After years in the planning on options to match the levels of needed Emergency Medical services with the rising and aging population of Washington County, the Hartford City Council unanimously approved a resolution giving support of the mayor, administrator and fire chief to negotiate final details on a county-wide EMS financing program.

This agreement required the efforts of representatives of every community along with fire departments to pull together something that could help everyone.

For the past two plus years, top elected officials have been meeting with fire chiefs to try to answer the question of how to address the growing needs of EMS service while facing lower numbers of volunteers and restrictive state levy limits which prohibit increasing needed funding.

They hope with the proper county approval, this new plan will be in place by the start of 2027. 

The rodeo is coming to the Dodge County Fairgrounds in Beaver Dam on Saturday, June 27.

Whether you are a lifelong rodeo fan or looking for an unforgettable night out with the family, this year’s lineup promises edge-of-your-seat excitement from start to finish. Produced by the legendary Rice Rodeo Company, this event is fully sanctioned by the International Professional Rodeo Association and affiliated with the World Champion Rodeo Alliance. Top-tier riders will be putting it all on the line.

The rodeo isn't just for the grown-ups. Bring the little cowboys and cowgirls along for a full night of family-friendly entertainment. 

The three main events include professional bull riding, bronc riding, and barrel racing. 

Watch elite cowgirls and their highly trained horses sprint into the arena, tearing around a cloverleaf pattern of barrels at breakneck speeds. The tight turns and explosive acceleration provides some exciting entertainment.

Gates open at 5 p.m. and the rodeo runs from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.

United Way of Washington County is rallying volunteers in order to create an impact in the community. Their Day of Action on Monday, June 23 united neighbors to pitch in and create positive change in Washington County.

This year, the Emerging Leaders spearheaded the effort to revitalize the Born Learning Trail at Villa Park, in West Bend. Born Learning Trails are outdoor learning experiences that help parents, grandparents, and caregivers turn everyday outings into fun, meaningful learning moments for young children. Trails include colorful, interactive learning signs placed along a walking path to support early learning, language development, and school readiness.    

The county's first Born Learning Trail at Villa Park was launched 10 years ago.

United Way of Washington County CEO Kristin Brandner said Bob Gannon felt a responsibility to invest in our community's children.

"Bob knew that children are our future and that when we devote resources to our children, we improve the community as a whole," said Brandner in a press release. 

Visit unitedwayofwashingtoncounty.org to learn more about United Way's work.

Photo by the United Way of Washington County. 


 

The Washington County Sheriff’s Office says a passerby contacted the Washington County Sheriff’s Office Dispatch Center to report a barn fire Monday morning, June 22 around 4:45 a.m. on Trading Post Trail, in Farmington. The caller reported smoke and flames coming from the east side of the barn, along with an electrical buzzing sound. The caller also alerted the residents, who began checking on the cattle.

The Fillmore Fire Department responded. Deputies from the Washington County Sheriff’s Office responded and found the structure fully engulfed in flames, with heavy smoke throughout the area.

Area fire departments responded with personnel and equipment to assist, including Boltonville, Newburg, Kewaskum, Jackson, Kohlsville, West Bend, Silver Creek, Fredonia, Random Lake, and Beechwood.

A large quantity of stored straw was removed.

Trading Post Trail was closed for six hours to support firefighting operations.

No injuries to firefighters or other emergency personnel were reported.

The barn, which included a milking parlor, was declared a total loss. Damage is estimated to exceed $1 million. The fire is not believed to be suspicious in nature, and none of the dairy cattle on the property were harmed.

PFAS has been brought up, in relation to Hartford’s water system.

Utility Director Brian Rhodes, of Hartford Utilities talked with WTKM.

"It's becoming a concern for our water utility. PFAS refers to per and polyfluorinated substances, it's a large family of over twelve thousand man-made chemicals. It resists heat, oil, stains and used for water proofing, food packaging and nonstick cookware. The problem with PFAS chemicals is that they do not break down naturally in the environment or the human body which is why they are called the forever chemicals."    

The City of Hartford is in a good position now with PFAS.

Hartford has five wells in their system.

Rhodes says that the EPA has made a change. 

"The EPA proposed amendments to its drinking water standards for perfluorooctane sulfonic acid, or PFAS. The EPA changed and lowered the level from seventy parts per trillion to four parts per trillion enforceable limit or  Maximum Contaminant Level. That's a pretty big impact for us. Because of that, we will have to do some treatment and remove it from our system."  

