News

DHS launches new tool letting people report suspected illnesses from food or water

In time for the annual peak in norovirus cases and outbreaks, the Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) has launched a new online tool to encourage Wisconsinites to report food or water sickness when symptoms occur. The online questionnaire, which takes less than five minutes to complete, helps local health departments identify sources of contamination to prevent others from getting sick. This tool is especially important as cases of norovirus, the leading cause of vomiting and diarrhea, tends to spike in the winter.

“By using this tool, Wisconsinites can help other people in their community from getting sick and prevent outbreaks,” said DHS State Health Officer Paula Tran. “Ingesting contaminated food and water may cause just a little stomach upset for some, for others it can lead to hospitalization and be life threatening. We’re asking people – when you’re feeling sick, report it quick.”

Contaminated food or water can come from a variety of sources, including food from grocery stores or restaurants, or water from pools, lakes, or rivers. Certain bacteria, viruses, or parasites can cause vomiting and diarrhea. In Wisconsin and the United States, it is believed these illnesses are under-reported, since many people who are infected get better without seeing a doctor. This new online tool is just one way for public health professionals to learn about food and water related illnesses and outbreaks to help prevent others from getting sick too. This tool is not a substitute for health care, and people who are feeling sick should contact their health care provider.

The new tool is a simple questionnaire that asks for current symptoms, places recently visited, and food items recently eaten. The information is sent to local health departments that identify potential sources of illness. If additional information is needed, public health specialists may contact Wisconsinites who report their illness. All follow-up will remain confidential.

The launch of the new tool will be accompanied by a “Feeling Sick? Report it Quick!” message campaign which will share information and resources about prevention, symptoms of food or waterborne illness, and the reporting system through print materials and on social media.

To avoid food poisoning before it happens, here are a few tips:

• Wash hands and surfaces touched with food often.
• Keep raw meat, chicken, seafood, and eggs away from food that will not be cooked.
• Cook food to the right temperature to kill germs that can cause illness.
• Refrigerate food at 40 degrees Fahrenheit or colder within 1-2 hours of cooking.

Find more information on the Report an Illness Caused by Food or Water webpage.

William Hofmann of Whitewater has been named to the Deans’ List at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln for the fall semester of the 2023-24 academic year.

Hofmann, a sophomore majoring in advertising and public relations, was named to the Dean’s List for the College of Journalism and Mass Communications.

More than 6,800 students at Nebraska were named to the Deans’ List for the fall semester.

Qualification for the Deans’ List varies among the eight undergraduate colleges and the Explore Center. Listed below are the minimum requirements for each entity and the name of its respective dean or director. All qualifying grade-point averages are based on a four-point scale and a minimum number of graded semester hours. Students can be on the Deans’ List for more than one college.

• College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources, 3.75; Dean Tiffany Heng-Moss.
• College of Architecture, 3.75; Dean Kevin G. Van Den Wymelenberg.
• College of Arts and Sciences, 3.7; Dean Mark E. Button.
• College of Business, 3.6; Dean Kathy Farrell.
• College of Education and Human Sciences, 3.75; Acting Dean Nicholas J. Pace.
• College of Engineering, 3.5; Dean Lance C. Perez.
• College of Journalism and Mass Communications, 3.7; Dean Shari Veil.
• Hixson-Lied College of Fine and Performing Arts, 3.7; Dean Andy Belser.
• Explore Center for undeclared, pre-engineering, pre-health and pre-law students, 3.6; Senior Associate Vice Chancellor and Dean of Undergraduate Education Amy Goodburn.

Ashley K Wasser, 39, of 1226 W Florence St, #13,Whitewater, has been charged with burglary of a building or dwelling, a felony.

Harling Gamez Rodriguez, 24, of 424 W. Forest Avenue, Whitewater, has been charged with possession of narcotic drugs, a felony.

Gage D Fritz, 17, of W9245 Stader Road, Whitewater, has been charged with possession of narcotic drugs, with a modifier of possession of a controlled substance on or near certain places [a felony]; possession of tetrahydrocannabinols (THC), possession of a controlled substance on or near certain places; and possession of drug paraphernalia [misdemeanors.]

