News

#FlashbackFriday with the Historical Society: Downtown circa 1942

It’s time once again for #FlashbackFriday with the Whitewater Historical Society. Today’s image is a postcard with a view taken around 1942. Prominent on the right side of the image is the “Whitewater Clinic.” The Whitewater Clinic was organized by Dr. Walter Mauthe, a local physician in the late 1930s. The overhang with the prominent sign was constructed in 1941. In 1942, Dr. Mauthe began to serve in World War II and the clinic disbanded. An attempt to revive it in 1946 was short-lived and the building was put to new use after that time. This is a great snapshot of a point in time in Whitewater’s downtown history.

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

(4479PC, Whitewater Historical Society)

Stories of Service – A Curated Display of Photographed Tattoos

Roberta’s Art Gallery will host “UW-W Veteran Services Tattoos: Stories of Service,” a curation of photographed tattoos from servicemen and women within our armed forces. The exhibit will run from November 1 – 22 and hopes to educate the public about tattoos within the military. The exhibit highlights the importance of tattooing within the military, educating viewers on the social aspect of the art, as well as introducing personal stories about tattoos and the meaning behind them. 

Tattooing often holds a negative stigma; however, the prevalence of this art within the military is quite surprising. This exhibit provides insight into the purpose behind tattoos and the conversation around veteran support and care. UW-Whitewater Veteran Services Coordinator, Kris McMenamin stated, “tattoos are often overlooked and underappreciated when it comes to our servicemen and women.” These tattoos are much more than a layer of ink under the skin – these are the stories of many battles fought to protect our freedoms, the hardship of a life full of conflict, and the challenges of overcoming pain in order to find normalcy in a life after war. With so many important stories on display, our exhibit looks to present these tattoos in a setting where they can no longer be ignored, and instead be fully appreciated and honored.

Uniforms, flags, and other military-inspired items will be displayed alongside the photographed tattoos to best represent each of the six branches of the armed forces: The Army, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guards, Marines, and Space Force. Highlighting these tattoos will allow the public a glimpse into the purpose they hold, and spark conversations about the importance of veterans being able to express their stories. The community members that are represented share their tattoos, with each one holding a different personal meaning – that meaning can act as a form of recognition, and often holds a therapeutic purpose of remembrance. 

An important aspect discussed during the planning of this exhibit was the mental health and support of our veterans. Tattoos, like the ones seen within our gallery, tell a story that words cannot. These deeply personal pictures and artifacts from the military represent a collective experience of struggle, sacrifice, and honor through serving our country. Some of the mementos displayed alongside the photos are two canteens, an Army Patrol Cap and a few camouflage working uniforms – which come from the Air Force, Navy, and Marines. The Patrol Cap comes along with a pin, and similarly, the marine working uniform has a selection of pins and ribbons with it. Photography projects similar to ours such as “Service Ink” by The Veterans of Foreign Wars look to encourage veterans to talk about their stories via their tattoo art. Also, programs like “Operation Tattooing Freedom” look to provide free tattoos to veterans as a means of cathartic release for those struggling with PTSD or chronic pains. Historically, the members of the military have expressed their stories through tattoos, and we are here to share those stories with you!

Roberta’s Art Gallery is located on the first floor of the James R. Connor University Center (UC) at UW-Whitewater. The gallery collaborates with campus departments, student organizations and community groups in coordinating and sponsoring exhibits. In the semester, our hours are Monday – Thursday 10 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., Friday 10 a.m. – 2 p.m., and closed Saturday & Sunday.

Roberta’s Art Gallery prides itself on all of their exhibits being free and open to the public. Receptions are currently being held in-person with light refreshments provided. Attending certain events can earn students class credit. To be featured in Roberta’s Art Gallery, contact us for a proposal request. Reach us at ucart@uww.edu or (262) 472-3193 or visit our website for any questions or inquiries.

DHS Urges Wisconsinites to Protect Themselves Against Respiratory Viruses this Holiday Season

Wisconsinites should get a flu shot, an updated COVID-19 booster, and take additional steps to protect themselves and others this season as cases of respiratory illness rise nationwide

With respiratory viruses such as COVID-19, influenza, and RSV circulating at high levels nationwide, the 2022-2023 respiratory season has the potential to be severe, especially for young children and older adults. The Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) has issued an alert to Wisconsin health care providers, and urges everyone to get all recommended vaccines, including the updated COVID-19 booster and the flu vaccine, to help prevent and slow the spread of respiratory illnesses.

