Editor’s note: The following press release was received from the City of Whitewater Public Works Department.
– Clearing Snow from Fire Hydrants can Save Lives…
A clearly visible, accessible fire hydrant could save your home – or even your life. If a fire hydrant is buried in snow, firefighters can lose valuable time trying to locate it when they arrive at a fire. You can perform a valuable public service and protect yourself, your family and your neighbors by taking on the responsibility of shoveling out and clearing a fire hydrant near your home during and after a snowstorm. Here are a few suggestions:
Know the location of the nearest fire hydrants.
Make sure they are shoveled after each snowfall.
Clear the snow 3 feet around the hydrant so firefighters have enough room to use the hydrant.
Taking the time to remove the snow from around a hydrant near you can save precious minutes in case of a fire. The City of Whitewater appreciates community members who take the time to shovel out hydrants.
Brad Marquardt Director of Public Works (262) 473-0560 bmarquardt@whitewater-wi.gov
The University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point honored more than 2,500 undergraduate students for attaining high grade point averages during the fall semester of the 2023-2024 academic year.
Full-time undergraduates who earned grade points of 3.90 to 4.0 (4.0 equals straight A) are given the highest honors designation. High honor citations go to those with grade point averages from 3.75 to 3.89 and honor recognition is accorded to those with grade point averages from 3.50 to 3.74.
Editor’s note: The following press release was received from Rainbow Community Care.
Rainbow Hospice Care Rebrands to Rainbow Community Care:Ushering in a New Era for Understanding Wellness as We Age
Rainbow Hospice Care, a trusted local provider of hospice care for over three decades, proudly announces it is rebranding to Rainbow Community Care. This transformation reflects its Board’s longstanding commitment to provide a broad spectrum of services that supports patients and families throughout the entire aging journey, not just at end-of-life, and, in the process, improves the overall health of the communities the organization serves in rural southern Wisconsin.
“It has been a tremendous honor to be viewed as the area’s cornerstone hospice provider for so many years,” said Karen Carrig, Rainbow Community Care CEO. “Our vision began in 1990 with a small, but dedicated group of volunteers who recognized that advances in medical technology and treatment had added years to average life expectancy but changed where and how most of us were dying. These courageous women saw patients and families struggling to manage this new reality and felt it was their duty to create an organization whose people would be at their side with compassion, commitment and comfort. We are very proud how our reputation has evolved from this humble beginning to one that has consistently grown and has provided exceptional end-of-life care.”
Carrig also emphasized that Rainbow has been dedicated to helping people live well prior to the onset of terminal illness for many years. “In 2003, for example, we added a new volunteer program that provides neighborly assistance to the elderly, disabled and seriously ill – folks who could benefit from receiving just a little extra non-medical help in order to remain living independently in their homes. A decade later, we added advance care planning and palliative care to our continuum of care followed more recently by community grief support services and parish nursing. What we discovered, however, is that a lot of people are not fully aware of this work.”
Thus, the decision to rebrand is very much a conscious effort by Rainbow to reframe how it is perceived. Carrig added, “Perhaps the best way to think of Rainbow Community Care is as an umbrella term that allows us to better convey the breadth of the services we currently offer to the community, including hospice care, supportive care management, advance care planning, grief support, friends in action, and community health ministry. And, moving forward, as we add new programs that better meet the evolving needs of the vulnerable people living among us, the Rainbow Community Care name will take on even greater meaning.”
Interesting Facts about Rainbow
Rainbow is one of the state’s few remaining local, independent, and non-profit providers of hospice care. Nationally, nearly 75% of hospices are for-profit.
Over time, Rainbow – in collaboration with its local care partners – has turned Jefferson County into a place where more people choose to receive hospice care at end-of-life than almost everywhere else in the United States. In 2019, for example, Hospice Analytics – an expert in all things related to hospice claims and data – shared that Jefferson County ranked 35th out of 3,143 counties (Top 1.1%) nationally in terms of the percentage of Medicare beneficiaries (67.6%) choosing to receive hospice care in their final days, weeks or months.
