News

Gov. Evers Orders Flags to Half-Staff in Honor of Sergeant Jack Hohlfeld Who Lost His Life in World War II

MADISON — Gov. Tony Evers signed Executive Order #236 ordering the flags of the United States and the state of Wisconsin to be flown at half-staff on Mon., Aug. 26, 2024, in honor of U.S. Army Air Forces Sergeant Jack Hohlfeld, who lost his life in World War II and whose remains have been identified and returned to Wisconsin for burial. “Sergeant Jack Hohlfeld was a decorated military hero who selflessly answered the call to serve and gave his life defending the values and freedoms we as a nation hold most dear,” said Gov. Evers. “It is our responsibility to make sure no hero is ever left behind, no matter how many years have passed, and it is an honor to be able to help welcome Sergeant Hohlfeld back to his home so that he may be laid to rest.” Born in Vernon County and raised in La Crosse and Trempealeau Counties, Sergeant Hohlfeld voluntarily enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1938 and was assigned to the Philippines as a member of the Headquarters Squadron, 24th Pursuit Group. On Dec. 8, 1941, Sergeant Hohlfeld and members of the 24th Pursuit Group were engaged in combat and were soon overtaken by Japanese forces and forced to surrender as prisoners of war. Sergeant Hohlfeld survived the Bataan Death March and was held captive in the Cabanatuan Japanese prisoner of war (POW) camp until his death on Dec. 26, 1942, after which he was buried in Common Grave 811 with five other service members, before being moved to the Manila American Cemetery and Memorial in 1948. The recipient of the Bronze Star, Purple Heart, WWII POW Medal, Good Conduct Medal, American Defense Service Medal with Foreign Service clasp, Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal with one Bronze Service Star, WWII Victory Medal, Presidential Unit Citation with two Bronze Oak Leaf Clusters, Honorable Service Lapel Button-World War II, Philippine Presidential Unit Citation, and Philippine Defense Ribbon with Bronze Star, Sergeant Hohlfeld’s family have worked tirelessly to advocate for his identification, and his remains were positively identified by the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency in May 2024. Sergeant Hohlfeld will be buried on Mon., Aug. 26, 2024, in La Crosse.

Rockin’ Respite now has openings for caregivers seeking respite care for their loved one. The Rockin’ respite program is a collaboration of Fort HealthCare, local volunteers and local churches. We serve seniors in the Walworth and Jefferson county area. 

Here’s an unsolicited testimonial that was received from the spouse of one of our participants:

“Whitewater is a dementia-friendly community that includes Rockin’ Respite. My name is Susan and I am a care partner. I know firsthand caregiving is hard. It often feels like there is no time left for you. Rockin’ Respite is a free program that offers time and rest for you, the care partner. Staff, including a nurse and volunteers, work one-on-one with your care partner. Activities include games, trips down memory lane, music, and light exercise. Lunch and snacks are provided. More importantly, smiles, laughter, and abundant care are provided.

As for me, well, I can read a book, have coffee with a friend, or finish a long overdue project worry-free knowing my care partner is happy and is in good hands thanks to Rockin’ Respite.“

Rockin’ Respite meets the 2nd and 4th Tuesday of the month from 9:30-3:30 at The Chapel, 445 Warner Road, Whitewater. There is no cost other than a nominal charge for lunch. If you are a full time caregiver in need of a respite break please contact Nurse Maisie Allie at (920) 723-7288 or Jennifer at 262-473-0535 for more information,  

The Walworth County Division of Public Health, in partnership with the Geneva Lake Environmental Agency (GLEA) and the City of Lake Geneva, has officially closed the Lake Geneva Public Beach at the Riviera. The Big Foot Beach State Park beach will also be closed, per the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. A harmful algae bloom has been reported. Please avoid aquatic recreation and swimming in this area.

To ensure public safety, GLEA and Walworth County Public Health continue to actively sample the algae blooms in the city and lake-wide to determine the strain of Cyanobacteria and its toxicity level.

Blue-green algae, known as Cyanobacteria, are microscopic organisms naturally present at low levels in lakes, streams, and ponds. When conditions are favorable, usually in summer, the number of algae can increase dramatically. Some algal species produce toxins that, when ingested, can harm the neurological systems or liver of people, pets, livestock, and wildlife, and can cause other health problems.