“Wisconsin hospitals are already seeing an alarming number of hospitalizations due to respiratory illnesses,” said DHS Secretary-designee Karen Timberlake. “It is essential for Wisconsinites to get their updated COVID-19 booster and annual flu vaccine to protect their health, especially with the holiday season right around the corner.”

All Wisconsinites ages 6 months and older can get their COVID-19 and flu vaccines at the same time. Everyone 5 years and older should also get an updated COVID-19 booster when eligible. The updated COVID-19 booster provides increased protection against Omicron variants which cause most of the current COVID-19 cases. Data from the updated DHS COVID-19 Vaccine Dashboard show less than 15% of Wisconsinites have gotten their updated COVID-19 booster. It is especially important for older people, people with chronic health conditions, people who are pregnant, and young children to get vaccinated to prevent severe disease. For more information on current guidance on COVID-19 vaccination for children, visit the DHS website.

In addition to getting all recommended vaccines, Wisconsinites should take additional steps when planning their holiday celebrations because respiratory viruses spread more easily when people are gathered indoors.

  • If you are feeling sick, get tested. Talk to a doctor about getting tested for COVID-19, influenza, RSV, or other respiratory viruses. Wisconsinites can still order free COVID-19 rapid tests and access testing at many community locations across the state. 
  • If you’re sick, stay home. Especially if you test positive or have symptoms of COVID-19, flu, or other illnesses. This helps protect others, especially those who are most vulnerable. Consider connecting virtually or rescheduling activities so you can celebrate safely.
  • Check your COVID-19 Community Level for information about the amount of severe illness in your community before any holiday celebration. If your COVID-19 Community Level is high, wear a well-fitting mask or respirator when you are inside public places around others.
  • Frequently wash your hands with soap and water to help prevent the spread of all respiratory illnesses and cover coughs and sneezes to avoid spreading germs.

Find more information about COVID-19 testing on the DHS website. If you need assistance accessing other health care or finding a vaccine provider in your community, call 211 or 877-947-2211. 

 Visit the DHS website for up-to-date information about COVID-19, the flu, and RSV. Additional information about the 2022-2023 respiratory season can be found in the DHS Weekly Respiratory Report.

Editor’s note: This information was provided in a news release from the Wisconsin Department of Health Services. We appreciate having permission to use the image on the homepage by Mojca-Peter from Pixabay.

Notice of Spring Election for Town of Whitewater

Type A Notice

NOTICE OF SPRING ELECTION

TOWN OF WHITEWATER, WALWORTH COUNTY, WI

APRIL 4, 2023 SPRING ELECTION

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, that at an election to be held in the Town of Whitewater, on Tuesday, April 4, 2023, the following offices are to be elected to succeed the present incumbents listed. The term for all offices is for two years beginning on Tuesday, April 18, 2023.

Office Incumbent

Town Board chairperson Lowell C. Hagen

Town Board Supervisor #1 Robert Strand

Town Board Supervisor #2 Norman Pruesner

NOTICE IS FURTHER GIVEN, that the first day to circulate nomination papers is Thursday, December 1, 2022 and the final day for filing nomination papers is 5:00 PM, on Tuesday, January 3, 2023 in the office of the Town Clerk.

NOTICE IS FURTHER GIVEN, that if a primary is necessary, the primary will be held on Tuesday, February 21, 2023.

Done in the Town of Whitewater, on the 17th day of November, 2022

Jorja Boiley, Town Clerk-Treasurer

Acceptable Photo ID will be required to vote at this election. If you do not have a photo ID you may obtain a free ID for voting from the Division of Motor Vehicles.

WHS Shop Receives Donation of Milling Equipment

Friday, November 11, was an exciting day for Whitewater High School Tech Ed! The high school Tech Ed Department received a generous donation of a Milltronics CNC milling machine and a Bridgeport mill from Carol Baun and the family of James Baun who owned and operated Baun’s Tooling.

This donation will allow the Whitewater High School Tech Ed Program to continue to update the metal shop area. This equipment will also allow the tech ed program to train more students for youth apprenticeship opportunities where they will receive paid, hands-on training in local manufacturing facilities during the school day! Two students are already working in welding and machining youth apprenticeships at Provisur Technologies this school year.

Thank you to the Baun family for this opportunity and to Troy Clauer of Whitewater Manufacturing for helping us move and set up this new equipment!

Article and Photos Submitted by Mason Pautsch
Whitewater High School Technology and Engineering Teacher
mpautsch@wwusd.org

UW-W’s Patzka and Miller Receive Regional Cross Country Awards

Christian Patzka (L) and Jeff Miller

Editor’s note: The following announcement was posted to the Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Association website.

