Archives

Roger G. Millard Jr., 56, of Whitewater, passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, March 10, 2021 at Mercyhealth Hospital in Janesville

Roger G. Millard Jr., 56, of Whitewater, passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, March 10, 2021 at Mercyhealth Hospital in Janesville.

Roger was born on May 11, 1964 in Fort Atkinson, son of Roger G. Millard Sr. and Georgia (Carmichael) Millard.

After graduating from high school, Roger joined the US Navy, enlisting in 1982 and was honorably discharged in 1992. During that time, he was stationed in San Diego and was deployed on the USS Enterprise. He was also aboard the USS Enterprise during the filming of Top Gun. In 1994 he joined the Army National Guard of Wisconsin and was honorably discharged in 2002.

Roger was a hard worker as a Correctional Officer with the Walworth County Sheriff’s Dept., enjoyed talking politics and taking road trips on his Harley Davidson, but most of all he loved his family, including his dogs, and the special times flying with his father.

Roger is survived by his wife, Lynn Millard of Whitewater; children, Arron G. (Fiancé, Danielle Ripley) Millard of Janesville and Rachel Millard of Whitewater; grandchildren, Keira Mae Millard and Ashlynn Marie Ripley; parents, Roger G. (Sue) Millard Sr. of Whitewater and Georgia (Bob) Achilli of Fort Atkinson; brothers, Mike (fiancé, Lane Hoffer) Moreland and Ben (Tracy) Millard; sister, Elizabeth (Eric Rambicure) Millard and many other relatives and friends.

A visitation will take place on Tuesday, March 16, 2021 at the Dunlap Memorial Home in Fort Atkinson, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. A graveside will follow at Evergreen Cemetery in Fort Atkinson with Military Honors.

www.DunlapMemorialHome.com

Update: Will Schultz, Cited for Disorderly Conduct (Assault), is No Longer a UW-W Student

Will Schultz (Former UW-W basketball team roster photo)


Whitewater, Wis. March 11, 2021 – “The City of Whitewater Police Department issues an update to a highly- publicized assault investigation, reported to the department on Friday, March 5, 2021.

The investigation of this incident has been completed. The lone suspect in this incident, 19-year-old William (Will) J. Schultz of Whitewater, has been issued municipal citations for Disorderly Conduct (Assault) and Underage Presence in a Class B Licensed Premise Prohibited.

No additional information is available at this time.”

Banner note: This investigation was widely publicized on social and other media as a result of the alleged perpetrator being a member of the UW-W basketball team. A complaint was filed by a woman who stated that Schultz had assaulted her at approximately 2 a.m. on March 5. It is not known what action, if any, the university has taken with respect to his enrollment or inclusion on the basketball roster. Since Sunday, March 7 his name has been deleted from the online roster. Per /https://wcca.wicourts.gov, William Schultz was also charged with disorderly conduct by UW-W Police in October, 2020. He was found guilty due to a no contest plea. The Banner is filing an open records request for a copy of the police report regarding the March 5 complaint and will provide an update after that is received.

Whitewater Rotary Club Launches Annual Flower Sale

(Rotary Club press release) What better way to celebrate the arrival of spring – at last! – than with a bright and cheery floral bouquet, courtesy of the Whitewater Rotary Club.

One of this year’s choices is a color-coordinated bouquet including 6 stems of roses and 6 stems of alstroemeria (also known as the Peruvian lily or the Lily of the Incas).

The second choice is the Morning Miracle bouquet with 10 stems of brightly colored alstroemeria, daisy mums, stock, dusty miller, carnations, filler, and a rose.

Arrangements must be ordered by Tuesday, March 23 for delivery on Wednesday, April 21.

The cost for each arrangement is $17.00.

Orders can be placed directly with any member of the Whitewater Rotary Club who will make arrangements for delivery or pickup.

Orders can also be placed online by sending an email message to WhitewaterRotary@gmail.com, including your name, what type of bouquet(s) you would like to order and how many of each bouquet.  Following this, a return message will be sent to you providing information regarding payment and arrangements for pickup. 

As a chapter of Rotary International, the Whitewater Rotary Club aims to provide service to others, promote integrity, and advance world understanding, goodwill, and peace through its fellowship of business, professional, and community leaders.

Local projects for the Whitewater Rotary Club supported with funds raised include the construction of the Cravath Lakefront Amphitheater, scholarships for graduating Whitewater High School students, the Whitewater High School Ferradermis Robotics Team, participation in the Badger Girls and Badger Boys program, the Fit Kids Shuffle during the annual Whitewater Discovery Series Half-Marathon and 5 K run, Rotary Skate Park, and the New Beginnings Association for the Prevention of Family Violence. 

For additional information on the Whitewater Rotary Club click here.

Walworth County Public Health Calls for More 65-Plus Residents to Register for COVID-19 Vaccine as Additional Groups Open Up

(ELKHORN, WI): The Walworth County Division of Public Health is requesting all County residents ages 65 and older who are waiting for a COVID-19 vaccine complete the Vaccination Registration Form on the County website. As additional vaccination groups are opening up, Walworth County wants to ensure that previously eligible residents still awaiting vaccination are immediately connected to a vaccinator.

