March 17, 2026 – Washington Co., Wi – During the upcoming Wednesday, March 18, 2026, meeting of the Washington County executive committee, there is a discussion / possible action item regarding a resolution to consider spending $50,000 from the general fund to add “Charlie J. Kirk Way” as the road name overlay to a portion of County Trunk Highway K (CTH K). See agenda below.
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According to Wikipedia, “Charlie Kirk… was an American right-wing political activist, entrepreneur, and media personality. He co‑founded the conservative student organization Turning Point USA (TPUSA) in 2012 and served as its executive director until his assassination in 2025.”
Information provided in the agenda packet does not specifically indicate who selected Charlie Kirk as the person to be honored by the highway sign. The packet simply said, “Introduced by members of the EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE as filed with the County Clerk.”
The information provided also does not indicate how Charlie Kirk was selected, since he hails from a suburb of Illinois and live in Arizona.
One committee member said they initially thought the honorary road proposal was to name a highway after local Olympian Jordan Stolz, who won 2 gold medals and a silver during the recent 2026 Winter Olympics.
The agenda item indicates a cost of $50,000 from the General Fund, however at the bottom of the resolution is a note, (No direct fiscal impact; however, there are related costs associated with road signage. Those fiscal impacts are included in the separate general fund transfer request.)
Interesting to note, it was just last Wednesday, March 11, 2026 during the meeting of the Washington County Board when supervisors voted on “An ordinance to create 157-10, relating to: Honorary Naming of County Trunk Highways.”
Then, within less than a week, a proposal is made before the executive committee regarding the honorary naming of country trunk highways.
Wash Co HWY signs 518Packet_20260310173225508Click the arrow in the lower left corner to advance the page.
In order for the item to move forward the agenda reads: VOTE REQUIREMENT FOR PASSAGE: 2/3 of members elect.
The elected members of the executive committee includes supervisors: Denis Kelling, Jeffrey Schleif, John Schodron, Mike Schwab, and Jodi Schulteis.
Click HERE to find contact information for Washington County Supervisors
If the item moves forward it still has to be approved by the County Board.
As of Monday evening, there was no information about a possible grant or private funding to cover the cost. The packet information indicated the $50,000 would come from the General Fund.
The executive committee meets Wednesday, March 18, 2026 – 4 p.m. in the Herbert J. Tennies Government Center – Room 1019 432 E. Washington Street, West Bend, WI 53095. The meeting is open to the public.
On a side note: During the March 11, 2026 meeting, the County Board approved salary increases for elected officials including the sheriff and the clerk of courts.
Wash Co salaries sheriff_20260310173225508 (1)Click the arrow in the lower left corner to advance the page.
On a history note: Remember the $3.6 million Washington County Anti-Crime Plan referendum that was on the November 8, 2022 ballot?
The proposal left it up to the voter to determine whether to raise their own property taxes by about 10% each year moving forward.
Those voting in favor of placing the referendum on the ballot include Joseph R. Vespalec, Marietta Bailey, Denis Kelling, Christopher Bossert, Linda Gurath, Doug Neumann, James Burg, Jodi Schulteis, Jeffrey Millikin, Carroll Merry, Jeffrey Schleif, Tony Thoma, and Michael Schwab.
Supervisors voting against: John Schodron, Brian Krebs, Kenneth Mikulec, Brian Gallitz, Pamela Konrath, and Lois Krueger-Gundrum.
That referendum failed 56% to 43%.
March 17, 2026
Question for those deciding on behalf of all Washington county residents!
is tax payers money being spent here or was this $50,000 a donation from a Charlie Kirk follower!
Didn’t see a number of how many person really followed Charlie Kirk in Washington County! Guaranteed that number is limited
Does Washington County have signs posted for the late Martin Luther King a very influential leader in America or other prominent Evangelist’s?
I don’t recall Washington County having signs for each of the great former United States President’s! There were some very influential in great decisions for all!
I don’t even think there are signs for all those of leadership in Washington county or for the all of state of wisconsin governors in Washington County!
In a time of such uncertainty thrust upon us by the current United States President in many areas, I believe there has to be a greater need of the use of $50,000, in Washington County.
Agree with Mary Speath, we do not need to spend $50000 on a road sign. In my opinion most people in Washington County did not even know who he was until the day he was shot. He was not liked by many. There are hundreds of notable people to pick from. $50,000 is alot of money to waste on a sign when there are residents in our county who are homeless, hungry or struggling. Let’s quit wasting tax payer money and start helping our County residents.
AMEN, very well put!
