Front Row Left to Right: Joanie McGowan, Sue Halbach, Mary Braun, Jerre Sveum Back Row Left to Right: Pam Bakken, Renee Barr, Stephani Hoffmann (De Anda Levine and Michael Wintz were unable to attend)
The following Whitewater Unified School District staff members were congratulated on their retirement and thanked for their years of service at a celebration hosted by the district at Willow Brook Golf Course on Thursday, June 2.
Pamela Bakken – Lincoln 2nd Grade Teacher Renee Barr – Washington Special Education Teacher Mary Braun – District Wide Speech/Language Pathologist Susan Halbach – Lincoln 3rd Grade Teacher Stephani Hoffmann – Washington 1st Grade Teacher De Anda Levine – High School Registrar/Student Services Secretary Joanie McGowan – Middle School 8th Grade Teacher Jerelene Svem – Lakeview Library Paraprofessional Michael Wintz – High School Technology Education Teacher
Editor’s note: The following was submitted by Whitewater Dementia Friendly Community Initiative (DFCI)
by Jean Caucutt A diagnosis of any devastating disease is difficult. When the disease has no cure or any hope of a cure, it can leave one without hope. For Ted and me that diagnosis came over three years ago. It is my hope that my words will provide ways to deal with a dementia diagnosis and ways to be sensitive to the needs of those who care for loved ones who suffer.
The main goal and objective for me was to preserve Ted’s dignity as the disease progressed. I retired from full-time work to care for him and made sure he was safe not only from bodily harm but from many who did not understand the disease. Ted looked like Ted. People would say, Ted seems fine to me. (Oh, that hurt.)
The support provided by the Alzheimer’s Association as well as the Aging and Disability Resource Center was welcome and appreciated. Family and friends, our church and former colleagues as well as neighbors all stepped up to support us in several ways. Visits, calls, meals, notes, gift cards — even a walk and talk– helped us with the journey. Friends and family would go for a walk with Ted or take him for a ride or for a meal at a fast food restaurant. This allowed me a time to breathe and to relax before the task of constant watchcare would again take over. One friend in particular made a commitment to me that he would support in any way by coming to be with Ted. Many times I would call him in a pinch, and he would be there. “Rockin’ Respite” day care in Whitewater and All-Day Adult Care in Delavan provided great care for Ted.
Libraries in our area became “Purple Angels” (certified dementia-friendly sites) to take refuge for an outing. Summer concerts in the park were a favorite place to spend time. Memory Cafes allowed good social activities and relationships with others facing the same challenges. Support groups — both in-person and online — helped along the journey. I read books and joined online chats with Teepa Snow & Dr. Natali Edmonds (Dementia Careblazers). The advice and support gave me the courage needed to get up every day and move forward. Social workers from hospice care, the Alzheimer’s Association, and the ADRC provided much needed support.
When the time came that Ted needed 24-hour care, he was moved into Glenwood at Mulberry. What a blessing this family of caregivers were to Ted and to his family. As we spent the last week with him before he passed into eternity, the kind care and genuine love for Ted and his family touched all of us in a special way. A new type of grief began after Ted passed away. We mourn him but rejoice that he is at peace with his Lord.
By Lynn Binnie Whitewater Banner volunteer staff whitewaterbanner@gmail.com
At the May 24 meeting of the Whitewater Unified School District School Board, President Thayer Coburn prefaced the public comment section with an approximate seven minute statement from the board, stating, “The school board is concerned about the recent staff and administrative resignations in the Whitewater Unified School District. Research shows that long term educators boost student achievement. Nothing can replace the years of experience not to mention the personal connections and institutional knowledge that is leaving our district. We understand the long term impact this could have and are committed to doing what we can to reverse the trend.”
Coburn indicated that the board is conducting exit interviews with departing employees to get the full picture as to why they are leaving. Though the board recognizes that some factors are beyond their control, the board is committed to addressing those factors that are within their control. These include “unmanageable workloads. Educating Whitewater’s high needs population which is uniquely large for a district of our size and growing by the day is putting a great deal of stress on many of our staff members. The demands of the pandemic and recent turnover have created imbalances. Our superintendent is addressing those imbalances with the board’s support.” Coburn indicated that a second concern is about “direction. Some see the challenges we are dealing with and have concluded that our superintendent is leading the district in the wrong direction.”
