We’ve been working since 2009 to grow local and healthy produce in an open space that enables residents to plant, grow and maintain their own garden plots.
30 plots are available to the public with the idea of bringing together community members of all ages and cultures in the Whitewater area.
Water is provided by the City of Whitewater and is available for registered members.
The main water source is located on the property with additional hoses throughout the plots.
There is also a locked shed filled with everything you need to tend to your plot.
The Plots at WWCG are reserved for residents of Whitewater, WI.
Beginning March 15th 2023, returning gardeners in good standing may submit their application for the 2023 season with a Deadline of April 1st.
Payment will be taken after April 1st and after application is accepted.
Beginning April 10th, 2023, new gardeners may submit their application for a garden plot ona first-come, first-served basis.
The spring general election will be held on Tuesday, April 4 from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. The City of Whitewater has only one polling place for this election, the Downtown Armory, 146 W. North Street. Sample ballots for city residents may be viewed here https://whitewater-wi.gov/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=503. Wards 1-10 are in Walworth County; Wards 11-13 are in Jefferson County.
The races and candidates for the City of Whitewater and the Whitewater Unified School District are shown below.
State Supreme Court – Vote for One Candidates in Ballot Order – Janet C. Protasiewicz – Daniel Kelly
Responses of the candidates to a League of Women Voters questionnaire may be viewed here after entering your address.
Whitewater Unified School District School Board – Vote for up to three; the three candidates with the highest votes will be elected. Candidates in Ballot Order Chuck Mills Thayer A. Coburn (Incumbent) Stephanie Hicks Lisa Huempfner Christy Linse Joseph A. Kromholz
Information about and perspectives of the school board candidates may be viewed here. ____________________________________________________________________________________________________
City of Whitewater Municipal Judge – Vote for one Candidates in Ballot Order Patrick E. Taylor (Incumbent) Art Coleman
Information about and perspectives of the judge candidates may be viewed here. ____________________________________________________________________________________________________
City of Whitewater Common Council Member – District 1 – Vote for one David Stone
City of Whitewater Common Council Member – District 5 – Vote for one Neil Hicks
City of Whitewater Common Council Member – At large – Vote for one Lisa Dawsey Smith (Incumbent) ________________________________________________________________________________________________
There are also three referendums. Information on them is here. ________________________________________________________________________________________________
Residents of Jefferson County also have two unopposed judicial races:
Court of Appeals Judge – District 4 – Vote for one Chris Taylor
Circuit Court Judge – Branch 4 – Vote for one Bennett J. Brantmeier ________________________________________________________________________________________________
What is required in order to vote and/or to register to vote?
Specific types of photo identification are required in order to vote. This website shows the acceptable forms of ID.
Citizens may register to vote at the polls. Proof of residence is required. This website shows the acceptable forms. A qualified elector is any U.S. citizen who:
is 18 years of age or older on Election Day.
has resided in the ward or municipality where they wish to vote for at least 28 consecutive days before the election.
The WUSD Lincoln 5th Grade Choir is thrilled to be performing the National Anthem at the Milwaukee Brewers game against the Astros on Wednesday, May 24th at 11:50 a.m. Please come support us and watch a great game at our reduced group price! Tickets will be only $17 (half price) on the Loge level, section 206, which is in the shade on the second level. Advance purchase of general parking at $13 saves $2 over gameday, with advance purchase of preferred parking being $18 versus $25 on gameday. We would love to see you there!
Please contact Teddy Sibilsky with the Brewers at 414-902-4657 if you have additional questions about the event. To secure your tickets and parking, please follow these steps: 1. Select your seats and parking pass. 2. Proceed to checkout. 3. Access your digital tickets via the MLB Ballpark App. For more information on using the app, visit brewers.com/ballparkapp.
Time in nature is essential to our physical, emotional and mental wellbeing. It can calm our stress levels, increase our creativity, empathy and our sense of wonder and improve our social interactions and communication. Even small connections with nature can help reduce feelings of loneliness, isolation and anxiety, and bring significant health benefits. Persons with dementia can benefit from spending time in nature
Just 20 minutes of movement outside can stimulate the brain, releasing hormones that provide the right environment for the growth of new cells. Just sitting on a park bench beneath filtered sunlight can bring the light and oxygen that are essential to the function of our brains. Nature helps the brain release ‘happy hormones’ which are associated with feelings of pleasure, love and happiness. These hormones also reduce depression and anxiety and assist with learning, memory, motor system function, and essential processes like heart rate and digestion.
