Former Milladore Treasurer Sentenced for Misconduct in Office

Monday, September 8th, 2025 -- 1:01 PM

(Karen Madden, Wisconsin Rapids Daily Tribune) A former town of Milladore treasurer charged with stealing $63,000 from the town was sentenced in Wood County Court.

According to Karen Madden with the Wisconsin Rapids Daily Tribune, the criminal complaint states Wood County Clerk Trent Minor reported Wood County town of Milladore meeting notes from Jan. 24 included an audit sheet for the town that showed $63,000 was missing.

Kenneth Manlick was brought before the Milladore Town Board and questioned. A motion was made to allow Manlick to repay the missing money rather than being prosecuted. Manlick agreed and signed a promissory note.

On Feb. 5, a Wood County investigator spoke with Milladore Clerk Leslianne Ruesch, Milladore Chairman Ned Ruesch and accountant Bill Bruening, who had done the audit.

The investigator asked what led officials to ask for the audit. Leslianne Ruesch said Manlick never turned in receipts for anything and he would never sign them, according to the complaint.

All of the receipts were signed by a town supervisor or chairman. Leslianne Ruesch said she found it odd because Manlick had been the town treasurer since about 2003. During Manlick’s court appearance on Friday, he was found guilty of, due to a no contest plea, misconduct in office.

Another charge was dismissed and read in. He was given a withheld sentence of three years probation, assuming he completes all terms of his probation, which includes paying back the $63,000.

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