News

Editor’s note: The following announcement was provided by Fort Atkinson Community Theatre.

Join us for a night of extraordinary talent! Fort Atkinson Community Theatre (FACT) is thrilled to be hosting our first talent show, which celebrates performers of all ages from Fort Atkinson and beyond. Singing, dancing, drama, and comedy – there’s a little something for everyone! Families are encouraged to attend.

Doors open at 6 p.m. Come early to create a shout-out for your favorite performer, grab a snack, get in on our 50/50 raffle, and snap some silly pictures at our photo booth! General admission at the door – $5 per person. Children 5 and under – Free.

Please park in the Grove St. lot and enter through the nearest door (#16). Can’t wait to see you at the show! Saturday, November 5, 2022 – 7 p.m. – Luther Elementary School, 205 Park St., Fort Atkinson

Editor’s note: The following information was provided by the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater.

UW-Whitewater awards more than $2.5 million in scholarships for 2022-2023

The following local students are among the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater scholarship recipients receiving financial awards for the 2022-23 academic year.

Whitewater, WI 53190 – Ashley Afah, who is studying Biology, won the following scholarship(s): Zoe E. Connor Memorial Scholarship

Whitewater, WI 53190 – Asobo Afah, who is studying Computer Science, won the following scholarship(s): Christina N Outlay Information Technology Scholarship

Whitewater, WI 53190 – Mariana Aranda, who is studying General Management, won the following scholarship(s): Chancellor Scholars; DLK Scholarship; King Chavez Scholarship (Admissions); King Chavez Scholarship (Foundation); Minority Business Scholarship; WP & L Minority Business Scholarship

Whitewater, WI 53190 – Jace Bezzo, who is studying Biology, won the following scholarship(s): DLK Scholarship

Whitewater, WI 53190 – Kacie Carollo, who is studying Integrated ScienceDBusiness, won the following scholarship(s): Chancellor Scholars; James R & Zoe E Connor Scholarship; Walter & Louise Buell Scholarship

Whitewater, WI 53190 – Jaden Condon, who is studying General Business, won the following scholarship(s): DLK Scholarship

Whitewater, WI 53190 – Marcos Contreras, who is studying Entrepreneurship, won the following scholarship(s): Carroll Pomplin Scholarship; DLK Scholarship

Whitewater, WI 53190 – Alan Cortes, who is studying Finance, won the following scholarship(s): DLK Scholarship

Whitewater, WI 53190 – Ivan Cortez, who is studying Marketing, won the following scholarship(s): AMA/Peltier Marketing Award

Whitewater, WI 53190 – Montserrat Cuevas, who is studying Spanish, won the following scholarship(s): Chancellor Scholars

Whitewater, WI 53190 – Kianna Doerr, who is studying Women’s and Gender Studies, won the following scholarship(s): Joyce & William Wartmann Scholarship – UW-Whitewater at Rock County

Whitewater, WI 53190 – Brennan Fox-Simes, who is studying Political Science, won the following scholarship(s): DLK Scholarship

Whitewater, WI 53190 – Christopher Gomez, who is studying Occupational Safety, won the following scholarship(s): Kerry College of Business and Economics Scholarship; Richard D McDonald Memorial Scholarship

Whitewater, WI 53190 – Brock Grosinske, who is studying Finance, won the following scholarship(s): DLK Scholarship

Whitewater, WI 53190 – Madison Hawkins, who is studying Elementary Education, won the following scholarship(s): Laura Ferris Scholarship

Whitewater, WI 53190 – Margaret Helbig, who is studying Public Policy and Administraion, won the following scholarship(s): Chancellor Scholars; Daniele D. DiPiazza Political Science Scholarship

Whitewater, WI 53190 – Joshua Hetz, who is studying Journalism, won the following scholarship(s): Joyce & William Wartmann Scholarship – UW-Whitewater at Rock County

Whitewater, WI 53190 – Jake Hintz, who is studying Business, won the following scholarship(s): DLK Scholarship; John Tincher Scholarship

