County sheriff to retire

Trempealeau County Sheriff Brett Semingson will retire before the end of the year.

Semingson has one year remaining in his second four-year term. Gov. Tony Evers will appoint a replacement to serve out the remainder of the term, which ends in January 2027.

Semingson was first elected sheriff in 2018, defeating Kevin Deeren by about 1,200 votes. He replaced Richard Anderson, who retired after serving as sheriff for 12 years. During his tenure, Semingson oversaw the construction of the new Trempealeau County Justice Center, including a new county jail — a project that had been debated for more than 25 years.

The sheriff’s department also played a key role in the county’s first homicide investigation in nearly 20 years. In July 2024, the department arrested Todd Gieck of Melrose for allegedly shooting Ettrick man Kyle Dahl as Dahl drove down Highway 53 between Ettrick and Galesville. Gieck has pleaded not guilty to first-degree reckless homicide and other charges and is scheduled for trial next spring.

The governor’s office issued a press release seeking applicants for the sheriff’s position. Applications can be submitted through the “Apply to Serve” page at www.evers.wi.gov. Applicants must complete the “Register of Deeds, Coroner, and Sheriff” form and submit it by 5 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 31.

Those with questions about the appointment process may contact the Governor’s Office of Legal Counsel at GOVSheriffAppointments@wisconsin.gov or 608-266-1212.