Joshua T Hacht, 20, of 1563 W Wildwood Rd, #3, Whitewater, has been charged with possession of narcotic drugs, with a modifier of possession of a controlled substance on or near certain places [a felony]; possession of tetrahydrocannabinols (THC), possession of a controlled substance on or near certain places; and possession of drug paraphernalia [misdemeanors].

Editor’s note: These cases have not been concluded. Unless a judgment of conviction is entered, the defendants are presumed innocent of all charges.

Editor’s note: The following press release was received from the Whitewater Unified School District.

Whitewater High School (WHS) Players will be presenting Thornton Wilder’s American Classic Our Town, February 29 – March 3, 2024 in the newly named James M. Stewart Auditorium. This timeless drama is about life in the small New Hampshire town of Grover’s Corners.   This Pulitzer Prize-winning play is considered by many to be the greatest American play ever written. This show has something for all ages.

As a part of this event, the Whitewater Unified School District (WUSD) invites the community to the dedication of the high school’s auditorium to long-time WUSD school board member James (Jim) M. Stewart. The dedication will take place Saturday, March 2, at 5:30 p.m., before the performance. 

Stewart was elected to the WUSD School Board in 1981 and served for [a total of] nearly 27 years. He continued to serve until his passing in November 2021. During his tenure on the board, he served as board president for six years, vice president for two years, and treasurer for six years. Jim’s legacy extends far beyond the boardroom, as he impacted the lives of countless students, parents, and educators alike through his service. 

“Jim left an indelible mark on our community and his legacy will continue to inspire future generations of students and families,” said Dr. Caroline Pate-Hefty, Superintendent. “Having the community come together in Jim’s honor is a great way to memorialize his legacy and celebrate the time, energy, and passion that he gave to the betterment of our students. It will surely be a special day for our school district community.”

The production of Our Town is being sponsored by a generous contribution from the Coburn family and is under the direction of Jim McCulloch and technical direction of Kat Dunham. Cast members include: Marina Linos, A’lani Ross, Brooke Mason, Payton Bunger, David Enns, Alex Clarksen, Taylor Speerbrecher, Haley Keltesch, Sam Nickelsburg, Hayleigh Pond, Deven Bawden, Chacha Binagi, Ava Van Daele, Ayden Clark, Grace Coleman, Esteban Diaz-Gallegos, Willow Vogelzang and Alex Sullivan.

Students working behind the scenes as stage managers, customers and set builders include: Kara Long, Gabi Kirley, Alexsa Cansino-Pena, Matt Zingsheim, Ace Hudec, Ava Nygren, Lucy Troxel, Miles Nickelsburg, Taiya Kolb, Rae Breisath, Kayla Mikos, Josh Nygren, Payton Peacock and Sami Van Daele.

In the true spirit of Our Town, WHS Players has partnered with the Whitewater Historical Society to present Streets of Whitewater. A detailed collection of historic photographs, rarely-seen artifacts, and stories of the early days of our own town will be on display before each performance. So, come early and experience a bit of our heritage.

Performances of Our Town will be held at Whitewater High School, in the James M. Stewart Auditorium, located at 534 S. Elizabeth Street, on February 29 – March 2 at 7:00 p.m. and March 3 at 2:00 p.m. General admission tickets are $10 for adults and $7 for students and can be purchased at the door or by calling the box office at 262-472-8178.  The house will open one hour prior before performance.

It’s time once again for #FlashbackFriday with the Whitewater Historical Society. In past years, February posts have often centered around the fire that destroyed Old Main in February of 1970. In thinking about the loss of Old Main, the loss of other historic buildings in Whitewater come to mind. So, this month, we will present “Gone, but not forgotten.”

Our first images are from Old City Hall, built in 1899 on the corner of Center and Whitewater Streets and demolished in August of 1971. The images were taken just before demolition of the building and show the main staircase. The demolition of old city hall was controversial, but many felt the building could not be economically renovated. A new police and fire station was built in the late 1960s and the basement was used for city offices until 1997, when the administrative addition was built.

Join us again next week for more “gone but not forgotten” photos.

