News

Whitewater Fire Department Members OK Efforts to Become A City Operation

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

The majority of Whitewater’s primarily volunteer fire department voted to issue a letter of intent to integrate both Fire and Emergency Medical Services (EMS) as City of Whitewater functions at a public meeting held Thursday, January 6.

The initiative would require a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) jointly agreed upon by both bodies and would likely increase the current annual Fire and EMS operating budget of roughly $1 million. Current funding sources include City of Whitewater contributions averaging nearly $250,000 a year, funding from contracts with surrounding townships and community fundraising activities.

The Whitewater area, like nearly every small Wisconsin community, is experiencing difficulties providing EMS and fire services as the number of volunteers and trained medical technicians is decreasing while the number of EMS calls is rising in light of an aging population and a worldwide pandemic. The independent local fire department reports 300 to 400 fire calls and over 1500 rescue calls per year. Whitewater has had a volunteer fire department since 1871.

The Whitewater Fire Department Incorporated (WFD, Inc.) provides fire and EMS services to the City of Whitewater as well as the Jefferson County Townships of Koshkonong and Cold Spring, the Walworth County Township of Richmond and the Rock County Townships of Lima Center and Johnstown. It was announced at Thursday’s meeting that Johnstown has indicated their intent to contract with the City of Janesville in the future.

A recently released statewide study titled ‘IN NEED OF RESUSCITATION’ concludes that “Wisconsin’s fire and EMS agencies face looming challenges. The ability of communities to provide an appropriate level of fire and emergency services is in jeopardy and may soon necessitate an emergency response of its own.”
The multiyear study was conducted by the independent Wisconsin Policy Forum (WPF). It indicates that over 92% of state fire departments are volunteer or “mostly volunteer” operations.

WFD Inc. currently provides EMS services with a combination of well trained volunteer Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) and part-time on-premise EMTs. They are currently advertising to fill several paid “on premise” EMT positions whose wage rate will increase to $22 per hour from the previous $18 per hour rate. Lower rates for volunteers were also increased at Thursday’s meeting. “We are in a very competitive field,” said EMS Assistant Fire Chief Ashley Vickers.

Current on premise EMTs, who work primarily weekdays and supplement paid on-call EMTs, average between 24 and 36 hours per week according to the fire department’s recruitment materials. WFD, Inc. has also offered training and UW tuition scholarships to UW-Whitewater students willing to sign up for a minimum 12 hour per week commitment.

The WI Policy Forum (WPF) study, however, references a state EMS Association report that “even with higher rates of pay staffing shortages are a problem at most departments.” The study points out that Wisconsin local governments’ reliance on “Shared Revenue” compounds the problem. The State of Wisconsin shares portions of various state revenue sources with local governments and those portions have been “lagging,” according to the WPF report while the percentage of municipal and town government spending devoted to Fire/Ambulance is starting to trend down. State imposed limits on local property taxes penalize communities for increasing spending beyond a fixed percent over the previous year.

The WPF report points out that long-term solutions that could ultimately result in changes to service areas will require careful planning that “could take years to effectuate.” “In the shorter term,” the report concludes that “….greater financial assistance from the state or adjustments to financial constraints on local governments could be helpful.”

City and WFD, Inc. leaders have been conducting closed session negotiations for months. The next step in the process will be a Whitewater Common Council discussion of the issue likely to take place at the January 18th council meeting.


Flags to Half-staff on Saturday to Honor Former U.S. Senator Harry Reid of Nevada

NOTE: Pursuant to a proclamation issued by President Joseph R. Biden, Jr., on December 29, 2021, flags were ordered to be flown at half-staff on the date of interment for former United States Senator Harry Reid of Nevada. The date of interment has now been set by the family. Flags should be flown at half-staff on Saturday, January 8, 2022. 

