WHITEWATER HS CLASS OF 1973 – SAVE THE DATE FOR OUR 50TH CLASS REUNION
Mark your calendars for Friday & Saturday, September 8 & 9, 2023, when the WHS Class of 1973 will celebrate our 50th Class Reunion!
Get details, update your contact information, connect with friends, register to attend, and watch for reunion information updates through our class website: www.whitewaterhsclassof73.com or on our Whitewater High School Class of 1973 Facebook page. Please share this with other classmates to be sure we get the word out and reach as many as possible.
Wisconsin Home Energy Assistance Program available to help Wisconsin keep the heat on
Gov. Tony Evers, the Wisconsin Department of Administration (DOA), and the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin (PSC) are sharing a reminder that the Wisconsin Home Energy Assistance Program (WHEAP) is here to help residential households with energy assistance and weatherization needs. Each year, more than 200,000 households across the state turn to WHEAP for help with their heating and electric bills.
“No one should have to choose between putting food on the table or keeping their heat on during the winter,” said Gov. Evers. “We’ve been working hard to make sure folks and families receive assistance to keep up with rising costs and stay warm and safe during these cold weather months, and we want to continue these efforts to ensure Wisconsinites across our state have access to these essential services.”
“The Evers Administration is committed to making sure Wisconsinites can keep the heat on this winter, especially as households face rising utility and other costs,” said DOA Secretary Kathy Blumenfeld. “We remain committed to providing assistance and ensuring housing stability for folks across the state.”
WHEAP is part of the state’s comprehensive Home Energy Plus program, which provides assistance with emergency energy needs, emergency furnace repairs, conservation service, and weatherization for Wisconsinites with low incomes. So far this heating season, 111,842 Wisconsin homes have received more than $59,770,077 in financial assistance, with an average heating benefit of $356 and an average electric benefit of $199.
“On National Energy Assistance Day and beyond, Wisconsin families have access to utility bill assistance and support,” said PSC Chairperson Rebecca Cameron Valcq. “I appreciate Governor Evers’ commitment to ensuring all Wisconsinites can afford essential utility services, and I thank our utility providers for their partnership.”
Households can apply online at energybenefit.wi.gov, by phone at 1-800-506-5596, or, visit energyandhousing.wi.gov to learn more about available resources. Eligibility is based on household income, household size, and energy costs. Residents may be eligible if the gross household income is 60 percent of the state median income level or less. Median Income Guidelines for 2023
The PSC can help residents resolve disputes with utilities regarding electric, natural gas, and water service. Customers must first try to resolve a dispute directly or establish a payment plan with their utility provider. If customers cannot reach an agreement with their utility, they may contact the PSC by calling 608-266-2001 or 1-800-225-7729 or submitting a complaint online.
“The Dementia Friendly Community Initiative — Walworth County group is recruiting new members and Pilots for our new bikes! Please join us as we expand our Cycling Without Age program.
Our next meeting isThursday February 9th, 2023 – 8:30 AM – 10 AM
If you wish to meet in-person we will meet at the A.D.R.C. building located at 1910 County Road NN, between the Judicial Building and Lakeland Health Care Center.
If you prefer the meeting will also be on ZOOM, or you can listen in by phone. The call in number is: (262)741-7851 and the access code is 0820316.
Front row (left to right): Ty Bucholtz, Connor Brummeyer, Anakin Knudsen, Jacek Egnoski, Paige Kollwelter Back row (left to right): Matt Amundson, Evan Amundson, Caleb Jagodzinski, Anjay Magana, Aaron Garcia Missing from photo: Marcus Roselle — Photo credit: Sara Jagodzinski
The Whitewater 8th grade boys concluded their Badger Development League (BDL) season on Sunday, February 5th by winning the silver bracket championship of the 8th Grade White division. The team played Oregon in the first game of the tournament, having lost to Oregon 19-34 in the first game of the season. The rematch saw Whitewater win the game 38-36 led by Ty Bucholtz scoring 15 points with Aaron Garcia adding 8 and Caleb Jagodzinski scoring 6. Caleb and Jacek Egnoski both added 5 rebounds while Evan Amundson played a strong defensive game limiting Oregon’s leading scorer while also leading the team with 3 assists. In the championship game Whitewater faced Middleton and struggled against the 2-3 zone defense. The second half saw Whitewater close the game on an 18-8 run and secure the win, 35-31. Ty Bucholtz led the team in scoring with 10 points, followed by Paige Kollwelter with 7, Caleb Jagodzinski with 6 and Connor Brummeyer with 5 points. Ty & Caleb each secured 9 rebounds while Aaron Garcia led the way with 6 assists.
