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According to a press release, Dodge County deputies were dispatched to a two-vehicle crash on County Road G near Canary Road in the town of Beaver Dam on Saturday, October 12 at 8:38 p.m. The sole occupant of a black 2009 Cadillac CTS was pronounced dead at the scene. The other vehicle was parked in a private driveway and was not occupied.
The Dodge County Sheriff’s Office indicates that the initial investigation shows the Cadillac, driven by a 45-year-old man from Palmyra, was southbound on County Road G and ran off the roadway to the right, entering a private driveway. The car struck a parked, unoccupied vehicle and continued in the private yard, striking a tree and coming to a stop with severe front-end damage. Excessive speed is believed to be a factor.
The crash is under investigation by the Dodge County Sheriff’s Office Crash Investigation Team. The name of the driver is being withheld pending family notification.
Social Security and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits for more than 72.5 million Americans will increase 2.5 percent in 2025. The 2.5 percent cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) will begin with benefits payable to nearly 68 million Social Security beneficiaries in January 2025. Increased payments to nearly 7.5 million SSI recipients will begin on December 31, 2024. (Note: some people receive both Social Security and SSI benefits.) On average, Social Security retirement benefits will increase by about $50 per month starting in January.
Over the last decade the COLA increase has averaged about 2.6 percent. The COLA was 3.2 percent in 2023, [8.7% in 2022, and 5.9% in 2021.]
Nearly 68 million Social Security beneficiaries will see a 2.5 percent cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) beginning in January 2025. Increased payments to nearly 7.5 million people receiving SSI will begin on December 31, 2024. (Note: Some people receive both Social Security benefits and SSI).
“Social Security benefits and SSI payments will increase in 2025, helping tens of millions of people keep up with expenses even as inflation has started to cool,” said Martin O’Malley, Commissioner of Social Security.
Some other adjustments that take effect in January of each year are based on the increase in average wages. Based on that increase, the maximum amount of earnings subject to the Social Security tax (taxable maximum) is slated to increase to $176,100 from $168,600.
Social Security begins notifying people about their new benefit amount by mail starting in early December. This year, for the first time, Social Security beneficiaries will receive a newly designed and improved COLA notice that makes it easier for customers to find the information they need most. The simplified COLA notice is now only one page, uses plain and personalized language, and provides exact dates and dollar amounts of a person’s new benefit amount and any deductions.
Individuals who have a personal my Social Security account can view their COLA notice online, which is secure, easy, and faster than receiving a letter in the mail. People can set up text or email alerts when there is a new message–such as their COLA notice–waiting for them in my Social Security. People will need to have a personal my Social Security account by Nov. 20 to see their COLA notice online. To get started, visit www.ssa.gov/myaccount.
Information about Medicare changes for 2025 will be available at www.medicare.gov.
Editor’s note: The above announcement was made by the Social Security Administration on October 10.
Jenna Weinfurt hitting a ball during a match earlier this season (Tim Kruse)
By Angela Kelm
Asst. Athletic Director for Sports Information
The No. 5 University of Wisconsin-Whitewater picked up another win over a ranked opponent with a 3-0 (25-11, 25-12, 25-10) sweep over No. 21 North Park University in Russell Arena Saturday evening.
The Warhawk offense was efficient hitting .500 in the contest with at least 14 kills in each set while the defense held the Vikings to single digits in the kill column the entire match. The .500 attack percentage tops the Warhawk record book for a single match. Individually, Jenna Weinfurt hit .700 – ranked third in the UWW records books.
UW-Whitewater jumped out to a quick 9-0 lead with Alayna Jansky at the service line and never looked back. That initial 9-0 run was bolstered by three aces and three Weinfurt kills. Set two saw the Warhawks burst out of the gate to a 10-2 advantage and set three opened with a big 9-1 run for UWW.
For the match, Weinfurt tallied 15 kills in 20 attempts while committing a single error for the .700 attack percentage. She added a pair of aces and four blocks on the evening. Jansky registered 12 kills in 23 attempts with one miscue from. The fellow outside hitter posted three aces and eight digs on the night. Ally Warburton hit over .500 with 8 kills in 11 attempts while only committing a pair of errors on the right side. She added four blocks in the contest.
Aubrie Krzus led the offense to the phenomenal attack efficiency with 31 assists.
Defensively, Abbie Dix enters the Warhawk record book with 11 blocks in a single match – a mark that ties for second-most in program history. Jaedynn Evans added 13 digs to lead all players.
