News

Rock County Text-to-911 is Back in Service

The Rock County Communications Center is announcing Text-to-911 Services in Rock County are fully operational again.

Text-to-911 services have been available in Rock County since 2015. Text-to-911 is not intended to replace voice calls to 911; however, if you are deaf, hard of hearing, or in a dangerous situation where it is unsafe to make a voice call, text-to-911 is another way to reach emergency assistance in Rock County.

More information on text-to-911 can be found on the Rock County Communications website under the Public Education section.

Seniors in the Park Presents The Desperate Hours

“The Desperate Hours”
Tuesday, August 22, 1 p.m.
(Crime/Drama/Thriller/Film Noir)
Rated PG; 1 hour 52 minutes (1955)

Rarely shown on TV: in one of his last films, Humphrey Bogart plays a mad dog escaped convict who takes over and terrorizes a suburban Indianapolis household. The film critic of The NY Times likened Bogart’s performance to one of his earliest, Duke Mantee, in “The Petrified Forest.” 

Stars Humphrey Bogart, Frederic March, Arthur Kennedy. 

Fort HealthCare Challenges Communities to Rock the Walk


Fort HealthCare, the leading healthcare provider in the region, is excited to announce the launch of its annual community wellness initiative, “Rock the Walk 2023.” This year’s challenge, commencing on Tuesday, September 5th, and concluding on Tuesday, October 17th, aims to encourage residents of Jefferson County and the surrounding areas to be more mindful about their health and physical activity while embracing “Falling into Wellness.”

The “Rock the Walk” challenge centers around the theme of “Building Health Habits.” Participants will have access to an online “Wellness Portal,” offering valuable educational information, exercise trackers, meal plans, strength and cardio training examples, recipes, blogs, and other free tools to support their wellness journey.

To join the challenge, participants are encouraged to sign up on the Fort HealthCare website (https://www.forthealthcare.com/wellness/challenges/rockthewalk/) starting from August 15th. There is no cost to participate, and the challenge is 100% digital. Upon registration, participants will be invited to join one of the Rock the Walk teams, organized by either their employer or local township. Fort HealthCare shares a common goal with these local entities to motivate individuals to understand how their health impacts the overall community wellness.

Experts recommend at least 150 minutes of moderately intense physical activity per week, which equates to just over 20 minutes per day. Participants are encouraged to log their activity on the Rock the Walk online tool regularly to stay in the challenge and compete for fantastic prizes. Any form of exercise that gets the heart pumping and encourages movement is welcome, regardless of one’s current fitness level. From swimming, walking, and biking to weightlifting, aerobics, gardening, and more, every effort counts in contributing to a healthier community.

“We are thrilled to challenge our Jefferson County community once again to Rock the Walk and embrace “Falling into Wellness,” said Molly Prater, Community Health Programmer at Fort HealthCare. “By participating in this initiative, individuals not only enhance their personal well- being but also contribute to making Jefferson County the healthiest community in Wisconsin.”

For more information on how to participate in Rock the Walk 2023 or how organizations can sponsor the initiative, please visit www.FortHealthCare.com/RockTheWalk.

Participants are encouraged to share their progress and positivity on social media using the hashtag #HealthiestHereWe Come and tagging @FortHealthCare and/or their team coalition or organization.

About Fort HealthCare
Fort HealthCare is committed to improving the health and well-being of our communities, with a vision to be the healthiest community in Wisconsin. As the leading healthcare provider in the region, it is our goal to reach as many members of the community as possible with health and wellness messages, providing tools and resources to help individuals improve their health and quality of life while collaborating with several partners to positively improve the population’s health overall on a long-term basis. FortHealthCare.com.

Whippets to Host 21st Annual Dirk Seibold Alumni Cross Country Meet

Whitewater High School Cross Country will be hosting the 21st Annual Dirk Seibold Alumni Cross Country Meet on Saturday, August 26th. Participation in this event requires entrants to be current athletes on the team, alumni of the program, WUSD staff, or family members of current or former Whippet CC athletes. The race is totally free; all you need to do is show up ready to run, and a bib number will be issued to you before your event. It is free for all to spectate and socialize with all in attendance.

