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It’s time once again for #FlashbackFriday with the Whitewater Historical Society.

One of the most popular post card views from Whitewater was the Normal School (UWW) lawn in all its summer glory. This view, dated 1910, was produced for the O’Connor drug store in Whitewater. Drug stores were popular places to purchase “picture” postcards during their popularity between 1900 and the 1970s.

The vast lawn in front of Old Main on the UWW campus was a point of horticultural interest in the community because it had and still has a wide variety of trees and shrubs. In this view, a classical monument also decorates this part of the “normal lawn.”

Join us next week for more from the collections of the Whitewater Historical Society.

(3096PC, Whitewater Historical Society)

Interim Chancellor John Chenoweth has announced the appointment of Jim Disrude as chief of staff and legislative liaison for the Chancellor’s Office at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater, effective Aug. 22.

“I’m pleased to welcome Jim Disrude back to UW-Whitewater. He is a trusted and respected member of our community with 13 years of experience as a higher education instructor, advisor and administrator,” Chenoweth said. “The chief of staff role is a critical position in the Chancellor’s Office that builds partnerships and collaborations on campus, in the community, with our legislators and with other stakeholders. Jim’s passion for UW-Whitewater and diverse skill set will serve us well as we move the university forward.”

Most recently, Disrude served as the director of student success for McHenry County College in Crystal Lake, Illinois, where he oversaw the campus advising center, new student orientation, student success coaches, and an adult education program. 

Disrude served in previous roles at UW-Whitewater, including coordinator of academic advising for the College of Arts and Communication, director of advising and lecturer in the Department of Communication, and director of the nationally competitive Forensics program. Before his career in higher education, Disrude worked in sports broadcasting for ten years as a TV anchor and live sports producer.

“It is an honor to accept the position as chief of staff and I can’t wait to get started,” Disrude said. “As an alumnus, I have deep roots here at UW-Whitewater and I’m immensely proud of the efforts by our faculty and staff to help students succeed. I look forward to working with Dr. Chenoweth, members of the Chancellor’s Cabinet, and colleagues on both the Whitewater and Rock County campuses to carry out our mission.”

Disrude earned his doctorate in educational leadership and innovation from Arizona State University. His research interests include change leadership, education innovation, high-impact practices, and student retention. In 2021, his dissertation won the national research award from NACADA, a global organization for academic advising. Jim also earned a master’s degree in communication and a bachelor’s degree in journalism from UW-Whitewater.

Editor’s note: The above announcement was made by UW-Whitewater on July 27. The image on the homepage is from ResearchGate.

Editor’s Note: The following was provided by the Rock County Sheriff’s Office.

Enroll At: https://www.co.rock.wi.us/departments/sheriff-s-office/recreational-patrol/hunter-education
A class fee of $10 per student will be collected at the in-person registration meeting. The student, and a parent or legal guardian if the student is underage, must attend the mandatory registration meeting in order for the student to take the course. Students will receive course materials at the in-person registration meeting. Please direct any questions to Deputy Terry Borgwardt at terry.borgwardt@co.rock.wi.us.

The Sheriff’s Office has previously assured the Banner that Rock County residency is not required in order to attend their classes.

Thursday at 7:00 p.m.

Rummage sale 228 S Dann St, Whitewater
Movies, video games, electronics, comic books, collectibles, board games, computer parts, household items, Christmas stuff, 18 inch doll stuff (American girl size), women’s and kids clothes, shoes, books and lots of new stuff. And more possibly coming. July 29, 30th, and 31st   9 a.m. to 3 p.m. each day

Rummage Sale
Post-Moving-In Sale.
401 S Buckingham Blvd, Whitewater
Saturday July 30, 2022 8-4 p.m.
Curio Cabinet, curtains, valances and rods, some sporting goods, books, furniture, table lamps, dishes, older bikes, some gardening tools, lots of misc. treasures.  Something for everyone.

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

The agenda for a special joint meeting of the City of Whitewater Common Council and the Whitewater Fire Department at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday includes 1) An update on financial outlook for City as it relates to adoption of Agreement with Whitewater Fire Dept., Inc. to provide fire and rescue services, and 2) Discussion and possible action on Agreement between City of Whitewater and the Whitewater Fire Dept., Inc., relating to fire and rescue services. The second item is to be discussed in a closed session, followed by possible action in open session.

The city and fire department began discussions last fall regarding the possibility of the fire department becoming a department of the city. A memorandum of understanding towards that goal was signed in May, with the indication at that time that, “All groups are anticipating a mid-summer date for a complete merger between the city and WFD, Inc.”

On July 25 the Police and Fire Commission approved the Command Staff roster which is to take effect upon completion of the merger. That list is shown below. It was indicated that the current chief, Mike Higgins, would remain in that position until the integration is completed, and then will stay on with WFD, Inc. until January, 2023, when he will retire from service.

