News

The Discover Whitewater Series (DWS): Half Marathon, 5K Team Event, Fit Kid Shuffle, and 5K is excited to announce that it has been named USA Track & Field (USATF) exclusive Wisconsin Half Marathon Championship event! This recognition allows for DWS participants to qualify for elite competitions, expand their competitive opportunities, and set national records. Through this partnership, the DWS strengthens its commitment to providing a premier race experience by meeting nationally recognized standards while continuing to promote health, wellness, and community engagement. 

“We are thrilled to have the Discover Whitewater Half Marathon join our series of statewide road running championships. Since their first edition in 2013, DWS has brought together some of Wisconsin’s top distance runners to a well organized, runner-friendly event. We are excited for more of our members and runners from across Wisconsin to discover a premier competitive half marathon experience in Whitewater,” said Thomas Breitbach, Chair of USATF Wisconsin Long Distance Running.

“This is a tremendous step forward for the DWS because it brings additional recognition and opportunities to our event while maintaining that welcoming atmosphere that makes us so special,” says Race Director, Dawson Miller. “I’ve always been impressed by the level of professionalism in USATF events and to now have the DWS involved is incredibly exciting.” 

Additionally, USATF will now recognize and award trophies to the top Wisconsin male and female finishers from both the USATF open class division (ages 39 and under) and the masters division (40 and older). This opportunity aligns the DWS with nationally recognized racing standards, establishing the event as one of Wisconsin’s best community races while attracting a broader field of competitive runners.

“This partnership with USATF is an incredible milestone,” said Jeffery Knight, DWS Executive Director. “It validates the quality of our race and reflects the hard work of our volunteers, sponsors, the Whitewater community, and DWS team.”

To register for the 14th annual DWS visit www.RunWhitewater.com/Register. To learn more about USATF and its qualifying races, visit https://www.usatf.org/. 

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 five local non-profit partners: Bethel House, J-Hawk Aquatic Club, Whitewater LEADS, Whitewater Foundation-Athletics, and the Whitewater Unified School District Foundation. The DWS partners with the city, business community, university and the school district to make this a tremendous event that benefits all who participate. For more information about the race visit www.runwhitewater.com.

About USATF

USATF Wisconsin is the statewide affiliate of USA Track & Field (USATF), the national governing body for track & field, long distance running, and race walking. USATF encompasses the world’s oldest organized sports, the most-watched events of Olympic broadcasts, the number one high school and junior high school participatory sport, and more than 30 million adult runners in the United States. More information can be found at wisconsin.usatf.org

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

The Whitewater Police Department and City of Whitewater Media Services have teamed up to create a video highlighting the work of the Police Department’s new Community Impact Team (CIT).

The Community Impact Team was created to address quality-of-life concerns, identify emerging trends and problem areas within the community, and enhance the Police Department’s outreach efforts. Through proactive engagement and problem-solving, the team works to build stronger relationships with residents, businesses and community partners while helping make Whitewater a safer and more welcoming community.

The video offers the public an inside look at the team, its purpose and how its members are working to make a positive impact throughout Whitewater.

Residents can watch the video on the City of Whitewater’s social media platforms and local government access Channel 990. The video is available on YouTube here: Whitewater Police Department – Community Impact Team

The City of Whitewater provides efficient and high-quality services which support living, learning, playing and working in an exceptional community. Visit www.whitewater-wi.gov for community information and updates.

Editor’s note: This press release was provided by the City of Whitewater.

What if you could talk to animals and understand what they’re saying? In Disney and Pixar’s all-new feature film “Hoppers,” scientists have discovered how to “hop” human consciousness into lifelike robotic animals, allowing people to communicate with animals as animals! The adventure introduces Mabel, an animal lover who seizes an opportunity to use the technology, uncovering mysteries within the animal world that are beyond anything she could have imagined.

Friday, July 24 – starts at dusk (probably about 8:45 p.m.

