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UW-W Interim Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs Named

January 14, 2024

Editor’s note: The following announcement was shared at UW-Whitewater on January 10.

Chancellor Corey A. King has announced the appointment of Kristin Fillhouer as the interim vice chancellor for student affairs at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater.

“Over her more than 20 years of higher education experience, Kristin Fillhouer has embodied a commitment to student success,” King said. “A deeply respected administrator and colleague on the Rock County campus, Kristin puts students first, every time. She understands the importance of the full student experience, whether it’s helping students achieve academically, connecting them with financial or mental health resources, or creating a sense of belonging. I appreciate her enthusiasm in taking on this role. She will be an exceptional leader for the Student Affairs unit at UW-Whitewater.”

Fillhouer began working at the Rock County campus in 2003 and has served in various roles including assistant dean, lecturer, and roles in student recruitment and retention. Since 2018, Fillhouer has served as associate dean for student affairs and enrollment management. In addition to developing and managing budgets, she oversees and leads staff in areas such as academic support, advising, registration, orientation, student mental health services, accessibility services, curriculum, enrollment management, financial aid, student conduct, registration, student life and support services. 

Fillhouer played a key role in the successful organizational restructuring that welcomed UW-Rock County as a branch campus of UW-Whitewater in 2017-18. Her steady leadership, collaborative style and caring spirit were invaluable as the campus navigated the COVID-19 pandemic. 

A Warhawk alum, Fillhouer earned a bachelor’s degree in history and a master’s degree in curriculum and instruction from our university. In 2023, she was named Forward Janesville Educator of the Year. 

Fillhouer will assume the new role on Jan. 16 and is expected to serve through the spring of 2025, when a national search will be conducted for the permanent position.

Wind Chill Advisory Continues Till Mon. Noon, With More Extensions to Come

January 14, 2024

The National Weather Service Milwaukee/Sullivan Weather Forecast Office has extended the Wind Chill Advisory through at least noon on Monday, with the indication that, “additional extensions will be needed this week.” Bitterly cold temperatures and wind chills are expected into Wednesday morning. Wind chill temperatures in the Whitewater area will range from -20 to -30F.

What’s the difference between a Wind Chill Advisory vs. a Wind Chill Warning?

  • Wind Chill Warning: Take Action! NWS issues a wind chill warning when dangerously cold wind chill values are expected or occurring. If you are in an area with a wind chill warning, avoid going outside during the coldest parts of the day. If you do go outside, dress in layers, cover exposed skin, and make sure at least one other person knows your whereabouts. Update them when you arrive safely at your destination. [The Milwaukee/Sullivan Weather Forecast Office uses a “rule of thumb” that a warning is issued if the wind chills are anticipated to be -35F or colder.]
  • Wind Chill Advisory: Be Aware: NWS issues a wind chill advisory when seasonably cold wind chill values but not extremely cold values are expected or occurring. Be sure you and your loved ones dress appropriately and cover exposed skin when venturing outdoors.

Our Readers Share: Tom Ganser – Not Everyone is Cheering the Pack Today

January 13, 2024

The Green Bay Packers play their first postseason game with starting quarterback Jordan Love, vs. the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Field, Arlington, TX, on Sunday at 3:30 p.m. The game will be broadcast on Fox and WRNW-FM 97.3.

One might assume that “everyone” in Whitewater will be cheering for the Pack, but it seems there’s at least one brave soul who wasn’t afraid to be very public with his announcement that he’s cheering for the opposition. Tom Ganser shared these photos that he took at Walmart on Friday. He said that the Cowboys fan was walking around flapping his cape and saying, “We’re everywhere!”


Our thanks to Tom Ganser for having the courage to share these photos!

Go Pack!

No. 4 UW-W Women’s Basketball 15-0 After Historic Win

January 13, 2024

By Angela Kelm
Asst. Athletic Director for Sports Information

The No. 4 University of Wisconsin-Whitewater women’s basketball team secured a historic win over No. 22 UW-Stout Saturday evening. With the 80-70 win over the Blue Devils, the Warhawks are 15-0 to start the season for the first time in program history. Junior guard Kacie Carollo added to the historic night with a pair of career milestones and a career high. 

