News

The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program that has previously been provided by accounting students from UW-Whitewater is not available this year. They indicate that it might resume next year.

The only nearby volunteer service that still has appointments available is offered through AARP Foundation Tax-Aide, which provides tax assistance to anyone, free of charge, with a focus on taxpayers who are over 50 and have low to moderate income. You don’t need to be an AARP member to use the service.  The closest location is at Elkhorn Matheson Memorial Library, 101 N. Wisconsin St. in Elkhorn. The service is also available at the Delavan public library. Appointments are required and may be made on Mondays and Tuesdays between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. Call 262-723-2678 to make an appointment.

This site provides a list of documents that should be brought to an appointment.

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Do-It-Yourself (D-I-Y)

New free federal/state online program is available for those wishing to complete their own returns

Gov. Evers, DOR Announce Start of Tax Season, Encourage Wisconsinites to Use New Direct File Services

Wisconsin taxpayers can file their taxes online directly for free with WisTax and new Direct File programs

Gov. Tony Evers, together with the Wisconsin Department of Revenue (DOR), announced that the individual income tax filing season began on Mon., Jan. 27, 2025, and encouraged Wisconsin taxpayers to use the state’s WisTax and new federal Direct File services to file their state and federal income taxes online for free.  “We’re working to make sure filing your taxes is as easy and as accessible as possible, and through these programs, we’re giving hardworking folks the option to file securely, easily, and directly—hopefully saving folks time and money and giving them some peace of mind,” said Gov. Evers. “This year, we’re also thrilled to be providing nearly $73 million in annual tax relief to over 110,000 Wisconsin taxpayers thanks to our new expanded child care tax credit. So, don’t wait, Wisconsin! Check out our new direct file program and file your taxes securely and directly this tax season.” Last August, Gov. Evers, along with U.S. Sen. Tammy Baldwin (D-Wisconsin) and DOR, announced that Wisconsin would join the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Direct File program for filing season 2025, enabling eligible Wisconsin taxpayers to file their taxes online directly with the IRS for free. According to the U.S. Department of Treasury, the average taxpayer spends approximately 13 hours and $270 to prepare their taxes each year. Direct File simplifies that process, saving taxpayers time and money. Additionally, when Wisconsin families file their taxes this year, they will see additional tax relief thanks to legislation signed by Gov. Evers last March to expand the current child and dependent care tax credit from 50 percent to 100 percent of the federal credit. This will help reduce the tax burden for families struggling to afford the high cost of child care and care for adult dependents. Over 110,000 Wisconsin taxpayers will see an average benefit of over $656 per filer, totaling nearly $73 million in annual tax relief. Wisconsinites can check to see if they qualify for the expanded Wisconsin child and dependent care tax credit here. The Direct File program was made possible by the Biden-Harris Administration through the Inflation Reduction Act, a landmark piece of legislation that was passed by Democrats in 2022, including Sen. Baldwin, who championed the Inflation Reduction Act and has been a staunch advocate for launching Wisconsin’s Direct File program to give taxpayers a no cost filing option for their federal taxes. Launched as a pilot program in a dozen states in 2024, Direct File users claimed more than $90 million in refunds and saved an estimated $5.6 million in tax preparation fees. The platform’s success and positive feedback encouraged the IRS to move forward with a rollout nationwide for the 2025 tax filing season. Direct File utilizes robust security measures to protect taxpayer information. Key security features include: Secure Data Transmission: Tax information is transmitted securely to the IRS using SSL 3.0 128-bit encryption. This creates as many combinations as the number of water molecules in 2.7 million Olympic-size swimming pools; Identity Verification: The program employs rigorous identify verification procedures to ensure the authenticity of filers. Direct File uses ID.me to help prevent identity theft and to protect taxpayer data; and Ongoing Security Monitoring: The IRS continuously monitors the system for any potential security threats. “We understand that tax information security is paramount,” said DOR Secretary David Casey. “The IRS has implemented strong safeguards to protect sensitive information throughout the Direct File process.” Eligible taxpayers can file using a smartphone, laptop, tablet, or desktop computer. For eligibility requirements and additional information, visit directfile.irs.gov and revenue.wi.gov. After completing their federal returns in Direct File, Wisconsin taxpayers will be taken to WisTax to complete their state taxes quickly and easily for free. WisTax offers a modern web-based experience that is intuitive, easy to use, and mobile-friendly. This free platform was created to simplify the tax filing process for Wisconsinites and eliminate burdensome costs. Should taxpayers encounter problems while filing, a knowledgeable DOR customer service representative will be available to answer questions and help troubleshoot the issue. In addition to the Direct File and WisTax, Wisconsinites have other options for filing their taxes, including: Tax Filing Software: Numerous software options are available, ranging from basic to advanced, offering varying levels of guidance and support; Tax Preparer: Enlisting the help of a qualified tax professional can be beneficial for those with complex tax situations or who prefer personalized assistance; and Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA): Free tax preparation assistance is available to eligible taxpayers through the VITA program, which is offered by community organizations and IRS-certified volunteers. To locate a site near you, use the VITA/TCE Locator Tool or the AARP Site Locator Tool.  DOR’s Where’s My Refund tool is the quickest way for Wisconsinites to check their refund status, as it gives taxpayers instant access to the same information call center agents provide. To further assist taxpayers during this busy time, DOR’s Customer Service Call Center is extending hours in the weeks leading up to the filing deadline. Tax specialists will be available from 7:45 a.m. to 5 p.m. from April 1 to 3, April 7 to 10, and April 14 to 15 to accommodate taxpayers’ schedules. Individual tax filers are encouraged to visit the DOR website’s “Individuals” page, where they can find answers to common questions, forms and instructions, tax credit information, payment options, instructional videos, and other resources.

