News

Editor’s note: The following announcement was received from Rock River Community Clinic.

Rock River Community Clinic Welcomes Elizabeth Lucht as Behavioral Health Director & Integrated Care Specialist

Rock River Community Clinic (RRCC) has recently announced the hiring of Elizabeth (Beth) Lucht as a Behavioral Health Director & Integrated Care Specialist to implement and oversee the addition of integrated behavioral health services at all RRCC clinics located in Whitewater, Fort Atkinson, Jefferson & Watertown.

“We are delighted to have Beth join our RRCC team and lead our efforts towards providing integrated behavioral healthcare to our patients,” states Olivia Nichols, CEO/Executive Director of RRCC. “Behavioral health is a vital component to the overall health of our patients, and it’s something we know our communities are lacking. Having someone with Beth’s background, experience and passion for this type of care will help ensure that our transition into this crucial service is as effective as possible for all those we serve.”

Lucht is a Certified Physician Assistant (PA-C) and Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with Masters of Science degrees in both Social Work and Physician Assistant Studies with Pathway of Distinction in Global Health, both from University of Wisconsin – Madison. Her three decades of experience have spanned positions as a Physician Assistant, Psychiatrist Physician Assistant, Clinical Specialist, Psychotherapist and Adjunct Faculty member of the UW-Madison Physician Assistant Program.

“During my time as a PA, I’ve worked in specialty mental health care, primary care and in leadership positions. This has given me a lot of insight into the primary care world, and strengthened my belief that patients do best when we can meet as many healthcare needs as possible at the primary care level,” states Lucht. “Offering patients integrated behavioral health services removes barriers, allows a team approach that can be tailored to their needs and desires, and ensures more seamless communication between primary care and behavioral health clinicians.”

Lucht’s role will be responsible for helping build and support patient care teams of providers, therapists, social workers, and care navigators at all RRCC medical and dental clinics. Her overall duties will include, but are not limited to, developing clinical policies and procedures, supporting clinical operations of behavioral health integration, recruiting and training physicians to engage in behavioral health services, working with the Quality Assurance committee to achieve program goals and objectives, establishing behavioral health services priorities, creating long-range development strategies, and much more.

“I’m passionate about helping people access behavioral health services, especially people with limited resources and barriers to care,” states Lucht. “I also love the chance to build something from the ground up, so helping RRCC get a behavioral health program going was exactly the kind of job that fits for me in terms of my values and what I enjoy doing.”

In December of 2022, RRCC received an official designation as a Federally Qualified Health Center Look-Alike (FQHC-LAL). A primary goal of becoming an FQHC-LAL was to expand access to needed behavioral health services in the community. Integrated Behavioral Health services are a cornerstone of many FQHC’s in the state of Wisconsin, and have a track-record of strong success in supporting access to services.

“Our organization is in an exciting time of transition and growth, and we knew our next step was to focus on integrating more care services and addressing behavioral health needs,” adds Nichols. “Our designation as an FQHC-LAL puts us in a stronger position to pursue and sustain that work long-term, and we couldn’t be more thrilled to work and learn with Beth to do so.”

“I’m excited about the opportunities to collaborate with RRCC community providers,” adds Lucht. “I’m also excited to collaborate with the wonderful primary care providers and support staff already in place at the clinic and work together to make sure our patients can get their behavioral health care needs met. The energy at RRCC is fantastic! I love the focus on the patient and the opportunities for creativity and creation.”

Lucht officially began her role with RRCC in early February, and will begin seeing patients through their primary care visits in April.

Rock River Community Clinic is actively hiring for additional clinic positions, including a part-time nurse practitioner or physician assistant at their Watertown location. The Fort Atkinson dental clinic also has open hygiene and dental assistant positions. Both part-time and full-time options are available. Interested applicants can visit https://rockrivercommunityclinic.com/careers/ for full details.

