Lynn Binnie

John’s Disposal Fire Update: Cause Unknown; Loss May Be in the Millions of Dollars

The damaged building is shown in the back of the photo; this is the north face
South face of the affected building [Lynn Binnie photos]

By Lynn Binnie
Whitewater Banner volunteer staff
whitewaterbanner@gmail.com

At a press conference on Monday afternoon, City of Whitewater Second Assistant Fire Chief Joe Uselding provided an update on the “five alarm plus” fire at John’s Disposal that was called in at approximately 9:54 p.m. on Sunday, January 8. Highlights included:

  • City Manager John Weidl and Uselding expressed appreciation to the city fire department staff and to the over thirty agencies (fire departments and other businesses) that assisted the department. John’s Disposal management personnel also helped. The outside support was needed due to the size of the incident, the cold conditions, and need for water to be brought to the scene. There is no water supply on the property other than for personnel use. Water was brought in from the adjacent cogeneration plant and also with the use of tender trucks transporting water from fire hydrants.
  • No injuries were sustained.
  • The department was successful in limiting the fire to one of several buildings on the property, and mobile equipment on the property was not significantly affected. The primary firefighting operation continued until approximately 2-3 a.m. Fire personnel are still monitoring the building to suppress hot spots, and will likely be on scene for a couple more days. There is no danger to the public and the DNR is monitoring any runoff from the incident.
  • The building was used for the storage and sorting of materials that are to be recycled. Uselding estimated that the building’s size may be in excess of 15,000 square feet. It has multiple levels and contained a conveyor belt and various sorting units.
  • Though a social media comment indicated that the fire appeared to have started in a restroom, Uselding indicated that it is not known where the fire started, and the cause is under investigation. There is not currently any inclination that it was suspicious in nature.
  • The building was structurally compromised and had a partial collapse. Uselding indicated that the estimated value of the loss in building and contents is likely in the millions of dollars. It is not known what the company’s plans may be for replacement.
  • Highway U is open.
  • A message on the John’s Disposal website states, “One of our recycling facilities caught on fire in the evening on Sunday, January 8th. All routes will remain on their scheduled service day for the entire week of January 9th. Please note that service times may vary and that some recycling routes might be collected before the garbage routes. We give our sincerest thanks to the many firefighters who have been assisting us during this tough time.”

Obituary: Loretta “Lori” Frances Schrank, 75

Loretta Frances Schrank, “Lori”, was three days shy of her 76th birthday when she passed away after a courageous battle with Alzheimer’s disease. She was born January 7, 1947 in Chicago, IL to Raymond and Helen (Pasternak) Burkhardt. The third of four children, Lori grew up in Chicago, IL before her family moved to Whitewater, WI. She graduated from Whitewater High School and earned her teaching Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees from UW-Whitewater. She was a loving and devoted mother to her sons, Benjamin and Andrew. She married the love of her life, Bill Schrank on December 27, 1986 at St. Mary Catholic Church in Milton, WI.

Lori started her teaching career at the age of 19 with 36 fourth graders at St. Williams Catholic School in Janesville. She spent the majority of her years as a second-grade teacher at Milton West Elementary School where she poured all of her energy and passion into her work with her “kids.” Lori was very artistic and created magical things in her classroom for her students. How could they forget that they had to RSVP to come to Mrs. Schrank’s house for Christmas breakfast and to the end of the year pool party? Many of those students have called her their favorite teacher of all time.

Lori had a zest for life and lived by the phrase, “Treat your friends like family and your family like friends.” She treasured and nurtured each and every relationship with the ones she loved. She had a thousand-watt smile and anyone that ever met her fell in love with her immediately. She was a phenomenal wife, mother, sister, and auntie, but her favorite role was being “Grammie” for her grandbabies. She was always so proud of them all. Lori had many nieces and nephews that she loved and lived for as well. There never was a dull moment with her, and the kids enjoyed swimming in the pool and eating bomb popsicles after, going to the movies, playing cards and games, and seeing who could tell the best joke. She attended many of their games and concerts and they knew she was there when they heard her signature loud whistle to celebrate their achievements.

Lori was also very competitive and a terrific athlete. She loved to play softball for the Belles of St. Mary and was especially proud of the 1992 Monday Night Women’s League Championship. That was the year their team beat a team of young girls that had been at the High School State Girls Softball tournament the year before. They even went to St. Mary Church after the game, and asked Father McEnry to let them ring the bell. She loved to fish and enjoyed the many Canadian houseboat fishing trips over the years. Even though on many trips she was the only woman, she seemed to have the knack of always catching the biggest fish. Earning her the title, “The Boat Bitch.”

