News

Lakeview, Lincoln, and Washington Elementary Schools are celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month with classroom and building-wide activities to promote and educate students on the rich Hispanic culture many community members share.

The month-long series of activities is designed to deepen students’ understanding and appreciation of
Hispanic cultures. They highlight various traditions, histories, and contributions of Hispanic communities,
offering students meaningful opportunities to learn about and celebrate the diverse cultural backgrounds
that enrich the Whitewater community.

Lincoln Elementary School kicked off Hispanic Heritage Month with a vibrant, educational assembly led
by its multilingual staff earlier this month. “Hispanic Heritage Month is such an important time for us to
come together in our school community and recognize the diverse backgrounds that make us stronger,”
said Lincoln Elementary Principal Brad Gefvert. “We’re excited to continue celebrating and learning from
one another as we explore the many cultures of our students and staff.”

At Lakeview, classrooms have enjoyed activities like decorating doors with vibrant designs that highlight
Hispanic traditions and contributions. Daily announcements feature fun and educational facts about
various Spanish-speaking countries. In art class, students have created projects inspired by renowned
Latino artists, while in music class, they’ve been learning and singing songs from across Latin America.

Teachers at Washington Elementary enjoyed a lunch with authentic ethnic foods gifted by families. Fun
facts about Hispanic culture are shared during morning announcements, and students look forward to a
“Día de los Muertos” or “Day of the Dead” art project to learn about this beautiful tradition.

WUSD is committed to fostering an inclusive environment where every student’s culture is honored and
celebrated. Hispanic Heritage Month, observed annually from September 15 to October 15, plays a vital
role in supporting this effort.

Editor’s note: The above press release was provided by the Whitewater Unified School District.

Vaccines for COVID-19, flu, and RSV available

The Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) is encouraging Wisconsinites to get vaccinated against respiratory illnesses this fall. An updated COVID-19 and a new annual flu vaccine are now available to protect against COVID-19 and flu strains circulating this season. RSV vaccines are also available for people who are eligible, including most older adults and people who are pregnant. An RSV antibody to protect infants from severe illness is also offered.

“In the fall, viruses like flu, RSV, and COVID-19, start to increase across Wisconsin and spread through communities, workplaces, schools, and other places people live, work, and play,” said State Health Officer Paula Tran. “While they may only cause mild sickness for some people, for others, like older adults, infants, and those with underlying health risks, they can cause serious illness and even death. Vaccines are safe and effective, and we encourage Wisconsinites to talk to their health care providers to see what’s best for them.”

Currently in Wisconsin, COVID-19 activity is moderately elevated statewide. Flu and RSV activity is low, but levels are expected to increase. Every year there is an increase in respiratory infections during and after the holidays. DHS recommends the following seasonal vaccines for flu, COVID-19, and RSV.

Flu (Influenza)

The flu vaccine is recommended annually for everyone 6 months and older. This is especially important for those at highest risk of experiencing severe symptoms, including older adults, people with chronic health conditions, people who are pregnant, and young children.

COVID-19

It is recommended everyone 6 months and older get the updated COVID-19 vaccine. The 2024–2025 vaccine is formulated to protect against currently circulating variants of COVID-19 and will protect people from the potentially serious outcomes of COVID-19 illness this fall and winter.

RSV

People who are age 60 and older

A single dose of RSV vaccine is recommended for people who are age 60 or older who have not already received an RSV vaccine, especially people who are:

• Age 75 and older.
• People ages 60–74 who have certain chronic medical conditions, like lung or heart disease, or who live in nursing homes or other long-term care facilities and are at increased risk of severe RSV.

RSV vaccine is not currently an annual vaccine, meaning older adults do not need to get a dose every RSV season.

Pregnant people and infants

DHS recommends either maternal RSV vaccination or infant and young child immunization with monoclonal antibodies to prevent severe disease in infants. Most infants will not need both. Certain pregnant people should get the maternal RSV vaccine to protect their infant, because infants are especially at risk of severe RSV. CDC recommends one dose of the vaccine be given to pregnant people when they are 32–36 weeks and 6 days pregnant, between September 1 and January 31.

If a pregnant person does not receive the maternal RSV vaccine, an RSV antibody shot is recommended for infants less than 8 months old and some toddlers to protect them from severe RSV. This antibody, called nirsevimab, will be available October 1- March 31.

How to get a vaccine

Vaccine appointments are being made available by health care providers, clinics, and pharmacies. To find and schedule a vaccine, Wisconsin residents are encouraged to check with their primary care provider, local or Tribal health department, community clinic, or visit vaccines.gov. If they do not have health insurance, or their health insurance does not cover vaccines, there are programs that can help, including the Vaccines for Children program and Vaccines for Adults program.