Whitewater, WI 53190 – Elbee-Fae Ascherl, who is studying Women’s and Gender Studies, won the following scholarship(s): David W Adamany Scholarship; Edie Thornton Memorial Scholarship

Whitewater, WI 53190 – Marc Jones, who is studying Business Analytics, won the following scholarship(s): College of Business and Economics Admissions Scholarship; DLK Scholarship; Minority Business Scholarship; Zoe E. Connor Memorial Scholarship

Whitewater, WI 53190 – Emma Jordan, who is studying Psychology, won the following scholarship(s): Edann Scholarship

Whitewater, WI 53190 – Cally Julson, who is studying History Education, won the following scholarship(s): Donald Graham History Scholarship; Jack Filipiak Memorial History Scholarship

Whitewater, WI 53190 – Cj Kaegi, who is studying Art, won the following scholarship(s): Chancellor Scholars; Greenhill Endowment

Whitewater, WI 53190 – Sarah Keller, who is studying Music, won the following scholarship(s): Gala Concert Scholarship; McMonagle Studio Scholarship

Whitewater, WI 53190 – Danielle Klais, who is studying Environmental Science, won the following scholarship(s): Margery Folkerth Scholarship

Whitewater, WI 53190 – Felicity Knabenbauer, who is studying liberal arts, won the following scholarship(s): Martino Journalism Scholarship

Whitewater, WI 53190 – Taylor Koehler, who is studying Criminology, won the following scholarship(s): Warhawks Thrive Scholarship

Whitewater, WI 53190 – Natalie LaBreche, who is studying English Education, won the following scholarship(s): Chancellor Scholars; James R & Zoe E Connor Scholarship; R/M Burrows English Scholarship

Whitewater, WI 53190 – Jake Martin, who is studying Early Childhood Education, won the following scholarship(s): DLK Scholarship

Whitewater, WI 53190 – Sam Mckelvey, who is studying Film Studies, won the following scholarship(s): DLK Scholarship; Warhawks Thrive Scholarship

Whitewater, WI 53190 – Sabrina Morales, who is studying Art Education, won the following scholarship(s): DLK Scholarship

Whitewater, WI 53190 – Sam Morton, who is studying Undeclared, won the following scholarship(s): DLK Scholarship; Irene Krueger Scholarship; Warhawks Thrive Scholarship

Whitewater, WI 53190 – Maci Parrish, who is studying Communication Sciences and Disorders, won the following scholarship(s): DLK Scholarship; Transfer Excellence Scholarship

Whitewater, WI 53190 – Miguel Penaloza, who is studying Criminology, won the following scholarship(s): College of Letters and Sciences Endowment (Strategic Priority); Student Opportunities Fund

Whitewater, WI 53190 – Connor Rohde, who is studying Chemistry, won the following scholarship(s): Chancellor Scholars

Whitewater, WI 53190 – Julia Russ, who is studying Communication Sciences and Disorders, won the following scholarship(s): Chancellor Scholars; Dyer Memorial Scholarship

Whitewater, WI 53190 – Jesse Sagrero, who is studying Accounting, won the following scholarship(s): College of Business and Economics Admissions Scholarship

Whitewater, WI 53190 – Lukas Schreiber, who is studying Finance & Political Science, won the following scholarship(s): Chancellor Scholars

Whitewater, WI 53190 – Molly Schwieger, who is studying Counseling (master’s degree), won the following scholarship(s): Lefler Guidance & Counseling Scholarship

Whitewater, WI 53190 – Iemorlice Thou, who is studying Communication, won the following scholarship(s): Promise Endowment – College of Arts and Communication

Whitewater, WI 53190 – Jonce Tolley, who is studying Computer Science, won the following scholarship(s): Transfer Excellence Scholarship

Whitewater, WI 53190 – Carter Waelchli, who is studying Theatre Education, won the following scholarship(s): Fannie Hicklin Scholarship

Whitewater, WI 53190 – Mackenzie Wesoloski, who is studying Biology, won the following scholarship(s): UW Credit Union Scholarship