Stories about the extraordinary care our teams provide are regularly published in local papers including the Cambridge News, Daily Jefferson County Union, Lake Mills Leader, and Watertown Daily Times.
Last summer, Rainbow was among four organizations in the country selected by the producers of Viewpoint with Dennis Quaid to be the focal point of an upcoming short-form documentary series titled Hospice & Palliative Care: Serving Families with Honor & Compassion. The public television segment featuring Mr. Quaid and Rainbow will be distributed to PBS stations throughout the United States in February of 2024.
Rainbow recently opened an office in Beaver Dam to better serve northern Dodge and eastern Columbia counties.
The rebranding efforts of Rainbow Community Care encompass a refreshed visual identity, including a new logo, website and marketing materials. These changes reflect the organization’s high-touch approach to delivering comprehensive care, while honoring its enduring commitment to the community.
Rainbow Community Care is a local, independent and non-profit provider of services that support patients and families throughout the entire aging and serious illness journey. Highly regarded for excellence in hospice care, palliative care, advance care planning, grief support, parish nursing, and volunteer programs, Rainbow cares for people living at home, in assisted living and skilled nursing facilities, and at the Rainbow Hospice Care Inpatient Center in Johnson Creek. Regardless of age, race, gender, faith, ethnicity, insurance coverage or economic status, they treat all patients and their loved ones with the same respect, kindness and concern—focusing on enhancing quality of life, maintaining comfort and dignity, and providing expert support tailored to each individual’s unique needs and wishes. To learn more call (920) 674-6255 or visit www.rainbowcommunitycare.org.
By Angela Kelm Asst. Athletic Director for Sports Information
Platteville, Wis. – The No. 4 University of Wisconsin-Whitewater women’s basketball team came back from a first half deficit to defeat UW-Platteville 67-42 on the road Wednesday. The Warhawks improved to 16-0 on the season and 5-0 in Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference play.
The Warhawks trailed 27-21 at the half but allowed just 15 total second half points leading to the win. In the final 20 minutes of play, UWW outscored the Pioneers 46-15. UW-Whitewater also capitalized on Platteville miscues with a 24-10 sway in points off turnovers.
UWW struggled offensively in the first quarter shooting under 15-percent from the floor. The Warhawks picked it up in the second quarter hitting 56-percent of their shots before shooting 49-percent in the second half.
Coming out of the intermission, Aleah Grundahl knocked down the first bucket of the second half and Bri McCurdy followed with a three-pointer to pull UWW within one. Grundahl registered the steal and layin just seconds later to give the Warhawks a one-point lead, 28-27. The Pioneers hit the next field goal, but Mallory Oloffson responded with an old-fashioned three-point play to put UWW up 31-29 with just under seven minutes left in the third quarter. From that point, UW-Whitewater never looked back.
The Warhawks built a double figure lead over the next seven minutes. The margin eventually hit 27 late in the fourth with UWP tallying the final bucket of the game for the final, 67-42.
Grundahl led all scorers with 22 on 8-16 from the floor. She added five rebounds, four assists and five steals in the game. Kacie Carollo dropped in 14 points, all in the second half, on 5-8 from the floor, 1-1 from long range and 3-3 from the free throw line. She was a rebound shy of a double-double. Lunden Alexander was 4-5 from the field and 2-2 from three-point range for a 10-point outing adding five boards and three assists.
Editor’s note: The following press release was received from the League of Women Voters – Whitewater Area.
January 18th Program on the Use of Electronic Poll Books in City of Whitewater 2024 Elections
Please join us in person on Thursday, January 18, 6 p.m. – 7:30 p.m., at the Irvin L Young Memorial Library, 431 W Center St, Whitewater, for a public program on the use of “Badger Books” in the City of Whitewater elections beginning this year. This is not a training for poll workers but a general information program for all City of Whitewater voters. Learn what will be new when you vote in April and meet our new city clerk Heather Boehm!
