Lynn Binnie

It’s time once again for #FlashbackFriday with the Whitewater Historical Society. Although last week’s post was supposed to be the last in our series of historic houses in Whitewater, we can’t help but publish one more. This week’s image is the Bassett House, the home of the Whitewater Federation of Women’s Clubs. Built in 1857, the house was given to the Federation in 1927 by Florence Bassett, daughter of the first owner, Thomas Bassett. It is still being used by the Federation today.

This view is probably from around 1900 and may show Florence Bassett and her mother sitting on the porch. The house has been meticulously cared for by the Federation, making it one of the finest historic homes in the area.

Join us next week for more from the Whitewater Historical Society.

(2659P, Whitewater Historical Society)

Whitewater, WI –  WE DID IT!

The Irvin L. Young Library “Promoting Learning; Engaging the Community” Campaign
Leadership Committee is thrilled to announce that it met and exceeded its capital campaign
fundraising goal for a new library.

The Whitewater Common Council presented the library with a challenge in 2021 to raise half of the $6 million needed for a renovation and expansion of the library, with the Council borrowing the other half in January 2024 if the library completed the fundraising in time. The library raised more than $2,300,000 to be added to the library reserves of $840,000.

“We deeply appreciate the Whitewater community’s generosity to help us complete the campaign much sooner than expected; more than 260 people made gifts of all sizes.” said Jim Winship, Campaign Chair. He thanked the Campaign Leadership Committee – Doug Anderson, Brienne Brown, Kelly Davis, Richard Haney, Anne Hartwick, Jon Kachel, Ginger Katzman, Jennifer Motsko, and Gayle Stettler.

“The Whitewater community has come together in a tremendous way to make the new library, which is expected to open in 2025, a reality. The vision that was presented to me by the library board that hired me back in 2001 has finally come to pass.” said Stacey Lunsford, Library Director.

We are also pleased to announce that Fort Community Credit Union made an especially generous gift of $100,000 to help get the campaign ‘over the top.’ As with other businesses and individuals that made significant gifts, they will be prominently recognized in the new building.

There are still recognition opportunities available and gifts are still welcome until the end of the year. These include remembering or honoring someone through 100 Extraordinary Women TM or recognizing your family or business through a wall tile.

The renovated library will add even more value to the Whitewater community. It will offer more space and features where people can connect, read, learn, create and feel welcome. There will be 4,400 square feet of additional space and the current space will be re-designed to be more welcoming and accommodate new features.

For more information contact Stacey Lunsford, Library Director at 262 473-0530.

Editor’s note: The following announcement was received from the Walworth County Sheriff’s Department.

ACCREDITATION ASSESSMENT TEAM INVITES PUBLIC COMMENT

A team of assessors from the Wisconsin Law Enforcement Accreditation Group (WILEAG) will arrive on November 14, 2023, to examine all aspects of the Walworth County Sheriff’s Office policy and procedures, management, operation, and support service.

Verification by the team that our agency meets the WILEAG Board’s state of the art standards is part of a voluntary process to gain accreditation. Our agency was initially accredited in 2017, and this will be the second reaccreditation process. Reaccreditation occurs every three years.

As part of the on-site assessment, agency employees and members of the community are invited to offer comments by telephone. The public may call 262-741-4677 on Wednesday, November 15, 2023 between the hours of 1:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m.

Telephone comments are limited to ten minutes and must address the agency’s ability to comply with WILEAG’s standards. A copy of the standards is available upon request. Please contact Captain Josh Staggs at 262-741-4481 for further information.

Persons wishing to offer written comments about the Walworth County Sheriff’s Office’s ability to meet the standards for accreditation are requested to write to the Wisconsin Law Enforcement Accreditation Group, WILEAG at 7625 W. Greenfield Ave., West Allis, WI 53214.

Once the WILEAG Board’s assessors complete their review of our agency, they report back to the full WILEAG Board, which will then decide if our agency will be granted accreditation status.

Accreditation status is granted for three years, during which time the agency must submit annual reports attesting continued compliance with those standards under which it was initially accredited.

For more information regarding the Wisconsin Law Enforcement Accreditation Group, please write to WILEAG at 7525 W. Greenfield Ave., West Allis, WI 53214 or executive.director@wileag.info

Antonio Jermaine Statam, 36, of 300 block N Tratt St., Whitewater, has been charged with physical abuse of a child, repeater; and two counts of felony domestic battery, domestic abuse assessments, domestic abuse repeater, repeater.

Yefferson Guzman, 18, of 200 block N Fraternity Ln., Whitewater, has been charged with false imprisonment; strangulation and suffocation; misdemeanor battery; and disorderly conduct.

Life on the lake is easy, especially when the fish are biting, the jokes are funny, there’s a ‘couple two three’ beers in the bucket and the Green Bay Packers are on the field. From the warmth of their shanty ‘up north,’ old pals Marvin and Lloyd spin wit, wisdom and hilarious songs about life, love and the one that got away. Don’t miss this Wisconsin musical tradition, featuring songs like “When On Thin Ice,” “Ode to a Snowmobile Suit” and “The Wishing Hole.”

