Town of Stanton
Dunn County, Wisconsin
Town Board Updates
At the October 21 Town Board meeting, Chairman Steve Nielson formally submitted his resignation. In accordance with Wisconsin State Statute §17.25 regarding the filling of board vacancies, Clerk/Treasurer Valerie Windsor nominated current Supervisor Karl Hackbarth to serve as Chairman for the remainder of the term. The nomination was approved by the Town Board.
Mr. Hackbarth’s appointment created a vacancy in the Supervisor position. Following the same statutory process, nominations to fill the Supervisor vacancy were presented at the November 11 Town Board meeting. Melissa Schutz, who previously served on the Town Board and the Planning Commission in prior years, was nominated and subsequently approved by the Board to serve as Supervisor for the remainder of the term.
The current Town Board and staff are as follows:
- Chairman: Karl Hackbarth
- Supervisor: Nick Schaff
- Supervisor: Melissa Schutz
- Clerk/Treasurer: Valerie Windsor
- Patrolman: Kevin Finder
The Town Board appreciates the continued support of town residents and remains committed to transparent and responsible governance.
Upcoming Referendum
At recent Town Board meetings, Tim Stauffer of Knappa Valley Venue—located at E681 751st Ave., Knapp, WI—addressed the Town of Stanton Board regarding the possibility of obtaining a liquor license. Knappa Valley Venue is the township’s first wedding barn. This request is related to recent legislation, known as Wisconsin Act 73, which requires special event venues to obtain a permit or liquor license beginning in 2026 in order to serve alcohol. Without a license, venues are limited to six events per year at which alcohol may be served.
The Town of Stanton has been a “dry” township since an April 1999 referendum and remains one of the few in Dunn County. Before any action can be taken, a referendum is required to allow town residents to vote on whether the township should remain “dry” or become “wet,” which would allow consideration of liquor licenses within the township. Liquor licenses, where permitted, are limited and issued based on population as determined by state statute.
The referendum will be held during the April 7 election at the Town of Stanton Town Hall.
Sample of ballot question:
Shall the Town of Stanton remain a dry (no alcohol sales) township?
For additional information about Knappa Valley Venue, residents may visit knappavalley.com or contact
Tim Stauffer at (715) 495-0103 or knappavalleyvenue@gmail.com
Dog Licenses and Animal Control Services
Dog licenses must be purchased by March 31, 2026, from Town of Stanton Treasurer Valerie Windsor. License fees are $3 for spayed or neutered dogs and $8 for unaltered dogs. A current rabies vaccination certificate is required.
The Town Board has elected to discontinue its partnership with the Dunn County Humane Society for animal control services. Beginning April 1, residents with animal control questions or concerns should contact Dedicated Animal Control Services at (715) 377-5141. They will attempt to contact the animal’s owner and, if necessary, transport the animal to an appropriate holding facility. To learn more about Dedicated Animal Control Services, visit dedicatedanimalcontrolservices.com.