All three RRCC medical clinics accept BadgerCare, Medicare, and most private health insurance plans for health services. RRCC dental clinic accepts BadgerCare and continues to be the only provider for BadgerCare/Medicaid in Jefferson County. Financial assistance is also available for uninsured families to ensure all have access to high quality, affordable healthcare. For a full list of insurance plans and eligibility details, visit https://rockrivercommunityclinic.com/eligibility/.

Rock River Community Clinic (RRCC) provides comprehensive and cost-effective health care services to ensure all community members have access to care. Serving families in Jefferson, Dodge, and Walworth County, RRCC includes three medical clinics located in Whitewater, Watertown, and Jefferson, and one dental clinic located in Fort Atkinson.

At RRCC, all community members are welcome and accepted, regardless of ability to pay, with discounted prices for patients who are uninsured or underinsured (high deductible plans). RRCC also provides care coordination services to help patients overcome barriers to accessing healthcare and coordinate referrals. Bilingual staff (Spanish & English) are available to support patients and their families. By increasing access to health care services, offering care at affordable costs, and assisting with healthcare navigation, RRCC works to create a healthier, more equitable, community. For clinic hours and directions, visit www.rockrivercommunityclinic.org

By Lynn Binnie
Whitewater Banner volunteer staff
whitewaterbanner@gmail.com

When the body of a deceased infant was found in a box in a field at the Twin Oaks Mobile Home Park, 755 N. Tratt Street, on March 4, investigators indicated that they believed that the boy’s body had been there for less than 48 hours. According to the Probable Cause and Criminal Complaint documents filed in Jefferson County Circuit Court, however, the newborn’s body had been in the field for five weeks.

Per the Probable Cause Statement submitted by Whitewater Police Detective Anthony Heilberger, he and Special Agent Bob Juarez of the WI Department of Justice Division of Criminal Investigation interviewed Santos Asucena Caseres Cruz twice on March 24. On the first occasion Caseres Cruz denied being pregnant and denied knowing information about the deceased infant. Later in the day she admitted that at approximately 6 p.m. on January 27 she gave birth to a baby boy, indicating that the baby did not appear to be breathing, did not cry, was not moving and started to turn purple. Although she believed the baby was choking she never aided the baby to help it breathe, and did not call 911 because she was scared that her children would be upset that she was pregnant and that this was with a different man than their father. After having hid the baby from her family she eventually wrapped it in a new shirt, placed the baby in a cardboard box in a garbage bag, and drove to a field near the trailer park at approximately 5 a.m. on January 28, leaving the baby behind. She stated that she checked on the box every day and cried.

An autopsy was conducted on March 6 by Brian Linert, M.D. of the Milwaukee Medical Examiner’s Office. Dr. Linert indicated that he was not able to determine a cause of death.

Caseras Cruz, age 39, of 755 N. Tratt Street, Lot 42, was charged in Jefferson County Circuit Court on March 28 with two felonies: Neglecting a child – consequence is death and Move/hide/bury corpse of child. Upon conviction an individual may be fined not more than $100,000 and $25,000 respectively for those offenses, or imprisoned not more than 25 years and 12 years and 6 months, or both. Caseras Cruz is currently confined at the Jefferson County Jail on a $10,000 cash bond. Her preliminary hearing is scheduled for April 4. A charge is merely an accusation and a defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proved guilty.

Editor’s Note: The following was provided by Walworth County.

Walworth County boasts three major parks—Price Park Conservancy, Natureland Park, and White River County Park. In total, our parks encompass 419 acres, with hiking trails, ponds, springs, and wetlands. This April, Walworth County invites residents to get outside, get involved, and experience our County parks through trail walks, volunteer work days, tree plantings, and educational activities.

In honor of Earth Day, Geneva Lake Conservancy and Walworth County are recruiting volunteers for a Park Work Day on Friday, April 21, from 9 a.m. to noon, at White River County Park, 6503 Sheridan Springs Rd., Lake Geneva. Volunteers will assist with invasive species removal and native planting. From noon to 2 p.m., Geneva Lake Conservancy will host an educational session teaching participants how to make seed bombs.

