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The Whitewater High School Forensics Team had amazing performances at Thursday night’s District competition hosted by Stoughton High School. This is part of the Wisconsin Interscholastic Speech and Dramatic Arts Association (WISDAA) State Series.
Five students will advance to the State Tournament, which will be hosted by DeForest High School in April:
- Carley Boudreau (11) – Informative/Demonstration Speech
- Emerson Ellenwood (12) – Expository Speech
- Emilia Houwers (12) – Expository Speech
- Marina Linos (12) – Informative/Demonstration Speech
- Lauren Rollette (12) – Solo Serious Acting
Article and Photo Submitted by Elizabeth Miller
Whitewater High School Forensics Coach
emiller@wwusd.org
The Fort Atkinson-Eli Pierce Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) has recognized six area high school seniors who exemplify the qualities of good citizenship.
The organization, which is marking its 125th anniversary this year, held its annual Good Citizen Reception for the students and their guests on Thursday, March 7, at the Dwight Foster Public Library in Fort Atkinson.
Named “Good Citizens” were Sydney Ketterman, Fort Atkinson High School; Payton Schmidt, Jefferson High School; Kaitlyn Brodzik, Palmyra-Eagle High School; Cooper Murphy, Lake Mills High School; Perry Thompson, Cambridge High School; and Ghati Binagi, Whitewater High School.
“NSDAR (The National Society DAR) began recognizing Good Citizens in 1934; perhaps a great-great-great-grandparent of yours was so honored,” chapter Regent Nancy Olson said in welcoming attendees. “The first school our chapter honored was Fort Atkinson. Our chapter now recognizes seven schools with over 90 students being selected.”
She noted that no scholarships were awarded in those early days. Today, one is given to the chapter’s essay winner.
“More important, I think, are the qualities of dependability, service and patriotism, values that stay with you the rest of your lives,” Olson said.
Registrar Jessica Punzel led the Pledge of Allegiance and Chaplain Valerie Cole offered the blessing. Each student introduced him/herself and his/her guests and was presented a certificate of recognition by DAR members Jane Fary and Pat Ogren.
Sydney Ketterman
Sydney Ketterman, of Fort Atkinson High School, is the daughter of Brett and Martha Ketterman.
As the chapter’s Good Citizen winner, her essay on citizenship advances to compete at the state level. She read her work, titled “What Are the Civic Responsibilities of a Good Citizen and Why Are These Duties, Activities and Behaviors Important to the Shaping of the America You Hope to Experience?”
Ketterman has maintained an “A” grade point average during high school while taking Accelerated English, Advanced Placement Calculus and Advanced Placement Chemistry.
She is active in theater, forensics, National Honor Society and the Tri-M Music Honor Society. Ketterman was named “Best Performer” in 2020, was dance captain and earned an “Inspire-a-Dream” Scholarship.
Outside of school, she teaches elementary schoolchildren basic dance at Main Street Dance Studio in Fort Atkinson, where she herself took lessons for 13 years. She also is choreographer for the Fourth Street Singers middle school show choir and has volunteered at Ruby’s Pantry and as a receptionist at the Dwight Foster Public Library.
Following graduation, Ketterman plans to major in elementary education with a dance minor. She is considering attending Northern Illinois University or the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater.
Kaitlyn Brodzik
Kaitlyn Brodzik, of Palmyra-Eagle High School, is the daughter of Kevin and Jennifer Brodzik.
A laude honor student, she has a high grade point average and has earned an academic letter.
Among her achievements, Brodzik has served on Student Council for three years, has managed the school’s dance team, was a blood drive coordinator and is vice president of National Honor Society.
Brodzik also has served as a member of the school’s Math Team for three years, participates on the cheerleading squad, plays volleyball and was a member of the “Hope Squad.”
In addition, she volunteers at the Powers Memorial Library in Palmyra and has accumulated more than 400 community service hours during her high school years.
Brodzik plans to study business at UW-Madison.
Ghati Binagi
Ghati Binagi, of Whitewater High School, was unable to attend the Good Citizen reception. She was presented her certificate Friday, March 15, at the school.
The daughter of Mwita Binagi and Kristin Carpenter, she has maintained an “A” grade point average throughout high school; among her classes have been Honors English, Honors Biology, AP English and AP Human Geography.
Binagi also served on the school’s Student Council, the “Hope Squad” and as secretary and vice president of the Future Business Leaders of America chapter.
She was a manager for the varsity basketball team and served in a peer mentoring program, using her study hall time to help other students with their classwork.
As a member of the Whitewater High School Players, Binagi served as a costume assistant. She is employed at McDonald’s Restaurant.
Binagi plans to attend the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee to major in communications with a minor in psychology.
