News

Department of Health Services Urges Wisconsinites to Throw Away Applesauce Brands That are Part of Nationwide Recall Due to High Levels of Lead

Parents and caregivers should have children tested for elevated blood levels if they ate applesauce products included in the recall

The Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) is advising food retailers and consumers to dispose of specific brands of applesauce containing cinnamon following a nationwide recall related to several brands of cinnamon applesauce puree pouches. These products may contain harmful levels of lead.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued a recall for the following brands of applesauce puree that contain cinnamon:

• WanaBana Apple Cinnamon Fruit Puree pouches
• Schnucks cinnamon-flavored applesauce pouches
• Schnucks applesauce variety pack
• Weis cinnamon applesauce pouches

Multiple cases of lead poisoning have already been identified in several states, including three suspected cases in Wisconsin that are being investigated, due to children eating one of these products. A child has lead poisoning when their blood lead level measures greater than or equal to 3.5 micrograms per deciliter (µg/dL).

Wisconsin’s Coolest Annual Event Celebrates 25 Years 

Special Olympics Wisconsin debuts 2024 Polar Plunge campaign with Inclusive Plunge, anniversary celebration 

MADISON, Wis. – Thousands of Special Olympics Wisconsin supporters across the state will be “Freezin’ for a Reason” at the 2024 Polar Plunge® for Special Olympics Wisconsin. This year’s slate of eight statewide events—plus an alternate plunge option—will celebrate 25 years of ice-cold memories. Additionally, Special Olympics Wisconsin will host the first ADA-compliant Inclusive Plunge in the nation. 

New in 2024, the Polar Plunge for Special Olympics Wisconsin will host its first ever Inclusive Plunge. Using its ramp-entry lap pool, the Whitewater Aquatic Center will provide a unique Plunge experience for those with accessibility considerations. More information about the Inclusive Plunge will be announced at a later date. 

“We are thrilled to celebrate 25 years of the Polar Plunge for Special Olympics Wisconsin,” Special Olympics Wisconsin President & CEO Chad Hershner said. “We have some great new locations on tap for 2024, and we are working hard to elevate this largest annual fundraising event for the organization. This year especially, we want to recognize so many incredible moments across so many incredible communities—truly 25 years of unyielding support for our Special Olympics Wisconsin athletes.” 

Three options for participation are available in 2024. First, and arguably most fun, Polar Plunger individuals and teams can jump in person across six Saturdays in eight statewide locations: 

              Saturday, Feb. 3 – Wisconsin Rapids (Anchor Bay Bar & Grill) 

              Saturday, Feb. 10 – Oshkosh (Menominee Park) 

              Saturday, Feb. 17 – Madison (Lottes Park) 

              Saturday, Feb. 24 – Green Bay (Perkofski Boat Launch) 

              Saturday, Feb. 24 – Milwaukee (Fox Brook Park) 

              Saturday, Mar. 2 – Chippewa Falls (Loopy’s Grill & Saloon) 

              Saturday, Mar. 2 – La Crosse (Black River Beach) 

              Saturday, Mar. 9 – Whitewater (Whitewater Aquatic Center)* 

Polar Plungers unavailable for an in-person plunge can still fundraise via the Alternative Plunge—a truly “create your own adventure” option. Dump a bucket of ice water over your head in the driveway, or take a dive on your spring break trip to warmer waters—all for a great cause. All Polar Plunge participants are encouraged to share their plunge via online form submission and by tagging SOWI on social media while using the hashtag #PlungeWI.  

Those opting out of an icy dip can become a Polar Pledger, still raising funds in support of Special Olympics Wisconsin athletes without getting wet.  

For both Polar Plungers and Polar Pledgers, each individual reaching the minimum fundraising fee of $100 is eligible for incentives. This year’s prizes include a collectible long sleeve t-shirt, socks, towel, blanket, and Bluetooth speaker—all branded with Special Olympics Wisconsin or 25 Years of Polar Plunge logos. 

All funds raised for this unique winter tradition helps thousands of statewide athletes train and compete in sporting events, supports year-round health and wellness programming, promotes inclusion in schools, and equips individuals with intellectual disabilities training and leadership tools to become important contributors within their own communities.  