The City of Whitewater is transitioning from the use of paper poll books to electronic poll books. In keeping with the League’s mission to inform voters of election changes, two months ago we invited then Whitewater City Clerk Karri Anderberg to speak on the use of “Badger Books,” which is the electronic poll system to be used in 2024 elections to check in voters, print tally slips, enter registrations, and record absentee voters. After Karri resigned in early December, Fort Atkinson City Clerk Michelle Ebbert, kindly offered to fill in. We have since confirmed that our very newly hired Whitewater City Clerk, Heather Boehm, will be in attendance at this program, available to address any City of Whitewater specific election concerns. Refreshments will be served and there will be ample time for Q&A.
Our main speaker, Michelle Ebbert, has served as the Clerk/Treasurer/Finance Director for the City of Fort Atkinson since September 2014. She has several years experience working with Badger Books in Fort elections and has been an advocate for municipal support for the devices.
The League of Women Voters is a nonpartisan political organization that encourages informed and active participation in government, works to increase understanding of major public policy issues and influences public policy through education and advocacy. Visit our website at https://my.lwv.org/wisconsin/whitewater-area and like us on Facebook!
Update 1/17/24 @ 5:00 p.m. – Peter Underwood, former Whitewater resident now living in Arizona, indicated that we misidentified this bird as a falcon, stating that, “it is in fact an immature Cooper’s Hawk, a very common backyard hawk across the country. (Peregrine would rarely if ever be seen in Whitewater area.)” Our thanks to Peter for this correction.
Crystal Singer discovered this beautiful bird in her backyard on Saturday morning, January 13.
Our thanks to Crystal Singer for sharing these beautiful photos of her backyard discovery.
— 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!
Donna Lee Stafford, 87, born on July 26, 1936 to Donald and Elizabeth (Hilmer) Farrar and answered God’s call on Saturday, January 6, 2024.
Donna lived her childhood in West Allis and met her husband of 56 years, Ronald Lee Stafford (preceded her in death), while in high school. She filled and dedicated her days to her children, church and community activities. After years of planning annual family vacations, she turned her passion for adventure into a career and became a Travel Consultant. She and Ron traveled the globe while planning trips for many. A Midwest girl at heart and after residing in Indianapolis, IN and Woodridge, IL she returned to Wisconsin to a beautiful lake view in retirement.
Surviving are her children, Barbara Lee Albiniak of Brookfield, WI, Bryan Lee (Debbie) Stafford of Cincinnati, OH, Brenda Lee (James) Bromfield of Woodridge, IL; six grandchildren, Alex Albiniak, Arielle, Wesley and Bryanna Stafford, Madison and Ian Bromfield. She is further survived by her brothers, James (Barbara) Farrar, Jack (Cheryl) Farrar and Daniel (Kathy) Farrar. She will be missed by nieces, nephews and a large extended family of cousins.
A memorial service will take place on Saturday, February 3, 2023 at 11 a.m. at the First United Methodist Church, 320 S. Main St., Fort Atkinson, WI with Rev. Daniel Fahs officiating. A visitation will take place from 10 a.m. until the time of service.
Nitardy Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences can be made at www.nitardyfuneralhome.com
Cheng Yang, 20, of 1128 B W. Florence St, Whitewater, has been charged with a hit and run – injury, a felony.
Harling Gamez Rodriguez, 24, of 424 W Forest Ave, Whitewater, has been charged with possession of narcotic drugs, a felony.
Jose A Morales, 46, of 494 W. Whitewater Street, Whitewater, has been charged with operating a motor vehicle while under the influence – fifth offense, a felony.
Editor’s note: These cases have not been concluded. Unless a judgment of conviction is entered, each defendant is presumed innocent of all charges.