In 1984 a study found that patients in a hospital who had a view of nature recovered faster. Scientists have studied the health benefits of nature ever since, and have discovered just being in nature makes a difference. All the better if we can connect and interact such as holding a flower, listening to birdsong or digging in the dirt.
For people with dementia, research shows that meaningful outdoor activity and connection with the natural environment can have a positive effect and can slow down the progression of the symptoms.
A less well-known fact is that some trees and plants also release chemicals that have benefits to our health, for example pinene which is present in pine and spruce trees helps us to breathe more easily, allowing more air (and oxygen) into the lungs, and therefore the brain. It also has anti-inflammatory effects. Breathing deeply in a pine forest can bring some of these benefits.
It’s tempting to think it’s not worth going to the effort of taking someone with dementia outside because they will just forget it has happened. However research shows we may not remember the activity, but the ‘feel good factor’ may continue to make a person feel content well after the event. Persons with dementia have lost some of the factual and short term memory forebrain function but the part of the brain (the amygdala) which holds emotional memory is fully functional. A pleasurable experience in nature can cause a feeling of well-being and comfort to stay for a long time.
This article is submitted by Dementia Friendly Community Initiative, which is a program of Whitewater Seniors in the Park. New members are always welcome. Contact jfrench@whitewater-wi.gov or call Jennifer French at 262 473 0535.
University of Wisconsin Organ and Tissue Donation (UW OTD) has awarded Fort HealthCare (FHC) the Excellence in Tissue Donation award for their donation performance in 2022.
UW OTD’s award recognizes the dedication of hospital teams to maximize the amazing gift of organ and tissue transplantation. FHC earned the Excellence in Tissue Donation award for exceeding tissue consent rate goals.
“Organ and tissue donation brings hope to patients and families in the communities we serve, said Lisa Jensen, MBA, BSN, RN, Vice President Nursing Services and Chief Nursing Officer at Fort HealthCare. “It is an honor to provide the opportunity for the gift of donation in collaboration with UW OTD.”
The Excellence in Tissue Donation award is given to hospitals that achieve at least a 60% consent rate. This metric measures the collaborative work between the hospital staff and tissue bank in coordinating communication around tissue consent conversations. Fort HealthCare’s tissue consent rate for 2022 was 71%, thanks to the gifts of donors and families.
95% of Americans are in favor of being a donor, but only 58% are registered. Signing up means you could save a life. To register to be an organ and tissue donor, visit organdonor.gov.
About University of Wisconsin Organ and Tissue Donation
UW Organ and Tissue Donation (UW OTD) is one of 57 federally designated, not-for-profit organ procurement organizations in the nation. UW OTD advocates for donors, donor families and recipients and educates healthcare professionals and the public to enrich and save lives through organ and tissue donation. Our vision is to identify and maximize every opportunity to save lives through organ donation.
According to a press release from the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Department, deputies responded on Saturday, April 1 at 8:24 p.m. to a single vehicle crash on State Highway 106 near Calkins Road in the Town of Palmyra. It is indicated that preliminary investigation shows that the driver of a vehicle traveling northbound on STH 106 lost control and entered the ditch, striking a culvert which caused the vehicle to turn over, with one of the two occupants being ejected from the vehicle. Both of the occupants were declared to be deceased of their injuries on the scene.
By Lynn Binnie Whitewater Banner volunteer staff whitewaterbanner@gmail.com
There seems to have been very little mention in the media about the fact that there are three referendums appearing on the April 4 ballot. In the Walworth County portion of the city the referendums will appear on the second side of the ballot. The questions are shown below. Questions one and two are binding referendums, which is to say that the Wisconsin Constitution will be amended if they are passed by the voters. The Legislature has already passed them for the required two times, and if approved in this election they will go into effect, as they cannot be vetoed by the governor.
Question three, however, is an advisory, non-binding referendum which has no legal effect.
This article by the Associated Press on the PBS Wisconsin website provides a variety of views on the referendums.
