Editor’s note: Although the following press release was issued on April 5, 2024, no progress has been reported in locating the subject children. Their photos may be found here.

In September 2023, Walworth County Child Protective Services contacted the Walworth County Sheriff’s Office for assistance in locating Ava (age 6), Ezekiel (age 13), Justice (age 12), and Perpetua (age 15) Bushey, of Whitewater, WI. The Walworth County Sheriff’s Office has conducted an extensive investigation into their whereabouts. Early in the investigation, it was found that the family had suddenly left the state of Wisconsin and was believed to be in the southern part of the United States. Walworth County Child Protective Services has issued a civil warrant to check on the welfare of the children.

The Walworth County Sheriff’s Office has consulted with the Walworth County District Attorney’s Office for review. The Walworth County District Attorney’s Office has determined there are no criminal violations of the law at this time.

Both our agency and the Walworth County Child Protective Services have followed up on numerous leads and are working with outside law enforcement agencies in an attempt to locate the children. We reached out to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) and are looking for the community’s help in locating these children and checking their welfare.

The primary concern for locating the children is to determine if they are receiving proper medical care related to their medical needs. Court orders are in place to allow Walworth County Child Protective Services to take custody of the children if located. There are no concerns for violence to the children and there are no concerns for harm to the public.

Anyone with information, please contact Walworth County Child Protective Services at 262-741-3200.

National Center for Missing and Exploited Children Reference #2001829

 
Young children and their caregivers are invited to “Music & Art Wonder Club,” a free class at the Irvin L. Young Memorial Library on Monday, April 29 at 5:45 – 7:00 p.m. Participants will explore a world instrument petting zoo, create an upcycled process art project, and engage in a whimsical music and movement program with instrument and movement props. Best for ages 3-8; all ages welcome.

The class is taught by Noelle Larson, a Board-Certified Music Therapist, graduate of Whitewater High School and Berklee College of Music, and the owner of Circle of Song Music Therapy, LLC. Noelle has a passion for helping clients and participants to “Connect, Thrive, and Come Alive Through Music,” strengthen family relationships, learn adaptive coping strategies, and experience wonder and joy through the delight of participating in live music making.

There is no cost or registration to attend. The library is located at 431 W. Center Street in Whitewater. Contact Sarah French with questions at sfrench@whitewater-wi.gov or 262-473-0530.

Nearly seven million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s including 110,000 in Wisconsin. As an Alzheimer’s Association Volunteer advocate, it is my honor to raise my voice on their behalf. I understand firsthand the impact this disease has on Wisconsin families. My wife, Pat, of 53 years was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s at Mayo Clinic in 2018. Her decline from this devastating disease has been difficult to watch. I recently attended the 2024 AIM [Alzheimer’s Impact Movement] Advocacy Forum in Washington, D.C. with my fellow Alzheimer’s Association advocates from across the country. The attendance was 1,000 strong. The purpose was to meet with our members of Congress to call for support of the NAPA Reauthorization Act, the Alzheimer’s Accountability and Investment Act, the BOLD Reauthorization Act and the AADAPT Act. Each of these bills will ensure that the nation continues to prioritize addressing Alzheimer’s and dementia as major health issues. These programs will promote early detection, implement dementia interventions, and help support the needs of caregivers. Thank you to Congressman Bryan Steil for listening to those of us impacted by Alzheimer’s. Please join me and the Alzheimer’s Association in encouraging Rep. Steil to advance the policies that will continue making progress in the fight against Alzheimer’s and all other dementia.

This issue is not Red or Blue; it is Purple
Randy Cruse
Whitewater

Editor’s note: The following press release was issued by the Wisconsin Department of Health Services. The photo of a measles skin rash on the homepage is from the CDC.

Following a confirmed case of measles, the Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS), in coordination with Public Health Madison & Dane County and Rock County Public Health, are working to identify and directly notify people who may have been exposed to the measles virus.

The investigation has identified the following exposure locations in public settings for which a full list of exposed people cannot be obtained.

Individuals who were at the following locations may have been exposed to measles.

• Kwik Trip, 603 W. Madison Ave. Milton, WI, on Sunday April 21, 2024, between 2:30 and 5 p.m.
• SSM Health Dean Medical Group – Janesville, 3200 E. Racine St., Janesville, WI, on Monday, April 22, 2024, between 1 and 5 p.m., and SSM Health St. Mary’s Hospital – Janesville, 3400 E. Racine St., Janesville, WI, on Tuesday, April 23, 2024 between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m.
• uBreakiFix, 2810 E. Washington Ave., Madison, WI on Monday, April 22, 2024 between 5 and 7:30 p.m.
• Noodles and Co., 110 Limestone Pass, Cottage Grove, WI on Monday, April 22, 2024 between 5:15 and 7:45 p.m.

People at these locations during those dates and times should check their measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccination status as soon as possible. Wisconsin residents can find their immunization records using the Wisconsin Immunization Registry (WIR). Instructions are available in English, Spanish, and Hmong. If you are unable to access your records, please contact your doctor’s office or your local health department.

Measles is a highly contagious disease that can be spread from person to person through the air and can stay in the air for up to two hours after a sick person coughs or sneezes. After exposure to someone with measles, symptoms can take from seven to 21 days to show up.

Symptoms of measles include:

• Runny nose
• High fever (may be greater than 104°F)
• Tiredness
• Cough
• Red, watery eyes, or conjunctivitis (“pink eye”)
• A red rash with raised bumps that starts at the hairline and moves to the arms and legs three to five days after symptoms begin.

If you develop any symptoms of measles, stay home (do not go to work, school, shopping, or use public transportation) and call your doctor’s office or clinic before visiting so they can take precautions so that other patients are not exposed to the virus. For free, confidential assistance finding a doctor or community clinic near you, dial 211.

