Ferradermis Wrapping Up Virtual Season, Preparing for In-Person Event

Article and Photos by Laura Masbruch
Ferradermis Advisor and Banner Volunteer
lmasbruch@wwusd.org

Due to the pandemic, and the varying degree to which teams throughout the world could meet in person and get access to their equipment, the FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC) suspended all in-person play for the regular 2021 season and implemented a fully virtual set of competitions for teams that were able to participate. Internationally, 3,075 teams (about three-fourths of all existing teams) were able to register and participate in these competitions. Many schools, even some in Wisconsin, did not allow their teams to register due to restrictions on extra-curricular activities. Ferradermis, Whitewater High School’s team, has been able to meet in person in small groups since the beginning of November. We also had a group of students who chose to remain fully virtual and were integral parts of the administrative and CAD teams.  

For the traditional Chairman’s, Woodie Flowers, and Dean’s Lists awards, Ferradermis was grouped with the other 29 participating Wisconsin teams. During Spring Break, students took part in virtual interviews with judges for both Chairman’s and Dean’s List. Chairman’s focuses on all non-robot parts of a team including community outreach, diversity, and impact on students during the previous five years. Administrative Team Members Anderson Waelchli, Carson Ellenwood, and Molly Zimmermann put together a 7-minute presentation around the theme of, “staying connected,” for Chairman’s which they delivered prior to a 5 minute Q & A session with the judges. Team members can nominate one mentor for the Woodie Flowers Award, and this year the students selected co-head coach Dilpreet “Chief” Randhawa, who has been with the team since it first formed five years ago. Mentors nominate up to two sophomore or junior students for Dean’s List; this year the candidates for Dean’s List were Elijah Grall and Anderson Waelchli. Wisconsin will be holding an awards ceremony in mid-May to announce the finalists, who will advance to compete on an international level.  

Ferradermis chose to participate in two of the three virtual competitions hosted by FIRST, declining only the Game Design Challenge. For the Innovation Challenge, teams had to, “Identify a problem or opportunity and design a solution to help people (or a community of people) keep, regain, or achieve optimum physical and/or mental health and fitness through active play or movement.” A team of students worked from January through March with the guidance of mentor Allison Conrad to develop a modular set of playground equipment which can grow with a child. They researched their customer base by surveying our elementary students, connected with an actual playground equipment company that provided background and eventually reviewed their design, used CAD to develop their design, and then produced a 3D printed model. This past weekend, they delivered their two-minute business pitch to the judges for their product, Rec-Creation, which was then followed by a three-minute presentation, and ten minutes of Q & A. Participating team members included Reilly Aschenbrener, Carson Ellenwood, Andrew Rollette, Anderson Waelchli, Gwen Yeager, and Molly Zimmermann. Ferradermis will be judged as part of the Argon Group, which is made up of 30 randomly assigned teams from across the United States, the United Kingdom, Mexico, Canada, and Turkey. BadgerBOTS, the team from Middleton who helped Ferradermis get started five years ago, is the only other Wisconsin team in this group. Four teams from the Argon Group will be named semi-finalists and will then present again to a new group of judges, competing against the semi-finalists from all other groups, with 20 teams eventually being named finalists.

Technical Flyer Submitted for Infinite Recharge at Home

The third virtual competition, Infinite Recharge at Home, was divided into two parts. Teams first had to submit technical information on their robot for the traditional judged machine awards, and then they could qualify for the Skills Challenge. Students created a technical flyer describing the robot under the guidance of mentors Nick Ackerman and Dilpreet Randhawa. This past weekend, a student team of Reilly Aschenbrenner, Elijah Grall, Andrew Rollette, and Lauren Rollette completed a seven-minute presentation and five minutes of Q & A with judges. Students are now working on submitting video clips of the robot completing various skills challenges including the Hyperdrive Challenge (where the driver must navigate four specific paths as quickly as possible), the InterStellar Accuracy Challenge (where the robot must score power cells from four different distances in under five minutes), and the Power Port Challenge (where the robot collects power cells from the floor and the team scores as many points as possible in one minute). Ferradermis will be judged as part of the Oxygen Group for Infinite Recharge at Home; this group is made up of 30 randomly assigned teams from 16 states, Turkey, and Mexico. Ferradermis is the only Wisconsin team in this group.

