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Whitewater Kiwanis Donates to Local Groups Helping to Meet Food Needs During COVID-19 Crisis

The Kiwanis Whitewater Breakfast Club Board of Directors met virtually in April to discuss the impact of COVID-19 on the Whitewater community, and decided as a group that in addition to their regular $1,000 donation to the Whitewater Food Pantry and $1,000 to Bethel House, the club would also donate an additional $1,000 to The Community Space and $1,000 to the First United Methodist Church to assist them in their extraordinary efforts to feed those in need.

Lorrie Koppein, president of the Kiwanis Whitewater Breakfast Club, said, “The need in our community for meals is large, and we are so very happy and blessed to be able to assist some of the groups making a huge impact every day here in Whitewater.”

The Kiwanis Whitewater Breakfast Club is made up of dedicated volunteers who help children in the Whitewater community and the world, all with 100 percent of funds raised going directly to projects and zero to administrative costs.  Each year, the club distributes approximately $20,000, with over half going to the Whitewater Unified School District, including Ferradermis FIRST Robotics Team, ELL Summer School Transportation, shoes for students, Badger Boys State and Badger Girls State, and college scholarships.  Kiwanis helped to build and maintain the Flowing Well Shelter, the shelter and accessible playground at Starin Park and Treyton’s Field of Dreams, the WHS football field lights and press box, as well as adopting a highway to clean up.  In addition, the group donates to the Whitewater Youth Soccer Club, the Friends of the Whitewater Aquatic and Fitness Center Family Partnership Fund, the Whitewater Food Pantry, Bethel House and more.

Funds are raised through annual Pancake Breakfasts that have been served continuously since the 1950s, the Discover Whitewater Series Half-Marathon Pancake Breakfast since it began, and yearly poinsettia and lily plant sales. More information can be found on the Whitewater Kiwanis Breakfast Club Facebook page.

Wyatt Anderson’s Eagle Scout Project Providing Masks to First Responders & Social Service Agencies

Wyatt Anderson with one of the masks his team has made

14-year-old Wyatt Anderson, a Whitewater resident since 2016, has been active in scouting since he became a Tiger in 1st grade in Griffith, IN. He continues with BSA Troop 264 out of the Griffith Lutheran Church. As he began thinking about his Eagle project, Wyatt decided to focus his energy during the Safer at Home order on how he could best help his greater community. Having heard news about how there was a shortage of masks and other protective gear for health professionals and others, Wyatt decided to develop a project that would address the mask shortage.

As of late April, Wyatt and his team have made and delivered 393 masks to first responders and social service agencies. His deliveries have included the police departments of Whitewater and UW-W, Palmyra Police/Fire/EMS, as well as Fairhaven, Mercyhealth, Behavioral Health, Meals on Wheels of Lake County, IL, and many other organizations. Wyatt hopes to continue with the project into early May.

Eagle Scout is the highest achievement or rank attainable in the Scouts BSA program of the Boy Scouts of America. Since its inception in 1911, only four percent of Scouts have earned this rank after a lengthy review process. The Eagle Scout rank has been earned by over 2.5 million youth. Requirements include earning at least 21 merit badges. The Eagle Scout must demonstrate Scout Spirit, an ideal attitude based upon the Scout Oath and Law, service, and leadership. This includes an extensive service project that the Scout plans, organizes, leads, and manages. Eagle Scouts are presented with a medal and a badge that visibly recognizes the accomplishments of the Scout.

Thanks to Wyatt for carrying out this worthy project, and best wishes for the completion of the Eagle Scout requirements.

Whitewater Police Department Officer Blake Dorman wearing one of Wyatt’s masks

Dennis K. Rohrs died on Tuesday, April 28, 2020 at Hearthstone Memory Care of complications of Alzheimer’s disease (Updated)

Dennis K. Rohrs died on Tuesday, April 28, 2020 at Hearthstone Memory Care, Whitewater, of complications of Alzheimer’s disease. He was born on November 26, 1929 in Johnson, NE to Vern and Ellen (Rademacher) Rohrs. He received his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees from the University of Nebraska and the University of Iowa and his PhD from the University of Iowa. Dennis taught music for 40 years with the last 27 years at UW-Whitewater as the Director of Bands and Chairman of the Music Department. He helped organize the first summer band camp and established the Dennis Rohrs Music Scholarship. He also directed many musicals and performed in many plays. When Dennis retired in 1990 he was designated Professor Emeritus of both Music and Theater.