About the award, DAR
Created in 1934, the Good Citizen award recognizes and rewards individuals who possess the qualities of dependability, service, leadership, and patriotism in their homes, schools and communities. The students are selected by their teachers and peers because they demonstrate these qualities to an outstanding degree.
Once a student is chosen as the DAR Good Citizen, he or she is invited to participate in the scholarship portion of the program. This consists of a personal statement and an essay; participation is optional.
Organized in 1899, the Fort Atkinson Chapter of DAR was one of the earliest and largest chapters in Wisconsin for many years. In 1992, it merged with the Eli Pierce Chapter, which was founded in Whitewater in 1941.
Today, chapter members reside in Fort Atkinson, Watertown, Lake Mills, Jefferson, Whitewater, Milton, Janesville and surrounding communities, as well as in several other states.
Families are invited to visit the library for free, fun activities during the week of March 25. The activities are geared toward children ages 5-12, but all ages are welcome. Every day at 1:00 p.m. a different activity will be offered in the library’s Community Room. On Monday, 3/25, participate in a variety of table games and puzzles. On Tuesday, 3/26, create art using a variety of materials and tools — just bring your imagination! On Wednesday, 3/27, build LEGO creations, and on Thursday, 3/28, experiment with a STEM activity featuring paper circuits and LED lights. Note that the library is closed on Friday, 3/29.
The Irvin L. Young Memorial Library is located at 431 W. Center Street in Whitewater. Contact Sarah French at sfrench@whitewater-wi.gov or 262-458-2782 with questions.
It’s movie awards season and Seniors in the Park is featuring many nominated and winning films!
“Nyad”
Tuesday, March 26, 1 p.m.
(Drama/Biography) Rated PG-13
2 hours, 1 minute (2023)
The remarkable, true story of athlete Diana Nyad (Annette Bening) who, at age 60, and with the help of her partner and coach (Jodie Foster), commits to achieving her lifelong dream of swimming the 110 miles from Havana to Key West, Florida. This film earned Oscar nominations for both actresses!
Seniors in the Park is located in Starin Park, 504 W. Starin Road. Although there is no charge to attend, regular participants are encouraged to join Seniors in the Park. The annual fee for residents of the Whitewater Unified School District is $10 and non-residents is $15. The funds support about half of the cost of our front desk staff person for 15 hours per week. The rest comes our of our fundraising monies. If you cannot afford the fee, we have a fund that will cover it for you. Fees are accepted at the Starin Park Community Building or online at https://schedulesplus.com/wwtr/kiosk/
Editor’s note: The following press release was received from the City of Whitewater.
The City of Whitewater is committed to providing adequate housing for all residents, including the “missing middle” population. This includes entry-level workers, professional workers, and public employees such as teachers, police officers, and public works staff.
In an effort to address this housing need, the City’s affordable housing assistance loan program has already helped its first new homeowner. At the March 5th Common Council meeting the council approved changes to the housing policy to make applying even more accessible. Additionally, re zoning efforts have allowed for projects such as Habitat for Humanity and the Meadowview Neighborhood to be approved and are currently in development.
The City has laid out strategic goals and milestones to facilitate the creation of 50+ new family-style homes within the next five years. These new additions to workforce housing in our community are expected to support public works, school systems, and general economic development in the area.
“We are excited to see the positive impact that these new housing developments will have on our community,” said Taylor Zeinert, Interim Economic Development Director. “By providing affordable and accessible housing options for our workforce, we are helping to create a more vibrant and thriving city for all residents.”
For more information about the Meadowview Neighborhood contact 262-473-0144. If you are a developer looking to build in Whitewater call 262-473-0101.
The City of Whitewater provides efficient and high quality services which support living, learning, playing and working in an exceptional community. Visit www.whitewater-wi.gov for community information and updates.
Fort HealthCare is pleased to announce the appointment of two new members to the organization’s board of directors, Lesley Baird Chapin, PsyD, and Roberta Wedl, MD.
Lesley Baird Chapin, PsyD, serves as the Vice President and Executive Director of the Pauquette Center for Psychological Services, an outpatient mental health organization catering primarily to rural Wisconsin communities. [One of the Pauquette Center’s clinics is located in the Innovation Center in Whitewater.] She earned her undergraduate degree in psychology from the University of Wisconsin – Eau Claire and completed her doctorate in clinical psychology at the University of Denver. Dr. Chapin underwent pre-doctoral training at CMC Randolph Behavioral Health in Charlotte, NC, where she gained experience across various settings, including emergency department, inpatient, outpatient, and residential facilities. Dr. Chapin obtained her post-doctoral experience with the Wisconsin Department of Corrections and has provided services and consultation for adults and juveniles in correctional and forensic spaces ever since. As a certified Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) practitioner, she provides direct services, offers nationwide consulting and training, and contributes to enhancing DBT access for underinsured and Medicaid recipients in Wisconsin. Additionally, she is part of a workgroup working to enhance access to mental health services for Deaf/Hard of Hearing/Deafblind communities across the State of Wisconsin. Her dedication to evidence-based practices underscores her belief in providing optimal treatment options to her clients. “Born and raised in Fort Atkinson, I have maintained a strong connection to my hometown, and I am deeply invested in ensuring quality healthcare for its residents,” stated Dr. Chapin.
