News

Want to be a Better Gardener? Learn Online with Extension! 

Growing and Caring for Plants in Wisconsin: Foundations in Gardening is an online, complete-at-your-own-pace introductory course offered by the UW-Madison Division of Extension Horticulture Program. This course is designed for anyone who wants to improve their gardening skills, regardless of experience level. Participants learn key concepts for selecting, growing, and maintaining plants—from trees to houseplants to vegetables and everything in between! The course runs September 8–December 7, 2024. 

Registration opens July 15, Early Bird pricing runs July 15-August 12, and registration closes August 29. Foundations in Gardening is offered annually each fall. It is suitable for gardeners of all skill levels, and it also serves as an approved learning opportunity for those interested in joining the Master Gardener Program.

At the end of Growing and Caring for Plants in Wisconsin: Foundations in Gardening, participants will be able to:

  • Link gardening practices and biology to preventing plant problems.
  • Explain how to select, grow, and maintain the health of different kinds of plants.
  • Identify strategies to manage plant problems.
  • Explain what Integrated Pest Management is and how it benefits you and the environment.

This course includes 14 modules with videos featuring Extension specialists, virtual activities, readings, and additional resources. The course also incorporates live webinars with Extension specialists who present on their areas of expertise and answer questions from participants. 

Participants can dig deeper into important horticulture concepts by registering for additional online lab sessions led by Extension educators. In these labs, learners apply knowledge from the online modules to real-life gardening situations. Labs are held via Zoom and are recorded for later viewing. The online labs are available for purchase for an additional fee.

If you are interested in becoming a Wisconsin Extension Master Gardener, this course is considered an approved learning opportunity from the Wisconsin Extension Horticulture Program. For more information on how to become a Master Gardener, visit mastergardener.extension.wisc.edu/join.

Early bird registration is open from July 15-Aug. 12, 2024. Register at the early bird rate of $299, which includes an electronic version of course manual (PDF). Hard copies of the manual can be purchased at time of registration. Need-based scholarships are available during early bird registration, for those who are eligible for financial assistance. Find more information about this course at go.wisc.edu/ExtFoundationsInGardening. 

Questions? Contact the course moderator, Amy Freidig at gardening.class@extension.wisc.edu 

The UW-Madison Extension Horticulture Program provides research-based horticulture information to Wisconsin gardeners so they can make informed decisions that keep their plants healthy while protecting the environment.

Savory Sounds Concert Features Amanecer Y Más (Marco Wence Trio) on July 18

Thursday, July 18
11:30am – 12:45pm – Rain or Shine
Flat Iron Park – 402 W Main Street – Whitewater

Amanecer Y Más (The Marco Wence Trio) will play this Thursday, July 18, from 11:30am to 12:45pm, for the Whitewater Arts Alliance’s Savory Sounds Summer Concerts.  Amanecer Y Más is a well-known musical group here in Whitewater, playing Hispanic music that will warm your heart and move your feet to tapping.  Accompanied by acoustic guitars, they sing many folk and emotionally-filled ballads, and are a favorite of Savory Sounds Concerts.

Amanecer Y Más (The Marco Wence Trio)

And what food goes better with Hispanic music than food prepared by Tienda Y Taqueria?  Their business located in downtown Whitewater, Tienda Y Taqueria is a very popular Hispanic grocery and restaurant, offering delectable food choices.

This Week’s Sponsor: Premier Bank – www.bankwithpremier.com

Location: Outside the Cultural Arts Center (CAC) / Flat Iron Park (next to the Birge Fountain), 402 W Main St, Whitewater.

Rain or Shine: Normally held outdoors on the lawn. In the event of inclement weather, the concerts are moved inside the CAC and seating is provided.

Seating: If the concert is held outside, please consider bringing a lawn chair or blanket. A few picnic tables and benches around the Birge Fountain are also available.

Food & Refreshments: Food and other refreshments will be available from the food vendor or bring your own lunch. This week’s vendor is Tienda Y Taqueria. Located in downtown Whitewater, they are a very popular Hispanic grocery and restaurant, offering delectable Hispanic food choices.

