Joe Larson, Southern Region Director, Wisconsin Department of Health Services Division of Public Health, presents a certificate of designation to Erica Bergstrom, Public Health Officer, Walworth County Health & Human Services, during the January 18, 2023 meeting of the Walworth County Health & Human Services Board
Editor’s note: The following press release was received from the Walworth County Department of Health & Human Services.
Earns Wisconsin’s Most Advanced Level of Health-Department Certification
The Walworth County Department of Health and Human Services (WCDHHS) has been certified as a Level III Health Department by the Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS). The DHS 140 Certificate of Designation was formally presented by DHS staff at the January 18, 2023, Walworth County Health and Human Services Board meeting.
“This designation recognizes the progress and achievement our health department has made in the last five years,” says Public Health Officer Erica Bergstrom. “The designation, and state report, also clearly recognize the systematic effectiveness that Walworth County employs by being a successful and strong combined health and human services department.”
In Wisconsin, there are three levels of health department certification: Level I is the most basic; Level III is the most advanced. Historically, Walworth County has been a Level II Health Department. The County became eligible for consideration as a Level III Health Department in 2019 following revisions to the DHS Administrative Rule. To receive the designation, Walworth County Public Health underwent a state audit process called a 140-Review in August 2022. This process reviews the services of a local health department and provides the department with the opportunity to change its health department designation level. The change in level will not impact existing services.
The audit was conducted by the Wisconsin DHS Division of Public Health staff. In its report, DHS lauded WCDHHS’ improved community health planning process, its ability to assist a broad range of Walworth County residents through coordinated services, its success in improving public health services through a transition to a Public Health 3.0 model, and its strong relationships with community partners.
In her letter to Health and Human Services Board Chair Ken Monroe, State Health Officer and Administrator Paula Tran stated, “The Department of Health Services congratulates the Walworth County Department of Health and Human Services for demonstrating the infrastructure and program capacity to be certified as a Level III Health Department.”
“Our Public Health Officer Erica Bergstrom has worked a long time to have the Walworth County Department of Health and Human Services certified as a Level III Health Department,” says County Board Supervisor Ken Monroe. “As Chairperson of the Health and Human Services Board, I would like to congratulate Ms. Bergstrom and her staff.”
Group Education for Pregnant and New Moms under the Age of 21
(ELKHORN, WI): Walworth County Health & Human Services, in collaboration with Tree House Child and Family Center, will be hosting Healthy Mom, Happy Baby classes in 2023. The Healthy Mom, Happy Baby group is open to pregnant women and new moms under the age of 21 and their support person(s). The group meets weekly for six consecutive weeks.
The group is designed to help young parents learn more about raising a child and to increase their knowledge about safety interventions, community resources, and building a support network with other young parents. In addition, participants will learn about the basics of parenthood including stress management, car seats, infant development, and breastfeeding. Free snacks, baby items, and gas cards are provided to participants at each session. Transportation can be made available to those who need assistance and school credit may be available to students who participate.
There will be two sessions held in 2023. The first session will run every Wednesday from February 8, 2023, to March 15, 2023, from 3:15 p.m. to 5 p.m. The second session will run every Wednesday from May 3, 2023, to June 7, 2023, from 3:15 p.m. to 5 p.m. All classes are held at Walworth County Health & Human Services, 1910 County Rd. NN, Elkhorn, WI 53121.
Editor’s note: The following press release was received from the Irvin L. Young Memorial Library. We appreciate having permission to use the image on the homepage by Wokandapix from Pixabay.
Itty Bitty Art Show Call for Artists
Adults and teens are invited to create a miniature artwork for the Irvin L. Young Memorial Library’s Itty Bitty Art Show, which will be on display during the month of March.
Community members may sign up to participate by visiting the library’s website at whitewaterlibrary.org and clicking on “Events–Registration Forms.” Participants will then pick up a small canvas at the library starting January 30, create a miniature artwork using any medium and methods desired, and drop off the finished artwork at the library by February 24. The artworks will be hung in the library’s lobby display case for the month of March. There is no cost to participate.
You may also email sfrench@whitewater-wi.gov or call 262-458-2782 to register, or with any questions.
Editor’s note: The following press release was received from Fort HealthCare.
Fort HealthCare is pleased to announce the appointment of two new members to the organization’s board of directors: Carla Haubenschild, CLU, and Christi Ott.
Carla Haubenschild earned her bachelor’s degree in management from UW-Whitewater and her CLU and CLTC finance-based designations from the American College. Her background is in finance, having owned a financial planning practice with Northwestern Mutual for the last 14 years, and she has held various leadership positions within the company. Carla leads with an emphasis on relationship-building, direct communication, and authenticity. She enjoys listening intently, working with her team to problem-solve, and creating strategic financial solutions for her clients. She has been involved with other organizations in the community, including Women Who Care and the Rotary Club of Fort Atkinson, where she has served as president and is currently a board member. Carla lives and works in Fort Atkinson, enjoys spending time with her husband Eric and their three children, riding her Peloton, and cares deeply about her community. She states, “As a community member, mom, and patient of Fort HealthCare, I am excited to learn more about our local healthcare system. I am hopeful that I will be able to use my professional expertise in finance, as well as board leadership experience, to contribute to board discussions and decisions. I think it will be an exciting time to be a part of this new chapter for Fort HealthCare and the communities it serves.”
