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Editor’s note: The following press release was provided by the Whitewater Police Department.
Whitewater, WI – October 13, 2023 – On Friday, September 15, 2023 at 4:29 p.m., officers of the Whitewater Police Department responded to the Whitewater McDonald’s located at 1069 W. Main Street, after a group of juveniles reported an unknown female had yelled at them and brandished a concealed firearm. At one point, the suspect set the firearm down on a table with the barrel pointed in the direction of the juveniles. Officers were able to verify the events reported after reviewing surveillance footage. Officers determined that the female, as well as a male accompanying her, had handled the firearm. Ultimately, officers identified the suspects as Kya Hines, 19, and Trevor Barnes, 21, both of Elkhorn. Barnes was determined to have a prior felony conviction and was therefore disqualified from lawfully possessing a firearm.
On Thursday, September 21, 2023, the Whitewater Search Warrant Response Team (SRT) executed two separate search warrants, with support from Whitewater EMS and the Walworth County Sheriff’s Office. Hines and Barnes were taken into custody during the first search warrant, and Barnes’ residence was searched during the second search warrant. At the time of the arrest, Hines and Barnes were in possession of a large amount of ammunition and five firearms, four of which were determined to have been stolen.
The Walworth County District Attorney’s Office has formally charged Hines for the following crimes: Disorderly Conduct – Use of a Dangerous Weapon (Wis. Stat. 947.01), Intentionally Point Firearm at Person (Wis Stat. 941.20(1)(c)), Straw Purchasing of Firearm (Wis. Stat. 941.2905(1)), and Carrying a Concealed Weapon (Wis. Stat. 941.23(2)). The Walworth County District Attorney’s Office has formally charged Barnes with the following crime: Possession of a Firearm by a Felon (Wis Stat. 941.29(1m)(a)) (6 counts).
Further investigation into Hines and Barnes uncovered additional criminal activity that had occurred outside the City of Whitewater, including a burglary to a Walworth County residence as well as vandalism to, and theft from, multiple DNR cash deposit boxes. All information regarding those crimes was forwarded to agencies with proper jurisdiction.
It is noted that this case has not been concluded. Unless a judgment of conviction is entered, the defendants are presumed innocent of all charges.
La Policía de Whitewater realiza arrestos en caso que involucra una arma de fuego mostrada.
Whitewater, WI – 13 de octubre de 2023 – El viernes 15 de septiembre de 2023 a las 4:29 pm, los oficiales del Departamento de Policía de Whitewater respondieron al McDonald ‘s de Whitewater ubicado en 1069 W. Main Street, después de que un grupo de jóvenes informara que una mujer desconocida les había gritado y sacado un arma de fuego oculta. En un momento dado, la sospechosa colocó el arma en una mesa apuntando el cañón en dirección a los jóvenes. Los oficiales pudieron verificar los eventos reportados después de revisar las imágenes de vigilancia. Los oficiales determinaron que la mujer, así como un hombre que la acompañaba, habían manipulado el arma de fuego. Finalmente, los oficiales identificaron a los sospechosos como Kya Hines, de 19 años, y Trevor Barnes, de 21 años, ambos de Elkhorn. Se determinó que Barnes tenía una condena previa por delito grave y por lo tanto estaba descalificado para poseer legalmente un arma de fuego.
El jueves 21 de septiembre de 2023, el Equipo de Respuesta a Órdenes de Registro de Whitewater (SRT) ejecutó dos órdenes de registro separadas, con el apoyo del Servicio de Emergencias Médicas de Whitewater y la Oficina del Sheriff del Condado de Walworth. Hines y Barnes fueron arrestados durante la primera orden de registro, y la residencia de Barnes fue registrada durante la segunda orden de registro. En el momento del arresto, Hines y Barnes estaban en posesión de una gran cantidad de municiones y cinco armas de fuego, cuatro de las cuales se determinó que habían sido robadas.
La Oficina del Fiscal de Distrito del Condado de Walworth ha acusado formalmente a Hines por los siguientes delitos: Conducta Desordenada – Uso de un Arma Peligrosa (Wis. Stat. 947.01), Intención de Apuntar con un Arma de Fuego a Persona (Wis Stat. 941.20( 1) (c)), Compra Ficticia de Armas de Fuego (Wis. Stat.
941.2905(1)), y Porte de Arma Oculta (Wis. Stat. 941.23(2)). La Oficina del Fiscal de Distrito del Condado de Walworth también ha acusado formalmente a Barnes por el siguiente delito: Posesión de Arma de Fuego por un Delincuente (Wis Stat. 941.29(1m)(a)) (6 cargos).
