Daniel J. Hegeman, 64, of Whitewater, passed away on Tuesday, October 10, 2023 at Alden Estates of Jefferson.
Dan was born on December 20, 1958 in Burlington, son of Glen and Katherine (Gal) Hegeman. On May 14, 1983 he married Deborah Weber.
Dan enjoyed spending time with his family and grandkids, the evidence of this was the biggest smile with a twinkle in his eye and a chest so choked up with emotion every chance he was able to visit, that you could feel it across the room. He loved theater, especially Shakespeare’s Hamlet which he had memorized, giving his family impromptu performances of the famous soliloquy throughout the years. He passed on a love of theater while assisting with set design on several plays with his older kids. He was a graduate of Milwaukee School of Engineering with an Associate of Applied Science, Electrical Communications Engineering Technology 1979 & Bachelor of Science Electrical Engineering Technology (With Honors) 1986. He was an active member of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Fort Atkinson, teaching confirmation classes, being involved with the Knights of Columbus and assisting with timekeeping for pinewood derby races. He also enjoyed conversing about politics and engineering, old books, watching tractor pulls, and helping children at the Math Olympiads and with various 4-H activities. He enjoyed traveling when work called for it. Trips to Finland & Germany were some he liked to talk about. He would talk about meeting a relative on a flight to Germany at one point, which seemed to be a highlight, while also making it clear that he had never met a stranger, he would talk to anyone- as long as it wasn’t over a telephone! As someone who worked with technology most of his life, he had a love of history and old books. He could often be found in the garage with his records or basement room surrounded by dusty papers that remained, much to the chagrin of his wife. Growing up on a dairy farm, he never quite left that part of his life go, he was a hard worker & if you were ever in the car with him when driving by a field of escaping cattle, you knew you were going to be either sitting and watching him put them back in, or getting out to go help with putting them back in. Life is never easy, and he had his share of sorrow as well as mistakes, but he was dearly loved, and his loss will be felt deeply in many ways by his family and friends.
Dan is survived by his wife of 40 years, Debbie Hegeman; children, Katherine (Ryan) Wermes, Lisa (Daniel) Williams, Andrew Hegeman, Peter (Kelsey) Hegeman, Simon (Lauren) Hegeman, Anna Hegeman, Christopher Hegeman, Mary Hegeman and David Hegeman; grandchildren, Emmaleigh and Owen Wermes, Perpetua, Matthias, Azalea and Damien Williams; Lillian and Paisley Hegeman, and Thomas, Elizabeth, Kylina and Giuseppe Hegeman; mother, Katherine Hegeman; siblings, Sue (Mike) Patrick, Bill (Becky) Hegeman, Sally (Kevin Kramer) Epping, Matt (Debbie) Hegeman, Peggy Sawasky and Sandra Hegeman and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his children, Matthias and Teresa Hegeman, father, Glen Hegeman and brother, Larry Hegeman.
A Funeral Mass will be held at 1 p.m. on Thursday, October 19, 2023 at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Fort Atkinson. Visitation will be from 10 a.m. on Thursday at the church until the time of service. Burial will take place at St. Mary’s Cemetery in Kansasville, WI on Friday, October 20, 2023 at 11 a.m.
Dunlap Memorial Home in Fort Atkinson is assisting the family.
Irma P. Hernandez, 88, of Palmyra, WI passed away peacefully on Thursday, October 12, 2023, at Aurora Summit Medical Center in Oconomowoc, Wisconsin.
Irma was born on April 13, 1935, in Piedras Negras, Mexico the daughter of Gaspar Perez Perez and Agripina Montalvo De Perez. Irma was united in marriage to Miguel R. Herandez in the mid-1950s in Piedras Negras and the Lord blessed their union with six children, Miguel, Irma, Blanca, Alma, Eusebio, and Rita. Irma’s family was her pride and joy. Her best times were spent surrounded by her loving children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She was a true mother and deeply cared for her family and took care of any need they had. Irma will be remembered for her laughter and joy and she will be sincerely missed by those she leaves behind.
She is survived by: her six children, Miguel (Norma H.) Hernandez of Eagle Pass, TX, Irma (Manuel) Garza of Palmyra, WI, Blanca (Hector) Villarreal of Palmyra, WI, Alma (Nicolas) Montalvo of Donna, TX, Eusebio (Norma A.) Hernandez of Palmyra, WI, and Rita (Armando) Marquez of Palmyra, WI; along with her 21 grandchildren and 26 great-grandchildren. Irma is also survived by 3 sisters, a number of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
She is preceded in death by her parents, 2 sisters and her loving husband Miguel.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 AM on Monday, October 16, 2023, at St. Patrick Catholic Church in Whitewater, Wisconsin. Fr. Antony Thomas will officiate the Mass. Visitation will take place from 9:00 AM until the time of Mass at the church. Irma will be laid to rest next to her husband at a later date.