1hour, 44 minutes – Kids & Family/ Comedy/ Adventure/ Animation

Cravath Lakefront Park, 341 S. Fremont Street

Concessions are available but you may also bring your own snacks. Bring chairs, blankets, and mosquito repellent.

Wisconsinites encouraged to protect against mosquito bites to avoid illness

The Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) announces the first confirmed West Nile virus (WNV) activity in the state this year. Mosquitoes collected from Milwaukee County have tested positive for WNV and a wild bird from Bayfield County tested positive for the virus. This is a sign that there are mosquitoes in the state that have the virus and can transmit it to animals and people. Currently, no human cases of WNV have been reported in 2026.

“Monitoring mosquitoes and birds for West Nile virus helps public health experts understand when and where the virus is active, so that we can give timely information to communities across the state,” said Paula Tran, state health officer and administrator of the Division of Public Health. “These first detections of West Nile virus this year serve as a reminder to take simple steps that can protect you and your family against possible illness.”

WNV is spread to humans, birds, and other animals through the bite of an infected mosquito. Mosquitoes acquire WNV by feeding on infected birds. The virus is not spread directly from person to person, animal to animal, or animal to person.

Most people infected with WNV do not have symptoms. Those who become ill may have fever, chills, headache, muscle aches, rash, and fatigue. Some people will develop severe illness with symptoms that include high fever, muscle weakness, stiff neck, disorientation, mental confusion, tremors, paralysis, seizure, and coma. Older adults and those with compromised immune systems are at greater risk of developing severe illness that can be fatal. It is important that people contact a health care provider if they suspect they have WNV illness.

DHS has monitored the spread of WNV since 2001, tracking infections in mosquitoes, animals, and humans across the state to alert health care providers and Wisconsinites about risk. An average of 19 cases of WNV illness are reported among Wisconsin residents each year. WNV cases in humans have been reported from June through November; however, most people with WNV report becoming ill in August and September.

The best way to avoid illnesses spread by mosquitoes is to reduce exposure to mosquitoes and eliminate mosquito breeding sites. Mosquito activity and the risk of WNV will continue through the rest of the summer and fall until there is a hard frost (temperatures below 28 degrees Fahrenheit for at least four straight hours).

DHS offers these tips to protect against mosquito bites:

Avoid mosquito bites

• Apply an insect repellent with DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus, or IR3535 to exposed skin and clothing.
• Prior to heading outdoors, treat clothing with permethrin; do not apply permethrin directly to skin.
• Consider rescheduling outdoor activities that occur during evening or early morning hours, when mosquitoes that spread WNV are most active.
• Wear long-sleeves, long pants, and socks when outdoors to help keep mosquitoes away from your skin.

Mosquito-proof your home

• Prevent mosquitoes from breeding around homes by removing stagnant water from items around the property. For example:
  • Empty standing water that has collected in tin cans, plastic containers, flower pots, discarded tires, roof gutters, and downspouts.
  • Turn over wheelbarrows, kiddie pools, buckets, and small boats such as canoes and kayaks when not in use.
  • Change the water in bird baths and pet dishes at least every three days.
  • Clean and chlorinate swimming pools, outdoor saunas, and hot tubs; drain water from pool covers.
• Make sure window and door screens are intact and tightly fitted to prevent mosquitoes from getting inside.
• Trim or mow tall grass, weeds, and vines since mosquitoes use these areas to rest during hot daylight hours.

Find more information on prevention and symptoms of West Nile virus and additional ways to Fight The Bite on the DHS website.

The Celebration of Life Service for Marion J. Burrows will be held at the First United Methodist Church, 145 S. Prairie St., Whitewater, on Saturday, July 25, 2026, at 2 pm CDT. A special harp prelude begins at 1:45 p.m. Members of Marion’s family look forward to visiting with you at a reception which will follow, in the church’s Fellowship Hall. All are welcome! Wear colorful clothing as a celebration of Marion’s love of beauty and her delight in life! For more information, call the church office at: (262) 473-2131. The church is fully accessible by elevator.

