Editor’s note: The following press release was received from the City of Whitewater.
The community will have the opportunity to hear from Fire Chief, City leaders and ask questions
The City of Whitewater will host two more public information sessions regarding the EMS staffing referendum that will appear on fall general election ballots on November 8, 2022. The sessions will be hosted in-person at two separate locations.
“In November, Whitewater residents will be asked whether they support increased property taxes to support EMS staffing,” said Kelly Freeman, Chief of Whitewater Fire and EMS. “These sessions will provide us the opportunity to share information and begin a dialogue with members of the community about the need for increased EMS staffing.”
Each information session will include a presentation from City officials as well as an opportunity to ask questions. Whitewater residents are encouraged to attend one of the two remaining information sessions:
● Saturday, October 8, at 10 a.m. – Irvin L. Young Memorial Library, 431 W. Center St ● Tuesday, October 11, at 5 p.m. – Whitewater Fire Station, 312 W. Whitewater St.
It’s time once again for #FlashbackFriday with the Whitewater Historical Society. This month we are taking a walk down Main Street via vintage post cards. The peak of post card popularity was during the first few decades of the 20th century and the historical society has a large collection of Whitewater-related cards.
This view, from about 1910, shows the Walworth Hotel and, in the distance, the Masonic Temple. The houses in between were demolished in the mid-20th century. This card also gives a good view of the type of streetlights that stood in this area of Whitewater during the early 20th century.
Join us next week for more from the Whitewater Historical Society. (1813PC, Whitewater Historical Society)
Passed on October 5th 2022, age 74, surrounded by his beloved family. Survived by his wife Maria Felicitas Villegas, daughter Juanita, son Juan A. (Veronica), daughter Maria (Francisco), son Fernando (Tara), daughter Gabriela (Juan) and beloved grandchildren (18) and great-grandchildren (9).
A visitation will be held on Saturday, October 8th 2022 from 5 p.m.-7 p.m. with a service to follow from 7 p.m.-8 p.m. at Nitardy Funeral Home 550 N. Newcomb St. Whitewater, WI 53190.
Antonio was a beloved husband, father, brother, and grandfather who would put everyone before himself. He loved gardening; everything his green thumbs touched grew. He enjoyed fishing with his grandsons. He loved spending time feeding and loving his family. He will be truly missed by his family and friends. He was the best father, brother, and grandpa.
We love you and will miss you Papi Toño, forever in our hearts.
Antonio Villegas Arredondo
Falleció el 5 de Octubre del 2022 a la edad de 74 años, rodeado de su querida familia.
Sobrevivido por su esposa Maria Felicitas Villegas, su hija Juanita, su hijo Juan A. (Veronica), su hija Maria (Francisco), su hijo Fernando (Tara), su hija Gabriela (Juan) y sus queridos 18 nietos y 9 bisnietos.
Visitación será el sábado 8 de Octubre 2022 a las 5pm-7pm y el servicio de 7pm-8pm
Flores se pueden enviar a
Nitardy
550 North Newcomb
Whitewater WI 53190
Antonio fue un esposo, padre, hermano y abuelo quien fue amado y dejo una inmensa huella en nuestros corazones. Él fue alguien quien puso a otros antes que él. Él le encantaba la jardinería, disfrutaba pescar con sus nietos. Le encantaba pasar su tiempo alimentando y cuidando a su familia. Antonio va a hacer verdaderamente extrañado por su familia y amigos. Él era el mejor padre, hermano y abuelo.
Te corazones.amamos y te extrañaremos siempre Papi Toño. Vivirás siempre en nuestros
Editor’s Note: The following was provided by the Whitewater Kiwanis Breakfast Club.
The Whitewater Kiwanis Breakfast Club Top Dog contest was a huge success, with donor votes contributing more than $8,000. Following were the dog winners:
“LuLu,” David Hayne’s dog, won the Second Salem prize which includes creating a beer and beer can label featuring the dog; swag basket of goodies and an option to ride in the July 4th parade with the Kiwanis.
“LuLu,” David Hayne’s dog, won the Second Salem prize which includes creating a beer and beer can label featuring the dog; swag basket of goodies and an option to ride in the July 4th parade with the Kiwanis.
“Max (Bonge-Ganser),” Bev and Tom Ganser’s dog, won an Animal Medical Center of Whitewater vaccine or office visit.
“Manchita (Stinson),” Anne Stinson’s dog, won a weekend on Hovey Lake, Hiawatha National Forest at the Buckhorn Resort.
“Harley,” Autumn Harden’s dog, won a Katy Daixon Photography photo shoot for a portrait.
“Max,” Kate McNamara’s dog, won a Studio 84 dog portrait.
“Chase” won a K-9 hair care gift basket.
“Hamlet,” Melissa Lopez’s dog, won a Whitewater Veterinary Hospital office visit and vaccine gift card.
Rick Halvorson, Kiwanian and Chair of the Top Dog Contest, said, “Thank you to all of the dog owners, sponsors, donors, and of course the dogs for making this contest an exciting and successful fundraiser.”
