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(WI Dept of Revenue press release, March 18) The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) issued news release yesterday indicating that the federal income tax filing and payment due date for individuals for the 2020 tax year will be automatically extended from April 15, 2021 to May 17, 2021. The IRS will provide formal guidance in the coming days. As a result, the Wisconsin individual income tax return filing and payment due dates are extended to May 17, 2021. Wisconsin law provides for an extension of time and waiver of interest and penalties when the IRS extends filing deadlines during a presidentially-declared disaster.

“This has been a hard year for everyone. People are still trying to catch up financially and emotionally. Extending the tax deadline to May 17 should help make things a bit easier for those who need the extra time,” said Department of Revenue Secretary Peter Barca.

• Individuals do not have to file any extension forms to be eligible for this new due date.
• No interest or penalties will accrue during the period of April 15, 2021 to May 17, 2021. Interest and late filing fees will apply beginning May 18, 2021.
• No underpayment interest will apply for failure to make quarterly estimated individual income tax payments for the 2020 tax year.
• This relief is solely for 2020 individual income tax returns and payments that are normally due on due April 15, 2021.

• This relief does not apply to:
o 2021 estimated tax payments for individuals, the first payment of which is due April 15, 2021, or
o to any other returns or tax payments due to the Department of Revenue.

“Roughly, half of all taxpayers in Wisconsin have already filed their tax returns, and most have received refunds, on
average over $800,” noted Department of Revenue Secretary Peter Barca. “We are still processing returns and issuing refunds and other credits that Wisconsinites rely on such as the Homestead Credit and Earned Income Tax Credit.”

The Wisconsin Department of Revenue notes that most services are found online at www.revenue.wi.gov
Customer service phone number:
• Individuals: (608) 266-2772

(UW-Whitewater submission, March 10) The Joint Committee on Finance announced today that the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater will host the first of three locations chosen for in-person public hearings on the next state budget.

“First, I want to thank the Joint Committee on Finance for choosing UW-Whitewater for one of these important meetings. It is such an honor to host a meeting in which committee members will seek feedback from people across Wisconsin on the priorities for next state budget. This is a critical part of the budget process,” Chancellor Dwight C. Watson said. “This is also a great time for members of the legislature and the state to get to know more about our amazing university, and to see their financial support of UW-Whitewater at work. This is simply a wonderful opportunity for UW-Whitewater and our community.”

The format will be similar to past hearings and attendees will be asked to fill out a form upon arrival to be added to the queue to testify. Those attending in-person will be required to wear a facial covering and practice social distancing as part of campus COVID-19 protocols.

The event, on Friday, April 9, will begin at 10 a.m. and conclude at 5 p.m. The location on campus will be announced in the coming days.

The other in-person hearings will take place in Rhinelander and Menomonie.

A virtual public hearing is also scheduled, and pre-registration will be required for the virtual hearing. The registration process and details are in development and will be released as soon as possible via the new JFC website, which is also a portal for constituents to provide input: www.legis.wisconsin.gov/topics/budgetcomments. The JFC has also developed a dedicated email address for input only: budget.comments@legis.wisconsin.gov.

(The Pauquette Center submission) The Pauquette Center for Psychological Services has named a new Executive Director. On January 1, 2021, Dr. Lesley Chapin succeeded Dr. Thomas Hayes, who had held that position for the past 25 years. Dr. Chapin took over the day-to-day operations at the same time the Pauquette center opened its 8^th clinic in Whitewater.

In 2020, the Portage based psychological services company began operations in Madison, and expanded consultation and training services throughout the state. Dr. Chapin was instrumental in those projects, and was the logical choice to succeed Dr. Hayes. Dr. Chapin continues active work as a psychologist, with her home office in the Madison clinic. Dr. Hayes will continue to work out of the Portage office, and continues in his role as President and Chief Executive Officer.

The Pauquette Centers for Psychological Services has operated continuously since 1965. It operates clinics in Portage, Columbus, Baraboo, Sauk Prairie, Reedsburg, Richland Center, Madison, and Whitewater at the Innovation Center. There are currently over 40 professional staff that provide an array of psychological, psychotherapy and counseling services, serving primarily rural Wisconsin.

Ginny Coburn submitted this photo, which was taken by her grandson Langdon. She writes, “This bald eagle has been a frequent visitor to Trippe Lake recently. Langdon Coburn took this photo about March 1 using his cell phone and a pair of binoculars.  In late February the eagle was seen flying southeast with a large branch in its talons, an indicator of nest building.”

Our thanks to Langdon and Ginny Coburn for sharing this great photo with us.

— Our Readers Share: We hope that you might have something that you’d be willing to share.  Anything that’s been created by someone else should, of course, be credited, and you should ask their permission if you’re able. We cannot post copyrighted material without permission. We can’t guarantee that we’ll have space for all submissions, and contributions will be subject to editorial board approval. The one definite exclusion is anything politically oriented. We will assume that you’re willing for us to include your name as the submitter unless you indicate that you prefer to remain anonymous. Send to whitewaterbanner@gmail.com or click on “submit a story” near the top right of our homepage.  Thanks for thinking about this!

NEA Big Read Book Giveaway Day at Irvin L. Young Memorial Library – Monday, April 5th 12:30 – 7:00 p.m.
Monday, April 5th is our book giveaway day! Stop in and pick up a free copy of this year’s NEA Big Read selection The Latehomecomer. Available while supplies last.

(Studio 84 submission) Spring is traditionally a time of new growth and renewal and spring 2021 will be a welcome ‘ReLeaf ‘ from the troubles that 2020 brought us!

You are invited to join Studio 84 (virtually) for our Annual Gala Night with a bonus Cupcake Battle Fundraiser on April 17th  The virtual gala is free to attend as it always has been when we gathered in person. 

Since we won’t be meeting in person, we knew everyone would be missing the food and especially the cupcakes. So as a fundraiser we will have bakers competing for the honor of your vote as the best decorated and the best tasting cupcakes.  You can purchase your cupcake tickets on our website at www.studio84inc.org.   Only 48 cupcakes tickets will be available and they sell for $20. You will receive up to a dozen cupcakes and can pick them up curbside  on April 17  from 12-2 at Studio 84. Enjoy your cupcakes as you watch the gala event that night starting at 5 pm. Enjoy meeting some of our artists  as they talk about why they love  art and a few other things.  As always you can shop for all your favorite artist’s items during the event.   

Money raised from this event will go to help support our programming in the arts for people with disabilities.

Two entries into the Cupcake Battle are Katie Krueger and Susie Feurestein. Baker Katie says, “I’m a UW-Whitewater alum and current MBA student with an unstoppable addiction to baking boozy cupcakes. On top of that, I’m passionate about how the arts can impact our lives. So when I got the opportunity to support Studio 84 through baking cupcakes, it was a no-brainer! If you liked my chocolate boilermaker cupcakes from last fall, you’ll LOVE what I’m whipping up for the ReLeaf Cupcake Battle.” 

Cupcake Baker Susie states, “I work for the University of Whitewater and that is how I heard about this wonderful event.  I was curious what Studio 84 was, not being from Whitewater. I immediately looked up the website.  Wow!  I was very impressed with the art, the videos and the organization.  Since I love baking, I thought why not throw my baking hat into the ring.  It is a win win, I get to bake and contribute to the Gala.  I hope for a successful evening for Studio 84 and that many will enjoy the wonderful cupcakes made by all!”

For details on theSpring ReLeaf Gala Event and to order  your cupcakes  visit Studio 84 online at www.studio84inc.org.