He was married for nearly 70 years to the former Margaret Ritchie and had three children: Roxann (Gerard) Hamblin, Elaine (Tom) Younger, and Rex (Connie) Rohrs. He had five grandchildren: Chad Hamblin, Katie Marzinske, Caryl Ayanwale, Bobbie Mac Millan, and Kevin Rohrs and two great-grandchildren. A private memorial service will be held at a later date.

Nitardy Funeral Home, Whitewater is assisting the family. Online Condolences may be made by going to www.nitardyfuneralhome.com

Community Food Pantry Allowing More Frequent Visits for Groceries Due to Pandemic

The Food Pantry is located at 146 W. North Street and is accessible by a ramp.

The Whitewater Community Food Pantry (WCFP) wants to let the community know that individuals and families in need of help who live in the school district can now come every 3 weeks for all “monthly” groceries (cereal, soup, canned goods, meat, dairy, bakery, etc.,) and weekly for bread (from Panera and Walmart), pizza and milk.  The WCFP’s guidelines have changed due to the current COVID-19 situation. We are located at 146 W. North Street on the second floor of the “Old” Armory. We ask all patrons to wear masks and practice social distancing.  No more than five patrons are allowed on the pantry floor at a time.  Hours are still 8:30 a.m.-12 p.m. on Wednesday & Thursday. We appreciate the generous donations from Festival Foods, the Hunger Task Force and the numerous private donations of pizza, milk, etc.

Our Readers Share – Everett Long reflects on what life is like when we are greatly restricting our activities.

Photo courtesy of Everett Long, who stated, “Photo of a crocus from our garden taken several days ago which captures the idea that Spring is here, despite the unusual circumstances to which we are adapting.”
 

— Our thanks to Everett Long for sharing this delightful reflection, which he says might be described as “free verse.”

— Our Readers Share: We hope that you might have something that you’d be willing to share.  Anything that’s been created by someone else should, of course, be credited, and you should ask their permission if you’re able. We cannot post copyrighted material without permission. We can’t guarantee that we’ll have space for all submissions, and contributions will be subject to editorial board approval. The one definite exclusion is anything politically oriented. Please indicate whether you’re willing for us to include your name as the submitter or if you prefer to remain anonymous. Send to whitewaterbanner@gmail.com or click on “submit a story” near the top right of our homepage.  Thanks for thinking about this!

Fort HealthCare Now Offering Video Visits

Fort HealthCare wants to ensure that patients have access to the care that they need in this time of stay-at-home regulation. While Fort HealthCare has remained open for essential in person clinic visits, we want to give patients various forms of access to connect with providers from the safety and convenience of their own home and video visits is another way to do that. To schedule a video visit, call your local Fort HealthCare provider’s office and request that a video visit be scheduled instead of coming into the clinic. A time is scheduled, just like an appointment, and an email will be sent with instructions on your visit. Visits can be held on your phone, tablet or computer with a webcam and microphone and an internet connection. Video visits are billed to insurance just like an office visit. With a video visit you select the provider you want to have your appointment with at the time that works for you. Video visits are great options for a variety of conditions and some types of follow-up visits. Many patients are successfully connecting with providers via video visit for: 

• Routine office visits for sudden, minor health conditions 
• Follow up visits for chronic conditions 
• Medicare annual wellness visits 
• Health screenings 
• Therapy and Sport Rehabilitation visits 
• Psychiatry and mental health appointments 
• Surgery follow-up visits

Depending on your individual care plan or illness, the provider may tell you that an in-person visit is recommended to give you the best care possible. 

Please visit forthealthcare.com for more information on all the ways to access your provider. While we continue to urge everyone to practice the “Safer at Home” conditions according to Governor Evers’ plan, we want you to know that Fort HealthCare’s facilities are safe and open for patient care.

UW-Whitewater Theater/Dance Department honors participants of DanceScapes 2020

Dancers perform “Noche Desmadroza” by choreographer and sound editor Alfonso Cervera. DanceScapes ’20 is rehearsed in Barnett Theatre on the UW-Whitewater campus on Thursday, Mar.12, 2020, two days before it was set to open. The performances were cancelled along with all campus events due to the emerging COVID-19 pandemic and precautions against large crowds. (UW-Whitewater photo/Craig Schreiner)

The following students helped create DanceScapes 2020 at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater.

Whitewater, WI: Kelly O’Hara, who is studying Physical Education.

Whitewater, WI: Jon Lotti, who is studying Theatre.

Each spring, UW-Whitewater’s Department of Theatre/Dance presents this culminating dance performance that showcases students’ choreographic voices.

