News

UW-W student organization brings virtual holiday cheer

UW-Whitewater Student Organization Brings Virtual Holiday Cheer

(College of Arts and Communication, Department of Music press release)

The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater chapter of the Student National Association of Teachers of Singing (SNATS)  is bringing holiday cheer directly to homes this year, with a free virtual caroling video. The National Association of Teachers of Singing fosters the formation of student chapters in order to advance knowledge about the Association and the professions of teaching and singing. A Student NATS (SNATS) Chapter is an organization of students that can meet, hold events and discussions, participate, practice, and learn more about voice teaching as a profession.

Students have been working hard all semester to remove obstacles to performing for audiences. “Despite the craziness that is this semester, it warms my heart that our organization is able to share music with the community, even if it can’t be in person” says chapter president, Cassie Coenen. Short but sweet the video includes renditions of “Deck the Halls”, “Silent Night” and “Jingle Bells”. This holiday season doesn’t have to be less joyful because gatherings are limited. 

The idea developed in a brainstorming session of the group. “We all have had a lot of fun caroling in years past and we wanted to continue the tradition this 2020 holiday season,” says secretary Molly Wanless.  The video will be sent to three senior centers in the area: Fairhaven in Whitewater, Milton Senior Living and Oak Park Place in Janesville, with the hopes of it reaching more residences in the coming weeks. “We are doing this at no cost, only to spread some holiday cheer,” says Wanless.

Everyone plays their part in this student organization. This project features singers: Bekah Trussler, Alexis Nungaray, Paris Barker, Hunter Gebauer, Nathan Roley, Paul Borden and Jacob Krueger alongside Coenen and Wanless. Krueger also plays accompaniment in the video and Wanless was responsible for editing.

Outside of their music studies, SNATS does volunteering in the community and in the music department, fundraising for students to attend conferences and competitions, and hosts colloquiums to inform music students on various topics.

If you’re looking for another way to bring some holiday cheer to your home, we hope you’ll share the video far and wide. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dSzLu14lCrw&feature=youtu.be 

UW System to accelerate COVID-19 testing for spring 2021

(UW System press release, Dec. 11) MADISON, Wis.—University of Wisconsin System President Tommy Thompson today announced residential undergraduate students will be tested for COVID-19 at least once per week during the spring 2021 semester. In addition, all non-residential students, faculty, and staff will be tested at least once every two weeks.

The requirement will apply to all UW System universities except UW-Madison, which is developing its own testing program. Implementation of the testing plan will be individually managed by the universities.

“Frequent testing is critical to minimizing the spread of COVID-19,” Thompson said. “We have demonstrated at our universities, where the positivity rate has hovered around 3 percent for weeks, that routine testing is a difference maker. The UW System’s testing program has been pivotal toward ensuring a successful in-person fall semester, and we will do even more this spring given how well it has gone.”

Studies show and experts agree that in addition to the individual behaviors of wearing masks, maintaining social distance, and hand washing, regular testing makes a significant impact in combating the virus. In praising the UW System testing program during a recent visit to Wisconsin this fall, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Director Dr. Robert Redfield said the presence of frequent testing on UW campuses itself signaled to students, faculty, and staff the importance of masking, distance, and hand washing.

“Frequent testing has helped us create a culture of responsibility on our campuses,” Thompson said. “I am very proud of how our students have responded to the challenges facing them this fall.”

Under the spring 2021 testing program, faculty and staff who are not working on campus will not need to be tested according to the program requirements.

Additional details of the testing program continue to be developed.

Be Instrumental to the Success of UW-Whitewater Music Education

(College of Arts and Communication, Department of Music submission) The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater Department of Music is seeking instrument donations for their brand new “Be Instrumental” campaign. The campaign comes as a partnership with the White House of Music and will have a direct impact on each music education student. This initiative was designed to continue the outstanding preparation of the nationally-recognized Music Education program at UW-Whitewater.

“As a music educator, you have to be able to teach a variety of instruments to students,” says Mike Dugan, Chair of the Department of Music. “We previously have had music stores donate these instruments, but in the midst of this financially challenging year, we are finding donations falling short of our needs.”