“This group has worked hard to improve over the past four years and has improved our skill level, decision making, and effort each season as we have worked to prepare them for high school basketball,” according to Matt Amundson. The team will conclude its season participating in two tournaments later this month and is coached by Cory Brummeyer, Leif Knudsen, & Matt Amundson.
Editor’s note: This story was submitted by Matt Amundson.
Hyland Hall, the on-campus home to the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater College of Business and Economics (UW-Whitewater photo / Craig Schreiner)
Editor’s note: The following press release was received from the UW-Whitewater College of Business & Economics.
UW-Whitewater is the top-ranked, single school, online business program in Wisconsin according to U.S. News & World Report.
The College of Business and Economics is also nationally ranked in all five categories.
No. 18 Veterans- MBA Programs
No. 23 Veterans- Graduate Business
No. 24 Online Undergraduate Business
No. 27 Online MBA
No. 57 Online Graduate Business
These rankings are more impressive knowing that this year’s edition of the U.S. News report evaluates more than 1,800 online bachelor’s and master’s degree programs.
U.S. News assessed schools based on a variety of objective factors, such as student engagement, faculty credentials, and services and technologies.
Dean of the College of Business and Economics, Dr. Paul Ambrose, commented, “this solid, cross-business school success is just one of the reasons why the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater is in the top 2% of the world’s business schools and is Wisconsin’s largest.” Ambrose continued, “UW-Whitewater’s online programs allow students to work, connect with their friends and families, and still fit their education into their busy lives. Our role is to ensure their success.”
The Best Online Programs include rankings of bachelor’s programs as well as the following master’s-level disciplines: MBA, business (non-MBA), computer information technology (including computer science), criminal justice/criminology, education, engineering, and nursing. While the methodologies are different for each discipline, they all incorporate metrics specific to online learning. The rankings only include degree-granting programs that are offered primarily online by regionally accredited institutions.
“Most of the undergraduate programs in the Best Online Programs rankings are degree completion programs, meaning the vast majority of their students already have some college credit,” said Liana Loewus, managing editor of Education at U.S. News. “The methodologies are developed with those students in mind, setting these rankings apart from those that are focused on recent high school graduates pursuing higher education for the first time.”
Prospective students can see how UW-Whitewater compares to other institutes and how rankings are calculated on USNews.com
About UW-Whitewater College of Business and Economics
The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater College of Business and Economics (CoBE) is Wisconsin’s largest business college. It is home to the #1 ranked online, single school Masters of Business Administration (MBA) program in the State and is the only college in Wisconsin that offers an AACSB-accredited Doctorate of Business Administration (DBA) degree program. CoBE is in the top 2% of the world’s business schools having earned both AACSB and AACSB Accounting Accreditation. For more information on the College of Business and Economics, visit uww.edu/cobe or email cobe@uww.edu.
About U.S. News & World Report
U.S. News & World Report is the global leader in quality rankings that empower consumers, business leaders and policy officials to make better, more decisions about important issues affecting their lives and communities. A multifaceted digital media company with Education, Health, Money, Travel, Cars, News, Real Estate and 360 Reviews platforms, U.S. News provides rankings, independent reporting, data journalism, consumer advice and U.S. News Live events. More than 40 million people visit USNews.com each month for research and guidance. Founded in 1933, U.S. News is headquartered in Washington, D.C.