2025 Traffic Box Public Art Project CALL for ARTISTS!!! The City of Whitewater is calling on artists to help transform everyday infrastructure into vibrant works of public art through the 2025 Traffic Box Public Art Project, Artful Transformation. This exciting initiative will enhance the city’s Main Street from the Whitewater St. to Elizabeth St. intersections by turning eight traffic signal control boxes into unique, community-inspired pieces. The goal of Artful Transformation is to celebrate Whitewater’s identity, creativity, and community spirit while providing local and regional artists with a platform to showcase their talents. Through this project, the city aims to enrich public spaces with artwork that reflects Whitewater’s rich heritage, diverse culture, and bright vision for the future. Call for Artists: The City of Whitewater invites artists to submit proposals for original artwork to be displayed on traffic boxes throughout the downtown area. Selected artists will receive a stipend of up to $3,000 per box to cover materials and labor. Eligibility: The opportunity is open to individual artists or artist teams, with preference given to those with a strong connection to Whitewater. All selected artists must sign an artist agreement and a hold harmless release. Submission Requirements: Proposal Description: A concept statement outlining the vision, themes, and preferred traffic box locations. Visuals: Sketches or mock-ups of original artwork designed for all four sides and the top of the traffic box. Budget: An itemized breakdown of costs, including materials, labor, and contingency planning (up to $3,000 per traffic box). Resume or Bio: Information about the artist or team’s background and artistic experience. Portfolio: Up to three examples of past work. A Public Art Committee, composed of representatives from the Whitewater Arts Alliance, City Council, local artists, and other community leaders, will review all submissions. The selected designs will become part of the City of Whitewater’s public art collection, with credit given to the artists. Key Dates: Applications Open: February 12, 2025 Submission Deadline: April 16, 2025 Artist Selection Announced: May 7, 2025 (Notifications of winners will be announced on the City of Whitewater web site, via press release and sent to all local publications, and in an email to the selected artists.) Painting Period: June – August 2025 Celebration Ceremony: September 13, 2025, at 10 AM at the Bridge Fountain/Traffic Box area Please note that on September 13th the City will also be hosting Food Truck Festival at the Cravath Lakefront Park. Further, the Whitewater Arts Alliance will be hosting the Fabrics of our Community exhibit at the White Building at 11 AM. Artists interested in applying can find the application form online at www.whitewater-wi.gov/618/Public-Art-Projects or request a copy by contacting Taylor Zeinert, Economic Development Director, via email at tzeinert@whitewater-wi.gov or by phone at 262-473-0148. The City of Whitewater looks forward to seeing the community’s creative talents on display and invites artists to help turn the city’s traffic boxes into engaging, meaningful works of art.