There is no way to know immediately whether an algal bloom is harmful, so follow these tips to try and avoid contact with harmful algae:

• Do not swim in or near algal blooms
• Avoid water where blue-green algae appear as scums on the surface of the water, pea-soup-like discoloration, or a paint-like sheen
• Don’t swallow water while swimming
• Wash off after swimming in any lake, river, or pond to reduce the chance of illness
• Keep your pets away from algal blooms and rinse them off with clean water after swimming in lakes and ponds to reduce exposure to algal material

Symptoms of algae-related illness include:

• Sore throat, congestion, cough, wheezing, difficulty breathing
• Eye irritation
• Itchy, red skin, with or without blisters and/or hives
• Earache
• Agitation, headache
• Abdominal pain, diarrhea, or vomiting

Members of the public and veterinarians should call 608-266-1120 or complete the online form Harmful Algae Bloom (HAB) Illness or Sighting Survey, F-02152 (web survey) to report any blue-green algae blooms and related human or animal illnesses.

For more information on harmful algae blooms, please visit https://www.cdc.gov/harmful-algal-blooms.

Editor’s note: The image on the homepage is not a photo of either of the above lakes.

“The Fall Guy”

Tuesday, August 27, 1 p.m.

(Comedy/Action/Romance)

Rated PG-13; 2 hours, 6 minutes (2024)

Stuntman Cole Seaver (Ryan Gosling) has to track down a missing movie star, solve a conspiracy, and try to win back his girlfriend (Emily Blunt) while still doing his “day job.

Seniors in the Park is located in Starin Park, 504 W. Starin Road. Although there is no charge to attend, regular participants are encouraged to join Seniors in the Park. The annual fee for residents of the Whitewater Unified School District is $10 and non-residents is $15. The funds support about half of the cost of our front desk staff person for 15 hours per week. The rest comes our of our fundraising monies. If you cannot afford the fee, we have a fund that will cover it for you. Fees are accepted at the Starin Park Community Building or online at https://schedulesplus.com/wwtr/kiosk/

Editor’s Note: The following was provided by Whitewater YES for Education.

Whitewater YES for Education formed back in 2004 to help support the passage of school district referendums. The group is intentionally and necessarily nonpartisan and not political. Whitewater YES works to keep folks aware of all the positive things happening in our school district. For example, the group maintains a Whitewater YES Facebook Page.

As part of this effort to continue a drumbeat of positivity, this weekend Whitewater YES is putting up bilingual “We Love Whitewater Public Schools” yard signs around the community to celebrate back to school time and show support for our teachers, staff, and students. The signs will stay up until Saturday, September 7. The response to this effort during Spring graduation was really positive! 

We are hoping this effort brings people together and shows hardworking district staff and proud students that the community cares and supports them. 

Who’s ready for the LAST Concert in The Cravath Lakefront Park? Piper Road Spring Band is always one of the most popular concerts; the group is in its 51st year! There are always some folks on the “dance floor” when they’re playing. PRSB consists of Randal Harrison Hoecherl (fiddle), Bob Mason (mandolin), Barry “Blacky” Riese (guitar),  Mark Hembree (bass), and Billy “Kangaroo” (washboard).

Piper Road Spring Band will present our last concert THIS Thursday, August 22nd at 7 p.m. This event is FREE and family friendly. Bring your dinner, a lawn chair or blanket, and come enjoy some music in the Park!

Fort HealthCare proudly announces its official recognition as a Dementia Friendly Organization, marking a significant milestone in its commitment to providing inclusive and compassionate care for all patients.

To achieve this recognition, Fort HealthCare diligently met the rigorous criteria set forth by the Dementia Friendly Business/Organization standards:

 Over 50% of staff have undergone specialized training in dementia care
 Management has received comprehensive training to effectively lead and support dementia-friendly initiatives
 Continuous integration of dementia care training and resources into ongoing staff development programs
 Proactive consideration of environmental updates to better accommodate individuals living with dementia

Lisa Rudolph, Director of Inpatient Services and Education and Chair of the Dementia Friendly Committee at Fort HealthCare, expressed her excitement about this achievement, stating, “We are thrilled to be officially recognized as a Dementia Friendly organization. This milestone reflects our unwavering dedication to providing high-quality, person-centered care to individuals living with dementia. Our team has worked tirelessly to ensure that Fort HealthCare is a welcoming and supportive environment for all patients and their families.”

