Lynn Binnie

Obituary: Carmen A. Catania, 85

Carmen A. Catania passed away peacefully at home on February 29, (Leap Day) 2024. During his short time in hospice care, he was visited by many neighbors and friends.

Carmen was born in Milwaukee, WI, on February 19, 1939, the first child of Jacob J. and Hazel A. Catania. He is predeceased by his sister, Marianna Heinz, and is survived by his brothers, John (Beth) and Joseph (Peggy) Catania; his beloved sons, Mario (wife, Amy and son, Dylan) and Anthony (wife, Terri and children, Joshua, Niki, and Samuel). He also leaves behind his devoted wife Mary Lou, and stepdaughter, Melissa Joseph.

Carmen graduated from Whitewater City High School (1957), UW – Whitewater (1965 – BS), and VanderCook College (1967 – MMEd).

Carmen began his musical career as a US Navy musician trumpeter in 1957. After four years, he began his teaching profession in Germantown, Slinger and Onalaska, WI; La Crescent, MN, and UW Wausau, WI. Other activities included conducting several bands in the La Crosse area. His trumpet experience included classical performances (La Crosse Symphony), accompanying Motown groups and several community bands.

Carmen moved to Green Valley, Arizona in 2003, where he was extremely active in the musical community including two jazz bands, Green Valley Concert Band, Bavarian Band, and many small jazz ensembles for almost 15 years. As the former GV Concert Band Manager, he orchestrated the relocation of the band concerts to Sahuarita Auditorium. He loved conducting the Bavarian Band and was proud to serve as a docent at the San Xavier Mission.

He was an avid fisherman, golfer, jazz aficionado, and loved attending mass at Our Lady of the Valley. Carmen married his wife, Mary Lou, at Madera Canyon on December 3, 2006, and enjoyed visiting the desert landscapes and loved spending time in his home overlooking the golf course in Green Valley. His stroke several years ago robbed him of his high energy and enthusiasm for outdoor activities; however, he never lost his love for fine food and his love for all things Wisconsin including his Italian family, his Packers football team, and of course, delicious cheese.

No services have yet been scheduled as of this announcement.

Whitewater’s Coolest Event of the Year: First Ever Inclusive Polar Plunge – at the Aquatic Center

Whitewater’s Coolest Event of the Year—IS BACK!

Special Olympics Wisconsin supporters from across southern Wisconsin will Go Polar in Whitewater on Saturday, March 9 for the 2024 Polar Plunge® for Special Olympics Wisconsin, presented by Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics and U.S. Venture.

The Whitewater Polar Plunge® kicks off at noon with an Opening Ceremony at Whitewater Aquatic Center (580 S Elizabeth St., Whitewater) followed by nonstop plunging. This plunge—the first ever Inclusive Plunge—will take place inside and feature an optional ramp-entry pool, allowing for people of all abilities to participate. The day will include live music, a chili cook-off, photo moments with Chilly Bear, food and beverage options, souvenirs, and plenty of fun memories while raising funds for Special Olympics Wisconsin athletes.

Polar Plunge® is Special Olympics Wisconsin’s largest annual fundraiser, this winter celebrating 25 years of the annual event. This year’s statewide goal is to raise $1 million.

More information, including registration and an updated schedule of events, can be found at PlungeWI.org. Pre-registrations are highly encouraged, but on-site day-of registration will also be available.

Whitewater is one of eight Polar Plunge® locations spanning six Saturdays across the state. Other events this winter include Wisconsin Rapids, Oshkosh, Madison, Green Bay, Milwaukee, Chippewa Falls, and La Crosse.

This year’s Polar Plunge® features three ways to participate:

  1. Plunge: Individuals and their teams can take a traditional dip in-person at eight statewide locations. Those opting out of an in-person event can make their own adventure via Alternative Plunge.
  2. Pledge: Less daring individuals can still fundraise for the cause by registering as a “Polar Pledger.”
  3. Support: Finally, the “Support a Plunger” campaign allows fans to support other Polar Plunge® participants—all in the spirit of inclusion.

All can fundraise—however, participants must raise the minimum $100 to physically plunge. Those who do will receive the official Polar Plunge® long-sleeve shirt. Those raising more can earn additional incentives.

