JANUARY 5, 2026
BLANCHARDVILLE REGULAR VILLAGE BOARD
The Village of Blanchardville Board of Trustees regular meeting was called to order at 6:30 p.m. on January, 5, 2026 by Village President Lanny Gilbertson. Confirmation of compliance with the Open Meetings Law, Drake confirmed the agenda was posted at Woodford State Bank, Village Hall information board, Post Office, and website on January 2nd, 2026. Roll Call of Board members: Present: Lanny, Zeke, Neal, Kimmy, Brian. Joe. Absent: Mark. Quorum was met with 6 of 7 members present. Also attending: Katherine Drake
Motion (Zeke) (Brian) to approval of agenda, Board minutes, Clerk Report, and Treasurer’s Report passed on a verbal vote.
Requests to speak to the Board:
(No action taken on items not specifically listed on the agenda.)
Jake Ryser addressed the Board regarding a parking issue behind the building recently purchased (referenced as the former “Monroe Clinic building”). Discussion included clarification of property boundaries and parking areas, the Village-owned lot(s), and the need for posted signage for enforcement. The Board discussed beginning with clear signage, monitoring, and warnings as needed.
Jake was directed to attend the Committee of the Whole meeting on January 26, 2026 to further discuss the issue through appropriate committee channels.
President’s Report:
Nothing to Report
Clerk’s Report:
Clerk-Treasurer Drake provided a synopsis of December activities including: transition into the Clerk-Treasurer role beginning December 1, 2025; orientation to Village operations, records, financial systems, ordinances, policies, and workflows; completion of required municipal clerk election training hours (including completion of six hours by year-end); issuance of property tax bills and ongoing tax collection through January 31, 2026; continued transition and documentation of administrative processes; review of financial controls, records retention, and filing systems; and preparation for upcoming election-related activities (including caucus and spring election planning).
The Clerk-Treasurer provided current bank balances for Board review and noted no significant items requiring action at this time.
Appointment of Party-Nominated Election Inspector
The Clerk-Treasurer reported receipt of a political party nomination list for an election inspector which was not available at the December 1 meeting. The Village is required to accept the party nomination and appoint the nominee. Discussion included that adding the nominee results in an even number of inspectors and the Village should continue recruiting an additional inspector to return to an odd number.
Motion (Zeke /Brian) to appoint the party-nominated election inspector passed on a verbal vote.
Community Organization Reports:
BCPI:
BCPI reported a quiet time of year, with a community social event scheduled for Saturday, January 24, 2026, beginning at approximately 5:00 p.m. (potluck/social gathering). Planning for future events was noted (e.g., chicken BBQ, car show, cruise, music in the park).
Lafayette County Economic Development:
No report.
Friends of Mckellar Park:
Friends of Mckellar Park reported no recent meeting and noted year-end donation mailers were sent. Planning was anticipated to resume after early February, with discussion referencing the annual event/ball and a tentative date referenced as April 11 at Blanchard Hall.
Committee Reports:
Library:
The Library reported programs and service updates, including tech help sessions and after-school programming. Staffing challenges were reported due to recent turnover and shared staffing coverage with Argyle.
Public Safety:
An update was provided that price comparisons for a solar-powered sign were still pending.
2026 Fire Protection Services Contract
The Board reviewed the 2026 fire protection services contract. Discussion indicated no substantive changes from the prior year other than routine updates/possible cost increase.
Motion (Kimmy/Brian) to approve the 2026 fire protection services contract passed on a verbal vote.
Board members were advised signatures would be completed following the meeting.
Informational Update – Police Commission and Police Workload/Hours/Compensation
The Board received an informational update that, under Wis. Stat. § 62.13, the Police Commission authority does not include compensation/hours/staffing levels/budget policy. The item will remain on the Police Commission agenda for discussion and recommendation, and the Board discussed next steps.
The Board discussed scheduling a closed session meeting to address the issue, with Attorney Mark Hazelbaker to attend by Zoom as needed.
Consensus was reached to schedule a meeting for Monday, January 19, 2026 at 6:00 p.m. (format/closed session to be confirmed and properly posted).
Planning Commission:
Planning Commission provided an update that the recorded plat was finalized/recorded in mid-December and will be distributed to Village leadership. The Commission discussed opportunities for infrastructure phasing and future development discussions as planning progresses.
2026 Planning/Economic Development Services Agreement (Town & Country Engineering)
A high-level overview of the 2026 services agreement was provided, described as substantially similar to prior year, with a maximum not-to-exceed amount of $10,000 and budget categories including meetings, miscellaneous, and economic/community development coordination.
Motion (Zeke/Brian) to approve the 2026 services agreement passed on a verbal vote.
Park:
A request was made to begin posting for lifeguard hiring as soon as possible for summer operations, including posting in the same manner as other Village notices. Motion (Brian / Neil) to approve posting for lifeguard hiring passed on a verbal vote.