Since 1998, Guys on Ice has played to sold-out houses throughout Wisconsin and played for audiences as far away as California, New York and Oregon.

Tickets are available at www.youngauditorium.com. There is an additional service charge for tickets purchased at the door.

Editor’s note: The following press release was received from the office of the governor. Gov. Evers, Insurance Commissioner Houdek Encourage Wisconsinites to Sign Up for Healthcare Coverage During Open Enrollment

Wisconsinites statewide can sign up for affordable, high-quality health insurance from Nov. 1, 2023, to Jan. 15, 2024

MADISON — Gov. Tony Evers, together with Office of the Commissioner of Insurance (OCI) Commissioner Nathan Houdek, today urged Wisconsin residents to sign up for high-quality, affordable healthcare coverage during the 11th annual ‘Open Enrollment’ period. On Wed., Nov. 1, 2023, open enrollment will begin and continue through Jan. 15, 2024. During this limited time, Wisconsinites are eligible to enroll in one of the health plans available on the individual health insurance marketplace. Those who already have insurance through the marketplace can also renew, update, or upgrade their health plans during this period. “Healthcare shouldn’t just be for the healthy and wealthy, and that’s why expanding access to healthcare has been a top priority of my administration since Day One,” said Gov. Evers. “I encourage folks to explore all the available plans and take advantage of the Open Enrollment period so we can continue building a healthier, stronger state together.” In 2020, Gov. Evers’ OCI DHS Health Care Coverage Partnership launched WisCovered.com as an accessible resource for consumers looking for information about health coverage. By visiting WisCovered.com or calling 2-1-1, Wisconsinites can get connected with free, expert help to better understand their coverage options and determine if they qualify for subsidized health insurance premiums through the marketplace or free coverage through BadgerCare. “Shop around on the marketplace to find a high-quality plan that covers doctor visits, prescriptions, hospital stays, and more. There are a lot of options out there, and you might even qualify for a health insurance plan at low or no cost,” said OCI Commissioner Houdek. “Talk to a licensed insurance agent or broker, use the chat tool on WisCovered.com, or call 2-1-1 to find a free expert who can help you one-on-one. Don’t wait—get signed up for health coverage today.” The individual health insurance market has expanded substantially statewide, growing eight percent from 2019 to 2021. During the Open Enrollment Period last year, 221,128 Wisconsinites signed up for health insurance, which is the highest enrollment in Wisconsin since 2018. Much of the enrollment increase is tied to the subsidies enhanced by the American Rescue Plan Act and extended by the Inflation Reduction Act. Last year, 89 percent of Wisconsinites who enrolled on HealthCare.gov qualified for these cost savings. Additionally, the successful Wisconsin Healthcare Stability Plan (WIHSP) has held down rates on the individual marketplace. Without WIHSP, rates on HealthCare.gov would have increased by 18.2 percent for the 2024 plan year, based on a weighted average. Wisconsin’s individual health insurance market also has the second-most insurers in the nation. Wisconsinites in all 72 counties can choose from at least three different health insurance carriers on HealthCare.gov. An interactive map of health insurers available by county can be found here. Editor’s note: The Banner appreciates having permission to use the image on the homepage by kalhh from Pixabay.

Caregivers deserve thanks every month of the year, and November is the month to remind us of that.  Keeping a person with dementia safe, content, fed and cared for is a 24-7 job.  Understandably caregivers often feel alone and unappreciated. This month we are saying to caregivers, “You are appreciated!”  

Say Thank You    Do you know someone who is caring for a person with dementia?  Just saying Thank You acknowledges their work and makes them feel valued.  Express gratitude for the small and large things they do for their loved one.

Make a Friend    Get to know about the life of this caregiver, what she/he likes, what her hobbies are, maybe take note of her birthday and send a card.  Learn what is most difficult about her caregiving job.  Giving her a chance to share with someone who is actively listening can be very comforting.

Send a Thank You Note  Often, writing instead of speaking makes it simpler to show gratitude.  Choose a beautiful card and send it through the mail.  Such a simple thing can make someone’s day.  Perhaps you have a parent who is being cared for by one of your siblings.  Your non-judgmental expression of appreciation will mean a lot.

Include a Gift Card!  Take your thank you card up a notch and include a gift card for a take-out meal,  gas, a massage or pedicure.  The options are endless.   

Encourage Self Care  Being a caregiver is emotionally and physically taxing. Caregivers need to be encouraged to take a break and care for their own needs.  Look into Whitewater’s ’”Rockin’ Respite” program where caregivers can drop off their loved ones two days a month and know they are receiving social and emotional stimulation.  The loved one is paired with a volunteer whose job it is to give their full attention to their friend-for-a-day.  An activity director keeps everyone busy with crafts, light exercise, games. music and puzzles.  Caregivers can make necessary appointments, go shopping, have lunch with a friend, relax at home or have an undisturbed nap.  Contact Jennifer at Seniors in the Park (jfrench@whitewater-wi.gov or call 262-473-0535) to find out more.

