Archives

Editor’s note: The following press release was received from Rock River Community Clinic.

Rock River Community Clinic (RRCC) is pleased to announce the appointment of Olivia Nichols as CEO/Executive Director.

A Fort Atkinson Graduate (2010), Nichols (Hartwick) returns to Wisconsin after 8 years in Alabama where she received her Master of Science and is currently finishing her Doctorate in Human Development and Family Studies at Auburn University. Her research and teaching centers around identifying early contexts of support that improve health outcomes and reduce health disparities.

She has presented her research at academic conferences throughout the US and published numerous articles in academic journals including Sleep Medicine, Social Development, American Journal of Epidemiology, Cultural and Attachment & Human Development.

Before attending Auburn University, Nichols received her Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology with a minor in At-Risk Child Youth Care from UW-La Crosse.

According to Carol Quest, Rock River Community Clinic Board Chair, “Olivia stood out because of her training and interest in the social determinants of health, which is part of the clinic’s mission. She also has a passion for health equity and making sure all of our residents have access to the health care they need.” Quest said that the hiring committee was focused on finding someone who could successfully establish RRCC as a Federally Qualified Health Center, a move that would create long-term stability for the clinic and provide more services for the clinic’s patients. “We agreed that Olivia has the skills and commitment to bring our staff, our stakeholders and our patients together toward that end,” said Quest.

Nichols said she is excited to be back in Wisconsin and using her education to bring new federal resources to the community. “As we work to become a Federally Qualified Health Center, I am eager to improve the quality of our care and increase community access to our care through expanded services that bring us closer to health equity as a community. I greatly look forward to working with our leadership team, our community partners, and the families we serve to remove barriers to health and become a healthier, more equitable community.” 

About Rock River Community Clinic

RRCC was formed in January 2020, merging the former Community Dental Clinic, the Rock River Free Medical Clinic, the Watertown Area Cares Clinic and including a new medical clinic site in Whitewater. RRCC provides quality health care services, including medical, dental, and behavioral, to those who have decreased access to care due to financial limitations. In addition, RRCC assists patients in finding community resources that reduce barriers to care and helps them navigate the local health care system.

About Federally Qualified Health Centers

Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHC) are community-based health centers that receive funds from the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) Health Center Program to provide primary care services in underserved areas. They must meet a stringent set of requirements, including providing care on a sliding fee scale based on ability to pay and operating under a governing board that includes patient representation. By becoming an FQHC, RRCC will receive federal funding, allowing the clinic to provide more services and increase access to health care in the community.

Editor’s Note: The following information was provided by Whitewater Unites Lives.

Jerry Grant is at WUL Hometown Hero.  He was nominated “For serving more than 20 years on the Walworth County Board in many leadership positions, and for the countless hours he spends helping children by donating his time and talent to Kiwanis Whitewater Breakfast Club.”

Jerry was recently recognized for his years of service to Walworth County with a resolution that includes the following:

“…Supervisor Grant has held a variety of leadership positions, including four terms as County Board Vice Chair…as well as numerous chairmanships…Supervisor Grant has provided leadership on many important issues, including construction of the Judicial Center, and replacement of Lakeland Health Care Center and Lakeland School…spent countless hours researching important issues facing the county over the years…the Walworth county Board of Supervisors hereby recognizes and commends Jerry A. Grant for his years of dedicated service to the citizens of Walworth County.”

Jerry shared that he was raised on a farm in the Whitewater area until age 18.  Then he became a resident of the City of Whitewater.  He worked in a factory for a year, then at a service station for six years, then was a police officer for 33 years. In 1983 he was elected to the Whitewater Unified School District Board until 1998.”

Jerry has been a member of several organizations and held offices to help children.  He was involved in the P.T.O., Music Parents, Whippet Boosters, and more.  In 1996 Jerry became a member of the Whitewater Kiwanis Breakfast Club and has served there in an active leadership role ever since.

Jerry and his loving wife Shirley live in an apartment at Fairhaven. 

WUL (Whitewater Unites Lives) is a locally-focused civil and human rights group that works to connect the people in our community and to create opportunities for all people to learn and support each other in our common humanity.   

Anyone who would like to nominate a local hero of any age should send their nomination, with a short description, to whitewaterunites@gmail.com 

Editor’s Note: The following information was provided by Whitewater Unites Lives.