(2426P and 2427P, Whitewater Historical Society)

NEWARK, DE — Sophie Olson of Whitewater has been named to the University of Delaware Dean’s List for the Fall 2023 semester.

To meet eligibility requirements for the Dean’s List, a student must be enrolled full-time and earn a GPA of 3.5 or above (on a 4.0 scale) for the semester.

Updated 2/2/24 @ 12:10 a.m.: Per WISN 12 News, “Family identified them [the victims] as 33-year-old Emerson Weingart and 37-year-old Gina Weingart. Relatives told WISN 12 News Gina tended bar there on Wednesday nights, and Emerson would come and sit with her while she worked. Emerson Weingart’s father said the two just got married this summer.”

Updated 2/2/24 @ 12:55 p.m.: Contact information provided for anyone having tips about the case. Also added that the surname of the owner of the establishment is Barr.

According to a press release from the City of Elkhorn Police Department, “On Thursday, February 1, 2024, at approximately 12:11 a.m., the Walworth County Sheriff’s Department received a 911 call for a report of shots fired and a person down inside the Sports Page Barr, located at 29-1/2 S. Wisconsin Street, Elkhorn. Officers from the Elkhorn Police Department and Walworth County Sheriff’s Office were dispatched and upon arrival discovered the bodies of a male and female inside the bar, who had suffered fatal gunshot wounds.

Identities of the victims are being withheld, pending notification of next of kin.

The incident is currently under investigation and there is no further information available at this time.”

Per 620 WTMJ, “Elkhorn Police Chief Joel Christensen says neither of the two victims in the shooting is the suspect.” The perpetrator is reportedly still at large.

Law enforcement are investigating the incident as a homicide and are asking anyone with information to call the Elkhorn Police Department at 262-723-2210, or to remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers at 262-723-2677, or electronically by using P3 Tips, at www.p3tips.com.

Editor’s note: The Sports Page Barr is located in the same building as the Nickel Plate Hotel, and the establishment’s name does use the name “Barr.” The owner’s surname is Barr.

The World of the Arts Explored through UW-Whitewater Lectures in Whitewater and Janesville

The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater’s Continuing Education announces free lectures in Whitewater and Janesville this spring. Thirteen lectures offered from January through April will focus on The World of the Arts and are open to all.

For over 40 years, UWW has hosted lectures in the Fairhaven Lecture Series in Whitewater, and began a similar tradition in Janesville in 2020 with the Cedar Crest Lecture Series. From music to literature, film to poetry, the world of the arts will be explored in both series.

Lectures scheduled for 3 p.m. at Fairhaven Senior Services in Whitewater include: 

January 29 

Manufacturing “Talent”: How I Teach the Art of Performing

Benjamin Whitcomb, professor, music

Editor’s note: This lecture was already presented. The video is available here.

February 5

Connections Between Art-making, Research and Education

Verónica Soria Martínez, assistant professor, Curriculum and Instruction

February 12

Tragicomedy in the 20^th Century

Michael Y. Bennett, associate professor, Literature, Writing and Film

February 26

Chimes at Midnight: Shakespearean Adaptations and the Late Career of Orson Welles 

Erica Moulton, assistant professor, Literature, Writing, and Film

March 4

Kaftans, Carpets, and the Kaaba: Textiles in the Islamic World

Ashley Dimmig, director, Crossman Gallery

March 11

D.H. Lawrence and the Question of American Literature

Jonathan Ivry, associate professor and chair, Literature, Writing, and Film

March 18

The Handmaiden and the Historical Context of the Japanese Occupation of Korea

Donald Jellerson, associate professor, Literature, Writing, and Film

April 22

Nice Poets. Rude Poets: Satire and Obscenity in Arabic Political Poetry

Asmahan Sallah, associate professor, Literature, Writing, and Film

April 29

Is the Golden-Age of the Broadway Musical Still Golden?

Bruce Cohen, associate professor, Theatre & Dance

Lectures in the Fairhaven Lecture Series are held in Olm Fellowship Hall at Fairhaven Senior Services, 435 West Starin Road, Whitewater. They will be recorded and posted to our website and YouTube channel. Videos of lectures from this and previous series can be accessed for free any time after they are posted. Visit https://www.uww.edu/ce/fairhaven for more information and descriptions of each lecture.

