News & Events

Witness an impactful textile collection that celebrates the beauty of Indigenous peoples at Roberta’s Art Gallery with “Unbreakable Strength: Exploring Indigenous Resistance and Healing Through Textiles,” by visiting artist, Agnes Yellow Bear. This exhibit showcases Indigenous applique and textiles celebrating Indigenous culture and identity while raising awareness of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Relatives (MMIWR) and the harmful legacy of Indian Residential Schools. Yellow Bear’s work will be on display from August 19 to September 18.

“Unbreakable Strength” is a powerful look into Indigenous history, present, and future. “Ribbon skirts carry stories of survival, resilience, love, and sacredness. As survivors of genocide, we wear our ribbon skirts to stay grounded in our teachings, remind us of our values, and how to carry ourselves. They allow us to stay connected to the earth and to our ancestors,” says Yellow Bear. In addition to textile works, this exhibit will also feature an interactive poem written by Danielle Ewenin, Yellow Bear’s mother, titled “Give Us Our Land,” which inspired a number of Yellow Bear’s works. “My art is a reflection of my love for my people and a tribute to their resilience,” says Yellow Bear. “I hope that this exhibit will inspire others to learn more about the challenges facing Indigenous communities and to stand in solidarity with us in our fight for justice and healing.”

Yellow Bear, a co-owner and ribbon skirt designer of ReeCreeations, is a proud Néhiyaw from Treaty 4 Territory and a member of Kawacatoose First Nations. She is a distinguished 2023 Bush Foundation Fellow, dedicated to centering the voices and experiences of families directly impacted by Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Relatives (MMIWR). Yellow Bear leverages her personal experiences and artistic talents to amplify Indigenous voices, empower Indigenous communities, and encourage healing, visibility, and connection to Indigenous identity. One of her many great achievements includes being requested to make a ribbon skirt by Deb Haaland, the first Indigenous cabinet secretary, for her swearing-in ceremony. Additionally, Yellow Bear’s textile artistry has been showcased in Vogue and CBC, as well as at the 2024 Indigenous Fashion Arts Festival held at Toronto’s Eaton Centre.

The exhibit reception will be held on September 17 from 6 to 8 p.m., starting in Summers Auditorium. Whirlwind Bull, of Arikara and Dakota heritage from the MHA Nation, will deliver an opening prayer and song, followed by an artist talk and an audience Q&A. The event will then move to Roberta’s Art Gallery for an open house with refreshments from 7 to 8 p.m.

Roberta’s Art Gallery is located on the first floor of the James R. Connor University Center at 190 Hamilton Green Way, Whitewater, Wis. The gallery collaborates with campus departments, student organizations, and community artists in coordinating and sponsoring exhibits. Roberta’s Art Gallery’s summer hours are Monday to Friday, 10 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Beginning Tuesday, September 3, the gallery will transition to its academic hours, operating Monday to Thursday from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Friday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The gallery is closed on Saturdays and Sundays.

At Roberta’s Art Gallery, we pride ourselves in providing free and open exhibits to the public, and attending certain events can earn students class credit. If you are interested in being featured in the gallery, please contact us for a proposal request. Reach us at ucart@uww.edu or 262-472-3193. Visit our website for any questions or inquiries, and follow our Instagram @uww_rag. For anyone interested in learning more about Yellow Bear’s artwork, her Facebook page is https://www.facebook.com/ReeCreeations, and her Instagram handle is @ReeCreeations.

DHS urges everyone to protect themselves against mosquito bites

The Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) announces the first West Nile virus (WNV) infections in Wisconsin this year in a healthy blood donor from Washington County, whose blood screened positive for WNV, and in a dead bird from Chippewa County that tested positive for the virus. The positive blood donor is not considered a human case because they never developed any symptoms of WNV, which is required to be a probable or confirmed case. The infections confirm that there are mosquitoes infected with WNV in the state that can transmit the virus to other people and animals.

“The first activity of West Nile virus this year in Wisconsin is a reminder that we still need to take precautions to prevent mosquito bites even as summer winds down, as the risk of West Nile virus continues until the first frost. While West Nile virus and other viruses spread by mosquitoes pose a risk to all Wisconsinites, people who have weakened immune systems are at higher risk for significant illness,” said State Health Officer Paula Tran.

WNV is spread to humans, birds, and other animals through the bite of an infected mosquito. Mosquitoes acquire WNV by feeding on infected birds. The virus is not spread directly from person to person, animal to animal, or animal to person.

Most people (80%) who are infected with WNV do not have symptoms, so occasionally healthy blood donors may unknowingly donate blood while infected with WNV. To prevent spread of WNV through blood transfusions, all donated blood in the U.S. is tested for the virus. Any blood product that tests positive is removed from the blood supply.

DHS has monitored the spread of WNV since 2001. An average of 18 cases of WNV illness are reported among Wisconsin residents each year. WNV cases in humans have been reported from June through October; however, most people with WNV report becoming ill in August and September.

