There aren’t many contested races in the April 7 general election when it comes to the Oneida County board of supervisors. 

While all 21 seats are up for grabs, only three of those races are contests — will all three encompassing representation in Rhinelander surrounding townships.

Here’s a closer look at the contested races.

DISTRICT 9

In district 9, which is wards one and four in Pine Lake, Wayne Kulhanek, recently appointed to the seat to fill out the term of Diana Harris, is opposed by Mary Roth Burns. 

BurnsMary Roth Burns

I am a long-time resident of the town of Pine Lake.

After three years, I sold my shop and worked at Foster & Smith. Eventually, I decided to go to law school at UW Madison and was employed as a public defender in Wisconsin, returning to Rhinelander when a position became available at the public defender’s office here.

In 2022, Governor Tony Evers appointed me to be a judge in Oneida County and I was a circuit court judge here for almost a year (I lost my election to Judge Michael Schiek).

Then I returned to criminal defense work. I am semi-retired and I have the time to serve my neighbors on the county board. 

I am a calm, patient person and a good listener. I love my community. I am also, as the daughter of a World War II veteran, keen to support veterans in this area.

Why are you running for election as an Oneida County supervisor? 

I ran for county board for Pine Lake previously, wanting to challenge Jack Sorenson but he retired and Diana Harris ran and she won that election. If she was still living in the town of Pine Lake and was still on the board, I would not be running at this time but she no longer lives out here.

I also know that, despite Oneida County having voted overwhelmingly against mining in the past, the county board at this time is looking at allowing mining.

I am opposed to mining in our Oneida County wetlands. 

What specific problems or issues are facing Oneida County and how would you address them? What opportunities do you see for growth?

One issue that I wish the county board would address involves the possession of a small amount of marijuana.

I wish that Oneida County would adopt the same statute that Dane County adopted, where possession of less than 1 gram of marijuana is not a criminal offense.

There are so many senior citizens who rely on marijuana gummies to relieve cancer pain or insomnia or mental health issues, and I don’t think they should have to worry about being arrested for possessing a small amount of THC.

Another issue is the lack of housing for families looking to buy their own home.

My neighborhood has one house that started out as a great family home, not overpriced, but in the last 10 years, various out-of-state owners have bought it, upgraded it and then rented it out as a VRBO for large amounts of money, as an investment.

While I respect someone wanting to buy real estate as investment property, I feel for young families and renters of all ages who cannot find a place to rent or buy in Oneida County. 

In order to attract new professionals to this area, in order to maintain the current level of prosperity, we need to improve our schools.

Rhinelander’s great schools were why I moved here in 1990 but the relentless cuts to state funding of schools has damaged our educational system. I support a push for higher state funding because we need an educated and trained population. But I am against further increases in property taxes to make up the difference between funding excellent schools and dealing with the diminishing state school funding.

I believe the school board and the school district and teachers are working hard for our students but without adequate state funding, they are just treading water.

We benefit a great deal from tourism and I think we still can improve what we offer to snowmobilers, boaters, hunters, fishermen & women, silent sports enthusiasts and other outdoors activities.

Thank you. I look forward to serving my friends and neighbors from the town of Pine Lake.

Kulhanek

Wayne Kulhanek

After more than 40 years as a Pine Lake resident and successful owner of multiple local businesses — Five Flags, Wisconsin River Cruises, and Now Equipment — I have dedicated over 20 years to serving on the Pine Lake planning & zoning board.

Why are you running for election as an Oneida County supervisor? 

I am now ready to bring that same proven commitment and deep understanding of our community to Oneida County government.

What specific problems or issues are facing Oneida County and how would you address them? What opportunities do you see for growth?

The two most pressing issues we face are clear: severe shortages of affordable housing that are driving young families and workers away and the constant struggles of small businesses — the true back bone of our Northwoods economy — in Pine Lake, Rhinelander and beyond.

Oneida County has an opportunity to act decisively.

Expanding first-time home buyer assistance with targeted down-payment grants would keep our young people here and grow our communities.

At the same time, we must unite our small businesses under a strong “Northwoods Team” mindset — cooperation, shared resources, and county support — so every entrepreneur feels backed and our entire local economy thrives.

I respectfully ask for your support.

District 11

The 11th district on the Oneida County board encompasses wards one and three in the town of Crescent and incumbent Robb Jensen, also a former Crescent town chairman, is opposed by Crescent fire chief Keven Mahner. 