Students experiment with various contemporary dance forms and approaches, using skills they’ve acquired through academic courses. During the fall semester, faculty members evaluate pieces for inclusion in DanceScapes. If picked, choreographers work alongside lighting and costume designers to solidify their pieces for the spring performance. Dancers meet weekly for three-hour rehearsals with their choreographer(s) to learn the array of pieces. While intended for students with a dance minor, students of all majors and minors at UW-Whitewater are welcome to audition to participate in either a faculty or student piece.

This year’s event was scheduled for March 14-17, but was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, before the cancellation, DanceScapes participants were able to stage a private dress-rehearsal performance for cast and crew before the state’s Safer at Home order. Excerpts can be viewed on UW-Whitewater’s YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PIfxlO141-I&feature=youtu.be.

Alfonso Cervera, co-artistic director, praised students for their work, explaining that the lack of a public performance does not diminish this artistic accomplishment, and that – in a sense – the creative process has become the performance.

“It’s important that we understand and use this time of crisis as a chance to remember that the work created goes far beyond being able to perform it in front of an audience. What matters is that you made it to the end, you prepared, and took this challenge with ease,” Cervera said. “A performance becomes ephemeral to an audience, but to us as movement practitioners, it is an ever-reoccurring physicalized memory that continues to exist whether we acknowledge it or not.”

Many State Properties, Including Kettle Moraine Forest Southern Unit, Reopening this Friday; Annual Stickers Must be Purchased in Advance; Visiting before 10 a.m. or after 4 p.m. (except Wed.) encouraged due to capacity limits

April 28 – Gov. Tony Evers today directed the Department of Natural Resources to reopen several state parks, forests, and recreational areas originally closed due to unprecedented crowds and out of an abundance of caution to protect public health.

The DNR will reopen 34 state parks and forests on May 1, 2020 under special conditions to help minimize overcrowding, allow for social distancing requirements, and to promote a safe and enjoyable experience for staff and visitors.

“Outdoor recreation is important for both physical and mental health, and I know how important it is to Wisconsinites to get outside and enjoy Wisconsin’s natural resources and spring weather,” said Gov. Evers. “With a few adjustments, like closing one day a week for maintenance and reduced hours of operation, folks should be able to get outside and enjoy our parks safely and respectfully.”  


“Amid the immense uncertainty of this crisis, we are very fortunate to have such beautiful spaces in which to ease our minds and take care of ourselves,” Lt. Gov. Mandela Barnes said. “I am glad that we are able to reopen these spaces with new safety guidelines, so that people can enjoy our state parks and forests while we continue to prioritize public health and safety.”

Here are the latest Wisconsin state park property updates:
ADMISSION REQUIRED STARTING MAY 1
An annual park sticker and/or trail pass will be required to visit state parks and trails.
Annual stickers will be available for purchase with credit card by phone 8 a.m. – 3 p.m. seven days a week by calling toll free: 1-888-305-0398. We thank you in advance for your patience as we may be experiencing heavy call volumes.
Annual passes are NOT available for purchase at individual properties. Visitors must have an annual admission sticker adhered to their vehicle or proof of purchase for entry.
Once proof of purchase is shown, visitors must place proof of purchase on the dash of the windshield while parked within the boundary of the property.
The 2020 annual vehicle admission sticker is valid through Dec. 31, 2020.
 
HOURS OF OPERATION
State parks and forests will be open from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily, a change from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Properties will be closed to the public every Wednesday for maintenance and upkeep.
Northern Forests, Flowages, Lower Wisconsin Riverway, and Wild Rivers will be open 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. seven days a week.  Specific properties listed below.
Black River State Forest
Brule River State Forest
Chippewa Flowage
Flambeau River State Forest
Governor Earl Peshtigo River State Forest
Governor Knowles State Forest
Lower Wisconsin State Riverway
Northern Highland-American Legion State Forest
Pike Wild River
Pine-Popple Wild River
Turtle Flambeau Flowage
Willow Flowage
Hunting and fishing will be allowed on all open properties in accordance with legal season structure and hours. Access to some areas may be limited to walk-in or water access only.
The following properties will remain closed for the health and safety of the public, staff, and property integrity:
Gibraltar Rock state natural area
Pewit’s Nest state natural area
Parfrey’s Glen state natural area
Dells of The Wisconsin River state natural area

BOAT LAUNCHES
DNR boat launches are open at open state properties.
All anglers and recreational boaters should practice social distancing and keep travel to a minimum.
If individuals can lawfully access Wisconsin’s rivers and lakes, they are free to navigate upon them while engaging in outdoor recreation. 