The board evaluates the superintendent twice per year. Coburn indicated that in the most recent winter evaluation the board “was satisfied that our superintendent was working in accordance with its wishes. Sensing a recent change, however, we sped up the summer evaluation and enhanced the 360 degree upstream component of the review by holding in person interviews with all 13 District Leadership Team members…The board concluded that our superintendent has many strengths, among them a clear vision, energy to execute that vision for the district, the willingness to make necessary but unpopular decisions, an approachable and compassionate demeanor, and the fortitude to stand before her staff and the public no matter what. These strengths were exemplified in the administrative actions prior to the resignation of a former high school tech ed teacher. Knowing that mishandling the situation could have cost the district hundreds of thousands of dollars or more in legal costs our superintendent worked closely with the district’s long term legal counsel to protect both the district and the employee all while supporting an injured student and their family and rebuilding the district’s tech ed program into one the district can be proud of. Due process dictated that the superintendent withhold certain details of the case from the board at the beginning of the investigation, which created the misperception that she was hiding something for her own benefit. In fact she shared the details of the case with the board precisely when the legal counsel advised that it was appropriate.” Coburn stated that the board also identified areas of improvement for the superintendent, which would not be discussed publicly but have been acknowledged by Dr. Pate-Hefty, who is working on them with the board’s support and input. He stressed the importance of constructive communication versus some disruptive communication that has been occurring, including failure to use the chain of command and the spreading of unsubstantiated rumors. “We are committed to constructive communication, and the board will not tolerate retaliation against anyone who expresses concerns in good faith,” Coburn concluded.
Following Coburn’s comments, three community members and two district staff members spoke. Geoff Hale spoke of the importance of a strong culture in a place of employment, and how many teachers and coaches have changed the lives of students. Expressing concern over the loss of two high school tech ed teachers, he also referenced the recently announced departure of Lincoln’s principal for Fort Atkinson. Molly Fuller, district Community Engagement Coordinator, described the district as a family. Indicating that many staff feel that they are not being heard, she urged the board to take seriously the concerns that have been expressed. Nick Meinel, Washington 4th grade teacher, expressed concern about the amount of teachers and administrators who are leaving, “people who are well rooted, who care passionately about the district and the community.” Lexi Maas, a former district employee, said, “We are family and we are in crisis…We have to be better, do better.” Crystal Benes, parent of a high school student, said that the students can feel the tension that teachers are feeling.
As is always the case, the video of the meeting has been posted. Thayer Coburn’s comments begin at 14:20, and the public comments, at 21:40.
At the school board’s meeting on May 24, nine staff resignations were approved. The agenda for the board’s special meeting on Tuesday, June 7 includes the approval of seven staff resignations.
The tables below depict the number of district resignations and retirements over the past six years.
Editor’s note: [June 7, 6:15 a.m.]This article was revised to add additional details to the third paragraph after it was published. [June 7, 8:23 a.m.] The tables shown below were provided by Michael Maas, not Mark Maas as was previously stated. The Banner regrets this error. [June 8, 9:45 a.m.] A second table was deleted, as it has been superseded by the updated table.
This table was provided by Michael Maas using data that has been confirmed by the district.
Editor’s note: The following was received from Irvin L. Young Memorial Library
‘Tis the season for summer readin’ at the Irvin L. Young Memorial Library in Whitewater. Join us between June 15 and July 31 for free events, crafts, and activities. Play Book Bingo to earn free books and visit the library every week to receive a bit of treasure or passes for more adventures. There are opportunities for all ages to participate.
The Summer Reading Program kickoff event is on June 15 between 3:00 – 5:00 p.m. in the library’s Community Room. Ages 0-3 can register for the Little Explorers program, where they receive a stamp in their passport for every hour they are read to. Collect seven stamps to win a free book and a small stuffy. For youth ages 4-18, visit the library each week to collect brag tags (buttons for teens), spin the prize wheel, and play book bingo to earn free books. For adults, visit the library each week to collect a button and play book bingo to earn free books.
