News

Editor’s Note: The following was provided by the Whitewater Community Foundation.

The Whitewater Community Foundation is now accepting applications for Fall Community Action Grants.  Grants will be awarded to local non-profit organizations actively working to support the greater Whitewater community. 

Qualified projects should be intended for educational, cultural, charitable or benevolent purposes that will benefit and improve the greater Whitewater community.  Consideration will also be made based on the results of the 2023 Civic Summit, when more than 30 community members, business leaders, educators, nonprofit organizers, and others determined key areas for improvement in Whitewater:

• Communicating to Whitewater’s diverse population in English and Spanish, making signage bilingual, coordinating communication to all groups, and providing opportunities for people of different backgrounds, age groups, etc. to integrate to help meet community needs;
• Housing assistance, affordability and accessibility for families and professionals seeking to purchase homes;  
• Marketing Whitewater by coordinating and cross-pollinating events, calendars and volunteer opportunities.

Projects are expected to be accomplished within a specific period of time (generally not more than one year) and should be creative, innovative and address community needs.  Interested organizations can find more information and fill out an application at WCFGrantApplication.pdf   The deadline for submitting applications is October 31, 2023.

Kat Mawhinney, WCF Board Member who chairs the Community Action Grant Selection Committee, said, “We are pleased to be able to offer these grants to organizations helping to make the Whitewater community stronger.”

Organizations interested in pursuing a Whitewater Community Foundation Action Grant should check out the Whitewater Community Foundation web site https://whitewatercommunityfoundation.org/community-action-grants/ or contact Kat at 262-473-1403.

The Foundation continues to provide and host scholarships for Whitewater High School students and also offers fiscal sponsorship to organizations that are seeking 501(c) (3) status or require temporary pass-through funds for worthy community projects.

More information about the Whitewater Community Foundation can be found at whitewatercommunityfoundation.org and on Facebook. 

The Whitewater Community Foundation’s mission is to “enhance quality of life in the Whitewater area via educational, cultural, charitable or benevolent expenditures.”

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)

Read more about the Social Security Cost-of-Living adjustment for 2024.

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.

Read more about the COLA, tax, benefit and earning amounts for 2024.

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Medicare Information

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.

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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.

Editor’s Note: The following information was provided by Whitewater Pride.

Whitewater’s third annual Pride Rally promises to be the biggest and best yet. This free, family friendly celebration takes place from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. at the Cravath Lakefront Park in downtown Whitewater.

The Pride Rally will include activities for children, adults, and even the family pets, all in support of our LGBTQ+ friends and neighbors with a focus on high school and college students. The events include music, performances, more than 30 vendors, and several food trucks. Speakers include City Manager John Weidl, UW-Whitewater Chancellor  Dr. Corey A. King, WUSD Associate Principal Nathan O’Shaughnessy, and Executive Vice President of External Affairs at Family Equality Kim Simes, who will discuss the state of the LGBTQ+ movement locally and nationally.

“For the third year, Whitewater Pride is creating a jubilant safe space for our community to truly celebrate their unique selves,” Camden Harlan, an English teacher and co-advisor for the Gay-Straight Alliance at Whitewater High School, said. “We are incredibly fortunate to have the support of our city, local businesses, schools, and community members. With their advocacy and agency, we will continue to provide events throughout the year where the LGBTQ+ community and Allies can come together and know just how loved and appreciated they are.”

Whitewater Pride T-shirts will be on sale at the event for $15. These black and white T-shirts bear the Whitewater Pride logo, designed by UW-Whitewater student, Maddy Albanese. Colored markers will be available to individualize the shirts on site. 

Volunteers from Creative and Resourceful Educator (CARE), a UW-Whitewater student group, will lead children’s activities. LGBTQ+ friendly children’s books will be on display from the Irvin L. Young Public Library. Adults and children can enjoy reading, games, and face painting in the children’s corner. Deanna Rolfsmeyer, the Children’s Librarian, will be available to help with book suggestions and to read books.

Your pets are also invited to attend and participate in the second annual Pride Pet Costume contest. Registration will take place from 11 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. on the day of the event. For the safety of your pets and others, please make sure all pets are leashed and comfortable with crowds.

This year, Whitewater Pride is proud to announce official sponsors of the event who have contributed financially to help support Whitewater Pride’s events including the Pride Rally. This year’s sponsors are: The Coburn family, Generac – Pride Berg, Fort Community Credit Union, Whitewater Unites Lives, BaristaCats Café, Whitewater Cinemas, Whitewater Grocery Co, and Fort Healthcare.

“These community partners are not only providing financial support to the work of Whitewater Pride, but they are also standing proud with our LGBTQ+ community members and allies. This statement of support reinforces the values of our communities that all are welcomed, valued, and embraced,” Kim Simes said.

Others wishing to support Whitewater Pride can visit whitewaterpride.org to become a Sponsor or Donor.

Event partners are Whitewater High School Gay-Straight Alliance, the Pride Center at UW-Whitewater, Irvin L. Young Memorial Library, the City of Whitewater, and Whitewater League of Women Voters.

For more information visit www.whitewaterpride.org, Instagram @whitewaterpride, or Facebook at Whitewater Pride. 