A Proclamation on the Death of Harry Reid
DECEMBER 29, 2021
From humble roots in Searchlight, Nevada, Harry Reid rose to become one of the great Senate Majority Leaders in American history. He was a man of action, and a man of his word — guided by faith, loyalty, and unshakeable resolve.
Throughout his long career of public service, Harry Reid was instrumental in passing landmark legislation that made a positive difference in the lives of countless Americans and made our Nation stronger and safer. His devoted service to our Nation was not about power for power’s sake. It was about the power to do right by the American people.
As a mark of respect for his memory, I hereby order, by the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, that on the day of his interment, the flag of the United States shall be flown at half-staff at the White House and upon all public buildings and grounds, at all military posts and naval stations, and on all naval vessels of the Federal Government in the District of Columbia and throughout the United States and its Territories and possessions until sunset on such day. I also direct that the flag shall be flown at half-staff for the same period at all United States embassies, legations, consular offices, and other facilities abroad, including all military facilities and naval vessels and stations.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this twenty-ninth day of December, in the year of our Lord two thousand twenty-one, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and forty-sixth.
JOSEPH R. BIDEN JR.

FortAtkinsonOnline : “Whitewater school board member meets with Wintz supporters”

Supporters of recently retired Whitewater High School shop teacher Mike Wintz, seated, at right, listen as school board member Joe Kromholz, standing, explains school district process related to circumstances surrounding a retirement letter submitted by Wintz on Dec. 13. Photo courtesy of Fort Atkinson Online/Kim McDarison

FortAtkinsonOnline’s article, “Whitewater school board member meets with Wintz supporters,” posted on January 6, 2022, may be viewed at this link.

County Races: Both Jefferson Co. Supervisors are Unopposed; One Walworth County District Has Two Candidates

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

All four county supervisory districts in the city, two of which are in Jefferson County and two in Walworth, will be on the April 5 election. Only District 4 in Walworth County has a competitive race.

Jefferson County

District 24 represents wards 11 and 12 in the Jefferson County portion of the city. Roger Lind, 525 N. Fremont, is running unopposed.

District 25 represents wards 10 in the Jefferson County portion of the city, together with the town of Cold Spring; Wards 1 & 2 Town of Hebron; Ward 3 Town of Koshkonong, and Ward 2 Town of Palmyra. Matthew Foelker, W3467 Lower Hebron Road, Fort Atkinson, is running unopposed.

Walworth County

District 3 represents most of the eastern part of the city, together with the townships of Whitewater, LaGrange, and Sugar Creek. This map shows the boundaries after 2021 redistricting. Brian Holt, W6873 Sugar Creek Road, Elkhorn, is running unopposed.

District 4: Jerry Grant, Vice Chair of the County Board, has chosen not to run for re-election. The district represents primarily the western portion of the city that is located in Walworth County. This map shows the boundaries after 2021 redistricting. Running for the seat are Curt Knull, 404 E. Cravath, Whitewater; and Al Stanek, 415 S. Douglas Court, Whitewater.

Comic Book Heroes Teen Art Workshop at Library

Editor’s Note: This invitation was provided by the Whitewater Public Library.

Teens – do you enjoy comic books? Superheroes? Costume design? Fashion? If you answered yes to any of these questions then this workshop is for you! Students grades 6th – 12th are invited on Tuesday, January 25 at 6 p.m. to work with fashion textiles and superhero templates to design a one-of-a-kind superhero! The event will be in-person at the Irvin L. Young Memorial Library Community Room. This program will be presented by Mad Science Milwaukee. Register by January 17 to save your spot!

When: Tuesday, January 25th at 6:00 p.m.
Where: In-person in the Irvin L. Young Memorial Library Community Room.
To Register: Registration is required! Please register to participate at whitewaterlibrary.org by January 17th!

Six Students to Sing in WCDA Honors Choirs

Six students from Whitewater High School have been selected to sing in the Wisconsin Choral Directors Association Honors Choirs next week in Milwaukee. The students singing in the choirs are Marco Wence, Haley Street, Aldo Rodriguez, Skylar Staebler, Lauren Rollette, and Anders Clarksen.

Marco Wence, Haley Street, Aldo Rodriguez, Skylar Staebler, Lauren Rollette, Anders Clarksen

These students will work with a special guest conductor for two days along with other high-achieving students from throughout Wisconsin. The event will culminate with a concert in Bader Hall on the UW-Milwaukee Campus. 