Many events are happening during summer reading.
Summer Storytime is every Wednesday morning June 8 through July 27.
Maker Club, featuring a new project each week for kids ages 5-12, is every Thursday at 4:00 p.m. starting June 16 through July 21.
Teen programs are each Wednesday at 4:00 p.m. starting June 22 through July 13.
For adults, there will be a Crafternoon every Friday at 1:00 p.m. starting June 17 through July 22, featuring a different project each week and ending with a craft supply swap.
Other events during the Summer Reading Program include Nature’s Niche, Matthew Teague Magic Show, Ferradermis Robotics Team, Hoop Elation, and All Things Space.
All events are free and open to the public. Visit the library’s website at www.whitewaterlibrary.org and click on “events” for dates, times, and more information about each program.
By Al Stanek Whitewater Banner volunteer staff whitewaterbanner@gmail.com
Last week’s Whitewater Register report of Walworth County Court activity includes a reference to several Whitewater related gun incidents and several Walworth County gun related charges.
An initial court appearance was set for June 6 for a 39 year-old Whitewater man who is accused as a repeat offender as a felon in possession of a firearm and disorderly conduct after police responded to a July 2021 early morning report of a man “threatening to shoot up” a popular downtown tavern according to the Register report. The report also included a June 9 scheduled initial appearance for another Whitewater man allegedly found with guns and a knife during a traffic stop.
A July initial appearance was also set for a 38 year-old Lake Geneva man who reportedly pointed a gun at his estranged wife and threatened to kill her if the incident was reported to police. A fourth Delavan man was reportedly found in possession of a gun after overdosing. He reportedly was under bond conditions on charges of possession of a firearm by a felon, carrying a concealed weapon and resisting an officer.
Those incidents follow reports that multiple guns were recovered by police during the recent unofficial “Spring Splash” event. According to Deputy Police Chief Dan Meyer, there were approximately 50 citations issued this year versus previous years when over 100 were issued. He acknowledged, however, that, “We did recover multiple semi-automatic handguns, one of which was paired with a high-capacity drum-style magazine that holds approximately 50 rounds.”
This news comes as the nation mourns the death of 19 grade school children and two schoolteachers in Uvalde, Texas. ABC news reports a total of seventeen “mass shootings” around the country in the period between May 24 and May 31. A “mass shooting” is generally defined as an incident where four or more people are shot (injured or killed.)
Editor’s note: The following announcement was provided by the Overture Center for the Arts.
The 2021/22 Jerry Awards program will culminate in a show honoring student and school achievements, including performances by the Outstanding Award recipients, in Overture Hall on Sunday, June 12, 2022 at 6:30 p.m. Two outstanding performers will be selected to represent the program at The National High School Musical Theatre Awards® (Jimmy Awards®) competition in New York City.
Alex Sullivan (L) and Brooke Mason (R)
The following Whitewater High School students will be honored: – Alex Sullivan (Urleen) – Outstanding Supporting Performer, Footloose – Brooke Mason (Wendy Jo) – Outstanding Supporting Performer, Footloose – Madison Strickler – Spirit Award alternate, Footloose (Kayla Mikos, Spirit winner for Footloose, is unable to participate in the ceremony)
48 schools are represented in the 81 Outstanding Lead Performance Award recipients
23 counties
40 reviewers (three reviewers attended each production)
450+ students performing in annual awards shows in Overture Hall
8,500 people involved in the Jerry Awards through engagement with their local high school musical
The complete list of recipients may be found here.
The Jerry Awards is a high school musical awards program that encourages, recognizes and honors excellence in high school musical theater. The program began in the 2009/10 school year with 23 productions within 45 miles of Madison and has since expanded across the state through partnerships with Marcus Center for the Performing Arts, The Grand Theater and Viterbo Fine Arts Center. Educators and industry professionals review productions at Wisconsin high schools and/or community theater organizations and provide valuable feedback to students. In its first decade, the Jerry Awards engaged more than 700,000 students, teachers, theater professionals and community members.
