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Chippewa County board approves multiple appointments; ethics-board alternate draws objections but is confirmed 13-4
Summary
The County Board appointed Scott Nobefeld as facilities and parks director and Leah Simington as finance director, confirmed Ruth Rosenow to the Housing Authority Commission, and approved attorney James Sherman as an alternate on the Ethics Inquiry Board after questions and several objections; the ethics appointment passed 13-4.
The Chippewa County Board approved a slate of administrator-recommended appointments Thursday, including Scott Nobefeld as facilities and parks director and Leah Simington as finance director, and confirmed Ruth Rosenow to the Housing Authority Commission.
County Administrator (recommendation) presented Nobefeld’s candidacy, noting his 25 years of experience in Dunn County as parks and facilities director; the board approved the appointment. Nobefeld thanked the board: “I appreciate the opportunity and I'm honored to be here and, accept this appointment and become the new, facilities and parks director for Chippewa County,” he said.
The board also approved the appointment of Leah Simington as finance director to replace Lori Sweeveler upon her retirement; Simington said she was “very excited to be a part of the Chippewa County team.” The board confirmed Ruth Rosenow’s appointment to the Housing Authority Commission after a recommendation outlining her long tenure and experience with that organization.
The most contested appointment was the naming of attorney James Sherman as an alternate on the Ethics Inquiry Board. Board members asked whether Sherman’s existing work, prior lawsuits or close personal relationships with board members could create a conflict of interest. One supervisor objected to Sherman’s temperament, saying, “The times I've seen him address this board has been disrespectful. Chip on his shoulder. I would not recommend him on an ethics committee personally.”
County staff replied that potential conflicts would be handled case by case and that an alternate attorney is needed to meet the ordinance requirement that an attorney serve on the ethics panel. The board approved Sherman’s appointment; the clerk recorded the vote as 13 in favor and 4 opposed.
Motions and votes recorded in the meeting excerpt included: - Resolution 14-25 declaring May 2025 as Chippewa County Economic Development Week — motion by Bomar, second by Heidek; approved. - Appointments: Facilities and parks director (approved), finance director (approved), Housing Authority Commission (approved), Ethics Inquiry Board alternate (approved, 13-4).