Eligible Wisconsinites can get their flu, COVID-19, and RSV vaccine at the same time.

“Vaccines are proven to be a safe and effective way to protect yourself and those around you from the most common respiratory viruses this season. Not only can vaccines prevent the most severe symptoms of these illnesses, they can also reduce the chance that you can spread disease to others,” said Dr. Stephanie Schauer, DHS Division of Public Health Immunization Program Manager. “In addition to getting vaccinated, we encourage Wisconsinites to cover coughs and sneezes, wash or sanitize your hands often, and maintain awareness of the respiratory viruses currently spreading in your community to assess risk when making plans.”

Respiratory season tools and data

As part of its year-round mission to track the spread of illness in Wisconsin, DHS monitors both vaccination rates across the state as well as overall respiratory virus activity reported to DHS by health care providers and labs across the state. The data will be available on new respiratory data webpages summarizing overall respiratory activity, emergency department data, and laboratory testing data. DHS also offers immunization data dashboards for COVID-19, flu, and RSV for Wisconsin residents.

Mark Dorn writes, “I was startled to see this huge praying mantis leisurely enjoying its lunch at Trippe Lake Village this afternoon. It was so big it reminded me the classic 1957 “B” horror film, “The Deadly Mantis”… 

Our thanks to Mark Dorn for these great photos.

— 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. Thanks for thinking about this!

It’s time once again for #FlashbackFriday with the Whitewater Historical Society. Continuing our look at UW-Whitewater buildings, this week’s image is a mid-1960’s view of the Andersen Library and administration building. The new library building on campus was started in 1951 and completed in 1953. Then, in 1965, a large addition was added. This addition and parking lot begin the alteration of Main Street, an area of large historic houses. Several houses were demolished and more demolitions along Prairie Street were to come. Demolitions of houses for new buildings for the college changed the appearance of this part of Whitewater forever. With more changes, this building still serves as the library today.

Join us next week for another look at a mid-20th-century university building.

(#2173PC, Whitewater Historical Society)

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

Joy, laughter, music and pride filled the Cravath Lakefront Park at Whitewater’s 4th Annual Pride Rally on October 5.  

The day included music, performances, over 30 vendors and a pet parade. Speakers included Whitewater’s City Manager, John Weidl; UW-Whitewater’s Chancellor, Dr. Corey A. King; Whitewater High School’s Associate Principal, Kate McNulty; and Fair Wisconsin’s Policy and Advocacy Director, Sean O’Brien.

“Whitewater was a joyful, fun-filled place on Saturday,” said Camden Harlan, President of Whitewater Pride Inc. “All in our community were welcomed and felt safe and loved.”

The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater Warhawk Marching Band performed in full regalia.  Dr. Corey King, Chancellor, said, “We are an inclusive community. We are united, and we will stay that way. We will be strong, and I appreciate that very much.”

City Manager John Weidl said, “I’m happy to have been one of the speakers at the Whitewater Pride event this year. It’s a perfect example of supporting Whitewater’s mission to embrace the cultural and educational opportunities that come with a thriving University and an increasingly diverse population. Seeing our community come together in support of inclusivity and acceptance was truly inspiring. A big thank you to the organizers and everyone involved for making this event such a meaningful success!”

Whitewater High School Associate Principal, Kate McNulty, said, “I’m proud to have participated in sharing the district’s Inclusionary Statement. It was impactful to have the City of Whitewater, UW-W, and WUSD represented and united in support of this mission, demonstrating that Whitewater is a welcoming and diverse community.”

Sponsors of the Pride Rally who contributed financially to help support the local LGBTQ+ community include: The Coburn Family, Madison College, Generac, Whitewater Unites Lives, TDS Telecom, The Dem Party of Wisconsin, Stellar Vintage, Botanica Beauty Parlour, Fort HealthCare, Fort Community Credit Union, Discover Whitewater Chamber of Commerce, and T-Mobile of Lake Geneva.

“These community partners not only provided financial support to the work of Whitewater Pride, but they also stood 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.

Event supporters included Whitewater High School GSA, PB Poorman Pride Center, Irvin L. Young Memorial Library, City of Whitewater, Whitewater Unites Lives, The Book Teller, The Sweet Spot, UW-W CARE, and Whitewater League of Women Voters.

Plans are underway for next year’s Pride event slated for Saturday, October 4, 2025.

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

Jefferson County Administrator Proposes Budget to County Board
Board invites residents to October 22^nd meeting for public comment

Jefferson County Administrator Ben Wehmeier, on October 8, formally proposed a 2025 budget for consideration by the County Board of Supervisors. For the second year in a row, this proposal includes a reduction in both the debt levy and the mill rate. The proposal includes $109,600,674 in total expenditures.

