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#FlashbackFriday with the Historical Society: Rare view from around 1900 of present-day North & Main Streets intersection

Welcome to another week of #FlashbackFriday with the Whitewater Historical Society! This week’s photo is a rare view from around 1900. Looking eastwards, this is the intersection of the present-day North and Main Streets. The triangle-shaped area of grass would become home to the White Library Building and the famous Birge Fountain in 1903. The space is officially known today as Flat Iron Park, though it has also been called Triangle Park. Join us next week for more from the Whitewater Historical Society collections!

(3328P, Whitewater Historical Society)

The Whitewater Historical Society collects, preserves, and interprets the history of Whitewater and the surrounding area. Be sure to join us next week for more from the Society’s collections. Please “like” us on Facebook, and check out our website at whitewaterhistoricalsociety.org!​

George Vandling, age 70, of Winneconne, formerly of Whitewater, died February 2, 2021 at his home

George Vandling, age 70, of Winneconne, formerly of Whitewater, died February 2, 2021 at his home.

George was born in Michigan on December 6, 1950 to Earl George and Carolyn Jean Vandling. The family lived in Villa Park, Illinois, and then moved to Whitewater where George graduated from high school in 1969.

George graduated from Sam Houston State University, and spent most of his life working in sales. He married Helen in 1974 and they had two children, Jessica and Joshua. He later married Heidi Sandner and they were married for 20 years before her death in 2015.

He loved history, and he loved to read. He was smart and witty and would drive his kids crazy in his antics to avoid asking them for anything. He could laugh at himself, and tell a good story, though he was a man of few words. He loved to fish and we find solace that he was able to buy a house on the water in the past few years to spend time doing what he loved.

He is survived by his children, Jessica (Shawn) Shiveler and his son, Joshua (Suzanne) Vandling and his three grandchildren, who hung the moon in his eyes, Molly Jean, and Embry Taylor and Parker Mason. He’s also survived by his sister Debora and brother in law Larry Gnatzig, and his nieces Vanessa and Caroline and their families.

We will plan a time to be together to share stories later this year. We think dad would like that, even though he’d probably say not to bother. Please email vandlingkids@gmail.com if you would like to be invited, or to simply let us know that you knew and remember him.

To honor him, a donation to your local animal shelter or to St. Jude Children’s Hospital, two organizations that were important to Heidi, and therefore important to him, are welcome. You could also cheer on the Cubs or Bears in memory of him, he’d like that.

Robin Marie Stradinger, 59, of Whitewater passed away on February 3rd, 2021 at home surrounded by her loving family

Robin Marie Stradinger, 59, of Whitewater passed away on February 3rd, 2021 at home surrounded by her loving family.

Robin was born on June 6, 1961 to John and Jane Evers. She grew up in Columbus and graduated from Columbus High School. On October 1, 1983, Robin married her beloved husband Theodore “Ted” Stradinger and together they had two daughters.

She enjoyed gardening, line-dancing, crafting, camping, listening to country music, and most of all spending time with her grandchildren. She also worked for thirty years in personal banking at BMO Harris in Janesville and Madison.

Robin is survived by her parents, John and Jane Evers; husband, Ted Stradinger; daughters, Lindsay (Chad) Wicker, Cara (Joe Smith) Stradinger; grandchildren, Tristan Wicker, Brody Stradinger, Gracelynn Wicker, Owen Smith, Case Smith; brother, Rick (Dianne) Evers; two nephews, Austin Evers, Jake Evers; two nieces, Mallory Stidmen, Sierra Evers; and five great-nieces, Lizzie, Olivia, Hailey, Emma, and Ellie Stidmen.

She was preceded in death by her grandparents; and brother, Lee Evers.

At this time there are no services.

The family would like to give special thanks to SSM Hospice and Jody Ritsch for their exceptional care for Robin.

Nitardy Funeral Home in Whitewater is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences can be made at www.nitardyfuneralhome.com

New Reported Local COVID-19 Cases at Lowest Level in Recent Months; State Officials Concerned About Impact of New Strains Not Yet Detected in WI

By Lynn Binnie
Whitewater Banner volunteer staff
whitewaterbanner@gmail.com
February 5, 2021

In December the Wisconsin Department of Health Services, for the first time, started providing COVID-19 data for each municipality and school district in the state. This is particularly helpful for Whitewater, as the previous information that was enumerated by census tract did not isolate the portion of the city that is located in Jefferson County. The ten new local cases for the seven days ending February 5 is the lowest number since the city-specific data has been available, and undoubtedly reflect the lowest level of reported confirmed infections in many months. Seventeen new cases were confirmed in the school district.