UWW returns to WIAC play next week with a home match against UW-Stevens Point Wednesday at 7 p.m. The Pointers currently sit atop the league standings with a 3-0 record while the Warhawks are currently tied for second at 2-1.
By Angela Kelm
Asst. Athletic Director for Sports Information
Menomonie, Wis. — The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater football team [D3football.com #10] fell to UW-Stout [D3football.com unranked] 29-27 on the road Saturday afternoon marking the Warhawks’ first loss to the Blue Devils since 2001.
Turnovers proved costly for UW-Whitewater in the game as a fumble led to a UW-Stout touchdown early in the second and an interception played into a Blue Devil field goal in the third.
The Warhawks won the toss and deferred but gained possession on the third play of the game courtesy of a fumble. Dyson Klubertanz was covering on a short completion, forcing a loose ball as he hit the receiver. The fumble was picked up by Deven Magli at the Stout 37. The early turnover led to the first score of the game, a 25-yard field goal from Jackson Fox.
The Blue Devils came back with a field goal of their own to knot the game before Tyler Vasey responded with his second kickoff return for a touchdown. Vasey hauled in the kick at the five and cruised through a pack of UWS special teams players before bolting up the sideline for the touchdown. The sophomore now holds the UWW record for kickoffs returned for touchdown in a career with three.
The back-and-forth battle continued with the Blue Devils marching 70 yards to even the score 10-10, but the Warhawks had another big-play response.
On the first play of UWW’s next drive, Jason Ceniti hit Brian Wilterdink on a deep ball for the 73-yard touchdown. Fox’s extra point made it 17-10 Warhawks as the game headed into the second quarter.
UW-Stout narrowed the gap with a 38-yard field goal early in the second. The Blue Devils secured their first lead of the game after a fumble recovery on the UW-Whitewater’s next drive led to a Stout touchdown and a 20-17 advantage for the host institution.
Fox knotted the game once again with a 39-yard field goal on the team’s next drive, but UW-Stout would tally the final score of the half on a 26-yard field goal to make it 23-20 Blue Devils at the break.
The lone score of the third quarter came on another Blue Devil field goal, this time from 25-yards out. Stout’s kicker hit another early in the fourth, a 40-yarder, to give the Blue Devils a 29-20 lead.
Late in the fourth, the UWW defense came up with a big stop to force a punt. Pinned inside their own 20, with less than four minutes to go, the Warhawks got to work. Ceniti hit Wilterdink for 15, then Nick Wind for 12 more. On the next play, Ceniti found Tamir Thomas on a short completion that led to a 57-yard touchdown. The extra point narrowed the gap to two, 29-27 with less than three to play.
A flag on the first onside kick attempt pushed UWW back five yards. The second attempt did not go the full 10 needed as the Blue Devils took over at the Warhawks’ 37.
The UW-Whitewater defense stiffened forcing a field goal attempt that missed the uprights and brought the Warhawk offense back onto the field at their own 29 with just 70 seconds left in the game.
UWW opened the drive with an 18-yard completion to Wind. After a sack led to a loss of eight, a five-yard pass was caught in bounds as seconds ticked away. A deep pass fell incomplete to stop the clock, but the Warhawks took a delay of game before getting off the next play. On the final play of the game, an illegal forward pass was called as Ceniti tried to elude defenders and get the ball downfield ending the game.
Ceniti was 16-27 for 281 yards with a pair of touchdowns and two interceptions. Thomas led the rushing attack with 36 yards on 14 attempts. Wilterdink was the top target on the day. He hauled in five passes for 113 receiving yards and a touchdown.
Ethan Gallagher paced the defense with 11 tackles including 2.5 tackles for a loss of six yards.
WAA is pleased to host an Artist Reception for the two exhibits currently on display in the Cultural Arts Center Gallery during the month of October, Studio 84: Past & Present and the Electric Eclectic IV invitational photography exhibitions. The reception will be held Saturday, October 12 from 12 pm – 4 pm, with the Studio 84 program beginning at 1 pm and the Electric Eclectic IV program beginning at 2 pm.
A previous Whitewater Banner article provides information regarding the Electric Eclectic IV exhibition. See below for the Studio 84 exhibit.
Studio 84: Past & Present
A Review of the Past and Present Art of Studio 84
Exhibit: October 3 – 27, 2024
Reception: Saturday, October 12, Noon – 4 pm, Program at 1 pm
The Whitewater Arts Alliance (WAA), in collaboration with Studio 84, proudly presents Past and Present. Past and Present is an extraordinary exhibition that celebrates Studio 84’s rich history and vibrant future, along with the many artists who have contributed their creative works over the years.