The MMR vaccine is available at area doctor’s offices or clinics, local health departments, and some local pharmacies. If you do not have health insurance, or your insurance may not cover vaccines, the Vaccines for Children and Vaccines for Adults programs may be able to help.

For more information about measles, visit the DHS measles webpage. Additional information regarding this investigation will be released as necessary.

Symphonic Wind Ensemble – Sunday @ 3 p.m., Young Auditorium, 930 W. Main St.
Experience the symphonic melodies of our renowned Wind Ensemble under the direction of Dr. Glenn Hayes. Join us for an extraordinary afternoon of musical excellence as our talented musicians deliver a performance that will truly move you. Tickets are $7 for adults and $4 for age 65+ or under age 18. They may be purchased online. Tickets purchased at the door are subject to a $2 surcharge.

Chamber Singers & Vocal Jazz, Sunday @ 7:30 p.m., Light Recital Hall, 950 W. Main Street
Experience the vocal mastery of the Chamber Singers and Vocal Jazz groups as they come together for an exciting afternoon of music. From classical and world music to swing, jazz, and musical theatre, this concert promises to be an eclectic celebration of vocal talent. Tickets are $7 for adults and $4 for age 65+ or under age 18. They may be purchased online. Tickets purchased at the door are subject to a $2 surcharge.

University/Community Band, Monday @ 7:30 p.m., Young Auditorium, 930 W. Main Street
Celebrate the harmony of community and campus talent as the University/Community Band takes the stage. Join us for an inspiring evening filled with the melodic synergy of UW-Whitewater’s exceptional student musicians and our dedicated community members. Tickets are $7 for adults and $4 for age 65+ or under age 18. They may be purchased online. Tickets purchased at the door are subject to a $2 surcharge.

Whitewater Symphony Orchestra, Tuesday @ 7:30 p.m., Young Auditorium, 950 W. Main St.
Experience the brilliance of the esteemed Whitewater Symphony Orchestra. Immerse yourself in a captivating symphonic journey as the orchestra’s harmonious blend of woodwinds, brass, percussion, and strings come together to bring classical masterworks and modern-day compositions to life. With their unrivaled talent and dedication to musical excellence, the WSO promises an unforgettable performance that will leave you awe-inspired. Tickets are $7 for adults and $4 for age 65+ or under age 18. They may be purchased online. Tickets purchased at the door are subject to a $2 surcharge.

“Priscilla”

Tuesday, April 30, 1 pm

(Biography/Drama) Rated R (language)

1 hour, 53 minutes (2023).

The story of Elvis Presley’s wife, Priscilla, the mother of Lisa Marie. Starring Jacob Elordi (Elvis), and Cailee Spaeny (Priscilla). Directed by Sofia Coppola. 

Seniors in the Park is located in Starin Park, 504 W. Starin Road. Although there is no charge to attend, regular participants are encouraged to join Seniors in the Park. The annual fee for residents of the Whitewater Unified School District is $10 and non-residents is $15. The funds support about half of the cost of our front desk staff person for 15 hours per week. The rest comes our of our fundraising monies. If you cannot afford the fee, we have a fund that will cover it for you. Fees are accepted at the Starin Park Community Building or online at https://schedulesplus.com/wwtr/kiosk/

Editor’s note: The following press release was provided by Scott Johnson. The image on the homepage is from Johnson’s Assembly website.

Statement from Scott Johnson, Candidate for the 43rd State Assembly District
Janesville WI

Representative Scott Johnson, Republican, announced he is running for the 43rd Wisconsin State Assembly District. This is an open district resulting from the 2024 redistricting that was recently signed into law by Governor Evers. Scott is currently the State Representative of the 33rd district which includes the north and east side of Janesville, the cities of Milton, Fort Atkinson and Jefferson. The new 43rd district includes the Milton area that Scott currently represents and now includes Edgerton, Whitewater, and a larger portion of the north and east side of Janesville.

For Scott this is a homecoming as he graduated from Milton High School and grew up on the family farm just a few miles east of Janesville in the new 43rd. As a lifelong farmer, Scott approaches his legislative role with practicality, logic, and common sense. Scott also served for 15 years on the Fort Atkinson School Board. While on the board, Scott led the community to adopt renewable geo-thermal and solar electric investments to reduce costs to heat and cool the school buildings.

The new 43rd will represent communities for Scott that resemble the past 33rd , representing a rural culture with strong community values. The match of the needs and desires of the citizens of the 43rd will make it a natural transition for Scott. He looks forward to continuing to fight for the people of the 43rd on issues that are important to them.

In his first term, Scott was, and will continue to, focus on issues related to education, roads, rural and agricultural economies, veterans, wetlands, human trafficking and a special interest in school bus safety.

“I am excited to meet you and learn more about your concerns, representing the 43rd district on those issues and more in Madison,” Johnson said.

It’s time once again for #FlashbackFriday with the Whitewater Historical Society. This week’s photo shows the stone stable, currently located next to the historical society’s depot museum on Whitewater Street. This photo was taken of the building in a former location. It ended up behind the First English Lutheran Church and was moved in 2007 to its current location in celebration of Whitewater’s Homecoming festival.

The building was constructed around 1845 and while originally thought to be a pioneer era wagon shop, it was most likely the first location of George Dann’s cooperage (barrel-making shop). Dann moved to a more expansive building after a couple of years and ran a successful barrel factory in the later nineteenth century. The stone stable gets its name from its use as a horse barn during much of its life in the 19th and early 20th centuries.

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

(5457P, Whitewater Historical Society)