Registration begins at 9:00, the boys’/men’s race will be at 10:15 followed by the girls’/women’s race at 10:50. It will be conducted on the campus of UW-Whitewater, with the start/finish lines in the intramural fields near the Kachel Fieldhouse. Look for giant start/finish banners that are in red to know you are in the right spot. Be sure to park in Lot 8, which is free. The race will once again be 5000m in length. Check out the course video here.

Questions can be directed to Coach Chad Carstens at ccarstens@wwusd.org.

Local Residents Graduate from UW-La Crosse

The following area students completed degree requirements at the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse in May.  

UW-La Crosse, founded in 1909, is one of 13 four-year institutions in the University of Wisconsin System. UWL has more than 10,400 full- and part-time students enrolled in 101 undergraduate, 28 graduate and two doctoral academic programs.

UW-La Crosse, a top-ranked national university, is the No. 1 public university in Wisconsin with fewer than 25,000 students according to U.S. News & World Report’s Best National Universities rating. See more at www.uwlax.edu.

Students earning degrees in May include:

Whitewater, WI

Shannon Previte, Master of Science in Education, Professional Development: Learning Community Emphasis
Celine Zahn, Bachelor of Science, Therapeutic Recreation Major

Obituary: Rommel J. Kienbaum, 51

Our family is deeply saddened to announce the passing of Rommel J. Kienbaum on August 14, 2023.

He was born to Carl and June Kienbaum on February 23, 1972, in Fort Atkinson, Wisconsin. Rommel is survived by seven siblings, April Furman of Whitewater, WI, Linda (Ron) Bohlender of Roscoe, IL, Cherie  (John) Ells of Fort Atkinson, WI, Carl (Brenda) Kienbaum of Fond Du Lac, WI, Dawn D. Kienbaum of Whitewater, WI, Sterling (Rhonda) Kienbaum of Oshkosh, WI, and Ben (Dawn) Kienbaum of Menomonee Falls, WI. He is also survived by nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews.

Rommel was predeceased by his parents, Carl and June, his sister Mariann “Mickie,” brother-in-law George Furman, as well as his maternal and paternal grandparents.

Rommel was an honest, funny, kindhearted man who cared deeply for his family and friends; he was however, anything but typical. Never afraid of silliness, Rommel could always incite laughter. He had a magnetic presence and natural playfulness that resonated with all those around him. For his nephews and nieces, they were delighted to have him as their own personal “Uncle Buck.”

Employed for the last 20 years with Auto & Scrap Recyclers in Milwaukee, Rommel formed strong bonds amongst his coworkers. An amazing cook, Rommel was known for the great lunches he would bring to share with his fellow coworkers. As dedicated as Rommel was to the recycling of auto and scrap, most would note how much he kept from being scrapped. Rommel loved everything, cars, vintage toys, coins, etc., and did what he could to preserve them. Some would venture to call him a hoarder, but Rommel would be quick to correct that he is a collector!

Often private but rarely alone, Rommel kept canine companionship throughout his life. He had three Pit Bulls named Twenty-Two, Rugger, and Bullet.

Rommel was beloved by all who knew him and will be deeply missed.

Visitation is from 10 a.m. until 12 p.m. on Saturday, August 26, 2023, at First English Lutheran Church, 401 W Main Street, Whitewater. The funeral service will immediately follow the visitation beginning at 12 p.m.

In lieu of flowers please consider a donation in Rommel’s memory to First English Lutheran Church.

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

Our Readers Share: Steve Watson – A Yellow-Headed Blackbird

Male Yellow-Headed Blackbird [Steve Watson photos]

Steve Watson writes, “Here’s a bird I heard about last year, but never saw until this July. 

A Yellow-Headed Blackbird. 

They’re shy and hang out in marshes, making their nests out in the reeds and grasses in the water. On my daily walks I could hear an unusual bird call coming from out on the marsh (what used to be Cravath and Trippe Lakes), but didn’t know it was this. 

These photos are from Trippe Lake trail. Hope you enjoy.

