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West Bend Today
By the People, for the People
Washington County Board to Vote on Proposed Charlie Kirk Highway Sign
Proposal to designate part of County Trunk Highway K as an honorary 'Charlie J. Kirk Way' draws strong public opposition but may still move forward.
Mar. 19, 2026 at 10:50am
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The Washington County executive committee has forwarded a proposal to the full county board to designate part of County Trunk Highway K as an honorary 'Charlie J. Kirk Way', along with a request for $50,000 in taxpayer funding to finance the proposal. The proposal has drawn significant public opposition, with over 250 emails and phone calls to county supervisors against the idea. Despite the opposition, the committee voted to send the proposal to the full county board for consideration at its April meeting.
Why it matters
The proposal to name a highway after Charlie Kirk, a controversial right-wing political figure, has sparked intense debate in the community. The decision will test the county board's willingness to spend taxpayer funds on a politically divisive issue, especially amid recent budget cuts. It also raises questions about the process for selecting individuals to honor with public infrastructure.
The details
The proposal was introduced by members of the county's executive committee, though it's unclear who specifically selected Charlie Kirk. The $50,000 funding request would come from the county's general fund. While the committee acknowledged the overwhelming public opposition, they voted to send the proposal to the full county board, which will require a supermajority 16-out-of-21 votes to pass the measure.
- The executive committee discussed the proposal on March 18, 2026.
- The full county board is expected to take up the matter at its April 21, 2026 meeting.
- All 21 county board supervisors are up for election in the April 7, 2026 spring primary, with two seats contested.
The players
Washington County Board
The governing body of Washington County, Wisconsin that will ultimately decide whether to approve the proposed 'Charlie J. Kirk Way' highway designation.
Josh Schoemann
The Washington County executive who said he had discussions with Supervisor John Schodron following the 2025 assassination of Charlie Kirk, and then approached Schodron with the idea to name a highway after Kirk.
John Schodron
A Washington County supervisor who confirmed that County Executive Josh Schoemann approached him in October 2025 with the idea to name a highway after Charlie Kirk.
What they’re saying
“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”
— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident
“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”
— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee
What’s next
The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.
The takeaway
This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.