Parking: CAC lot and city street parking is available with additional parking available at First English Lutheran Church.

Celebration of Life: James Paul Fisher, 86

James Paul Fisher, 86, known by friends as JP or Jay, passed away on Sunday, June 9, 2024, at UW Hospital, Madison, with his immediate family by his side. His body finally surrendered to a heart attack after battling heart and kidney ailments for many years.

Born in Fond du lac, Wisconsin, on October 25, 1937, to Lorraine and James Fisher, JP was a resident of Elkhorn and then Whitewater, Wisconsin. At age 2 JP was diagnosed with polio. Through daily therapy administered by his mother and grandmother, he overcame this life threatening virus, and with a prognosis of limited use of his arms and legs, rose above to live a vibrant life, including becoming an exceptional athlete.

After graduating from Whitewater City High School, he worked full time for a few years, before enrolling at Wisconsin State College–Whitewater, now UW-Whitewater. With a passion for sports, JP was a four year letterman in both baseball and basketball. During his basketball career, JP became the school’s all-time scorer, a record he held for over 35 years. He was named an NAIA All-American in 1960 and 1961. JP excelled in baseball in his time as a Warhawk. He set records for batting average in 1960 and 1961, and was named a NAIA All-American in 1961.

With these accomplishments, he was inducted into the UW-Whitewater Athletic Hall of Fame in 1977. In 2015, he was also
inducted into WIAC Hall of Fame for these university athletic accomplishments.

After graduating from UW-Whitewater with an education degree, JP taught at Elkhorn High School, in social studies and driver’s education, for over 32 years. He had many interesting stories and experiences in teaching teenagers how to drive, something that gave him great fulfillment. Known as Coach Fish, he coached baseball for 5 years, basketball for over 10 years, and golf for 42 years with both the girls and boys teams. In 2016 he was inducted into the Elkhorn High School Athletic Hall of Fame.

While attending college, he met and later married Karen Anderson. They were married for almost 62 years. Together they raised three children: Mary Kay, Steve, and Scott.

Sports were JP’s life. He loved participating in and watching sports on TV and in person. He enjoyed playing recreational and traveling softball. While coaching the Elkhorn high school golf teams, his teams regularly competed against both of his sons and his daughter, who all played for the Whitewater teams; as well as his wife was the girls’ golf coach. The dinner table was an uncomfortable place to be in the Fisher household during these occasions. JP was an avid golfer. He and his wife led the local
couples’ golf league for many years. Unfortunately, arthritis in his back restricted his ability to play golf later in life. At his alma mater, he worked as a spotter for UW-Whitewater football games for over 50 years, thoroughly enjoying supporting UW-Whitewater athletics.

When he was no longer able to participate in his own sports, he found other ways to occupy his time. He drew and captioned his own cartoons, collected trivia questions and then emceed family events, and organized a family golf outing each summer. He eagerly anticipated regular family card games and even taught his granddaughters how to play Texas Hold-Em.

He is survived by his wife, Karen, his children Mary Kay (Tim) Nelson (Whitewater), Steve (TJ) Fisher (Elkhorn), and Scott (Amy) Fisher (Milton), his grandchildren Kiara and Steph (Dan Schumacher) Nelson, Dayne, Cade, and Jaden Fisher, Cameran and Myla Fisher, and his sister Pam Fisher (Pewaukee).

He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Dave, and his two sisters Sally Grabowski and Sandy Madsen.

The family would like to extend their gratitude to the UW Health University Hospital staff for their compassion and dedication supporting JP in his final days.

A Celebration of Life Open House will be held on Monday, July 15, from 4-7pm at the Community Engagement Center, 1260 West Main Street, Whitewater, WI.

In remembrance of JP’s life and love, the family asks that any charitable donations be made to the Whitewater Food Pantry or
UW-Whitewater Warhawk Athletic General Fund in JP’s memory.

Memory Matters: New Program Eases Caregiver Burden and Boosts Socialization for Dementia Patients (CORRECTION)

CORRECTION: A recent news release highlighting the new Memory Matters program from the Walworth County ADRC listed an incorrect address for Sugar Creek Lutheran Church, which hosts the program meetings. The correct address is N5690 Cobblestone Rd., Elkhorn.