Specifically, the department is seeking instrument donations for the following, in priority order:

Trombone; Alto Saxophone; Clarinet; Violin; Cello; String Bass; Oboe; Cornet/Trumpet; Horn; Bassoon, and Percussion Practice Pads and Stands. In partnership with the White House of Music, there are two options to engage in this unique program, listed below. All donations are tax-deductible to the extent of the law.

Donate Your Used Instrument

Donate your slightly used instrument and receive a letter verifying the donation as a gift. If your instrument needs slight repairs to get it into proper playing condition, the department hopes you may be able to make those repairs prior to donation. If repairs are unable to be made, the instrument would be examined for an appraisal of value. To make a donation, visit: https://www.uww.edu/cac/music/be-instrumental

Purchase an Instrument or Contribute Towards the Purchase of an Instrument

Purchase or donate through the White House of Music and a student-line instrument will be supplied to the UW-Whitewater Department of Music. White House will keep all donations segregated so any dollar amount donated can accumulate to the dollar value needed for a purchase. In addition, Chris White, President and CEO of White House of Music and 1993 UW-Whitewater alum, will add to this offer a full year of free service for any instrument purchased and donated to the Be Instrumental initiative.  A win-win offer we hope you will find enticing!  Follow this link to see a list of instruments we need with a donation tab to White House of Music: https://white-house-of-music-inc-uww.square.site/

Participants will become “instrumental” to empower students in continuing the exemplary music education tradition at UW-Whitewater. If you are interested in making a donation, please visit our website at: https://www.uww.edu/cac/music/be-instrumental. For questions or more information, please contact uwwmusic@uww.edu.

UW System announces more details on COVID-19 student health care worker initiative

(University of Wisconsin System submission) University of Wisconsin System President Tommy Thompson today announced additional details to provide incentives to UW students with nursing skills and other health backgrounds to work on the front lines of Wisconsin’s fight against the COVID-19 pandemic. The additional details include qualifying criteria, deadlines, and how students can apply. 

“The UW System has identified a need and is stepping up to help,” President Thompson said. “As Wisconsin deals with this terrible pandemic, the need for health care workers has never been greater. The UW System is glad to be able to offer this incentive to students, who can use this opportunity to learn and to help our fellow Wisconsinites.”

The System had previously announced that its approximately 4,000 nursing students would be able to earn real-time experience and a $500 tuition refund for agreeing to work in hospitals and other health care settings and to help administer vaccines, including anticipated vaccines that combat COVID-19.

A $500 tuition refund will be provided to students who meet the following criteria:

  • Must be enrolled at a University of Wisconsin System campus during the Spring 2021 semester.
  • Must work a minimum of 50 hours in a Wisconsin clinical or health care setting, such as a hospital, clinic, nursing home, long-term care facility, state or local health care facility, or state veterans home, between December 1, 2020, and February 1, 2021.
  • Must meet health care licensure and certification requirements, such as a Registered Nurse (RN), Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN), Certified Medical Assistant (CMA), Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), Emergency Medical Technician (CEMT), or Nurse Aid. Students who also qualify as a CNA under the emergency rule currently in place can participate as well.

The program is open to students currently employed or who become employed in a Wisconsin clinical or health care setting. To be eligible for the tuition credit, students must present a letter from their employer verifying the type of work and the hours worked to their campus Bursar’s Office by no later than March 31, 2021.

Students who qualify will receive a $500 tuition refund at the end of the Spring 2021 semester. Students may receive only one $500 tuition refund regardless of number of hours worked beyond the 50-hour minimum.

Students interested in becoming involved can connect with employers via Handshake, an online job listing and candidate management system. The UW System will promote the use of Handshake to potential health care employers, and UW campus career services administrators will help students identify job eligible opportunities.

The UW System is considering additional spring semester incentives for nursing student health care work, including clinical support for vaccinations, beyond February 1, 2021.

Whitewater Area Chamber seeks community nominations for 2020 Annual Chamber Awards

(Whitewater Area Chamber of Commerce press release) This year has proven to be one filled with many challenges and disappointments, but it has also given us opportunities find ways to come together as a community to support each other. To embrace this spirit of collaboration and support, the Whitewater Area Chamber of Commerce is seeking nominations from the community for their annual awards. The chamber’s membership has already taken time to submit their nominations and now we are asking the Whitewater community to provide input on this important process. We want to be able to honor the many individuals, businesses, and organizations that make Whitewater the great hometown that it is! The award categories are listed below, and to submit your nomination(s), if possible, please print this form, fill it out, scan and email it to the chamber at info@whitewaterchamber.com by Friday, December 18th. If that is inconvenient, feel free to simply provide the following information in an email: your name (and business if appropriate), phone number, email address, name of business/individual you are nominating, a brief explanation of why you are nominating them for the award, and which award you are nominating them for. If you have any questions please contact the chamber at (262) 473-4005.

