“The response was overwhelming” with offers of assistance for family facing homelessness

By Al Stanek
Whitewater Banner volunteer staff
whitewaterbanner@gmail.com
December 12, 2020

A request for volunteers to assist a local woman facing homelessness has produced an overwhelming response according to the director of a local organization dedicated to providing transitional housing and case management to Whitewater families.

Kristy Weinberg, Executive Director of Bethel House, told the ‘Banner’ that she is not normally prone to tears but that the response to last week’s request changed that. “My day began with tears of joy just one day after an article appeared asking for volunteers,” said Weinberg. “The response was overwhelming.”

An area single mother of three reported purchasing a modest trailer home in spring and paying a workman to make improvements including wiring, plumbing and furnace repair. The workman abandoned the project and the family found themselves in an unheated trailer as winter weather approached. Her outreach to Bethel House resulted in responses that included a local remodeling contractor, a heating contractor, a local cabinet store, and a dozen or more offers of remodeling and/or financial assistance along with a contribution of insulation.

The working mother and her three children are being housed in one of Bethel House’s transitional housing units. The remodeling project is currently being evaluated to determine the best approach to assisting the family.

Bethel House is a Whitewater non-profit operating out of the First Congregational Church and overseen by a volunteer board representing eight area churches. It relies on financial assistance from churches as well as grants and individual and corporate contributions. As well as transitional housing, Social Worker Weinberg and interns from the UW-Whitewater Social Work program assist families with a wide range of counseling and support. The organization currently operates seven transitional housing units, all of which are currently occupied. They also provide emergency financial assistance for families at risk of homelessness.

Weinberg indicated that local transitional housing needs often exceed demand especially in the winter months. Cash and other contributions are always welcome according to Weinberg. Information is available at the Bethel House website (www.bethelhouseinc.org) or by calling 262-473-2715.

WHS Gymnasts Travel to Jefferson for First Meet

By Kelly O’Hara
Whitewater High School Head Gymnastics Coach
OHaraKL17@uww.edu

Whitewater High School Gymnastics had their first meet of the season against Jefferson High School on Friday, December 11th.

The WHS Gymnastics varsity team consisted of returning members sophomores Brenda Aguilar, Caleigh Yang, Maddy Beuhler, Halee Peters, and junior Anna Ejnik. JV Team members consisted of freshman Lauren Buehler and sophomores Brooke Bazeley and Isabelle Dieter.

WHS Gymnastics had a final team score of 108.75. The highlights of the meet on the varsity side consisted of Halee Peters scoring an 8.15 on vault and an 8.05 on floor, Anna Ejnik scoring a 7.775 on vault, Maddy Buehler scoring a 7.525 on vault, Brenda Aguilar scoring a 6.7 on beam, and Caleigh Yang scoring a 7.15 on the floor exercise.

Highlights on the JV side included Brooke Bazeley scoring a 5.3 on floor and Lauren Buehler scoring a 6.05 on beam along with Isabelle Dieter scoring a 4.35 on beam.

We are looking forward to the progress the gymnasts make as the season continues! The next gymnastics meet will be held Friday, December 18th, at Whitewater High School in a dual against Janesville Parker. Go, Whippets!

*Photos are screenshots of video recordings from the meet.

City Manager Cameron Clapper a Finalist for City Manager Position in Fort Atkinson

The City of Fort Atkinson announced on Friday, December 11 the names of the four finalists for their city manager position. One of the four is Cameron Clapper, who has served as Whitewater’s city manager since 2012. Prior to that he served as interim city manager for four months upon the resignation of city manager Kevin Brunner, with whom he had worked as assistant city manager for two years.

The other finalists are Richard Downey, Administrator of the Village of Kronenwetter, WI; Rebecca Houseman Lemire, Clerk/Treasurer of the Village of Darien; and Brian Wilson, Administrator of the Village of Belleville, WI.