Gibson Family Funeral Homes of Palmyra and Eagle, WI is serving the family. To place an online condolence, please visit gibsonfuneral.com
By Lynn Binnie Whitewater Banner volunteer staff whitewaterbanner@gmail.com
On October 9 the Whitewater Plan & Architectural Review Commission unanimously granted conditional approval to the site plan which was submitted for a free-standing Dollar Tree store at the corner of Main Street and Indian Mound Parkway.
There was no public comment. While recognizing that the commission’s role does not include evaluation of the viability of a planned business, commissioner Carol McCormick inquired as to whether the applicants are aware that there is already a Dollar General on the east side of town. Brad Marquardt, public works director, indicated that originally Dollar Tree had considered a property across the street from Dollar General, but the site was not found to be satisfactory for the construction. Marquardt remarked that the Dollar Tree representative stated that they’re like Walgreens and CVS, in that they like to be located close to a competitor’s building. A Dollar Tree store was located in the strip mall on Main Street a number of years ago. Their previous location is now leased by Anytime Fitness.
The only conditions the commission placed on the approval was that the landscaping plan be submitted and approved by the Urban Forestry Commission, that the lighting plan be submitted and approved by the city staff, and that the driveway on Main Street be reduced, per code, to 35 feet instead of 37 feet.
Editor’s note: The following report was provided courtesy of Marilyn Fuerstenberg.
Whitewater High School classes of 1960, 1961 and 1962 celebrated their 63, 62, and 61 Reunion on Sept. 7,8,9. A welcome party at the Willow Brook Golf Course, a matinee lunch and play at the Fireside, and a dinner with an Elvis Tribute show by Logan Ramey and door prizes at The Evergreen Golf Club. It was a fun time reconnecting with our friends from years ago.
A “little video montage” of the event may be viewed here.
Classmates came from Oregon, Arizona, Kansas, Florida, Iowa, North Carolina, Georgia, Illinois, North Dakota, and more.
Due to the closure of the Hawk Apartments, DLK is accepting $25 donations to the Whitewater Food Pantry for working 15 and 16 cu. ft. refrigerators that work well in garage settings. There also are a number of 220 volt, 20″ electric ranges available on a donation basis. Interested parties may call 262-473-5321 for details.
By the way, in response to a question that was passed on by The Banner, Mike Kachel indicates that they will try to have a sale of Hawk Bowl memorabilia sometime in the near future.
Editor’s note: The refrigerator photo on the homepage is not representative of the available appliances.
Editor’s note: The following announcement was made by the Social Security Administration on October 13. The average monthly payment will increase by $59. Last year’s increase was 8.7%, reflecting a higher rate of inflation than has been experienced during the past year.
Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) Information for 2024
Social Security and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits for more than 71 million Americans will increase 3.2 percent in 2024.
The 3.2 percent cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) will begin with benefits payable to more than 66 million Social Security beneficiaries in January 2024. Increased payments to approximately 7.5 million SSI recipients will begin on December 29, 2023. (Note: some people receive both Social Security and SSI benefits)
The maximum amount of earnings subject to the Social Security tax (taxable maximum) will increase to $168,600.
The earnings limit for workers who are younger than “full” retirement age (see Full Retirement Age Chart) will increase to $22,320. (We deduct $1 from benefits for each $2 earned over $22,320.)
The earnings limit for people reaching their “full” retirement age in 2024 will increase to $59,520. (We deduct $1 from benefits for each $3 earned over $59,520 until the month the worker turns “full” retirement age.)
There is no limit on earnings for workers who are “full” retirement age or older for the entire year.
Information about Medicare changes for 2024 will be available at www.medicare.gov. For Social Security beneficiaries receiving Medicare, their new 2024 benefit amount will be available in December through the mailed COLA notice and my Social Security’s Message Center.
Your COLA Notice
In December 2023, Social Security COLA notices will be available online to most beneficiaries in the Message Center of their my Social Security account.
This is a secure, convenient way to receive COLA notices online and save the message for later. You can also opt out of receiving notices by mail that are available online. Be sure to choose your preferred way to receive courtesy notifications so you won’t miss your secure, convenient online COLA notice.