Gov. Evers Approves New Emergency Rule to Allow Qualified Registered Nurses to Teach Clinical Courses to Continue Addressing Wisconsin’s Healthcare Workforce Shortage

New emergency rule approved by the governor will bolster education, training, recruitment, and retention of healthcare workers across Wisconsin

MADISON — Gov. Tony Evers announced that he has approved new changes to Wisconsin’s faculty approval process for nursing schools, allowing for qualified Registered Nurses (RNs) to teach clinical courses if they meet certain criteria. The emergency rule change follows a recommendation by the Governor’s Task Force on the Healthcare Workforce, established by Gov. Evers in 2024, to expand the pool of qualified individuals able to teach healthcare students. In addition to this recommendation, the Governor’s Task Force on Healthcare Workforce includes 10 recommendations and 26 action items with the goal of addressing the state’s longstanding healthcare workforce shortages that have plagued the state for years. The governor approved the new emergency rule last week. “Our work to address our state’s nursing shortage is critically important, which is why I’m proud to enact this new emergency rule change to allow qualified RNs to offer their knowledge and experience in teaching clinical courses, helping to train the next generation of Wisconsin’s nurses,” said Gov. Evers. “Especially as Wisconsin faces continued workforce challenges within our healthcare industry, we need to make sure qualified, trained medical professionals can join our workforce, and this is an important step to make sure that happens. This emergency rule change will help alleviate significant nursing school staffing shortages and reduce barriers to the nursing practice.”  The emergency rule change allows greater flexibility in the faculty available to teach nursing students in clinical settings. Previously, a master’s degree in nursing was generally required in order to teach clinical courses in nursing programs. Now, under this new pathway, qualified faculty must: –  Hold a bachelor’s degree in nursing;   – Be a current, active, and unencumbered RN with license or privilege to practice in Wisconsin;  –  Have at least two years of clinical experience relevant to the specific clinical area that they would be teaching;  – Be enrolled in a graduate program and maintain steady progress towards completion, have completed graduate-level courses or education in clinical best practices, or have a national certification in a nursing field specialty relevant to the assigned clinical field they would be teaching; and Practice under the supervision of an RN who meets traditional qualifications.  The new emergency rule change follows suit with at least twelve other states’ nursing faculty accreditation requirements, including Michigan, and is supported by the dean of the Marquette University College of Nursing, the Wisconsin Hospital Association, the dean of the College of Allied Health & College of Nursing at Northeast Wisconsin Technical College, the Association of Nursing Education of Wisconsin, and the Wisconsin Nurses Association.  For the past seven years, Gov. Evers and the Evers Administration have worked hard to support and bolster the state’s healthcare workforce, including the nursing workforce. In 2024, Gov. Evers established the Governor’s Task Force on the Healthcare Workforce by signing Executive Order #220. The Task Force was charged with studying the workforce challenges facing the state’s healthcare system, including recruitment and retention, identifying ways to improve patient care and alleviate the burdens on the healthcare workforce, exploring educational and training pathways to grow a sustainable healthcare workforce, and creating an action plan with solutions related to workforce development, industry innovation, education, and training for consideration in the governor’s 2025-27 Executive Budget. The 25-member task force met six times to hear from healthcare industry experts and leaders, analyze labor market data, and produce an advisory action plan for Gov. Evers’ review and consideration. As a result of those meetings, the Task Force adopted 10 recommendations with 26 action items representing a variety of policies and programs to address various industry issues, including education, training, recruitment, and retention of healthcare workers. The action plan represents a strategic set of policy and implementation approaches targeting the healthcare industry’s chronic challenges. Read the full Governor’s Task Force on the Healthcare Workforce Advisory Action Plan and learn more about the work of the Governor’s Task Force on the Healthcare Workforce on the DHS website.  Since the establishment of the Governor’s Task Force on the Healthcare Workforce, Gov. Evers has implemented several of the Task Force’s recommendations, including last year, when the governor signed Assembly Bill 257, now 2025 Wisconsin Act 17, a bipartisan bill relating to the independent practice of advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs). The bill signed by the governor creates a new licensure opportunity for RNs to become APRNs, ultimately increasing career opportunities for RNs and APRNs and expanding healthcare service access for Wisconsinites.  Additionally, earlier this year, Gov. Evers, together with the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development, announced over $410,000 in worker training grant awards through the Wisconsin Fast Forward Program to assist three organizations in training more than 600 healthcare workers and help fill critical workforce needs. The funding, secured by Gov. Evers in the bipartisan 2025-27 Biennial Budget to address Wisconsin’s healthcare worker shortage, will help to develop and implement strategic industry partnership programs for high-demand health sciences, healthcare, and other related occupations.   The Board of Nursing will continue promulgation of a permanent rule relating to faculty accreditation standards, and a public hearing on the draft permanent rule is scheduled for Sept. 10, 2026, at 9:30 a.m.