Fort Atkinson’s prior city manager, Matt Trebatoski, resigned in November to become administrator of the City of Oconomowoc. Trebatoski joined Fort Atkinson in 2006 as clerk/treasurer and was named city manager in 2014.

Fort Atkinson’s population is 12,368, compared with Whitewater’s 15,035; however, since the latter’s population includes many university students, Fort’s longterm population is larger. Fort’s operating budget for 2021 is approximately $11,063,000; Whitewater’s is approximately $9,641,000.

Coincidentally, Fort Atkinson is being assisted in its search process by Public Administration Associates, LLC, a firm in which Kevin Brunner is a partner.

Clifford “Cliff” O. Storlie Jr., age 64 of Whitewater, passed away December 8, 2020 at Froedtert Hospital, following a two week long courageous battle against COVID

Clifford “Cliff” O. Storlie Jr. age 64 of Whitewater passed away December 8, 2020 at Froedtert Hospital in Milwaukee, following a two week long courageous battle against COVID.

Cliff was born on January 16, 1956 in Prairie du Chien to Clifford and Mary Lou (Harding) Storlie Sr.  He graduated from Milton High School in 1974. He was currently employed at The Scharine Group in Whitewater for the past 19 years building milking parlors on dairy farms. Before working at Scharine’s, he was a long-time employee at E.J. Cook Logistics as a semi mechanic.

Cliff married his soul mate Patty on December 22, 2000 in Elkhorn. Together they enjoyed long motorcycle rides and are members of the Banner City Bikers of Whitewater.  Cliff also enjoyed playing many kinds of card games. His favorites were euchre, hearts and kings corners with the grandkids. He also enjoyed many years playing volleyball. Most of all he loved being a Grandpa and spending lots of time with his grandkids.

Cliff will be deeply missed by his family: Wife Patty Storlie of Whitewater, his children Elgine Storlie of Evanston, IL, Erika (Kristie) Storlie-Broderick of Evanston, IL, Kevin (Ashley) Downing of Janesville, WI. Step-children, Steven (Amanda) Gerth of Burlington, WI. Kevin (Karly) Gerth of Mukwonago, WI. Grandchildren, Keegan, Jade, River, Parker, Brock, Ellsie, Allissa, Marvin, Riley, Oliver, Addison and Owen.  Siblings, Kathy (Tom) Hanlon of Milton,WI. Connie (Rocky) Jarvis of Hixton,WI. Carol (Larry) Kennedy of Janesville, WI. Chuck (Briget) Storlie of MN, and many nieces, nephews, other relatives and many many close friends.

Cliff is preceded in death by his parents Clifford and Mary Lou Storlie Sr., his mother and father-in-law Marvin and Kathleen Tritz, brother Carl Storlie, sister and brother-in-law Shirley and Steve Sidwell, and brother-in-law Joe Tritz.

Public visitation will be held on Saturday December 12, 2020 at the Nitardy Funeral home in Whitewater from 1:00-3:30 p.m.

Due to gathering restrictions we ask that guests please wear masks and please respect social distancing.

In lieu of flowers please make donations to Whitewater Food Pantry or Samaritan’s Purse (Operation Christmas Child).

The Nitardy Funeral Home, Whitewater, WI is assisting the family. Online condolences may be given to the family at www.nitardyfuneralhome.com.

Ashley Sue Sutton, 28, of Fort Atkinson passed away on Tuesday, November 24, 2020

Ashley Sue Sutton, 28, of Fort Atkinson passed away on Tuesday, November 24, 2020.

Ashley was born on August 26, 1992 in Milwaukee to Stephen W. and Gina (Alberti) Sutton. After graduating Whitewater High School, Ashley attended Paul Mitchell Cosmetology Academy in Waukesha, Wisconsin.

Ashley’s personality was bigger than life; she was sweet, generous, and had a kind heart. Her favorite pastime was spending time with family and friends, especially her nephews and her “bonus” kids. She loved amusement parks, camping, and concerts. Halloween and Christmas were Ashley’s favorite holidays.