Investigaciones adicionales sobre Hines y Barnes descubrieron actividades delictivas adicionales que habían ocurrido fuera de la Ciudad de Whitewater, incluido un robo a una residencia en el Condado de Walworth, así como vandalismo y robo de múltiples cajas de depósito de efectivo de DNR. Toda la información sobre esos
delitos fue remitida a las agencias con jurisdicción adecuada.
Se señala que este caso no ha sido concluido. A menos que se pronuncie un juicio de condena, se presume que los acusados son inocentes de todos los cargos.
Editor’s Note: The following was provided by the Whitewater Dementia Friendly Community Initiative (DFCI).
The short answer is no. Despite extensive research a cure has not been found; however, some progress has been made. A class of drugs called cholinesterase inhibitors have been found to help some patients. Another drug called Lecanemab, can prevent amyloid clumps from forming in the brain and is appropriate for early stage Alzheimer’s patients and mild cognitive impairment. Research continues.
Drugs have significant side effects. In addition patients who take several medications should always be aware of drug interaction. Your pharmacist is a good source of information and can help sort out side effects from drug interactions.
Aricept is the best known of the cholinesterase inhibitors. It is taken as a daily pill and is approved to treat all stages of the disease. Other versions are approved for mild to moderate Alzheimer’s. Side effects can include nausea, diarrhea, sleep problems, depression, hallucinations or agitation. The side effects sound frightening but many patients have no problems and few have serious problems.
Lecanemab was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2023. A phase 3 clinical trial found that the medicine slowed cognitive decline in people with early Alzheimer’s disease. The medicine prevents amyloid plaques in the brain from clumping. The phase 3 trial was the largest so far to study whether clearing clumps of amyloid plaques from the brain can slow the disease.
Lecanemab is given as an IV infusion every two weeks. Side effects can include fever, flu-like symptoms, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, changes in heart rate and shortness of breath. Rarely, people taking Lecanemab may have swelling in the brain or may get small bleeds in the brain. The FDA recommends getting a brain MRI before starting treatment and also recommends being monitored with brain MRIs during treatment for symptoms of brain swelling or bleeding. The cost of this drug, infusion and the need for frequent MRI’s may price it out of reach of many patients.
There is quite a bit of interest in CBD oil for treating symptoms of dementia. CBD is one of many chemicals found in marijuana and does not produce a high. Currently there is one CBD product that is approved by the FDA, but for epilepsy, not dementia. Epidiolex is a prescription cannabidiol (CBD) oil and is considered an effective anti-seizure medication. Further research is needed to determine CBD’s other benefits and safety. Studies are underway for its application for treating Parkinson’s, schizophrenia, diabetes, anxiety and dementia.
For more information on medications for dementia, click here
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/dementia/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20352019
https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/how-alzheimers-disease-treated
This article submitted by Dementia Friendly Community Initiative, a program of Whitewater Seniors In The Park to help inform the community about dementia and to support patients and caregivers. New members are always welcome! Contact jfrench@whitewater-wi.gov or call Jennifer French at 262 473 0535. More resources for caregivers:
https://www.co.walworth.wi.us/376/Aging-Disability-Resource-Center
Editor’s Note: The following was submitted by the Rock County Sheriff’s Office. The department has indicated that it is not necessary to be a Rock County resident in order to participate.
Sheriff Fell is pleased to announce that the Rock County Sheriff’s Office will offer a Snowmobile Safety Education Course on November 11, 2023, at the Edgerton Conservation Club located in Racetrack Park, 900 Stoughton Road, Edgerton, WI 53534.
Anyone born on or after January 1, 1985, is required to complete a Snowmobile Safety Education Course in order to legally operate a snowmobile in places open to the public within the State of Wisconsin. It is recommended that participants are at least 12 years of age or turn 12 shortly following completion of the class.
Snowmobile Safety Education Course – Class #1 Is November 11 – $10
Mandatory Registration: October 24, at 6:00 p.m. @ Edgerton Conservation Club
Class: November 11, from 8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. @ Edgerton Conservation Club
Online enrollment is now open. Complete the online enrollment form to reserve a seat.
https://www.co.rock.wi.us/departments/sheriff-s-office/recreational-patrol/snowmobile-education
Class size is limited to thirty (30) students. Upon submission of the online enrollment form, the submitter will see an onscreen confirmation message with information on the mandatory in-person registration meeting. A class fee of $10.00 per student will be collected at the in-person registration meeting. The student and a parent or legal guardian if the student is underage must attend the mandatory registration meeting in order for the student to take the course. Students will receive course materials at the in-person registration meeting. Please direct any questions to Deputy Trevor Lund at trevor.lund@co.rock.wi.us
Whitewater High School hosted the Rock Valley Conference Cross Country Meet at UW-Whitewater on Thursday, October 12th, and absolutely shined on what was a cloudy rainy afternoon.