The exhibit will be open to the public from October 3 to 27, 2024, with a special reception on October 12 from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm, offering a chance to meet the artists and experience their creative journey.
This exhibition highlights the collaborative spirit between the WAA and Studio 84. Studio 84, a unique non-profit art studio located in Whitewater fosters inclusivity through the arts. Studio 84 focuses on providing creative opportunities for all individuals, with an emphasis on supporting artists with disabilities. The studio’s philosophy encourages participants to explore a variety of artistic mediums, providing individualized guidance based on each person’s abilities and goals. With programs designed to nurture creativity and self-expression, Studio 84 promotes personal growth and community engagement.
Founded by artist Deborah Blackwell, Studio 84 has been a cornerstone of the Whitewater arts community since 2009. Its mission is to offer fully accessible artistic experiences that enrich lives, empowering individuals through self-directed activities and a focus on their unique strengths. Over the past 15 years, the studio has evolved, providing a wide range of visual arts programming and recently introducing a dance program. This exhibit will showcase a range of media, reflecting both traditional and contemporary artistic approaches, while celebrating the growth and creativity of all contributors.
Join us in celebrating the power of art and community.
Lakeview, Lincoln, and Washington Elementary Schools are celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month with classroom and building-wide activities to promote and educate students on the rich Hispanic culture many community members share.
The month-long series of activities is designed to deepen students’ understanding and appreciation of
Hispanic cultures. They highlight various traditions, histories, and contributions of Hispanic communities,
offering students meaningful opportunities to learn about and celebrate the diverse cultural backgrounds
that enrich the Whitewater community.
Lincoln Elementary School kicked off Hispanic Heritage Month with a vibrant, educational assembly led
by its multilingual staff earlier this month. “Hispanic Heritage Month is such an important time for us to
come together in our school community and recognize the diverse backgrounds that make us stronger,”
said Lincoln Elementary Principal Brad Gefvert. “We’re excited to continue celebrating and learning from
one another as we explore the many cultures of our students and staff.”
At Lakeview, classrooms have enjoyed activities like decorating doors with vibrant designs that highlight
Hispanic traditions and contributions. Daily announcements feature fun and educational facts about
various Spanish-speaking countries. In art class, students have created projects inspired by renowned
Latino artists, while in music class, they’ve been learning and singing songs from across Latin America.
Teachers at Washington Elementary enjoyed a lunch with authentic ethnic foods gifted by families. Fun
facts about Hispanic culture are shared during morning announcements, and students look forward to a
“Día de los Muertos” or “Day of the Dead” art project to learn about this beautiful tradition.
WUSD is committed to fostering an inclusive environment where every student’s culture is honored and
celebrated. Hispanic Heritage Month, observed annually from September 15 to October 15, plays a vital
role in supporting this effort.
Editor’s note: The above press release was provided by the Whitewater Unified School District.
Vaccines for COVID-19, flu, and RSV available
The Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) is encouraging Wisconsinites to get vaccinated against respiratory illnesses this fall. An updated COVID-19 and a new annual flu vaccine are now available to protect against COVID-19 and flu strains circulating this season. RSV vaccines are also available for people who are eligible, including most older adults and people who are pregnant. An RSV antibody to protect infants from severe illness is also offered.
“In the fall, viruses like flu, RSV, and COVID-19, start to increase across Wisconsin and spread through communities, workplaces, schools, and other places people live, work, and play,” said State Health Officer Paula Tran. “While they may only cause mild sickness for some people, for others, like older adults, infants, and those with underlying health risks, they can cause serious illness and even death. Vaccines are safe and effective, and we encourage Wisconsinites to talk to their health care providers to see what’s best for them.”
Currently in Wisconsin, COVID-19 activity is moderately elevated statewide. Flu and RSV activity is low, but levels are expected to increase. Every year there is an increase in respiratory infections during and after the holidays. DHS recommends the following seasonal vaccines for flu, COVID-19, and RSV.
Flu (Influenza)
The flu vaccine is recommended annually for everyone 6 months and older. This is especially important for those at highest risk of experiencing severe symptoms, including older adults, people with chronic health conditions, people who are pregnant, and young children.
COVID-19
It is recommended everyone 6 months and older get the updated COVID-19 vaccine. The 2024–2025 vaccine is formulated to protect against currently circulating variants of COVID-19 and will protect people from the potentially serious outcomes of COVID-19 illness this fall and winter.