Article and Photo Submitted by Karen Tordera
Whitewater High School Vocal Music Teacher
ktordera@wwusd.org

City Receives DNR Urban Forestry Grant for Arboretum

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

Efforts to increase the number of native tree species in Whitewater’s Starin Park
and identify them with information about their value and natural interrelationship will be getting a financial jumpstart
with the recent award of a $25,000 Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Urban Forestry Grant to the City
of Whitewater.


Whitewater is one of 47 Wisconsin communities to qualify for the funds and awarded a grant as part of an effort to
replace large amounts of city trees lost due to Emerald Ash Borer and natural attrition. Trees are essential to
maintaining a critical balance of carbon dioxide and oxygen. Tree leaves pull in carbon dioxide and produce oxygen as a
by-product of photosynthesis. This goal of the grant is to help educate the community about the trees that would best
thrive in Whitewater and to promote planting and growing such trees to increase the tree canopy within the city.


The DNR Urban Forestry Grant will reimburse up to $25,000 of city and volunteer efforts to plant and maintain new
trees and shrubs within the nearly 35-acre park that borders the UW-Whitewater campus. The grant is designed to help
city private property owners to understand the critical role of trees in converting carbon dioxide into oxygen.


The initial Whitewater project is to establish an arboretum, or outside museum of trees and shrubs, to provide
educational opportunities for children and adults by identifying and preserving a diverse network of native and imported
trees and plants.


The concept of the Arboretum at Starin Park was initiated by Whitewater Urban Forestry Commission (UFC) member
and retired educator Jim Nies. The UFC is a permanent subcommittee of the City of Whitewater Parks and Recreation
Board that makes recommendations concerning the care of all trees and shrubs planted in the city.


Nies estimates that there are currently as many as 50 declining 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 the park has lost over 20 trees in the past three years. The UFC
desires to plant 150 native trees and species in the next year to replace dying trees or those that needed to be removed.


The city supported volunteer group is establishing partnerships with UW-W, the Whitewater Unified School District, the
Starin Park Neighborhood Association and several other interested businesses and individuals.


A local fund-raising effort to cover the initial cost of purchasing trees and shrubs and producing educational materials
has generated nearly $15,000 in contributions from the Coburn Company, First Citizens State Bank, the Historic Starin
Park Neighborhood, the Whitewater Community Foundation and many individuals.


Recently, the UFC placed 30 informational tree tags identifying common trees at Starin Park. Expanded tree tagging will
continue for existing trees and new plantings. Plans for in-depth information of each tree will be available in the future
on PlantsMap, a digital program. The UFC’s early efforts have recently resulted in formal accreditation of the Arboretum
at Starin Park by the international arboretum accreditation agency ArbNet.


To learn more or donate to the arboretum, join the UFC or participate in the project, contact Parks and Recreation
Director, Eric Boettcher at (262) 473-0122 or EBoettcher@whitewater-wi.gov.

Fort Atkinson Online Article: “[WHS] Teacher’s retirement fuels controversy; supporters look for reinstatement”

One of two large signs erected on properties owned by Whitewater resident Geoff Hale show support for Whitewater High School tech-ed teacher Mike Wintz. After an accident that occurred in his classroom late last year, Wintz was offered an option to retire. He submitted his retirement letter on Dec. 13. Supporters have asked school board members to reinstate him. (Photo and caption copied from Fort Atkinson Online, which states, “Contributed photo.”)

Per an article dated January 3, 2022 in Fort Atkinson Online, “While few details have been released by the Whitewater Unified School District regarding an accident occurring within the Whitewater High School’s tech-ed department late last year, the retirement of shop teacher Mike Wintz — which is related to the incident — has garnered disapproval from many of his supporters.”

“Efforts to reinstate him continue according to Geoff Hale, a Whitewater resident and one of Wintz’s supporters. Hale is the owner of Home Lumber, 499 W. Whitewater St., and a distribution facility, 960 E. Milwaukee St., both in Whitewater. He has erected plywood signs on both of his properties which state: “Save Wintz and tech ed please call school board.”  The signs went up just before Christmas, Hale said.”

The article later continues, “During a school board meeting held Dec. 20, some 20 members of the public addressed the school board, asking for its consideration in reinstating Wintz.”