City of Whitewater Equal Opportunities Commission – Monday @ 5:00 p.m. VIRTUAL MEETING AGENDA includes Issues with Recent Immigration into Whitewater; Issues Facing the Unhoused (Homelessness) Please join the meeting from your computer, tablet or smartphone. https://meet.goto.com/811372789 You can also dial in using your phone. Access Code: 811-372-789 United States: +1 (224) 501-3412 Get the app now and be ready when your first meeting starts: https://meet.goto.com/install
City of Whitewater Common Council – Tuesday @ 6:30 p.m. Agenda includes DNR presentation regarding UTV and ATV ordinance, discussion, and request for direction regarding the same; Closed session followed by open session: negotiation of legal services agreement with Harrison, Williams and McDonell. City of Whitewater Municipal Building – Community Room 312 W. Whitewater St., Whitewater, WI 53190 This will be an in person AND a virtual meeting. Citizens are welcome (and encouraged) to join via computer, smart phone, or telephone. Citizen participation is welcome during topic discussion periods. Please click the link below to join the webinar: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/88939447335?pwd=UmQ4ZFAzTjYwdGhyWmRTQURqaGV1 UT09 Passcode: 854973 Or Telephone: 1 312 626 6799| Webinar ID: 88939447335 Passcode: 854973
Whitewater Unified School District Policy Review Committee – Wednesday @ 8:00 a.m. Agenda Whitewater Unified School District Central Office 419 South Elizabeth Street, Whitewater, Wisconsin
City of Whitewater Police and Fire Commission Meeting – Wednesday @ 7:00 p.m. Agenda City of Whitewater Municipal Building Community Room- First Floor 312 W. Whitewater St. Please join my meeting from your computer, tablet or smartphone. https://meet.goto.com/383289349 You can also dial in using your phone. Access Code: 383-289-349 United States: +1 (408) 650-3123
City of Whitewater Alcohol Licensing Committee – Thursday @ 2:00 p.m. Agenda: Recommendation to Common Council for issuance of an open Class “B” license. IN PERSON MEETING Community Room – Whitewater Municipal Building 312 W. Whitewater St., Whitewater, Wisconsin
Editor’s note: The following announcements were received from the UW-W Department of Music.
Joseph Murphy
The first solo guest artist performance of February, Joseph Murphy, saxophone, will be held on Tuesday, Feb. 7 at 7:30 p.m. Joseph Murphy, a professor from Mansfield University, will be performing an eclectic program of contemporary works. Adults $10, Age 65+ / Under 18 $8.
Biggs, Schmidt-Swarts Duo
The second guest artist of this month will be the Biggs, Schmidt-Swarts Duo on Saturday, Feb. 11 at 7:30 p.m. The music of Ben Schmidt-Swartz, saxophone and accordion, and Christopher Biggs, electronics, is full of surprise and invention. Adults $10, Age 65+ / Under 18 $8.
Michael Hackett/Tim Coffman Sextet
One of our own professors at UW-Whitewater, Michael Hackett, will be teaming up with Tim Coffman on Thursday, February 9 at 7:30 p.m. to present the Michael Hackett/ Tim Coffman sextet featuring Sharel Cassity. This group will be performing the music of their recently released recording “Western Skies.” Adults $10, Age 65+ / Under 18 $8.
The chamber music repertoire for strings is full of so many grand masterpieces. On Sunday, February 12 at 7:30 p.m., it seems only appropriate to favor selections from the Romantic period for the Music Mosaics: Masterpieces of String Chamber Music concert. Join faculty performers Leanne Kelso, violin; Benjamin Whitcomb, cello; and Bradley Townsend, bass in celebration of their love for music. All proceeds from the Music Mosaics series go directly towards scholarships for Department of Music students. Adults $14, Age 65+ $12, Under 18 $8
All music events are in the Light Recital Hall in the Greenhill Center of the Arts, located at 950 West Main Street, Whitewater, WI 53190, unless specified otherwise. Tickets are available in advance and can be purchased online at tickets.uww.edu or by calling (262) 472-2222. There is a $2.00 surcharge if purchased at the door at the time of the event.
Beyond the many ticketed events happening this month in the Department of Music, there are a multitude of free events including student recitals, ensembles, and studios. For a full lineup of events, please visit uww.edu/coac/events.
By Lynn Binnie Whitewater Banner volunteer staff whitewaterbanner@gmail.com
Residents of Fairhaven Senior Services and appropriate family members were notified this past week that the organization is closing its second floor skilled nursing unit, and consequently will no longer hold a license as a skilled nursing facility, sometimes known as a nursing home. Paul Kuenning, President/CEO of Fairhaven, shared his letter with the Banner, indicating that the decision that was made by the board of directors was not made lightly. Input was received from market analysis and industry consultants. “Over the past year the Board has continually reviewed the ongoing challenges with workforce shortages, inadequate reimbursement, and higher costs of operations and compliance, and has concluded that Fairhaven can no longer sustain skilled nursing services. This decision, though hard, will help ensure Fairhaven’s long-term viability and its ability to continue its mission to provide for God’s older children,” Kuenning stated.
