Dubuque County supervisors reappoint chair, name Wayne Kenneker vice chair and adopt human‑trafficking proclamation

The Dubuque County Board of Supervisors elected leadership for 2026 and adopted a human‑trafficking awareness proclamation at its first meeting of the year.

A board member moved that Harley Pothoff be chairperson for 2026; the motion was seconded and approved by voice vote. The board then approved Wayne Kenneker as vice chair by a similar voice vote.

The board adopted a proclamation declaring January as modern‑day slavery and human trafficking prevention month and designating Jan. 11 as National Human Trafficking Awareness Day. The proclamation cites a presidential designation and the United Nations Global Plan of Action’s three pillars: protect, prevent and prosecute. The board voted to adopt the proclamation by voice vote.

A representative of the Coalition Against Human Trafficking spoke after the proclamation was adopted, thanking the board for raising awareness and urging education and cooperation to reduce grooming and exploitation. The speaker said, “By educating ourselves and others about human trafficking and [exploitation], we are better able to decrease the number of young people being groomed through fraud or force.” (Presenter)

Board business at the meeting also included approval of the Dec. 15, 2025 minutes with a clerical correction to clarify that the prior action approved a zoning amendment rather than merely scheduling a public hearing.

The board handled routine consent items by voice vote, including a Class C retail alcohol license for the Dubuque County Fair Association and scheduling public hearings on zoning amendments and a Street Farms nonconstruction expansion permit for Jan. 20.

The board adjourned after completing the agenda and work session items.