MahnerKeven Mahner

I have been on the fire department for 15 years and have served as chief for the last nine years

I am a veteran of the United States Army with an honorable discharge. I’m also an Eagle scout and was an assistant scoutmaster.

I graduated Rhinelander High School in 1988 and after a life changing accident went on to achieve a degree in human services and currently work as a youth counselor and mentor.

I have been sober for 27 years. I help to mentor and counsel those affected by alcohol and other drug abuse.

Why are you running for election as an Oneida County supervisor? 

I’m running for Oneida County Supervisor District 11, Crescent Wards 1 and 3 because I have witnessed the abuse of power and non transparency.

I believe the supervisor position should listen to the people and work for the people on their views and ideas, even if they differ from mine.

One cannot vote on emotions; they must base it on fact and what the majority of the constituents want. 

What specific problems or issues are facing Oneida County and how would you address them? What opportunities do you see for growth?

I feel that there are some specific problems and issues facing Oneida County that need to be addressed.

First and foremost I feel there should be new and fresh ideas on the board. The current situation with the highway department has been “kicked down the road” for years.

The maintenance of the building and wasteful spending for the upkeep of the building and equipment is not only costing the taxpayers a lot of unnecessary expenses but also lowering the moral of the workers.

Putting a band aid on something that ends up costing more to fix it and wasted man hours than replacing it is not the answer.

I have witnessed first hand while on an emergency scene the county’s bucket truck overheat and could have caused serious bodily injury.

This was in no part the negligence of the county employees; they do the best with what they have.

Another problem I see is some, not all, board members disregard to public views and comments, most recently the attack on our veterans in a meeting regarding a county position. 

Affordable and safe housing is another issue that impacts the growth and development of the economy. We need to work together to find common sense solutions on this issue.

I would also like to see more emphasis put into substance abuse and mental health, there a far to many people struggling with these issues in our community.

Lastly, being in the emergency response field a huge problem with our radio communications.

It’s becoming extremely difficult to communicate clearly and effectively. 

Minutes and seconds count and if we cannot communicate effectively many minutes and seconds are wasted and to the injured that can mean life or death. 

I represent honest leadership, practical problem solving and a commitment to county safety and prosperity.

JensenRobb Jensen

I went on to receive an MS in educational administration and reached dissertation status (PhD) in educational administration, also from UW-Madison.

I taught marketing for 15 years at Cedarburg High School and then served in public and private school administration for over 17 years in both suburban and rural districts. These experiences exposed me to a wide range of socio-economic, racial and religious diversity, giving me a deep understanding of how to deliver effective educational services to varied communities.

Why are you running for re-election as an Oneida County supervisor?

I have been honored to represent the town of Crescent on the Oneida County board for over nine years and would welcome the opportunity to serve another term. Throughout my tenure, I have worked diligently to balance the priorities of my constituents, all Oneida County residents, seasonal property owners and visitors alike.

I have earned the trust and respect of my colleagues as demonstrated by my repeated elections and appointments to numerous committees and task forces.

There is still important unfinished business, and I want to remain an active part of developing lasting solutions.

Experience — Having spent many years in public education and country government, I’ve gained valuable firsthand experience and the confidence needed to serve our residents well as county supervisor.

Leadership — Effective county supervisors say “we” not “I.”

I am not someone who claims all the credit or issues demands instead of guidance and collaboration. I lead by understanding county issues, policy development and committee governance, consistently prioritizing collective authority over individual authority.

My approach is outward-focused — always considering the perspectives, feelings, and needs of others.

Character — “The buck stops here” truly guides me.

My character is shaped in defining moments that test my core values and principles. I recognize that not everyone will share my vision and that differing views — sometimes expressed forcefully — are part of the process. Experience has taught me to respond with positivity, respect, and professionalism. My decisions are grounded in strong ethics and virtues that I live by every day.

What specific problems or issues are facing Oneida County and how would you address them? What opportunities do you see for growth?

Developing a county-wide 2027 balanced budget 

In my nine years on the executive committee, we have consistently passed balanced budgets with minimal cuts to departments and service providers. However, 2027 is likely to present a much greater challenge.

The process will require a thorough review and prioritization of core functions: supporting residents, maintaining public order, promoting community well-being and addressing high-risk behaviors.