More information, including event registration for each location and participation options, can be found at PlungeWI.org. Pre-registrations are highly encouraged, but on-site day-of registration will also be available.  

Estee E. Scholtz

Editor’s note: The following press release was received from Estee Scholtz for Circuit Court.

ELKHORN, WISCONSIN – Estee E. Scholtz, a lifetime member of Walworth County and former Assistant District Attorney who now serves as Deputy Corporation Counsel in the Walworth County Office of Corporation Counsel has announced that she will seek election to Branch I of the Walworth County Circuit Court upon the retirement of the Honorable Phillip A. Koss.  “Judge Koss has been a mentor for my entire legal career so it would be an honor to fill his seat as the next Walworth County Circuit Court Judge and continue to serve the community, as I have for many years.  I am dedicated to the safety of our Walworth County communities and will work tirelessly to preserve the rights and freedoms afforded by our Constitution.” says Scholtz. 

A Badger for 10 years (four years at Badger High School, four years at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, and two years at the University of Wisconsin Law School), and a first-generation college graduate, Scholtz has dedicated her career to public service and has nearly 15 years of litigation experience representing the State of Wisconsin in criminal matters, the County’s interest in mental health and guardianship cases, and the interests of the public in child welfare proceedings. 

In 2018, Scholtz received the Tree House Child and Family Center Service Award for her work in multidisciplinary team meetings for sensitive crimes investigations and for her dedication to the revisions to the Sensitive Crimes Response Team Protocol.  Scholtz has committed over 10 years of her legal career to protecting the most vulnerable members of our community, its children, while also focusing on restoring families when appropriate.  Scholtz has worked alongside law enforcement as a prosecutor, trained law enforcement and social workers locally and across the state, and has presented to fellow attorneys of the Walworth County Bar Association for which she currently serves as President.      

Scholtz has litigated numerous cases in the Wisconsin Court of Appeals, the federal district courts, and the United States Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit on behalf of Walworth County. “This range of experience is foundational to rendering decisions and following the rule of law in court where each individual before me will be treated with respect, dignity and fairness,” says Scholtz.

Scholtz serves as a Police Commissioner for the Town of Geneva and is an active member of the American Legion Auxiliary Unit 24.  She resides in Geneva Township with her husband, Air Force Veteran John Scholtz, and their three children.  She also coaches a youth alpine ski racing program and skis for the Brown’s Lake Aquaducks Waterski Show Team. 

More recently, Scholtz has played an essential role in facilitating the County Board’s American Rescue Plan Act programs which have helped numerous individuals and organizations throughout the County, as well as drafting the contract and lease agreements for the Sheriff’s Office 911 radio communications system project.  She also presides over the Family Treatment Court Program when needed. 

Estee Scholtz is your local candidate who will best serve this community as Circuit Court Judge and asks for your vote in the April 2, 2024 spring election. If needed, a primary election will be held on February 20, 2024.  Estee Scholtz can be reached at EsteeScholtzforJudge@gmail.com. 

Editor’s Note: The following was provided by Whitewater Unites Lives.

Jim Winship is a WUL Hometown Hero, and he was nominated by The Capital Campaign Committee for the Whitewater Public Library renovation, “For his service as the Chair of the Irvin L. Young Library Expansion and Renovation effort. Jim led the Capital Campaign committee with dedication, care, and creativity. Jim was loud and proud about the needs of the library, mobilizing the whole community who responded with enthusiasm and generosity, swiftly raising $2.3 million, exceeding the original goal of the campaign.”

The Committee shares:  “Jim Winship is a gem in our community. He is committed to improving the lives of all who call Whitewater home.  Jim’s engagement with the City Council, Bethel House, and UW-Whitewater reflects a passion for fostering connections and creating opportunities for people to support one another. If our nomination stopped there, Jim would be deserving of the Hometown Hero award. But with Jim, there’s always more to his service and dedication.

Specifically, we join together to nominate Jim Winship for the Hometown Hero Award for his service as the Chair of the Irvin L. Young Library Expansion and Renovation effort. Jim led the Capital Campaign committee with dedication, care, and creativity. Jim was loud and proud about the needs of the library, mobilizing the whole community who responded with enthusiasm and generosity, swiftly raising $2.3 million, exceeding the original goal of the campaign. Thank you, Jim, for your tireless leadership to improve a trusted and essential community institution. Your genuine love for our town inspires us to be change agents, embracing the role of building a brighter, more resilient future for all.”