Good Neighbor Award

Given to an individual in the Whitewater community who can be described as an outstanding citizen who represents Whitewater at its very best. This person makes a positive difference in Whitewater by improving the quality of life and embracing the community spirit!

Service Excellence Award

Presented to a business that demonstrates hometown hospitality by delivering excellent customer service and care to their guests/customers/clients and the community.

Lifetime Impact Award

Presented to a business, individual, or organization that has been a part of the community for 20 years or longer, positively impacting community development and growth.

Discover Whitewater Award

Presented to the business, individual, or organization that creates a warm, welcoming, and unique experience for travelers and guests to enjoy in the Whitewater community.

Pandemic Pro Award

Presented to the business that made the most of the multiple opportunities this year to successfully “pivot” their business practices in innovative ways and remain open for the community.

Whitewater-specific COVID-19 data available for the first time; Average of 10 new cases per day over last week

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

Recently the Wisconsin Department of Health Services has, for the first time, started providing COVID-19 data for each municipality and school district in the state. This is particularly helpful for Whitewater, as the previous information that was enumerated by census tract did not isolate the portion of the city that is located in Jefferson County. The statistics for the seven days ending December 12 reflect a very high new rate of confirmed cases, in spite of the fact that the majority of UW-W students had already left two weeks before that period. As of the morning of December 11, UW-W had reported only 14 new cases among students and staff versus the 74 cases identified in the city as a whole.

It might be speculated that the increasing rate compared with the week ending 12/5 could be partially related to gatherings over the Thanksgiving holiday. Whitewater’s rate might also be influenced by the recent ready availability of rapid testing at UW-W.

Fifteen deaths related to COVID-19 have been reported in the city; eighteen have been reported in the school district. It is believed that the majority of the deaths in the city have taken place in senior residences.

New daily confirmed cases reported as an average over the last 7 days and rate per 100,000 population:

City of WhitewaterAverage new daily casesRate per 100,000 population
12/57.1448.4
12/1210.5771.6
Whitewater Unified School District
12/59.2946.1
12/1213.1465.2

Rates per 100,000 population for selected municipalities as of 12/12

Madison35.1
Jefferson39.4
Palmyra49.5
Fort Atkinson50.6
Jefferson County53
Entire state of WI 65
Milton66.5
Walworth County67.5
Milwaukee67.8
Rock County 67.8
Whitewater71.6
Elkhorn73.6
Janesville78
Cambridge80

COVID-19 community rapid testing at UW-W to continue through early 2021, though not between Dec. 23 – Jan. 3

(UW-W press release)

UW-Whitewater is extending its COVID-19 “surge testing” to help meet the needs of the community during the holiday season. On Monday, UW System President Tommy Thompson said COVID-19 “surge testing” sites will operate at least until Christmas, with days and hours varying by individual site. UW-Whitewater plans to remain open into early January.

The 22 sites across Wisconsin located on or near UW System university campuses provide free, rapid COVID-19 tests to community members as well as students and employees. Since opening in early November, the sites have now administered about 100,000 Abbott BinaxNOW tests. Of those, UW-Whitewater has administered 8,675 of these “surge” tests since Nov. 9.

In addition to the surge testing site, UW-Whitewater’s University Health and Counseling Services has administered nearly 9,500 tests to current students and continues to offer the service.

“UW-Whitewater has a long, proud history of helping our communities during critical times. And we continue to do so today and into 2021,” Chancellor Dwight C. Watson said. “I want to thank UW System, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, along with our staff who have supported these important efforts. As our students say, get tested and ‘know before you go.’ If you are traveling for the winter break, please test before you leave so that you will know your status if you choose to visit with others during the holidays.”

Originally, UW System officials estimated the sites would operate for about six weeks, or through mid-December. Thanks to added support from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to meet the demand, surge testing will continue.