UW-Whitewater’s Patzka and Miller Receive USTFCCCA North Region Honors

NEW ORLEANS–University of Wisconsin-Whitewater’s Christian Patzka was named the 2022 NCAA Division III North Region Men’s Athlete of the Year, while the Warhawks’ Jeff Miller was selected the North Region Men’s Coach of the Year by the U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA).
 
Patzka claimed the individual title at the NCAA Division III North Regional in 24:08.4. Earlier this season, he took top individual honors at the Tom Hoffman Invitational and the Ken Weidt Classic, as well as placing second at the Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (WIAC) Championship and NCAA Division III Pre-National Invitational. Patzka is the second Warhawk to receive the regional distinction, joining David Fassbender, who won the USTFCCCA award a year ago.
 
Miller, in his 41st season as head coach at UW-Whitewater, collected the honor for the second straight season. He led the Warhawks to the team title at the NCAA Division III North Regional with 75 points. UW-Whitewater was the team runner-up at the WIAC Championship with 51 points.

Walworth County ADRC to host a Community Conversation on Dementia Care Needs on Fri.

(ELKHORN, WI): The Walworth County Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC) will host a Community Conversation centered around dementia care needs in our communities on Friday, November 18, from 5 to 6:30 p.m. This listening session is an opportunity for the community to share their experiences with dementia care to influence the development of the 2024-2028 Wisconsin State Dementia Plan. Through these conversations, we hope to identify challenges and solutions that will help us improve our dementia care systems.

“Your opinion matters and is vital in helping develop the 2024 to 2028 State Dementia Plan,” says Dementia Care Specialist Jake Sawyers. “Your feedback is important in helping us assess community dementia care needs and build a dementia care system that works for everyone.”

In 2018, the Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) published the 2019-2023 State Dementia Plan. The plan focused on four key areas: care in the community, health care, crisis response, and facility-based care. Despite the significant challenges caused by the pandemic, many of the plan’s initiatives, projects, and programs stemming have been created, including guides for dementia-friendly communities and businesses, grant programs to fund caregiver support groups, expansion of research hubs in rural areas, memory screening programs, a brain health curriculum for K-12 schools, the statewide dementia care specialist program, new opportunities to train certified nurse aides, and increased funding for long-term care agencies. DHS is now working with the Steering Committee, leadership teams, and communities to build on these successes and identify remaining challenges as they develop the 2024-2028 State Dementia Plan.

The Community Conversation will be held at the Walworth County Health and Human Services building, 1910 County Road NN, Elkhorn. Please call (262) 741-3273 if you are unable to attend in person and would like to attend virtually via Zoom.

About the Walworth County Aging and Disability Resource Center: The ADRC provides information and assistance to older and disabled adults, their friends, family, caregivers, and the public. We can assist by evaluating your current needs and providing options available to meet the needs of your personal situation.

WHS Players Presents Beauty & the Beast – Thurs. – Sun.

There’s no better way to start the holiday season than by taking in a performance of the Whitewater High School Players production of the beloved Disney classic, “Beauty and the Beast,” that showcases the talents of nearly 70 actors, stage crew members, and musicians. 

Jim McCulloch and Liz Elliot serve as Directors, Kat Dunham is the Scenery Construction Coordinator, University of Wisconsin-Whitewater Theatre major Taytum Adkins is the Choreographer, and Justin Kamp is Conductor of the pit band.

Performances in the Whitewater High School Auditorium will be Nov. 17, 18, and 19 at 7:30 p.m., and Nov. 19 and 20 at 2:00 p.m.

General admission tickets ($7 for students and $10 for adults) can be reserved by calling 262-472-8178 or in person at the Book Teller in downtown Whitewater.  Tickets also are available an hour before the performances.

“Beauty and the Beast” tells the story of a “beast” who captures a young woman, Belle, in an attempt to gain her love, so he can shed his monstrous form. It’s filled with lovable characters and singalong songs.

“Beauty and the Beast” (“La Belle et la Bête”) was written by French novelist Gabrielle-Suzanne Barbot de Villeneuve and published in 1740 in “La Jeune Américaine et les contes marins” (“The Young American and Marine Tales”).  It has been prominent in books, on the stage, and in movies ever since.

About thirty minutes before the curtain rises, there will be a “pre-show” of Tom Ganser’s photos from WHS Players productions of “The Little Mermaid” (2019), “Summer Shorts” (2021), and “Footloose” (2021).

In addition to the regular performances, there will be a special “Be Our Guest” Tea Party on November 19th at 12:30 p.m.  Come dressed as your favorite Disney character, enjoy some sweets and treats in the enchanted castle, get your picture taken with some of the cast, and take home a souvenir teacup. Tickets are $10 per child. Adult chaperones are free. Seating is limited and reservations for this event are required by calling 262-472-8178.