To be eligible for the Jerry Awards, high schools apply in the fall or spring to have their musical reviewed by the program. Three adjudicators (industry professionals and educators) are assigned to see the show and write a critique evaluating it in various categories such as performance, design and direction. Critiques are compiled and sent to each school with nominations. In addition to the critique and being recognized at the awards show, participating students are eligible to audition for the Jerry Ensemble, become a student critic and receive special ticket offers to performances at Overture Center, Marcus Performing Arts Center, The Grand Theater and Viterbo University Fine Arts Center.
Overture’s Jerry Awards are sponsored by Old National Bank with additional funding provided by American Girl’s Fund for Children, Katie Dowling-Marcus and Ben Marcus and contributions to Overture Center.
The Jimmy Awards®/The National High School Musical Theatre Awards® (NHSMTA®) program impacts more than 140,000 students who participate in 46 regional high school musical theatre competitions sponsored by presenters of touring Broadway productions throughout the United States. Named for Broadway impresario James M. Nederlander, the program has been the catalyst for more than $5,000,000 in educational scholarships. Presented by The Broadway League Foundation, the NHSMTA invites one Best Actress and one Best Actor nominee from each local regional ceremony to New York City for a week-long theatre intensive that includes coaching, training, and rehearsing led by some of Broadway’s most accomplished professionals. Nominees will spend one week in New York City from Monday, June 20, 2022, through Tuesday, June 28, 2022, and their combined efforts throughout the week will lead to one extraordinary talent showcase performed live in front of an audience on a Broadway stage. The thirteenth annual Jimmy Awards will take place on Monday, June 27, 2022, at the Minskoff Theatre. For more information, please visit www.JimmyAwards.com.
Editor’s note: Our apologies to the Whitewater Historical Society. This #FlashbackFriday should have been posted on Memorial Day but was misplaced.
It’s time once again for #FlashbackFriday with the Whitewater Historical Society. In honor of Memorial Day, we feature a photo of Ernest Magoon, a young, Whitewater area man who was killed in World War I.
Ernest Magoon was drafted into the Army in May of 1918 around the same time Arthur Ardelt, a Whitewater man, was also drafted. They ended up in the same division, but different companies, and found each other in France. They met up almost every day to share letters and stories of home. In September, 1918, they were sent to fight in the Meuse-Argonne offensive. Ardelt was lucky; a machine gun bullet grazed his helmet before killing the man in front of him (see Ardelt’s dented helmet in the depot museum). But Ernest Magoon was killed in action.
When Ardelt returned from the front, he went in search of the fate of Magoon and encountered some soldiers who had helped bury Magoon in the field. They said that another soldier took Magoon’s small Bible and Ardelt went to find that soldier. He confronted him and demanded Magoon’s Bible, which had Magoon’s name and address in it, intending to take it back to Magoon’s family.
The Meuse-Argonne battle had many casualties and news was slow. By March of 1919, Magoon’s family still had no word of his fate. Someone wrote Ardelt (still in France) to see if he knew something and Ardelt wrote this story in a letter home. It was the first news the family received of Magoon’s death. Later, Magoon was honored in Whitewater for making the ultimate sacrifice for his country.
Join us next week for more from the Whitewater Historical Society.
Editor’s note: The following was received from Walworth County Health and Human Services
The Walworth County Aging & Disability Resource Center (ADRC) is launching a new TeleFriend program designed to promote the security of older adults and adults with disabilities while reducing loneliness, isolation, depression, anxiety, and cognitive decline, through daily or weekly telephone calls. The ADRC is seeking volunteers willing to make friendly phone calls to participants at least one day per week for a minimum of six months.
“TeleFriend volunteers can make a real difference in the lives of seniors and adults with disabilities who live alone or feel isolated,” says Colleen Lesniak, Walworth County volunteer services coordinator. “Many of these individuals want to remain independent and age in place in their own homes; however, because they are isolated or homebound, meaningful relationships are difficult to come by. The volunteers serve as a lifeline for this population.”
In addition to providing much-needed social interaction, TeleFriend also helps to ensure the safety and well-being of participants. If a participant does not answer the phone at the designated time, a series of safety checks is followed before an emergency response is activated.