My top priorities include human services programs, law enforcement, EMS, the court system, roads and infrastructure and public health.

– Human Services Out-of-Home Placements 

While the overall number of out-of-home placements for youth has remained relatively stable, the more expensive corrections and residential care center (RCC) placements have risen sharply.

In 2025, the out-of-home budget deficit exceeded $2 million, which was covered only by drawing down reserve funds.

Relying on reserves reduces money available for capital improvements and unexpected costs.

If we increase the Human Services budget to cover these costs within the annual budget, non-mandated programs and services will likely face reductions.

– Highway facility 

The question of whether to renovate and expand the existing highway facility or build a new one has lingered for over a decade.

In 2026, the county board must decide whether to continue funding inefficiency or make a one-time investment in a modern facility.

A new highway facility is not an “expansion”—it is essential business infrastructure that will lower long-term operating costs, improve performance metrics, and support Highway operations for decades to come.

– Opioid Settlement Funding 

Oneida County has received opioid settlement funds designated for evidence-based treatment, prevention, harm reduction, and recovery services addressing opioid use disorder and related mental health needs.

In 2026 and 2027, I support prioritizing: people currently in treatment and recovery; needs of justice-involved individuals; prevention of opioid misuse and connecting those in need to appropriate services.

– Growth Opportunities

County and state partnership — county government is subject to state statutes and the constitution. 

Our growth is dependent upon the reality we can no longer continue to deliver state-mandated services without increased investment from the state.

With increased fiscal assistance from our state partner, we will continue to provide services more efficiently and cost-effectively.

Working collaboratively with our elected state officials to pass legislation to guide county policy on PFAS, enhanced wakes and tourist rooming houses is also essential. 

– Affordable Housing

Oneida County should pursue collaborative governance with Minocqua, Three Lakes and other towns to develop affordable housing options.

Competing priorities often interfere, but open communication and shared goals can lead to meaningful progress.

– Building Local Government Capacity 

Research shows that investing in technical knowledge, sustainable funding, and networking helps local governments stretch limited resources, improve planning and deliver services more effectively — even under fiscal and staffing constraints.

District 12

The third contested race for a seat on the Oneida County board in the April 7 election is for the District 12 seat, which covers the town of Woodboro and the second wards in the towns of Cassian, Crescent and Lake Tomahawk. Incumbent Mitchell Ives is running for re-election and is challenged by Kyle Kilbourn.

Kilbourn

Kyle Kilbourn

I’m a Woodboro resident and grew up in a rural community.

As a first-generation graduate, I earned a bachelor’s in life sciences and a PhD in product design.

In my career, I’ve led teams to improve products and services in healthcare, medical devices and retail companies. 

My first job was a janitor at an elementary school so I’m good at cleaning up messes.

I excel at problem-solving by listening to those affected. I’m ready to bring this rigor and breadth of experience to the county board.

I am also an outdoor enthusiast and take full advantage of living in Oneida County, from kayaking to skiing.

Why are you running for election as an Oneida County supervisor?

I love living in the Northwoods and want to keep it that way. We must protect our landscape from metallic mining, PFAS contamination, and wake boating. We deserve a supervisor who actively participates in board and committee meetings. The incumbent missed nine this term. We need a supervisor committed to protecting our Northwoods and managing resources with fiscal pragmatism. I’m running to be the voice that is actually in the room, listening to and responding to constituents.

What specific problems or issues are facing Oneida County and how would you address them? What opportunities do you see for growth?

Oneida County faces unique environmental and economic pressures. From PFAS remediation to the needs of our working and retired population, the challenges require more than “band-aid” fixes. A successful supervisor must balance the protection of our natural economic engine with modern care infrastructure. This involves navigating complex data, from capital project ROI to EMS funding shifts, ensuring the county’s resilience and competitiveness. By expanding to adjacent industries for tourism, to building upon our success in the care economy, we can stabilize our budget, ensuring sustainable growth for Oneida County.

Mitchell Ives

Born and raised in Oneida county, life long resident. I ran two successful businesses and recently retired.

Why are you running for re-election as an Oneida County supervisor?

Current county board member running again to continue helping the county to be a great place to work, live and vacation.

What specific problems or issues are facing Oneida County and how would you address them? What opportunities do you see for growth?

As a county board supervisor I will continue to work for individual property rights, economic growth while maintaining the northwoods quality of life and protecting or natural resources.