However, per WISN-12, “State health officials said Tuesday (Feb. 2) they are concerned about the potential for new COVID-19 strains entering Wisconsin and the impact they may have on the state’s vaccination efforts. ‘We can continue to see our vaccine rate rising but if we get one of these highly transmissible variants in our state, we could see a surge even with a vaccination rate in the 30, 40 or 50%,’ Department of Health Services Deputy Secretary Julie Willems Van Dijk said. Neither the South Africa or Brazil variants have been detected in Wisconsin, which health officials say are more transmissible.”

The information that is currently being provided on the UW-W COVID-19 Dashboard does not permit the determination of the number of new cases identified among students, faculty, and staff during the past seven days. The Banner has requested clarification.

Thirty-three deaths related to COVID-19 have been reported in the city, an increase of two from our last report, two weeks ago; thirty-seven have been reported in the school district. It is believed that the majority of the deaths that have been reported in the city have taken place in senior residences.

Rapid testing is now being offered at the UW-W Community Engagement Center (formerly Sentry Grocery Store), Monday through Friday, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Persons who want to receive a rapid-results test – available in about 15 minutes – should register at  doineedacovid19test.com or call 1-800-635-8611. Those who test positive through the rapid-results test are urged to get a confirmatory PCR test. Individuals do not have to be experiencing symptoms or be a close contact of someone with COVID-19 to get a test, nor do they need to live in the community where the testing site is located. Please note: The testing site will be closed Wednesday, Feb. 10, due to a blood drive that day.

New daily confirmed cases reported as an average over the last 7 days and rate per 100,000 population:

City of WhitewaterAverage new daily casesRate per 100,000 population
12/57.1448.4
12/1210.5771.6
12/214.2929.1
12/283.0020.3
1/41.5710.6
1/113.5724.2
1/191.5710.6
2/51.439.7
Whitewater Unified School District
12/59.2946.1
12/1213.1465.2
12/215.0023.4
12/284.5722.7
1/43.0014.9
1/115.0024.8
1/191.869.2
2/52.4312.10

Rates per 100,000 population for selected municipalities based on past 7 days as of date shown

12/1212/2112/281/41/111/192/5
Madison35.125.824.327.938.923.124
Jefferson39.443.146.655.653.926.916.2
Palmyra49.540.924.857.624.816.716.7
Fort Atkinson50.652.925.350.650.639.120.7
Jefferson County5342.233.445.452.033.620.9
Entire state of WI6561.4*51.3**40.1***38.5 ****44.4 @24.1 @@
Milton66.517.920.489.769.238.410.2
Walworth County67.549.431.934.450.321.214.3
Milwaukee67.853.430.134.543.731.619.1
Rock County67.850.133.540.445.931.821.5
Whitewater71.629.120.310.624.210.69.7
Elkhorn73.656.233.227.446.118.85.8
Janesville7860.434.835.041.929.827.4
Cambridge8045.6045.656.811.256.8

*The statewide rate is for the past 14 days. ** Statewide rate for the 14 days ending 12/22 ***14 days ending 12/29 **** 14 days ending 1/5/21 @ 14 days ending 1/12/21 @@ 14 days ending 2/2/21

Walworth County Public Health Moves to Phase 2 and Launches Business Recognition Program

(Public Health press release) ELKHORN, WI — The Walworth County Public Health Department has observed
sustained improvement in COVID-19 key indicators and is shifting from Phase 1 to Phase
2 in the County’s Phased Guidance.

The Public Health Department continues to analyze data to assess the state of the
community’s recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. The County’s Phased Guidance
document offers recommendations tailored to the level of COVID-19 activity and available
resources in the county, and is available on the county website here.

Walworth County has been in Phase 1 since November and this shift represents a small
but significant step toward a full recovery. “Improvement in key indicators means that the
methods being used across our community to slow the spread of COVID-19 are working.
We must continue to use all of our tools to maintain these improvements as we
systematically move towards our new normal,” said Erica Bergstrom, Public Health
Officer.

As part of the move to Phase 2, Public Health is serving as a resource for county
businesses recovering from the COVID-19 pandemic by encouraging participation in the
“Stay Well in Walworth” Business Recognition Program. This program recognizes and
highlights local businesses that are effectively applying Walworth County’s COVID-19
Phased Guidance to help keep their customers, employees, and communities healthy
and safe. These tools include, but are not limited to:
– Encouraging physical distancing and keeping customers 6 feet from each other
– Implementing easy to understand face covering policies that align with Walworth
County’s Phased Guidance
– Adhering to business capacity recommendations
– Adopting protocols to routinely clean and disinfect
– Creating designated hours for vulnerable populations and those at higher risk

Businesses wishing to participate in the program may complete the application located
on the county website. Others may also nominate businesses they wish to recognize for
their efforts through this application.