Remember, our services are free of charge. No government agency or reputable company will solicit your personal information or request advanced fees for services in the form of wire transfers or gift cards. Avoid falling victim to fraudulent calls and internet “phishing” schemes by not revealing personal information, selecting malicious links, or opening malicious attachments. You can learn more about the ways we protect your personal information and my Social Security account here.
By Angela Kelm Assistant Athletic Director for Sports Information
River Falls, Wis. — The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater football team, ranked seventh according to D3football.com, took down fourth-ranked UW-River Falls on their home field Saturday afternoon.
Tommy Coates dives into the end zone for a touchdown (Olivia Zinanni)
The Warhawks were dominant in the first half. The Falcons generated more offense in the second half, but two statistics stood out and sealed the game for UWW — the Warhawks tallied four takeaways and owned the possession game with the offense on the field for 38:14 in the contest. Two of those takeaways led to points and a hefty UWW lead in the first half.
After a three-and-out on the first drive of the game, the Warhawk defense forced a punt and the offense capitalized. UWW went 55 yards in 14 plays capped by an Alec Ogden six-yard touchdown scamper.
The UWW defense got the offense back onto the field in a hurry. Six plays into the Falcons’ next drive, Joey Antonietti picked off UWRF quarterback Kaleb Blaha, one of the best in the nation, for his third interception in as many games. Once again, the UW-Whitewater offense capitalized. Ogden hit Tommy Coates for a 13-yard reception on the first play. Two snaps later, Nick Wind hauled in an Ogden pass for a 36-yard gain. Two plays later, the Ogden-Coates connection was good from 21-yards out for the passing score. The Warhawks opted to go for two to make up for a missed extra point on the first touchdown, but the try was unsuccessful leaving UWW with a 12-0 lead.
The next series of drives was more of the same – a UWW takeaway that led to more points. This time Cole Yocum scooped up a fumble and returned it 32 yards to set up the Warhawk offense at the River Falls 30. The UW-Whitewater drive stalled sending out the field goal unit. Jeff Isotalo-McGuire split the uprights from 44-yards out to make it 15-0 Warhawks with over 10 minutes to go before the half.
The defense forced a punt with the offense getting into field goal range on UWW’s next drive, but the 53-yard attempt was no good giving the ball back to the Falcons at their own 26 with 5:27 left.
Kyle Koelblinger looks up the field after hauling in an interception (Olivia Zinanni)
UW-Whitewater’s stingy defense nearly held UWRF off the board in the first half forcing 4th down and 12 from the UWW 18 but Blaha was able to find a receiver in the end zone for the score. The extra point made it 15-7. The teams traded interceptions with Kyle Koelblinger picking off Konnor Aufenthie’s pass as time expired.
On the other side of the break, the defense continued to frustrate the Falcon offense, forcing a punt on the first drive of the half. Ogden went up the middle for 37 yards on UW-Whitewater’s first play of their drive. Tamir Thomas broke off the right side of the line and upfield for 22 more. He would cap the drive five plays later with a five-yard run. Another two-point attempt was unsuccessful to keep the score at 21-7.
That score held through the third. Early in the fourth the Falcons recovered a fumble and turned the takeaway into points to pull within a touchdown, 21-14, with over 13 minutes remaining.
Neither team was able to put up points in their ensuing drives and UWRF took over at their own 20 with 2:45 on the clock.
The Warhawk defense came up big, like they had been doing the whole game. After back-to-back incomplete passes for Blaha, Hawk Heffner came flying past the end of the line and straight to the quarterback for a sack and a loss of six yards to make it 4th and 16. Blaha’s next pass fell incomplete and the Warhawk offense took to the field in victory formation.
Ogden was 15-22 for 180 yards and a passing touchdown. He added 73 yards and a touchdown on the ground.
Thomas was UWW’s leading back with 68 yards and a touchdown. Nick Wind hauled in three catches for 63 yards while Coates caught five passes for 46 yards and the score.
Defensively, Heffner tallied seven tackles and the late sack. Antonietti posted seven tackles and had the i
River Falls, Wis. — The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater football team, ranked seventh according to D3football.com, took down fourth-ranked UW-River Falls on their home field Saturday afternoon.
Photo 1: Tommy Coates dives into the endzone for a touchdown (Olivia Zinanni)
Photo 2: Kyle Koelblinger looks up the field after hauling in an interception (Olivia Zinanni)
The Warhawks were dominant in the first half. The Falcons generated more offense in the second half, but two statistics stood out and sealed the game for UWW — the Warhawks tallied four takeaways and owned the possession game with the offense on the field for 38:14 in the contest. Two of those takeaways led to points and a hefty UWW lead in the first half.
