JANESVILLE – The Rock County Board has filled its vacant District 19 seat following the death of Supervisor Lori Pennycook.
Brent Waters of Janesville, who ran against Pennycook in the 2026 election, was appointed to the seat. The board approved the appointment unanimously.
Pennycook, 62, died in May. She was elected to her third term on the board. She was also the owner of Southern Exposure Tan Spa in Janesville.
"I would like to recognize Lori Pennycook for her dedication to our community and for the hard work she put into serving the people of Rock County and beyond Rock County," Waters said. "It is an honor to sit in this seat and serve the residents of Rock County."
Originally from Elkhorn, Waters has lived in Janesville for 10 years.
After taking the oath of office, he addressed the board by saying he is passionate about being a responsible steward of tax dollars and that government should be transparent and accountable. Waters said he'd approach issues with an open mind and vote on what I believe in the best interest of Rock County.
"I also believe that leadership begins with listening. While we may not always agree, every resident of Rock County deserves to be heard and treated with respect," Waters said.
District 19 serves the City of Janesville's wards 2 and 5 on the west side of the city, abutting the Rock River to the north and west.