She was a true animal lover. Friends and family fondly remember her rehabilitating baby raccoons and calling them out of the woods like she was Dr. Dolittle, making friends at every chance with any dog or cat she saw, visiting Ben at his zoo jobs to see the lions and tigers, and loving up on her own dogs and kitties.

Lori is survived by Bill, her loving husband of 36 years, and sons Ben (Leah) Smejkal of Clintonville, WI and Andy (Ashley) Smejkal of Grand Junction, WI. She is also survived by her sister Mary Ann Burkhardt (Sue Hale) of Janesville, WI and Diane (Paul) Joseph of Delavan, WI, sister-in-law Susan Burkhardt, Tomahawk, WI and brother-in-law Bob (Sharon) Schrank, Milton, WI. Grandchildren Alyssa (Codi) Papcke and their son Finley, Austin (Amber Katz) Smejkal and their daughter Luna, Lily, Veda, and Nala Smejkal and Xoe Smejkal (children of Andy); Sami, Brock, and Alli Smejkal (children of Ben). Additionally, she is survived by several very special nieces and nephews.

Lori is preceded in death by her parents Raymond and Helen Burkhardt, father and mother-in-law Harold and Jeannine Schrank, brother Raymond Burkhardt, daughter Sarah Smejkal and niece Amy Schrank.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, January 14th, 2023 at St. Mary Catholic Church, Milton with Father David Wanish officiating. Burial will follow at Milton Lawns Cemetery. Visitation will be at the Albrecht Funeral Homes & Cremation Services, Milton on Friday, January 13th, 2023 from 4:00 – 7:00 p.m. and again Saturday at the church from 9:30 a.m. until the time of the mass. Memorials can be made out to St. Mary Catholic Church.

The Albrecht Funeral Homes & Cremation Services, Milton is assisting the family with arrangements. 

Obituary: William Gerald Albrecht, 79

William Gerald Albrecht was born on May 4th, 1943 in Chicago, Illinois to William and Essie Albrecht and welcomed by older sister, Jean. He was known to his friends, and anyone else he met, simply as Bill. Bill unexpectedly passed early in the morning on January 5th, 2023. Bill is survived by his loving wife of 58 years, Joyce. Together they raised a daughter, Royce, and welcomed son-in-law, Luke, into their family. Luke and Royce have three children – Jacob, Marcella (Ellie), and Lydia – who all adored their grandfather.

Bill spent his childhood into his adult years in Chicago. Growing up, Bill began his lifelong passion for baseball. He would play every chance he had, even persevering through the wool uniforms. This love followed him into adulthood, where he was the pitcher on the park district and church teams for many years. As a teenager and young adult, Bill’s time off of the baseball diamond was spent exploring his talent for drawing and photography.

Bill spent his working years in the construction industry. He began as a rodman in the Technical Engineering Union and was a diligent and honest worker. Over the years, Bill’s attention to detail never faded. This is especially true as he finished his career as a Senior Superintendent at Pepper Construction.

His love of baseball followed him into retirement where he watched every major, minor, and little league game that he could. This love was joined by an enjoyment of golf. In the summers, Bill would golf at least once a week at different courses near his home in Whitewater, WI. When Bill wasn’t watching baseball, golfing, or spending time with his family, he could be found in his workshop creating. Many of those who had the pleasure to know Bill have been blessed by the handmade wood items he made for them.

Bill will be remembered for his sense of humor, desire to serve others, love for those around him, and dedication to Christ. A visitation will be held by the family on January 14th, 2023 at Briggs Road Evangelical Free Church in Elkhorn, Wisconsin from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, a donation can be made in Bill’s memory to the Gideons International or your favorite charity. Nitardy Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.  Online condolences can be made at www.nitardyfuneralhome.com

FREE Campus & Community Meals Continue – January 9/Comidas de Espaguetis GRATIS Continuan 9 de enero

FREE Campus & Community Meals Continue – January 9/Comidas de Espaguetis GRATIS Continuan 9 de enero

The Congregational UCC, 133 S. Franklin Street, Whitewater, continues to host the free Monday night carry-out spaghetti meals.
Temporarily…beginning January 9th through January 30th, 2023, only frozen carry-out meals will be available. Beginning February 6th, we will resume the Sit-Down meals and fresh Carry-Outs. Carry-outs are available from 5:00 p.m.-6:00 p.m. For more information, contact Patty Harmon at the First English Lutheran Church office, (262) 473-5076 or at the Congregational UCC office, (262) 473-4101.