Hours for COVID-19 testing at UW-Whitewater will continue from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. Monday through Friday until Tuesday, Dec. 22. The site will be closed Dec. 23 through Jan. 3 and will reopen on Monday, Jan 4. The hours will remain 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Testing is located at the Kris Russell Volleyball Arena in the Williams Center and free parking is available in lots 7 and 9 on Warhawk Drive.

Pre-registration is required at doineedacovid19test.com

“We believe this timeframe will allow our community members to be tested prior to the holiday and then be able to test once the New Year begins,” Watson said.

Additional testing information can be found at https://www.uww.edu/warhawks-return/testing

Banner note: Results from the rapid testing are generally emailed in less than an hour. Anyone who tests negative but has been experiencing possible COVID-19 symptoms, as well as anyone who tests positive, is offered a PCR test, for which the results may not be available for several days.

Fort HealthCare Foundation Accepting 2021 Scholarship Applications

(For HealthCare submission) Fort HealthCare is offering scholarships totaling over $25,000 to students pursuing careers in healthcare. Scholarships are being offered by the Fort HealthCare Partners, Fort HealthCare Medical Staff and Fort Memorial Hospital Foundation.

Students interested in applying can complete an application online at www.FortHealthCare.com/scholarships. Applications need to be submitted by March 1, 2021 to be considered for that calendar year. Completing one application makes you eligible for each scholarship applicable to the degree you are pursuing. 

Applicants must be residents, high school graduates from Cambridge, Fort Atkinson, Helenville, Jefferson, Johnson Creek, Lake Mills, Palmyra, Sullivan, or Whitewater, or employees at Fort HealthCare. While grade point average is important, it is not always the primary consideration. Information about your community involvement/volunteer work is also requested. Additional criteria specific to each scholarship are listed below.

Fort HealthCare Partners Scholarships

Health Career Advancing Scholarships

Health Careers Advancing Education Scholarships are awarded to candidates who currently hold a degree or certification in a healthcare field and are now enrolled in a course of study that leads to an advanced degree in a healthcare field.

-more-

High School Student Applications

Scholarships are awarded to graduating high school students pursuing a career in the healthcare field.

Woody Finn Memorial Scholarship

In memory of Woody Finn, a long-time dedicated volunteer of Fort Memorial Hospital, a scholarship is awarded to a student pursuing a career in health care who serves regularly in a volunteer role.

For more information about the Partners scholarships call (920) 568-5276.

Fort Memorial Hospital Medical Staff Scholarship

The Fort Memorial Hospital Medical Staff sponsors several $1,000 to $3,000 scholarships totaling $10,000 in memory of Dr. Robert Handeyside. Graduating seniors, who reside or attend school in the Fort HealthCare service area (Cambridge, Fort Atkinson, Helenville, Jefferson, Johnson Creek, Lake Mills, Palmyra, Sullivan, and Whitewater) and have chosen a career in the health field, are eligible for this scholarship.

For more information about Medical Staff Scholarships, call (920) 568-5194.

Fort Memorial Hospital Foundation Scholarships

Scott W. Hulstein Scholarship

The Scott W. Hulstein Scholarship was set up by his parents, Gerrit and Rebecca Hulstein, in his memory.  A scholarship is awarded to a high school senior or an undergraduate currently enrolled at a college or technical school pursuing a degree in the health care field.

Cynthia McKinley Kolasinski Scholarship

Cynthia McKinley Kolasinski Scholarships will be awarded to students studying medicine or nursing at an accredited institution of higher learning. Per the trust established by Ms. Kolasinski, preference will be given to medical students beyond their second year and nursing students beyond their first year.

-more-

Estelle Stinson Chase & Peter A. Chase Scholarship

The Estelle Stinson Chase & Peter A. Chase Scholarship awards Fort HealthCare employees who are studying nursing (LPN, ADN, BSN Completion, MSN) at an accredited college or university. Consideration is given to the applicant’s service and involvement in the community and Fort HealthCare, excluding job related activities. 

Dr. Donald and Barbara Williams Scholarship

This Scholarship was established by Dr. Donald and Barbara Williams in recognition of the important role Fort HealthCare employees play in providing excellent care for the people we serve. Applicants must be an employee in good standing at Fort HealthCare and pursuing education in a health care field.

Wanda L. Draeger Nursing Scholarship

This scholarship was established in memory of Wanda L. Draeger, RN, who was an OB nurse at Fort HealthCare for 45 years.  Applicants must be currently enrolled and have completed at least one year in an accredited nursing school.