Box Score

Kacie Carollo shooting a three-pointer in front of the UWW bench (Michael Gouvion) (Note: file photo from earlier this season, not from tonight’s contest)

Carollo dominated in the first half with nearly half (21) of the team’s 43 points. She went on to score 30, a career high. In a rare feat, she also registered a pair of career milestones reaching the 500-rebound and 1,000-point marks in the same game. The junior now has 1,007 career points to move into 18th in the UW-Whitewater record book. Her 507 career boards is 20th in UWW history. Carollo is the 19th Warhawk to hit the point milestone and 22nd to tally 500 rebounds. 

UW-Stout scored the first bucket of the game after winning the tip but that was the only lead they saw in the contest. Aleah Grundahl knotted the game with a layup followed by a Maggie Trautsch jumper and a Carollo steal and fastbreak layin for a six-point Warhawk run. Late in the quarter, Carollo nailed a pair of threes just 30 seconds apart to push the lead into double digits. By the end of the first, UWW enjoyed a 16-point advantage, 23-7. 

The Blue Devils won the second quarter outscoring UWW 25-20, but the Warhawks still maintained a double figure lead at the break, 43-32. 

UW-Whitewater scored the first nine of the third quarter to see the lead hit 20, 52-32. The margin remained in double digits until under the three-minute mark in the fourth. The Blue Devils chipped away, pulling to within five with 1:34 on the clock. Lunden Alexander and Carollo hit back-to-back jumpers to push the lead back to nine. From there, UWW sealed the game at the charity stripe. 

The Warhawks capitalized on their trips to the free throw line hitting 17-24 while the Stout was just 9-16 in the game. 

Carollo’s 30 points led all scorers. She hit 11-16 from the floor and 3-3 from downtown adding a perfect 5-5 from the line. Carollo also posted eight rebounds, six steals and a pair of assists. Grundahl registered 21 points bolstered by 7-9 from the free throw line. Trautsch rounded out the double figure scorers for UWW with 11 points adding six rebounds. 

Early in Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference slate, the Warhawks are the lone team with an unblemished record in league play, 4-0. 

Local Student Recognized on Northern Illinois University’s Dean List

January 13, 2024

DeKALB, Ill. (January 10, 2024) – Northern Illinois University announces its fall 2023 Dean’s List students. To earn this distinction, students must meet a minimum semester grade point average of 3.5 on a 4.0 scale in the College of Engineering and Engineering Technology or a minimum of 3.75 on a 4.0 scale in the colleges of Business, Education, Health and Human Sciences, Liberal Arts and Sciences, and Visual and Performing Arts.

Students from your area who achieved this honor include: 

Brianna Tillett, of Whitewater, who is majoring in Rehabilitation & Disability Services. Tillett is a graduate of Kettle Moraine High School.

Northern Illinois University is a student-centered, nationally recognized public research university, with expertise that benefits its region and spans the globe in a wide variety of fields, including the sciences, humanities, arts, business, engineering, education, health and law. Through its main campus in DeKalb, Illinois, and education centers for students and working professionals in Chicago, Hoffman Estates, Naperville, Oregon and Rockford, NIU offers more than 100 courses of study while serving a diverse and international student body of about 19,000. The 17 NIU Huskie athletic teams compete in the Mid-American Conference at the highest NCAA Division I level. For more information, visit www.niu.edu.

Innovation Takes Center Stage at Tech Council Network Luncheon

January 13, 2024

Editor’s note: The following press release was received from the UW-Whitewater College of Business & Economics.

Representatives from several southern Wisconsin companies are set to convene on Thursday, January 18 for a dynamic discussion on research innovation and workforce needs. Hosted by the Tech Council Innovation Network, the luncheon will take place at the Whitewater University Innovation Center.  

Panelists include Todd Asmuth, president and chief strategy officer for SHINE TechnologiesLarry Chapman, chief executive officer of Summerset Marine Construction; and Brian Schauf, director of engineering for Promega. Moderating the discussion and audience questions will be Tom Still, President of the Tech Council.

The luncheon promises an enlightening exploration of the latest trends and challenges in the rapidly evolving landscape of technology and business. Attendees will have the opportunity to gain valuable insights from industry leaders and engage in thought-provoking discussions.  