State of Wisconsin Conditions of Release Before Conviction Referendum – Question 1 Vote for one QUESTION 1: “Conditions of release before conviction. Shall section 8 (2) of article I of the constitution be amended to allow a court to impose on an accused person being released before conviction conditions that are designed to protect the community from serious harm?” Yes No
State of Wisconsin Cash Bail Before Conviction Referendum – Question 2 Vote for one QUESTION 2: “Cash bail before conviction. Shall section 8 (2) of article I of the constitution be amended to allow a court to impose cash bail on a person accused of a violent crime based on the totality of the circumstances, including the accused’s previous convictions for a violent crime, the probability that the accused will fail to appear, the need to protect the community from serious harm and prevent witness intimidation, and potential affirmative defenses?” Yes No
State of Wisconsin Welfare Benefits Referendum – Question 3 Vote for one QUESTION 3: “Shall able-bodied, childless adults be required to look for work in order to receive taxpayer-funded welfare benefits?” Yes No
Procession 1:00 – First English Lutheran Church (ELCA) 401 W. Main St. 1:45 – Congregational UCC 133 S. Franklin St. 2:30 – First United Methodist Church (UMC) 145 S. Prairie St.
Many churches, one unifying service for the solemn observation of Good Friday, remembering the crucifixion of Jesus Christ.
This ecumenical (inter-denominational) Christian service has been organized by the Whitewater Ministerial Association, is open to the public, and will feature a procession from sanctuary to sanctuary, carrying the cross and praying together.
While you are welcome to join at any time, participants are encouraged to attend the full event (consisting of three 30 minute services with time for movement in between).
Editor’s note: The following announcement was received from Rock River Community Clinic.
Rock River Community Clinic Welcomes Elizabeth Lucht as Behavioral Health Director & Integrated Care Specialist
Rock River Community Clinic (RRCC) has recently announced the hiring of Elizabeth (Beth) Lucht as a Behavioral Health Director & Integrated Care Specialist to implement and oversee the addition of integrated behavioral health services at all RRCC clinics located in Whitewater, Fort Atkinson, Jefferson & Watertown.
“We are delighted to have Beth join our RRCC team and lead our efforts towards providing integrated behavioral healthcare to our patients,” states Olivia Nichols, CEO/Executive Director of RRCC. “Behavioral health is a vital component to the overall health of our patients, and it’s something we know our communities are lacking. Having someone with Beth’s background, experience and passion for this type of care will help ensure that our transition into this crucial service is as effective as possible for all those we serve.”
Lucht is a Certified Physician Assistant (PA-C) and Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with Masters of Science degrees in both Social Work and Physician Assistant Studies with Pathway of Distinction in Global Health, both from University of Wisconsin – Madison. Her three decades of experience have spanned positions as a Physician Assistant, Psychiatrist Physician Assistant, Clinical Specialist, Psychotherapist and Adjunct Faculty member of the UW-Madison Physician Assistant Program.
“During my time as a PA, I’ve worked in specialty mental health care, primary care and in leadership positions. This has given me a lot of insight into the primary care world, and strengthened my belief that patients do best when we can meet as many healthcare needs as possible at the primary care level,” states Lucht. “Offering patients integrated behavioral health services removes barriers, allows a team approach that can be tailored to their needs and desires, and ensures more seamless communication between primary care and behavioral health clinicians.”
Lucht’s role will be responsible for helping build and support patient care teams of providers, therapists, social workers, and care navigators at all RRCC medical and dental clinics. Her overall duties will include, but are not limited to, developing clinical policies and procedures, supporting clinical operations of behavioral health integration, recruiting and training physicians to engage in behavioral health services, working with the Quality Assurance committee to achieve program goals and objectives, establishing behavioral health services priorities, creating long-range development strategies, and much more.
“I’m passionate about helping people access behavioral health services, especially people with limited resources and barriers to care,” states Lucht. “I also love the chance to build something from the ground up, so helping RRCC get a behavioral health program going was exactly the kind of job that fits for me in terms of my values and what I enjoy doing.”
In December of 2022, RRCC received an official designation as a Federally Qualified Health Center Look-Alike (FQHC-LAL). A primary goal of becoming an FQHC-LAL was to expand access to needed behavioral health services in the community. Integrated Behavioral Health services are a cornerstone of many FQHC’s in the state of Wisconsin, and have a track-record of strong success in supporting access to services.