Event partners for the Whitewater Polar Plunge® are U.S. Venture, Kriete Truck Centers, City of Whitewater, Bob & Sharon McCullough, Ring Tunes, Event Essentials, Avid, Fort Community Credit Union and Hexpol.

All funds raised for this unique winter tradition go directly to Special Olympics Wisconsin, including helping thousands of statewide SOWI athletes train and compete at the state, national, and international level. The event also supports year-round health and wellness programs, leadership development, and Unified Champion School initiatives that enrich the lives of individuals with intellectual disabilities (ID).

For more information about the Special Olympics Wisconsin movement, visit SpecialOlympicsWisconsin.org.

Did the War with Japan Have to End as it Did? – Lecture at UW-W Tonight (Tues.)

Samuel Yamashita


Every August 6 without fail, articles and editorials appear in newspapers and magazines throughout the world that ask whether the war with Japan had to end with the dropping of atomic bombs. Dr. Samuel Yamashita (Henry E. Sheffield Professor of History, Pomona College) will describe Japan’s strategic position on the Asian mainland and in the Pacific at the war’s end, deteriorating home front conditions, the many missed opportunities to end the conflict and the military extremists’ final failed attempts to keep the surrender from taking place on August 15, 1945. Hamilton Room, University Center, March 5 @ 6:00 p.m. There is a charge for parking on campus during the week – see this link for information.

Editor’s note: The above event was posted to the UW-W Calendar.

Obituary: JoAnn Bickle (Frye), 63, of Fort Atkinson

JoAnn Bickle (Frye), 63, of Fort Atkinson passed away peacefully on February 29th in her home after courageously battling cancer for two years, with the help of Rainbow Hospice and her family by her side.

JoAnn was the youngest daughter of Donald and Betty Frye. Preceded in death by her parents, in-laws (Wayne and Norma Bickle), and sisters (Sarah and Donna). JoAnn graduated from Fort Atkinson High School and married her high school sweetheart Mark Bickle. This past December they celebrated 40 years of marriage. Mark and JoAnn made Fort Atkinson their home, raising their family here. JoAnn’s proudest accomplishment was being a mother, followed by the joy of becoming a grandmother. While JoAnn held many different jobs/roles, her biggest professional accomplishment was obtaining her CDL license and then spending 4 years driving cross country with Mark. She took such pride in her garden and enjoyed boating and camping. JoAnn will be deeply missed by her husband Mark; daughters, Megan and Lindsey; granddaughter, Amya; siblings Jerry (Judy), Jim(Darlene), Jeff, Janet(Hugh) Wakefield; her many loving nieces, nephews, and cousins as well as dearest friends.

A celebration of JoAnn’s life will be held at Nitardy Funeral Home, 1008 Madison Avenue, Fort Atkinson on Thursday, March 14th. A visitation will begin at 11 am, with a service to follow at 12:30. Following the service, there will be a light lunch at Haumerson’s Pond Warming House. We want to thank our family, friends and various professionals who assisted in JoAnn’s valiant battle. And we want to give a special heartfelt thank you to Rainbow Hospice for helping with her wish to spend her final days at home. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to Rainbow Hospice or the Humane Society of Jefferson County. “To let go takes love; I love you, and I know you love me too. Goodbye, dear one. “

UW-W Women’s Basketball to Host Sweet 16, Elite 8 Friday-Saturday


The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater will host the next two rounds of the 2024 NCAA Division III Women’s Basketball Tournament in Kachel Gymnasium Friday-Saturday, March 8 and 9. 

Game Times | NCAA Bracket

Friday, March 8 – 5 PM – Wis.-Stout (23-7) (d3hoops.com #23) vs. Transylvania (29-0) (d3hoops.com #2)

Friday, March 8 – 7:30 PM – Wis.-Whitewater (24-4) (d3hoops.com #9) vs. Hope College (26-3) (d3hoops.com #12)

Saturday, March 9 – 7 PM – Winner of Game 1 vs. Winner of Game 2

Tickets/Parking

Tickets are $15 for adults and $10 for youth, students and seniors. Fans should park in Lot 11 (Williams Center) or Lot 24 (Perkins Stadium). Parking is free. 

Live Stream

All games will be available via live stream on the WIAC Network courtesy of UWWTV.  Friday evening’s game will also be broadcast locally on Spectrum channel 989.