To read the entire Fort Atkinson Online article, click here.

Holiday Basketball Camp Held at Whitewater Middle School

Editor’s Note: The following information was provided by Matt Amundson.

A Holiday Basketball Camp was held for boys and girls grades 3rd-8th on December 27th-29th at Whitewater Middle School. 

Special thanks to the following for serving as instructors and coaches – Whitewater Boys Basketball: Justin Marinkovic, Jake Hintz, Arno Crowley, Jon Aron, Juan Vidales, Sam Brown, Ivan Gonzalez, Wyatt Nickels, David Rubio, Alex Rubio, Cody Larson, Dan Gnatzig.  Whitewater Girls Basketball: Gwen Truesdale, Kindyl Kilar, Cali Kopecky, Jenna Pope, Danielle DePorter, Mayte Navejas, Aidyn Amundson, Calli Grosinske, Zoe Kohl, Kristen Lippens, Morgan Huntley, Ariel Feiertag. Whitewater Youth Coaches Sonia Kachel, Cory Brummeyer, and Matt Amundson. 

The event culminated in a 3-on-3 tournament on Thursday, December 30th held at Whitewater High School.  The participants were divided into 5 teams at each age level and played a double elimination style tournament.  The 6th-8th grade 3-on-3 tournament winners were Matthew Carollo, Mya Koran, & Connor Brummeyer.  The 3rd-5th grade tournament was won by Camden Kachel, Tyrelle Griswold, & Keaton Kachel.

Fort HealthCare Launches Online Fitness Videos On-Demand Platform

Editor’s Note: The following information was provided by Fort HealthCare.

Does your schedule make it difficult to attend one of our in person or online LIVE fitness classes? Or maybe you’ve signed up for a class that meets once per week, but you find yourself wanting to add more workouts and more variety into your wellness routine? Then sign up for our NEW On-Demand Video Library subscription!

Our digital fitness video library offers you flexible options for adding fitness instruction into your day. For as little as $15 per month (that’s under $0.50 per day!) you can have on-demand access to a wide variety of workout routines – and you can cancel at any time.

Choose from a set of cardio workout routines, strength training routines, or mind/body wellness routines, or take advantage of the discounted package option and subscribe to all three categories! Scroll through video options and create your own customized viewing list. You can access the videos anytime on the go from a computer or mobile device with an Internet connection. There’s no time like the present to make your health a priority.

To get started or just review options, go to FortHealthCare.com/OnDemand and follow the instructions to create an account. Keep track of your login and password information. You can shop the options by category or as a package deal and set up your payment plan. Then you’ll be all set! Log back in at any time to workout on your own time and in your own space.

These videos are exclusive to subscribers, so if you still want to enjoy other in person or digital fitness classes (LIVE online) – like Zumba® – you’ll need to register for those separately at FortHealthCare.com/Classes.

Cardio Classes

Cardiovascular fitness – or cardio – is exercise that gets your body moving to the point where physical activity benefits the heart and blood vessels the most. Besides feeling better and toning muscles – which help keep your metabolism and joints healthy – cardio (as with all exercise) also increases the number of calories you burn during a workout. The key to cardiovascular fitness is getting a good but safe aerobic workout. The American Heart Association recommends at least 30 minutes of exercise per day for adults.

Maximum and target heart rates
Although target heart rates might seem too complicated for beginners, it’s important information to know regardless of your fitness level.

Here’s a simple way to determine your maximum and target heart rates: Subtract your age from 220 to figure out your maximum heart rate. For example, if you are 35, your maximum heart rate is 185 beats per minute (220-35). Your target heart rate is 50 percent to 85 percent of that number, so multiply it by .50 and .85 to get a range. In this example, that’s 93 to 157 beats per minute. These numbers are based on a healthy adult.

How to calculate your pulse rate
Many wearable health devices and smartwatches can give you a reading on your pulse rate. If you don’t have one of those devices, you can still calculate your own pulse rate. Hold one hand in front of you palm upward. Gently place the index and middle fingers of the other hand near the thumb-side of the wrist on your outstretched hand to feel the pulse. You should not need to press very hard to feel the pulse. Using a watch with a moving seconds hand or a stopwatch, count the pulse beats for 10 seconds, then multiply that number by six to give you the beats per minute.