Fort HealthCare remains committed to advancing its efforts in dementia care and upholding its mission of promoting health and well-being throughout the community.

For more information about Fort HealthCare and its dementia-friendly initiatives, please visit FortHealthCare.com/dementia-friendly.

See full job description at www.studio84inc.org/jobs

Whitewater Unified School District School Board Policy Review Committee – Monday @ 5:30
Agenda includes Title IX policy

Whitewater Unified School District School Board – Monday @ 6:00 p.m. – CLOSED SESSION
Agenda: discuss the superintendent evaluation and discuss board governance
Whitewater High School Library
534 South Elizabeth Street, Whitewater, Wisconsin
6:00 p.m.
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6:00 p.m. via Zoom Online
– URL: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87288261629?pwd=uNe5w0Ci1qAZ8z31HW67hSmA35psuL.1
– Passcode: 978719
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– Dial-in: 1-312-626-6799
– Webinar ID: 872 8826 1629
– Passcode: 978719
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Closed Session
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7:00 p.m. via Zoom Online – OPEN SESSION
Agenda (Click on “meetings” in upper right corner) includes Review draft of community survey and facilities study (review and give feedback)
– URL: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87387538099?pwd=VDVKdU9uajNzRDhVODlWL2U3eHJnUT09
– Passcode: 104745
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– Dial-in: 1-312-626-6799
– Webinar ID: 873 8753 8099
– Passcode: 104745

Irvin L. Young Library Board of Trustees – Monday @ 6:30 p.m. == This meeting was canceled.

City of Whitewater Common Council – Tuesday @ 6:30 p.m.
Agenda includes Library Construction Costs and Financing, Resolution Authorizing Referendum Question for the Starin Park Water Tower for the 2024 General Election, First reading of Ordinance 2024-O-13 an ordinance creating Section 16.04.255 Lead Water Service Replacement Program-Public Works
Whitewater Municipal Building Community Room, 312 West Whitewater St.
*In Person and Virtual
Citizens are welcome (and encouraged) to join our webinar via computer, smart phone, or telephone.
Citizen participation is welcome during topic discussion periods.
Please click the link below to join
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/81052726226?pwd=SE6yF1a4rLSrzbk5Eh3CI5m6sXItbD.1
Telephone: +1 (312) 626-6799
Webinar ID: 810 5272 6226
Passcode: 964142

City of Whitewater Parks & Recreation Board – Wednesday @ 5:30 p.m.
Agenda: PARK TOUR
The purpose of this park tour is for the board members to directly observe and assess the current
conditions of our city parks. This tour will enable the board to gather firsthand information that is crucial
for developing informed budgets, strategic plans, and long-term goals for the city park system.
Cravath Lakefront room 2nd floor, 312 West Whitewater St

City of Whitewater Board of Zoning Appeals – Thursday @ 6:00 p.m. (Agenda added 8/21/24 @ 3:30 p.m.)
Agenda includes Property Location: 187 W Main St
Applicable Code: 19.30.030(g) A ground floor residence is prohibited.
Variance Requested: To allow a first-floor apartment in a B2 Central Business District.
Reason for Request: To allow for continue remodeling of the Bowers House.
Whitewater Municipal Building Community Room,
312 West Whitewater St., Whitewater, WI 53190
*In Person and Virtual
Citizens are welcome (and encouraged) to join our webinar 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/83246954390?pwd=ihGMt0wxYaNFi2XyRxew4oMA2h7hsX.1
Telephone: +1 (312) 626-6799 US
Webinar ID: 832 4695 4390
Passcode: 687832

Back to calendar

Jeff and Lin Tortomasi write, “This is one family that enjoyed our  “secret garden.”

“Our thanks to Jeff and Lin Tortomasi for sharing this beautiful sandhill cranes photo.

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