The Capital Campaign Committee:

Anne Hartwick
Jon Kachel
Richard Haney
Ginger Katzman
Doug Anderson
Jennifer Motszko
Gayle Stettler
Kelly Davis
Stacey Lunsford
Diane Jaroch

WUL (Whitewater Unites Lives) is a locally-focused civil and human rights group that works to connect the people in our community and to create opportunities for all people to learn and support each other in our common humanity.   

Anyone who would like to nominate a local hero of any age should send their nomination, with a short description, to whitewaterunites@gmail.com 

Editor’s note: The following press release was provided by the Ice Age Trail Alliance.

The Ice Age National Scenic Trail is now an official unit of the National Park Service.

Unit status gives the Ice Age National Scenic Trail:

• Official recognition within the National Park Service
• Access to additional funding opportunities
• Equal legal standing with other National Park Service destinations
  
  The administrative change in status was announced during a video press conference on December 7 by National
  Park Service Director, Chuck Sams and U.S. Senator, Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.).
  
  “This is truly momentous for the Ice Age Trail and its thousands of supporters and volunteers,” says Luke Kloberdanz. “Unit status gives the Trail, and its volunteers, the recognition it duly deserves,” he says. “Make no mistake: the Ice Age Trail is world-class and the number of hours Alliance volunteers devote to it consistently rank among the top in all the National Park Service.”
  
  During fiscal year 2023, Ice Age Trail Alliance volunteers dedicated 100,666 hours to Trail-related activities including trailbuilding, maintenance, and outreach.
  
  “Plus, the Trail gets more popular every year. Go out to a segment on a weekend; you’ll see for yourself—people are hiking the Trail like never before.”
  
  An economic impact study completed in late 2019 found that 2.3 million people visited the Ice Age Trail annually; that number has increased since. A new economic impact study is currently underway.
  
  43 Years to Unit Status
  
  Designated as a National Scenic Trail in 1980 by President Jimmy Carter, the Ice Age Trail is 1 of 11 National Scenic Trails in the country; six of which are administered by the National Park Service. Of those six, three trails (Appalachian Trail, Natchez Trace Trail, and Potomac Heritage Trail) were identified as units at the time of their designation. This specification was missing from the wording of the law when the Ice Age Trail, North Country Trail, and New England Trail were designated.
  
  There is no clear reason or policy for the discrepancy in language. However, non-designation had real-world implications for the Trails, including funding opportunity restrictions. It also meant the Trails were not recognized as part of the National Park Service.
  
  “It was quite confusing. On one hand, NPS (the National Park Service) is our administrative partner helping to create the Ice Age Trail. Alliance volunteers go through NPS-required training and report their volunteer hours to NPS,” says Kloberdanz. “But on the other hand, the Ice Age Trail was not allowed to enjoy the same benefits as other units of the Park Service.”
  
  “At last, the Ice Age Trail, North Country Trail, and New England Trail are on equal footing with other National Scenic Trails and National Parks,” he says.
  
  Achieving unit status was a decades-long initiative for the three Trails. The leadership, volunteers, and supporters of the North Country Trail Association, Ice Age Trail Alliance, Appalachian Mountain Club, and Connecticut Forest and Park Association championed the cause.
  
  “The Alliance appreciates the support of its elected officials at the state and federal level. We especially thank Senator Tammy Baldwin for being a stalwart supporter of the Trail since her days in local government and for spearheading the status change at the federal level,” Kloberdanz says. “Thanks also to Director Sams for his efforts and prioritizing the change. We look forward to a continued close relationship with our local NPS partners.”