After a three-and-out on the first drive of the game, the Warhawk defense forced a punt and the offense capitalized. UWW went 55 yards in 14 plays capped by an Alec Ogden six-yard touchdown scamper.
The UWW defense got the offense back onto the field in a hurry. Six plays into the Falcons’ next drive, Joey Antonietti picked off UWRF quarterback Kaleb Blaha, one of the best in the nation, for his third interception in as many games. Once again, the UW-Whitewater offense capitalized. Ogden hit Tommy Coates for a 13-yard reception on the first play. Two snaps later, Nick Wind hauled in an Ogden pass for a 36-yard gain. Two plays later, the Ogden-Coates connection was good from 21-yards out for the passing score. The Warhawks opted to go for two to make up for a missed extra point on the first touchdown, but the try was unsuccessful leaving UWW with a 12-0 lead.
The next series of drives was more of the same – a UWW takeaway that led to more points. This time Cole Yocum scooped up a fumble and returned it 32 yards to set up the Warhawk offense at the River Falls 30. The UW-Whitewater drive stalled sending out the field goal unit. Jeff Isotalo-McGuire split the uprights from 44-yards out to make it 15-0 Warhawks with over 10 minutes to go before the half.
The defense forced a punt with the offense getting into field goal range on UWW’s next drive, but the 53-yard attempt was no good giving the ball back to the Falcons at their own 26 with 5:27 left.
UW-Whitewater’s stingy defense nearly held UWRF off the board in the first half forcing 4th down and 12 from the UWW 18 but Blaha was able to find a receiver in the endzone for the score. The extra point made it 15-7. The teams traded interceptions with Kyle Koelblinger picking off Konnor Aufenthie’s pass as time expired.
On the other side of the break, the defense continued to frustrate the Falcon offense, forcing a punt on the first drive of the half. Ogden went up the middle for 37 yards on UW-Whitewater’s first play of their drive. Tamir Thomas broke off the right side of the line and upfield for 22 more. He would cap the drive five plays later with a five-yard run. Another two-point attempt was unsuccessful to keep the score at 21-7.
That score held through the third. Early in the fourth the Falcons recovered a fumble and turned the takeaway into points to pull within a touchdown, 21-14, with over 13 minutes remaining.
Neither team was able to put up points in their ensuing drives and UWRF took over at their own 20 with 2:45 on the clock.
The Warhawk defense came up big, like they had been doing the whole game. After back-to-back incomplete passes for Blaha, Hawk Heffner came flying passed the end of the line and straight to the quarterback for a sack and a loss of six yards to make it 4th and 16. Blaha’s next pass fell incomplete and the Warhawk offense took to the field in victory formation.
Ogden was 15-22 for 180 yards and a passing touchdown. He added 73 yards and a touchdown on the ground.
Thomas was UWW’s leading back with 68 yards and a touchdown. Nick Wind hauled in three catches for 63 yards while Coates caught five passes for 46 yards and the score.
Defensively, Heffner tallied seven tackles and the late sack. Antonietti posted seven tackles and had the interception. Koelblinger added five tackles and three pass breakups to his interception on the day. Matt Burba registered four tackles and a sack for a loss of 16 yards.
nterception. Koelblinger added five tackles and three pass breakups to his interception on the day. Matt Burba registered four tackles and a sack for a loss of 16 yards.
Editor’s note: The following press release was provided by the Whitewater Police Department.
Whitewater, WI – October 13, 2023 – On Friday, September 15, 2023 at 4:29 p.m., officers of the Whitewater Police Department responded to the Whitewater McDonald’s located at 1069 W. Main Street, after a group of juveniles reported an unknown female had yelled at them and brandished a concealed firearm. At one point, the suspect set the firearm down on a table with the barrel pointed in the direction of the juveniles. Officers were able to verify the events reported after reviewing surveillance footage. Officers determined that the female, as well as a male accompanying her, had handled the firearm. Ultimately, officers identified the suspects as Kya Hines, 19, and Trevor Barnes, 21, both of Elkhorn. Barnes was determined to have a prior felony conviction and was therefore disqualified from lawfully possessing a firearm.
On Thursday, September 21, 2023, the Whitewater Search Warrant Response Team (SRT) executed two separate search warrants, with support from Whitewater EMS and the Walworth County Sheriff’s Office. Hines and Barnes were taken into custody during the first search warrant, and Barnes’ residence was searched during the second search warrant. At the time of the arrest, Hines and Barnes were in possession of a large amount of ammunition and five firearms, four of which were determined to have been stolen.
