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Voters select Pruess new register of deeds

ELKHORN — Donna Pruess, a Walworth County real property lister, will replace retiring Walworth County Register of Deeds Connie Woolever in January.

Pruess, a Republican, won the race with 27,193 votes, beating Democrat Sue Finster, who received 19,771 votes.

"I would like to thank everybody who voted for me and who supported me through the primary and also in this election," Pruess said. "I look forward to serving the people of Walworth County as their register of deeds."

Pruess, whose current job is located in the register of deeds office, said she has been responsible for handling tax information on more than 65,000 parcels. Through the years, she has noticed an increase in technology involved in the way vital records are handled.

"Almost every aspect of the office requires knowledge of technology, from a state system to our county system," she said. "I bring 32 years of experience as a Walworth County employee to the office of register of deeds. I look to continue great service to the public and also keeping the office up to date with all technology changes."

Pruess said she would continue cross-training of department staff to ensure that employees know all office functions.

She also plans to maintain knowledge of regulations.

"The Wisconsin statutes govern a lot of the day-to-day operations of the department," she said.

Pruess said she would also like to get suggestions from staff members on making the office more efficient.