For individuals living with Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) or early-stage dementia, one of the best ways to delay progression is through cognitive stimulation and socialization. Memory Matters is an adult day program for individuals with early memory loss. The program provides activities that stimulate cognition while enhancing physical, emotional, and social well-being and community connection.

“We are so happy to partner with Sugar Creek Lutheran Church,” says Jake Sawyers, Walworth County Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC) Dementia Care Specialist. “Here in Walworth County, there are only four social respite programs available to our more than 2,000 residents living with some form of dementia. This is a huge need, and caregivers welcome the idea of having reliable, weekly programming for their loved one living with early-stage dementia or MCI.”

Memory Matters is held Tuesdays from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Sugar Creek Lutheran Church, N5690 Cobblestone Rd., Elkhorn. The respite program costs $50 per session. Registration is required. Contact Jake Sawyers, Dementia Care Specialist, at (262) 741-3273.

About the ADRC of Walworth County: The ADRC provides information and assistance to older and disabled adults, their friends, family, caregivers, and the public. We assist by evaluating your current needs and providing options available to meet your situation. Learn more at www.co.walworth.wi.us/376/Aging-Disability-Resource-Center or call (262) 741-3200.

Contact: Jake Sawyers
Dementia Care Specialist
262-741-3273
jsawyers@co.walworth.wi.us

This Week’s City & School Board Meetings & Notices

Library Board of Trustees – Monday, July 15, 2024 @ 6:30 pm
Agenda includes discussion and possible action to approve a contractor and base bid for the library expansion and
renovation project.
Webinar link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81557506550?pwd=HC6FKPbk9NQNajKqg6VWVXdf1x4C0Z.1
Telephone: +1 (312) 626-6799 US (Chicago) (Houston)
Webinar ID: 815 5750 6550
Passcode: g0NassY7

Alcohol Licensing Committee Meeting – Tuesday, July 16, 2024 @ 5:30 pm
Agenda includes discussion and possible action regarding the DLK Hawk Bowl Class “B” alcohol license agreement with the City of Whitewater.
Webinar link: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/86273818205?pwd=NuAaj2EUUMA1tQlgBAPzsa9OxhRB28.1
Telephone: +1 (312) 626-6799 US (Chicago) (Houston)
Webinar ID: 862 7381 8205
Passcode: 559859

Common Council Meeting – Tuesday, July 16, 2024 @ 6:30 pm
Agenda includes Whitewater Middle School pickup and dropoff, sale of waterworks and sewer system revenue bonds, first reading of a mobile foods establishment ordinance, an easement with WE Energies for underground distribution at Southwest Water Tower site, City Manager review of goals, and strategic plan modifcations. Closed session agenda items include Park Crest Development Agreement and Developers Agreement for Royal Hounds Project located on Bluff Road.
Webinar link: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/81241037644?pwd=b5ZNKzbvXGurJoCnj4zI3tHaCbmNlQ.1
Telephone: +1 (312) 626-6799 US (Chicago)
Webinar ID: 812 4103 7644
Passcode: 215759

Parks & Recreation Board Meeting – Wednesday, July 17 @ 5:30 pm
Agenda includes WAFC Report and discussion of repairs and updates, dog park improvements, discussion on youth athletics and Treyton’s Field, and a discussion on lakes.
Webinar link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85667136099?pwd=hdgcZ71e7lK8PbYgXV3vCbxQp6JuqL.1
Telephone: +1 (312) 626-6799 US (Chicago)
Webinar ID: 856 6713 6099
Passcode: 846880

Community Development Authority Board of Directors Meeting – Thursday, July 18 @ 5:30 pm
Agenda includes Memorandum of Understanding for the Innovation Center, conflict of interest policy, 108 E Main Street, potential for collection of funds with regard to Meeper LLC Loans, draft of Technology Park convenants, Food Truck Fest, and WindUp feedback and winners.
Webinar link: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/82992318798?pwd=bPNnJ4h_wJvNjb5pZAp5DegAl4qljw.kY8aH0TrI3rrZlTl
Telephone: +1 (312) 626-6799 US (Chicago) (Houston)
Webinar ID: 829 9231 8798
Passcode: 822499

School District Meetings

Policy Review Committee – Monday, July 15 @ 9:00 am
WUSD Central Office Building
Agenda includes policies on superintendent evaluation, graduation requirements, and job descriptions.