Event Details: 

  • Date: Thursday, January 18 
  • Time: Registration and networking begin at 11:30 a.m., lunch at 12:00 p.m., presentation at 12:30 p.m.  
  • Venue: Whitewater University Innovation Center, 1221 Innovation Drive, Whitewater 

Registration Fees: 

  • $10 for students and returning veterans 
  • $25 for individual members 
  • $35 for non-members 
  • Complimentary for Tech Council corporate members 

The luncheon is proudly sponsored by WE Energies, reaffirming their commitment to fostering innovation and collaboration within the region.  Whitewater University Innovation is a co-sponsor.

The Wisconsin Technology Council, serving as the independent, non-profit science and technology adviser to the governor and legislature, is at the forefront of driving Wisconsin’s tech-based economy. For more information and to register for the event, visit www.wisconsintechnologycouncil.com [click on Events / Innovation Network Events]  or call (608) 442-7557. 

Don’t miss this opportunity to be part of a transformative dialogue shaping the future of technology and innovation in southern Wisconsin.  

Trio Selected to Represent WHS at Badger Boys State

January 12, 2024

We are proud to announce that Hugo Portales, Xavier Zei, and Payton Bunger will represent Whitewater High School at the 2024 Badger Boys State session this June.

Hugo Portales, Xavier Zei, and Payton Bunger

Badger Boys State educates young leaders on how to become more impactful community members of Wisconsin. During the program, high school students between their junior and senior years learn how our government system works by creating their own city, county, and state level governments. Over 850 participants leave feeling inspired by the lifelong lessons and relationships developed at Badger Boys State.

Thank you to the Whitewater American Legion for sponsoring our delegates!

Article and Photo Submitted by Teri Hintz
Whitewater High School Counselor
thintz@wwusd.org

All Jefferson County Snowmobile Trails Now Open

January 12, 2024

Editor’s note: Any future announcements regarding snowmobile trails will be posted to the sports section of the Banner this season.

All Jefferson County Snowmobile Trails will open at
3:00 PM, Friday, January 12, 2024.

Please ride with caution.
Some trails may be closed due to open water.
Please be mindful of the conditions around you.
If you encounter any life-threatening hazards, including downed trees,
please call Jason Lenz 920-988-5445

Please stay on the marked trails and obey all signage.

Please call the Snowmobile Alliance 24-hour Hotline at 920-699-SNOW (7669) daily for current information. Snowmobile trails in adjoining counties may be closed. Trail users should check with each county to determine trail status.

Obituaries

Obituary: Janet Irene Heckert, 87

Janet Irene Heckert, age 87, passed away peacefully on July 25, 2024 in Delavan, Wisconsin. Born on November 1, 1936, in Elkhorn, Wisconsin, she was the daughter of Gladys and Henry Jansen. Janet was preceded in death by her loving husband Kenneth Heckert and her brothers Sonny and Paul and sister Darlene. Janet was a graduate of Elkhorn High School in 1955. On October 24, 1957, she married the love of her life, Kenneth Heckert, at Elkhorn Baptist Church in their hometown of Elkhorn, Wisconsin. Janet worked for many years as a seamstress, but her true passion was as a … Read more

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Obituary: Fred Chester Traxler, 78

Obituary: Fred Chester Traxler, 78 Fred was born in Whitewater, Wisconsin on October 23, 1945, son of Chester and Elva (Klug) Traxler. He was born to eternal life at Ascension St. Francis Place in Milwaukee on June 1, 2024. Fred was a 1964 graduate of Whitewater High School. In his younger days Fred enjoyed bowling and polka dancing–and was very good at both. He was very competitive, especially when pitching horseshoes with his Dad, brothers, and cousin Sid. He was always ready for a card game, and was also a big fan of the Packers and Brewers. Fred is preceded … Read more

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Obituary: Harry Oliver Dempsey, 80

Harry Oliver Dempsey passed away peacefully and among family in Elkhorn, WI on July 24, 2024 at the age of 80. Born on May 21, 1944 to William and Norma (Shober) Dempsey, Harry grew up on the family farm in Whitewater. In his younger years, Harry enjoyed hunting and fishing, a passion that he later passed on to his own children. All his life he could often be found in his shop, building or fixing something – from a child’s toy to lawn mowers, cars, and tractors. His passion for self-sufficiency extended to his large garden whose abundance he happily … Read more

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Obituary: Shirley A. Knuteson, 85

