News

Editor’s Note: The following was provided by First English Lutheran Church.

Safe Families Wisconsin will be offering a training opportunity in Whitewater to support local families. This program pairs well with existing work in our area as it seeks to help families before they reach a stage of needing support like Bethel House. We are hopeful that this not only helps families in our community, but also reduces strain on resources for other support programs. The program is Saturday, August 10th, from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at First English Lutheran Church on 401 W. Main Street.

Those who would like to learn more prior to the event are welcome to hear a brief presentation at the end of Worship Services at First English Lutheran Church on Sunday, July 14th (9:30-10:30 a.m.) or hang around after the service and speak with presenters. (401 W. Main St. Whitewater)

You can register for this event at: https://forms.gle/6Wz2DxATGJpEkTyw5

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

A new state law passed in 2023 requires an orange and black “EV Hybrid” sticker to be attached to the license plates on electric (EV) and hybrid vehicles. There were nearly 146,000 such vehicles on the road in 2023.

The law was enacted in order to to quickly alert first responders that a vehicle has electric components. Per wearegreenbay.com, “Chief Alan Matzke of the De Pere Fire Department says determining the type of vehicle involved in a crash is one of the first things responders do when arriving on the scene. “With regular vehicles, we can tell when they’re running or not because we can hear the engine running. One of the things that we do is stabilize the vehicle and make sure that the engine is shut off so we don’t have any surprises of that vehicle moving in case of an accident. Electric Vehicles make no noise, so we have no idea if that vehicle’s going to lunge forward or backward,” Matzke says. With the style of EVs evolving, Matzke says it is now more important than ever to start using the stickers. He says, “Certain EVs have a distinctive look, but as they progress and new models come out, they look more and more like an everyday combustion automobile. The stickers are going to be really fundamental in identifying that for us.”

Per ems.gov, in a crash, a high-voltage (HV) lithium-ion battery in a damaged EV or HEV can off-gas or ignite (what’s known as thermal runaway) rapidly with little or no warning. The gas and smoke emitted when the battery is off-gassing or burning is not just flammable but highly toxic. Battery fires also burn much hotter (3000+ degrees) than those in an ICE vehicle, which burn at about 800 to 1000 degrees.

Several other states are either mandating a special EV plate or sticker, while others are making this optional, which sometimes allows a vehicle to use HOV (high occupancy vehicle) lanes. Illinois is among the states with a special plate. The Wisconsin legislature considered issuing a plate but opted instead for a sticker, which initially was proposed to cost drivers $1.

All current owners of electric or hybrid vehicles with valid registration will automatically be sent their EV Hybrid sticker(s) and should receive their sticker(s) by June. Starting this summer, those who apply for title and registration for a new electric or hybrid vehicle (including those purchased at a dealership) will be provided a sticker(s) with their new plate(s). Anyone who purchases an electric or hybrid vehicle ahead of that time will receive their sticker by mail. There is no need to contact the DMV for EV Hybrid stickers.  

By the way, there is a $75 annual surcharge for the registration of a hybrid car, and effective July 6, 2023 the surcharge for registering an EV increased from $100 to $175. The intent of these surcharges is to compensate for not collecting the 30.9 cents per gallon state gas excise tax that helps to pay for road improvements.

The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater has announced Rebecca Hagerman as the next head coach of the Warhawk women’s bowling program. 

Hagerman comes to UW-Whitewater from Jacksonville State University where she recently capped a successful collegiate career. “I am extremely excited for Becca to begin her coaching career with us,” said Athletic Director Ryan Callahan. “She is one of the best bowlers in the country and has won on the biggest stages.” 

Hagerman is coming off of a phenomenal final year at Jacksonville State. She led the Gamecocks to a NCAA title, the second of her career, en route to earning NCAA Division I Player of the Year accolades. The Conference USA Bowler of the Year, Hagerman was a First Team All-Conference and First Team All-American selection in 2024. In 2023, Hagerman was selected to the Team USA roster before wrapping up her collegiate career at Jacksonville State. 

Hagerman began her collegiate journey at McKendree University. A two-time All-American with the Bearcats, Hagerman helped lead the squad to a NCAA title in 2022 and an Intercollegiate Team Championship in 2023. Successful on the lanes and in classroom, Hagerman is a two-time recipient of the NCAA Elite 90 honor – awarded to the student-athlete with the highest cumulative grade point average competing at the finals of each sport. 

“I am very excited for this opportunity,” said Hagerman. I can’t wait to give back all of the knowledge I’ve learned from the O’Keefe’s.” Shannon and Bryan O’Keefe coached at McKendree University before starting the program at Jacksonville State in the fall of 2023. 

“Leann Sullivan left the program in great shape and I’m confident Becca will continue to move the program forward,” added Callahan. 