RSV
People who are age 60 and older
A single dose of RSV vaccine is recommended for people who are age 60 or older who have not already received an RSV vaccine, especially people who are:
- Age 75 and older.
- People ages 60–74 who have certain chronic medical conditions, like lung or heart disease, or who live in nursing homes or other long-term care facilities and are at increased risk of severe RSV.
RSV vaccine is not currently an annual vaccine, meaning older adults do not need to get a dose every RSV season.
Pregnant people and infants
DHS recommends either maternal RSV vaccination or infant and young child immunization with monoclonal antibodies to prevent severe disease in infants. Most infants will not need both. Certain pregnant people should get the maternal RSV vaccine to protect their infant, because infants are especially at
If a pregnant person does not receive the maternal RSV vaccine, an RSV antibody shot is recommended for infants less than 8 months old and some toddlers to protect them from severe RSV. This antibody, called nirsevimab, will be available October 1- March 31.
How to get a vaccine
Vaccine appointments are being made available by health care providers, clinics, and pharmacies. To find and schedule a vaccine, Wisconsin residents are encouraged to check with their primary care provider, local or Tribal health department, community clinic, or visit vaccines.gov. If they do not have health insurance, or their health insurance does not cover vaccines, there are programs that can help, including the Vaccines for Children program and Vaccines for Adults program.
Eligible Wisconsinites can get their flu, COVID-19, and RSV vaccine at the same time.
“Vaccines are proven to be a safe and effective way to protect yourself and those around you from the most common respiratory viruses this season. Not only can vaccines prevent the most severe symptoms of these illnesses, they can also reduce the chance that you can spread disease to others,” said Dr. Stephanie Schauer, DHS Division of Public Health Immunization Program Manager. “In addition to getting vaccinated, we encourage Wisconsinites to cover coughs and sneezes, wash or sanitize your hands often, and maintain awareness of the respiratory viruses currently spreading in your community to assess risk when making plans.”
Respiratory season tools and data
As part of its year-round mission to track the spread of illness in Wisconsin, DHS monitors both vaccination rates across the state as well as overall respiratory virus activity reported to DHS by health care providers and labs across the state. The data will be available on new respiratory data webpages summarizing overall respiratory activity, emergency department data, and laboratory testing data. DHS also offers immunization data dashboards for COVID-19, flu, and RSV for Wisconsin residents.
Mark Dorn writes, “I was startled to see this huge praying mantis leisurely enjoying its lunch at Trippe Lake Village this afternoon. It was so big it reminded me the classic 1957 “B” horror film, “The Deadly Mantis”…
Our thanks to Mark Dorn for these great photos.
— Our Readers Share: We hope that you might have something that you’d be willing to share. Anything that’s been created by someone else should, of course, be credited, and you should ask their permission if you’re able. We cannot post copyrighted material without permission. We can’t guarantee that we’ll have space for all submissions, and contributions will be subject to editorial board approval. The one definite exclusion is anything politically oriented. We will assume that you’re willing for us to include your name as the submitter unless you indicate that you prefer to remain anonymous. Send to whitewaterbanner@gmail.com. Thanks for thinking about this!
Obituaries
In Loving Memory of Kandi Lynn Kincaid (Cardinal)Beloved Daughter, Sister, Mother, Grandmother, and Friend It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Kandi Lynn Kincaid, daughter of Eunice and Richard Kincaid, on December 28th at 7 PM. Kandi passed away peacefully in bed, enjoying one of her favorite pastimes—watching crime shows. Kandi was a woman of many passions. She was a devoted fan of the Chicago Bears, found joy in listening to 2Pac, and had an unwavering love for animals, always standing against cruelty of any kind. Her smile could light up a room, and her warmth … Read more
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Dr. George Harold Seeburger, 89, of Lake Mills passed away on Friday, January 3, 2025 at Lilac Springs Assisted Living in Lake Mills. George was born on July 20, 1935 in Phillips, Wisconsin to George and Nellie (Knight) Seeburger. He graduated from Phillips High School and received an undergraduate degree from UW Stevens Point and went on to earn his PhD from the University of Georgia Athens. He was a biology professor at UW Whitewater up until his retirement. George married Nancy Carole Skalitzky on November 6, 1959 in Waukegan, Illinois. Nancy passed on November 13, 2021. They enjoyed traveling … Read more