THANK YOU, CAREGIVERS!

For more information, go to  https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/getting-help-alzheimers-caregiving

*******

This article submitted by Dementia Friendly Community Initiative, a program of Whitewater Seniors in the Park (SITP) to help inform the community about dementia and to support caregivers and their loved ones.  New members are always welcome!  Contact Jennifer jfrench@whitewater-wi.gov or call 262 473 0535.  More resources for caregivers:

https://www.co.walworth.wi.us/376/Aging-Disability-Resource-Center

https://www.jeffersoncountywi.gov/departments/human_services/aging_and_disability_resource_center/index.php

https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/benefit-specialists/ebs.htm

By Lynn Binnie
Whitewater Banner volunteer staff
whitewaterbanner@gmail.com

The Common Council’s decision to reject using a Request for Proposals for legal counsel to advise the council regarding personnel matters but rather to authorize the council president to solicit proposals has resulted in an “urgent call for transparent attorney selection process” from the city manager.

As was previously announced on The Banner, the Common Council at its October 3 meeting authorized, by a 4-3 vote, engaging an outside attorney at a cost of up to $10,000 to advise the council on employee discipline and personnel matters. This action would pertain specifically to the city manager, since that position is the only one that reports to the council.

At its subsequent meeting on October 17 the council was provided a draft Request for Proposals (RFP) that might be used in soliciting interested legal firms for such an engagement. That RFP received no discussion before a motion was made to allow Council President Allen to solicit two to three proposals. Several citizens spoke against the motion, including Ryan Oezer, who endorsed the transparency that would be provided through the RFP process, and Brian Schanen, who questioned why the city’s attorney who handles personnel matters, or someone in that firm, could not address the matter at hand. It was indicated by Allen that this attorney works with the city manager. Objections to forgoing the RFP process were also voiced by Councilmembers Brown and Dawsey Smith. Ultimately a motion by Hicks/Stone for Allen to present proposals from three legal firms passed with a 4-3 margin with Allen, Gerber, Hicks, and Stone in favor.

The city’s labor and employment attorney is Kyle Gulya from von Briesen & Roper SC. According to its website, the firm has 22 attorneys other than Gulya whose specialty is labor and employment. The Banner reached out to attorney Robert J. Simandl, the section leader for that area of practice, to inquire as to whether the firm might be able to suggest any of these attorneys who might be available and have appropriate expertise to work with the council. No response has been received.

John Weidl’s statement, dated October 19, is printed below in its entirety.

To the Members of the Common Council and Whitewater Community:

I wish to address the recent decision concerning the authority granted to a single elected official in sourcing an attorney to represent the interests of the council. With prior concerns regarding the conduct of the body, this decision adds to the prevailing unease.

Entrusting a solitary elected official with the responsibility to source and recommend an attorney, without adhering to our good governance manual and procurement policy, raises concerns of potential conflicts of interest. It’s paramount that our council operates with utmost transparency, ensuring our processes are free from any perceived biases. The essence of our decision-making should be rooted in integrity and impartiality. Granting extensive authority to a single individual might inadvertently convey a message to our community that our decisions might not be entirely unbiased.

Previous discussions and citizen comments at the last meeting have pointed towards an inconsistency in how our governing body views public participation and transparency. Decisions that bypass our governance standards might contribute to this inconsistency, potentially diminishing trust in our processes. Our stakeholders expect our actions to be transparent, consistent, and devoid of conflicts. They trust us to prioritize the broader community’s interests. The current decision might unintentionally foster an environment where the public, staff, or future stakeholders might hesitate to participate, apprehensive of potential bias or influence.

For the sake of our community’s trust and to ensure that our actions resonate with transparency and consistency – at the next meeting, I encourage the council to reconsider the decision of attorney selection based on any one individual’s discretion and instead propose we follow the established Request for Proposals (RFP) process, as delineated in our Good Governance Manual and Procurement Policy. Such an approach guarantees a selection process that upholds the broader interests of our council and community, aligning with clear, objective standards. A very real and actionable RFP was provided at the last common council meeting. Even following the process, the governing body should be able to have professionally, transparently sourced proposals for review in December. To date, no reason has been provided to the staff or public for circumventing established processes or requiring a tighter timeline. 

Finally, I urge any attorney considering working for the City in this capacity to insist upon a public and transparent process. This will not only protect the reputation and integrity of the attorney but also ensure that the Common Council’s decision-making is held to the highest standards. A commitment to transparency is a shared responsibility.

In conclusion, my intent isn’t to oppose the hiring of an attorney, but to advocate for a clear and transparent process. Let’s ensure our decisions remain free from any doubts related to ethics, conflicts, or potential backlash.

Thank you for your attention to this matter.

Warm regards,

John S. Weidl
City Manager, City of Whitewater