Whitewater is hosting its first, free International Children’s Day event on Saturday, April 30 from noon to 4 p.m., and all children are welcome at the Starin Park Community Building and grounds.  Events will include face-painting, arts and crafts, healthy snack activities, balloon art, chalk art and more.  St. Patrick Church will offer food for purchase, and there will be music from 1 p.m., featuring Lincoln School’s 5th Grade World Drumming Ensemble, 12-year-old Alondra Valadez, and Marco Wence. Sponsors of the Children’s International Day include the City of Whitewater, The Health Promoters, Kiwanis Whitewater Breakfast Club, Rock River Community Clinic, The Tree House Child and Family Center, UW-Whitewater Spanish Club, Walworth County Department of Health and Human Services, Whitewater Unified School District, Whitewater Unites Lives, and Working for Whitewater’s Wellness – W3.

Miguel Aranda, Chair of the Children’s International Day, said, “We are so pleased to work together in our community to encourage children of all backgrounds to engage and play together.”

Free Parking is available on University Parking Lots 4 and 14, which are located near the intersection of West Starin Road and North Prairie Street. University Parking Lot 20 is also available, which is located near the intersection of North Fremont Street and East Lauderdale Drive; enter East Lauderdale Drive to enter Lot 20. Near the same intersection, entering from North Fremont Street, there are a few parking stalls.

In 1925, International Children’s Day was first proclaimed in Geneva during the World Conference on Child Welfare. The represented countries recognized that “mankind owes to the Child the best that it has to give.”  Specific goals focused on increasing childhood access to quality education, decreasing unethical child labor practices, and lifting children out of poverty. International Children’s Day is celebrated on different days depending on the country – some dates include June 1st or November 20th. In many Latin American countries, the special day is celebrated on April 30th. 

Children’s Day is celebrated similar to Mother’s or Father’s Day. In some countries, teachers suspend lessons and it becomes a day for children to have fun with activities during school and afterwards with their parents. A day the community, from businesses to governments, comes together to advocate for and champion the rights of children and to celebrate the joy they bring to the world.

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

Turnout in the City of Whitewater for the Spring general election on April 5 was steady but not overwhelming, with 1376 votes cast. Per the unofficial results shown below, Jim Allen defeated Chuck Mills by a very comfortable margin to retain his seat as Council Member at Large. Al Stanek also beat Curt Knull by a large margin to succeed longtime supervisor Jerry Grant on the Walworth County Board of Supervisors, District 4. Lukas Schreiber was elected to his first full term representing Aldermanic District 2 with nine votes, and Jill Gerber, running unopposed to represent District 4, received 331 votes. According to City Clerk Michele Smith, this will be the first time in history that the Council has had a majority of female members, by a margin of 4 to 3.

The race for Whitewater School District Board Member, on the other hand, was very competitive. Unofficial results have Jennifer Kienbaum retaining her seat by a slim margin, being joined by Miguel Aranda, who previously served an unfulfilled term. Incumbent Joseph Kromholz appears to have lost by a slim margin, with challenger Andrea Svec a fair distance behind.

Results will not be final until the Board of Canvas meetings, the dates of which are not known.

Whitewater Common Council At Large (AD = Aldermanic District)

	AD 1	AD 2-3	AD 4	AD 5	Total
Jim Allen	231	180	299	97	807
Chuck Mills	193	78	150	51	472

Whitewater Aldermanic District 2
Lukas Schreiber – 9

Whitewater Aldermanic District 4
Jill Gerber – 331

Whitewater Unified School District School Board

	AD 1	AD 2-3	AD 4	AD 5	Jefferson Co.	Rock Co.	Walworth Co.	Total
Miguel Aranda	238	194	282	90	54	83	308	1249
Jennifer Kienbaum	217	87	193	67	76	107	479	1226
Joe Kromholz	201	176	263	88	57	89	324	1198
Andrea Svec	167	59	160	50	68	68	443	1015

Walworth County Board of Supervisors, District 4

	AD 1	AD 2-3	AD 4	Total
Curt Knull	58	43	127	228
Al Stanek	57	211	298	566

Editor’s Note: The following information was received from UW-Whitewater, Roberta’s Art Gallery.