On Earth Day, Saturday, April 22, at 10:30 a.m., Kettle Moraine Land Trust (KMLT) and Walworth County are recruiting volunteers to help collect trash at Price Park. Afterward, participants can turn trash into treasure at KMLT’s recycled art station.

To celebrate Arbor Day on Friday, April 28, KMLT and Walworth County will host two tree-planting events. Volunteers are needed to assist KMLT and Walworth County staff with tree plantings at Natureland Park, W8338 Territorial Rd., Whitewater, from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m., and at Price Park, from noon to 2 p.m.

Those interested in volunteering at the Earth Day or Arbor Day events should contact Karin Texidor, Volunteer Services Coordinator, at (262) 741-4223, ketexidor@co.walworth.wi.us.

About the Walworth County Parks Division: Walworth County has a long history of promoting and protecting the natural beauty of our County lands. We welcome you to discover and explore our three beautiful County Parks: Natureland, Price, and White River, or hike the White River State Trail. Learn more at www.co.walworth.wi.us/306/Parks.

Editor’s note: The following press release was received from the Walworth County Sheriff’s Office.

On Friday, March 31st, 2023 at approximately 11:26 AM, The Walworth County Sheriff’s 911 Communications Center received a report of a head-on collision between two vehicles on County Hwy A near Johnson Rd. in the Town of Richmond, Walworth County, WI. Initial reports indicated one of the vehicles was on fire.

Upon the arrival of Sheriff’s Deputies, they observed a vehicle fully engulfed in flames. The driver was out of the vehicle and sustained critical injuries. The injured driver was treated on the scene by Medix Ambulance and the Delavan Fire Department. The driver was transported from the crash scene to a trauma center via Flight For Life. The driver’s name is being withheld pending family notifications.

The initial investigation indicates an eastbound vehicle crossed the center line of County Hwy A, East of Johnson Road, and struck the victim’s vehicle. The operator was cited for operating left of center causing great bodily harm.

The Sheriff’s Office was assisted by the Wisconsin State Patrol, the City of Delavan Fire Department, Medix Ambulance, Mercy Hospital MD1, and the Walworth County Highway Department.

Pursuant to the directive of the Wisconsin Supreme Court, as found in Supreme Court Rule 20:3.6, Trial Publicity, you are advised that a charge is merely an accusation and that a defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proved guilty.

It’s time once again for #FlashbackFriday with the Whitewater Historical Society. This week’s image is from the 1970s. Do you remember when the old Bank building on Main Street was painted in a colorful mural?

The mural was designed in 1975 by Sachio Yamashita and painted specifically for the upcoming bicentennial celebration of the United States in 1976. The project used some money from a grant meant for communities to celebrate the bicentennial. Needless to say, its colorful appearance and design did not please everyone and a number of letters to the editor of the Whitewater Register were highly uncomplimentary. Faculty from the UW-Whitewater, though, defended it for its artistic merit.

While most historic building experts do not recommend painting murals on buildings today, if this artwork still existed, it would probably be considered “historic” in its own right and worthy of preservation as an example of 1970s art done to celebrate the nation’s 200th birthday.

Online registration opens Monday, April 3 for 4K and new-to-the-district kindergartners for the Whitewater Unified School District. Please be sure to visit our enrollment webpage for more information on enrollment: https://www.wwusd.org/page/4k-and-new-to-the-district-kg. The next step after online registration is attending our Registration Day event on April 12 to ask questions, meet the staff, and collect helpful resources. 

Editor’s Note: The following was provided by the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater Roberta Art Gallery.

Honor Earth Month by delving into the 2D and 3D realms of landscaped fences and monocultures with Ben Orozco’s “Walled Gardens” exhibit at Roberta’s Art Gallery through April 25. Orozco’s exhibit, in collaboration with UW-Whitewater Sustainability, is challenging the way we see physical space and urban landscapes with grown and built barriers. Orozco creates illusions that challenge viewers’ perceptions of flatness and depth.