Ashley is survived by her mother, Gina Sutton; brothers, Paul Sutton, Daniel Sutton; best friend, Martta Spori; fiancé, Sebastian Struble; “Bonus” children, Abby Struble, Noah Struble; fur babies, Bella, Chippy, Fatty; aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and many cousins.

She is preceded in death by her father, Stephen W. Sutton; and an infant brother.

A celebration for life will be held at a later date. Burial will take place at Calvary Cemetery in Petersburg, Illinois at a later date.

Nitardy Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

Online condolences can be made at www.nitardyfuneralhome.com

Jonathan R. Turner passed away on Tuesday, December 8, 2020 at his home in Williams Bay

Jonathan R. Turner was born February 15, 1978 in Galesburg, Illinois to Richard R. and Patricia A. (Spring) Turner.  He passed away on Tuesday, December 8, 2020 at his home in Williams Bay.

Jon was an exceptional man, loved by all that knew him.   Whatever Jon did he did to excellence and worked hard with a joyful attitude.  Although he was a talented athlete, and gifted in many areas of his life, what set Jon apart was his love for Jesus. He wanted everyone he came into contact with to know that Jesus saves. Jon loved his wife Jasmin, his children, and anyone who needed a friend. Jon loved well and often, always putting others before himself and when thanked Jon was quick to flash one of his amazing smiles and say, “it was my pleasure.”  He was a humble man and will be fiercely missed by all that knew him.

Jonathan is survived by his wife Jasmin Marie (Bonnstetter) Turner, whom he married on May 27, 2001 in Chicago; his children Abel, Ashton, Wyatt, Hope, Joshua, Whitney, and Isaac; his parents Richard and Patricia; sisters Jami (Brian) McGarry and Arianne (Todd) Henderson; brother-in-law Eric Hahn; as well as many nieces and nephews. Jon had more family than there is room to list in writing and loved and treated many like his own children.

He was preceded in death earlier this year by his sister Nikki Hahn.

A visitation will be held on Monday, December 14 at the Lake Geneva Youth Camp; because of the current COVID pandemic we are asking friends and family to visit https://m.signupgenius.com/#!/showSignUp/805084da4ac2eabf58-jonturner  to RSVP for a time to attend between 3:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m.  The family will also be receiving friends on Tuesday from 11:30 until 12:30 at the gym of the Lake Geneva Youth Camp with the service will be live streamed there at 1:00 p.m.

Private family burial will follow at East Delavan Cemetery. 

In lieu of flowers memorials may be given at https://www.gofundme.com/f/jon-turner-memoriam?utm_source=customer-andr&utm_campaign=p_cp+share-sheet&utm_medium=sms
for his children’s future endeavors.

For more information visit www.ToyntonFuneralHome.com or call 262-275-2171.

Ronald Lee Koebernick, 78, of Wilton, and long time resident of Richmond, died Wednesday, December 9, 2020 at Mayo Health Center in LaCrosse

Ronald Lee Koebernick, 78, of Wilton, and long time resident of Richmond, died Wednesday, December 9, 2020 at Mayo Health Center in LaCrosse.  He was born to Sylvia Koebernick  on November 22nd, 1942. He was a member of the Wilton High School Graduating Class of 1960. He joined the U.S. Army in 1964 and was discharged in 1970, and served during the Veitnam War. He enjoyed horses, country dancing, and telling jokes. He worked as a heavy equipment operator before his retirement. Ron was a very hard worker.  He was rough, tough and as strong of a cowboy as they come.  He was also fun loving and generous with others, always giving his help to anyone who needed it.

He is survived by 2 children, Lori (Ludwig) Frison of Milton WI, and Brian (Danielle) Koebernick of Fort Atkinson, WI
5 grandchildren: Anthony and Kylee Koebernick and Chelsea, Nicole, Wyatt Frison, a brother Terry (Cindy) of Overland Park, KS, an uncle Kenneth Koebernick of Wilton, and a cousin Ted Koebernick of Janesville, WI.