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.

Editor’s Note: The following was provided by the Whitewater Dementia Friendly Community Initiative  (DFCI).

The short answer is no.  Despite extensive research a cure has not been found; however, some progress has been made.  A class of drugs called cholinesterase inhibitors have been found to help some patients. Another drug called  Lecanemab, can prevent amyloid clumps from forming in the brain and is appropriate for early stage Alzheimer’s patients and mild cognitive impairment.  Research continues.

Drugs have significant side effects.  In addition patients who take several medications should always be aware of drug interaction. Your pharmacist is a good source of information and can help sort out side effects from drug interactions. 

Aricept is the best known of the cholinesterase inhibitors.  It is taken as a daily pill and is approved to treat all stages of the disease.  Other versions are approved for mild to moderate Alzheimer’s.  Side effects can include nausea, diarrhea, sleep problems, depression, hallucinations or agitation. The side effects sound frightening but many patients have no problems and few have serious problems.

Lecanemab was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2023.  A phase 3 clinical trial found that the medicine slowed cognitive decline in people with early Alzheimer’s disease. The medicine prevents amyloid plaques in the brain from clumping. The phase 3 trial was the largest so far to study whether clearing clumps of amyloid plaques from the brain can slow the disease.

Lecanemab is given as an IV infusion every two weeks. Side effects can include fever, flu-like symptoms, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, changes in heart rate and shortness of breath.  Rarely, people taking Lecanemab may have swelling in the brain or may get small bleeds in the brain. The FDA recommends getting a brain MRI before starting treatment and also recommends being monitored with brain MRIs during treatment for symptoms of brain swelling or bleeding. The cost of this drug, infusion and the need for frequent MRI’s may price it out of reach of many patients.

There is quite a bit of interest in CBD oil for treating symptoms of dementia.  CBD is one of many chemicals found in marijuana and does not produce a high. Currently there is one CBD product that is approved by the FDA, but for epilepsy, not dementia.  Epidiolex is a prescription cannabidiol (CBD) oil and is considered an effective anti-seizure medication. Further research is needed to determine CBD’s other benefits and safety. Studies are underway for its application for treating Parkinson’s, schizophrenia, diabetes, anxiety and dementia.

For more information on medications for dementia, click here

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/dementia/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20352019

https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/how-alzheimers-disease-treated

This article submitted by Dementia Friendly Community Initiative, a program of Whitewater Seniors In The Park to help inform the community about dementia and to support patients and caregivers.  New members are always welcome!  Contact jfrench@whitewater-wi.gov or call Jennifer French at 262 473 0535.  More resources for caregivers:

https://www.co.walworth.wi.us/376/Aging-Disability-Resource-Center

https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/benefit-specialists/ebs.htm

Editor’s Note: The following was submitted by the Rock County Sheriff’s Office. The department has indicated that it is not necessary to be a Rock County resident in order to participate.

Sheriff Fell is pleased to announce that the Rock County Sheriff’s Office will offer a Snowmobile Safety Education Course on November 11, 2023, at the Edgerton Conservation Club located in Racetrack Park, 900 Stoughton Road, Edgerton, WI 53534.

Anyone born on or after January 1, 1985, is required to complete a Snowmobile Safety Education Course in order to legally operate a snowmobile in places open to the public within the State of Wisconsin. It is recommended that participants are at least 12 years of age or turn 12 shortly following completion of the class.

Snowmobile Safety Education Course – Class #1 Is November 11 – $10
Mandatory Registration: October 24, at 6:00 p.m. @ Edgerton Conservation Club
Class: November 11, from 8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. @ Edgerton Conservation Club

Online enrollment is now open. Complete the online enrollment form to reserve a seat.
https://www.co.rock.wi.us/departments/sheriff-s-office/recreational-patrol/snowmobile-education

Class size is limited to thirty (30) students. Upon submission of the online enrollment form, the submitter will see an onscreen confirmation message with information on the mandatory in-person registration meeting. A class fee of $10.00 per student will be collected at the in-person registration meeting. The student and a parent or legal guardian if the student is underage must attend the mandatory registration meeting in order for the student to take the course. Students will receive course materials at the in-person registration meeting. Please direct any questions to Deputy Trevor Lund at trevor.lund@co.rock.wi.us

Editor’s Note: The following was provided by the Whitewater Public Library.

The Irvin L. Young Memorial Library is partnering with the UW-Whitewater student organization, Latinos Unidos, for a family craft night to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month and Dia de los Muertos. The public is invited to this free event on Wednesday, October 18 at 5:30 p.m. All ages are welcome to attend.  Several craft activities will be offered and snacks will be provided.  

Accompañenos a crear artes y oficos con los estudiantes de la Organizacion de UWW, Latinos Unidos! Estamos celebrando el mes de La Hispana Cultura y el Dia de Los Muertos. Habra antojitos.Todas las edades beinvenidas. 

The event will be held in the Irvin L Young Memorial Library’s Community Room located at 431 W. Center Street in Whitewater. There is no cost or registration. 

Contact Sarah French with questions at sfrench@whitewater-wi.gov or 262-458-2782. 

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