News & Events

Anyone in Whitewater interested in seeing the August blooms of a Prairie Garden is welcome to take a self-tour of our backyard at 505 East Clay Street on the East side of town, on the North shore of Tripp Lake and next to Clay Street Nature Park.

Please park on the Street. The mosquitoes are not bad this year! Native Americans in Southeastern Wisconsin probably woke up each morning looking at these same perennials.

Article and Photo Submitted by Richard Ehrenberg
richehr@hotmail.com

The Walworth County Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC) will offer Welcome to Medicare workshops on Thursday, August 18, at 1 p.m. and 6 p.m. This popular educational session will provide information about Medicare for individuals turning 65 years of age, those over 65 and planning to retire, or individuals with disabilities that have received Social Security Disability benefits for 24 months or have End Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) or Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease).

“It is vitally important that individuals eligible to receive Medicare are aware of the different parts of Medicare, including Part A and Part B, as well as the prescription drug coverage,” says Elder Benefit Specialist Julie Juranek. “Being knowledgeable about premiums and penalties for not having creditable prescription drug coverage will help people make sound choices when exploring available plans.”

The Welcome to Medicare workshops will be held at the Walworth County Health and Human Services building, 1910 County Road NN, Elkhorn. RSVPs are highly recommended by calling (262) 741-3366.

About the Walworth County Aging and Disability Resource Center: The ADRC provides information and assistance to older and disabled adults, their friends, family, caregivers, and the public. We can assist by evaluating your current needs and providing options available to meet the needs of your personal situation.

Article Submitted by Julie Juranek
Health and Human Services, Elder Benefit Specialist
jjuranek@co.walworth.wi.us

The Southern Wakes United Water Ski Show Team will be “Skiing for Sight” to benefit the Whitewater Lions Club on August 20, 2022 at 6:30 pm at the Scenic Ridge Campground located on Whitewater Lake.

There will be 50/50 raffles, gift basket raffles, t-shirt sales and more! All money raised at this event will be donated to Lions Club of Whitewater. So bring your family and friends out for a free night of entertainment, and support a great cause. Hope to see you there!

Article and Images Submitted by Theresa Kluczynski
Events Coordinator, Southern Wakes United Water Ski Show Team
events@southernwakesunited.com

The Whitewater Arts Alliance (WAA) is hosting an exhibition in October in the Cultural Arts Center (CAC), 402 W. Main Street, Whitewater, WI 53190. Co-chaired by Taylor McDarison, artist and manager of Arttaysia, LLC, and Nicole Holder, artist and manager of Harta Art, LLC, the exhibition is to run from October 7 to October 30. The show is open to lovers of the macabre, folklore, mythology, and the gothic. This might include but is not limited to: community members, WAA members, students, etc. The show will be both in-gallery and will be made virtual on October 29, and will be viewable until November 27.

Eligibility for the show includes artists who enjoy Halloween or fantasy related themes. Mediums can be 2D or 3D but must be original work to sell. Source materials must be original and not derived from any published images or copyright work/commercial patterns. However, artists can submit non-original works such as Jack Skellington as long as they are “not for sale.” Artists can submit up to four pieces and must send all items (forms and images) to Taylor McDarison via email (arttaysia.llc@gmail.com).

AWARDS: Best in Show ($150.00) and Viewer’s Choice ($50.00).

KEY DATES:

• September 18 – Submission Deadline for Applications by 11:59pm
• September 25 – Work drop off to the CAC, 3pm to 5pm
• October 28 – Exhibition Closing Reception from 6pm to 9pm
• October 29 to November 27 – Virtual show on website
• October 30 – exhibition closes after 5pm and artwork to be picked up at CAC

Full information, eligibility, rules, and registration can be found here: https://www.whitewaterarts.org/hallows-gala-2022

For questions, registrants are asked to contact Ashley McDarison (wwartsalliance@gmail.com).

Big thanks to our sponsor, First Citizens State Bank!

The mission of the Whitewater Arts Alliance is to promote the visual and performing arts through an alliance of artists, individuals, educational resources, and organizations to promote creativity and diversity that will serve to educate and enrich the lives of the residents of the Whitewater community and surrounding areas.

Article Submitted by Ashe McDarison
Manager, Whitewater Arts Alliance
wwartsalliance@gmail.com

With fall just around the corner, school supply lists are starting to appear in stores among the rows of bright colored folders, notebooks, pens and pencils.  According to the National Retail Federation, families with children in elementary through high school plan to spend $864 on back-to-school purchases. For those with children in elementary to high school, shoppers are putting the largest portion of their budgets toward electronics, new clothes and accessories. 

“Back to school spending is almost on par with the holiday expenses.“ says Amanda Kostman, Human Development and Relationships Educator at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, Division of Extension Walworth County. “Many households set aside money year round to help cover their holiday expenses, but back-to-school time always seems to sneak up on us – and adds up quickly.” 

More than one-third, or 37%, of parents with school-age children said they are unable to afford back-to-school shopping due to inflation, and nearly half said they would take on debt shopping for their kids, according to a study by Credit Karma.   As inflation continues to rise, one-third of consumers (38%) said they are cutting back in other spending areas to cover the cost of items for the upcoming school year, according to the annual survey released by the National Retail Federation and Prosper Insights & Analytics. Families expect to spend more per person on both K-12 and college items this year because of higher prices.  Before you head out to the stores or get online, a little time spent planning can help to stretch the budget. Here are some helpful tips to help you have all that you need as kids head back to school. 