Roberta Wedl, MD, is a board-certified family medicine physician. She earned her undergraduate degree from the University of Wisconsin – Eau Claire and her medical degree from the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health – Madison. Dr. Wedl completed her internship and residency at the University of Wisconsin – SSM Health St. Mary’s Hospital – Madison. Certified by the American Board of Family Medicine, she is an active member of the American Academy of Family Physicians and the Wisconsin Academy of Family Physicians. [Dr. Wedl practices family and geriatric medicine at SSM Health Dean Medical Group in Whitewater.] Dr. Wedl also brings her expertise to Fort HealthCare’s board as Chief of Staff, where she oversees the coordination of medical services and ensures the highest standards of patient care. Dr. Wedl added, “Joining Fort HealthCare’s board as Chief of Staff, I’m honored to help lead our community towards exceptional healthcare delivery, emphasizing family-centered care and preventive medicine.”
Michael Anderson, MD, Fort HealthCare President & CEO, welcomes the new members to the board of directors. Board members are chosen based on their professional skills and ability to represent the healthcare needs of the various communities within the Fort HealthCare primary service area. “We are thrilled to welcome Dr. Chapin and Dr. Wedl to Fort HealthCare’s board of directors. Their expertise and dedication to advancing healthcare excellence will undoubtedly strengthen our mission to improve the health and well-being of our community by providing the highest quality in healthcare,” said Anderson.
In addition to Dr. Chapin and Dr. Wedl, other Fort HealthCare board members are community representatives James Fitzpatrick, Ph.D. – Chair, Tom Vinz – Secretary, Roy Budlong – Vice Chair and Treasurer, Christopher Martin – Attorney, Carla Haubenschild, Christi Ott, and providers Bill Kontny, MD, Paul Schuppner, DO, Stephanie Nottestad, MD, and Mary Beck Metzger, DNP.
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.
Editor’s note: The above press release was submitted by Fort HealthCare.
It’s time once again for #FlashbackFriday with the Whitewater Historical Society.
For the last three weeks, we featured a mid-20th century band marching in a parade. This week, how about a c.1900 band marching in a parade down Main Street? The best part about this photo are the three young boys walking in front of the band. Who doesn’t love a band in a parade! Note the ornate storefront of the corner building. It was the old First National Bank (later First Citizens State Bank).
Join us next week for more from the Whitewater Historical Society.
3833P, Whitewater Historical Society
The National Weather Service Milwaukee/Sullivan Weather Forecast Office is currently predicting that the Whitewater area may receive 4-8″ of snow by early Friday afternoon. Snow may begin falling by about 1 a.m. on Friday, with the heaviest rate, greater than 1″ per hour, likely occurring between about 10 a.m. and noon on Friday. This is expected to be a wet/heavy snow, so anyone who will be shoveling is advised to move small amounts of snow at a time and take many breaks.