Estate Sale
N7877 E Lakeshore Dr.
March 7 & 8; 9 am to 4 pm
Everything must go! Furniture, Dressers, Twin & Full size bed, treadmill, computer, canoe, tools and many kitchen items.

A Banner Service: Garage Sale Ads

As a result of a reader’s comment that it’s hard to find garage sales in Whitewater now that we no longer have a weekly shopper, the Banner staff agreed to begin a complimentary “consolidated” garage sale posting that will be published by Thursday morning for the upcoming weekend’s sales. This announcement will only be for garage/estate sales (a sale of miscellaneous household goods, often held in the garage or front yard of someone’s house) in the city and school district boundaries. We will not be accepting, for example, ads for cars or other items that are not part of a scheduled garage sale. There will be a limit of three times per year for a particular property. There is a charge for estate sales that are commercially hosted.

Those wishing to place a notice must send the information to whitewaterbanner@gmail.com by Wednesday at 6 p.m. You may include a brief description of the items that are for sale, the hours and days of the sale, and of course your address. A few photos may also be included if desired; we prefer jpg format if possible.

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

The Whitewater Community Foundation is now accepting applications for Spring Community Action Grants.  Grants will be awarded to local non-profit organizations actively working to support the greater Whitewater community with educational, cultural, charitable and benevolent projects that will benefit and improve the community. 

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 fill out an application at: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1gY51mjXwlRW3vKYr75UWyqL5By6Wgdb4/view The deadline for submitting applications is April 30, 2025.

Virginia Coburn, WCF Board Member who chairs the Community Action Grant Selection Committee, said, “I’m inspired by the number of local organizations sponsoring programs and projects to benefit the community.  The Foundation has given grants to The Community Space, Whitewater Food Pantry, Bethel House, First United Methodist Church, St. Patrick Catholic Church, Whitewater Rescue Squad and many more. I invite you to read the pages on our website to see if one of your projects is eligible for an action grant.”

Organizations interested in pursuing a Whitewater Community Foundation Action Grant should check out the Foundation website: https://whitewatercommunityfoundation.org/?s=Action+Grants
or contact Ginny Coburn at virginiacoburn@coburn.com for more information.

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 https://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.

On March 13, Whitewater has a chance to hear from a local community member who has seen dementia from both sides.  Randy Cruse was a caregiver for his wife and he is now an educator with the Alzheimer’s Association.  Randy will give a presentation on the Ten Warning Signs of Dementia on Thursday, March 13 at 5:30 p.m. at the Cravath Lakefront Community Center.  Everyone is welcome.  Refreshments will be served.  

Randy’s talk will be interesting to all ages but especially to those age 40 to 50 which is when people typically find a loved one is in need of more help.   The presentation will distinguish typical age-related behaviors from true signs of a problem.  For example, age-related memory change that most of us experience includes forgetting names or appointments but remembering them later.  The brain is still able to “search its files,” find hints and logical connections to the type of information that needs to be brought forward.  This is different from signs that might indicate Alzheimer’s or related dementias. A degree of memory loss that disrupts daily life such as forgetting recently learned information, forgetting important dates or events, asking the same question repeatedly and depending on friends or family members for things they used to handle on their own.

All of us need occasional help using microwave settings, recording a TV show or help with an unfamiliar computer task.  That’s different from problems with daily tasks, getting lost driving to a familiar location, organizing a grocery list or remembering the rules of a familiar game.  Those could be an early sign of dementia.