Ferradermis is excited to have the opportunity to participate in an in-person off-season competition on June 19. The Lakeshore Robotics Coalition in Manitowoc is hosting Wisconsin teams in June over the course of four days, with up to 14 teams competing each day. Each team will only be allowed to travel with 10 people (7 students and 3 mentors), and one of those members must serve as a volunteer at the event to further limit the number of people in attendance. Remaining team members and mentors will gather at the high school to watch the live stream of the event and feed scouting information to the team in Manitowoc. The winning alliance from each day along with the captain of the second place alliance will get to return for a championship day on July 10. The students are excited for the opportunity to get “wheels on carpet” for the first time since March of 2020. Go, Ferradermis!

U W Whitewater Community Optimist Club Online Auction

U W Whitewater Community Optimist Club
Community fundraiser for the Youth of Whitewater
March 27th 8 a.m. thru Sat., April 3rd  12 Noon
https://u-w-whitewater-community-optimis.betterworld.org/

Click on our auction and purchase an item to benefit the youth of our community events such as:
*Easter Egg Hunt
*Youth Appreciation Week
*Scholarships (3)
*City Park-Optimist Turtle Mound Parkway
*Breakfast With Santa
* Whitewater Unified School District Emergency Fund
*Youth Awards
*Toys for Tots
*Food Pantry
*Fishing Clinic
These are some of our programs. Your purchases will help us provide the necessary funds for the programs.
We are meeting virtually right now and if you have an interest in the club please contact Al Hutchison @ alnjoyce.hutchison@gmail.com

https://u-w-whitewater-community-optimis.betterworld.org/


Closer Look at Late Night Incident Raises Questions

By Al Stanek
Whitewater Banner volunteer staff
whitewaterbanner@gmail.com

EDITOR’S NOTE: The following article was generated in response to readers who wanted to know more of the particulars regarding an alleged assault and related underage drinking incident in early March. ‘The Banner’ requested and reviewed police reports relating to the incident. As we reported on March 11, a male who is no longer enrolled at UW-W was cited with disorderly conduct (assault) and underage presence in a licensed establishment. The Banner found nothing particularly newsworthy about the assault investigation, but did research the age requirements for bartenders. No editorial position regarding existing underage drinking regulations is intended.

Further examination of a Whitewater incident that occurred after bar time the night of Thursday March 4 brought to light the fact that in Wisconsin 18-, 19- and 20-year-olds can tend bar in an establishment restricting attendance to those age 21 and above.

The police report indicates that the man and a woman that he is accused of striking were both underage and had been in a tavern before the incident occurred.. The young woman was employed as a bartender at the establishment but was in the tavern as a customer at the time.

Municipal citations for “underage presence in a place prohibited” which require a deposit of $376 were issued to the assaulted woman and the man. A citation requiring a deposit of $691 was issued to the tavern owner for “licensee sell(ing) alcohol (to an) underage person.”

We asked Whitewater Police Chief Aaron Raap about the impact of underage bartenders here in Whitewater and although he was not “overly enthusiastic” about the policy he did not think that preventing underage bartenders alone would have a significant impact on underage drinking in the city. We also asked a WI Tavern League spokesperson to comment on the issue. Pete Madland advised us that, “Thousands of Wisconsin college students have helped pay for college by tending bar.” He added that “Technically an 18-year-old can be the owner of a Wisconsin tavern” and added that past efforts to raise the required age for bartending have failed.

City Attorney Wally McDonell and an attorney for the WI Legislative Reference Bureau (LRB) were both asked if the City could pass an ordinance requiring city bartenders to be 21 or older. Both replied that the state law would most likely prevent the City from doing so.