He was preceded by his mother and his aunts Marion Jackson and Grace Schell.

A Graveside Service will be held on Saturday, December 19, 2020, 11:15 a.m.. at St. Paul Lutheran Cemetery, Wilton.  Pastor Cathleen Morris will officiate.  Military honors will be by the Hanson-Stark-Leith-Paeth American Legion Post #508.

Relatives and friends are invited to call on Saturday at St. Paul Lutheran Church, Wilton, from 9:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m.  Due to COVID-19 if you would like to attend the visitation but are in a high risk category, you may call the Smith-Nelson Funeral Home, Wilton to arrange a time to visit. Those in attendance are encouraged to wear a mask and respect social distancing according to CDC guidelines.  Online condolences may be sent to www.sonnenburgfamilyfh.com

Lincoln Elementary Shifting to Virtual Instruction (for identified students) Friday Due to COVID-19

This communication was sent to Lincoln Elementary families on December 10.

Dear Lincoln Elementary Families,

This message does not impact most Lincoln students who will remain virtual until 1/15/2021. 

The District adopted a plan requiring a school to shift to virtual instruction for three days after three or more positive COVID-19 cases are confirmed within a seven-day period. Unfortunately, we have confirmed three cases at Lincoln Elementary School. The building will be closed for in-person attendance Friday, December 11. In-person instruction at Lincoln will resume on Monday, December 14 for those students who have been identified as needing to report in. 

Contact Tracing: Upon receiving the notification and confirmation, the school conducted initial contact tracing and has contacted any students or staff who were directly impacted by close contact via phone. If you did not receive a call, you were not a close contact.

Chromebooks & Supplies: Today, in order to prepare for the closure, teachers will be sending home any materials and supplies that students will need to participate in learning from home Friday, December 11.   

Online Meals: The deadline to order online meals for Friday has been extended to 8:00 pm today (Thursday). Families are able to order meals by following this link:  https://sites.google.com/wwusd.org/wusd-covid-19/food-service.  Meals ordered for pick up at Lincoln will be available for pick up outside of Lincoln (Door 7).

Online Instructional Schedule: Beginning Friday AM, students should log into their SeeSaw classroom.  Assignments will be posted and class meetings will begin at 8:00 am on Friday. These virtual meetings are important for students so please make every effort to help your child connect with their teachers during the scheduled times. 

Questions: If you have any questions, please contact Ms. Kilar at mkilar@wwusd.org.

Best, 

Dr. Caroline Pate-Hefty

District Administrator

———–

Estimadas familias de la primaria Lincoln, 

Este mensaje no afecta a la mayoría de los estudiantes de Lincoln que permanecerán virtuales hasta el 15/1/2021.

El Distrito adoptó un plan que requiere que la escuela cambie a la instrucción virtual por tres días después de que se confirmen tres o más casos positivos de COVID-19 en un período de siete días.   Desafortunadamente, hemos confirmado tres casos en la Escuela Primaria Lincoln.  El edificio estará cerrado para la asistencia en persona el viernes 11 de diciembre. La instrucción en persona en Lincoln se reanudará el lunes 14 de diciembre para aquellos estudiantes que hayan sido identificados con la necesidad de presentarse.

Rastreo de contactos:Al recibir la notificación y confirmación, la escuela realizó el rastreo de contacto inicial y ha contactado por teléfono a los estudiantes o personal que fueron afectados directamente por el contacto cercano. Si no recibió una llamada, no fue un contacto cercano.

Chromebooks & Materiales Escolares: Hoy, con el fin de prepararse para el cierre, los maestros enviarán a casa cualquier material y útiles que los estudiantes necesitarán para participar en el aprendizaje desde casa el viernes 11 de diciembre. 

Comidas ordenadas en línea: La fecha límite para ordenar comidas en línea para el viernes se ha extendido a las 8:00 pm de hoy (jueves). Las familias pueden ordenar las comidas siguiendo este enlace: https://sites.google.com/wwusd.org/wusd-covid-19/food-service.  Las comidas que se soliciten para recoger en Lincoln estarán disponibles para recogerlas fuera de Lincoln (Puerta 7).