You will learn about several other types of behavioral changes that indicate your loved one should be evaluated for Alzheimer’s.  These signs shouldn’t be ignored.  New drugs and lifestyle changes have helped many patients.  Knowledge about what the patient is feeling and going through can be invaluable to caregivers in navigating this new relationship.  The community is cordially invited to Randy’s informative presentation on March 13.

For more information:    https://www.alz.org/alzheimers-dementia/10_signs

https://www.whitewater-wi.gov/273/Seniors-In-the-Park

This article is submitted by Dementia Friendly Community Initiative, a program of Whitewater Seniors in the Park to help educate the community about dementia and to support patients and caregivers.  New committee members are very welcome!  Contact jjackson@whitewater-wi.gov or call Jennifer at 262 473 0535.  

College is supposed to be a time for learning, meeting new people, and figuring out the next steps of life.  However, for a lot of students, this is a time that is filled with stress, anxiety, and even depression.  Based on the Healthy Minds Study, almost half of all college students struggle with anxiety or depression.  And across the University of Wisconsin School System, anxiety (73%), stress (65%), and depression (63%) are all in the top concerns for students who seek counseling.

Even though mental health is such a large issue, getting help is not always the easiest process.  Counseling services across the UW campuses are usually backed up, which means students have to wait weeks just to talk to someone.  Others don’t even bother reaching out because they feel embarrassed or don’t know what resources are available.

This issue isn’t just about mental health, it can also affect school performance, graduation rates, and can have a major negative impact on their futures after college.  When someone is constantly overwhelmed and struggling, their grades will be in trouble.  They might end up dropping out and carrying these issues into their careers as well if the proper help is not provided.  If we want to set students up for success, colleges need to make mental health more of a priority.

The University of Wisconsin School System needs to step up and create change.  More funding for counseling services and better promotion of mental health resources could be important steps in making sure students get the help they need.  Schools should also encourage conversations about mental health so feel less alone during these times.  

Students and administration need to come together in order to make this happen.  Students should reach out to their student government representatives and advocate for changes within the university to make sure that this issue gets the attention and can be resolved.  The UW system and colleges around the country need to prioritize mental health and make sure students have access to the resources that will be beneficial.  

Editor’s note: Sidney McLean is a senior majoring in social work at the University of Wisconsin – Whitewater. .

Healthy Minds Network. (2023). Healthy Minds Study: 2022-2023 National Report. https://healthymindsnetwork.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/HMS_National-Report-2022-2023_full.pdf

University of Wisconsin System. (2022). UW Student Behavioral Health Annual Report 2021-2022. https://www.wisconsin.edu/student-behavioral-health/download/UWCIAP_Annual-Report_21-22_FINAL.pdf

University of Wisconsin-Whitewater. (n.d.). Mental Health Resources. https://www.uww.edu/uhcs/az/mental-health

Editor’s note: The Banner appreciates having permission to use the image on the homepage by Bianca Van Dijk from Pixabay.

The Whitewater Arts Alliance, in partnership with Fairhaven Senior Services, invites the community to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with a festive “Decorate a Shamrock” workshop. This free event will take place on Wednesday, March 5, 2025, from 3 pm-4:30 pm in the Fellowship Hall at Fairhaven Senior Services, located at 435 West Starin Road, Whitewater, WI 53190. Led by Angie Alesci, this workshop is open to both Fairhaven residents and members of the Whitewater community. Participants will have the opportunity to decorate their own shamrock, with all supplies provided at no cost. This event promises a fun, hands-on experience for all ages and skill levels, fostering a sense of fun and community. “We’re thrilled to, once again, partner with Fairhaven Senior Services for a community workshop and bring this St. Patrick’s Day celebration to Whitewater,” said Kim Adams, WAA Gallery Director. “It’s a wonderful opportunity for residents and community members to come together, get creative, and enjoy the spirit of the day.” This event is generously sponsored by Culver’s, whose support helps make free community programs like this possible. No registration is required—just bring your enthusiasm and join the fun!