Whitewater, WI 53190 – Elora Whidden, who is studying Art Education, won the following scholarship(s): DLK Scholarship; Keith and Lorna Collins Memorial Scholarship

Whitewater, WI 53190 – Donovan Winn, who is studying Undeclared, won the following scholarship(s): General Merit Scholarship

Whitewater, WI 53190 – April Wright, who is studying art, won the following scholarship(s): Spirit of Whitewater Energy Awards

Whitewater, WI 53190 – Conner Young, who is studying Legal Studies, won the following scholarship(s): Lambda Chi Alpha Scholarship

Whitewater, WI 53190 – Marissa Zaehringer, who is studying Special Education, won the following scholarship(s): Walworth County Area Retired Educators Association Scholarship

Whitewater, WI 53190 – Trenten Zahn, who is studying Business, won the following scholarship(s): Walter & Louise Buell Scholarship

Whitewater, WI 53190 – Jon Zheng, who is studying Biology, won the following scholarship(s): Zoe E. Connor Memorial Scholarship

Whitewater, WI 53190 – Brianna Zimdars, who is studying undeclared, won the following scholarship(s): James R & Zoe E Connor Scholarship; Whitewater Community Scholarship

Whitewater, WI 53190 – Kaylee Zwerenz, who is studying Mathematics, won the following scholarship(s): Transfer Excellence Scholarship

“On behalf of the UW-Whitewater Foundation, we send our deepest congratulations to this year’s scholarship winners, who represent the very best in academic, co-curricular and service excellence across all of our colleges and departments,” said Sandy Dunst, interim president of the UW-Whitewater Foundation. “Over the years, many people and organizations have donated funds to make these financial awards a reality. Their kindness and generosity have contributed to the success of our Warhawks and we’re extremely grateful for their support.”

The UW-Whitewater Foundation awarded more than $2.5 million in scholarships to students. More information can be found at uww.edu/scholarships.

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

Whitewater Unified School District taxpayers will realize a lower-than-expected levy rate after the School Board approved the district’s 2022-23 budget on Monday evening.

As a result, the tax levy will decrease by about 7 percent from the previous year, with a mill rate of $8.76 per $1,000 of assessed property value. This marks a decrease from the current rate of $11 per $1,000. The originally projected rate was $9.91 per $1,000 of assessed property value.

The budget and the district’s mill rate will remain in place if residents approve the operational referendum question on Tuesday, November 8.

“We are pleased to share with our community that, thanks to increasing enrollment and sound fiscal management, the board has been able to decrease the projected levy for residents this school year,” said Dr. Caroline Pate-Hefty, Superintendent. “This is great news for our district and the property taxpayers who support our schools. We look forward to continuing to engage our community around our district’s needs and the solution on the ballot November 8.”

If approved, the November 8 operational referendum would renew a similar measure voters passed in 2018. That non-recurring operational referendum, which will expire in June 2023, has allowed WUSD to exceed its state-imposed revenue limit to fund critical programs and services for students. 

WUSD was able to realize an increase in state aid based on increased enrollment of 52 students this school year, property valuations, spending per student, and total expenditures across the state. 

With the proposed referendum, the district and board are not asking the community for additional funding, despite rising costs over the past several years. 

For more information on the referendum, please visit www.wwusd.org/page/referendum. 

Editor’s note: The following press release was received from the Irvin L. Young Memorial Library.

A proposal submitted by the Irvin L. Young Memorial Library to purchase Memory Activity Kits that will provide therapy and help occupy the time of people living with dementia so that their care partners can have some time to themselves has been selected to receive this month’s AARP Wisconsin “Small Dollar, Big Impact” grant. 

The library currently has six Memory Activity Kits and is in the process of creating two more, according to Suzanne Haselow, the library’s Outreach Services Specialist. Each kit has a theme, such as sewing, games, gardening, puzzles, assembling, and even a history of Whitewater, that are designed to be used in the home to entertain, engage and enrich the lives of those affected with memory loss. 