There was also an approved motion for an officer eligibility list for Whitewater Fire and EMS.  The list will have an effective date of 08-01-2022 and will remain in effect for two years, or until exhausted, following certification by the City of Whitewater Police and Fire Commission.  James Lewis and Jacob Maas will be eligible for promotion pending Fire Chief and PFC approval as spots become available providing they are in good standing and have met internal and state requirements for officer per SPS330.

Ken Kilian Combo – Killer & the Salty Dogs at Savory Sounds,
July 28, 11:30 am – 12:45 pm, 402 W Main Street
Our final concert in the 2022 Savory Sounds series is tomorrow, Thursday, July 28 and it features Ken Kilian Combo, Killer and the Salty Dogs. They play everything from Dixieland to soft rock to jazz. The concert starts at 11:30 a.m. and runs to 12:45 p.m. at the Cultural Arts Center (CAC), 402 W Main Street in Whitewater. Don’t miss out on our final musical performance!

Our food vendor will be The Black Sheep. Many thanks to our sponsors First Citizens State Bank, Premier Bank, Fort Community Credit Union, Olm & Associates, Fairhaven Senior Services, Associated Bank, and a Special Sponsor who wishes to remain anonymous. Many thanks as well to Christine Hayes for arranging and managing Savory Sounds each summer, and sharing these wonderful bands with the community. 

Editor’s note: The above information was provided by the Whitewater Arts Alliance.

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

According to a press release issued on July 26 by the Whitewater Police Department, on July 22, 2022 at around 10 p.m., officers of the department responded to E. Clay Street and S. Wisconsin Street for a report of a male with a mental health emergency. The individual, identified as Anthony P. Hansen, 34, of Whitewater, was upon further investigation determined to have been in an ongoing sexual relationship with a minor. It was also found that Hansen was an employee of the Whitewater Unified School District (WUSD).

Whitewater Police Department staff swiftly began an investigation, and are working closely with WUSD staff as the investigation continues. Hansen was arrested, and a charge of Sexual Assault of a Child by a School Staff Person has been forwarded to the Walworth County District Attorney’s Office. It was indicated that additional charges may be forwarded pending results of the investigation. The department did not release any details regarding the nature of the alleged relationship.

The police department expressed thanks to those who came forward to report their concerns, and strongly encouraged others who have information relevant to the case to contact the Whitewater Police Department at 262-473-0555, option 4, or by contacting Detective Jacob Hintz directly at jhintz@whitewater-wi.gov. Anonymous tips may also be shared using P3Tips.com.

In a separate joint statement on July 26, the district and police said that Hansen was an employee in the district’s instructional technology department. “Although we cannot share further details at this time due to the ongoing investigation, the District takes this matter extremely seriously,” the statement said. “We are assisting the Whitewater Police Department’s investigation, and we encourage students and families who need extra support to contact the District for counseling services. Counselors will be available at Whitewater High School in the Student Services Office for any students who need extra support or someone to talk to on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday from 9:00-3:00.”

Editor’s Note: The following was provided by the Aging & Disability Resource Centers of Rock County.

The Aging & Disability Resource Centers of Rock County and SW Wisconsin will host former Wisconsin Governor Marty Schreiber, a panel of male caregivers and brunch at the Kelch Aviation Museum, N2463 Airport Road in Brodhead on Thursday August 4^th.  Registration starts at 10 a.m.  Brunch service will begin at 10:30 a.m.

Mr. Schreiber, author of My Two Elaines: Learning, Coping and Surviving as an Alzheimer’s Caregiver will provide opening remarks for the group followed by a panel of local male caregivers who will share their stories and lessons learned in caring for an individual with Alzheimer’s or other related dementia.  The panel will be moderated by Tim Harrington, Community Outreach Coordinator for the Alzheimer’s Association, Wisconsin Chapter.

Reports from the National Family Caregiver Association and AARP indicate that upwards of 45% of family caregivers are male.  In addition, the Alzheimer’s Association estimates that 2/3s of all those diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease are women.   Consequently, men will continue to be caregivers in large number.  Statistics also indicate that men are less likely to reach out and ask for help.  Karen Tennyson, dementia care specialist of Rock County, states, “My role is to provide assistance and education to all those in Rock County with a dementia diagnosis and their caregivers.  We want this targeted program to be a step in that process.  I hope this opens more doors for male caregivers to reach out and know they are not alone.”

The program is completely free and will include a brunch from Knute’s.  Attendees are welcome to tour the Kelch Aviation Museum after the program. The museum is open until 4 p.m.  Preregistration is required by July 29th. Please contact Karen Tennyson at 608-741-3615 for more information and to register.

For more information on the dementia care specialist program and services available in Rock County, please contact Karen Tennyson at 608-741-3615 or karen.tennyson@co.rock.wi.us or visit www.co.rock.wi.us/adrc.