News & Events

Editor’s note: The following press release was received from the office of the governor. Gov. Evers Announces Wisconsin Reached Highest Enrollment Ever on HealthCare.gov

For a limited time, Wisconsinites can still sign up for affordable, high-quality health insurance on the federal marketplace through Jan. 16, 2024

MADISON — Gov. Tony Evers today announced that, according to new enrollment data released by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services as of Dec. 23, 2023, 254,482 Wisconsinites have signed up for health insurance on the individual marketplace. This marks the highest enrollment Wisconsin has ever reached. The previous record was attained during the 2017 Open Enrollment Period when 242,863 Wisconsinites signed up for coverage. “Every Wisconsinite should have access to quality, affordable healthcare, and having a record number of Wisconsinites signed up to access affordable healthcare coverage is a critical achievement in our administration’s efforts to make sure folks and families can access the healthcare they need when they need it,” said Gov. Tony Evers. “This is great news for our state, and we will continue working to ensure Wisconsinites can get covered by encouraging folks to take advantage of the ongoing Open Enrollment period between now and January 16th.” Through January 16, Wisconsinites are still eligible to sign up for one of the dozens of health plans available on the federal marketplace. Those who already have insurance through the marketplace can also renew, update, or upgrade their health plans. “By getting insured, you are investing in your health and the health of those around you,” said Wisconsin Office of the Commissioner of Insurance (OCI) Commissioner Nathan Houdek. “Connect with a licensed health insurance agent, broker, or navigator today to understand your options and find the right HealthCare.gov plan for you and your family.” “We are thankful for OCI and our partners who spread the word about open enrollment to ensure people have health insurance coverage,” said Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) Secretary Kirsten Johnson. “Health insurance allows people to stay healthy and active in their communities. Access to coverage, whether through Medicaid, HealthCare.gov, or an employer, is how we keep Wisconsin a great place to live, work and play.” In 2020, Gov. Tony Evers’ OCI DHS Health Care Coverage Partnership launched WisCovered.com as an accessible resource for consumers. By visiting WisCovered.com or calling 2-1-1, people can get connected with free, expert help. These experts help Wisconsinites understand their coverage options and determine if they qualify for subsidized health insurance premiums through the marketplace or free coverage through BadgerCare Plus. The individual health insurance market has expanded substantially statewide, growing eight percent from 2019 to 2021. During the Open Enrollment Period last year, 221,128 Wisconsinites signed up for health insurance. Much of the enrollment increase is tied to the subsidies enhanced by the American Rescue Plan Act and extended by the Inflation Reduction Act. Last year, 89 percent of Wisconsinites who enrolled on HealthCare.gov qualified for these cost savings. Additionally, the successful Wisconsin Healthcare Stability Plan (WIHSP) has held down rates on the individual marketplace. Without WIHSP, rates on HealthCare.gov would have increased by 18.2 percent for the 2024 plan year, based on a weighted average. Wisconsin’s individual health insurance market also has the second-most insurers in the nation. Wisconsinites in all 72 counties can choose from at least three different health insurance carriers on HealthCare.gov. An interactive map of health insurers available by county can be found here.

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Editor’s note: The following press release was received from the Wisconsin Dept. of Health Services.

With cases of Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) rising across Wisconsin, the Department of Health Services (DHS) is urging pregnant Wisconsinites to get the vaccine to protect their baby from the virus. As of January 10 there have been 1,402 people in Wisconsin hospitalized with RSV this season; 580 of those are children under age 2.

The RSV vaccine Abrysvo can be given to people who are pregnant between 32 weeks and 36 weeks and 6 days of pregnancy and provides protection for newborns until they are 6 months old. The vaccine was approved for use in 2023 and is safe and effective. People who are pregnant should ask their health care provider if they can get the vaccine.

“This RSV vaccine provides protection to the infant for the first six months after they are born,” said DHS Respiratory Disease Epidemiologist Tom Haupt. “That provides the baby protection at a time when they could be vulnerable to serious illness.”

A different option to protect infants is a monoclonal antibody shot (nirsevimab). Children under eight months of age can receive nirsevimab, but it is important to know that nirsevimab is currently in limited supply. This is why it is especially important for people who are pregnant to get the RSV vaccine, which is readily available, to ensure their infants are protected.

The RSV vaccine is also available to all adults aged 60 and older. There are two RSV vaccines available for this age group: Arexvy and Abrysvo. Both vaccines are safe and effective.