Registration can be completed via an online form. Those who need assistance or do not have access to the internet can contact the Walworth County Health and Human Services Department at (262) 741-3200.

There is no fee associated with COVID-19 vaccination and no one will contact you to collect credit card information or seek payment.

Spring Programs at UW-W for age 16 through adults include Painting, Zen Rocks & ACT Strategies

Zen Rocks
Whether you or your child is looking to explore athletics, music, theater, STEM, or more, the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater has a program for you. In fact, each year thousands of tweens and teens get involved in UW-Whitewater Camps and Clinics.

Online Take and Make: Painting Plus, Mixed Media Magic
Painting “Mixed Media” Watercolor and Acrylics with various creative approaches such as : oil pastel resist, masking (tape or rubber cement), and printing (various small objects). This is the perfect time to explore your household “junk drawer” and old art supplies for experimentation. The oil pastels will be provided with painting supplies from UWW-Rock County curbside pick up in visitor parking lot March 20th 10 am- noon or by appointment. Purchase an additional supplies for everyone 16+ in your household to join.   This event is available to registrants aged 16 – adult.
Date: Saturday | March 20, 2021 | 1:00 – 4:00 p.m. CST 
Register Online
Limited to 10 registrants. Online registrations accepted until noon four days prior to event.  We do NOT accept day of registrations.



UW-Whitewater at Rock County Zen Rocks (Mandala Rock Painting)
Do you want to make beautiful Mandala rocks but don’t know where to start? Join us for a fun afternoon of learning all of the tips and tricks for creating these bright and beautiful dot painting patterns. The rocks are sure to be a perfect addition to your patio or garden this spring. You will leave with a beautiful creation of your own design. All supplies provided. This event is available to registrants ages 16 and up.
Space is limited to 10 registrants.
Dates:
Session One – Saturday, April 10, 2021 | 1:00 – 3:00 p.m.  
Session Two – Saturday, April 24, 2021 | 1:00 – 3:00 p.m.  
Session Three – Saturday, May 8, 2021 | 1:00 – 3:00 p.m.
Register Online
Registrations accepted online until noon until one day prior to each event.  We CANNOT accept walk up registrations at event check-in due to COVID-19 restrictions. 

ACT Strategies
Register Risk Free Today.
Reserve your spot and plan for the fun with no deposit down.
If we cancel this event due to COVID-19, we will let you know two weeks prior to each event.
Click here for our COVID-19 Policy Information
A series of Online ACT Prep Classes to help improve your score!   This event is available to High School students.
Dates
Session III
Saturday, May 22, 2021 | 8-12:30
Saturday, June 5, 2021 |  8-12:30
Monday, June 7, 2021 | 6-8 p.m.
Tuesday, June 8, 2021 | 6-8 p.m.
Wednesday, June 9, 2021 | 6-8 p.m.
Limited to the first 8 registrants each session.
Registrations accepted online until noon on 5/10/21. 
We do NOT accept walk up registrations at event check-in. 

Many summer camps and other events are already posted at this link.





One of Five Finalists for UW-W Provost Withdraws

Per an announcement on March 10 from UW-W, Dr. La Vonne Cornell-Swanson, one of five finalists for the position of provost and vice chancellor for Academic Affairs, has withdrawn their candidacy for the position. No reason was given for why Dr. Cornell-Swanson, who graduated from UW-W with a degree in social work in 1980, dropped out of consideration.

Visits and open forums for the remaining finalists will go on as scheduled. For information, please visit https://www.uww.edu/news/archive/2021-02-provost-finalists-named

League of Women Voters – Whitewater Area To Host Program on The People’s Map Commission – Thurs., 3/18

First People's Map Commission hearing - 8th CD | WisCommunity

(LWV – Whitewater Area news release) The League of Women Voters-Whitewater Area invites the public to attend a virtual presentation, “Fair Maps and the People’s Map Commission,” on Thursday, March 18, 2021 at 6:30 p.m. Join Annemarie McClellan as we explore redistricting, fair maps, and take an inside look at the ongoing work of the People’s Map Commission. McClellan is the co-president of her local League of Women Voters-Greater Chippewa Valley and a member of the People’s Map Commission representing the 3rd Congressional District.

To learn more about the Commission, you may visit govstatus.egov.com/peoplesmaps.

This event will be virtual. To attend live, please join the webinar by using the URL: bit.ly/LWVPeoplesMap, Passcode: 140443. Or, join us by telephone: Dial (312) 626-6799, Webinar ID: 948 9755 7302, Passcode: 140443. This event will also be live streamed on our Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/lwvwhitewater.org and be made available to the public afterwards. The League of Women Voters is a nonpartisan political organization that encourages informed and active participation in government, works to increase understanding of major public policy issues and influences public policy through education and advocacy. Visit our website at lwvwhitewater.org and like us on Facebook!