El UCC Congregacional, 133 S. Franklin Street, Whitewater, continúa ofreciendo las comidas gratuitas de espagueti para llevar los lunes por la noche.
Temporalmente… a partir del 9 de enero hasta el 30 de enero de 2023, solo estarán disponibles comidas congeladas para llevar. A partir del 6 de febrero, retomaremos las comidas para sentarse y las comidas para llevar frescas. Las comidas para llevar están disponibles de 5:00 p. m. a 6:00 p. m. Para obtener más información, comuníquese con Patty Harmon en la oficina de la Primera Iglesia Luterana Inglesa, (262) 473-5076 o en la oficina de la UCC Congregacional, (262) 473-4101.

This Week’s City & School Bd Meetings (Update: Added WUSD Policy Review Comm.)

City of Whitewater Plan and Architectural Review Commission – Monday @ 6:00 p.m.
Agenda includes Public Hearing For Consideration Of A Conditional Use Permit For A Proposed Event Venue
And Sale Of Alcohol By The Drink Located At 183-187 W Main Street, Parcel ID#/OT 00070
For Stonegate Management LLC (Gregory Aprahamian).
City of Whitewater Municipal Building
Community Room- First Floor
312 W. Whitewater St.
Please join the meeting from your computer, tablet or smartphone.
https://meet.goto.com/115675677
You can also dial in using your phone.
United States: 1 (872) 240-3212
Access Code: 115-675-677

City of Whitewater Public Works Committee – Tuesday @ 6:00 p.m.
Agenda includes Discussion And Possible Action Regarding The Final Starin Park Water Tower
Structural Analysis Report, and Discussion And Possible Action Regarding UTV/ATV Use On All City Streets In The
City Of Whitewater.
Cravath Conference Room
Municipal Building – 2 Floor
312 W Whitewater St

Whitewater Unified School District Policy Review Committee – Wednesday @ 9:00 a.m.
Agenda: A. 343.46, Early College Credit Program – Institution of Higher Education (IHE)
B. 177, Cancellation of School Board Meetings – NEW
C. Staff Use of High School Shop
D. Review of 800s Policies: 810, School-Community Relations; 811, District Accountability; 820, Public Information
Program; 821.2, News Releases; 822, News Media Relations; 822.1, News Media Relations; 823, Access to Public
Records; 823 Ex, Notice to the Public Regarding Access to Records; 823.1, Records Retention

Whitewater Unified School District Central Office
419 South Elizabeth Street, Whitewater, Wisconsin

City of Whitewater Police and Fire Commission Special Session Meeting Agenda – Wed. @ 7:00 p.m.
Agenda includes closed session interview of detective candidate.
City of Whitewater Municipal Building
Community Room- First Floor
312 W. Whitewater St.
This will be an IN PERSON MEETING as well as a VIRTUAL MEETING
Please join my meeting from your computer, tablet or
smartphone.
https://meet.goto.com/977640685
You can also dial in using your phone.
United States: 1 (224) 501-3412
Access Code: 977-640-685

John’s Fire Update: No Injuries; Trash/Recycling Expected to Be on Schedule

Update 1/9/23 at 10 a.m.: According to a press release from the City of Whitewater, it was at 9:51 p.m. on January 8 that dispatch received a report of smoke and flames at John’s Disposal. It is indicated that upon arrival officers found one building fully engulfed in flames. As of the time of the release at 8:33 a.m. on the 9th, fire personnel were still on the scene containing hot spots.

No John’s employees were onsite when the fire was called in, and no injuries have been reported. Although traffic has been reopened on County Highway U, it is requested that the public avoid the area at this time. The city expressed appreciation to the many communities that provided, and continue to provide, fire personnel and resources for the incident.

The release also indicated that according to a John’s representative trash and recycling pickup is expected to remain on schedule.

The Banner will be updated as further information becomes available.

Update 1/9/23 at 7:30 a.m.: Per WMTV: “Employees were given passage on Hwy U to get into work this morning, telling NBC15, they were given the green light from JDS to carry out work as scheduled.”

