News & Events

Gov. Evers Orders Flags to Half-Staff in Honor of Former U.S. Sen. Herb Kohl

MADISON — Gov. Tony Evers on December 28 ordered the flags of the United States and the state of Wisconsin to be flown at half-staff beginning Thurs., Dec. 28, 2023, until the date of interment for former U.S. Sen. Herb Kohl. Gov. Evers yesterday released the following statement regarding U.S. Sen. Kohl’s passing. “A Milwaukeean and Wisconsinite through and through, U.S. Sen. Herb Kohl dedicated his life to serving our kids, our communities, our state, and our country. “Sen. Kohl was, without a doubt, nobody’s senator but ours. Kathy and I are devastated by the news of his passing.” “Sen. Kohl was deeply committed to community, kindness, and service to others. Wisconsin’s seniors, students, teachers, and schools, and farmers and rural areas, among so many others, are better off because of his life and legacy, the impacts of which will last for generations. “Kathy and I join the people of Wisconsin, friends and colleagues of Sen. Kohl, and the many people whose lives he impacted—both near and far—in offering our sincerest condolences to the Kohl family and the Herb Kohl Foundation in mourning the loss of this Wisconsin giant.” Services for former U.S. Sen. Kohl are set to occur at a future date in January. Executive Order #219 will be in effect beginning on Dec. 28, 2023, until interment. Executive Order #219 is available here.

Editor’s note: The following announcement was provided by Delta Kappa Gamma, Alpha Gamma Chapter.

The members of Delta Kappa Gamma, Alpha Gamma Chapter gathered on December 7, 2023
for our annual holiday gathering. For the past years our entertainment has been the members
of the cast of the Whitewater High School plays and their Director Jim McCulloch. The chapter was able to write a $1000 grant to our Foundation to provide financial help in updating the sound system in the auditorium at the High School. When the grant was approved, the members were additionally challenged to donate to the cause over the current year. Our treasurer, Dee Simon, was able to present a check to Jim McCulloch and a student, Alex Clarksen, in the amount of $2000 toward further work on the sound system. (See Photo)

Editor’s note: The following press release was received from Walworth County.

Walworth County and United Way of Walworth County Team up to Support Local Nonprofits and Veterans Organizations

ARPA Grant Program to Provide a Fourth Round of Funding to Social Service Agencies

Walworth County has earmarked an additional $200,000 of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) grant funds for the United Way of Walworth County to distribute to local nonprofits and veterans service organizations in 2024. The goal of the ARPA grant-funding program is to offset the negative economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic incurred by local 501(c)(3) nonprofit and 501(c)19 veterans service agencies.

This is the fourth round of funding since the program was established in 2021. In December 2021, Walworth County awarded an initial $100,000 to the United Way through the grant-funding program. Sixteen area nonprofit agencies received between $1,000 and $9,000 each. Since then, the County has provided two additional rounds of funding totaling $175,000, with grants between $1,000 and $7,500 awarded to 46 local nonprofits.

“The ARPA grant-funding program is an incredible opportunity to support local nonprofits that have a tangible impact on Walworth County communities,” says United Way Board President Katherine Gaulke. “We are excited to continue our partnership with Walworth County and, for the first time, extend grant funding to veterans’ organizations.”

For this round, eligible agencies can request between $1,000 and $9,000 and may utilize the grant for assistance in implementing COVID-19 prevention or mitigation tactics; technical assistance, consulting, or other services for business planning; assistance with payroll support, costs to retain employees or other operating costs; or assistance to those impacted by COVID-19.

A board of United Way of Walworth County committee members will select the grant recipients. Organizations with 501(c)3 and 501(c)19 tax-exempt status may apply. These organizations must also maintain their principal place of business in Walworth County, conduct their business in Walworth County, and serve people within Walworth County.

Applications are available online at http://www.unitedwaywalworth.org/arpa-grant. Qualifying 501(c)(3) or 501(c)19 agencies interested in applying may also contact Katherine Gaulke for an application at (262) 374-4474. The deadline to apply is January 15, 2024, at noon. The goal is to issue the awards by March 15, 2024.

This project is being supported in whole or in part by federal award number FAIN #SLFRP 2146 awarded to Walworth County by the U.S. Department of the Treasury.

Since John’s Disposal was closed on Christmas day, all routes will be delayed by one day. The city routes will be picked up on Friday, December 29.

The University of Wisconsin – Whitewater celebrated the achievements of its graduates on Saturday, December 16, as proud families and friends gathered for the 2023 winter commencement ceremony. Approximately 620 students crossed the stage to receive their degrees. Photos courtesy of Tom Ganser.

The City of Whitewater – Department of Public Works will collect Christmas trees on Tuesday, January 2, and Tuesday, January 9, 2024. Please place your tree on the terrace by 5:00 a.m. on the dates listed above.

Residents who wish to have a tree picked up before or after the above scheduled dates must call the Department of Public Works at 473-0560 before 5 a.m. on Tuesday that week to schedule a brush pick up.

Trees that have been flocked or contain wire will not be collected. Please place these trees for collection by John’s Disposal on the second Thursday of the month, your bulk pick up day.

For additional questions or concerns contact the Department of Public Works at (262) 473-0560. For other requests visit https://www.whitewater-wi.gov/RequestTracker.aspx.

Brian Neumeister
Superintendent- Streets/Parks/Stormwater Utility

I find it necessary at this time to “speak” on the passing of James “Jim” Allen. Jim became more to me than a colleague or even a friend in the years I knew him (and I met him at just 18, so it was a number of years)—he became my family. When I lose a family member, I am compelled to remind those they impacted of that impact to keep their memory alive—and Jim made a greater impact than many of us ever will.

Whitewater is a community of service and we certainly cannot downplay the service of others but still Jim rose above the crowd. Jim was the quintessential Whitewater cheerleader, always lifting up the things that make us great while working to make us even better. He never turned away from a challenge and he would never turn you away if you needed help or wanted to share your thoughts or opinions, even if he did not share them.

No matter where I was in life, Jim was there. He wasn’t just a mentor on the council as I was young—a mentorship many believe is a critical part of learning how to serve in that role—he mentored me in life. He showed me how to be a better friend, how to love someone through hard days, and how to always work for growth, recognizing not one of us is perfect.

Jim was more than Council President Allen. He was hilarious. He was thoughtful. He was self-reflective. He was giving. He gave nicknames and gifts and smiles, always freely. He loved the dogs I treat like my children who loved him back—and I trust their judge of character the most. He showed up for me even when I wouldn’t ask. He called to check on me when I claimed I didn’t need it.

You need not look far to see his impact. He impacted UWW in his work. He impacted the city in his service. He impacted his family in his love—and his friends just the same. I can’t count the ways he impacted me but if you’d ever like to hear just a few, I’ll treat you to coffee.

Each of you living in this city is affected by his work every day. I am impacted by his love. I miss you already, friend. Thank you for making me better. Thank you for making us better.

Councilmember 2011-2018, Stephanie A. Goettl