Christi Ott earned her bachelor’s degree from Lewis University, Lockport, IL, and graduated from the Stonier Graduate School of Banking. She also served nine years as a Fidelity National Information Services, Inc. (FIS) Strategic Planning Advisory Council member. Christi’s career as a financial services executive spanned leadership of frontline client services and various operations and technology teams. At Johnson Financial Group, she and her team led the implementation of the bank’s entrée into digital and mobile banking as well as an enterprise-wide CRM implementation and Enterprise Content Management Program covering all lines of business within the financial services entity. As a member of the Executive Team, Christi’s vision for technology coupled with a comprehensive Branch Optimization Strategy that positively impacts the client experience proved critical with the development of multiple long-term strategic plans ensuring the enterprise remained relevant in this highly competitive arena. Christi previously served on the Fort HealthCare Board from January 2000 to May 2005 and saw the completion of the most extensive capital campaign in its history. She also currently serves as a member of the Strategic Advisory Board for Athelo Health, Inc., which has developed the first biometric-anchored virtual coach for women with breast and gynecologic cancers. She enjoys visiting her daughter Kelly and her wife, Jessica, in Nashville. Chris states, “I recently retired and am truly grateful for the opportunity to serve again. The mission of Fort HealthCare to improve the health and well-being of our community definitely aligns with my personal goals, and I am excited to work with the other board members to make this community the healthiest in Wisconsin.”
Michael Anderson, M.D., Fort HealthCare President & CEO, welcomes the new members to the board of directors. Board members are chosen based on their professional skills and ability to represent the healthcare needs of the various communities within the Fort HealthCare primary service area. “We are excited for Haubenschild and Ott to join our board of directors as they are already deeply vested in our community. They both have impressive backgrounds in finance, and I am certain that they will help our organization and community. I look forward to working with them and the rest of the Fort HealthCare board as we continue to serve our community by providing the highest quality in healthcare,” said Anderson.
In addition to Haubenschild and Ott, other Fort HealthCare board members are community representatives James Fitzpatrick, Ph.D. – Chair, Fort Atkinson; Tom Vinz – Secretary, Lake Mills; Roy Budlong – Vice Chair and Treasurer, Fort Atkinson; Richard Telfer, Ph.D., Whitewater; Christopher Martin; Fort Atkinson, and providers Bill Kontny, M.D., Paul Schuppner, D.O., Nate Fullerton, M.D., Stephanie Nottestad, M.D., and Mary Beck Metzger, DNP.
A divorced couple (Julia Roberts and George Clooney) reunite and travel to Bali to stop their daughter from making the same mistake they think they made 25 years ago.
RIVER FALLS, Wis. (January 20, 2023) – The University of Wisconsin-River Falls fall semester Dean’s List honoring 1,593 students has been released by Registrar Kelly Browning.
To be named to the Dean’s List, a full-time undergraduate must earn a grade point average of at least 3.5 on a scale of 4.0, or midway between an “A” and “B” average.
About UW-River Falls:
UWRF is a student-centered institution that provides excellent accessible academic programs serving the needs of our region, the state and beyond.
Editor’s note: The following announcement was received from Pamela Sonmor-Wintz.
Brooke Mason, Aidyn Amundson, Mayte Navejas, and Andrea Alcala have been chosen to attend Badger Girls State in 2023! Badger Girls State is a program designed to develop leadership skills in high school students and train future stateswomen in the science of government. It will be held on the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh campus from June 18-23. Participants are chosen for their interest in American Government and their outstanding qualities of leadership, character, cooperativeness, dependability, and participation in extracurricular activities. Thank you to the Whitewater American Legion for sponsoring these four delegates this year!
MENOMONIE, Wis. (January 19, 2023) – The following students from the area have been named to the University of Wisconsin-Stout Dean’s List for the fall 2022 semester.
The award is presented to students who have a grade point average of 3.5 or above.
UW-Stout, Wisconsin’s Polytechnic University, has 49 undergraduate majors and 23 graduate programs, including one doctoral degree. UW-Stout, established in 1891, prides itself on the success of its students in the workplace, with an employment rate above 98% for recent graduates. The university was awarded the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award in 2001.
UW-Stout is Wisconsin’s Polytechnic University, with a focus on applied learning, collaboration with business and industry, and career outcomes.
Cassandra Hoxie, Junior, BS computer and electrical engineering Luke Rule, Senior, BS digital marketing technology Gabe Schemmel, Junior, BS digital marketing technology
It’s time once again for #FlashbackFriday with the Whitewater Historical Society.