Editor’s note: This press release was received from the Office of the Governor. The Banner appreciates having permission to use the image on the homepage by Yerson Retamal from Pixabay.

Sheriff Fell is pleased to announce that the Rock County Sheriff’s Office will offer our third 2026 Hunter Safety Education Course on September 19, 2026, from 8:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m., and September 20, 2026, from 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m., at the Edgerton Conservation Club, 900 Stoughton Road, Edgerton, WI 53534. There will be an in-person introductory session on August 19, 2026, from 6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m., at the Rock County Sheriff’s Office, 200 East U.S. Highway 14, Janesville, WI 53545. Students will need to attend all sessions to graduate.

Anyone born on or after January 1, 1973, is required to complete a Hunter Safety Education Course to legally hunt in Wisconsin. Students must be at least 12 years of age.

Hunter Safety Education Course

Session 1: August 19, from 6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. @ Rock County Sheriff’s Office
Session 2: September 19, from 8:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. @ Edgerton Conservation Club
Session 3: September 20, from 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. @ Edgerton Conservation Club

Registration is now open. Complete the online enrollment form to reserve a seat. https://www.co.rock.wi.us/departments/sheriff-s-office/recreational-patrol/hunter-education
Class size is limited to thirty (30) students. Upon submission of the registration form, you will see an onscreen confirmation message with course information.

The course fee of $10.00 per student will be collected at the first session. If the student is under 18 years old, a parent/guardian will need to attend the first session with the student. Students will receive course materials at the first session. Please direct any questions to Deputy Michael Borgwardt at michael.borgwardt@co.rock.wi.us.

Editor’s note: The Rock County Sheriff’s Department has previously indicated to The Banner that Rock County residency is not a requirement in order to participate in this class.

Seniors in the Park will be screening a film nominated as Best International/Foreign Film by both AARP Movies for Grownups and the Academy Awards.

While we can’t list it due to copyright law, we can give a “clue:” Yek Tasadof-e Sadah

Google that! 

Seniors in the Park is located in Starin Park, 504 W. Starin Road. Although there is no charge to attend, regular participants are encouraged to join Seniors in the Park. The annual fee for residents of the Whitewater Unified School District is $15 and non-residents is $20. The funds support about half of the cost of our front desk staff person for 15 hours per week. The rest comes out of our fundraising monies. If you cannot afford the fee, we have a fund that will cover it for you. Fees are accepted at the Starin Park Community Building or online at https://schedulesplus.com/wwtr/kiosk/ 

Due to copyright issues, Seniors in the Park is no longer able to publicly announce the movie titles being shown.  If you wish to find out each month’s titles that Projectionist Mark Dorn has selected, you may call Seniors in the Park at 262-473-0535. Hours are Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.