Hartford’s levels remain low. Rhodes says that having the PFAS removed from their system, which is something they need to do, is costly. It’s projected to be a $20 million project to remove it from two different wells.

They continue to look into state funded or federally funded money to help with the program.  

The Dodge County Sheriff’s Office received a report of a pickup truck colliding with a pedestrian, near the drive through of McDonald's restaurant, in Lomira. It happened at 6:30 a.m. on Friday, June 19.

A 63-year-old Brookfield man, David Scott, had parked a vehicle and was walking towards the restaurant when he was struck by a pickup truck driven by 18-year-old Tristen Gallagher, of Campbellsport. 

The pedestrian received serious, possible life-threatening injuries, and was flown by medical helicopter to a hospital in Milwaukee. The driver of the pickup truck remained at the scene and cooperated with the investigation.

The business remained open, though the drive through area was closed to allow for the investigation.

The incident is under investigation by the Dodge County Sheriff’s Office and its Crash Investigation Team.

The Fillmore Fire Department requested assistance from the third alarm level for a structure fire at a farm, at 7955 Trading Post Trail in the Town of Farmington.

It started around 6:30 a.m. on Monday, June 22.

11 fire departments responded, including Kewaskum, Jackson, West Bend, Newburg, Fredonia, Beechwood, Random Lake, Boltonville, Waubeka, Ozaukee Central and Silver Creek. 

It involved burning hay at the farm.

Cows were moved due to the smoke. 

It's a big fundraiser for the Watertown Agri-Business Club. The annual Dairy Breakfast at the McFarlandale Dairy Farm on County Road K, in Watertown saw a large turnout with 5,012 people served. It was held on Saturday, June 20 and Sunday, June 21with a delicious breakfast which featured all-you-can-eat pancakes, eggs, sausage, cheese, milk and ice cream. The event was organized and planned by the Watertown Agri-Business Club and proceeds benefit local students pursuing a career in agriculture by providing scholarships.

Club Treasurer Sue Strese told WTKM that the scholarships make a difference.

"We have given out so many scholarships through the years, it's great that we can do this. For some kids, it's a huge thing and changes their path in life in a good way. We are thrilled to be able to do this."

This year's host was the McFarland and Bender families at the McFarlandale Dairy. Pete McFarland says there is great history with the farm, which started in 1852.

"Our daughter Christine and Rob Bender are running it now and that's the sixth generation. Every generation before us has been hard workers. In the fifties, we started to bottle milk on the farm and we delivered milk in town. My father was a wonderful guy who worked so hard. We couldn't have done it without everyone."

Rob Bender told WTKM that they are blessed and believe you always have to find ways to be efficient with the operation.

They milk 1,900 cows and work 1,700 acres. 500 calves are on the farm. 

In addition to the dairy breakfast, wagon ride farm tours were offered along with toy farm displays. 

Laatsch's Piggly Wiggly, of Kewaskum, a family-run business since 1876, is celebrating its 150th anniversary with great deals that will run through Tuesday, June 23.

The celebration started with a ribbon cutting on January 24 of this year. Members of the fourth, fifth, sixth and seventh generations were in attendance. 

A special brat fry took place on Friday, June 19 and generated a big turnout. Donations were accepted for the Kewaskum Fire Department, in order to support fundraising efforts for a new UTV.

Aaron and Amy Laatsch are the current owners.

Aaron told WTKM about their decision to purchase the business in 2023.

"A big part of that is all the people I work with. We have over one hundred people that work with us here, everyone one of them made it possible for us to know that we were making the right decision."

Since its founding in 1876 by Nicholas Marx on Main Street in Kewaskum, five generations of the Marx, Geidel, and Laatsch families have dedicated themselves to serving the community. It has operated as Piggly Wiggly since June 22, 2000.  

They will be honoring the people, history and community throughout the year.   

The Washington County Sheriff's Office Communication Center received a 911 call Friday night, June 19 at 7:42 p.m. regarding a two-vehicle rollover accident in Addison. It happened near the intersection of Addison Road and County Highway K. The vehicles rolled down the steep embankment near the railroad tracks.

An SUV failed to stop at a stop sign and struck a minivan.

The driver of the SUV was extricated from the vehicle and sustained leg injuries.

The Washington County Sheriff's Office Crash Reconstruction Team responded to investigate.

