Paid for by Mike Krause for Sheriff
Since 1982 Mike has lived in Monroe County. His father was a Christian minister and mother a local schoolteacher. Mike learned early on the importance of faith, hard work, and family values.
Mike has raised three girls, and understands the commitments and dedication it takes as a parent to raise a family.
Mike Krause is looking forward to serving the residents of Monroe County as the next Sheriff and to establish the trust and respect between the community and the Monroe County Sheriff's Office.
He brings over 22 years of law enforcement experience in the field of Corrections and has served in Supervisory Management for the last 14 years, including the ranks of Sergeant, Lieutenant, and Institution Supervisor.
For the last 30 years he has also owned and operated the Fitness Connection in Tomah, serving the community in various capacities — including Head Coach of the powerlifting team at Tomah High School.
He is excited to utilize his expertise and experience to ensure safety and security to all Monroe County residents and to build a cooperative relationship between the community and the Sheriff's Office.
His campaign stresses the importance of and the commitment to leadership, professionalism, transparency, accountability, integrity, and fiscal responsibility.
Mike is excited to bring his 22 years of law enforcement experience and 30 years of business experience to serve the residents of Monroe County as Sheriff.
Over the last 3 years of working at the Monroe County Sheriff's Office, Mike has realized there are many changes and improvements that will benefit the Sheriff's Office as well as the taxpayers of Monroe County. Mike's experience of maintaining a lean budget and consistent fiscal management will be very effective in saving taxpayer dollars while ensuring the Sheriff's Office operates at peak performance and focusing on the safety and security of the residents of Monroe County.
Mike's leadership skills and knowledge of working effectively with multi-disciplined staff will ensure a professional and unified workforce among all areas of the Sheriff's Office. Mike maintains an open door policy with all staff and establishes strong rapport with employees, as well as excellent and productive working relationships.
Mike believes that operating a successful business, including the Monroe County Sheriff's Office, requires transparency and accountability. This requires direct involvement and availability with frontline staff, inmates serving time, as well as supervisory management.
Mike also believes in active community involvement and transparency with the residents of Monroe County. Keeping the public informed of developing and completed incidents and situations that are important establishes and maintains the trust between the Sheriff's Office and the community. Professionalism and respect between the employees of the Sheriff's Office and the community is vital to a productive and successful relationship. Regular activities, events and fundraisers involving the Sheriff's Office and the community are excellent opportunities to strengthen the relationship and rapport between the Sheriff's Office and the residents of Monroe County.
After earning an Associate degree in Police Science in 1991 — graduating with Honors at the top of his class — he launched his law enforcement career at NLCI as a Correctional Officer. He served on the Patrol, Lock-up Team, and Emergency Response Unit, with training in tactical equipment, restraint applications, and the Principles of Subject Control, including numerous cell entries involving combative and non-compliant inmates.
Later promoted into the Recreation Department, he developed the weight room and cardiovascular area and initiated physical fitness programs for inmates. He also served as a Crisis Negotiator and inmate disciplinary advocate throughout his tenure.
Joining Sand Ridge as a Psychiatric Care Supervisor, he worked with high-risk sex offenders under the 980 Law — individuals ordered by the court to complete meaningful treatment before consideration for release. He co-created the "Token Economy" program, rewarding low-functioning offenders for completing daily self-care and behavioral tasks.
Promoted to Institution Unit Supervisor in 2014, he managed budgets, supervised correctional staff, and developed the Behavior Management Unit — a groundbreaking program that significantly reduced behavioral outbursts by identifying triggers alongside Treatment staff. He also served as an Institution Investigative Supervisor and Hiring Supervisor.
Joining the Monroe County Sheriff's Office in 2023, he was promoted to Sergeant within his first five months. He mentors newly hired officers, trains staff in professional conduct, and has already made lasting improvements — including creating a Recreation Room stocked with equipment personally donated from the Fitness Connection and establishing a regular grooming schedule for inmates. He maintains excellent rapport with inmates and strong working relationships with fellow staff.
Owner and operator of the Fitness Connection in Tomah for over 30 years — voted Best Fitness Center in Tomah two consecutive years. As a certified fitness instructor and personal trainer, he has worked with hundreds of individuals on strength, rehabilitation, and overall wellness.
A longtime community contributor, he has sponsored Strongman Competitions, donated to local fundraisers, and participated in events supporting Tomah Community Theater and breast cancer awareness. He currently serves as Head Coach of the Tomah High School Powerlifting team, which set record participation numbers and produced a State Champion and Runner-Up in the 2025–2026 season.
I have found him to be reasonable, open to new ideas, yet steeped in the tradition of sticking to the course, if it is the right thing to do. Mike provides leadership for staff and inmates/patients alike and both respond to his ethical and firm treatment. He constantly displays his professionalism at work and his passion for his community outside of work. It is without hesitation that I recommend Mike to the Voters of Monroe County as their Sheriff!
Mike exemplifies reliability and strong leadership. He leads by example, holds himself to high standards, and encourages those around him to be their best. His calm demeanor, sound judgment, and ability to make thoughtful decisions — even in difficult situations — are qualities that will serve him well as Sheriff. I have no doubt that Mike possesses the integrity, leadership, and dedication needed to serve Monroe County with honor and excellence. I confidently and wholeheartedly support Mike Krause for Monroe County Sheriff.
I am pleased to offer my strong endorsement for Mike Krause for the position of Monroe County Sheriff. Throughout the years of knowing and working with Mike I have been consistently impressed by his integrity, sound judgment, and unwavering commitment to serving the community. Mike truly demonstrates the true meaning of compassion towards others and dedication towards his position with Monroe County. I am confident that Mike will serve with honor and make a positive impact as Sheriff. I strongly encourage your support.
It is without hesitation that I endorse Mike Krause for Monroe County Sheriff. I have been acquainted with Mike for over 10 years and have always known him to be very dependable, with a determination and drive to accomplish any task set before him. As his supervisor at Sand Ridge Secure Treatment Center, I witnessed his exceptional interpersonal skills and calm demeanor in the face of many incidents of turmoil, chaos, and discord. He has always presented himself as professional — with the ability to swiftly and skillfully articulate any situation involving safety, diversity, and potential unrest. Mike Krause is, without a doubt, your best option for Sheriff of Monroe County. You will not be disappointed.
