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Many people wish to arrange their affairs to live well in their later years, and ensure that their end-of-life plans follow their wishes. Still, it is something that many people find challenging. Planning AHEAD is a new online class from UW-Madison Division of Extension, created to address most aspects of end-of-life planning.
In 1 – 1.5 hour online classes, Extension Educators guide participants through examining health care wishes, financial responsibilities, legal requirements and documentation, distribution of personal property, end-of-life decisions, dealing with grief, and the emotional ramifications of all of the above. The program is designed both for those who want to prepare for their own passing, to make things easier for family members, and for those who have, or are in the process of, losing a loved one and are dealing with the transition. This course features an online planning workbook to help organize the tasks and documents associated with end-of-life decisions.
By working through these sessions, participants find that the financial, healthcare, and other decisions don’t feel so overwhelming. Southern WI residents are invited to join Planning AHEAD, a free online course facilitated by UW-Madison, Division of Extension Educators from Crawford, Grant, Iowa, Kenosha, Racine, Richland and Walworth Counties. Registration is now available here, http://go.wisc.edu/SoAHEAD.
Classes are Tuesdays 9-10:30 am September 13-October 25, 2022. Join the classes from home, as they are held online via zoom, and will include time to check in on how to use this technology during the first class. Questions can be sent to amanda.kostman@wisc.edu or please call the Walworth County Extension office at 262-741-4961 for more information about Planning AHEAD. Check out the program website at https://aging.extension.wisc.edu/programs/planning-ahead/.
Article Submitted by Amanda Kostman
Human Development and Relationships Extension Educator
http://walworth.uwex.edu/
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/
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.
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!
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.
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
Obituaries
Sally A. Schutte, age 73, of Whitewater, went home to be with her Lord and Savior on September 21, 2026, while at Hearthstone Memory Care in Whitewater. Sally was born on November 6, 1952, to Roy and Elsie (Rohloff) Haas. Sally married William Schutte in the spring of 2003. Sally grew up on the family farm in the Town of Hebron and graduated from Jefferson High School. She dedicated nearly her entire career to Fort HealthCare, where her hard work and versatility shone through various roles. Over the years, she served in housekeeping and medical records, Center for Dermatology. Sally … Read more
Zachariah “Zach” Schoenke, 41, of Whitewater passed away peacefully on Tuesday, September 22, 2026. He was born April 4, 1985, to Keith W. Schoenke and Kathleen Schoenke in Fort Atkinson, WI. He grew up and graduated from Whitewater High School in 2003. Zach worked various jobs over the years but was currently working at Cracker Barrel in Janesville. He was a big Packers Fan and liked to play fantasy football. He enjoyed reading, cooking, and watching horror shows. Zach fiercely loved his son, Lincoln, his sisters, Cami and Cary, his mom and stepdad, and his aunt Robin. He will be dearly … Read more
Carla Winn, 82, died September 5, 2026. Funeral Service will be at 12:00 PM, Saturday, September 12, 2026, at East Heights United Methodist Church, 4407 E Douglas Ave, Wichita, KS 67218, followed by a burial at 2:00 PM at White Chapel Memorial Garden 1806 N Oliver Ave. Carla is preceded in death by her parents, Vivian Dwight and Wilma Lois Krehbiel; and sister, Jennifer Krehbiel. She is survived by husband, Stephen; daughter, Ashley (Clint) Gagel, of Overland Park; siblings, Paul (Kay) Krehbiel, of Socorro, NM, Lynn (Bill) Oetting, of Wichita, Ellen (John) Querner, of Wichita, Teresa Woodson, of Lawrence, KS, … Read more
Susan Miller Celebration of Life There will be a gathering of friends and acquaintances at Susan’s Farm Store to celebrate Susan’s life on Saturday, September 19th from 2-5 p.m. at N6623 Lake Lorraine Rd., Delavan, Wisconsin
Our loving mother, JoAnn E Harrop, age 95, passed away on September 11, 2026. Our sorrow is deep, but we are filled with gratitude for the many years we had with her. Even as her mind was failing, she remained strong and appreciative of all who cared for her. JoAnn was born on January 13, 1931, daughter to Fred Braun and Evelyn Braun {Storck). She was raised in Whitewater, Wisconsin by her grandparents, Otto and Edith Storck. She attended Whitewater High School and helped at the Storck tavern where she met her husband Earl C. Harrop. They married on November … Read more
Russell O. Johnson “Russ,” 88, passed away on September 4, 2026 in Whitewater, Wisconsin. Russell was born on July 12, 1938, in Janesville, Wisconsin. Russ grew up in Janesville, and after high school he joined the Air Force on May 1, 1958, serving as an aircraft mechanic until June 12, 1962. He then worked at Parker Pen in Janesville for a time, where he met his future wife, Avis. After marrying Avis Mason in April 1964, Russ worked for Gillman Manufacturing for a time, then began a career at Dana until its closing in 1980. In 1981, Russ started working … Read more
Marcia Zingg, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, businesswoman, and friend, passed away peacefully on September 1, 2026, at the age of 75. Marcia will be remembered for her unwavering love, remarkable strength, generous spirit, and lifelong devotion to her family. She shared 40 wonderful years of marriage with her husband, Jeffrey Zingg, who considered her not only his wife but also his best friend, business partner, and the love of his life. Together, Marcia and Jeffrey built a successful life rooted in perseverance, hard work, laughter, and love. As entrepreneurs in Whitewater, Wisconsin, they owned and managed new car franchises and … Read more
Amanda Jean Hunter was born to Ralph and Malinda (Thomas) Hunter of Whitewater, Wisconsin, on October 6, 1976. She passed away on August 4, in Fort Worth, Texas, where she lived with her family. Amanda passed peacefully in the hospital, surrounded by her loved ones. Amanda was a kind-hearted free spirit with an unmistakable hippie warmth. Generosity, spontaneity, a quick wit, a macabre sense of humor, and an open heart were traits that she embraced. She was a tireless champion of those in need, an innate characteristic that became among the best of her qualities. She proved to be a … Read more
Ellen Eichmiller, 82, of Whitewater, Wisconsin, passed away on Saturday, August 22, 2026. Ellen was born on September 10, 1943, in Monroe, Wisconsin, to Chester “Guy” and Irene (née Holmen) Steig. She married the love of her life, Paul Eichmiller, on December 7, 1963, and together they made their home in Whitewater, Wisconsin. Ellen spent much of her working life as a secretary at the University of Wisconsin–Whitewater, where she formed many lasting friendships and memories. Ellen cherished her family and friends and treasured the time she spent with those closest to her. She was known for her love of … Read more
Janet Quinn, age 71, of Jefferson passed away on Thursday, August 20th. Janet was born on December 22nd, 1954 in St. Joseph, MI to Robert Mounsey and Edith Christison Mounsey. She was a granddaughter to Herbert Bragg Mounsey, Charlotte Mounsey, and Ester Christison West. She married Michael Durden in 1979 and later married Eury Quinn Jr. (J.R.) in 1988. Janet grew up in Benton Harbor, MI, and subsequently lived in New York and Arkansas before moving to Wisconsin in 2016. She was a dedicated caregiver to her disabled Mother, and worked as a custodian for various employers over the years. … Read more
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