Jordan Stolz should have a Highway in this County named after him not somebody who is zero connection to Washington County. This is not a good use of taxpayers money.
Whatever you think of Charlie Kirk, it’s obvious that his messages have had divisive effects. Especially since he has no local ties to Washington County, this kind of permanent recognition at taxpayer expense would not be appropriate.
Unless this will be 100% covered by donation(s), this is a ridiculous use of taxpayer money. Though I believe Kirk was an amazing man in many ways, even the most ardent follower would have to agree that money would be better spent on road repair in the county. Any board member or supervisor who would support this should be asked to cover the cost out of their own bank account. Then see their response.
If followers of Charlie Kirk would like to have a sign perhaps they should all chip in out of their private bank accounts to pay for it. I’m sure that 10K of you would be happy to chip in $5.00 to cover the cost. If there are not 10K individuals that are willing to do this then I would think there in not a real desire to have it. This is not an appropriate use of our tax dollars.
No local ties = no local highways. This is a pure political move
Make sure to email or show up for this waste of money being used.
Why spend perfectly good money to rename a road from someone who Wasn’t Even From WISCONSIN let alone Washington County, is Pointless. Use that $50,000 to FIX the roads, or donate it to the Humane Society where the money will be used for Good, not senselessness. If that’s the case then Start renaming EVERY road to someone who made no difference in the Country.
I agree with many of the previous comments. While Charlie Kirk may be worth honoring, there isn’t a single connection to warrant using local taxpayer funds to create any type of memorial, road name or otherwise. If someone wants to step up and donate the funds, then fine.
Charlie Kirk was a conservative. This proposed act by local government to honor him, in its current form, does not align with conservative principles.
This is abuse of tax payer dollars being spent on WASTE
What an absolute waste of taxpayer dollars. If the executive committee members have any principles left, they will reject this proposal.
If you really believe in this memorial start a personal fund raiser and if you get enough money find a place for it. With all that needs done in our county the money could be put to a more constructive use. The idea of a memorial built with tax payers dollars will drive a wedge deeper dividing our citizens of our country and county further apart.
The mere fact of considering any amount of taxpayer money being used NOT FOR THE BENEFIT OF ALL WASHINGTON COUNTY RESIDENTS, but as a pure political statement is enough reason to replace the committee. Totally irresponsible, political and not aligned with its duties to use taxpayer money for the benefit of all.
We put people in these positions that are supposed to be trustworthy and doing their job for ALL of Washington County. Now I’m wasting my time along with so many others.
The county just had an extra $50,000 laying around to fritter away?? This is the best way to use these funds?? How many people in the county even knew who he was before he was killed? Do better!
Hell no. This is the most pathetic thing I have ever seen. Why don’t we spend this money on maybe fixing West Bends roads…
ABSOLUTELY NOT. We don’t have better things to spend $50k on than a sign supporting a racist podcaster who never even set foot in our county? I also love the 4pm meeting time to stop those of us with 9-5s from attending. This is political nonsense by a cult to move their agenda forward.
Time to un seat these idiots who approved this. What a joke!
This is a horrible idea to spend our own tax money on someone’s name who has no relation to Washington court what’s so ever !! USE THAT MONEY FOR OUR SCHOOLS, OUR PARKS, OUR DAYCARES!! For the people of Washington county instead of a dumb ass road sign that’s probably going to get vandalized anyways. Use our taxpayer money to fix our roads instead of putting up a “memorial “ sign. Disgusting to even think about this is what our taxes are going to.
This is NUTS. Regardless of what you think of Charlie Kirk, I’m sure you’ve hit some potholes in our roads that you’d rather have even $10,000 of this money go towards.
Absolutely not. If the county board members want to go and get donations to cover the expenses then fine. Charlie was a great man but tax dollars do not need to be spent like this road repairs are much more importantthan a rename, support for a lot of other things could be done as well with that kind of money
ABSOLUTELY NOT!!! All the excellent comments made prior to this tell you why. What is wrong with these people and their mixed up priorities?
Nope!
I am disappointed that tax payer money is being considered for signage on a HWY in Washington County. The County Trunk K has been in existence for over 75 years. At this point, renaming it will cost extensive funds to us the tax payers. I am hopeful we will not set a precedence of renaming roads at the expense to tax payers “general fund”. I am confident Washington County could use these funds in more impactful ways to to improve the safety and welfare of our roads rather than on signs for figures that aren’t connected to our amazing Washington County.