Leaf & Yard Waste Collection Runs for Two Weeks Beginning April 5

LEAF AND YARD WASTE COLLECTION:

The City of Whitewater – Department of Public Works will collect leaf and yard waste the:

  • Week of April 5 – April 9, 2021
  • Week of April 12 – April 16, 2021

*Dates may be subject to change in the event we experience accumulating snow during this time.

Yard waste is defined as leaves, grass clippings, and yard and garden debris. Yard waste must be bagged in 30 gallon or smaller biodegradable, clear or transparent bags only. Yard waste will not be collected if not property bagged or placed in non-transparent or black bags. The City offers Bio-Bags in the fall only at the Finance Department.

Please place your bagged yard waste on the curb no earlier than Saturday, April 3, (for collection beginning on April 5) and April 10, (for collection beginning on April 12). All bags must be brought to the curb for final collection on April 16, by 6:00 a.m. After April 16, bags will not be collected by City staff.

Residents may also use the compost site to dispose of leaf and yard waste. The compost site will open for the season on Saturdays, starting April 3, from 8 a.m. – 2 p.m. and on Wednesdays beginning April 7, from 3 p.m. – 7 p.m.

Residents requesting brush collection should call 473-0560 to make an appointment for pick up on Tuesdays.

NOTICE: City Ordinance Chapter 12.08 – Street Obstructions, Section: 12.08.010 – Residents are prohibited from depositing any yard waste debris on right of ways other than City of Whitewater designated days.

Walworth County Launches Embedded Crisis Liaison Program: Pilot Program Places Mental Health Professional in Whitewater PD Effective April 14

(ELKHORN, WI): For individuals suffering from mental health crises, interactions with police and the criminal justice system are upsetting and have lasting effects. Law enforcement officers responding to mental health and substance abuse-related service calls have few good choices. Simply put, holistically addressing mental health crises requires long-term solutions and a specialized skill set. A new Walworth County pilot program aims to provide that expertise.

Known as the Embedded Crisis Liaison Program (ECLP), the pilot program places Walworth County Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) Community Crisis Liaisons (CCLs) on-site at designated law enforcement agencies during peak call times and on-call 24/7 to allow for real-time community access to mental health support services. The liaisons go on applicable calls with police, who secure the scene before deciding when it’s appropriate to hand things over. The hope is that this immediate, on-scene response will provide better outcomes for residents in need while providing police with better support.

“The pilot program’s success will focus on decreasing demands on police officer time responding to mental health and substance-abuse crises, reducing repeat involvement for individuals with mental health or substance-abuse disorders, and providing quality mental health care in the least restrictive environment,” says Walworth County Administrator Mark Luberda.

Based on historical population and crisis-response case data, the Cities of Delavan and Whitewater were selected as preliminary partners for the pilot. The first Community Crisis Liaison moved into the Delavan Police Department on February 1, 2021. The second liaison will start with the City of Whitewater Police Department on April 14, 2021.

“We anticipate that having an embedded mental health crisis professional located within our police department, working with our officers and out in our community, will serve as a force multiplier when we find ourselves working with individuals who are experiencing crisis,” says Whitewater Chief of Police Aaron Raap. “It should improve our response efficiency and enhance effectiveness when confronted with the myriad of mental health crises people experience.”  

In addition to the services offered in Delavan and Whitewater, DHHS Behavioral Health specialists are evaluating ways to expand mental health support services for the Sheriff’s Office. Potential activities for the Sheriff’s Office may include consultation for serious situations that require the engagement of the SWAT team, preemptively de-escalating crises and follow-up in group homes, and enhanced mental health services at the jail. The Sheriff’s Office is located in close proximity to the DHHS and the in-house Crisis Intervention Specialists are available to respond on scene when requested.

To measure the program’s success rate, DHHS is working with licensed Psychologist Dr. Patric Mattek to analyze data related to the number of arrests, the amount of time law enforcement spends on service calls, and the number of hospitalizations for mental health and substance-use problems. This data will be used to better understand the program’s impacts and to help DHHS apply for grants to expand the program in the future.