For additional tournament information, visit the Tournament Page. 

Editor’s note: This press release was received from UW-Whitewater.

Obituary: Daryl Dean Pieper, 80

Daryl Dean Pieper, 80, of Whitewater passed away on February 28, 2024 at his home surrounded by his loving family.

Daryl was born on October 6, 1943 in Fort Atkinson to Melvin and Fern (Meinert) Pieper.  He grew up in Whitewater and was active in baseball, basketball, and excelled in football.  Daryl also sang in the choir and played in the school band.  He received the Spade and Spoon award in his junior year.  Daryl graduated Whitewater High School as the class president, homecoming king, and student council president.  He also received All Conference award for football both junior and senior year, and was a letter award winner in football, baseball and basketball.  After graduating high school, Daryl took some college courses at UW-Whitewater.  On September 9, 1967 Daryl married Judith Amborn at St. Patrick Catholic Church and were wed until her passing on December 21, 2005.  Daryl married Darlene Dianna Mumm on October 13, 2007 at Lutherdale Bible Camp. He was part owner of Fort Body Incorp.

He was a founding member of the “Chuckers” in Whitewater, member of Whitewater Snow Seekers, and confirmed at United Methodist Church in Whitewater.  Daryl was a loyal volunteer at Lutherdale Bible Camp.

Daryl enjoyed snowmobiling, fishing, deer hunting, and playing cards (especially Sheep’s Head, Canasta, Hand and Foot, Euchre).  He appreciated old cars and going to car shows. Daryl also enjoyed traveling to Arizona for the winters, family gatherings, spending time with his grandchildren, red wine, spending time at the lake in Northern Wisconsin, and going to Canada to fish for walleyes.  He liked going to Rick’s for a great meal, going to Norske Nook for lemon meringue pie, watching the Packers play, and Sudoku puzzles.

Daryl is survived by his wife, Darlene Dianna Pieper; daughter, Sara (Gregory) Klug of Bookings, SD; step-children, Kelly (Shawn) Kelly of Fort Madison, IA, Tony Menneke of Milwaukee; grandchildren, Daniel Klug of Bookings, SD, Katherine Klug of Bookings SD; step-grandchildren, Brennan Kelly of Iowa City, IA, Brady Kelly of Fort Madison, IA, Abbee Kelly of Iowa City, IA, Connor Menneke of Fox Lake, IL, Cayden Menneke of Woodstock, IL; siblings, Dale Pieper of Whitewater, Delmar (Mary) Pieper of Tacoma, WA, Ronette (Dave) Steinke of Washougal, WA, Jim (Kathy) Pieper of Whitewater; sister-in-law, Joyce (Robert) Stubbs; and lifetime special friend, Tom Jewell.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Melvin and Fern Pieper; wife, Judith Pieper; sister, Patricia Mikkelsen; and brother, John Pieper.

The family would like to give special thanks to Mercy Health Hospice for all the support and care.

Memorials can be made to Lutherdale Outdoor Ministries in Elkhorn, Whitewater Fire Department, or First English Lutheran Church in Whitewater.

An Evening visitation will take place from 4 PM until 7 PM on Wednesday, March 6, 2024 at Nitardy Funeral Home, 550 N. Newcomb St., Whitewater, WI 53190.  Funeral services will take place at 11 AM on Thursday, March 7, 2024 at First English Lutheran Church in Whitewater, with a visitation starting at 10 AM, until the time of service.

Online condolences can be made at www.nitardyfuneralhome.com

Madison Brass Band Will Perform Spring Concert at WHS: Don Deal is a member

Editor’s note: The following press release was received from the Madison Brass Band.

The Madison Brass Band is thrilled to present their Spring Concert – CELEBRATIONS! on March 10th, 2024, at 1:00 PM in the Whitewater High School Auditorium under the baton of new Musical Director, John Lynch.

Join us for a festive concert featuring uplifting music from diverse compositional voices including Chuck Mangione, Nicole Piunno, Giovanni Santos, & Neil Hefti. We will include a wonderful medley of Disney favorites and present our thrilling and challenging repertoire for the North American Brass Band Association Championships in April.