The accident remains under investigation.  

Juneteenth falls on Friday, June 19.

This federal holiday commemorates the emancipation of enslaved African Americans.

It recognizes the day in 1865 when Union troops arrived in Galveston, Texas, to announce that the Civil War had ended and all enslaved people were free.

Juneteenth is typically celebrated with parades, festivals, cookouts, and educational community events. 

Because Juneteenth is a federal holiday, most government offices, banks, the post office, and the stock market are closed.

Tractors and other implements of husbandry are allowed to operate on Wisconsin roadways, but are often large and slow-moving which can cause confusion for drivers sharing the roads.

“All motorists share the goal of returning home safe to their families,” said Wisconsin Farm Bureau President Brad Olson in a news release. “During this time of year, it is important to take extra precautions and pay careful attention to increased hazards on rural roadways.”

Roadway crashes are a leading cause of injuries and death in agriculture. 

Clear communication between farmers and motorists is essential for safe left-hand turns. Farm equipment often has two flashing amber or yellow lights on the cab or fenders. When a farmer signals to turn, the light will continue to flash in the direction the farmer is turning. The other light will go solid. If the equipment lacks signals, hand signals should be used to indicate turns.

Proper lighting and signaling are especially important in low-visibility conditions.

Wisconsin State Patrol Inspector Kory Schultz says patience is key.

"Many motorists are on their way to work and will not have that patience, they see it as a roadblock that they didn't anticipate. As a farmer, you need to be responsible that you are going to be the defensive driver. There are protections when it comes to passing of implements."

Safety on the road begins by ensuring equipment meets lighting and marking regulations, in place since 2015. Ensure equipment has proper lighting, reflective extremity markings and SMV emblems for vehicles traveling under 25 mph. Extremity markings help motorists gauge width in low-light situations.

Regularly check the visibility of lights, reflective tape and SMV emblems, replacing faded or dirty items to ensure they remain clearly visible.

Equip all equipment operators with road safety training, plan routes to avoid high-risk areas and review local permit requirements before operating.

Farmers and motorists share the responsibility to ensuring roadway safety. 

The Watertown Agri-Business Club Dairy Breakfast is Saturday, June 20 and Sunday, June 21 at the McFarlandale Dairy on County Road K, in Watertown.

Agri-Business Club member Sue Strese told WTKM about where the funds go. 

"All of our money goes to scholarships. We have given a lot of money to these kids, which is great. We also do agriculture related projects. We go to the fairs and buy animals for the kids. We gave money to the new concession stand. We gave money to greenhouses."

A free shuttle will run from Watertown High School. Limited parking will be available at the farm, weather permitting.

It’s six generations, since 1852, on the McFarlandale Dairy Farm.

They milk 1,900 cows and run 1,700 acres. They have 500 calves on the farm.

A pancake breakfast will be served, along with eggs, sausage, cheese and milk.

Wagon farm tours will be offered and a play area for the kids. A toy farm display will be featured as the Gary Beal Band performs polkas and fox trots. 

The Watertown Agri-Business Club started in 1967. It began with around 30 gentlemen having dinner and discussing how they could help farmers and businessmen work together to make Watertown a great place to live. 

The Watertown Agri-Business Club Dairy Breakfast is their largest fundraiser of the year.

Hartford Union High School’s SkillsUSA team took part in the National Leadership and Skills Conference, in Atlanta.

Earning a ticket to nationals is impressive, and requires winning at the state level.

Hartford’s Drew Kraus, who will be a senior at HUHS, is a two-time SkillsUSA Facilithon National Champion. He told WTKM all about it. 

"Skills USA is a national workforce development and leadership development group, and they do it more in a competitive sense. The competitions include team works, construction, manufacturing to a bunch of leadership competitions. There is a plan every year in terms of how they will run those competitions. It filters down to the state, regional and district competitions." 

There is a total of 114 competitions.

Competing against top state champions from across the country, Hartford Union High School students earned recognition:

• Drew Krause: National Champion in Facilithon (for the second year in a row!).

• Charlie Kraus, Brooke Jelen, Carter Redelings, & Nate Weber: National Champions in TeamWorks.

• Zach Lobert: 2nd in the nation (Silver Medal) in Aviation Maintenance.

• Anna Flanders: National Competitor in Medical Terminology.