This production of “Beauty and the Beast” will participate in the Madison Overture Center’s Jerry Awards program that encourages, recognizes, and honors excellence in high school musical theater.

Hayleigh Pond is an 8th grader at Whitewater Middle School and takes to the stage as a villager and as a piece of silverware in “Be Our Guest.”  She said, “Even a spoon is important, so that means even if you are not popular or known, you are still a big part of life.”

Skylar Staebler, a senior at WHS, has been in many productions throughout her years in Whitewater.  In “Beauty and the Beast,” she takes on one of the leading roles as Belle.

“I love the resilience and strong, independent nature of Belle. I am a very independent person and think that I can connect well to Belle’s standards. I am not as proper or ‘princess’ like Belle, but I think my hard work and love of stories make up for it. I often find myself daydreaming and living in the world of music like Belle’s love of books.”

Staebler concludes, “I’ve truly loved bringing the world of Belle to life and can’t wait for an audience to see all the hard work the cast and crew have done.”

Joshua Kirley, also a WHS senior who has been in many theatrical productions, is cast in a leading role as the Beast.  He shared that a challenge for him as the Beast is “portraying my emotions in the songs I sing.”

Asked to compare the Beast to a flavor of ice cream, Kirley said, “I think that Rocky Road suits the Beast, because he’s mean at first but as soon as you get to know him you’ll learn to love him.”

Fort HealthCare to Welcome New CEO in January

Michael Anderson, MD

Editor’s note: The following press release was received from Fort HealthCare.

Fort HealthCare (FHC) Board of Directors announced today that Michael Anderson, MD, will transition to Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and President in January 2023. Mary Behling, chair of the Fort HealthCare Board of Directors, stated, “We’re excited about the talent and perspective that Dr. Anderson brings to Fort HealthCare in his new role as CEO. He has consistently demonstrated his dedication to the highest standards of care and improving the health of the community, and we’re confident that his leadership will position the organization well going forward.”

Anderson has held numerous positions within Fort HealthCare since 2003 in addition to his role as an Otolaryngologist at the FHC ENT clinic. Besides Chief of Surgery, Medical Director of Perioperative Services, and Chief of Staff, he has also served on the FHC Board of Directors for nine years and most recently held the position of Sr. VP, Medical Affairs and Chief Medical Officer.

Anderson stated, “Healthcare is evolving at a rapid pace. I’m honored to step into this role and navigate that future for the organization. As a physician, I understand the importance of quality and value-based healthcare, while sustaining medical excellence to the community. Fort HealthCare has a very bright future, and I feel extremely fortunate to be a part of it.”

The current CEO and President, Michael Wallace, will be retiring at the end of the year. He has been with FHC since 2006 and will continue in an advisory role for the next year. Under his leadership, Fort HealthCare has received several recognitions, such as Top Workplace from the Journal Sentinel, Top 100 Rural & Community Hospital by The Chartis Center, and a 5-Star rating from CMS. In addition, Wallace has worked closely with the Wisconsin Hospital Association for the past 10 years and served as Board Chair in 2016. He was honored with the prestigious “Distinguished Service Award” by WHA last year.

When asked about what he is most proud of, Wallace said, “The people. We have a strong culture at FHC that has allowed us to make a difference in the health of Jefferson County. Any recognition or successes we’ve had are a direct reflection of everyone who makes FHC what it is — the board, the providers, the staff, and the community. We have a strong management team and Dr. Anderson is uniquely positioned to lead FHC over the next decade.” He adds, “FHC has been the joy of my professional career. I’m fortunate that my family and I found our way to Fort Atkinson! I look forward to staying involved with the community.”

To learn more about Michael Anderson, MD, visit https://www.forthealthcare.com/physician/michael-anderson-otolaryngologist-ent/.

Rollie Cooper Receives Municipal Commendation, with October 30, 2022 proclaimed “Rollie Cooper Day”

Editor’s Note: The following was provided by the Whitewater Kiwanis Breakfast Club.

Rollie Cooper was recognized for his tremendous achievements and work on behalf of the children of Whitewater. Whitewater Kiwanis Breakfast Club members Jean Bromley, Lorrie Koppein and Patrick Taylor presented Rollie Cooper with a Municipal Commendation and declared October 30, 2022 to be “Rollie Cooper Day.”

Following is the proclamation:

Kiwanians Jean Bromley, Lorrie Koppein and Patrick Taylor presented Rollie Cooper with his award.