Jon G. Heitz, 79, passed away on January 1, 2024 at the Watertown Regional Hospital. He was born on July 8, 1944 in Madison, WI, the son of Gilbert J. and Virginia E. Heitz and lived in Lake Mills, WI where he graduated high school before attending and graduating from the University of Wisconsin-Madison with a teaching degree. Jon taught Social Studies at the Middle School level in the Whitewater school system for 39 years and retired in 2006. Jon loved teaching. In addition to teaching the standard curriculum, he taught his students practical lessons in understanding the impact of advertising on purchasing, the evaluation of product durability and reliability and fiscally responsible shopping. Jon wholeheartedly believed that knowledge is power, and students are capable of learning and understanding more than they believe is possible.
For over twenty years, Jon organized and ran the Little Giant League baseball program in Lake Mills for players aged 8-13, while also coaching many teams to championships. He started the Lake Mills Babe Ruth team for players aged 13-15 and had many successful years and season championships. Throughout his 20 years of coaching, Jon taught his players the importance of strategy, hard work, patience, respect, teamwork, and fun, often saying, “baseball is life.” The city of Lake Mills honored Jon for his years of dedication to the youth of Lake Mills by proclamation officially declaring June 17, 1989 as Jon Heitz Day.
Jon was a loving husband to his sweet and loving wife, Kathleen Willms (Kathi), a wonderful stepfather to Megan and “papa Jon” to Makinley, an amazing brother and role model to his siblings, and a loving brother-in-law, uncle, and great uncle to his family and extended family. Jon was witty, kind, and generous. For more than 30 years Jon hosted legendary Christmas celebrations at his home, with an extensive gourmet spread and a mountain of gifts. Jon had an incredible sense of humor, and many of his gifts reflected his sense of humor, resulting in raucous laughter when each gift was unwrapped. Jon lived what he taught: never stop learning; knowledge is power; life is what you make it; remember to have fun while tackling the challenges of life; and love others with wild abandon. Rest in peace Jon, we love you and will miss you!
Jon was preceded in death by his parents Gilbert and Virginia Heitz, his brother Jay Heitz, stepson Joseph Kellner and his sister Jean Heitz-Johnson. Survivors include his wife Kathleen A. Willms, her daughter Megan (TJ) Gile, their daughter Makinley, his brother Jac (Ruth) Heitz, niece Meghan Johnson and her daughter Neah, nephew Nicholas (Morgan) Johnson, their daughter Sloane and son Cohen. Jon is also survived by his extended family members (sister and nieces-in-law), Ernestine, Christin, and Sierra Braswell.
A visitation will be held on Friday, January 19th from 11:00-12:30 with a service immediately following at the Schneider-Michaelis Funeral Home, 900 West Racine Street, Jefferson, Wisconsin.
As a lifelong educator, now retired, I hope to lend my experience and passion for public school education to my local school board. Having worked as a coach, teacher, principal and superintendent I am well aware of the changing cycles within education. As a parent I saw my sons benefit from quality instruction as they both graduated from Whitewater High School and moved into success in college and their professional careers. I want the best possible experience for every student in the Whitewater schools.
School boards across Wisconsin have been handcuffed by an archaic funding system built upon a formula based on 1993 spending limits. Local taxpayers have been dealt an ever increasing burden where local referendums become necessary just to maintain existing programs. Funding limits cause school leadership to become more creative while teacher pay and benefits fall further behind other costs of living.
While our district is striving to retain quality educators, the challenges grow with each passing year. Valuing staff is crucial. Where salaries may not be competitive with other fields; appreciation, recognition and support can help offset those fiscal gaps.
It is my intention to make every effort to build trust in our school leadership. Open transparent honest actions are one of the key ways to build that trust. Open communication, a reduction of closed meetings and involving all pertinent stakeholders in decision making is how this is accomplished.
Having lived in Whitewater for eighteen years, my family has benefitted greatly from all it has to offer. My hope, if the electorate will give me the opportunity, is to give back to this very special district and community with my passion for education.
I can be contacted for more information or to respond to any question or concerns by email or text.
Yours in Education, Jeff Tortomasi rocktorto@gmail.com cell/text 715-905-0909
Editor’s note: The above announcement was provided by Jeff Tortomasi. The use of the Whitewater Unified School District logo on the homepage should not be construed to imply endorsement by the district.