SkillsUSA is a partnership of students, teachers and industry working together. SkillsUSA serves middle school, high school, college and postsecondary students.  

A Washington County Sheriff's Office deputy conducted a traffic stop after observing a vehicle traveling 100 mph on State Highway 33, entering the City of West Bend.

During the stop, the driver, a 49-year-old City of West Bend woman, failed standardized field sobriety tests. The driver was arrested for Operating While Intoxicated, a first offense.

During the investigation, deputies learned that the driver had left children, ages 7 and 9, unattended at a local hotel while going out drinking. The West Bend Police Department responded to investigate.

She was sent to the Washington County Jail.

Hoffmann Family of Companies announced its acquisition of Cedar Crest Ice Cream.  

Led for more than 50 years by the Kohlwey brothers—Ken, Robert, Bill, and Tim—the business will remain in family stewardship through the Hoffmann family bringing together two heritage brands with longstanding reputations for quality. 

“It’s not lost on me that Cedar Crest is a 50-year-old brand and Oberweis is approaching its 100th anniversary serving Midwest communities and families,” said DePaolis in a press release. “Together, we represent more than 150 years of rich ice cream history, which is a legacy that is both meaningful and worth celebrating as we look to the future.” 

“We’re incredibly proud of what we’ve built,” said Ken Kohlwey. “My brothers and I wouldn’t hand over the reins to just anyone. When we saw what the Hoffmann family has accomplished with Oberweis in such a short time, we knew we could trust them to continue to grow our beloved business as we enter the sweetest chapter in our lives: Retirement.”

Founded in 1976 and headquartered in Cedarburg, Cedar Crest is deeply rooted in a generational dairy tradition that began with the Kohlwey family’s parents. Its manufacturing plant and the Cedar Crest Ice Cream Parlor—both located in Manitowoc, Wisconsin—have become landmark destinations for locals and visitors alike.

Hoffmann Family of Companies is a family-owned private equity firm consisting of more than 200 brands, located in 30 countries and 400 locations around the world.

Photo from Cedar Crest Ice Cream. 

Relay for Life of Washington County is Friday, June 19 from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. at Hartford Town Hall.

Everyone is welcome to this important annual event.

Funds raised support life-saving cancer research, prevention and patient care.

Heather Cummins is one of the organizers and told WTKM about the tradition of Relay for Life.

"We celebrate cancer survivors and caregivers, honor loved ones lost with this activity based community fundraiser that raises money for the American Cancer Society. It features great food, car and bike show, a huge silent auction, activities for the kids and the ceremonies that honor those who were, and are impacted by cancer."

The opening ceremony begins at 6 p.m. which includes the survivor and caregiver lap.

The Caregiver Ceremony starts at 8:30 p.m. followed by the Luminaria Ceremony at 9:15 p.m.

The Luminaria Ceremony is a signature event for Relay For Life. It serves to honor and remember those affected by cancer. It's usually held after dark, and participants illuminate personalized paper bags placed around the event track. A silent lap is observed to pay tribute to loved ones lost or to celebrate cancer survivors. The bags are typically lit by using battery-powered candles or glow sticks. 

Relay for Life is about taking a stand by raising funds to help the American Cancer Society lead the fight for a world without cancer.

United Way of Washington County announced its 2026 Campaign Chair Team — Generations United — as the organization celebrates its 90th anniversary. The campaign will be led by the following leadership team at United Way of Washington County:

Kristin Brandner, CEO

Jim Schwalen, Board President

Sarah Stadler, Emerging Leaders & Alumni

In 2026, United Way is focused on honoring the history that brought us here, leading with purpose to meet the needs of today, and innovating to create the future our community deserves.

“As the current United Way board president and an active leader today, I am committed to working on issues that demand our attention now — mental health, early literacy and financial stability — and how United Way is driving results, mobilizing partners, and delivering measurable impact,” said Schwalen.

Inspired by 90 years of impact and driven by the possibilities ahead, this year’s campaign team is focused on growing awareness, engaging new donors, and ensuring United Way’s work reaches even more individuals and families across Washington County.

“Representing Emerging Leaders, I am focused on looking forward to a future defined by innovation and bold community vision,” said Stadler. “We want to imagine what’s possible for the next 90 years in a community where every child, every family, and every neighbor has the opportunity to thrive.”

Last year, the United Way campaign raised more than $1.9 million and directed investments towards more than 25 programs and initiatives, including mental health counseling for youth, the 211 Helpline, Imagination Library and the Hartford Resource Center.