Arthur and Nancy Nesbitt Nursing Scholarship

This scholarship was established by Mr. and Mrs. Nesbitt in appreciation for the excellent care provided by Fort HealthCare’s nurses.  Applicants must be employees of Fort HealthCare in good standing and enrolled in an accredited nursing program during the 2019-2020 school year.

Fort Memorial Hospital Foundation is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization established to provide philanthropic support for Fort HealthCare’s mission and strategic priorities. The Foundation’s focus areas are Living Healthier, Providing Exceptional Care, Providing Benevolent Care and Advancing Careers in Health Care. For more information about Fort Memorial Hospital Foundation visit www.forthealthcare.com/Foundation or contact us at foundation@forthc.com.

JONA “JO” Freeman, age 49 of Whitewater, passed away peacefully Thursday, December 10, 2020 at Agrace Hospice Care in Janesville

JONA “JO” Freeman age 49 of Whitewater passed away peacefully Thursday, December 10, 2020, at Agrace Hospice Care in Janesville.

She was born on September 20, 1971 in Fort Atkinson, the daughter of Thomas and Judy (Christenson) Schopen. She graduated from Whitewater High School in 1990 and Blackhawk Technical College in 1992. She was an instructor for Madison Area Technical College and Blackhawk Technical College in their Police Academy and EMT programs for over 20 years. Jona served as a Law Enforcement Officer for many years in Milton and Lake Geneva Police Departments. She also served in the Whitewater Fire Department as an Emergency Medical Technician for over 25 years.

Jona married Kelly “Jr.” Freeman on August 10, 2013 at Heart Prairie Church in Whitewater. Together they enjoyed motorcycle trips, “Sunday Fun Days,” and their vacations in Mexico. Even though she always wanted to be on a beach somewhere, she tolerated snowmobile trips with the family every winter. She was a member of First English Lutheran Church in Whitewater. Jona was also a part of Fire and Iron Station 17 Motorcycle Club and was known as the “Happy Hooker.”

She is survived by her husband Kelly “Jr.” Freeman of Whitewater, bonus children Brody and Kendyl Freeman. Sister Tomi (David) Schaitel of Janesville, Brother-in-law Tim Krueger of New London. Nieces: Abby (Ryan) Teuscher and Chelsea (Tim) Kuhnke. Nephews: Tyler (Ashlynn) Schaitel and Ryan (Caroline) Krueger. Two spoiled cats, Polly “pawpaw” and Taz. Along with many friends who became family over the years.

Jona is preceded in death by her parents, her sister Cindy Krueger, and nephew Terry Krueger.

A private family service will be held on Sunday, December 20, 2020.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be directed to the family for a scholarship to be established in Jona’s name.

Visit www.nitardyfuneralhome.com to leave condolences or light a candle in her memory.

“A good life is when you smile often, dream big, laugh a lot and realize how blessed you are for what you have.”

Over 100 contestants, 17 in Whitewater, including 159 N. Esterly, shown here, on the “Deck the House” Christmas Light Tour Map Online

Green with white lettering Deck the House Logo with lights border

Seventeen homes in Whitewater are featured in the “Deck the House” tour, with dozens of other homes in Fort, Jefferson, Cambridge, Watertown and Johnson Creek. Pictured on our homepage is 159 N. Esterly Ave. You have until Sunday, December 20 to vote for your favorite.

Enjoy the tour!

Here’s a link to the interactive map.   Take the family on a drive to see all of the homes all lit up for the holidays!  Then vote for your favorites.

Vote for your Top 3 Favorites in each area!

Voting is now open (until December 20th).  Vote for your top three homes here.   Keep up with the latest news at the Deck the House Facebook link.

Winners will be announced on December 21st!

Top vote getters in each community will be announced December 21st and receive prize packages from each of their respective communities.

The top vote getter from each community will advance to the next voting round to crown the countywide winner by year’s end. The countywide winner will receive a holiday prize package from the Jefferson County Tourism Council. Be sure to check back on our Jefferson County Tourism Facebook page for additional updates on how to vote for the countywide winner.

It has been quite a year.  We at the Jefferson County Area Tourism Council wish you and yours a peaceful, safe, and happy holiday season!