Female
Juvenile demanding food. Dad cringing.
I’m waiting.
The juvenile being fed. The juvenile flew over to a nearby tree to wait for mom and dad to feed it. Both parents were flying back and forth from a bird feeder nearby to feed the squawking ungrateful offspring. 

Our thanks to prolific nature photographer Steve Watson for sharing more of his work.

— 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. We will assume that you’re willing for us to include your name as the submitter unless you indicate that 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!

#flashbackfriday with the Historical Society – Sentry Grand Opening

It’s time once again for #flashbackfriday with the Whitewater Historical Society. This week we feature George Scharfenberg’s photo of the Grand Opening of the new Sentry Grocery Store on West Main Street. The Sentry operated in this location until 2015, when competition from an enlarged grocery selection at Walmart next door hurt the profitability of a traditional store like Sentry. Since that time, both the city of Whitewater and its citizens have tried to come up with a solution to the lack of good grocery stores in Whitewater. Today, we are looking forward to both a community supported full-service grocery store and/or a branch of Aldi, a small discount grocery store with many fans.

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

Photo from the George Scharfenberg photo collection, Whitewater Historical Society.

Discover Whitewater Series Announces New Half Marathon Teams Awards Sponsor

 

The Discover Whitewater Series (DWS): Half Marathon, Half Marathon Team Event, 5k, and W3 Fit Kid Shuffle is excited to announce that Performance Running Outfitters is the new Half Teams Award Sponsor for the 11th Annual DWS. 

The 11th annual DWS will be held on Sunday, September 17th, 2023. The DWS team has rolled out a new addition to the Half Marathon Team Event. Each team will consist of four participants (all women, all men, or co-ed: two women and two men) competing for the best combined half marathon finishing time. 

The top three teams will receive one of the amazing DWS trophies designed by Amaya Phillippi and a gift certificate to Performance Running Outfitters. Performance Running Outfitters has been a sponsor of the race in the past and are excited to contribute to the new Half Marathon Teams Event this year. 

“The Team Event for the Half Marathon brings a new competitive element to the race this year” said DWS Executive Director, Jeffery Knight, “We are excited to have Performance Running Outfitters sponsor the Team Awards and can’t wait to see the community come together for race day.” 

As the 11th Annual DWS gets closer the DWS Team Leaders are putting their final touches on for another amazing race. Be sure to look around Whitewater for all of the DWS signs and banners. With the generous help from sponsors the DWS is able to give back to the community and put on a premier running event for the city. 

To register to run or volunteer, visit  https://RunWhitewater.com/.

For further details, please contact Jeffery Knight, Executive Director at 920.728.0662 or jpk@knightpublicaffairs.com.

About the DWS

The goal of the DWS is to promote the City of Whitewater and highlight its greatest features, while keeping everyone in the community active. All the proceeds from the race are donated to local non-profit partners: Bethel House (which provides interim housing for families experiencing homelessness), Whitewater LEADS, Working for Whitewater’s Wellness (W3), and the J-Hawk Aquatic Club. The DWS partners with the city, business community, and university to make this a tremendous event that benefits all who participate. For more information about the race visit www.runwhitewater.com.

Young Auditorium Presents Kids from WI – Friday

55th Anniversary STARSTRUCK Tour

The iconic Kids from Wisconsin are rolling out the red carpet for our 55th season of musical excellence!  

With musical selections from award-winning artists, Broadway’s Tony Awards, Hollywood’s Oscars, and top Grammy Awards performers, you’re sure to be Starstruck as we pay homage to our nation’s famous awards shows that celebrate accomplishments from the stage, screen, and beyond. ​

The Kids from Wisconsin’s 55th Anniversary Tour will bring these sensations, and much more, to life in our high-powered two-hour Broadway-style production for families and audiences of all ages.  This elite troupe, consisting of Wisconsin’s most talented 15-to 20-year-olds, is the country’s only pre-professional organization of its kind.

Young Auditorium, 930 W. Main Street, Friday (8/18) @ 7:00 p.m.

Tickets may be purchased online here for $22. There may be a slight additional fee for purchasing a ticket at the door.