“As we celebrate 90 years of United Way of Washington County, it is an honor to represent our legacy and the generations of community members who built this organization,” said Brandner. “For nine decades, United Way has stood as a trusted partner for the people of Washington County.”

The 2026 United Way campaign kicks off this fall. Community volunteers will play a pivotal role in raising and distributing funds to support local programs that measurably improve youth opportunity, financial security and healthy community initiatives in Washington County.

In the photo (L-R) are: Jim Schwalen, Kristin Brandner, Sarah Stadler.

Party on the Pavement is Thursday, June 18 in downtown Kewaskum.

It's scheduled to start a bit later this year, but it will be worth the wait. The party will be open from 1 p.m. to 10 p.m.

A wide range of food selections will be offered. Live music will be featured beginning at 2 p.m. and will continue throughout the event.

Vice President of the Kewaskum Chamber of Commerce Wendi Dreher told WTKM that it's a special day.

"We look forward to it. I always think, when you have something like this downtown your businesses, your people all come together. That's what your community is all about."

Their vendor lineup is filled with local crafters, boutiques, handmade goods, sweet treats, jewelry, skincare, woodworking, crystals, and so much more. They will line the parking lot all day long.

Shortly before 9 p.m. on Sunday, June 14 a Dodge County Sheriff’s lieutenant attempted to stop a vehicle traveling nearly 50 mph in a 25-mph zone in Kekoskee. The vehicle immediately increased its speed and fled northbound. A traffic pursuit began and continued into Fond du Lac County.

Another Dodge County deputy soon joined the pursuit, which took place at speeds in excess of 100 mph. As the pursuit was heading towards Fond du Lac County, assistance from their sheriff’s office was requested. The suspect failed to stop at stop signs and at times, was driving on the wrong side of the road. The vehicle received damage after failing to negotiate a turn and entered the ditch and field at the intersection of Highland Road and Kinwood Road, in Fond du lac County. The pursuit continued into Oakfield and eventually towards the city of Fond du Lac, where the suspect entered I-41 going northbound. Fond du Lac Sheriff’s Deputies had prepared tire deflation devices on I-41 near Winnebago Street. As the suspect was northbound on I-41, speeds decreased to about the speed limit, then slower, as the car became disabled due to the earlier damage and stopped on the shoulder.

A high-risk stop was performed with deputies from Fond du Lac County, and troopers with the Wisconsin State Patrol assisting. Both of the vehicle’s occupants were detained, and the 20-year-old driver, Lorie Johnson, of Marion, Wisconsin was eventually arrested and brought to the Dodge County Jail.

Lorie Johnson was charged in Dodge County Circuit Court for felony charges of fleeing/eluding an officer and 2nd degree reckless endangering safety, along with a misdemeanor charge of bail jumping.

Her 20-year-old male passenger was released after being detained.

Minds Over Mountains is an initiative to end Alzheimer’s.

More than six million Americans age 65 and older and more than 120,000 residents of Wisconsin are living with Alzheimer’s disease, according to the Initiative to end Alzheimer’s, a group of programs of the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health.

There is currently no cure for Alzheimer’s.

Dr. Bill Stork his wife, Sheila, of Lake Mills, created Minds Over Mountains to support the UW Initiative to End Alzheimer’s. Dr. Stork says he is excited about what they can do.

"What excites me are the things we can do. We know there are lifestyles that will delay the onset. Physical activity is a really big deal. Relationships, staying engaged with your family, and people around you." 

Their annual Minds Over Mountains fundraiser on Sunday, June 14 on Owen Street in Lake Mills featured great music, local food, community spirit, and charitable giving at the Beer Garden. This community event continues to draw supporters from across southern Wisconsin. The event continues to raise awareness and support for those affected by Alzheimer's.  

The Dodge County Sheriff's Office and officers from the Columbus Police Department responded to a report of an intoxicated man causing a disturbance and exhibiting threatening behavior toward members of the public at River Run Dog Park, located in the Town of Elba, Sunday night, June 14 around 6:56 p.m.

Law enforcement personnel located the suspect and attempted to make contact with him. The suspect fired at responding officers and deputies, striking one Dodge County Sheriff's deputy.

The injured deputy sustained serious but non-life-threatening injuries and was transported to UW Hospital, in Madison.