A native of Loves Park, Illinois, Hagerman received a bachelor’s degree in biopsychology from McKendree in 2023. She is currently working toward a master’s degree in integrated studies from Jacksonville State. 

Sullivan Named NTCA DIII Coach of the Year in Final Season

University of Wisconsin-Whitewater head bowling coach, Leann Sullivan, has been named the National Tenpin Coaches Association Division III Coach of the Year in her final season at the helm for the Warhawks.
 
This season, Sullivan’s squad led Division III in nearly every statistical category including traditional frame average, Baker frame average, Baker double percentage, strike percentage, single pin spare conversion percentage and overall spare conversion percentage. Additionally, bowlers Rachel Nelson (Poplar Grove, Ill./Belvidere North) and Kelly Whipple (Sheboygan, Wis./South) led Division III in Baker frame average and Baker double percentage respectively.
 
The 2024 Warhawks are ranked 22^nd in the NTCA’s power index rating with a season record of 58-46. The power index rating includes programs from each division taking into consideration team record and strength of schedule. UWW’s 190.3 average in Baker games this season is ranked 16^th in the field of 91 teams across all divisions.
 
Sullivan announced her retirement from leading the program following her 14^th year as the head coach. She retires as arguably the most successful Division III bowling coach in NTCA history. A three-time NTCA Division III Coach of the Year (2013, 2015, 2024), Sullivan has amassed a record of 744-536 competing against teams from all divisions.
 
Sullivan led the Warhawks to their first-ever berth into the NCAA Championships in 2013. The team finished seventh that season, but returned the next two years to finish third in both 2014 and 2015. In 2021, UW-Whitewater finished third in the United States Bowling Congress Intercollegiate Team Championships.
 
Over the course of her tenure, Sullivan has coached eight NTCA Division III Bowlers and Rookies of the Year including Nelson (Bowler-2024), Whipple (Bowler-2023, Rookie-2022), Skye Farr (Sun Prairie, Wis./) (Rookie-2023), Caitlin Mertins (Bowler-2022), Amanda Van Duyn (Bowler-2016, Rookie-2013) and Katie Zwiefelhofer (Bowler-2014). In fact, every NTCA Bowler of the Year and Rookie of the Year in UW-Whitewater women’s bowling history has been coached by Sullivan. She has coached five bowlers to seven NTCA All-America honors and two that earned NCAA All-Tournament Team recognition.
 
Sullivan’s bowlers have also excelled academically. Warhawk bowlers have earned more than 60 Academic All-NTCA honors under Sullivan’s tutelage. Mertins was named a CoSIDA First Team Academic All-American and was the UW-Whitewater Student-Athlete of the Year for her success in the classroom and on the lanes in 2022.
 
Prior to the 2019 campaign, Sullivan played an integral role in starting the Central Intercollegiate Bowling Conference. UW-Whitewater won the inaugural CIBC Championship in 2019-20 while Mary Conneely was named the CIBC Player of the Year.
 
Under Sullivan, the Warhawks have been ranked in the final NTCA Top 20 poll nearly every season and have appeared in the final DII/III rankings each of her 14 seasons.
 
Sullivan was a four-year letterwinner for the Warhawks from 2006-10. She was a captain of the 2010 squad that earned a berth in the USBC national tournament.
 
“What Leann was able to do at UW-Whitewater with the women’s bowling team was nothing short of amazing,” said Athletic Director Ryan Callahan. “Her passion, knowledge and overall love for Warhawk women’s bowling is going to be tough to replace. The Warhawk community is grateful for her hard work within athletics, and we’re all grateful that she is staying on campus to continue to impact the student experience at UWW.”

Steve Watson writes, “A new personal discovery. These photos were taken in a hurry. It’s a sora ( porzana Carolina) also called Carolina rail, soree, meadow chicken, sora crake, and orlotan. The sora is an elusive dweller of the cattail marsh that builds nests over the water.”

Our thanks to Steve Watson for sharing a new personal discovery. He’s captured and shared photos of so many species of birds that it must have been a delight to see something new!

— Our Readers Share: We hope that you might have something that you’d be willing to share.  Anything that’s been created by someone else should, of course, be credited, and you should ask their permission if you’re able. We cannot post copyrighted material without permission. We can’t guarantee that we’ll have space for all submissions, and contributions will be subject to editorial board approval. The one definite exclusion is anything politically oriented. We will assume that you’re willing for us to include your name as the submitter unless you indicate that you prefer to remain anonymous. Send to whitewaterbanner@gmail.com. Thanks for thinking about this!

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

Fort HealthCare is proud to announce the establishment of its Patient and Family Advisory Council (PFAC), an initiative that marks a significant stride towards fostering patient-centered healthcare services. The PFAC, comprised of dedicated individuals from diverse backgrounds, will play a pivotal role in collaborating with healthcare professionals to enhance the overall patient experience.