TRAILS
All linear/rail trails are open to the public, which includes ATV trails.
The Ice Age Trail remains open.
An annual state trail pass is required for anyone age 16 or older biking, cross-country skiing, horseback riding or in-line skating on certain trails. A state trail pass is NOT required for walking or hiking. The annual trail passes are valid through Dec. 31 of the year they are issued.

RESTROOMS AND BUILDINGS
Restrooms at all state properties will be closed. This includes the closure of restrooms on properties currently open to the public.
All other facilities will remain closed, including towers, shelters, playgrounds, nature centers, headquarters, contact stations and concession buildings.
Attractions where social distancing cannot be achieved will be closed as needed at various properties.

PRE-DETERMINED SAFETY CAPACITY LIMITATIONS
At times, many properties will likely reach their pre-determined safety capacity. When this happens, visitors may be denied entry to the park until existing visitors leave. Visitors are encouraged to explore other DNR recreation areas or visit during non-peak hours before 10 a.m. and after 4 p.m.
State Parks likely to temporarily prohibit additional visitors include:
Copper Falls
Devil’s Lake
Governor Dodge
Governor Nelson
Harrington Beach
Hartman Creek
High Cliff
Interstate
Kinnickinnic
Kettle Moraine Southern Unit
Lapham Peak
Perrot, Rib Mountain
Roche-a-Cri
Whitefish Dunes
Willow River
 
CAMPING AND EVENTS
Camping, group camps and shelters will remain closed until May 26. Refunds will be issued to all customers.
Limited numbers of remote, backpack and boat-in campsites are available on a first-come first-serve basis. A list of some of the properties offering this type of camping include:
Brule River State Forest
Crex Meadows State Wildlife Area
Dunnville Wildlife Area
Flambeau River State Forest
Governor Earl Peshtigo River State Forest
Governor Knowles State Forest
Meadow Valley State Wildlife Area
Tiffany Wildlife Area
Van Loon State Wildlife Are
Willow Flowage
Volunteer activities remain suspended at DNR properties.
All events and special event permits are canceled until May 26.
The public should follow simple steps to prevent illness and avoid exposure to this virus including:
Avoid social gatherings with people of all ages (including playdates and sleepovers, parties, large family dinners, visitors in your home, non-essential workers in your house);
Frequent and thorough hand washing with soap and water;
Covering coughs and sneezes;
Avoiding touching your face; and
Staying home. 
This is a rapidly evolving situation and we encourage you and the public to frequently monitor the DHS website for updates, and to follow @DHSWI on Facebook and Twitter, or dhs.wi on Instagram. Additional information can be found on the CDC website.
 

Whitewater Middle School WordMasters Champion for 2019-20 school year announced!

WordMasters Challenge #3 had to be completed by students in their homes over the internet, but they did it.  Our top-scoring student for this final WM challenge of the year was 7th grader, Liz Servin. Other students receiving honorable success were 7th graders Ava Nygren and Henry Gehrenbeck and also 8th grader Liz Ngabo.  Well done students!

Special recognition and a medal was mailed to Liz Servin for having the top score in our school for the entire 2019-20 school year which makes her our new WMS WordMaster Champion.  Congratulations and Great Job to Liz Servin!

UW-Whitewater students win 2020 Wisconsin Newspaper Association Award

The following University of Wisconsin-Whitewater students were among the award winners at the Wisconsin Newspaper Association 2020 Better Newspaper Competition.

Whitewater, WI: Ethan Maurice, who is studying Journalism.

Whitewater, WI: Carter Secor, who is studying Political cience.

Whitewater, WI: Autumn Tracy, who is studying English.

Whitewater, WI: Kyle Olson, who is studying journalism.

UW-Whitewater’s independent student newspaper, The Royal Purple, won second place for Best Newspaper Promotion.

“The entire staff should be really proud of their hard work reaching out to the campus and community, which secured the award for newspaper promotion. They’ve created important connections with organizations that can help us tell the story of Whitewater,” said Keith Zukas, faculty advisor.

The awards event was scheduled March 19-20 in Pewaukee as part of the WNA’s Convention and Trade Show. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the event was canceled, but winners were still notified of their honors.

The Royal Purple is a student-led weekly newspaper that has created and nurtured relationships with UW-Whitewater faculty, students, and staff and the Whitewater community. With roots from 1901, The Royal Purple has paved the way for campus news through student reporters, writers, photographers, editors, web editors, and advertising managers. The sections of The Royal Purple include: News, Lifestyle, Sports, Arts & Rec, Biz & Tech, and Sports.

For more information on The Royal Purple, visit royalpurplenews.com.