The suspect retreated into his vehicle. Responding law enforcement sought cover, secured the area, and coordinated a tactical rescue of the injured deputy. Officers and deputies then established a secure perimeter.

Following the shooting, the Dodge County Sheriff's Office requested additional assistance from the Columbia County Sheriff's Office to ensure the safety of the public.

The Columbia County Sheriff's Office Emergency Response Team responded under mutual aid. The Dodge County Sheriff's Office remained involved.

Law enforcement personnel located the suspect deceased inside his vehicle. The suspect died from what appears to be a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

At no time during this incident did any law enforcement officer discharge a firearm.

The shelter-in-place order has been lifted, and there is no ongoing threat to the community. Law enforcement does not believe any additional suspects were involved in this incident.

Investigators have advised that a handgun was recovered near the suspect.

The deputy was released from the hospital.

Assisting agencies included the Columbus Police Department, Columbia County Sheriff's Office, Columbia County Sheriff's Office Emergency Response Team, Dodge County Emergency Response Team, LifeStar EMS, Beaver Dam Fire Department, Beaver Dam Paramedics, and the Wisconsin State Patrol.

The 38^th annual Washington County Breakfast on the Farm was a big success on Saturday, June 13. Iron Ridge Dairy, in Kewaskum was the host farm.

3,800 people were served, 10,000 pancakes were made along with 440 dozen eggs and 700 pounds of sausage. It also included 5,000 half milk pints and 120 pounds of strawberries.  

Washington County Dairy Promotion Committee President Ellen Schaefer addressed the crowd during a plaque presentation for the host family.

"The breakfast is one of our big fundraisers. Part of that funding goes toward next year's breakfast and to our Ag Ambassador, Leah Weninger. We also sponsor Ag Adventureland at the Washington County Fair."

Scholarship winners were announced during the Breakfast on the Farm. They include Hartford FFA member Makaela Conely, who is planning on attending Waukesha County Technical College for technical design. Brianna Reese of the Slinger FFA was also a scholarship winner and will be attending college. Another scholarship winner is Hartford FFA member Isabelle Haft, and she discussed her upcoming area of study.

Farm tours were held and a delicious breakfast was served.

Flag Day is Sunday, June 14.

It is celebrated annually on this date, and also marks the official start of National Flag Week. 

A Wisconsin school teacher by the name of Bernard Cigrand held the first recognized formal observance of Flag Day at Stony Hill School, in Waubeka. 

From the late 1880s on, Cigrand spoke around the country promoting patriotism, respect for the flag, and the need for the annual observance of a flag day. Cigrand became president of the American Flag Day Association and later of the National Flag Day Society, which allowed him to promote his cause with organizational backing. 

The City of Hartford's Avenue of Flags will observe Flag Day by raising the flags at Sawyer Park. Residents are welcome to help at 7:30 a.m.    

Hartford Union High School is proud to announce that six of our students recently participated in the 2026 Wisconsin Youth Institute at UW–Madison, researching solutions to global food security issues. All six were recognized as prestigious Borlaug Scholars:

• Sophia Vodak (9th Grade)

• Kendal-Rain Majerus (9th Grade)

• Reed Krueger (9th Grade)

• Jaelyn Koutnik (9th Grade)

• Olivia Ghorai (10th Grade)

• Owen Evans (9th Grade)

10th-grader Olivia Ghorai was selected as one of a small number of statewide delegates to attend the Global Youth Institute in Des Moines, Iowa this October. She will collaborate with international leaders and peers to address global hunger.

Delegates are chosen from among the top participants at the Wisconsin Youth Institute.

The Global Youth Institute will take place October 20 to October 23 in Des Moines, Iowa in conjunction with the World Food Prize Foundation's Norman E. Borlaug International Dialogue and the presentation of the World Food Prize. During the event, Olivia will join outstanding students from across the United States and around the world to present research, collaborate on solutions to global food security issues and engage with internationally recognized leaders in agriculture, science, public health, policy and international development. 

"Being selected to represent Wisconsin at the Global Youth Institute is an incredible achievement," said Biology teacher and mentor Kevin Martin. "Olivia's selection reflects not only the quality of her research and presentation but also her passion for learning and making a difference in the world." 

The experience provides students with opportunities to develop critical thinking, communication, leadership, and research skills.

Hartford Union High School congratulates Olivia on this outstanding achievement and celebrates all six students for their dedication to academic excellence.