Note: This article looks back at recent legal issues involving town leadership to keep the community informed and promote open dialogue. Publicly available judicial files were used to generate these highlights.
GCG Staff
Behind the “Political Firestorm”: Recent Legal History
For many here in Grand Chute, the headlines over the last few years have been a lot to take in. Federal Judge William Griesbach even called the ongoing cycle of lawsuits and ethics complaints a “political firestorm.” With the 2026 spring elections around the corner, the Gazette is breaking down these cases to help neighbors understand the context behind the news.
Supervisor Brad Gehring’s Role
Town Supervisor Brad Gehring is a familiar face in these developments, bringing a background of 28 years as the Outagamie County Sheriff. While his career in law enforcement is well-known, his time on the Town Board has involved several high-profile judicial matters:
- The Ron Wolff Investigation: In 2021, Gehring filed a residency complaint against fellow Supervisor Ron Wolff. After the Town Clerk initially declined, Gehring referred the case to the Wisconsin Department of Justice. Following a 22-month investigation, a jury trial concluded on March 1, 2024, with Supervisor Wolff found innocent of all charges in a unanimous 12-0 decision.
- Wolff v. Kaul (DOJ): Following the residency investigation, Ron Wolff filed a federal lawsuit against state investigators and the Outagamie County Sheriff’s Office in Docket Number: 3:2024cv00176. This case was dismissed on December 4, 2025, but remains active against the defendants Josh Kaul, Dennis Carroll, and various agents and employees of the Wisconsin Department of Justice and Outagamie County Sheriff’s Department. That case is scheduled to be heard in the United States Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit on April 10, 2026.
- The James March Lawsuit: Gehring has also been a central witness in the James March v. Town of Grand Chute lawsuit. March, a former Town Administrator, sued the town after being let go. Public depositions indicate Gehring allegedly supported March’s choice to sue, with records showing he communicated that support via text. On April 8, 2025, the District Court issued a summary judgment ruling on several counts. The case (Nos. 25-1755, 25-1808) is currently before the United States Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit. The case scheduled oral arguments for May 12 at 9:30 a.m., coinciding with the town’s election cycle. Each side has 15 minutes. These arguments will be live-streamed here: https://www.youtube.com/@courtofappeals7thcircuit413/streams
- Internal Disputes: Former Supervisor Jeff Ings recently claimed that an ethics complaint filed against him in 2023 regarding Gillett Street roadwork was actually organized & authored by Gehring using recruited residents. Subsequently, Case 2026CV000209 was filed against Gehring & TOGETHER FOR A BETTER GRAND CHUTE and Case 2025CV000823 was filed against WISCONSIN ETHICS COMMISSION by Ings both with the Clerk of Circuit Court Outagamie County, involving this accusation.
Controversy Over Special Assessments
Aside from personnel issues, the town faced multiple lawsuits from property owners over special assessments for road projects. Between 2018 and 2021, over 70 owners—including Liberty Storage and U.S. Paper Converters—challenged these fees. While Gehring historically supported this funding method, other board members voted to end many of these assessments in 2021, citing conflicts with state law.
A Path Toward Collaboration
While these cases show a divided past, the hope for 2026 is a move back toward working together. With the upcoming election on April 7, residents can help choose a direction for the board that focuses on transparency and getting things done for the community.
About the Author