Walworth County Public Health thanks everyone for doing their part and recognizes all
efforts to help keep the community safe. For more information on Walworth County Public
Health’s COVID-19 Data and Phased Guidance, or how to nominate a business for the
Business Recognition Program, please visit our website at
https://www.co.walworth.wi.us/856/COVID-19.


Questions on the Phased Guidance or Business Recognition Program may be sent to
walcoph@co.walworth.wi.us.

UW-W Basketball Results – Feb. 3 & Feb. 5

2/5/21
Men: UW-Whitewater 91, UW-Stevens Point 78 (Stevens Point, WI)
Women: UW-Whitewater 64, UW-Stevens Point 50 (Whitewater)

2/3/21
Men: UW-Stevens Point 70, UW-Whitewater 68 (Whitewater, Wis.)
Women: UW-Whitewater 61, UW-Stevens Point 50 (Stevens Point, Wis.)

Norman H. Wegner Jr. passed away Friday, Sept. 18, 2020 at the age of 82 in Ft. Lauderdale, FL

Ft. Lauderdale, Fl. Norman H. Wegner Jr. passed away Friday Sept. 18, 2020 at the age of 82. He was the son of Norman H. Wegner and Vivian A. Patrick Wegner formerly of Whitewater, WI. Sister Sigrid S Wegner Gimla of Davidson, NC. Daughter Jinny Wegner 45, Victoria Wegner 44. Three grandchildren, Noah 11, Demi 10, and Ivory 2, all of Florida.

Norman was born in Manitowoc, WI. In 1938 at the beginning of WWII, Norman Sr. was a welder who worked on the submarines that served in the war effort. The love of the sea would ultimately be a constant presence in both father and son.

The family moved to Milton, WI and shortly then moved to Whitewater. Norman attended Whitewater State Teachers College. After graduating in 1956 Norman joined the Navy. Thus began the lure of the open road and sea.

After 3 yrs. Norman returned to Whitewater to attend college. During this period he would take a semester off and travel the world, Europe, Scandinavia, middle east, Orient and beyond. He always returned home to finish school. At one point after graduation, Norman joined the Merchant Marines on the upper peninsulas of the Great Lakes.

Norman married in 1974 to Johanna Vacchonie whom he met in Paris, France. Johanna was from New York, N.Y. and so they were married there. Norman was a Marine Insurance adjuster for Dole Foods. They moved to Florida and remained there.

Norman’s adventurous spirit remained a constant throughout his life. He was forever remodeling, repairing and adding on to his home. Gardening was also a passion as growing up in Wisconsin he had that rich black soil as a fond memory. The open road, sky and sea remained a strong part of Norman’s life to the very end. He will be missed by many as he was loved by many.

His wish was to be cremated and ashes spread at sea. Service will be planned at a later date.

WHS Grad Miranda Reynolds Earns Spot on UW-W Track & Field Roster

Whitewater’s Reynolds Earns Spot on 2021 UW-Whitewater Women’s Track and Field Roster

(UW-W press release) — Miranda Reynolds, a native of Whitewater, WI, and graduate of Whitewater High School, will compete for the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater women’s track and field team during the 2021 season, which begins this weekend.

Reynolds, a sophomore at UW-Whitewater, is majoring in mathematics.

The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater men’s and women’s track and field teams begin an unprecedented season this Saturday at Kachel Fieldhouse with a dual meet against UW-Platteville, the program’s first of four dual meets this season and six competition dates.

The Warhawks will host five meets during the indoor season over the next five weeks. All home duals will be streamed online using StretchCast, YouTube and Facebook Live. Links will be available each week on the men’s and women’s track and field schedule pages.

Attendance at meets will be limited to participating coaches, student-athletes and meet personnel. Spectators will not be permitted to enter the building.

Both teams last competed in March 2020 during the indoor season. The men placed fourth and the women finished fifth at the Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference Indoor Championships before the remainder of the season was canceled two weeks later.

Mike Johnson is in his 12th season as the head coach of the men’s program and his 10th year at the helm of the women’s program. He has led the Warhawks to 13 top-10 national finishes on the men’s side and four on the women’s side.

On the women’s side, several conference placers return in a variety of event groups.

Sophomore Sarah Niehueser (Fond du Lac, Wis./Winnebago Lutheran Academy) was the team’s top WIAC finisher in the 400-meter dash and 800-meter run, reaching the podium in the 400 with an eighth-place showing. Senior Jessie Braun (Wales, Wis./Kettle Moraine) placed fifth in the 3,000-meter run.

Niehueser returns along with sophomore Paige Fassbender (Slinger, Wis./Slinger) on the team’s top 4×400-meter relay, which finished fifth at the WIAC Championship in 2020. Braun, Fassbender and junior Kylie Jacobs (Watertown, Wis./Watertown) are back from the team’s fourth-place distance medley relay squad.