The Walworth County District Attorney’s Office has formally charged Hines for the following crimes: Disorderly Conduct – Use of a Dangerous Weapon (Wis. Stat. 947.01), Intentionally Point Firearm at Person (Wis Stat. 941.20(1)(c)), Straw Purchasing of Firearm (Wis. Stat. 941.2905(1)), and Carrying a Concealed Weapon (Wis. Stat. 941.23(2)). The Walworth County District Attorney’s Office has formally charged Barnes with the following crime: Possession of a Firearm by a Felon (Wis Stat. 941.29(1m)(a)) (6 counts).
Further investigation into Hines and Barnes uncovered additional criminal activity that had occurred outside the City of Whitewater, including a burglary to a Walworth County residence as well as vandalism to, and theft from, multiple DNR cash deposit boxes. All information regarding those crimes was forwarded to agencies with proper jurisdiction.
It is noted that this case has not been concluded. Unless a judgment of conviction is entered, the defendants are presumed innocent of all charges.
La Policía de Whitewater realiza arrestos en caso que involucra una arma de fuego mostrada. Whitewater, WI – 13 de octubre de 2023 – El viernes 15 de septiembre de 2023 a las 4:29 pm, los oficiales del Departamento de Policía de Whitewater respondieron al McDonald ‘s de Whitewater ubicado en 1069 W. Main Street, después de que un grupo de jóvenes informara que una mujer desconocida les había gritado y sacado un arma de fuego oculta. En un momento dado, la sospechosa colocó el arma en una mesa apuntando el cañón en dirección a los jóvenes. Los oficiales pudieron verificar los eventos reportados después de revisar las imágenes de vigilancia. Los oficiales determinaron que la mujer, así como un hombre que la acompañaba, habían manipulado el arma de fuego. Finalmente, los oficiales identificaron a los sospechosos como Kya Hines, de 19 años, y Trevor Barnes, de 21 años, ambos de Elkhorn. Se determinó que Barnes tenía una condena previa por delito grave y por lo tanto estaba descalificado para poseer legalmente un arma de fuego.
El jueves 21 de septiembre de 2023, el Equipo de Respuesta a Órdenes de Registro de Whitewater (SRT) ejecutó dos órdenes de registro separadas, con el apoyo del Servicio de Emergencias Médicas de Whitewater y la Oficina del Sheriff del Condado de Walworth. Hines y Barnes fueron arrestados durante la primera orden de registro, y la residencia de Barnes fue registrada durante la segunda orden de registro. En el momento del arresto, Hines y Barnes estaban en posesión de una gran cantidad de municiones y cinco armas de fuego, cuatro de las cuales se determinó que habían sido robadas.
La Oficina del Fiscal de Distrito del Condado de Walworth ha acusado formalmente a Hines por los siguientes delitos: Conducta Desordenada – Uso de un Arma Peligrosa (Wis. Stat. 947.01), Intención de Apuntar con un Arma de Fuego a Persona (Wis Stat. 941.20( 1) (c)), Compra Ficticia de Armas de Fuego (Wis. Stat. 941.2905(1)), y Porte de Arma Oculta (Wis. Stat. 941.23(2)). La Oficina del Fiscal de Distrito del Condado de Walworth también ha acusado formalmente a Barnes por el siguiente delito: Posesión de Arma de Fuego por un Delincuente (Wis Stat. 941.29(1m)(a)) (6 cargos).
Investigaciones adicionales sobre Hines y Barnes descubrieron actividades delictivas adicionales que habían ocurrido fuera de la Ciudad de Whitewater, incluido un robo a una residencia en el Condado de Walworth, así como vandalismo y robo de múltiples cajas de depósito de efectivo de DNR. Toda la información sobre esos delitos fue remitida a las agencias con jurisdicción adecuada.
Se señala que este caso no ha sido concluido. A menos que se pronuncie un juicio de condena, se presume que los acusados son inocentes de todos los cargos.
It’s time once again for #FlashbackFriday with the Whitewater Historical Society.
Continuing last week’s theme of historic houses (but with ones still standing) in Whitewater, this week’s view is a c.1870 stereoscope image of the Smith-Allen house at 445 W. Center St. Built in 1856, this house was one of the first stylish “mansions” built in Whitewater. Its style is Italianate (Italian Villa type), the most popular architectural style in the United States at the time. It is one of the finest historic houses in the area thanks to Dan Richardson and Pat Blackmer, who have restored and maintained it for a number of years.
Join us next week for another historic houses photo from the Whitewater Historical Society.