The varsity boys got things going first with Jack Hefty claiming his first individual conference championship in cross country. Jack battled with the top runner from Monroe for much of the race before pulling away with 1000 meters to go and was simply all gas at that point. He was the only runner to break 17 on this challenging course to stop the clock at 16:58. Nate Holden took advantage of the top Monroe runner faltering late in the race and passed him with 850 meters to go. Nate never looked back to claim third overall with a time of 17:36. These two earned first team all-conference honors for finishing in the top 8. With two runners in the stable, the team was riding high. Miles Nickelsburg ran lights out and took 9th overall with his best race of the season yet. He stopped the clock in 17:53. Not to be outdone, Xavier Zei took 2nd team all-conference honors as well by placing 15th with a time of 18:25. Onyx Thompson accelerated through the field late taking 44th and completed the team total of 72 points. Quincy Boudreau and Andrew O’Toole ran gutsy races to wrap up the Whippet finishers and placed 51st and 54th overall. These two ran 20:26 and 20:39. The team gave Monroe everything they had and caused them to be nervous. The cheers that the Monroe fan base let out at the awards ceremony indicated as such. Monroe took the title with 65 points, just 7 ahead of Whitewater. The team improved on its third-place finish from a year ago.
The varsity girls competed next with a slightly different look as the usual top runner, Mady Hefty, was unable to race today. This decision was made as a cautionary measure due to an injury with hopes of having her on the starting line at sectionals next Saturday. Nola Coburn assumed the number one position for the team as the top Whippet finisher. Nola ran a strong, smart race and sliced her way through the field and finished just outside first team all-conference, placing 9th overall. This was a very strong race for her! Nola’s time was 21:54. Athena Soto earned an honorable mention all-conference honor and placed 17th in 22:20. Carley Boudreau earned honorable mention all RVC honors by placing 23rd in her first year of cross country. Her time was 22:49. Ema Aranda and Sami Van Daele were the next two Whippets to cross the line in 44th and 45th with times of 25:43 and 25:50. The next two girls to get to the line were Bella Aranda and Silvia Harris in 48th and 49th with times of 26:11 and 26:23. The team raced with courage and toughness and came away with a fifth place finish out of 11 teams with a point total of 122.
The JV boys were led by Isaac Straight who had a great day and stopped the clock at 20:36, good enough for 7th overall. Wyatt Esch wasn’t far behind and placed 9th in 21:06. Isaiah Mendez really poured it on late in the race and placed 12th with a time of 21:12, good enough for a 25 second season best time improvement. Marcus Roselle ran a great race for 29th in 22:12. Quinton O’Toole and Parker Genskow were together much of the race but saw Quinton ahead at the end with a 37th place finish over Parker’s 41st position. Gavin LaFlash finished in 47th. Sam Nickelsburg placed 55th. Luc Pomazak and Angel Kilar ran significant personal bests today with Luc shaving 25 seconds off his season best and Angel cutting four and a half minutes off his previous season’s best on this day. Wow! Alex Clarksen placed 61st and cut 5 seconds off his season best time, Dante Baker was 63rd, and Sterling Truesdale finished 67th. Like the varsity boys, the JV squad placed 2nd overall with a point total of 82 points.
The JV girls were paced by Lucy Troxel who placed 23rd with a time of 27:04. Payton Brautigam easily ran the best race of her season and cut nearly a minute off her previous best and placed 25th in 27:17. Haley Keltesch ran a lifetime best and placed 32nd in 29:37. Danielle DePorter ran her second best time of the season in her final race in a Whippet uniform to place 36th in 31:31. Taiya Kolb completed the JV scoring as the team’s fifth runner in 37th with a new season best of 32:42. The girls team placed third overall with 85 points.
Full Results: https://my.raceresult.com/265906/
The team will now shift their focus to the WIAA Division 2 Sectional meet hosted at UW-Parkside on Saturday, October 21st. The varsity boys will race first at 12:25 and the girls will follow at 1:10. The top 2 teams and the top 5 individuals not on those two teams will earn a trip to the WIAA State Meet the following weekend.