Update 1/9/23 at 7:30 a.m.: The following was posted to the Whitewater Fire Department Facebook page at approximately 2 a.m.:

Source: WFD Facebook page

 

Crews are currently operating at a structure fire on Hwy U at John’s disposal outside of Whitewater. Hwy U is shutdown between Fremont and Hwy D. Crews will be operating on scene for an extended period of time.

Photo posted to Walworth Co. Scanner Updates Facebook page, courtesy of Michelle Fischer [The plume to the right is from the cogeneration plant]
Palmyra Fire Dept. personnel at Enterprise & Newcomb fire hydrant
Taken at 11:45 p.m. from Welcome Travelers Wayside Park [Lynn Binnie photos]

By Lynn Binnie
Whitewater Banner volunteer staff
whitewaterbanner@gmail.com

Per Whitewater Dispatch, a structure fire was reported at John’s Disposal, 107 County U at approximately 10 p.m. on Sunday, January 8. At this time the Banner is able to report that with the amount of smoke still arising from the property at midnight, the large quantity of firefighting vehicles on site from multiple agencies, and the number of tankers still being filled at hydrants, this is a major, five alarm fire. Reportedly agencies have been responding from as far as 50 miles away. As of 1 a.m. on Monday we are unable to confirm any further information.

County U between Fremont and County D is likely to be closed for many hours. It is expected that there may be some icy areas on roads where tankers have been filling from hydrants.

John’s Disposal’s recycling facility in the Town of Norway in western Racine County suffered what was described as a massive fire on July 1, 2018.

The Jefferson County Scanner Facebook page, considered to be a reliable but unofficial source of information, published the following late breaking updates:

**UPDATE AT 1112P ,Waukesha County requested with a tender strike team on the interdivisional box

UPDATE 1138p, strike team of engines requested from Dane Co

UPDATE 103am, Green County requested with a strike team

The Walworth County Scanner Updates Facebook page, which is considered to be a reliable but unofficial source of information, published the following information about the January 8, 2023 fire.

Whitewater Fire: MABAS 12-5 2nd alarm
John’s Disposal Hwy U for structure fire
3rd alarm – full
Upgraded Full 4th
5th alarm for truck companies
5th Alarm for tenders
Upgraded to interdivisional strike team level from
MABAS
division 106 for tenders
Divison 115 for engines

Engines: Fort Atkinson, Palmyra, Helensville, Cambridge, Darien, city of Delavan, Stoughton, Evansville, Sharon

Trucks: Whitewater, East Troy, Lake Geneva, Watertown

Tenders: LaGrange, Milton, Big Bend, Edgerton, Johnson Creek, Kettle Morraine, Troy Center, Clinton, Waterloo, Janesville, Walworth

Squads: Jefferson, Rome, Lake Mills, Town of Delavan, Sullivan, East Troy, Footville, Western Lakes

Ambulances: Jefferson, Johnson Creek, Waterloo

Chiefs: Fort Atkinson, Jefferson, Helenville, Lake Mills, city of Delavan, Elkhorn, Evansville, Dousman, Williams Bay

Special Equipment
Milton RIT
WE Energies
Western Lakes Rehab
Lyons Air Unit

Change of Quarters Mukwonago engine & chief

Ixonia

Conductor “Doc” Hayes Gifts a Carnegie Hall Baton to “Conductor” AJ Dillon of the Packers

By Lynn Binnie
Whitewater Banner volunteer staff
whitewaterbanner@gmail.com

The Green Bay Packers have enjoyed a four game winning streak, culminating in the New Year’s Day 41-17 blowout against the Vikings. Immediately after his second-half rushing touchdown in the Vikings game, running back AJ Dillon (#28), conducted an “orchestra” in the end zone. The video of the performance may be viewed here.

Dr. Glenn C. Hayes, director of bands at UW-Whitewater, obviously appreciated the performance, as he sent Dillon the following letter, together with a cherished baton that he used in “the most famous music performance site in the world,” Carnegie Hall. Hayes, whom the students affectionately call “Doc,” expressed the hope that the baton will lead Dillon “to the most famous football game in the world,” obviously the Super Bowl. On January 4, Jordan Dajan on cbssports.com wrote, ” I hypothesized last week that Green Bay could be pulling an “anti-Packers” this season, where it disappoints in the regular season and then explodes in the playoffs. Win this week against the Lions, and the Packers are in the dance.” Super Bowl LVII will be played in Glendale, Arizona on February 12. The Packers’ final regular season game is at Lambeau Field, Sunday, January 8 at 7:20 p.m. The game will be broadcast on NBC, with coverage also on WRNW, Milwaukee, 97.3 FM.