Lectures scheduled for 2 p.m. at Cedar Crest Retirement Community in Janesville include: 

February 22

The Films of Max Ophuls and the Intersection of European and Classical Hollywood Cinema

Donald Jellerson, associate professor, Literature, Writing, and Film

February 29

American Pop Culture Through the Lens of Music

Jeff Suarez, associate professor, Music

Thursday, March 7

Kaftans, Carpets, and the Kaaba: Textiles in the Islamic World

Ashley Dimmig, director, Crossman Gallery

March 13

An Overview of the Profession of Art Therapy

Anna Banwell, lecturer, Integrated Studies

Public lectures held in the Cedar Crest Lecture Series will take place in the Gathering Place at Cedar Crest, Inc., 1702 South River Road, Janesville. Free parking is available and registration is not required. Visit our website at https://www.uww.edu/ce/cedar-crest for lecture descriptions and updates.

If you have a disability and require accommodations, please advise us as soon as possible. Requests are confidential. UW-Whitewater provides equal opportunities in employment and programming, including Title IX and ADA. Please contact Kari Borne at bornek@uww.edu or 262-472-1003 for further information.

About UW-Whitewater

At the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater we inspire, engage and transform lives. Our higher education mission began more than 150 years ago — and we now serve more than 11,000 students at our Whitewater and Rock County campuses, 90% of whom stay in the region after earning their degree.  The Warhawk family — led by caring faculty and staff — is devoted to student success within a broad range of academic programs. One of only four Public Colleges of Distinction in the state, the University boasts small class sizes (20:1 ratio), is ranked one of the top 10 public colleges by the U.S. New & World Report, and is the top-ranked college in the state for serving students with disabilities. Continuing Education is committed to meeting the lifelong learning needs of the residents of our region in offering a variety of classes, workshops and trainings that respond to the changing personal and professional interests of adult learners by connecting the University and community. 

A total of 3,757 students earned a spot on the Dean’s List at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater for the 2023 fall semester.

The following students were named to the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater Dean’s List for the 2023 fall semester:

Whitewater

Marijke Arreola

Stephanie Hensel

Tj Kaczkowski

Devon Knowles

Raquel Ortiz

These students have demonstrated their academic abilities by receiving a grade point average of 3.4 or above in a single semester.

“Making the Dean’s List is a tremendous honor. It is a recognition of our students’ hard work and commitment to success,” said John Chenoweth, who serves as UW-Whitewater’s provost and vice chancellor for academic affairs. “We are proud of our students and hope to see their names on the list again. Congratulations to all who were recognized!”

More than 11,500 students are currently enrolled at the university’s Whitewater and Rock County campuses.

The Fort Atkinson Club Hosts Wellness Day on Saturday, February 3

Saturday, February 3 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., The Fort Atkinson Club (FAC), in partnership with Fort Healthcare, invites area residents to this free event focusing on community health and wellness. There will be over 12 experts sharing information on nutrition and fitness, healthy cooking, CPR/AED information, fall prevention and community health as well as preventative screenings, financial and environmental health and more. There will also be chair massage sessions available along with healthy snacks and a variety of other presentations. The FAC, along with Fort Healthcare, is pleased to host this event for the first year.

Wellness Day starts at 10 a.m. and runs until 1 p.m. and will take place on all three levels of the historic Fort Atkinson Club Community Center, which offers a beautiful setting in a historic building overlooking the Rock River. The FAC community center is located at 211 South Water Street East, and visitors can use the front entrance or drop off at our side entrance with elevator, for folks with mobility issues.

“This is going to be a wonderful, fun event and we are thrilled to serve as a venue for many presentations, workshops and informational opportunities that focus on the health and wellness of our community, ” says Executive Director Lawan Glasscock. “There will definitely be something for everyone, from healthy cooking to Zumba demos, wellness screenings and opportunities to connect with those who are anxious to share their knowledge and passion for healthy living.” Everyone is welcome!
For more information, you may contact the Fort Atkinson Club at 920-568-1720.