News & Events

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

This week we return to our tradition of posting a penny postcard “wishing you a Merry Christmas.” These penny postcards were popular during the first few decades of the 20th century and cost only a 1 cent stamp to send. This card was printed in Germany and has “post card” written in many languages on the back.

Merry Christmas and join us next week for New Year’s greetings.

During the week of December 18-20, WHS celebrated Winter Week. The week consisted of dress days, an all-school game of Rock, Paper, Scissors, and an assembly, followed by a donut breakfast.

Monday’s dress day was Wisconsin Day. Staff and Students dressed in Wisconsin gear (Badgers, Bucks, Brewers, Packers, Whippets, Flannels, and Cheeseheads).

On Tuesday, it was White Out Day, along with an all-school, all-day long, game of Rock, Paper, Scissors. Five $5 Sweet Spot gift cards were awarded to Emerson Ellenwood, Marijose Verduzco, Leah Newman, and Junior Soto for being the top four students to win and to Rapha Cortez for being the staff winner.

On Wednesday, staff and students wore their ugly sweaters and brought anything but a backpack to school. Students and staff also attended an assembly where Officer Michelle Martin was recognized for her years of service in the Whitewater Unified School District and Casey Lyon was recognized for breaking the record for the most points in a boys’ basketball game. Casey scored 47 points against East Troy, last week Friday; the previous record of 46 points was held for over 50 years by Hugh Gnatzig. The Winter Court was also announced at the assembly (see the names below). The Pom Squad performed, and a competitive game of Musical Chairs took place. The winner of that game was Richi Kalra. As the assembly started to wrap up, Emerson and Marijose played a final round of Rock, Paper, Scissors for the overall winner. Marijose won in best out of three games. To complete the assembly, staff and students participated in an ugly sweater contest. The winner was junior Andrew O’Toole.

To wrap up Wednesday morning, a donut breakfast was held for WHS, while a group of staff members and former students played instruments and provided music. Thank you to the Student Council and the Kitchen Crew for making the donut breakfast possible.

Happy Holidays, WHS!

Winter Court: 

• Emilia Houwers represented Model United Nations.
• Meg Roselle represented Hope Squad. 
• Savannah O’Neal represented the Pom Squad.
• Cruz Aranda represented the Boys’ Swim Team
• Representing Gymnastics was Gabriella Pena Perroni.
• Representing Boys’ Wrestling was Jesus Barajas. 
• Representing Girls’ Wrestling was Lauren Buehler.
• Representing Boys’ Basketball was Emerson Ellenwood.
• Representing Girls’ Basketball was Aidyn Amundson.
• Chris Cortes represented the Computer Programming Team.
• Representing WHS Players was Brooke Mason.
• Calli Grosinske represented SADD.
• Representing Key Club was Emily Henderson. 

Article Submitted by Amy Houwers
Whitewater High School Student Council Advisor
ahouwers@wwusd.org
Photos Courtesy of Tom Ganser

Editor’s Note: The following was provided by the Whitewater Public Library.

Looking for something to do with your family over winter break? The community is invited to a demonstration by Ferradermis Robotics Team at the Irvin L. Young Memorial Library on Wednesday, December 27. Drop in the library’s community room anytime between 9:30-11:30 a.m. to see the team operate their robot and answer questions.

Ferradermis, FIRST Robotics Competition Team #6574, is based out of Whitewater High School. The mission of Ferradermis is to create a sustainable extracurricular environment and provide mentorship for high school students to participate in the FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC).

This is a free, fun family event. The Irvin L Young Memorial Library is located at 431 W. Center Street in Whitewater.

Contact Sarah French with questions at sfrench@whitewater-wi.gov or 262-458-2782.

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

Over the past year, construction equipment has been very visible on the Fort HealthCare campus. Two major projects are now completed that will vastly improve parking options for patients, visitors, and Fort HealthCare staff members. The Ambulatory Services Parking Lot has been reconfigured, almost doubling parking spaces for patients and visitors. In addition, after almost 20 years of remote parking for employees, there is now enough space for all staff to park on the hospital campus. Both of these improvements are intended to enhance both the patient and staff experience at Fort HealthCare.