This will be the first opportunity for Dr. Don Deal, Solo Euphonist with the Madison Brass Band, to perform with the ensemble in his home town. Dr. Deal was the band director at Whitewater High School from 1979 to 2012. He annually leads an Alumni Band that is a highlight of the 4th of July Parade in Whitewater. Don has been playing with the Madison Brass Band since its inception in 2002, winning the “Best Soloist” Award at the U.S. Open Brass Band Championships in 2014 and 1st place in the NABBA Low Brass competition in 2016 and 2023. Don will be featured as a soloist several times throughout this concert! The ensemble will also include WHS alumni Darren Powers and Griffin James.

Founded in 2002, this group of talented amateur musicians has earned recognition for their outstanding performances, including appearances at prestigious events like the Wisconsin State Convention of the National Band Association and the Wisconsin State Music Conference.

In 2012, they ventured into competitive Brass Band events and achieved Champion of the Second Section in their first NABBA Competition. The band’s dedication is further exemplified by their collaborations with renowned clinicians like Joe Parisi, Scott Teeple, Colin Holman, Mark Taylor and Phillip Harper. Under the direction of new Musical Director John Lynch, the band continues to thrive with outstanding performances and a commitment to musical innovation.

Admission is free. Donations will be accepted at the door and will be shared equally with the WHS Band.

For more information, please visit madisonbrass.com or contact: David Woolpert, (608)-206-5573, dwoolpert@me.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/madisonbrassband/

On the web: madisonbrass.com

This Week’s City Meetings

City of Whitewater Election Inspector Training – Monday @ 2:30 & 4:30 p.m.
312 W Whitewater St -Common Council Chambers
This notice is given to inform the Public that the City of Whitewater is holding an Election Inspector
Training. There are several Common Council members signed up for the Training. A quorum of the Common Council may be present. This notice is given to inform the public that no formal action will be taken.

City of Whitewater Equal Opportunities Commission Meeting – Monday @ 5:00 p.m.
Agenda includes update on Walworth County transitional housing, discussion and possible actions regarding activities to promote a welcoming and educational environment for new immigrants, discussion and possible action regarding proactive approaches to address potential Neonazi activities in the city or on the campus.
Virtual
Citizens are welcome (and encouraged) to join our webinar via computer, smart phone, or telephone.
Citizen participation is welcome during topic discussion periods.
Please click the link below to join the webinar:
Please join the meeting from your computer, tablet or smartphone.
https://meet.goto.com/266997061
You can also dial in using your phone.
Access Code: 266-997-061
United States: +1 (872) 240-3412
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 closed session, to be followed by open session, regarding Negotiation of Aquatic and Fitness Center Agreement with School District, Presentation of staffing study proposals received by Police Dept for Request for Proposals, and first reading of Ordinance 2024-O01 an ordinance regarding Mobile Home Community Special Assessments.
Whitewater Municipal Building Community Room,
312 West Whitewater St.
*In Person and Virtual
Citizens are welcome (and encouraged) to join our webinar via computer, smart phone, or telephone.
Citizen participation is welcome during topic discussion periods.
Please click the link below to join
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/83198282604?pwd=cDdLWjUvTTRqRUQ4UVcwQWcrcW1BUT09
Telephone: +1 (312) 626-6799
Webinar ID:898 6591 0302
Passcode: 676404

Fort HealthCare Honored with the Inaugural 2024 WHA Hospital Mentorship and Quality Champion Award

The Wisconsin Hospital Association (WHA) awarded Fort HealthCare with the inaugural 2024 WHA Hospital Mentorship and Quality Champion Award.

The 2024 WHA Quality and Patient Safety Awards banquet recognizes hospitals that advance and improve patient outcomes in Wisconsin. The WHA has two award categories – Excellence in Health Care Quality and Patient Safety; and Hospital Mentorship and Quality Champion. The Hospital Mentorship and Quality Champion award recognizes a hospital for demonstrating mentoring relationships and engagement through active participation, collaboration and the sharing of tools and resources with other hospitals.

Recognition through this inaugural award underscores Fort HealthCare’s commitment to advancing healthcare quality and rural health equity. As an active participant in the WHA Hospital Quality Contract (HQIC), Fort HealthCare has demonstrated dedication to reducing all-cause harm in hospitals, including sepsis, adverse drug events, falls, readmissions, and C. difficile. Through quarterly meetings with WHA, we have spearheaded initiatives aimed at enhancing patient outcomes and safety measures.