[Whitewater, Wis., March 31, 2022] – Consisting of breathtaking scenes crafted mainly from watercolor paint and ink pen, “Letting Go,” by artist Ann Thomas will be at Roberta’s Art Gallery from April 4-29. Thomas creates illustrations through attention to detail in the layering of pen and ink, colored pencil, watercolor, and pastels to create art tiles, children’s books illustrations, Christmas cards, home/architectural work, and prints. Her pieces in “Letting Go” feature calm scenes and landscapes from the outside, often featuring buildings and architectural scenes.

Thomas has had a passion for art since she was young, and attended Milwaukee Area Technical College for her associates degree in graphic arts. Since, Thomas has completed freelance graphic design work for clients, taught college courses, and facilitated multiple art workshops. Thomas expresses admiration in getting to see her student’s faces “light up as they explore the medium and are surprised at their own undiscovered abilities.” To read more about Thomas’ artistic journey, check out her website.

“Letting Go” consists mainly of paintings of different locations and renderings of buildings and architectural structures due to Thomas’ love for them. She explains that in the same way that each piece of the exhibit tends to consist of their own unique location, each image takes her back in time to the moments and feelings she experienced there. Some locations of pieces in “Letting Go” consist of architectural structures from Italy, Hungary, Illinois, and Wisconsin.

Roberta’s Art Gallery will be holding an exhibit reception featuring Thomas speaking on her work and her unique experiences as an artist on Wednesday, April 13, at 6 p.m. in person at the gallery. Any guests are strongly encouraged, and have the opportunity to meet the artist, chat, and enjoy light refreshments.

Roberta’s Art Gallery is located on the first floor of the James R. Connor University Center (UC) at UW- Whitewater. The gallery hosts multiple exhibits each semester by collaborating with the artists–both locally and regionally. Many of our events will be held in person this semester, with the option of a virtual exhibit. Our hours are Monday – Thursday 10 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. and Friday 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Roberta’s Art Gallery prides itself on all their exhibits being free and open to the public. This means anyone: whether you’re a student, a Whitewater community member, or someone wanting to support the artist, please stop by. For questions or further information, contact Roberta’s Art Gallery at (262) 472-3193 or ucart@uww.edu or visit our website.

Whitewater Unified School District Calendar Committee – Monday @ 3:30 p.m.

Agenda: Review 2022-23 Student/Staff School Calendar
William D. Kyle Board Room
419 South Elizabeth Street, Whitewater, Wisconsin
Google Meet: https://meet.google.com/sjp-xeri-uyz

City of Whitewater Equal Opportunities Commission – Monday @ 5:00 p.m.
This meeting was canceled on 4/4/22.

Whitewater Unified School District Policy Review Committee – Tuesday @ 9:00 a.m.
School District Central Office
William D. Kyle Board Room
419 South Elizabeth Street, Whitewater, Wisconsin

City of Whitewater Landmarks Commission – Thursday @ 6:00 p.m.
Agenda
Cravath Lake Front Room
312 Whitewater Street
Please join the meeting from your computer, tablet or smartphone.
https://meet.goto.com/415825453
You can also dial in using your phone.
United States: 1 (312) 757-3121
Access Code: 415-825-453

City of Whitewater Common Council – THURSDAY @ 6:30 p.m.
Agenda includes Update on property assessments and explanation of the same, Update on an increase in the arrival of new community members, Request for approval of agreement with consultant to assist with integration of Fire
Department / EMS into a City Department, Update on Code Enforcement in the City, Consideration of a stipulation and order settling the lawsuit filed against the City concerning Public Construction bidding requirements for the Cravath and Trippe Lake dredging project and possible action authorizing the City Attorney and City
staff to enter into a settlement agreement, and Request for approval of Memorandum of Understanding with Whitewater Fire Department.
This will be an IN PERSON MEETING as well as a VIRTUAL MEETING
Citizens are welcome (and encouraged) to join us in person, or via computer, smart phone, or
telephone. Citizen participation is welcome during topic discussion periods.
You are invited to a Zoom webinar.
Please click the link below to join the webinar:
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/83182359189?pwd=aldSU2JxOVZmYzBkbThWUWN3R2VkQT09
Passcode: 273108
Or Telephone:
US: 1 301 715 8592
Webinar ID: 831 8235 9189
Passcode: 273108
Please note that due to technical difficulties the meeting is not currently able to be broadcast live on Cable Channel 990. It will be shown there later.

Whitewater Fire Department, Inc. Business Meeting
Agenda
Date/Time Thursday April 7, 2022 @ 6:30 p.m.
Location: WFD Meeting Room
312 Whitewater Street