For more information about DHHS, click here.

First United Methodist Church Invites All to Take Part in a Palm Sunday Car Parade

At 12 noon on Sunday, March 28, First United Methodist Church is inviting all to take part in a PALM PROCESSIONAL PARADE!

Drive into the FUMC parking lot (145 S. Prairie St.) at the South Prairie Street entrance.

Receive palm branches safely from masked & gloved Prime Time Youth.

Tune your FM radio to processional music.

Proceed along the parade route IN YOUR VEHICLE.

Maps will be provided and the route will be clearly marked.

Tell your friends! ALL are welcome to receive palm branches.

HOSANNA! A safe and creative way to celebrate Palm Sunday!

The Community Space distributes 19 bikes to area kids

(The Community Space submission) A fantastic organization in Madison, Free Bikes 4 Kids Madison, gathers bicycles in need of repair, fixes them up, and offers them to nonprofit organizations to distribute to their community for free. The Community Space reached out to them — thanks to a tip from Miguel Aranda — and found that all they needed to do was sign up specific children and send on their height — very important for selecting and fitting a bike properly — and desired style, color, etc. Soon they had the bikes ready for us!

TCS volunteer John drove a trailer up to pick them up on Friday, March 19. He took seven bikes from TCS with him that had been donated to us but need repair — so we donated them on to Free Bikes 4 Kids. And he brought back 19 bikes — with new tires, seats, brakes, kickstands — for lucky kids of all ages. When Wesley, pictured, spotted his blue bike, he said, “Is that a SPEED bike?!?”

John said the Bikes 4 Kids volunteer, Harvey, was super helpful and that he looks forward to going back to get more. Thanks to all the helpers who made this possible!

Wesley and his new bike

To sign up for a free bike, stop in at the Community Space during open hours and talk to Kay. All ages are welcome to sign up, including adults. The Community Space is open at 834 E. Milwaukee Street on Tuesdays, 8:30-11 am, Wednesdays 3;30-7 pm, Thursdays 8:30-11 am, and Saturdays 8:30 am to 2 pm.


The Community Space is open to all, without restrictions. We have food, clothing, furniture and housewares. No appointment is necessary. No documentation/proof of anything is needed. We accept donations of all kinds (just no TVs that aren’t flat screen, please). The vestibule in front is open for donations 24/7. For larger items or bigger donation, please come during our open hours, drive around the back, and ring the bell.

City Compost Site Opens on Sat., April 3

(City of Whitewater press release) The compost site will open for the season on Saturday, April 3, 2021, at 8 a.m. until 2 p.m. The compost site will also open on Wednesdays beginning April 7, from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. The City will provide a loader for loading chips and compost beginning Saturday, April 3. This loader will be available the first Saturday of every month until the site closes for the season.

*Please allow enough time for unloading as the compost site will close promptly at the posted times.*

NOTICE: It is against city ordinance to deposit any yard waste debris on right of ways other than City of Whitewater designated days.

If you have any questions, please call the Streets Department at 473-0560.

UW-W Dance Program Reaches Milestone Dance-For-Camera Concert; “DanceScapes” available 3/30

(UW-W College of Arts and Communication, Department of Theatre/Dance submission) The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater Department of Theatre/Dance is excited to announce the world premiere of the first dance-for-camera concert with “DanceScapes ‘21.” An annual event, this year’s works have been choreographed specifically for the camera instead of the stage, making for an impactful and immersive experience. “DanceScapes ‘21” will be released on March 30 at 7:30 p.m. Ticket prices are $13 for a single viewer ticket and $26 for a family viewing ticket for two or more viewers. Tickets are on sale and can be purchased online at tickets.uww.edu or by calling (262) 472-2222. 

This year’s concert features works from artistic director and faculty member Barbara Grubel, award-winning guest artist Li Chiao Ping, faculty members Amy Slater and Piper Morgan Hayes, and student choreographers Nathan Hill, Kayla Knuth, Anna Heckel and Kristina Burmeister. Audiences can expect “DanceScapes ’21” to be a showcase of unique talent in our shared experience of this new digital age.