“In the pursuit of health equity, the Patient and Family Advisory Council serves as a beacon of hope, ensuring that the voices of all individuals, regardless of background, are heard and valued in decision-making processes of healthcare,” remarked Molly Prater, Chair of the Patient and Family Advisory Council.

In tandem with the launch, Fort HealthCare is actively recruiting high-energy individuals to join the ranks of Patient Advisors. This unique opportunity empowers patients and their families to actively contribute to the shaping of healthcare policies and practices at a high level within our organization.

Lisa Jensen, Chief Nursing Officer at Fort HealthCare, expressed her enthusiasm for the launch of the PFAC, stating, “At Fort HealthCare, we believe in the power of partnership between healthcare providers and the individuals we serve. The Patient and Family Advisory Council is a testament to our dedication to cultivating a healthcare experience that is not only medically excellent but also deeply compassionate. We are excited to welcome individuals who are passionate about making a difference in healthcare to join us in this transformative journey.”

Patient Advisors will actively participate in strategic discussions, provide valuable insights, and collaborate with healthcare professionals to drive positive changes in patient care. This is an exceptional opportunity for community members to contribute to the evolution of healthcare practices at Fort HealthCare and make a lasting impact on the well-being of our community.

Fort HealthCare invites community members who are passionate about patient advocacy and committed to improving healthcare to apply for the role of Patient Advisor. Applications and additional information about the recruitment process can be found on our website at https://www.forthealthcare.com/about/get-involved/patient-and-family-advisory-council/ .

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. FortHealthCare.com.

It’s time once again for #FlashbackFriday with the Whitewater Historical Society.

Today we have a photo from the summer of 1999 taken by member George Scharfenberg, who left the society hundreds of photos of things happening in Whitewater in the decades of the 1990s and 2000’s. Here he documents the remodeling of the Starin Park Community Building. The building was damaged by a fire in March of 1998 and in the summer of 1999, the building underwent an enlargement and remodeling that gave us the great Senior Center building we have today.

Join us next week for more from the Whitewater Historical Society.

(Photo from the George Scharfenberg collection, Whitewater Historical Society)

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

Walworth County will host residential Clean Sweep recycling events on Friday, June 21, and Saturday, June 22. The Clean Sweep program safely collects and disposes of waste through a licensed facility. The events will be held at Walworth County Public Works, W4097 County Road NN, Elkhorn. No registration is required.

On Friday, June 21, from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m., residents may dispose of household hazardous waste. Acceptable hazardous waste products are those labeled caustic, acid, flammable, danger, warning, or poison. Examples include oil and lead-based paints, pesticides and herbicides, adhesives and lubricants, old fuel, fluorescent bulbs, mercury thermometers, thermostats, furniture strippers, drain cleaners, antifreeze, brake fluid, and motor oil. Items should be in their original containers, if possible. A full list of acceptable items can be viewed at www.co.walworth.wi.us/1059/Household-Hazardous-Waste-Guides.

On Saturday, June 22, from 8 a.m. to noon, residents may dispose of household hazardous waste and electronics, TVs, appliances, and tires.

Household hazardous waste is free. All electronics and computers can be recycled for free. The following items can be recycled for a fee (cash only):

• All TVs: $10 each
• Computer monitors: $5 each
• Mini fridges, small AC units, and dehumidifiers: $5 each
• Refrigerators and freezers: $10 each; all other appliances are free
• Tires with 18-inch rims or smaller may be recycled: The cost is $10 each for tires without rims and $15 each for tires with rims.

Clean Sweep has served the residents of Walworth County since 1992. The annual program has successfully kept hazardous waste out of landfills, wastewater treatment facilities, the environment, and groundwater.

Clean Sweep is sponsored by the Walworth County Public Works Department and partially funded by the Town of Darien, Mallard Ridge Landfill Fund, and a grant from the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection.

The Public Works department would like to acknowledge the following local partners and supporters for their financial contributions to the Clean Sweep program: City of Delavan, Village of Williams Bay, Lockhart Service, Inc., Kikkoman Foods, City of Whitewater, Joe Porter McLean, Halverson Door, Village of Walworth, Village of East Troy, and Walworth County Metropolitan Sewerage District.

For more information and a complete list of items accepted at Clean Sweep events, please visit https://www.co.walworth.wi.us/826/Clean-Sweep. Or contact the Walworth County Solid Waste Division at (262) 741-3116, walcosw@co.walworth.wi.us.

JUNE IS DAIRY MONTH! 

We invite you to help celebrate the rich history of dairy in Wisconsin, at our annual “MILKTASTIC” Dairy Days Celebration Friday, June 21st from 11 a.m.-2 p.m.

Stop in and sample free dairy products like string cheese, yogurt, ice cream and of course MILK! 