“This award reflects our team’s commitment to high-quality care for our community. Fort HealthCare continuously advocates for rural health equity and quality. The WHA’s recognition acknowledges the challenges of rural medicine and our leadership among rural health systems. This award belongs to every member of Fort HealthCare. Your dedication to delivering exceptional care is deeply appreciated, and I extend my heartfelt gratitude to each of you,” states Michael Anderson, MD, Fort HealthCare President & CEO.

Central to Fort HealthCare’s success has been our collaborative spirit within the healthcare community. Serving as a voice for rural health equity, Fort HealthCare actively engages with WHA members and participates in various forums such as the Wisconsin Collaborative for Healthcare Quality and Rural Wisconsin Health Cooperative. Emphasizing the importance of shared learning and collective progress, Fort HealthCare continually shares its expertise, insights, tools, and programs to mentor other hospitals. Fort HealthCare develops strategies for advancing health equity, setting a benchmark for excellence in healthcare leadership.

Driven by our mission to improve community health and well-being, Fort HealthCare has championed statewide efforts to address health disparities in rural communities. Over the past 13 years, we have worked tirelessly to advance health equity by leading the initiative to consolidate safety net health and dental services into a sustainable entity. This has paved the way for the Rock River Community Clinic to become a Federally Qualified Health Center look alike.

Fort HealthCare is grateful to be recognized in the award’s inaugural year and looks forward to celebrating this accomplishment with other local organizations who are just as committed to excellence. Thank you to WHA for recognizing our dedication to both Hospital Mentorship and being Quality Champions, and for honoring us with this award.

Warhawk Women Advance to Sweet 16 for Third Straight Season

Aleah Grundahl and Kacie Carollo celebrate after the win (Olivia Zinanni)

By Angela Kelm
Asst. Athletic Director for Sports Information

 The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater women’s basketball team advanced to the round of 16 in the NCAA Division III Tournament with an 89-65 win over Millikin Saturday night in Kachel Gym. Junior guard Kacie Carollo led the way with the first triple-double in UWW history — 27 points, 13 rebounds, 10 assists. 

The Warhawks will make a third straight appearance in the round of 16 starting next week. UWW will face Hope on March 8 with both the time and location of the game to be announced by the NCAA in the coming days. Information on the next round of play will be released when available.

UW-Whitewater was dialed in for the second straight game shooting over 60-percent from the floor. The Warhawks set the tone early as Katie Hildebrandt tallied the first bucket of the game. Carollo made it 5-0 UWW after drilling a three-pointer. She added an old-fashioned three-point play 40 seconds later, powering in a layup and hitting the ensuing free throw to push the lead to 8-2. The Warhawks continued to build throughout the quarter with Carollo finding Aleah Grundahl under the basket for a last second layin to give UWW a 24-15 lead after the first. 

Grundahl and Carollo combined for 18 points on 7-10 from the floor in the first 10 minutes of action. The pair continued their phenomenal play with 11 points on 5-8 from the floor while Carollo posted six boards and four assists in the second quarter. Meanwhile, the whole offense was clicking in the quarter as UW-Whitewater hit 9-13 as a team. By the intermission, the Warhawk advantage grew to 21-points, 46-25. 

Defensively, Renee Rittmeyer drew the tough task of guarding the 2023 Division III Player of the Year in Elyce Knudsen for the majority of the half. Rittmeyer and the UWW defense allowed just 10 points from the second-best scorer in the nation in the first 20 minutes of action. 

Although the teams were even in the third period – each scoring 24 – Millikin made a run to narrow the gap to 15 at one point. The Big Blue’s potent offense seemed to be getting going, but the Warhawk offense could not be slowed. UWW shot 73-percent from the floor in the period hitting 8-11 to all but seal the game. 

In addition to Carollo’s team-leading triple-double, Grundahl dropped in 26 bolstered by 10-15 from the floor. She added five boards, four steals and a pair of assists. Hildebrandt posted double figures in the scoring column with 13 while Mallory Oloffson hit 4-5 from the field for 10 points. Hildebrandt led all players with three blocks in the game