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William J. “Bill” West, 75, of Whitewater passed away on Tuesday, December 24, 2024 at Fort Memorial Hospital in Fort Atkinson. Bill was born on September 8, 1949 to John and Bessie (Sutherland) West in Fort Atkinson. He worked at the University of Wisconsin at Whitewater for twelve years. Bill enjoyed watching the Packers and NASCAR. He is survived by his girlfriend, Sandy Hahn; and many friends and family. A memorial visitation will take place on Thursday, January 16, 2025 from 11 AM until 1 PM at Nitardy Funeral Home, 550 N. Newcomb St., Whitewater, WI 53190. Inurnment will take … Read more
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David Harold Baker Jr., beloved husband, father, stepfather, son, and brother, passed away on December 16, 2024, in Portland, Oregon, at the age of 61. Born on August 10, 1963, in Beaufort, South Carolina, David was the firstborn child of David Baker Sr. and the late Betty Jean Baker (née Wickham) while his father served in the United States Marine Corps. David spent his early years in Wyoming, where the family lived until his parents divorced. In 1976, David moved to Oregon with his father, and he graduated from high school in 1982. Shortly after, he moved to Wisconsin to … Read more
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Allen C. Hicks, 85 of Whitewater passed away on Saturday, January 4th, 2025 at Huntington Memory Care in Janesville. Al, the oldest of seven boys, was born on July 5th, 1939, in Belvidere, Illinois to Walt and Laura (Keller) Hicks. A few years later, the family bought a dairy farm in Whitewater and became very active in the Whitewater community. There was always work to be done or something to be repaired on the farm which led to Al’s lifelong love of tinkering. He was very active in high school sports which continued on into his adult years playing in … Read more
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Jeanette Ila Hansen, 91, Whitewater passed away on December 24, 2024 at Rainbow Hospice Inpatient Center in Johnson Creek, WI, having lived independently almost all her later life. Jeanette was born on May 12, 1933 in Whitewater, WI to Alvin and Maybell (Maasz) Cox. She married Norman Hansen on November 2, 1950 and they were married for 59 years. Jeanette enjoyed fishing, reading, indoor gardening, collecting dolls, and cooking; and she made many beautiful items with crocheting, knitting, and sewing. She was generous and seemed to have a good word to say about almost everyone she met. She especially loved … Read more
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Isaac Richard Unger left the field on Christmas Day, and is now at peace. He was born in Whitewater, WI on April 1st, 1993 to Paul and Mary Jo (née Peiffer) Unger. Isaac was born ten days late on a silly holiday, and lived his life as such–never rushed, and with a lighthearted sense of humor. Isaac graduated from Madison East High School in 2011, and then attended UW-River Falls from 2011-2016, where he studied English and philosophy. Isaac was a sports lover, not only as a spectator, but as a participant. Isaac grew up playing soccer, basketball (Badger Sporting … Read more
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John George Mack passed away into eternal glory on December 24th, 2024. John was born December 1, 1963, in Fort Atkinson, WI to Ronald and Mary Alice (Hanson) Mack of Whitewater. John was a 1982 Whitewater High School graduate. In 1983 just out of high school John started his first wood company selling wholesale through all the major gift markets including Atlanta, Chicago, Dallas, Los Angeles and New York. At the time his clients included 8 out of the 10 retail chains and several thousand independent stores nationwide. John had so many wonderful customers and associates. As the wholesale gift market shifted to cheaper overseas … Read more
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Clifford Maynard Witte, age 103, of Whitewater, WI completed his earthly journey on December 24, 2024 in his home surrounded by his loving family. Clifford was born on September 13, 1921 on a farm in Mount Horeb, WI, and was the third child of Ella and Eli Witte. Clifford served his country by joining the Navy in 1942 during WWII, and served alongside his two brothers. Later he used the GI bill to attend Palmer Chiropractic College in Davenport, IA. There he met the love of his life, Beulah (Billie) Ohrberg, and they married on Nov 7, 1946. Shortly after … Read more
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Mary Ann Burkhardt, 79, passed away December 24, 2024, at Edgerton Hospital, surrounded by loved ones following a brief illness. Mary was born on September 14, 1945, in Chicago, IL, to Raymond and Helen (Pasternak) Burkhardt. She attended elementary school in Chicago and Good Counsel Catholic Girls High School, before her family moved to Whitewater where she graduated from WHS in 1963. She worked at Gus’s Pizza Palace, Whitewater Products, and finally, Jones Dairy Farm until her retirement 33 years later. She enjoyed bowling, snowmobiling, boating, golf, riding her motorcycle, and playing softball for the Long Branch Saloon. She was … Read more
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