This week’s image from c.1900 shows one of the best Queen Anne style homes built in the late nineteenth century in Whitewater, the house at 166 N. Fremont St., as taken in winter by historic amateur photographer Henry Scholl with a glass plate negative. The three-story square tower gives this house a distinctive appearance and for many years the owner would put lighted Christmas trees in each of the windows of the tower.
Join us next week for more from the Whitewater Historical Society.
The University of Wisconsin System Board of Regents today unanimously approved King’s appointment, following a recommendation made by a selection committee. King will assume the leadership post on March 1.
King served as Vice President for Enrollment Management & Student Financial Services at Bethune-Cookman University prior to his role at UW-Green Bay. He was Vice President for Student Affairs & Enrollment Management at Florida Atlantic University and led the Council for Student Affairs of the State University System of Florida. King also held leadership positions at East Carolina University, Wheeling Jesuit University, and the University of Florida.
“Corey King’s vision for UW-Whitewater and commitment to student success is extraordinary,” said Jay Rothman, UW System President. “He’ll put student learning at the center of his work at UW-Whitewater, and we are looking forward to where his talents can take the university.”
“I am excited to join the faculty, staff, students, and broader community as we continue to advance UW-Whitewater’s mission of being a ‘preeminent academic institution driven by the pursuit of knowledge, powered by a spirit of innovation, and focused on transforming lives,’” King said. “The university’s demonstrated commitment to student success and excellent educational experiences at both the Whitewater and Rock County campuses will continue to be our driving force.”
“Corey’s background in guiding student success, commitment to student learning and the student experience, and enthusiasm for everything public higher education can bring to the community and the state offer a bright future for UW-Whitewater,” said Regent Vice President Amy Bogost, Chair of the Search and Screen Committee. “I am especially thankful for the search committee’s tireless work and the leadership of Vice Chair Lynn Gilbertson.”
King earned a bachelor’s degree in curriculum and instruction and a master’s degree in higher education administration/student affairs from Florida State University. He earned a doctorate in educational administration and leadership from Indiana University of Pennsylvania.
President Rothman and the Special Regent Committee for the UW-Whitewater Chancellor Search recommended King to the full Board of Regents. The Committee includes Regents Bogost, Ashok Rai, Jill Underly, and Kyle Weatherly.
The Search and Screen Committee includes members of the Special Regent Committee; Gilbertson, Associate Professor and Department Chair in the College of Education and Professional Studies; Tanja Anderson, Campus Administrative Specialist, Rock County campus; Ciera Edwards, Associate Director, University Bookstore; Lynn Gardinier, Community/Alumni Representative; Kimberly Nath, Associate Professor, College of Letters and Sciences; Praveen Parboteeah, Professor, College of Business and Economics; Davin Stavroplos, Student; and David Wachanga, Professor, College of Arts and Communication.
King will earn $265,000 as chancellor.
Founded in 1868 as a normal school for training teachers, UW-Whitewater offers more than 48 undergraduate majors, 22 master’s degree programs, one doctoral degree, and one education specialist degree. It has an enrollment of more than 11,000 students and employs about 1,230 faculty and staff. It has campuses in Whitewater and Rock County.
Rothman also thanked Interim Chancellor John Chenoweth.
“I want to think John Chenoweth for stepping into the interim role of chancellor and building a foundation for future success,” Rothman said. “His dedication, with over two decades of service to UW-Whitewater, is exemplary. We owe him a debt of gratitude.”
Update 1/19 @ 6 p.m. – Editor’s note: The following message was posted in the UW-W announcements on January 19.
Message from Interim Chancellor Chenoweth
Dear university community,
This afternoon the University of Wisconsin System announced that Dr. Corey King will be our next chancellor for the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater.
I can tell you Corey is an exceptional person and a highly-respected leader. I am excited to work with him and eager to welcome him as our new chancellor. I recognize that any change in leadership can evoke a range of emotions, and I can say with no pause, that my emotion right now is complete confidence. I have infinite belief in the new chancellor. His values, accomplishments, and reputation are all highly admirable. With complete certainty and conviction, I have full faith in our future.
I am thankful for everyone who supported me during my time as the interim chancellor. Until the new chancellor arrives on campus, myself and Robin Fox will continue to serve as the interim chancellor and provost, respectively. We remain fully focused on the university’s top priorities and preparing for a smooth transition.
After the new chancellor arrives, I look forward to returning to the role of provost and vice chancellor of academic affairs, as well as serving the chancellor and serving on the chancellor’s cabinet. I am eager to continue working on our challenges and building off our strengths. And above all, I appreciate the opportunity to continue working with you, a team unlike any other. My greatest professional accomplishment has, and will continue to be, being a Warhawk.
Thank you,
John Chenoweth Interim Chancellor
Update 1/19 @ 7:45 p.m. Editor’s note: Corey King’s curriculum vitae may be viewed here.