Go, Whippets!
Article Submitted by Chad Carstens
Whitewater High School Head Cross Country Coach
ccarstens@wwusd.org
Photos Courtesy of Peter and Bob Mischka
The Whitewater Volleyball team lost to Johnson Creek in 4 sets (25-16, 23-25, 16-25, 16-25) on Thursday, October 12.
Whitewater came out strong in the first set and took charge from behind the service line, accumulating 24 aces on the night, with Ella Spear picking up 11 of those aces, and winning the first set. Ella really has been working hard on her serving game, and tonight she came out on fire. Eleven aces on the night is an outstanding stat. She also has been dialing in to making sure she is leading in her defensive play!
Unfortunately, we couldn’t hold the momentum from the first set and lost the next three.
Statistical leaders on the night included Calli Grosinske with a double-double with 13 kills, 3 aces, 13 digs, and 2 blocks, Ella Spear with a double-double with 11 aces and 11 digs, Emmanuella Mbifi with 4 kills and 2 blocks, Zoe Kohl with 11 digs, and Marina Linos with 13 assists and 4 aces.
Zoe Kohl has really been working hard to refine her defense. She is asking great questions, and working hard each day in practice. It has been great to see her dig stat improve with double digits tonight!
Whitewater will travel to Stoughton for their first regional match up at 7:00 PM on Tuesday, October 17.
Article Submitted by Mary Kilar
Whitewater High School Head Volleyball Coach
mkilar@wwusd.org
Editor’s Note: The following was provided by the Whitewater Public Library.
The Irvin L. Young Memorial Library is partnering with the UW-Whitewater student organization, Latinos Unidos, for a family craft night to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month and Dia de los Muertos. The public is invited to this free event on Wednesday, October 18 at 5:30 p.m. All ages are welcome to attend. Several craft activities will be offered and snacks will be provided.
Accompañenos a crear artes y oficos con los estudiantes de la Organizacion de UWW, Latinos Unidos! Estamos celebrando el mes de La Hispana Cultura y el Dia de Los Muertos. Habra antojitos.Todas las edades beinvenidas.
The event will be held in the Irvin L Young Memorial Library’s Community Room located at 431 W. Center Street in Whitewater. There is no cost or registration.
Contact Sarah French with questions at sfrench@whitewater-wi.gov or 262-458-2782.
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It’s time once again for #FlashbackFriday with the Whitewater Historical Society.
Continuing last week’s theme of historic houses (but with ones still standing) in Whitewater, this week’s view is a c.1870 stereoscope image of the Smith-Allen house at 445 W. Center St. Built in 1856, this house was one of the first stylish “mansions” built in Whitewater. Its style is Italianate (Italian Villa type), the most popular architectural style in the United States at the time. It is one of the finest historic houses in the area thanks to Dan Richardson and Pat Blackmer, who have restored and maintained it for a number of years.
Join us next week for another historic houses photo from the Whitewater Historical Society.
(1659ST, Whitewater Historical Society)
Obituaries
Lawrence “Larry” C. Hartung, a proud Marine Veteran of the Vietnam War, and longtime resident of Fort Atkinson, WI, passed away peacefully at his home on May 1, 2026. Larry was born June 7th, 1949, to Levon and Charles Hartung in Chicago, IL. Larry enlisted in the US Marine Corps in 1968 and served 3 consecutive tours in the Vietnam War. During this time, he became pen pals with his future wife, Candy, via a connection through his father. In 1970, he came home on leave to marry Candy. They celebrated 55 years of marriage on October 31st, 2025. During … Read more
Leo E. Wurzer, 65, of Eagle, Wisconsin passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, May 9, 2026 at his home. Leo was born on April 15, 1961 in Kenosha, Wisconsin to Cyril and Shirley (McNeil) Wurzer. He grew up between Pleasant Prairie and Antigo, spending his childhood summers on his uncle’s farm where he discovered his love for all things tractors. Although he never had a farm of his own, he was able to partially fulfill his dream by working as a driver for Robin’s Trucking in Whitewater, WI in his last days and collecting miniature Tonka toys. He began his career … Read more
Lois Cummings, 99, of Fond du Lac, WI (formerly of Janesville, WI, Fort Atkinson, WI, Fountain Hills, AZ, and Green Valley, AZ) passed away peacefully on May 5, 2026 at the Meadows Senior Residence in Fond du Lac surrounded by family. Lois was born on February 17, 1927 in Fort Atkinson to Edward and Clarice (Roseth) Stevens. The middle child of 9 children, she attended Fort Atkinson schools and graduated in 1944. On September 11, 1948 Lois married Grant Cummings at Saint Andrew Catholic Church in Delavan, WI. Together they had 3 children, Gary, Colleen (Tom) Sabel, and Patty (Paul) … Read more
Come celebrate William Kincaid’s Celebration of Life on Saturday, May 30th at 1 pm at Trippe Lake Park Pavillion in Whitewater. He truly enjoyed gatherings where his favorite foods and music could be enjoyed with some of his closest friends and family. We will honor him by carrying on one of his favorite traditions. Please bring your own beverages and chairs. There is limited seating. See you all there!