“Our organization is in an exciting time of transition and growth, and we knew our next step was to focus on integrating more care services and addressing behavioral health needs,” adds Nichols. “Our designation as an FQHC-LAL puts us in a stronger position to pursue and sustain that work long-term, and we couldn’t be more thrilled to work and learn with Beth to do so.”
“I’m excited about the opportunities to collaborate with RRCC community providers,” adds Lucht. “I’m also excited to collaborate with the wonderful primary care providers and support staff already in place at the clinic and work together to make sure our patients can get their behavioral health care needs met. The energy at RRCC is fantastic! I love the focus on the patient and the opportunities for creativity and creation.”
Lucht officially began her role with RRCC in early February, and will begin seeing patients through their primary care visits in April.
Rock River Community Clinic is actively hiring for additional clinic positions, including a part-time nurse practitioner or physician assistant at their Watertown location. The Fort Atkinson dental clinic also has open hygiene and dental assistant positions. Both part-time and full-time options are available. Interested applicants can visit https://rockrivercommunityclinic.com/careers/ for full details.
All three RRCC medical clinics accept BadgerCare, Medicare, and most private health insurance plans for health services. RRCC dental clinic accepts BadgerCare and continues to be the only provider for BadgerCare/Medicaid in Jefferson County. Financial assistance is also available for uninsured families to ensure all have access to high quality, affordable healthcare. For a full list of insurance plans and eligibility details, visit https://rockrivercommunityclinic.com/eligibility/.
Rock River Community Clinic (RRCC) provides comprehensive and cost-effective health care services to ensure all community members have access to care. Serving families in Jefferson, Dodge, and Walworth County, RRCC includes three medical clinics located in Whitewater, Watertown, and Jefferson, and one dental clinic located in Fort Atkinson.
At RRCC, all community members are welcome and accepted, regardless of ability to pay, with discounted prices for patients who are uninsured or underinsured (high deductible plans). RRCC also provides care coordination services to help patients overcome barriers to accessing healthcare and coordinate referrals. Bilingual staff (Spanish & English) are available to support patients and their families. By increasing access to health care services, offering care at affordable costs, and assisting with healthcare navigation, RRCC works to create a healthier, more equitable, community. For clinic hours and directions, visit www.rockrivercommunityclinic.org
By Lynn Binnie Whitewater Banner volunteer staff whitewaterbanner@gmail.com
When the body of a deceased infant was found in a box in a field at the Twin Oaks Mobile Home Park, 755 N. Tratt Street, on March 4, investigators indicated that they believed that the boy’s body had been there for less than 48 hours. According to the Probable Cause and Criminal Complaint documents filed in Jefferson County Circuit Court, however, the newborn’s body had been in the field for five weeks.
Per the Probable Cause Statement submitted by Whitewater Police Detective Anthony Heilberger, he and Special Agent Bob Juarez of the WI Department of Justice Division of Criminal Investigation interviewed Santos Asucena Caseres Cruz twice on March 24. On the first occasion Caseres Cruz denied being pregnant and denied knowing information about the deceased infant. Later in the day she admitted that at approximately 6 p.m. on January 27 she gave birth to a baby boy, indicating that the baby did not appear to be breathing, did not cry, was not moving and started to turn purple. Although she believed the baby was choking she never aided the baby to help it breathe, and did not call 911 because she was scared that her children would be upset that she was pregnant and that this was with a different man than their father. After having hid the baby from her family she eventually wrapped it in a new shirt, placed the baby in a cardboard box in a garbage bag, and drove to a field near the trailer park at approximately 5 a.m. on January 28, leaving the baby behind. She stated that she checked on the box every day and cried.
An autopsy was conducted on March 6 by Brian Linert, M.D. of the Milwaukee Medical Examiner’s Office. Dr. Linert indicated that he was not able to determine a cause of death.
Caseras Cruz, age 39, of 755 N. Tratt Street, Lot 42, was charged in Jefferson County Circuit Court on March 28 with two felonies: Neglecting a child – consequence is death and Move/hide/bury corpse of child. Upon conviction an individual may be fined not more than $100,000 and $25,000 respectively for those offenses, or imprisoned not more than 25 years and 12 years and 6 months, or both. Caseras Cruz is currently confined at the Jefferson County Jail on a $10,000 cash bond. Her preliminary hearing is scheduled for April 4. A charge is merely an accusation and a defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proved guilty.