Heat Advisory Issued, Strong Storms Possible

Here is an update from the National Weather Service regarding both thunderstorms tonight and high heat values for Sunday into Monday.

Bottom Line Up Front

  • A line or cluster of storms is expected to track from eastern MN to southern WI tonight. The time of arrival of these storms into south central WI should be between Midnight to 5 am early Sunday. A few showers or storms may linger after 5 am.
  • A few strong thunderstorms should precede this main line this evening. 
  • Strong to severe storms are likely, with damaging winds the main threat
  • Very heavy rainfall and dangerous lightning
  • See attached graphics for more information

Heat and Thunderstorm Outlook

  • Heat Advisory in effect starting 2 pm on Sunday.
  • It will be hot and humid Sunday and Monday. Heat indices approaching both 100 degrees Sunday and Monday.
  • Scattered Thunderstorms tonight and again late Sunday, higher chance Monday afternoon and night along an approaching front.
  • Potential for severe storms Sunday and Monday. Currently, it looks like Monday afternoon and evening would be the most likely time period.

What has changed?

The addition of the Heat Advisory for parts of southern Wisconsin on Sunday.
Increasing confidence in a few rounds of strong to severe thunderstorms tonight, then again later Sunday into Monday. 

Bubble Fun for the Whole Family at the Library July 18

The community is invited to a free, all-ages event to celebrate the end of the library’s Summer Reading Program. Join us for a bubble party outside of the Irvin L. Young Memorial Library on Thursday, July 18 at 2:00 p.m. Participants will enjoy music, popsicles, and bubbles!

The library is located at 431 W. Center St. in Whitewater. Contact the library at 262-473-0530 with questions.

Sarah French
sfrench@whitewater-wi.gov

UW-Platteville Announces Spring 2024 Graduates

The University of Wisconsin-Platteville awarded diplomas to more than 700 undergraduate students for the spring of 2024. 

Students from this area who graduated include:

 Nicholas Hipsky, Computer Science
 Rachel Mason, Civil Engineering

Walworth County Reminder: Final Installment of 2023 Taxes Due July 31

Walworth County Treasurer, Valerie Etzel, would like to remind all Walworth County property owners that the final installment of the 2023 real estate taxes are due to the Walworth County Treasurer by July 31, 2024. Include your payment stub(s) or indicate parcel number(s) that you are paying on your check or in a separate memo so we may apply your payment(s) correctly.

The following payment options are available to property owners:

  1. In Person:  Check, cash, money order at the Walworth County Treasurer’s office, 100 W. Walworth St, Elkhorn.  Office is open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. 
  2. By Mail: Checks or money orders may be mailed to the Walworth County Treasurer, PO Box 1001, Elkhorn, WI 53121.  Your mail must receive a U.S. Postmark on or before July 31, 2024.  If you would like a receipt(s) mailed to you, enclose a self-addressed stamped envelope with your payment.
  3. Online:  https://www.co.walworth.wi.us/ (Property Taxes) Payments accepted via electronic check, debit card, or credit card.  Convenience fees for online payments are as follows: $0.25 – electronic check (echeck), $3.50 – debit card (flat convenience fee), 2.2% – credit card (fee is charged for total amount due)
  4. Drop Box:  Payments of checks or money orders may be placed in the drop box located at the center median of the parking lot on the north side of the Government Center, 100 W. Walworth St, Elkhorn.

It is important that property owners meet the July 31st deadline. If you miss the deadline, the balance on your account will be considered delinquent and subject to interest and penalty of 1.5% per month retroactive to February 1st (10.5 %).

Specific questions may be directed to the Walworth County Treasurer’s Office. (262)741-4251; email treasurer@co.walworth.wi.us