Editor’s note: The six units that are now designated as NPS National Scenic Trails are:

Appalachian National Scenic Trail, Maine to Georgia (14 states)
Ice Age National Scenic Trail, Wisconsin
Natchez Trace National Scenic Trail, Alabama, Mississippi, and Tennessee
New England National Scenic Trail, Massachusetts to Connecticut
North Country National Scenic Trail, Vermont to North Dakota (8 states)
Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail, District of Columbia, Pennsylvania, and Virginia

About the Ice Age National Scenic Trail:

The Ice Age National Scenic Trail is a 1,200-mile footpath contained entirely within Wisconsin. It traverses the state from St. Croix Falls in the west, to Sturgeon Bay in the east, going as far south as Janesville. One of 11 National Scenic Trails, the Ice Age Trail highlights the landscapes that were carved out by ancient glaciers, which happen to be some of the most beautiful areas in the state. Approximately 60% of Wisconsin residents live within 20 miles of the Ice Age Trail.

About the Ice Age Trail Alliance:

The Ice Age Trail Alliance is the nonprofit, member- and volunteer-based organization which conserves, creates, maintains, and promotes the Ice Age National Scenic Trail. It consists of 19 volunteer chapters, spread across the length of the Trail. For more information visit IceAgeTrail.org.

Mr. Peter Danielsen, President of Logistics at Stoughton Trailers (right), presents Dr. Yamin Ahmad of the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater (left) with the Wahlin Foundation Distinguished Fellow; Thursday, October 26, 2023.  Photo credit: UW-Whitewater Nick Pook.

Stoughton Trailers and Wahlin Foundation Partner with UW-Whitewater to enhance workforce development; name new Fellow

Stoughton Trailers LLC, a leading Wisconsin-based semi-trailer manufacturer and sales organization, together with the Wahlin Foundation, a private foundation supporting Stoughton Trailers communities, have partnered with the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater College of Business and Economics to inspire the next generation of Wisconsin’s workforce leaders; name Dr. Yamin Ahmad Wahlin Foundation Distinguished Fellow.

The Wahlin Foundation Distinguished Fellowship is a $10,000 stipend awarded in each of the next five years to a qualifying supporter of business college programs. This fellowship expands the relationship that Stoughton Trailers and the Wahlin Foundation have formed with Wisconsin’s largest business school. There is also a Stoughton Trailers Student Scholarship program that provides ten $1,500 scholarships in each of the next five years. Together, the $125,000 gift serves to create awareness of local employers while making quality college education more affordable to 50 future employees.

Betsy McClimon, Executive Director, of The Wahlin Foundation, Inc. offers, “Now, more than ever, people, education, and research are at the forefront of our business world. The Wahlin Foundation and the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater share a common vision and ideas to promote a better future. We are excited to partner with the UW-Whitewater College of Business and Economics, and its outstanding students, faculty, and alumni.”

With the addition of this new role, Dr. Ahmad will provide mentorship, collaborate with the Information and Technology Supply Chain Department, and serve as a bridge between workforce needs and the aspirations of College of Business and Technology students.

Dr. Ahmad said, “Programs like this one from The Wahlin Foundation, Inc. and Stoughton Trailers draw attention to the importance of collaboration to meet workforce needs. The college has the opportunity to hear first-hand about the qualities and skills desired of graduates from regional business owners and students are able to make connections with would-be employers—all while helping students cover the cost of higher education. It is a win all around.” He continues: “The College of Business and Economics here at UW-Whitewater is unique among its peers. Not only do we offer the top-ranked single business program in the state, but our students have close access to faculty experts who go the extra mile to offer opportunities outside the classroom to help our students develop the confidence and skills necessary to succeed in today’s world. It’s not just about getting a degree – we want our students to be transformed by their experience here at the College of Business and Economics. Partnerships like this one help us to achieve that goal.”

Dr. Ahmad is both an economics professor at Whitewater and serves as the department chair. He earned both a PhD and MA in Economics from Georgetown University, an MSc in Economics and Econometrics from Bristol University in the United Kingdom, and a BSc in Economics from the London School of Economics and Political Science also in the UK. He has been with the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater since 2004.

About Stoughton Trailers

Stoughton Trailers values leadership, integrity, respect, and is customer-driven. Located in Stoughton, Wisconsin, the company started as a small family-owned business in 1961 and is now one of the industry’s leading manufacturers of over-the-road transportation equipment including, semi-trailers and intermodal container chassis.  The company operates from nine different facilities in the South-Central Wisconsin cities of Stoughton, Evansville, and Brodhead. In 2022 they opened a new manufacturing facility in Waco, Texas. Stoughton Trailers has a combined 1.5 million square feet of manufacturing space under their roof. Visit stoughtontrailers.com to learn more.