“Among its many benefits, the TeleFriend program helps the ADRC and local law enforcement partner for more efficient problem solving of safety issues involving older adults and adults with disabilities,” says Randy Kohl, ADRC manager.
Volunteers should be good listeners and keen conversationalists willing to establish friendly, caring relationships with seniors or adults with disabilities over the phone. The ADRC is looking for a minimum time commitment of at least one call per week for a minimum of six months. The ADRC will provide an orientation and training. The first volunteer training session is scheduled for June 16 from 1 to 2 p.m. at the Walworth County Health and Human Services building, 1910 County Rd. NN, Elkhorn.
To volunteer, contact Colleen Lesniak, Walworth County volunteer services coordinator, at clesniak@co.walworth.wi.us, (262) 741-4223. A volunteer application and additional program information can also be found at www.co.walworth.wi.us/574/Volunteer.
On Saturday, June 4, the Whippets competed in Day 2 of the WIAA State Track and Field Championships in La Crosse, WI. The team had several competitors who had qualified for Saturday’s events during the preliminary rounds on Friday, as well as other athletes competing in distance and field events.
Day two proved to be a day to remember for the Whippets, despite the weather changing significantly from day one, which was full of sun and temps in the 70’s, to overcast skies, cooler temps, headwinds on the home stretch, and rain falling intermittently throughout the day.
Maddie Buehler was up first for the Whippets as she coiled into her blocks for the last time in the 100-Meter Dash Final. She got off to a great start and looked strong throughout in the toughest field she has faced in her career yet. She finished in 10th overall in a time of 12.94 seconds with a gritty effort. It was a great season for Maddie in this individual event, as she got to rub elbows with state finalists for the first time during the State Final. Her Sectional time of 12.41 pulled her to within .06 of the school record, good for #2 all-time in Whitewater history. Maddie’s accomplishments in the individual sprint events during the 2022 season are a lot to be proud of!
Next up was the Girls’ 4×200 Meter Relay Final, running out of lane three on the ten-lane track. The team qualified for the final by running within the top 10 teams on Friday. Maddie Buehler returned for her second race of the day, getting into the blocks to lead off the relay. She shot out of the blocks and ran a strong leadoff leg and made a clean exchange to fellow Whippet Emma Weigel. Emma came screaming down the home stretch in front of the roaring crowd of a full grandstand and got the baton to Olive Coburn early in the zone. This quick exchange saw Olive press on the gas, and she gave it her all during her last race in a Whippet uniform. Olive finished her leg of the relay strong and passed the stick to a patiently waiting Kindyl Kilar. Another smooth exchange from Olive to our anchor, and Kindyl was off like a rocket with one goal in mind: bringing home a medal. With the entire fanbase of Wisconsin Track & Field cheering the relays on down the home stretch, Kindyl brought it home and crossed the finish line in 6th place, claiming the final podium position! Their time of 1:47.00 was a hair off their best time of the season from the prelims, but at this point, it didn’t matter as their smiles on the podium said it all!
With the rainy weather conditions unsafe for vaulting outdoors, the Girls’ Division 2 Pole Vault was moved inside Mitchell Hall where Evie Troxel competed in her first ever State meet. Surrounded by her family members, teammates, and coaches, Evie used her home crowd advantage of the cheering fans to sail cleanly through the opening height of 9’ 0”. The next height of 9’ 6” was her previous goal entering the 2022 season, but as she crushed that height at sectionals, she proved that 9’ 6” is no longer a challenge for her! At State she showed that same demeanor and cleared 9’ 6” on her first attempt. With several other competitors remaining in the competition, the bar was raised 6 more inches to 10’, a height that Evie had several attempts at last week at the Sectional meet. Of her three attempts at that height, Evie had two that were very close to clearing and setting a new personal best on the biggest stage. With her ability to stay clean through the first two heights, she finished tied for 9th place and a smile a mile wide that is trademark Evie!