Whitewater Kiwanis is a group of dedicated volunteers who help both children of the Whitewater community and the world. Over the past five years the club raised funds to make possible the recent installation of the city’s first piece of inclusive playground equipment, a We-Go-Round, in Starin Park. Annual donations are also made to provide shoes and winter clothes for students, as well as support for organizations such as the Whitewater Food Pantry, Bethel House, The Community Space, and the Whitewater Youth Soccer Club.
If you have an interest in helping youth in Whitewater, you can check out Whitewater Kiwanis on Facebook and join our Club by contacting Patrick Taylor at Petaylor.law@gmail.com.
Kiwanis is a global organization of volunteers dedicated to improvingthe world one child and one community at a time.
Editor’s note: The following press release was received from the Walworth County Dept. of Health & Human Services. Bold emphases have been added by the Banner. The image on the homepage was provided by Clker-Free-Vector-Images from Pixabay.
On October 3, 2022, the Walworth County Department of Health and Human Services (WCDHHS) was notified by the Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) of a suspected opioid overdose alert for Walworth County.
The alert was issued due to an increase in suspected opioid drug overdose activity in Walworth County between September 25, 2022, and October 1, 2022, when DHS identified three reports of suspected opioid drug overdoses seen at hospital emergency departments. An alert is triggered whenever the suspected number of opioid overdoses in emergency departments is statistically higher than usual in a specific area.
“We have been seeing an increase of overdoses related to the illegal use of drugs, most containing fentanyl,” says Walworth County Medical Examiner Gina Carver. “Our first responders and hospitals are doing a great job of providing effective treatment, which is keeping our death numbers lower. But any increase in overdoses is certainly concerning.”
The suspected opioid overdose alert was generated through the National Syndromic Surveillance Program, a nationwide emergency department surveillance system that tracks suspected opioid overdoses. DHS uses the platform’s data to learn about suspected increases in activity so it can alert affected health departments. The data is listed as suspected because the cases were not confirmed by a clinician at the time the visit was transferred into the data system.
“We want residents to know immediate support is available and we are currently assessing ways to expand critical services, particularly around prevention,” says WCDHHS Deputy Director Trista Piccola. “We also have a team of community leaders taking a hard look at how to reduce the stigma that is still associated with reaching out for help.”
The Walworth County DHHS provides assessment, counseling, detoxification, and residential treatment of youth and adults with alcohol and/or drug addiction. Appointments can be scheduled by calling (262) 741-3200. Information is also available at www.co.walworth.wi.us/351/Behavioral-Health.
Those seeking help are also encouraged to dial 2-1-1. Among other things, 2-1-1 is a Wisconsin addiction recovery helpline that provides information, resources, and advocacy. A statewide resource, 2-1-1 is free, confidential, and available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. It can also be accessed at https://211wisconsin.communityos.org.
The Walworth County Drug & Alcohol Coalition (WALCO DAC), a nonprofit organization launched in July 2017 in an effort to address the growing opioid epidemic, maintains a comprehensive Resource Guide featuring local treatment and counseling services, inpatient services, transitional housing, transportation options, and support groups. The guide can be found at https://walcodac.com/resources.
Family and friends with loved ones affected by substance use disorders should be prepared to save their lives using Narcan, the FDA-approved medication used to reverse the effects of opioids. WALCO DAC is certified to provide Narcan training and doses. To schedule an appointment, email walcodac@gmail.com. WCDHHS has a self-serve overdose aid kit in its lobby that can be accessed Monday through Friday until 7 p.m. Free doses of Narcan are also available at Open Arms Free Clinic during clinic hours Monday through Thursday. Information about Narcan can be found at https://walcodac.com/narcan.
Editor’s note: The following information was provided by the Whitewater Police Department.
Narcan Available for Emergency Situations in Municipal Building Lobby 24/7
This overdose aid kit is now available 24/7 in the Municipal Building lobby
The Walworth County Drug and Alcohol Coalition has, at no cost to the city, provided the Whitewater Police Department with an overdose aid kit, also known as a NaloxBox. The NaloxBox is available 24/7 and has been installed in our Municipal Building vestibule at 312 W. Whitewater St. as shown in the photos. The kit contains Narcan (aka Naloxone) which is used to combat the effects of an opioid overdose. Common opioids include heroin, fentanyl, Oxycodone, and Percocet among others. The NaloxBox is intended to make Narcan more readily available to the public in an actual overdose emergency. A couple key things to note for anyone needing the NaloxBox:
1) In order to ensure a proper EMS response, first call 911 or notify our Dispatch Center using the after-hours assistance button to the right of the NaloxBox.
2) Follow the simple directions on the inside panel of the NaloxBox to administer the Narcan and provide initial first aid.
Reynolds Fall and Winter Rummage Sale Friday, Oct. 7th. 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 8th. 8-11 a.m. 12240 E. Bradley Road Whitewater, Wi. 53190
Rain or Shine! Look for signs!
Girls infant, 2T-5 clothes, Boys 18 months-3T and 10/12-16 clothes, Adult clothes, Household items, Halloween and Fall decorations, Boy’s bikes and much more! __________________________________________________________________________________________________
Editor’s note: The following excerpts are from an article on WMTV dated October 3. For the complete article please click here.
