WASHBURN COUNTY — Washburn County Sheriff Dennis Stuart has announced his resignation and retirement from all county positions, effective June 12, 2026.
According to an email sent to DrydenWire on Tuesday in response to an open records request, Washburn County stated that Stuart submitted a resignation/retirement letter confirming he will retire from both his position as Washburn County Sheriff and his role as Washburn County Zoning Administrator.
The announcement marks a significant change from plans revealed earlier this year, when Washburn County announced Stuart had accepted the county’s zoning administrator position and would transition into the role full-time later this summer following his departure from law enforcement.
As previously reported by DrydenWire, Stuart was set to begin working part-time as zoning administrator on February 9, 2026, before moving into the position full-time on August 24. At the time, Stuart confirmed he planned to resign as sheriff on or near August 24 in order to assume the zoning role full-time.
Stuart had also previously announced he would not seek a third term as sheriff, bringing to a close a 25-year career in law enforcement, including nearly eight years serving as Washburn County Sheriff.
His departure as sheriff will create a vacancy in the office prior to the completion of the 2026 election cycle. Under Wisconsin law, Governor Tony Evers could appoint an interim sheriff until the position is filled through the election process. Absent such an appointment, Chief Deputy Steve Pank would fulfill the roles and responsibilities of the sheriff.
The primary election for Washburn County Sheriff is scheduled for August 11, 2026, with the general election set for November 3, 2026. Deputy Warren Tuttle and Investigator Jason Bartholomew, both Republicans, previously announced campaigns for the position. Both candidates are also scheduled to appear on an upcoming episode of “DrydenWire Live” later this month.
Washburn County has not yet announced plans regarding the zoning administrator position following Stuart’s retirement announcement, but a posting of that open position is expected soon to be posted on WashburnJobs.com.
Last Update: May 13, 2026 8:10 am CDT