We are also celebrating with a coloring contest! Stop in and grab a copy of our Wisconsin America’s Dairyland Coloring Sheet! Once colored, drop it off at any office and on June 28th, we will randomly draw 10 winners from each location (Whitewater, East Troy and Palmyra) to win Culver’s gift cards!

Plus, baby calves will visit the Whitewater Main office; come pet the calves! We can’t wait!!! 

Whitewater: 207 W Main Street

Palmyra: 111 E Main Street

East Troy: 2546 E Main Street

The Young Auditorium will host Kids from Wisconsin’s “Larger Than Life: The Great Entertainers” on Wednesday, June 26 at 7 p.m. Kids from Wisconsin is composed of Wisconsin’s most accomplished youth, ages 15-20, as they take the stage for a two-hour performance featuring 22 singer/dancers and a 14-piece stage band.

The Kids from Wisconsin were founded in 1969. The 56th annual production will showcase historic bands and orchestras, kings and queens from rock to pop, and legendary Broadway stars and classic entertainers.

The non-profit organization showcases the best of Wisconsin’s young talent and provides a unique pre-professional tour opportunity. This summer’s tour features approximately 40 communities and features daily performances at the Wisconsin State Fair.

All seats are $25 with no extra fees. Tickets may be purchased here.

Editor’s note: Kids from Wisconsin performed at the Young Auditorium last summer, and though the group deserved to have a larger audience, those in attendance seemed to enjoy it very much. It was a very high energy show with great talent.

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

Practitioners, clinicians, and others in the field of aging gathered at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater on June 5 to attend “The State of the State of Dementia in Wisconsin Professional Caregiver Conference.”

The conference was organized by county Aging and Disability Resource Centers (ADRC), and led by dementia care specialists Karen Tennyson of the Rock County ADRC and Tonya Runyard of the Jefferson County ADRC. It included an overview of the Wisconsin State Dementia Plan, 2024-2028, and other topical sessions, including some led by alums of UW-Whitewater.

“We serve our region through a variety of partnerships, and this conference is an excellent example of that,” said Matt Vick, Dean of the School of Graduate Studies and Continuing Education. “Dementia is a critical healthcare issue and we are pleased that so many professional caregivers joined us on campus to learn more.”

The Wisconsin State Dementia Plan aims to address factors that exacerbate dementia-related health disparities, promote dementia-related awareness, ensure high-quality care and services, as well as championing independence and choice for people living with dementia, while encouraging collaborative systems in the aging field.

Various areas of the Plan were highlighted by speaker Carrie Molke, director of the Bureau of Aging and Disability Resources in the Wisconsin Department of Health Services. Bryce Dorff, research analyst with the Office of Policy Initiatives and Budget at the Wisconsin Department of Health Services, shared information on how data was collected from surveys and listening sessions throughout the state. Dorff spoke on how the data informed the strategies and goals of the Plan. Conference participants were also offered ways to get involved to accomplish the goals of the Plan.

A number of sessions, all aiming to inform and energize professionals working in the field, followed the Plan overview. Led by practitioners and licensed clinical social workers, sessions included discussions about Adult Protective Services, Dementia and Crisis, Stabilization, In-Patient Psychiatric Units and the Law, Intergenerational Technology Services Program, and Caregiver Concerns and Community Education.

The conference culminated with a panel discussion of individuals impacted by dementia.  Panelists included a physician caring for his wife with Alzheimer’s disease, a clinical psychologist recently diagnosed with mild cognitive impairment, a former registered nurse who became a live-in caregiver for a friend with dementia until her death, and a daughter who realized the severity of her father’s dementia once she became his caregiver. Their unique and moving experiences engaged the audience and highlighted the complicated journey traveled by people living with dementia, their families and caregivers.

Nearly 100 people attended the conference from organizations around the state. Aging professionals included case managers, guardians, social workers, state and county-level supervisors, and county, state and federal legislative liaisons. These professionals represent hospitals, hospice agencies, long-term care facilities and a variety of state and county-level human service agencies. They came together to learn and share more about this vital health topic that affects thousands of Wisconsinites every year.

About UW-Whitewater

At the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater we inspire, engage and transform lives. Our higher education mission began more than 150 years ago — and we now serve more than 11,000 students at our Whitewater and Rock County campuses, 90% of whom stay in the region after earning their degree.  The Warhawk family — led by caring faculty and staff — is devoted to student success within a broad range of academic programs. One of only four Public Colleges of Distinction in the state, the University boasts small class sizes (20:1 ratio), is ranked one of the top 10 public colleges by the U.S. New & World Report, and is the top-ranked college in the state for serving students with disabilities. Continuing Education is committed to meeting the lifelong learning needs of the residents of our region in offering a variety of classes, workshops and trainings that respond to the changing personal and professional interests of adult learners by connecting the University and community.