The letter is reproduced below.

Dillon expressed his appreciation to Hayes just two days later with the following tweet, which has had over 1.4 million views.

The exchange has also generated considerable media attention, including the following report on Channel 3000 that features a brief interview with Hayes.

Editor’s note: The photo on the homepage is from AJ Dillon’s Twitter page.

Community and Alumni Social – UW-W Rock County Campus   

Feb. 6 Community and Alumni Social – UW-Whitewater Rock County Campus   

Join UW-Rock County, UW-Whitewater alums, community members, and leaders on Monday, February 6. Take a campus tour, listen to students and faculty share their research, connect with alums, hear from Foundation Board members, and engage with community and university leaders. Bring your family and friends! 

“We are so excited to welcome alums and community members to campus,” said Dean Tricia Clasen. “It’s been an eventful few years on campus with exciting new programs on the horizon, including nursing, adult bachelor’s degree completion, and even NJCAA sports opportunities. We can’t wait to connect with current and former faculty and fellow students.”

Hear about U Rock’s exciting pending National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) membership and its impact on students and the community. Get the inside scoop on the unrivaled relationship with Edgewood College and UW-Whitewater, allowing Rock County students to earn a nursing degree (BSN) right here in Janesville. Explore pathways in engineering and the Bachelor of Applied Arts and Sciences degree completion programs — whether you are an alum, business owner, or prospective student.

Flock to U Rock and check out what is happening on the UW-Whitewater Rock County campus. Complimentary appetizers will be provided, courtesy of sponsorship from UW-Whitewater Foundation Board member Sue VanGalder.

RSVPs are appreciated. Please let us know if you are planning to attend by January 30 https://www.uww.edu/alumni/janesville 

New Book Club: Mindful Mondays at the Library

Denise Maple
Lori Frison

NEW BOOK CLUB: MINDFUL MONDAYS AT THE LIBRARY 

The public is invited to join a new book club which will meet at the Irvin L. Young Memorial Library every 4th Monday of the month. Mindful Monday is a book club for conscious living led by Lori Frison and Denise Maple. The first meeting will be held on Monday, January 23 at 6:00-7:30 p.m. in the library’s community room. This will be an introduction to the book club and the first book selection, which will be available for checkout. Each month, the book club will host a discussion and mindfulness practice.  

As one of the facilitators, Denise Maple says, “The practice of mindfulness has changed my life. I am more centered, calm, present, intuitive, and loving as a result. I want to share what I have learned with others, as well as learn more and deepen my practice through book study and learning from others.” 

Through Live Life Spiritual Direction, Denise Maple is a holistic business coach, featured speaker, Reiki Master, and spiritual counselor. Trained and licensed as a spiritual practitioner through the Centers for Spiritual Living, she helps her clients to live the song of their soul by guiding them to identify and overcome false beliefs about themselves and the world and pursue and achieve their dreams. She has been studying, teaching, and practicing mindfulness for over a decade and loves sharing its benefits. 

Lori Frison M.S. LPC is a certified Relationship and Love Coach. She guides individuals to experience greater levels of love in life, both with others and within themselves. Lori is the creator of the Redefining Love coaching program and regularly speaks on the topic of relationship health. Lori is also a licensed mental health therapist in private practice in Whitewater, WI where she has assisted hundreds of people to end painful relationship patterns and feel confident in their ability to stay calm, speak their truth, and set healthy limits with others. Lori’s work and personal interest led her to fall in love with the practice of mindfulness meditation as a path to cultivate greater well-being. Lori has taught mindfulness to many in South Central Wisconsin through groups and workshops over the past decade. She is also a trained yoga instructor with a passion for connecting others to their innate ability to heal, grow, and thrive through the simple powers of breath and awareness. 

This book club is for adults, although high school students are welcome to join. There is no cost to attend. Registration is requested. Please visit whitewaterlibrary.org and click on “Events – Registration Forms” to register in advance. You may also email sfrench@whitewater-wi.gov or call 262-458-2782 to register, or with any questions. 

Seniors in the Park Presents Jerry & Marge Go Large

“Jerry and Marge Go Large”

Tuesday, January 10, 1 p.m.

(Drama/Comedy)

Rated PG-13; 96 minutes (2022)

Based on the true story of a long-married Michigan couple (Bryan Cranston and Annette Bening) who win the lottery and use the money to revive their small hometown.