Aging and older adults, individuals who are pregnant, and new parents should contact their health care provider to determine if RSV vaccination or preventive treatment is recommended for them or their infant.

In addition to the RSV vaccine, DHS urges everyone six months and older to get the flu vaccine and updated COVID-19 vaccine. This is especially important for people who are at greater risk of becoming seriously ill, which includes those who are pregnant, age 65 and older, and those with chronic health conditions. Wisconsinites can find locations offering the flu and COVID-19 vaccine by visiting vaccines.gov or calling 211 or 877-947-2211.

Besides vaccines, there are steps we can all take to help stop the spread of germs and viruses:

• Wash your hands often with soap and water for 20 seconds.
• Avoid touching your nose, eyes, and mouth.
• Stay home and away from others if you feel sick.
• Avoid being around others who are sick or have respiratory illness symptoms.
• Cover your nose and mouth when you cough or sneeze and encourage children to do the same.
• Wear a high-quality mask around others to prevent the spread of respiratory illnesses.

Editor’s note: The Banner appreciates having permission to use the photo on the homepage by Camylla Battani on Unsplash.

Editor’s note: The following press release was received from UW-Madison.

The University of Wisconsin-Madison has recognized students named to the Dean’s List for the fall semester of the 2023-2024 academic year.

Students who achieve at a high level academically are recognized by the dean at the close of each semester. To be eligible for the Dean’s List, students must complete a minimum of 12 graded degree credits in that semester. Each university school or college sets its own GPA requirements for students to be eligible to receive the distinction.

Whitewater, WI

 Jonathan Chan, College of Engineering, Dean’s Honor List
 Shawn Chan, College of Engineering, Dean’s Honor List
 Arno Crowley, Col of Agricultural & Life Sci, Dean’s List
 Colin Dugan, Col of Agricultural & Life Sci, Dean’s List
 Carson Ellenwood, College of Letters and Science, Dean’s List
 Reid Gunnink, School of Business, Dean’s List
 CC Liang, College of Letters and Science, Dean’s List
 Mohamed Mohamed, School of Pharmacy, Honor Roll
 Anna Riemer, School of Pharmacy, High Honor Roll
 Kendal Schreiber, College of Letters and Science, Dean’s List
 Daniel Soto, College of Engineering, Dean’s Honor List
 Kaden Tourdot, College of Letters and Science, Dean’s List
 Michael Zande, College of Engineering, Dean’s Honor List

According to a report on WKOW, Payton Zech, a local DoorDash driver, encountered a herd of cows running towards his vehicle on Highway P. “I don’t know what to do in this situation,” he said as the cows trotted toward him. “I’m just gonna keep going backwards, I suppose.”

The video report may be viewed here. Click on the second image for the video.

By Lynn Binnie
Whitewater Banner volunteer staff
whitewaterbanner@gmail.com

The National Weather Service Milwaukee/Sullivan Weather Forecast Office (NWS) has issued a Winter Storm Warning beginning at 6 a.m. on Friday through noon on Saturday. They are projecting in the range of 8-12″ of snow in the Whitewater area. If that sounds familiar, it’s similar to the range that they had anticipated earlier this week, when we actually received approximately 3-4″. They indicate that lower than anticipated snow was related, among other things, to the warmer temperature. This time the temperature is expected to be lower, including the roads, and NWS claims that they tried to estimate conservatively.

Wind gusts on Friday and Saturday are expected to cause blowing/drifting snow. The Wisconsin State Patrol advises people to postpone their Friday and Saturday travels as another winter storm and low temperatures roll through the state. Trooper Wameng Van said people should limit their traveling if possible on Friday and Saturday during an expected winter snowstorm. ”If you can postpone it, I would advise to do so,” he said. ”With single and sub-zero temperatures, you think about frostbite; just within 30 minutes or so, frostbite can start kicking in already. You want to try to avoid that.”

Wind Chill Advisories may be issued next week, as the wind chill on Sunday and Monday may fall to -30F.

Editor’s note: The following announcement was received from Pamela Sonmor-Wintz, WHS counselor.

Akamion McHenry has been chosen by the faculty at Whitewater High School to attend the Wisconsin Leadership Seminar at Carroll University in Waukesha June 14-16, 2024!

Akamion will participate in team-building activities, hear motivational speakers, and participate in small group discussions designed to develop additional leadership skills in sophomores across the state of Wisconsin.  Congratulations Akamion!!