News

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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It’s time once again for #FlashbackFriday with the Whitewater Historical Society.

Continuing last week’s theme of historic houses (but with ones still standing) in Whitewater, this week’s view is a c.1870 stereoscope image of the Smith-Allen house at 445 W. Center St. Built in 1856, this house was one of the first stylish “mansions” built in Whitewater. Its style is Italianate (Italian Villa type), the most popular architectural style in the United States at the time. It is one of the finest historic houses in the area thanks to Dan Richardson and Pat Blackmer, who have restored and maintained it for a number of years.

Join us next week for another historic houses photo from the Whitewater Historical Society.

(1659ST, Whitewater Historical Society)

According to the Rock County Public Works website, the closure for paving and culvert replacement on County Highway N, which extends from the western end of Walworth Street, is now expected to continue through October 20. Originally this project was planned to be completed by August 31, with the completion date subsequently being delayed to September 29, and most recently, October 13.

Meanwhile, the state Department of Transportation website still projects that the Highway 12 reconstruction between Whitewater and Fort Atkinson is anticipated to be completed on November 3. Originally it was indicated that work might be continuing until sometime in December.

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

During the first portion of the school year, the WHS Choirs have been singing about and thinking about the idea of community. We are thinking about the community that is our choir, our school, our city, our state, our nation, and our world. The songs featured at our Fall Concert are songs we sing as a community or are about the communities in which we live.

A part of living in a community is helping others. In order to do that, the WHS Choirs will be holding a Community Baby Shower. Donations of diapers and wipes will be accepted between now and next Wednesday, October 18th. All donations will be given to The Community Space in Whitewater.

Students, WUSD staff, and community members can drop off donations at the WHS Choir room or the WHS main office.

We will continue the collection at our Fall Concert on Wednesday, October 18th when we will have boxes ready for donations at the concert. The concert will be held at Whitewater High School in the auditorium at 7:00 pm.

Thank you in advance for any support you can give to this project. We truly live in a special place!

Article Submitted by Karen Tordera
Whitewater High School Vocal Music Instructor
ktordera@wwusd.org

This is a huge estate sale! It will be two weekends, with the first half this Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. It is the entire main floor of the home! We may even have the garage ready by then!!  (We don’t have the garage pictured yet, so it would be a SURPRISE! It is FULL!!!!)

N7545 Esker Ct 
Whitewater, WI 53190

Thurs., Oct. 12 10-4. 
Fri. & Sat., Oct. 13 & 14 9-4 both days

And  Thurs., Oct. 19 10-4, 
Fri. & Sat., Oct. 20 and 21  9-4 both days

Same address both weekends.

See pictures at http://shestatesales.com/sales.  There really is too much to list.

Versiti is the primary blood supplier for Southeastern Wisconsin, as well as Lakeland and Fort Hospitals. Donations have been down and there is definitely a need for more volunteers. Please consider making an appointment by clicking here today. Save time by answering the questionnaire at home; this cannot be done before Friday.

Editor’s note: The following announcement was provided by John Weidl on October 11.

Dear Whitewater Community,

I trust this message finds you in good health and spirits.

Recently, I explored a professional opportunity in Salem Lakes, WI, making it to the final rounds of consideration. However, the overwhelming support I received from you – including residents, elected officials, staff, committee members, business owners, and other developers still looking to start projects in Whitewater – has profoundly influenced my decision to withdraw my candidacy and continue serving as your City Manager in Whitewater.

Your encouragement and the collective achievements we’ve celebrated in affordable housing policy, Fire and EMS response times, staff recruitment and retention, and strategic planning have not only positively impacted our community but have also deeply affected me as a public servant.

I am invigorated by the recent renewed public participation in local government and the support for our staff and Strategic Plan. Rest assured, my dedication to advancing single family-style housing, commercial development, enhancing communication, supporting our local businesses, refining recruitment and retention strategies, and prudent management of our resources remains steadfast.

Whitewater’s encouragement, support, and vibrant, community-focused spirit are truly inspiring. Together, let’s continue to forge a path of growth and success for our beloved City of Whitewater.

With heartfelt gratitude, I am eager to get back to work.

Warmly,

John S. Weidl

City Manager, City of Whitewater