case 2,450.00
Pop-Up Panel
Exhibition & Travel
Case $2,450 3/17/2026
3/20/2026 &
3/25/2026
1/28/2026
1/28/2026
& 3/10/26
time capsule-Blackmer
suggestion 103.00
40 L Stainless Steel
Milk Can $110 5/4/2026 5/6/2026
2/25/2026
Free ticket to the fair for
family member of purple hear
veterans-Pruessing
complementary
2/25/2026 2/25/2026
Proclamation to include with
flag to schools 58.00
Certificate folders for
proclamations $57.87 3/6/2026 3/9/2026
3/10/2026
Singers/music entertainment-
Ingersoll 700.00
3/10/2026
3/10/26-no
official vote
Purple heart ceremony:
Master Sgt Souders as a
speaker w/ accompayning
soldiers
Budgeted Expenses Actual Expenses (MUNIS) - 259105-54520
Request
Date
Comm
Approval
Date
Description Budgeted
Amount Description Amount Date of
Purchase Rec'd
3/10/2026 4/14/2026
Purple Heart coins-Scholtz,
qty 20 @ $10/ea 200.00
Purple Heart
Challenge Coin $199 5/4/2026 5/6/2026
4/14/2026 7/14/2026
veteran's buttons- & ribbons
Monroe suggestion 250.00
Veteran's buttons &
ribbons $793.02 8/5/2026 8/5/2026
Interpretor services (2.5 hrs):
$100-$300 300.00
6/9/2026 8/4/2026
Printing of flag distribution
photos for the time capsule 200.00
6/9/2026
6/9/2026 &
8/4/2026
Time capsule engraving-
Luberda 400.00 Time Capsule Engravi n 220.00 8/28/2026 8/31/2026
6/9/2026 7/14/2026 Log Cabin plaque 1,646.00 Log Cabin Plaque $1,740.99 8/20/2026 8/21/2026
7/14/2026 7/14/2026 Event advertising 1,000.00
8/4/2026 8/4/2026 Program printing 95.00 Programs $115 8/31/2026 8/18/2026
8/4/2026 8/4/2026 Sponsorship Banners 150.00
8/4/2026 8/4/2026
Tent decorations, banners,
signs 300.00
sign boards-Jenny?,
sign crafters for $150?
Actual Expenses 12,672.34
Budgeted Expenses 71,980.46
Actual Amt of Current
Budget Available 65,327.66
Amount of Current Budget
Available 6,019.54
Source: Walworth County website. First collected Oct 8, 2026.