Orozco is a graduate from UW-Madison, where he received his Bachelor of Fine Arts with Concentrations in Graphic Design, Neon/Glass, and Sculpture. In 2020, he completed a 9-month Fulbright-Hays fellowship in Småland, Sweden, researching Swedish glass and neon design and techniques. Alongside the Glass Factory Museum in Boda, Sweden, his artwork has also been exhibited in various areas around the United States including New York, New Jersey, Florida, and Madison, Wisconsin.

Roberta’s Art Gallery is located on the first floor of the James R. Connor University Center at UW-Whitewater. The gallery collaborates with campus departments, student organizations, and community artists in coordinating and sponsoring exhibits. In semester, hours are Monday – Thursday 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Friday 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., and closed Saturday and Sunday. The Gallery will be closed during Spring Break from March 27-31.

Join us for the exhibit reception on Tuesday, April 18 at 6 p.m., where we will have an artist meet-and-greet, a panel discussion on the environments we live in, and an opportunity for audience questions. Free food and refreshments will be provided.

Roberta’s Art Gallery prides itself in all exhibits being free and open to the public. 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.

Jeanine and Rick Fassl are again taking their art to new heights.  They are participating in the Whitewater Arts Alliance Public Art Project by creating wooden barn quilts that will hang on the light poles downtown for the summer. They have enjoyed creating fish, chairs, water barrels, bikes, kites, hearts and more for the many years the Whitewater Arts Alliance has been hosting the project.  

Blanks are available at the Cultural Arts Center or the Chamber of Commerce office. The finished boards are to be returned by April 15 unless an extension is requested. Further information is available here.

Our thanks to Jeanine and Rick Fassl for sharing their beautiful work in progress with us.

— 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!

High School Mission Trip Fish Fry Fundraiser

What: Fish Fry (Fried fish, French fries, coleslaw, bread, water, and lemonade)

When: Friday, March 31 from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. (Cod and Tilapia)

Where: Berry Hall—Upstairs (St. Patrick Church, 1225 W. Main St.)

Cost: $15 for 3 pieces/ $12 for 2 pieces—Soda or milk for $1

Carry-outs are available.

(All proceeds support the St. Patrick Church’s High School Mission Trip to Kansas City this summer.)

Editor’s Note: The following was provided by the City of Whitewater.

Common Council President, Lisa Dawsey Smith, and Whitewater City Manager, John Weidl, invite the community to a Meet and Greet event on Wednesday, April 5th from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. at City Hall on the second floor. The April Meet and Greet will also include the Chief of Police, Daniel A. Meyer and Officer Saul Valadez. From 1:00 to 2:00 p.m., Common Council Member and Community Development Authority Vice Chair James Allen will be available.

“Over the next several months and into next year, the Common Council president and I look forward to introducing the community to individual council members and department heads as well as showcasing their unique contributions to our City. At the same time, we hope to provide an opportunity for individuals to get to know more about the City employees, ask questions, and make suggestions,” says John Weidl, Whitewater city manager. “We are also pleased to announce that we will have staff that can speak both Spanish and English for our ELL and MLL community members. All are welcome!”

This event is part of a series of open forums to get to know your leadership. All citizens are welcome and encouraged to attend. This is a great opportunity to introduce yourself, get answers to your questions, or discover ways to get involved in serving your community through a board, committee, or commission.

“The future of our community depends in large part on our commitment to meaningful dialogue. Everyone has a role in building a more vibrant community. We need to build a bridge between the conversations we have around the kitchen table and the conversations amongst our community leaders. This series of open forums enables us to build community dialogue,” says Lisa Dawsey Smith, Common Council president.

The April 5th Meet and Greet event will be held at the Municipal Building, on the 2nd floor, in the Cravath Lakefront Conference Room. Coffee and cookies will be served. First come, first served.