The final event for the Whippets was freshman Jack Hefty in the 3200-meter run. Jack had been waiting nearly two full days of competition for his event as the gun went off at 4:15 p.m. on Saturday. In what were the best conditions for a distance event in years, Jack ran the most thrilling race one could imagine. The race strung out early as both the winner and runner-up would eventually break the state record in this event. He started out in 15th place at 400 meters as he knew the pace would be brisk. He stayed true to himself, controlling what he could control and made his way to 13th in two laps, 11th in three laps and 9th coming through the 1600 in 4:47.12. Jack stayed locked in on his pacing as the pack he was with chased down other runners in front of them. On the penultimate lap he pressed on the accelerator and ran a 70 second lap, and from there it was all guts as he went into overdrive and passed four runners on this final lap to come screaming home in 7th place overall and closed in 63.1 seconds! Jack cut just over 20 seconds off his previous personal best from Sectionals, nearly breaking the school record held by Ben Maas from 1996. Jack’s time catapulted him into the #3 spot all-time in the Whitewater Track and Field record books in the two-mile. His 7th place finish was one place away from the podium and scored the Whippets two points for the weekend. It was a stunning effort, and an incredible end to a stupendous freshman season for Hefty!
This concludes the 2022 Track and Field Season! It was the first “normal” season for nearly the entire program, as the team was able to resume a typical schedule full of invitationals and a two-day state meet for the first time in three years. The coaches would like to thank all the athletes, parents, fans, staff, and the Whitewater community that have supported the team through this season. We will celebrate all the athletes on Monday during our end-of-season banquet as we close the chapter on a fine season!
Editor’s note: The following information was provided by the Urban Forestry Commission.
Whitewater city crews have begun planting nearly 200 new trees and shrubs in Whitewater’s Starin Park as the first step in a multi-year project to develop an Arboretum or “living classroom” where children and adults can identify and help preserve and maintain a diverse network of primarily native trees and shrubs.
As a living outdoor classroom an arboretum demonstrates the essential value to humans that trees and shrubs provide by enhancing air quality and helping tamp down increasingly warmer summer temperatures. The nonprofit Arbor Day Foundation estimates that a medium sized tree provides the equivalent temperature reduction of 10 room size air conditioners each running 20 hours per day.
The project is being funded by a WI Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Urban Forestry Grant which will reimburse up to $25,000 of city and volunteer efforts within the nearly 35-acre park. Starin Park borders the UW-Whitewater (UWW) campus and its 7.6-acre Chopp Arboretum and the Salisbury Arboretum effort to label UWW trees that started out as a 5.2-acre effort.
The Starin Park Arboretum also receives funding from local individuals and businesses, the Starin Park Neighborhood Association. the utilization of City of Whitewater staff and equipment as well as the proceeds from a recent citywide tree sale.
Tree planting advocates stress the importance of tree and shrub planting to reduce the impact of “climate change” which is widely believed by the scientific community to be one of the greatest threats to the Earth’s atmosphere and its ability to maintain reasonable temperatures and abundant clean air.
Humans and animals take in oxygen from the atmosphere and exhale carbon dioxide as a by-product. The combination of growing human and domesticated animal populations along with the significant impact of burning coal and fossil fuels is creating an environment that most scientists believe might not be able to support future generations. The Arbor Day Foundation identifies carbon dioxide as the single most destructive “greenhouse gas” affecting climate change.
The concept of an arboretum at Starin Park was initiated by Whitewater Urban Forestry Commission (UFC) member and retired educator Jim Nies. Mr. Nies estimates that there are currently as many as 50 unhealthy trees in Starin Park that will soon need to be replaced. It is estimated that the park currently contains roughly 650 trees. Whitewater City Forester Brian Neumeister estimates that the park has lost over 20 trees in just the last three years.
The city supported UFC has established partnerships with the UW-Whitewater, the Whitewater Unified School District, the Starin Park Neighborhood Association and other interested businesses and individuals.
Nearly 30 informational tree tags identifying common trees at Starin Park have already been placed as an example of the type of information to be provided to Arboretum visitors. Expanded tree tagging will continue for existing trees as well as for future new plantings. In depth information on each tree will ultimately be available via an online program called PlantsMap. The UFC has obtained formal accreditation of the Arboretum at Starin Park by the international arboretum accreditation agency ArbNet.
Volunteers will be needed to maintain plantings and informational tree tags. Interested volunteers are asked to contact City of Whitewater Parks and Recreation Director at 262-473-0122.