Fairhaven’s decision is part of an increasing trend in the nation and Wisconsin in particular. Beginning even prior to the pandemic, driven by reimbursement, regulatory and staffing challenges, together with changing consumer preferences, the census in skilled nursing facilities has been declining while assisted living capacity and residency has steadily increased. According to a 2017 article in the Wisconsin State Journal, the state had nearly 4,200 assisted living facilities with room for 59,000 residents, compared to about 400 nursing homes with roughly 33,000 beds. By contrast, according to the article, until 2008, beds in nursing homes outnumbered those in assisted living. COVID-19 exacerbated the challenges for senior residences in general, with a high number of virus-related resident deaths occurring in many facilities, and increasing difficulties with recruiting and retaining staff.
According to Kuenning’s letter, “Since 2016, over 50 nursing homes in Wisconsin have made the difficult decision to close due to the ongoing pressures of workforce shortages and government reimbursement. Furthermore, according to data from LeadingAge Wisconsin, since March of 2020, over 2,666 nursing home beds have been delicensed.”
Kuenning continued, “Under current regulations Fairhaven will continue to care for many of our current skilled nursing patients, under a stepped-up assisted living plan and licensure as a Community Based Residential Facility. In addition, our Director of Nursing has estimated that we will be able to provide 80-85% of the care which was provided in skilled nursing to Fairhaven residents on assisted living floors and in apartments. To better accommodate this change, we plan to renovate 3rd and 4th floors to assisted living apartments and transition the skilled nursing floor into additional assisted living apartments with options for higher care levels.” He told the Banner that physical, occupational, and speech therapy services will continue to be provided.
“Fairhaven is working closely with the State Relocation Team to ensure a careful transition of skilled nursing residents to appropriate settings. Assessments of our current skilled nursing residents will be done by our nursing staff and support agencies to determine each individual’s needs in order to assure proper placement for future care. Throughout this process we will assure that all care needs are met, residents’ rights are protected, and resident centered care is maintained,” Kuenning stated.
Kuenning concluded, “At Fairhaven we will continue our mission and serve our residents in the apartments, assisted living, Hearthstone Memory Care, and duplex homes at Prairie Village. Fairhaven has served our community for sixty years, and we look forward to continuing our mission to provide quality services and care for our residents and our community.”
Joseph Israel Bushey, 13, went to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus on Tuesday, January 31, 2023 after a valiant fight against Huntington’s Disease. Joseph passed 11 days after his dear sister, Grace, passed from the same disease.
Joseph was born on November 19, 2009 in Madison, WI. He was the son of Chad and Kim (Raatz) Bushey. Joseph was a sweet, gentle and happy boy. He had a smile that would light up the room. He was a NASCAR super fan and loved racing and race cars. He was especially fond of blue race cars and every year for his birthday, race cars were at the top of his list. Joseph was also a very prayerful boy and was excited to meet Jesus. Another one of Joseph’s interests was sand dunes. He thought they were beautiful and interesting. One year, Joseph went on a trip with this family to Michigan where he was able to experience the sand dunes around Lake Michigan and also do some fishing. They all had a wonderful time together making memories that both Joseph and his loved ones cherish deeply. Joseph was a beautiful little boy and his family takes great comfort in the fact that he is with Jesus in Heaven where there is no such thing as Huntington’s Disease.
He is survived by: his loving parents, Chad and Kim Bushey of Whitewater, WI; his maternal grandparents, Suzanne and David Roth of Tomahawk, WI; his paternal grandparents, Dennis and Peggy Bushey of East Troy, WI; and his loving siblings, Kari, Elizabeth, Jeremiah, Perpetua, Ezekiel, Justice, Ava, Hannah, Ezra, and Emily. He is also survived by a number of other relatives and friends.
He is preceded in death by his brother, Samuel, his sister, Grace and his maternal grandfather, Lee.
Memorial Donations may be made to Chad and Kim’s ministry for the children: “The Carpenter’s Flock” (a tax deductible entity) in Joseph’s honor. W5621 Tamarack Trail, Whitewater, WI 53190.
A Funeral Service to thank God for Joseph’s life will be held on Saturday, February 11, 2023 at 12:00 Noon at The Gibson Family Funeral Home in Eagle, WI (499 Elkhorn Road, Eagle, WI 53119). Pastor Kevin Tranel will officiate the service. Visitation will take place from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service at the funeral home. Joseph will be laid to rest following the service next to his sister Grace in Oak Ridge Cemetery of Eagle, WI.
Gibson Family Funeral Homes of Palmyra and Eagle, WI is serving the family. To place an online condolence, please visit gibsonfuneral.com