SHIRLEY A. KNUTESON, age 85, of Whitewater, died Thursday, June 27, 2024 at Glenwood at Mulberry Campus in Whitewater. She was born to Hugo and Helen (Wilson) Ferge of Elkhorn, WI. She attended school in Walworth High School, graduating in 1956. Shirley worked at Sterlingworth in Elkhorn and then Fairhaven Nursing Home prior to retirement.  As a young woman, she loved roller skating, had a love for animals, especially her dogs and horses on the farm. She was a loyal Brewer and Packer fan. Her diverse family was her pride and joy.  Shirley is survived by her six children Jerry … Read more

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Celebration of Life: Dave Triebold

A celebration of life for Dave Triebold will be held July 27 at Triebold Farms, with festivities beginning around 11:30 am. A rememberance service will take place at 12:30 pm. A pig roast will follow, and the pool will be open. The family encourages you to stay through the evening for a bonfire as well. Contact Kris (262)949-5474 or Kath (414)412-4385 with questions.

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Celebration of Life: James Paul Fisher, 86

James Paul Fisher, 86, known by friends as JP or Jay, passed away on Sunday, June 9, 2024, at UW Hospital, Madison, with his immediate family by his side. His body finally surrendered to a heart attack after battling heart and kidney ailments for many years. Born in Fond du lac, Wisconsin, on October 25, 1937, to Lorraine and James Fisher, JP was a resident of Elkhorn and then Whitewater, Wisconsin. At age 2 JP was diagnosed with polio. Through daily therapy administered by his mother and grandmother, he overcame this life threatening virus, and with a prognosis of limited … Read more

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Obituary: Shirley M.  Messier, 86

Shirley M. Messier, 86, of Whitewater, Wisconsin, passed away on July 8, 2024. Shirley was born to Erwin and Leona Reese on May 20, 1938, in Farmington, Wisconsin. Shirley (“Shirttail”) attended the local country school, then set out on her own, taking a job doing factory work. On August 24, 1957, she married Blaine Messier in Jefferson, Wisconsin. They had three daughters, Michele (Shelly), Terry, and Karen. Shirley spent many years being a working wife and mother, finally retiring from Polymer Technologies / MacLean Fogg in Whitewater. Shirley loved country music and spent her retirement years going to George Jones … Read more

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Celebration of Life: Patricia Parr

Patricia Ann ParrBorn 7/20/42Departed to Heaven 5/10/23 About herself, Patricia often said “I love life, I love God, He always has taken care of me, and He always will”. Patricia died peacefully at Angels Grace Hospice in Oconomowoc, after a long and courageously fought season of declining health. Patricia was born in Beaver Dam, to a lovely family, which included her older brother Dennis and not too long after, her lifetime best friend and little sister Mary. They grew up on an idyllic “Gentlemen’s Farm” outside of Jefferson, with horses and many animals. Her parents, Floyd and Kathryn owned the … Read more

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Obituary: Margorie Alice “GG” Roloff, 89

Marjorie Alice “GG” Roloff, 89, passed away Tuesday, July 2, 2024, at Golden Years in Lake Geneva, WI. She was born July 31, 1934, to Fred and Martha (Arndt) Papcke, in Whitewater, WI, the fifth of eleven children. GG attended South Heart Prairie School, across the road from the family’s home farm. She is a Whitewater High School graduate. On April 19, 1953, she married her high school sweetheart, Eric. She worked a variety of jobs over the years. Her most memorable of those being the local canning factory and as a crossing guard. After retiring, she and Eric would … Read more

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Obituary: Marilyn Mae Fuerstenberg, 81 (UPDATED)

Marilyn Mae Fuerstenberg, 81 of Whitewater, WI., passed away on June 27, 2024, at Agrace Hospice in Janesville, WI. Marilyn was born May 27, 1943, in Geneva Township, to Raymond and Doris Kilpin. Marilyn was preceded in death by her parents, her two younger brothers, Mike and Donny Kilpin. Marilyn married William (Bill) Fuerstenberg on September 21, 1963. Bill and Marilyn lived in Whitewater. Together they raised three children, taking the family on yearly vacations and camping trips throughout the years. Marilyn worked for Walworth County Health and Social Services as a Child Protection Social Worker. She dedicated 25 years … Read more

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