Obituaries
Becca Piper, 65, of Sedona, AZ died on November 21, 2024 as a result of complications of antibiotic toxicity. She was preceded in death by her beloved son Michael and her parents Reg and Maydean Nash. She is survived by her dear husband of almost 40 years, Ken Piper, along with her children Joe, ^^Michael^^, Selena and Larry, granddaughter Maelyn and Becca’s siblings David and Janet (Nash) Schenck. She is also survived by extraordinary friends, extended family and much loved colleagues. Being a mother was especially important to Becca. She and Ken adopted all of their 4 children. Becca’s life … Read more
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In Loving Memory of Will Daniel Ensslin Whitewater, WI – Will Daniel Ensslin, 77, passed away peacefully on 11-26-2024, surrounded by his loving family, after a brave and long battle with cancer. He was born on February 5, 1947 in West Allis, WI to Willy and Ellen Ensslin. Will was a devoted husband, proud and loving father, cherished brother, uncle, cousin and loyal friend to many. He was also a proud Vietnam veteran, serving his country with courage and honor as a Huey helicopter mechanic from 1966 – 1967 — a dedication to service that remained a cornerstone of his life. He married the love of his life and best friend, Susan Bilkovich, in 1971 in Milwaukee, WI. Shortly after their wedding, … Read more
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Richard Allen Splitter, age 80, of Blue Eye, Missouri, passed away November 12, 2024. He entered this life on June 16, 1944, the son of Edward and Berniece (Craig) Splitter in Whitewater, Wisconsin. Richard proudly served our country in the United States Navy for two terms. During his time in the service, he was able to get his master’s degree in engineering from California State University of Long Beach. During his working years, Richard was an engineer for different aerospace companies. He retired to Blue Eye, Missouri, and thoroughly enjoyed lake life. Richard appreciated the outdoors and loved hiking, fishing, … Read more
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Edward W. HamiltonApril 3,1941 – October 26, 2024 Edward “Edjo” Wickman Hamilton, 83, passed away peacefully on Saturday, October 26, 2024 at home. Ed was born in Evanston, Illinois and moved to Whitewater, Wisconsin with his family when he was eight years old. He attended Whitewater High School and then graduated from the University of Wisconsin, Whitewater with a bachelor of science degree. He also served two years in the army. He moved to Davenport, Iowa in 1971 and worked at John Deere Davenport Works until he retired in 2001. Then he followed a dream, moved back to Whitewater and … Read more
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Verne Paul Schrank was born on March 9, 1930 at home on the family farm in Lima Township, Rock County, to Arthur and Marie (Witte) Schrank. He attended the Sturtevant one room school which closed when he graduated in 1944. He attended Whitewater High School and graduated in 1948. Verne farmed with his parents until 1967 when he moved to Whitewater and worked for the Whitewater Unified School District as a custodian – courier for 27 years. Verne served on various boards at St. John’s Ev. Lutheran Church, as well as playing on the dartball team for many years. Verne … Read more
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After a long full life, Janine Marie (Dickerson) Weiss was called home to the Lord. Janine was born on April Fool’s Day, 1930 in Milwaukee. She grew up enjoying Trolleys, dancing and school with her sisters, Donna Domagalski, Marcyl Howel, Karen Moczynski and her parents, Glenn and Lucille Dickerson. In 1950, she married Frederic Weiss in a little church in Three Lakes WI. Shortly after, the first of 5 kids was born with the next 2 shortly after. Denice Lucille (Edward DeGroot), David Arthur, and Dana Lynn (Stephen Lind). After a breather Debra Beth (Alyn Jones) and Donna Raye (Dale … Read more
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Raymond Miles, 96, Whitewater, passed away on Thursday, November 14, 2024, at Our House Senior Living in Whitewater. Raymond was born on February 10, 1928, in Elkhorn, WI to Rueben and Norma Miles. He served in the US Army. On June 18, 1955, Raymond married Waverly Sutherland in Whitewater, WI. He enjoyed a long and successful career as a Livestock Dealer. In retirement, he cherished time spent with his family and remained informed on the farming community. He is survived by his wife of 69 years, Waverly of Whitewater, sons Eddie of Madison and Todd (Barbara) Miles of Sarasota FL, … Read more
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Connie Jean Sukowski embarked on her next big adventure on the evening of Friday, November 8, 2024. Connie enjoyed decades of adventures with friends and family. She spent 36 years teaching 2nd and 3rd grade students in the Palmyra Eagle School District, working alongside many cherished colleagues and friends. Connie and her husband, Patrick Theodore Sukowski, shared 55 and a half years of marriage. Together they raised four children: Peter, Allan, Ann and Kevin Sukowski. She took great joy in watching her five grandchildren grow into amazing adults: Sonora Sukowski, Brianne Hebbe, Jared Gundrum-Sukowski, Nolan Causey, and Lore Lai Schimmel. … Read more
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Nancy Lou Hallock Cooper passed away November 8, 2024 due to complications of lungcancer. Nancy was born on April 20, 1936 in Springfield, MA to Howard and Barbara (Corliss) Hallock. As a child, Nancy spent every summer in her beloved Piermont, NH where she and her brothers “helped” the local farmer with his chores, including riding in the truck with the milk cans every morning. She enjoyed swimming in the local brooks, picking berries, going to the nearby library, visiting with cousins, and playing croquet every evening. As she grew older, she spent time as a camper and then a camp … Read more
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James Robert Trier (Jimbo), passed away on November 10, 2024, at the age of 89. Born on December 22, 1934, in New Holstein, WI, to George and Frances Trier. He spent his later years residing in Whitewater, WI. Jim began his teaching career as a high school mathematics teacher and then dedicated 55 years of his life to education as a mathematics professor at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater. He was the chairman of the faculty senate as well. He had a passion for math and an engaging teaching style, which made him a student favorite. He was known for telling … Read more
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