Horario de instrucción en línea: A partir del viernes por la mañana, los estudiantes deben ingresar a su clase de SeeSaw.  Las asignaciones serán publicadas y las reuniones de clase comenzarán a las 8:00 am el viernes. Estas reuniones virtuales son importantes para los estudiantes, así que por favor haga todo lo posible para ayudar a su hijo a conectarse con sus maestros durante los horarios programados. 

Preguntas: Si tiene alguna pregunta, por favor contacte a la Sra. Kilar al mkilar@wwusd.org.

Lo mejor, 

Dra. Caroline Pate-Hefty

Administradora de Distrito

Ruth K. Bertolaet, 94, of Whitewater passed away due to COVID-19 on Saturday, November 21, 2020 at Fairhaven Senior Services

Ruth K. Bertolaet, 94, of Whitewater, WI, passed away due to COVID-19 on Saturday, November 21, 2020 at Fairhaven Senior Services in Whitewater.


Ruth was born on September 10th, 1926 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, the daughter of Elmer and Esther (Protzmann) Krahn. She grew up in the Milwaukee area and attended the University of Wisconsin Whitewater graduating with a Bachelor’s degree in Teaching. While at UW- Whitewater, she met Frederick W. Bertolaet, and the two were united in marriage on June 16th, 1951. Ruth and Fred were blessed with 68 years together until Fred’s passing in August of 2018. Together they had four children, Bobbie, Todd, Becky and Bonnie. Ruth worked as a kindergarten teacher for the majority of her working career. She took pride in instructing young people during their formative years and was a source of tremendous support for the families of the children she taught.


Ruth was extremely proud of the city of Milwaukee and the state of Wisconsin that she grew up in and that her parents were so dedicated to see thrive. She was equally passionate about the community of Ann Arbor, Michigan, where she and Fred spent 40 years of their married life raising their children, grandchildren and taking advantage of all that the vibrant university town has to offer. Ruth loved drama and music for the entirety of her life, both as a participant (she played both piano and cello) and as an enthusiast. She continued to give dramatic readings until recently when her eyesight made it too difficult to do so. Both Ruth and Fred were also deeply committed to civic engagement, political campaigns, and numerous causes and social justice efforts throughout their lives. Ruth modeled what she believed, one example being that she ran local polling places for decades where she thoroughly enjoyed seeing the university students involved in the democratic process.


Ruth was most proud of her children and grandchildren and the home she created with Fred. She was happiest and most fulfilled when spending time with those she loved. She was a great mother and always made sure her family and friends were well taken care of and had plenty to eat. Ruth loved all of the holiday seasons so much so that many of their children’s friends described Fred and Ruth, in their older years, as Santa and Mrs. Claus! She also enjoyed traveling with her family and learning about the different traditions of other cultures. She will be dearly missed by those she leaves behind.


She is survived by: her children, Bobbie Bertolaet of Ann Arbor, MI, Todd (Joan) Bertolaet of Tallahassee, FL, Becky (Jim) Sallade of Cedar Creek, TX, and Bonnie (Martin Seidel) Bertolaet of Concord, MA; her dear grandchildren, Erica (Alan Hedgepeth) Diels of Janesville, WI, Aaron Diels of Ann Arbor, MI, Emma Bertolaet of Birmingham, AL, Nora (Chris) Clark of Tallahassee, FL, Alex (Max Miller) Sallade of Dallas, TX, Alma Bertolaet of Atlanta, GA, Kelsey (Mike) Sherman of Austin, TX, Olivia Seidel of Concord, MA, and Griffin Seidel of Concord, MA; and a great-grandchild, Remy Sherman of Austin, TX. She is also survived by a number of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.


Ruth is preceded in death by her parents, and her loving husband, Dr. Frederick W. Bertolaet.

Ruth’s family will hold a private service in her honor at a later date.

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