Additional park/bathhouse planning updates were briefly discussed.
Public Works:
DOT STH 78 Project – Public Information Meeting
A public informational meeting was announced for Wednesday, January 14, 2026 at 6:00 p.m. at the Pecatonica High School library. Notices were mailed and hand-delivered to affected parties and posted in the Pecatonica Leader. Board members were not required to attend but may attend.
USDA Rural Development Water Projects
Updates were provided that pay request #2 from G-Pro documentation is pending.
USDA Sewer Projects – Wastewater Treatment Plant Facility Upgrade
The Board reviewed USDA Rural Development Disbursement Request No. 20, including final contractor pay request(s) and engineering invoices. Project completion and warranty period status were reported.
Motion (Brian / Joe) to approve USDA Rural Development Disbursement Request No. 20 passed on a verbal vote.
Portzen Pay Request No. 16
The Board reviewed and discussed Portzen Pay Request No. 16 in the amount of $292,226.90 (final contract closeout, including retainage adjustments and remaining change orders).
Motion (Joe/Kimmy) to approve Portzen Pay Request No. 16 passed on a verbal vote.
Personnel:
Rollover of Vacation Leave to Sick Leave
Discussion was held regarding an employee request (Rolly) to convert unused vacation leave to sick leave due to inability to take all vacation time. Discussion included consistency for future requests and potential handbook/policy updates.
Motion (Joe / Kimmy) to approve rollover of 60 hours of vacation leave to sick leave passed on a verbal vote.
The Board requested the handbook/policy be reviewed and potentially revised to address this situation prospectively.
License & Finance:
Approval of Monthly Bills
Motion (Brian/ Joe) to approve payment of monthly bills passed on a verbal vote.
ArcGIS (ESRI) Software Subscription for Utility Operations
Motion (Brian/Neal) to approve ArcGIS subscription for utility operations and related payment from the Utility Fund passed on a verbal vote.
PILOT Agreement – Lafayette County Housing Authority (Riverview Apartments)
Motion (Joe/Brian) to approve the Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILOT) agreement passed on a verbal vote.
Operator’s License – Jenna Ackerman (Contingent)
Motion (Zeke / Joe) to approve operator’s license for Jenna Ackerman contingent upon satisfactory completion of the Police Department background check passed on a verbal vote.
Schedule of meetings:
- Public Information Meeting (DOT) – Wednesday, January 14, 2026 at 6:00 p.m. (Pec High School Library)
- Police Commission – Tuesday, January 13, 2026 at 6:00 p.m.
- Committee On the Whole (Park – PW -PS) – Monday, January 26, 2026 at 5:30 p.m.
- Planning Commission – January 5th, 2026 at 7:30 p.m.
- Personnel – Special Closed Session, Monday, January 19, 2026 at 6:00 p.m. . Library – Wednesday, January 21, 2026 at 5:00 p.m.
- License & Finance – Monday, February 2, 2026 at 6:00 p.m.
- Regular Board Meeting – Monday, February 2, 2026 at 6:30 p.m.
Motion (Brian) (Kimmy) to adjourn at 7:25p.m.
Respectfully submitted. Katherine Drake Village Clerk-Treasurer 3-5-1c-L-PR-WNAXLP
NOTICE OF SHERIFF’S SALE
Case No. 25-CV-66
STATE OF WISCONSIN CIRCUIT COURT LAFAYETTE COUNTY
Robert Fitzsimons, -and- Melissa Fitzsimons,
Plaintiffs,
VS. Juan Eduard Cruz Roman, Maria Isabel Cardona Salgado, Lafayette County Clerk of Circuit Court, -and- Department of Revenue, Defendants.
PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that by virtue of a foreclosure judgment entered on December 3, 2025, the Sheriff will sell the described premises at public auction as follows:
TIME: March 30, 2026, at 10:00 AM TERMS: Pursuant to said judgment, 10% of the successful bid must be paid to the sheriff at the sale in cash, cashier’s check or certified funds, payable to the clerk of courts (personal checks cannot and will not be accepted). The balance of the successful bid must be paid to the clerk of courts in cash, cashier’s check or certified funds no later than ten days after the court’s confirmation of sale or else the 10% down payment is forfeited to the plaintiff. The property is sold ‘as is’ and subject to all liens and encumbrances.
PLACE: East Entrance of the Lafayette County Courthouse, Darlington, WI
DESCRIPTION: The East 69 feet of Lot 8 and the South 5 feet of the East 69 of Lot 5, all in Block 9, Original Plat, City of Darlington, Lafayette County, Wisconsin. Parcel Number: 216.0052.0000
PROPERTY ADDRESS: 506 Keep Street, Darlington, WI 53530
DATED: February 10, 2026 Sheriff Reg Gill Lafayette County Sheriff Russell Law Offices, S.C. Attorneys for Plaintiff 213 Main Street, PO Box 66 Darlington, WI 53530 (608) 448-3680
Russell Law Offices, S.C. is the creditor’s attorney and is attempting to collect a debt on its behalf. Any information obtained will be used for that purpose. If you previously received a discharge in a chapter 7 bankruptcy case, this communication should not be construed as an attempt to hold you personally liable for the debt.
