Ask Sheila Ziegler what she enjoys most about being a Wheatland town clerk for 46 years, and she’s quick to answer.
“People were really nice,” says Siegler.
Siegler has been serving Wheatland residents since first running for office in 1977. She has been successfully re-elected in every election since then until she decided not to run for re-election this year.
Ziegler’s contributions to the community and town government were recognized Saturday by a proclamation from Kenosha County Administrator Samantha Kirkman at Siegler’s retirement party held at Newmanster City Hall. Presented the plague that holds the Here is the video of the presentation:
Ziegler worked at Wheatland Central School before becoming a town clerk. Her husband, Erv, was in her immediate predecessor position, so she knew a little bit about the job. decided to look for, she said.
In 1977, Mr. Siegler pointed out that today all town and village clerks in western Kenosha County are women.
“There were no women in the office back then,” says Siegler.
State law defines the specific duties required of a town clerk, many of which revolve around administering elections. But Ziegler has taken on many other duties over the years at this job.
“Somebody has to do it,” Ziegler said. “When the clerk isn’t there, the clerk is really the manager. We’re pretty skinny here.”
Changes in the town government that Ziegler saw during his tenure included the installation and computerization of office space in the city hall building (formerly also the fire station).
Siegler’s roots in the community run deep. She lives near where her great-great-great-grandparents immigrated from Germany and settled. She plans to continue living here and enjoy additional time to pursue her many hobbies and interests, including reading books on a regular basis.
“I just want to thank the residents of Wheatland for being such nice people,” Ziegler said.