MILTON, Wis. (WMTV) – A family in Rock County is devastated after losing their son to depression and alcoholism last year. They’re now sharing their story in the hopes that they may help save someone else’s life.
Kevin Pope had plenty of family and friends who loved him. He also worked as the beloved head chef at the popular Buckhorn Supper Club on Lake Koshkonong in Milton.
But unfortunately, Kevin’s demons proved to be just too powerful.
“He didn’t want his life to be like that and why it was chosen to go that way, I don’t know.” said Dawn Pope, Kevin’s mother.
….On August 17, 2021, Kevin Pope died at the age of 44.
….“He made a damn good steak, he was good at what he did,” said Josh Lund, Kevin’s friend. “If you want the best prime rib or the best steak in the area, it’s hands down where you are going.”
“I mean he could have 50 steaks on there and every one would be cooked perfectly and well-seasoned,” said Chico. “A plate never left the kitchen without him looking over it. He really was a perfectionist.”
“Our career boomed,” said licensed therapist and Kevin’s friend Jessica Cullen. “There was no down time. We actually got a lot more clients.”
….The Popes also hope Kevin’s story acts as a cautionary tale. They want anyone who might feel depressed and thinks they need help, to seek out those resources.”
For the complete article from WMTV, please click here.
Henry Brockwell of Whitewater passed his board of review on October 3 in front of three committee members of Whitewater Scouting Program 173. He has now advanced to the Tenderfoot rank. He joins two other members within his troop to reach this rank and three more to join him shortly. He has three more ranks to achieve before reaching Eagle. Whitewater Scouting Program 173 consists of a Cub Scout pack for grades K-5th, a Boy BSA Troop and a Girl BSA Troop, which are chartered by the American Legion Post 173 of Whitewater. Join us at beascout.org
City of Whitewater Common Council – Tuesday @ 6:30 p.m. Agenda includes update on city manager recruitment, An Ordinance Creating Chapter 19.19 R-1S One Family Residence District Small Lots, An Ordinance Creating Chapter 11.39, Operation of Golf Carts on Public Roads, and Presentation and brief overview of draft 2023 budget and 2023 alternate budget. City of Whitewater Municipal Building Community Room 312 W. Whitewater St. This will be an IN PERSON and a VIRTUAL MEETING. (not in person). Citizens are welcome (and encouraged) to join us via computer, smart phone, or telephone. Citizen participation is welcome during topic discussion periods. Please click the link below to join the webinar: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/82700497255?pwd=NXVLWDV6TUhBZ1JLclphZllFTGhnZz09 Passcode: 616346 Or Telephone: 1 301 715 8592 Webinar ID: 827 0049 7255 Passcode: 616346
City of Whitewater Finance Committee – Thursday @ 4:30 p.m. Agenda includes 2023 budget review (1 of 3) This will be a blended meeting (both in person and virtual options). To join from your computer, tablet or smartphone, please use the below link:
City of Whitewater Landmarks Commission – Thursday @ 6:00 p.m. Agenda includes Birge Fountain update and Starin Park Water Tower update (structural assessment). Cravath Lakefront Room 312 Whitewater Street Please join the meeting from your computer, tablet or smartphone. https://meet.goto.com/137605093 You can also dial in using your phone. United States: 1 (408) 650-3123 Access Code: 137-605-093
Edwin Earl Thele of Whitewater, Wisconsin, passed away peacefully at Fairhaven on July 29, 2022 with his loved ones at his side.
Ed was born on March 5, 1928 in Ponca City, Oklahoma, the son of Herman and Margetta Thele. After completing high school, Ed enlisted in the military and served in the US Army during World War II, stationed in Germany. It was there that he met the love of his life, Elizabeth. They were married on September 21, 1948. After completing his military service, Ed returned to Oklahoma, where he earned both a Bachelor’s and a Master’s Degree in Accounting from Oklahoma State University.
Ed went on to pursue a career as an Accounting Professor, teaching at universities in Oklahoma, Missouri and Arkansas before making a permanent move to the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater. After several years of teaching, Ed’s career path led him to become the Assistant Dean of the School of Business and Economics.
Over the years, Ed was involved in numerous organizations and community activities. He was a member of the First English Lutheran Church, served as Commander of the VFW and was active in Kiwanis and The American Legion. He was also a member of the Accounting and Management Associations, ROTC representative for UW-Whitewater, Advisor to the Delta Sigma PI Business Fraternity and served Meals on Wheels.
Ed enjoyed several hobbies in his free time. He was a talented woodcarver and loved to travel (especially cruising). He also liked to garden, read, bake, refurbish clocks and spend time outdoors.
He is survived by his daughter Cathy (Glen) Strum, his brother Robert Thele, his sisters Emma Oswalt and Margaret (Robert) Romer, as well as many nieces and nephews. He was a great husband, father, brother, uncle and friend and will be dearly missed.
A memorial service in Ed’s honor will be held on Monday, October 10th at 11:30 a.m. at the First English Lutheran Church in Whitewater. Visitation will begin at 10:30 a.m. until the time of service. Interment will be at Hillside Cemetery following the service.