In addition to this project, Fort HealthCare has another major remodeling project slated to begin in 2024. This project will again aim to improve the patient and visitor experience at Fort HealthCare by consolidating several clinical services onto the main campus. “By placing many of our services together on the Fort HealthCare campus, patients will spend less time navigating across town,” states Dr. Michael Anderson, President and Chief Executive Officer. He adds, “Our goal is to optimize the patient experience. Unifying the location of multiple clinical services will help accomplish that.” In addition, this remodeling project will replace mechanicals in the older part of the building that have been operational since 1949.

“It is important for Fort HealthCare to be good stewards of our facility and to continue to update and improve the buildings over time. Our aim is to continue to be the trusted, community hospital serving Jefferson County. We have been here for over 80 years. Our commitment to this project reflects Fort HealthCare’s enduring dedication to the health and well-being needs of our patients and community well into the future,” concludes Dr. Anderson.

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. Please visit FortHealthCare.com for more information.

Editor’s Note: The following was provided by the Rock County Sheriff’s Office. The department has previously indicated to The Banner that Rock County residency is not required to enroll in their classes.

Sheriff Fell is pleased to announce that the Rock County Sheriff’s Office will offer our first 2024 ATV Safety Education Course on January 9, 2024, from 6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m., and January 20, 2024, from 8:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m., at the Rock County Fairgrounds – Craig Center, 1301 Craig Ave, Janesville, WI 53545. Students will need to attend both sessions to graduate.

Anyone born on or after January 1, 1988, is required to complete an ATV Safety Education Course in order to legally operate an ATV or UTV in areas open to the public within the State of Wisconsin. It is recommended that participants are at least 12 years of age or turn 12 shortly after the class.

ATV Safety Education Course – Class #1
Session 1: January 9, from 6 p.m. – 7 p.m. @ Rock Co. Fairgrounds – Craig Center
Session 2: January 20, from 8 a.m. – 3 p.m. @ Rock Co. Fairgrounds – Craig Center

Registration is now open. Complete the online enrollment form to reserve a seat. https://www.co.rock.wi.us/departments/sheriff-s-office/recreational-patrol/atv-education

Class size is limited to thirty students. Upon submission of the registration form, the submitter will see an onscreen confirmation message with course information. The course fee of $10 per student will be collected at the first session. If the student is under 18 years old, a parent/guardian will need to attend the first session with the student. Students will receive course materials at the first session. Please direct any questions to Deputy Trevor Lund at trevor.lund@co.rock.wi.us

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

The Whitewater Area Regional Ministry (WARM) of the United Methodist Church presented the Christmas cantata, “A Journey to Joy,” a beautiful brand new work by Joseph M. Martin, on Sunday, December 10 at First United Methodist Church. Presentations took place at the 10 a.m. worship service and at a 4:00 p.m. concert. The 35-voice choir included singers from the community, including UW-Whitewater, as did the 17-piece orchestra.

Soloists for the presentation were Jen Crone, Nathan Roley, Barb Taylor and Kay Ebert.  The choir was conducted by Christine Hayes and accompanied on piano by James Athas.  The work is a joyful blend of traditional carols and contemporary selections all telling the Christmas story.  Scripture and narration interjected throughout the cantata was delivered by The Rev. Dan Fahs and The Rev. Beth Staniforth-Seamster.

Christine Hayes said, “The cantata, “A Journey to Joy,” truly proved to be prophetic. Bringing together 50 singers and instrumentalists lifted our souls as we prepared this beautiful music. The musicians represented the Whitewater community, churches and university.  As we rehearsed each week, the messages of peace, love, hope and joy rang out.  Presenting this Christmas message to hundreds, either in person or watching virtually, culminated in a joyous and emotional experience for the audience and performers.  We are deeply appreciative of Joe Mansfield, who gifted us with memorial funds, making these two performances possible. It will carry us all through the Holy Christmas season. May we all carry the joy of Christmas in our hearts.”

A video of the cantata may be viewed here. The cantata begins at 19:50 on the recording.

Editor’s note: The following press release was received from UW-Whitewater.

A total of 50 students from the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater were hired before graduation.

The following University of Wisconsin-Whitewater students [who consider Whitewater to be their home] recently graduated and were hired before graduation:

Patrice Achu, who graduated with a DBA in business administration.

Brett Knowlton, who graduated with a BBA in finance.

Chloe Welak, who graduated with a BBA in supply chain management.

April Wright, who graduated with a A.A. in fine arts.

Conner Young, who graduated with a B.S. in legal studies.