Drawing on the same themes that were presented during the Finance Committee hearings in September, Wehmeier kicked off the meeting by describing the challenges and opportunities for next year and the years ahead. Rapidly increasing costs for technology and personnel costs like health insurance have put pressure on every department. Slowdowns in state aid and sales tax collections statewide are also holding revenues flatter than in recent years.

Prior budget decisions, however, have freed up funding to offset some of these challenges. The County Board’s decision to pay off debt early has resulted in more than $1 million in savings, including $588,812 in the upcoming budget. Pro-growth policies and a highly regarded quality of life led to a 7.2% increase in equalized value across the county, allowing for a mill rate cut of 8.4%. This has put Jefferson County in a position to reduce taxes for the second consecutive budget.

The Board will hold a public hearing on the budget proposal, open to all members of the public, at 7:00 pm on Tuesday, October 22^nd at the Jefferson County Courthouse. The final vote on the budget will occur on November 12^th. The budget can be found on the county website at www.jeffersoncountywi.gov under the “Government” tab.

Editor’s comment: The above press release was issued by Jefferson County.

Rainbow Community Care’s 8th Annual Ethics & Boundaries Workshop is scheduled to take place on Thursday, November 7th from 8 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at the Country Inn & Suites in Fort Atkinson.  

This program is pending approval by the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) for 4 hours of Continuing Education. Once approved, it will also meet Wisconsin standards for Social Work Ethics and Boundaries continuing education requirements.

This event features Dr. Tracy Schroepfer, a Professor Emerita at the University of Wisconsin-Madison Sandra Rosenbaum School of Social Work. Her practice and research focus on improving the end-of-life care provided to older adults.

Dr. Schroepfer will be presenting on Ethics & Boundaries: A Challenging Ethical Balance: Safety Versus Autonomy for People Living with Dementia.

Schroepfer also facilitated the workshops in 2020, 2022, and 2023. She is a recipient of the Hartford Geriatric Social Work Faculty Scholar Award and serves on several national boards including the National Coalition for Hospice and Palliative care, and the NQF (National Quality Forum) Geriatric and Palliative Care Standing Committee.

Rainbow is also offering a new and improved virtual option through Microsoft Teams for those unable to attend in-person. The in-person individual ticket option is $75, and the cost of an individual virtual ticket is $60.

For more information or to register for the workshop, visit www.RainbowCommunityCare.org and see the homepage slider or click on the About Us Menu option and find News and Events.

Experience the wit and wisdom of Oscar Wilde’s “Lady Windermere’s Fan” live on stage, an intriguing comedy of manners that explores the complexities of love, trust, and social expectations. Set in the Victorian world of London’s high society, this timeless play captivates with its sharp dialogue, intriguing characters, and unexpected twists. Watch as the innocent Lady Windermere struggles with her jealous feelings toward her husband’s new interest in the older, mysterious Mrs. Erlynne, and witness the unfolding of Mrs. Erlynne’s dark past through lies, gossip, and assumptions. Perfect for lovers of classic theater, “Lady Windermere’s Fan” is a must-see performance that continues to enchant audiences with its brilliant humor and profound insights.

The remaining performances are Friday, October 11 at 7:30 p.m. and Saturday, October 12 at 2:00 p.m., Hicklin Studio Theatre in the Greenhill Center for the Arts, 950 W. Main Street. Tickets are $18 for adults, $16 for age 65+, and $13 for under age 18. Tickets may be purchased here or at the door for an additional $2 surcharge.

Editor’s Note: The following was provided by a nonpartisan Be Kind Committee.

            You can easily assist a coalition of organizations and community members to support a nonpartisan campaign to reinforce Whitewater’s commitment to civility and kindness. And it’s easy as can be. Just place a Be Kind sign in your yard.

            Signs are available for a $5 donation simply by contacting Sara Kuhl at 608-279-5845 or at email bekindwhitewater@gmail.com. We ask that you put the signs out  in your yard and keep them up until after Nov. 16.

A CommUnity Walk will be held on Nov. 16 to demonstrate the support Whitewater has for all its residents and our shared humanity. The event will start at 9 a.m. at the Old Armory at 146 W. North St. and participants will make their way to the Andersen Library on the UW-Whitewater campus. Refreshments will be provided. In case of inclement weather, the event will take place inside the Armory.

            These are just the beginning of kindness/civility related events that will take place throughout the community in the coming months.

The Run for Trey took place on October 6. Photos are courtesy of Tom Ganser.

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