Gladys Jean (Riley) Hildebrandt, age 89, of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, passed away peacefully on Friday, January 23, 2026. Gladys was born on December 26, 1936, in Whitewater, Wisconsin, to Theresa Egnoski Riley. She was married to Walter Sobolik Sr., and later married James A. Hildebrandt in 1976. Gladys was a hardworking woman who spent her life caring for others. She worked in school kitchens, restaurants, factories, and cleaning services. She concluded her working career as a full-time nanny. In that role, she lovingly cared for Andrew, Daniel, and Kaitlyn Drzewiecki, who became part of her chosen family. Gladys is survived by her sons, Wally … Read more
WHITEWATER – Nan Rowley died on April 15, 2026, at the age of 90. She was born on September 4, 1935, in a little house on the prairie in the Town of Johnstown, Wisconsin, the daughter of Wayne L. Wilbur and Florence (McQuillen) Wilbur. Nan attended primary schools in the towns of Johnstown and Richmond and in the City of Whitewater. Nan graduated with honors from Whitewater City High School. On June 19, 1954, Nancy and Ken Rowley were united in marriage in Whitewater and went to live on the Rowley family farm in Richmond. Over the years, Nan served … Read more
Marion H. Gorniak (nee Pfeiffer), 74, of Whitewater passed away peacefully on Saturday, April 11, 2026. She was born on October 24, 1951, to the late Harvey and Loraine (nee Drifke) Pfeiffer in Fort Atkinson, WI. On June 2, 1969, she was united in marriage to Alan Gorniak. She enjoyed gardening, flowers, and cooking, especially her rhubarb pies. She especially enjoyed spending time with family and friends and will be missed by all who knew her. Those Marion leaves behind to cherish her memory include her husband, Alan Gorniak; stepson, Alan Bauer; sister, Sue Ann Schultz, other relatives and friends. … Read more
Ruth Irene (Phelps) Justis, 88, of Appleton City, Missouri, passed away Friday morning, April 10, 2026, at the Missouri Veterans Home in Warrensburg, MO, with her family by her side. Ruth was born June 3, 1937 in Janesville, Wisconsin, to Charles and Ada Mae (Maly) Phelps. She joined the Marine Corps in 1956. During her time there, she met and married her husband, Forest Wayne “Wayne” Justis in 1957. They shared 62 years of marriage and to this union, 2 children, Charles and Dorene, were born. Ruth grew up in Whitewater, WI., the oldest of three children. Ruth graduated from … Read more
Dorothy C. Kau, age 101, of Eagle, Wisconsin passed away peacefully on Thursday, April 9, 2026 at Fort Memorial Hospital. Dorothy was born on March 18, 1925 in Eagle on the family farm, the daughter of John and Katherine (Faestel) VonRueden. Dorothy was a 1942 graduate of Palmyra High School. On May 21, 1949, Dorothy was united in marriage to Alvin E. Kau at St. Theresa Catholic Church in Eagle and the Lord blessed their union with 8 children. Alvin and Dorothy enjoyed 50 years of marriage together until Alvin’s death in the year 2000. Dorothy enjoyed being a farm … Read more
Dorothy E. McCracken, 95, passed away peacefully on August 30, 2025, in Sarasota, Florida. Born on April 14, 1930, in Whitewater, Wisconsin, to Carl and Joyce Meyer, Dorothy grew up in Whitewater and graduated from Whitewater High School. She then worked for a photographer and hand painted his first colored portraits, until she got married. She and her first husband, Bernard Wafle, owned and operated a 179-acre dairy farm in Helenville, Wisconsin, for 25 years before relocating to Ocala, Florida, in 1979. Dorothy later married Earl McCracken, in Ocala, Fl. She also shared a special companionship later in life with … Read more
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