As a rule, stick to only buying what you need right now.  Students may have to start the school year with notebooks, binders, paper, pens and pencils, but put off purchasing other items, such as a new backpack or lunchbox until they go on sale.  If you do not need a new laptop or headphones right away, are you able to wait until Labor Day or even Black Friday when the discounts on electronics will be greater? 

Begin by doing an inventory of school supplies and clothes from last year and of all the items that you already have on hand. Make a list of “must have” items and “nice to have” items.   Does your child really need a new backpack, or a new lunchbox? Do the jeans from last year still fit?    Also, remember fees paid directly to the school, such as book rentals, band instrument rental or athletic fees, and list these fixed costs in the “must have” category. Paying for lunch can also be surprisingly costly. Free and reduced-price school lunch programs through your school district can ease the pressure on the budget for eligible families. 

Next, figure out which items your child needs at the start of school and which items can wait a month or two. Maybe one or two pairs of new pants will make do for the start of school, especially if your child is going through a growth spurt. Waiting to buy some items until later fall and pre-season sales allows time for the child to grow and a chance to spread out spending. 

Use your child’s school supply list, your school fees must-have list, and your list of needed clothes to come up with a total budget amount for each child in school. 

Finally, compare your budgeted amount with your monthly expenses. Are there places where you can cut back on other bills to find back-to-school funds? What resources does your community have to help stretch your dollar? School districts frequently have information on school supply donations and clothing exchanges sponsored by local service providers. 

 Remember to include your student in this process. One of the best things you can do is involve your children in the budgeting and shopping. Including children in the decision-making process will help them learn to make decisions based on math skills, judgment, and personal taste. If your child really wants the more expensive folders, then they will need to reuse their lunch box or backpack from last year. Buying items at cheaper prices will teach them that they might have enough money left in their budget for brand-name sneakers. This is what money management is all about. Setting limits on spending does not mean a lack of choices, but it does make kids have to think strategically. 

Going back to school is an exciting time for everyone.  With a bit of planning, your 2022 school shopping can fit into your household budget without going into debt and being stressed in the process.  Now isn’t this the best way to start a new school year?  

Article Submitted by Amanda Kostman
Human Development and Relationships Extension Educator 
http://walworth.uwex.edu/

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Large Rummage Sale: 1240 W Satinwood Lane, Whitewater. Saturday August 13, 8 til 4, and Sunday August 14, 9-2.
Grumman Canoe, Schwinn Airdyne Exercise Bike, Glassware, Collector Plates, Bird Figurines, furniture, household items, books, DVD’s, and all kinds of miscellaneous goodies.

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Fun Yard Sale: N7380 County Road P, Whitewater. Friday Aug 12, 9am to 5pm, and Saturday Aug 13, 9am to 5 pm
Tools, chain saw, rugs, ceramic tiles, firebricks, vintage items, Makita sander, electronics, lighting, antiques, art work, art frames, home decor, Lincoln Logs, kid’s stuff, ladder, luggage, mower, clothes, wicker outdoor rockers, dishes, household items, toys. Watch for Signs! 

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Rummage Sale: 1130 W South St., Friday August 12, 9-5, and Saturday, August 13, 9-3
Squishmallows, karaoke machine, women’s and girls clothing, purses (coach, Liz Claiborne, etc), children’s games, youth sport wear, antique dolls, and more! All priced to sell, and offers welcome.

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After investigation, the City of Whitewater is confirmed to have no detection of Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS). The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (WI DNR) is conducting a statewide investigation into the occurrence of PFAS in drinking water at select municipal drinking water suppliers in WI during 2022. The City of Whitewater Water Utility voluntarily took part in this investigation by sampling its drinking water for PFAS. The City of Whitewater Water Utility decided to sample for PFAS to proactively assess the potential impacts of PFAS in the drinking water and to quickly take steps to protect the health of our customers if needed.

PFAS have been found in some drinking water supplies where PFAS releases have occurred in the environment. These substances can be found in fire-fighting foams, stain repellents, nonstick cookware, waterproof clothing, food wrappers, and are used in many industrial processes. They do not break down in the environment and move easily into water. The Wisconsin Department of Health Services (WI DHS) has made health based advisory level recommendations for 12 individual PFAS compounds and a combined value for 6 additional compounds.

The City of Whitewater Water Utility’s drinking water was tested as a part of this sampling project. The test results, which can be found on the WI DNR PFAS Sampling Project Page located at https://dnr.wi.gov/dwsviewer/, show that PFAS compounds were NOT detected.

The City of Whitewater Water Utility is committed to providing our customers with quality drinking water. As your water supplier, we will continue to work closely with WI DNR to maintain the quality of your water.

Specific health information regarding PFAS compounds with health advisory recommendations in WI can be found here: https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/water/gws-cycle11.htm.

Additional health information regarding PFAS can be found here: DHS PFAS https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/chemical/pfas.htm.

Article Submitted by Brad Marquardt
bmarquardt@whitewater-wi.gov

The SOO Line 1003 steam engine rolled through town on Monday, August 8, with an assist from a diesel engine. She was on her way back to Hartford, WI after spending time in Chicago for a special event.

Article and Photos Submitted by Stacey Amos
1bradyshortofabunch@gmail.com