Most ridiculous waste of taxpayer money. Charlie Kirk has no ties to Washington County. All previous comments have valid and acceptable suggestions for any funds to be spent and they do NOT include honoring Charlie Kirk. This issue should not even be considered.
AMEN, very well put!
This is completely infuriating! For all of the above well stated reasons, this is a big NO! Whoever brainstormed this idea needs to be voted out!
If the County has $50,000 to spare, put it in the parks, give it to the food pantry, give it to the Volunteer Center, improve a road, purchase equipment, so many possibilities, but DO NOT rename a road after a political activist!
I have lived here in Washington county for 33 years. What a wasteful move! Is there no better way to spend fifty thousand dollars in our county that could actually help its citizens? Is there no poverty here? Why no donate to the food banks or schools or fix the roads or literally ANYTHING that would help improve lives here. Charlie Kirk has nothing to do with this county.
What an absolute waste of taxpayers money. Anyone involved in this decision that can be voted out should be when they are up for re-election. I for sure will be remembering this when the time comes.
I am opposed to the proposal to spend $50,000 to name a county road “Charlie J. Kirk Way.” This measure neither serves a public purpose nor reflects the values of fiscal responsibility and neutrality that county government is expected to uphold.
Our tax dollars should be used to maintain and improve essential services—repairing roads, upgrading public safety, and investing in projects that serve all residents equally. Spending $50,000 on a symbolic renaming accomplishes none of these goals. It provides no measurable benefit to the community, only additional cost and controversy.
Charlie Kirk is a national political figure whose name is closely associated with partisan debate. Whatever views residents may hold about him, county infrastructure should not become a platform for political expression. Public spaces must remain inclusive and nonpartisan if they are to represent every taxpayer fairly.
Washington County has many citizens—veterans, educators, volunteers, civic leaders—whose service and contributions deserve recognition. If we are to name roads, let us honor those who have strengthened our community through local action, not national division.
Please stand for fiscal prudence, local unity, and governmental impartiality by voting no on this proposal.
Well said.
If the county is so flush with cash that we’re looking for ways to waste away $50K, I want my money back! Do not rename Hwy K.
I can’t even believe this was given a second thought. When gas price and food costs are out of control for many and families are struggling every day just to exist this is ridiculous. Let’s use this money to help those struggling in Washington County
So almost 10 years ago, Josh and the county board could strip nearly 50000 from Interfaith Caregivers, a non who directly helps Washington Co. seniors with transportation to essential medical appointments, because it wasn’t state “mandated” along with dollars from many other non profits. I was Director at the time and we nearly had to close our doors, an impact that would have affected 1000’s of our elderly residents. And now our county is so “flush” with cash we can spend 50000 on a road sign for this?? Thinking the community would rather have their dollars supporting taking care of our people. Outrageous.
Here’s what I sent to the executive committee:
All-
I read about the movement to name Highway K after Charlie Kirk. I would like to suggest a better person to name a highway after.
The person I am thinking of earned the Distinguished Flying Cross in WWII for bringing back a bomber and crew in Italy after it had been badly hit on a mission. He was a minister. He was a congressman and a senator. He started the Food for Peace program under President Kennedy. He probably had more nexus to Washington County than Charlie Kirk – he may have actually traveled through the area during his campaigns for office. He accomplished much more for the greater good than Charlie Kirk did.
So I would suggest doing a name overlay for CTH M for ……. George McGovern.
If the county approves naming the highway and spending $50,000 for signs for Charlie Kirk, I’ll gladly start a go fund me to name CTH M for George McGovern and be fiscally responsible in bestowing this honor.
[signed]
I vote no on this sign, too much money being spent foolishly in these hard times for families and homeless vets. Maybe in a few years and why does it have to cost that much
$50,000 is only the start.. what about all the people and business that are on the road? They have to have their driver’s license changed, mailing address for everything including bill , bank’s all online accounts and more 😡 older people have a hard time with that and business would have to print new business cards and accounts.. is County paying for that? NO .
Also guaranteeing that most of the signs will most likely be vandalize and who is going to pay for that? Just saying.
From the executive committee meeting today – this is a proposed ‘honorary sign’ and the addresses and road will not change.
Jordan Stolz has brought great civic pride to Washington County and somehow he is not the one getting a highway named after him right here? Does not sit right with me and I bet I am not alone.
I find it totally absurd that Wisconsin would want to honor him in this way. I know some liked him but who really knew anything about him before he was killed. I don’t believe for one minute that he followed what he supposedly believed in. I say NO to the name change!
Is there some where you can donate to this cause? If so, please share. We would be happy to donate.