Strength Classes

Strength training improves muscle strength, power, endurance, and size. It also helps reduce your body fat, increase your body metabolism so you burn more calories each day; it enhances your balance and stability, keeps your bones strong, and can reduce the symptoms of chronic conditions like arthritis, diabetes, or osteoporosis.

Strength training is an important part of a fitness routine because your muscles must be strong enough for daily activities. This includes things like carrying groceries or gardening. It also includes recreational and sports activities like walking or carrying golf clubs. As you age, you lose muscle mass and strength. Strength training helps delay and reduce this loss of muscle.

Strength training is also known as resistance training. It’s different from weightlifting or powerlifting. These are sports in which people compete to lift the heaviest weights. In resistance or strength training, you use weights or resistance bands to force your muscles to work against gravity. Over time, this builds and strengthens muscle mass by increasing the size of your muscle cells.

If your goal is to increase your strength, then you should use progressively heavier weights in your training sessions. If your goal is to improve your muscle endurance, then you should use lighter weights with more repetitions in your training sessions.

Optimal workout
Often, beginners can push too hard, thinking that exercise has to hurt in order to work well, which is not true! If you are a newcomer to exercise, check with your healthcare provider before starting a fitness program.

If you have an irregular heart rhythm, experiencing results of an injury, or during exercise feel very tired, have chest pressure, or feel faint, seek immediate medical attention and try not to panic.

Yoga Practice

What is yoga, and why is it so popular? Yoga is a series of stretches and poses that you do with breathing techniques. It offers the powerful benefits of exercise. And since yoga is gentle, almost anyone can do it, regardless of your age or fitness level.

Yoga is a 5,000-year-old discipline from India. It was developed as a practice to unite the mind and body. There are many branches of yoga. All yoga styles can help balance your body, mind, and spirit, but they achieve it in various ways.

Some yoga styles are intense and vigorous. Others are relaxing and meditative. No matter which type you choose, yoga is a great way to stretch and strengthen your body, focus your mind, and relax your spirit.

Benefits of yoga

Yoga can make you stronger and more flexible. It’s a great way to stay limber and energetic. You may also feel more focused and alert. For many people, yoga helps them feel great and function better in daily life.

Yoga can also help improve these conditions:

  • Poor blood circulation
  • High blood pressure
  • Arthritis
  • Osteoporosis
  • Limited mobility
  • Lower back pain
  • Trouble breathing
  • Headaches
  • Tension or stress
  • Depression

Yoga’s gentle movements are a big reason for why it’s so popular. Yoga is good for people who haven’t been active in a while. It’s good for people who have certain health conditions like arthritis or osteoporosis. You can change the exercises to fit your needs. But yoga is also great if you’re already fit and want a challenging workout. As you become stronger and more flexible with yoga, it’s easier to do other kinds of exercise like dancing, walking, or swimming.

Yoga can help you:

  • Reduce your risk for injury. Each yoga pose targets specific muscles. This helps you increase your flexibility and reduce your risk for injury.
  • Reduce stress. Yoga can help soothe the mind and lower stress levels. It does this by focusing the mind on the moment and the movements.
  • Increase your concentration. A main part of yoga is rhythmic, focused breathing. This can help you focus.
  • Understand the mind and body connection. Yoga requires you to focus all your energy on each movement or pose exactly. This can help you feel the mind and body work together.
  • Gain strength and stamina. More vigorous styles of yoga promote strength and stamina.
  • Improve balance and stability. Balancing poses require you to use your core muscles. This can help you improve your overall stability.
  • Improve posture. Yoga poses strengthen and open tight areas of the body like the shoulders and muscles of the upper back. This can help you keep good posture.
  • Develop body awareness. Yoga requires you to contract or relax specific muscles as you stretch into each pose. This can help you become more aware of your body’s strengths and weaknesses.

One of the most important benefits of any yoga routine isn’t physical — it’s the quieting of the mind. The bottom line is learning to pay attention. You fine-tune your attention, beginning with the body, and then moving to the mind. As you get deeper into your practice, you may discover additional mental health benefits.

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.