Lynn Binnie

Recent Walworth County Criminal Complaints

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.

Obituary: Jon G. Heitz, 79

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.

All of Jon & Kathi’s friends and family are invited to stop by and pay their respects. In lieu of flowers or other expressions of sympathy, donations can be made to the Humane Society of Jefferson County. Online condolences may be made at www.schneidermichaelisfuneralhome.com

Jeff Tortomasi: Announcing my candidacy as a member of the Whitewater Unified School District Board

Jeff Tortomasi

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.

Bethel House Toiletry/Household Pantry Welcomes Anyone with Needs – Also Donations

Pictured: Stephanie McDonald, a recent Bethel House pantry donor [Submitted]

Our in-office pantry has received tons of toiletry donations over the past month!

For those who aren’t aware, we have a pantry in our office’s back room (at 133 S. Franklin Street – Whitewater), where any community member can pick up toiletry/household items. We do not require an application or any documentation for a person to utilize this service. It is here, free of charge, for anyone needing extra support. The Bethel House client pantry is available during open office hours: Mon-Thurs 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Please note if staff is out or meeting with clients, the pantry may not be accessible, so it is best to schedule an appointment by calling 262.473.2715 or emailing casemanager.bethelhouse@gmail.com.

A special thank you to the following individuals/groups for their recent donations (including a handful of anonymous donations dropped off/sent to us):

Stephanie McDonald & her network of friends/colleagues
UW-Whitewater Circle K (@uwwcirclek)
St. Patrick Catholic Church
First United Methodist Church of Whitewater
First English Lutheran Church – Whitewater

Donations are always welcome! Our most needed items right now are: toilet paper, paper towels, laundry detergent, dryer sheets, hand soap, cleaning wipes/sprays, bandaids/first aid items, and body wash. We are NOT in need of toothbrushes, toothpaste or bar soap. We keep updated details on our website (along with “kit” donation ideas) here: http://www.bethelhouseinc.org/donate.html

Wright House Concert: An Evening With The Jolly Seanchaí

International performer, and Whitewater local, Andreas Transø will share stories, songs, and more at The Wright House in Whitewater on Friday, January 19 at 7 p.m.

In a performance with Andreas, you can expect everything from poetry to spoons playing, ancient ballads to original songs…all woven with bits of history and good humored jokes. Prepare for an embracing and jolly performance, with tears from laughter or inspired by swelling powerful performances of beautiful stories gathered and well-toned by an experienced and ever-ripening young seanchaí.

Link for registration: jollyseanchai.eventbrite.com

Wind Chill Advisory now in effect until 9 a.m. Wed.

The National Weather Service Milwaukee/Sullivan Weather Forecast Office has issued yet one more Wind Chill Advisory, continuing until 9 a.m. on Wednesday. They indicate that the coldest chills will be from late Monday night until Tuesday morning.

Coach Leipold Reportedly Turned Down Washington; Will Stay at Kansas

According to si.com, former UW-W football coach Lance Leipold was reportedly offered the open head coach position at the University of Washington, but he has decided to stay at the University of Kansas. Quoting Sports Illustrated, “The news is absolutely huge for the Jayhawks, as they have seen one of the biggest improvements in the sport under Leipold. After taking over a team that went 0-9 during the 2020 season, the Jayhawks have steadily improved. With two consecutive bowl appearances in the last two seasons, capped by a win over UNLV at the Guaranteed Rate Bowl, optimism is high for the future of the program.”

Our Readers Share: Joel Houkom – Trippe Lake Sunrise after the storm

Joel Houkom writes, “The sunrise on Trippe Lake on Sunday, January 14, 2024 was gorgeous. Note the steam rising from the water flowing from Whitewater Creek into the lake.”

Our thanks to Joel Houkom for sharing this beautiful photo.

— 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!