“The whole idea is to keep them busy for a while so their care partner has a little free time to take a shower, pay bills, get dinner ready or do whatever they need to do,” said Haselow, who plans to use the $1,000 grant from AARP Wisconsin to purchase therapy dolls and motorized pets “specifically designed for use by people living with memory loss, who are a vital and important part of our community.” 

Two of the new kits will contain therapy dolls – one Caucasian and one Hispanic – that will allow the person living with dementia to have something to cuddle and care for. The other two kits will include motorized therapy pets that actually respond when petted and are programmed to make cat and dog noises at acceptable sound levels. 

“These are kits that we would never have been able to afford on our own,” she said. 

Items in all of the kits are selected to spark memories, create positive feelings, and increase meaningful activity, Haselow explained. “The kits we currently have were developed in partnership with Whitewater’s Dementia Friendly Community Initiative. Ideas and feedback, as well as donations of items, were curated in that partnership. The goal is to make people with dementia as visible and present as their comfort and safety allow,” she said. 

Haselow expects to purchase the therapy dolls and pets soon and have the new kits ready to loan out to library patrons by the end of this year. The kits can be checked out for a period of three weeks at a time and can be renewed once. 

AARP Wisconsin is awarding one grant each month throughout 2022 to projects across the state that are designed to improve communities and make them better places for everyone to live, work and play as they age. Judges selected this project after reviewing dozens of proposals submitted from all over Wisconsin. 

“These grants are exactly what the name describes – short-term, low-cost solutions that could have a remarkable impact on the shaping of local communities,” said Amber Miller, Associate State Director of Community Outreach for AARP Wisconsin. “This project hits the nail right on the head.” 

AARP Wisconsin’s launched its “Small Dollar, Big Impact” grant program in 2020 and is now in its third year of helping proposed projects move forward in rural and urban parts of the state. 

The grant program is open to some nonprofits and government entities. For more information on the program, visit www.aarp.org/WIsdbi 

                                                     

Working for Whitewater’s Wellness’ (W3) mission is to support programs, foster collaboration, and
advocate for policies that support healthy eating, physical activity, mental well-being and social
connection. W3’s main goal in 2022 was to establish a Healthy Minds workgroup. The Healthy Minds
workgroup includes mental health advocates in the Whitewater community that work to end stigma
around mental health and increase awareness on the importance of mental health and well-being.

W3’s Healthy Minds has allowed new partners to come together, including passionate community
members, mental health professionals, Whitewater Unified School District (WUSD) staff, healthcare
partners and Walworth County Health & Human Services (HHS). One of the goals of the workgroup was
to establish regular suicide prevention training opportunities. Partnering with Walworth County HHS,
FREE Question, Persuade, and Refer (QPR) trainings are now available for groups and organizations in
the Whitewater community. W3 can provide financial assistance to groups or organizations in the
Whitewater area to incentivize participation including food, childcare, transportation, or assistance with
other program costs. Details can be found at https://www.w3wellness.org/healthyminds.

The Impact Teen Trinity Fund was established in 2021 in honor of Trinity Nickels. W3 and Impact Teen
Trinity have been proud to invest in programs and initiatives that provide education, training, and peer
intervention that smash the stigma around mental health and reduce youth suicide. Investments thus
far include $2500 to WUSD for Hope Squad elementary curriculum; $1000 to the Whitewater High
School Hope Squad (student peer support team); $1000 to UW-Whitewater Active Minds student
organization; and over $1000 spent on mental well-being books that will be gifted to WUSD school
libraries and distributed throughout the six Free Little Libraries in the Whitewater community.

To learn more about the W3 Healthy Minds workgroup and Impact Teen Trinity, visit
https://www.w3wellness.org/healthyminds or contact a W3 board member
whitewaterwellness@gmail.com.

About Working for Whitewater’s Wellness:
Working for Whitewater’s Wellness (W3) is a local non-profit that guides and supports initiatives
that promote health and well-being. W3 aims to support programs, foster collaboration, and
advocate for policies that support healthy eating, physical activity, mental well-being, and social
connection, with a vision of creating a community where people live longer, happier, and healthier
lives.