About The Wahlin Foundation

The Wahlin Foundation is a private foundation that provides monetary grants to non-profit organizations in the communities local to, and surrounding, Stoughton Trailer facilities. The broad purpose of the Foundation is to enrich lives and provide opportunities in these communities. Learn more at Wahlinfoundation.org.

About the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater College of Business and Economics

The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater College of Business and Economics (CoBE) is Wisconsin’s largest business college. It is home to the #1 ranked online Masters of Business Administration (MBA) program in the State, of single schools, and is the only college in Wisconsin that offers an AACSB-accredited Doctorate of Business Administration (DBA) degree program.  The Department of Information Technology and Supply Chain Management offers a Bachelor of Business Administration in Information Technology, a Bachelor of Business Administration in Supply Chain Management, and a Master of Business Administration with emphases in both. Programs also offer majors and minors and are available on campus or in 100% online formats. CoBE is in the top 2% of the world’s business schools having earned both AACSB and AACSB Accounting Accreditation. For more information on the College of Business and Economics, visit uww.edu/cobe or email cobe@uww.edu.

Experience the wonder and excitement of the Christmas story through J. S. Bach’s joyful Christmas Oratorio. The Madison-based Wisconsin Chamber Choir and a professional orchestra will perform this masterpiece in the resonant acoustics of Whitewater’s First United Methodist Church on Sunday, December 17 at 4:00 pm.

A rich cast of characters comes to life in Bach’s picturesque music. Alto Rachel Wood is the voice of Mary, while the choir sings the words of the angels and the shepherds. Some of Bach’s most memorable four-part chorales interpret the meaning of the story, and the oratorio as a whole is framed by ebullient, dance-like choruses featuring virtuoso trumpets, timpani, flutes, oboes, and strings. Conducted by UW-Whitewater music professor Robert Gehrenbeck, the performers include UWW faculty Rachel Wood, alto; Sarah Read Gehrenbeck, organ; Leanne Kelso, violin; Cristina Ballatori, flute; and Tobie Wilkinson, timpani.

Sunday, December 17 at 4:00 pm at First United Methodist Church, 145 S. Prairie St., Whitewater

Tickets range from $5 [for students] to $20 [for adults] and are available in advance from www.wisconsinchamberchoir.org, and at the door. [The ticketing page also indicates that there is “Special ticket pricing for people who are experiencing financial hardship.”]

Editor’s note: This press release was provided by Robert Gehrenbeck.

The Greater Whitewater Committee is Set to Host Marc Augsburger and Dr. Rene Buenzow from Edgerton Hospital- Whitewater Clinic as Guest Speakers at Upcoming December Meeting 

The Greater Whitewater Committee (GWC) is set to host Marc Augsburger, [Edgerton Hospital] CEO, and Dr. Rene Buenzow, Nurse Practitioner, at the upcoming December meeting. Edgerton Hospital- Whitewater Clinic opened in November 2023. 

The GWC’s upcoming monthly meeting is scheduled to take place on Thursday, December 14th at 7 a.m. at 841 Brewhouse: 841 E Milwaukee St, Whitewater, WI 53190. Marc and Dr. Buenzow will be discussing the new clinic in Whitewater. An RSVP is required to attend. To reserve your spot, contact Jeffery Knight at: jpk@knightpublicaffairs.com or 920.728.0662 by Wednesday, December 13th. 

Marc Augsburger has over 30 years experience in the healthcare industry. Prior to his CEO experience, he managed various emergency departments and worked clinically as a registered nurse. Marc holds an Associate’s Degree in Nursing from Lima Technical College, a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Wright State University, and a Master’s of Business Administration, Healthcare Emphasis, from Baker College of Graduate Students. 

Dr. Rene Buenzow is the sole healthcare provider for the clinic. She is the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) and is board certified as a Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC) and an Advanced Registered Nurse. With a doctorate in Nursing from the University of Iowa, Buenzow specializes in both family practice and psychiatry. To learn more about the new clinic visit: https://www.edgertonhospital.com/ 

“I’m thrilled to have Edgerton Hospital open a clinic in Whitewater; additional healthcare services for Whitewater has been one of GWC’s top priorities. I’m looking forward to their future here in the Whitewater community,” said GWC President, Jeffery Knight. 