Having served as the artistic director and mentor for DanceScapes since its inception, Grubel was ready to tackle the challenge of a virtual concert. “Having to rethink the entirety of this annual event  – the magnitude of it was overwhelming. In a pandemic year, the things we take for granted such as sharing a rehearsal space and breathing the same air while the dancers are physically exerting themselves had to be completely rethought and remapped. I’m proud to have worked with the team that made this concert possible. I’m even more thrilled to have guest artist Li Chiao Ping creating this experience alongside the faculty and the students. The insight and experience she brings to the table has elevated our creativity and opened our minds to new possibilities. In addition to seeing the dance for screen works that have been created, audiences will get to hear from the choreographers about their inspirations, aspirations and what they have learned along the way. It’s going to be a visceral experience for all of us.”

Li Chiao Ping

Chiao Ping was brought in as the featured guest artist for “DanceScapes,” but with the switch to a virtual event her experience in dance for camera works has been a real asset. In addition to choreographing a piece for the concert, she offered workshops on screen dance this past fall to students in the dance minor at UW-Whitewater.  Chiao Ping was named by Dance Magazine as one of “25 to watch,” makes work for the stage, screen, and other sites for individuals and organizations around the country. She has choreographed for musical theater, opera, and ballet, in addition to concert dance, dance theater, and screen dance. Artistic Director of Li Chiao-Ping Dance and Co-Director of the SF-based Dziga Vertov Performance Group with Douglas Rosenberg from 1992-94, Li was the Director of the Dance Program at Hollins College and on faculty at Mills College. 

At the University of Wisconsin-Madison, Li has received one of the highest honors bestowed by the university, and one of only two artists to ever receive one, a Vilas Research Professorship. She has also received prestigious grants from the MAP Fund and the NEA, and fellowships from the Wisconsin Arts Board and Scripps/ADF Humphrey-Weidman-Limon. For more information on Chiao Ping, visit her Facebook page.

The virtual production of “DanceScapes ‘21” will be released on March 30 at 7:30 p.m.This content will be available through April 12, 2021 for viewing. Ticket prices are $13 for a single viewer ticket and $26 for a family viewing ticket for two or more viewers. Tickets are on sale and can be purchased online at tickets.uww.edu or by calling (262) 472-2222. 

Fort Memorial Hospital Honored as a 2021 Top 100 Rural & Community Hospital

(Fort Memorial Hospital submission) Fort Memorial Hospital has been recognized as a 2021 Top 100 Rural & Community Hospital. Compiled by The Chartis Center for Rural Health, this 11th annual recognition program honors outstanding performance among the nation’s rural hospitals based on the results of the Hospital Strength INDEX®.

“Being named a Top 100 Rural & Community Hospital again in 2021 is a great tribute to our employees,” said Mike Wallace, President and CEO of Fort HealthCare. “In a year of remarkable challenges, our employees continued using our mission, vision and values as their guide during this pandemic and achieving this honorable recognition is quite an accomplishment.”

“The Top 100 program continues to illuminate strategies and innovation for delivering higher quality care and better outcomes within rural communities,” said Michael Topchik, National Leader, The Chartis Center for Rural Health. “We are delighted to be able to spotlight the efforts of these facilities through the INDEX framework.”

Over the course of the last 11 years, the INDEX has grown to become the industry’s most comprehensive and objective assessment of rural hospital performance. Based entirely on public data and utilizing 36 independent indicators, the INDEX assesses rural hospitals across eight pillars of performance, including market share, quality, outcomes, patient perspective, cost, charge, and financial efficiency. The INDEX framework is widely used across the nation by independent rural hospitals, health systems with rural footprints and state offices of rural health, which provide access to INDEX analytics through grant-funded initiatives.

For more information visit https://www.beckershospitalreview.com/rankings-and-ratings

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. For more information, visit FortHealthCare.com.