Aspiring Teacher, WHS ’11 Grad, Wins Scholarship to Overcome COVID-19 and Stay in College

Madeline Walton (submitted photo)
Madeline Walton college student and aspiring teacher from Rochester in Racine County

Quoting from an article in The Journal Times on March 2, 2021, “Madeline Walton, 28, grew up in Whitewater and earned a bachelor’s degree in social work from the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater. She later decided that social work was not her calling, and instead she wanted to become an elementary school teacher.

Now living in Rochester, Walton works part-time as a teaching assistant in the Mukwonago school district. Once she decided to pursue her masters degree at Western Governors University, she found a second job working at a children’s summer camp. But when the COVID-19 pandemic broke out last year, the summer camp canceled activities and eliminated her job.

With the new Resiliency Scholarship from Western Governors, Walton is back on track to earn her master’s degree and become a teacher by 2023.” Click here for the full article in The Journal Times on March 2, 2021.

Barbara A. Donahue, 84, of Whitewater passed away surrounded by her family on Saturday, March 6, 2021 at Agace Hospice Center in Janesville

Barbara A. Donahue, 84, of Whitewater, WI passed away surrounded by her family on Saturday, March 6, 2021 at Agrace Hospice Center in Janesville, WI.

Barbara was born on July 2, 1936 in Elgin, IL the daughter of Lester and Anna (Ewert) Gannon. She grew up in Elgin and attended St. Joseph’s Catholic School. Barbara’s Catholic faith was a major part of her life, therefore, she joined the Franciscan Sisters of Joliet, IL Convent. While at the convent, she began writing letters to a young man, Thomas Donahue, who was serving in the Korean War. Barbara and Thomas became very fond of each other and on April 12, 1958 the two were married at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Elgin. God blessed their union with four loving daughters: Anna, Margaret, Jeanne, and Rita. In 1962, Barbara and Thomas moved their family to Whitewater, WI to farm and the two would remain there to raise their family. Many great times were had with family and friends visiting the farm. There was always an open door policy. Barbara was a devoted mother and grandmother, attending as many events of her grandchildren as possible. One of her greatest joys in life was her grandchildren and great-granddaughter. Barbara was a gentle soul who loved to take care of people, so being a preschool teacher and nursing assistant was something she was very proud of. For Barbara, faith and family were the two most important things in her life. She was a fantastic wife and mother and a devoted member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church. She kept a large garden with vegetables and many types of flowers and enjoyed that very much. She also stayed involved in her daughters’ activities as a 4-H leader, as well as, helping groom her daughters’ horses for their various shows. She was an avid sports fan and enjoyed attending and cheering on her Packers, Badgers, Bucks, and Marquette Golden Eagles. Barbara had a heart for others and was always concerned with the needs of those around her. Even during her final days, she was checking in on her family to make sure they were taken care of. Barbara will be remembered fondly by all who she touched with her positive spirit, deep faith, and that unforgettable twinkle in her eye. Heaven has gained a beautiful and very special angel.

She is survived by: three loving daughters, Anna Donahue, Margaret Donahue, and Rita (Paul) Ristow; seven grandchildren, Matthew (Alyssa) Rasmussen, Stephanie (Anthony Mattice) Jenson, Megan (Nathan) Galston, Thomas (Katie Gerls) Jenson, Jonathan Ristow, Kelly Ristow, and Ryan Ristow; one great-granddaughter, Layla Rasmussen; and four siblings, Robert (Billie) Gannon, Eugene (Peg) Gannon, Michael (Teresa) Gannon, and Mary (Vern) Wilczyk. She is also survived by a number of nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

She is preceded in death by: her parents, her loving husband of 49 years, Thomas Donahue; and her dear daughter and son-in-law, Jeanne and Shawn Spoo.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to her personal caregivers and the staff of Agrace Hospice for their loving care.

A Visitation will be held from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. on Friday, March 12, 2021 at the Gibson Family Funeral Home in Palmyra, WI (320 W. Main St. Palmyra, WI 53156). A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, March 13, 2021 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Palmyra, WI. Fr. Mariadas Bekala will officiate the mass. Visitation will be held on Saturday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of mass at the church. Barbara will be laid to rest in St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery in Palmyra, WI immediately following the service.

Gibson Family Funeral Homes of Palmyra & Eagle, WI is serving the family. To place an online condolence please visit gibsonfuneral.com.

65+? Want to Get COVID-19 Vaccinated? Call Walworth County Public Health Today (UPDATE: Fort HealthCare is also offering signups)

Are you or a loved one 65+? Want to get vaccinated for COVID-19?
Call Walworth County Public Health today to schedule an appointment at 262-741-3200!

  • No online registration is required ✅ 
  • Even if you have a healthcare provider ✅ 
  • Even if you have previously registered online ✅

Banner note: Readers may also wish to check with Fort HealthCare. They indicate “you do not need to be one of our existing patients in order to receive one (a vaccine), close to home.” Visit FortHealthCare.com/VaccineSignUp.