 About the GWC 

The GWC is an action-oriented group committed to working with citizens, elected officials, and policy makers to identify, craft, and implement a pro-business agenda. Its goals are to advance the economic, educational, and social policies required to energize and secure the Whitewater area’s economic future, as well as protect Whitewater’s quality of life.

Editor’s Note: The following was provided by VIP Services.

VIP Services will be hosting their second annual ‘Casino Night Benefit’ on Saturday, February 10th from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. at Geneva Tap House, located at 252 Broad Street in scenic downtown Lake Geneva. Funds raised at the event will be used to support VIP’s ongoing community programs and their essential services for adults with disabilities. 

Tickets for this unforgettable event are only $50 each and include entrance, playing chips, snacks, and a wide selection of beverages including wines, seltzers, and many varieties of beer. Guests will have the opportunity to play blackjack, roulette, craps and Texas hold’em. The top three chip holders at the end of the night will get to pick from the prize table. 

Craig Poshepny, Executive Director of VIP Services, sees the benefit as a chance to educate the public about VIP’s many services and create new connections in the community. 

“This is such a unique event, and it is also a great forum for talking about those we support in their efforts to overcome challenges and barriers to find employment and other opportunities to become involved in the community,” Poshepny said during a promotional announcement at VIP. “Moving the benefit to Geneva Tap House creates an opportunity to reach a wider audience here in Walworth County, form new partnerships, and hold an even bigger event than we did last year.” 

Poshepny said the additional space at Geneva Tap House will make it possible to have additional gaming tables and host more than 150 guests. Those interested in buying or reserving tickets are encouraged to call VIP Services at 262.723.4043 or visit the organization’s offices in Elkhorn. 

City of Whitewater Plan & Architectural Review Commission – Monday @ 6:00 p.m.
Agenda includes public hearing regarding Consideration of Conditional Use Permit (CUP) to allow for U-Haul rentals for Ace Hardware located at 1415 W Main Street, Parcel # /A487200001, and Conceptual Plan Review of possible subdivision located on Elkhorn Road for Russell Walton Parcel # WUP 00346.
Whitewater Municipal Building Community Room,
312 West Whitewater St.
*In Person and Virtual
Citizens are welcome (and encouraged) to join our webinar via computer, smart phone, or telephone.
Citizen participation is welcome during topic discussion periods.
Please join the meeting from your computer, tablet or smartphone.
https://meet.goto.com/642440733
You can also dial in using your phone.
Access Code: 642-440-733
United States: +1 (571) 317-3122
Get the app now and be ready when your first meeting starts:
https://meet.goto.com/install

Pathway to Participation Presentation – Tuesday @ 5:30 p.m. (Updated with link for the livestream.)
Whitewater Municipal Building Community Room,
312 West Whitewater St.
*In Person and Virtual
 We encourage you to come in person, tune into Channel 990, or watch the presentation live on Vimeo (https://vimeo.com/event/3956484 ).
More information regarding this event may be found in this Banner article.

City of Whitewater Public Works Committee – Tuesday @ 6:00 p.m.
Agenda
Cravath Lakefront Room, 2nd floor, 312 West
Whitewater St.
*In Person

Whitewater University Technology Park – Executive Committee – Wednesday @ 8:00 a.m.
Conference Rm. 115
Agenda

City of Whitewater Landmarks Committee – Wednesday @ 4:30 p.m.
Cravath Lakefront Room, 312 West Whitewater St.,
*In Person and Virtual
Agenda includes Water Tower Situation and Signage, Birge Fountain Fundraising, Territorial Oak, and Effigy Mounds Update.
Citizens are welcome (and encouraged) to join our webinar via computer, smart phone, or telephone.
Citizen participation is welcome during topic discussion periods.
Please join the meeting from your computer, tablet or smartphone.
https://meet.goto.com/228748509
You can also dial in using your phone:
Access Code:
228-748-509
United States:
1 (312) 757-3121