VOTING BY ABSENTEE BALLOT VILLAGE OF BLANCHARDVILLE, VILLAGE OF ARGYLE, VILLAGE OF HOLLANDALE, TOWN OF ADAMS, TOWN OF ARGYLE, TOWN OF BLANCHARD, TOWN OF MOSCOW, TOWN OF YORK
Any qualified elector who is unable or unwilling to appear at the polling place on Election Day may submit a request to vote an absentee ballot to their municipal clerk. A qualified elector is any U.S. citizen who:
- will be 18 years of age or older on Election Day.
- has resided in the ward or municipality where they wish to vote for at least 28 consecutive days before the election.
The elector must also be registered to vote to receive an absentee ballot. Proof of identification must be provided before an absentee ballot may be issued *.
Making application to receive an absentee ballot by mail
Contact your municipal clerk and request that an application for an absentee ballot be sent to you for the primary or election or both. You may make written application to your municipal clerk for an absentee ballot by mail, by fax, by email or at MyVote.wi.gov. Or you may apply in person at the clerk’s office during the In-Person Absentee Voting period listed below.
Your written request must include:
- your voting address within the municipality where you wish to vote
- the address where the absentee ballot should be sent, if different from the address above
- your signature
- a copy of your photo identification
The deadline for making and application to receive an absentee ballot by mail is:
5:00 p.m. on the fifth day before the election,
THURSDAY, APRIL 2, 2026.
* Voters who are indefinitely confined due to age, illness, infirmity, or disability may not be required to provide photo ID. If this applies to you, contact the municipal clerk regarding deadlines for requesting and submitting an absentee ballot.
** Special absentee voting application provisions apply to electors who are indefinitely confined, in the military, hospitalized, or serving as a sequestered juror. If this applies to you, contact the municipal clerk regarding deadlines for requesting and submitting an absentee ballot.
Voting an absentee ballot IN PERSON
You may also request and vote an absentee ballot in the clerk’s office or other specified location during the days and hours specified for casting an absentee ballot in person.
VILLAGE OF BLANCHARDVILLE
Katherine Drake, Village Clerk-Treasurer
208 Mason Street Blanchardville
608-523-4521 extension 100
Beginning March 24, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
TOWN OF BLANCHARD
Lisa Sikora, Clerk
207 Pine Street
608-523-4071
BY APPOINTMENT Starting March 24, 2026
In-person: Saturday, April 4, 2026, 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m
The first day to vote an absentee ballot in the clerk’s office is:
VILLAGE OF BLANCHARDVILLE
Tuesday, March 24, 2026, at 9:00 a.m.
TOWN OF BLANCHARD
By appointment starting Tuesday, March 24, 2026
The last day to vote an absentee ballot in the clerk’s office is:
VILLAGE OF BLANCHARDVILLE
Friday, April 3, 2026, at 5:00 p.m.
TOWN OF BLANCHARD
Saturday, S[to; 4. 2-26, 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
The first day to vote an absentee ballot in the clerk’s office is: March 24, 2026
The last day to vote an absentee ballot in the clerk’s office: April 3, 2026
No in-person absentee voting may occur on the day before the election. The municipal clerk will deliver voted ballots returned on or before Election Day to the proper polling place or counting location before the polls close on April 7, 2026. Any ballots received after the polls close will not be counted.
Clerk contacts regarding voting by absentee ballot:
TOWN OF ADAMS
Dan Crandall, Town of Adams Clerk
N5705 Biggs Road
Argyle, WI 53504
(Adams Town Hall)
By Appointment, 608-543-3443
VILLAGE OF ARGYLE
Sandra Flannery, Clerk
Village Clerk’s Office located in the
Argyle Community Building
401 E. Milwaukee Street
Argyle, Wisconsin 53504
608-543-3113 Monday-Friday 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.
VILLAGE OF HOLLANDALE
Holly DeWitt, Clerk
200 5th Avenue, Hollandale
608-967-2600
Scheduled office hours: Mondays 10 a.m. – 6 p.m .; Thursdays 10 a.m. – 2 p.m
TOWN OF ARGYLE
Tami Isely
1060 CTH A
Argyle, WI 53504
608-558-7140
Please call for an appointment
TOWN OF MOSCOW
Mary Kolb, Clerk
7476 Country Trunk Hwy. DD
Hollandale, WI 53544
Phone 608-523-1381
Office hours: By Appointment
TOWN OF YORK
Brenda Hackbart, Clerk-Treasurer Town of York
N8105 Postville Rd
Blanchardville WI 53516
By Appointment only
Call: (608) 527-8125