Sophomore Miranda Reynolds (Whitewater, Wis./Whitewater) is coming off a fourth-place conference showing in the high jump. Senior Shelby Nickels (Manitowoc, Wis./Lincoln) is the defending league champion in the long jump and a 2020 All-American thanks to qualifying for the NCAA Indoor Championship in the event.

Junior Abigail Missiaen (Muskego, Wis./Muskego) reached the podium for the first time in her career in the pentathlon at the 2020 WIAC Indoor Championship. It was her fourth appearance on the conference podium for her career.

Senior Sydney Davidson (Elburn, Ill./Kaneland) is a past placer in pole vault, finishing eighth at the 2019 WIAC Indoor Championship.

Junior Morgan Huntley (Hillsboro, Wis./Hillsboro) is the team’s returning thrower. She qualified for last year’s conference indoor meet in the weight throw.

For more than 150 years, UW-Whitewater has provided students with the education and training to begin their careers with a solid foundation behind them. The UW-Whitewater is committed to the development of the individual, the growth of personal and professional integrity and respect for diversity and global perspectives. These are met by providing academic and co-curricular programs that emphasize the pursuit of knowledge and understanding and a commitment to service within a safe and secure environment.

Kettle Moraine Land Trust Preserves 176 acres in Whitewater Township

(Kettle Moraine Land Trust press release) Elkhorn, Wisconsin, February 3, 2021 —The nonprofit Kettle Moraine Land Trust (KMLT) has accepted a grant of conservation easement on nearly 176 acres of natural area and farmland adjacent to the Kettle Moraine State Forest. The property includes a 132-acre working farm and more than 35 acres of natural area. The remainder of the property is in a minimal-protection management zone where the owner is free to build residences for family members and out buildings to support farm operations.

Owners James and Lois (nee Anderson) Benes chose to protect the site in perpetuity, citing the value of working farms and recognizing the exceptional conservation values inherent in the natural areas, which include oak woodlands, remnant wet prairie, riparian wetlands, and the confluence of Bluff Creek and Whitewater Creek, two high-quality cold-water streams. The Anderson and Benes families have owned and farmed the site since the early 1930s.

Jim Benes, reflecting on the quality of the site, noted, “A few years ago we decided to preserve it for future generations and we were convinced by Maggie Zoellner (then Executive Director of KMLT) that putting the farm with the Kettle Moraine Land Trust was the way to go.  At that time, little did we know of the quality of the site; we gradually learned about the species that occupied the natural area and we came to appreciate even more the quality of the area and knew that it was important to protect it.  We are pleased with the effort put forth by KMLT personnel, current and past, and all that helped us accomplish this easement.  We are looking forward to our association with the KMLT and to continue to improve the area.”

KMLT’s current executive director Greg Rajsky agreed, stating, “the conservation values of this property are exceptional, with a rich variety of habitats. We are grateful to the Benes family for their generosity and foresight in seeking permanent protection of the property.”

In collaboration, the Benes family and KMLT have prepared a natural areas management plan for the site, which will guide activities intended to preserve and restore plant communities and natural habitat for native organisms while supporting productive soils, clean water, and scenic viewsheds for the whole community.

The Kettle Moraine Land Trust, originally established in 2000 as the Lauderdale Lakes Conservancy, preserves the natural heritage of the southern Kettle Moraine region through land conservancy, resource management, and environmental stewardship. The Trust owns four nature preserves, holds conservation easements on a number of additional properties, and assists Walworth County Parks and Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources with the management of publicly held natural areas.

The Trust also hosts several community events each year. Volunteers and members of the Kettle Moraine Land Trust help improve wildlife habitat and native ecosystems by working with local landowners and in partnership with organizations and municipalities. For more information visit www.kmlandtrust.org

Local student earns degree from UW-River Falls

(University of Wisconsin-River Falls submission) Anna Lucht, of Whitewater, was among 420 students receiving degrees from the University of Wisconsin-River Falls following commencement in December. Bachelor’s degrees were awarded to 386 undergraduates, while 34 students received master’s degrees. Anna Lucht earned a Bachelor of Science in Animal Science. She graduated with Senior Merit, and is part of a group that includes seniors who have maintained a 3.500 grade point for their last 60 credits at UWRF.

Founded in 1874, the University of Wisconsin-River Falls is located in a scenic community just 30 miles from downtown St. Paul. Minn. UW-River Falls students are empowered, beginning in their first semester, to participate in groundbreaking research, global travel, and collaborative learning with award-winning and caring faculty. This commitment to academic excellence has led to UW-River Falls consistently being named a Best College in the Midwest.