Those who become ill with WNV usually experience mild symptoms such as fever, headache, muscle ache, rash, and fatigue. However, some people (less than 1%) who become infected with the virus get seriously ill with symptoms that include high fever, muscle weakness, stiff neck, disorientation, mental confusion, tremors, confusion, paralysis, and coma. Older adults and those with compromised immune systems are at greater risk of developing severe illness that can be fatal. It is important people contact a health care provider if they suspect they have WNV illness.

The best way to avoid illnesses spread by mosquitoes is to reduce exposure to mosquitoes and eliminate mosquito breeding sites. Mosquito activity and the risk of WNV will continue through the rest of the summer until there is a hard frost (temperatures below 28 degrees Fahrenheit for at least four straight hours). DHS offers these tips to protect yourself and your family against mosquito bites:

Avoid Mosquito Bites

• Apply an insect repellent with DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus, or IR3535 to exposed skin and clothing.
• Prior to heading outdoors, treat clothing with permethrin; do not apply permethrin directly to skin.
• Consider rescheduling outdoor activities that occur during evening or early morning hours, when mosquitoes that spread WNV are most active.
• Wear long-sleeves, long pants, and socks when outdoors to help keep mosquitoes away from your skin.

Mosquito-Proof Your Home

• Prevent mosquitoes from breeding around your home by removing stagnant water from items around your property.
• Empty standing water that has collected in tin cans, plastic containers, flower pots, discarded tires, roof gutters, and downspouts.
• Turn over wheelbarrows, kiddie pools, buckets, and small boats such as canoes and kayaks when not in use.
• Change the water in bird baths and pet dishes at least every three days.
• Clean and chlorinate swimming pools, outdoor saunas, and hot tubs; drain water from pool covers.
• Make sure window and door screens are intact and tightly-fitted to prevent mosquitoes from getting into your home.
• Trim or mow tall grass, weeds, and vines since mosquitoes use these areas to rest during hot daylight hours.

Find more information on illnesses spread by mosquitoes and additional ways to Fight The Bite on the DHS website.

Editor’s note: The above press release was received from the Wisconsin Dept. of Health Services. The Banner appreciates having permission to use the image on the homepage by FRANCO PATRIZIA from Pixabay.

Editor’s note: The following press release was received from the Rock County Sheriff’s Office.

“Anatomy of a Fall”

Wednesday, August 21, 1 p.m.

(Psychological Legal Drama)

Rated R (language); 2 hours, 31 minutes (2024)

A woman is suspected of her husband‘s murder. Her young, half-blind son faces a moral dilemma as the sole witness. Oscar nominations: Best Picture, Director, Actress (Sandra Huller); Winner: Best Original Screenplay. Dialogue: French & English; shown with English subtitles. 

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/

Expanded program offers nicotine replacement therapy

The Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) announced on August 15 the Wisconsin Tobacco Quit Line has expanded its text-based Live Vape Free program to include young adults ages 18-26. The program supports young Wisconsinites on the path to ending their use of nicotine and vape products and will provide people age 18 and over with two weeks of free nicotine replacement therapy if medically eligible.

According to the 2022 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance Survey, nearly one in five Wisconsinites ages 18-24 vape. They account for 34% of current adult e-cigarette users in our state.

“Young adults are the first generation to have been exposed to widespread commercial electronic vaping devices, and we see the impact of that exposure in the number of youth who use vape products today,” said State Health Officer Paula Tran. “By expanding the Live Vape Free program, we can help this age group achieve what they deserve: A life free of nicotine addiction that can harm their physical, mental, and financial health.”

The expanded Live Vape Free program helps young adults reduce or quit vaping on their own terms with text-based communications and medications designed to increase their success. Supportive text messages from coaches and interactive videos of peers, lessons, and podcasts help participants manage their stress, while nicotine therapy can help with the physical cravings and double their chances of quitting.

Live Vape Free has been traditionally offered to teens ages 13-17 with a companion program for parents and other trusted adults who support them. This program continues; however, it does not include free nicotine replacement therapy for minors. Young people are encouraged to speak to their health care providers about using medication to help them reduce or quit vaping.

To participate in Live Vape Free, text VAPEFREE to 873373 or visit livevapefree.com. Find more information about Wisconsin’s Commercial Tobacco Prevention and Treatment program on the DHS website.

Editor’s note: The Banner appreciates having permission to use the image on the homepage from Ethan Parsa from Pixabay.

It’s time once again for #FlashbackFriday with the Whitewater Historical Society. This week’s summertime image from the Scholl collection is an interesting gravestone from Hillside Cemetery. The Scholl collection has many Hillside Cemetery images and this one is particularly poignant. This fine gravestone marks the burial site of Kitty Govier, who died 124 years ago on August 17, 1900. She was the wife of W. E. Govier, who was a photographer in Whitewater for only a couple of years around 1900. He and Kitty came from Fennimore, Wisconsin and after only about a year, Kitty died at the age of 32. About six months later, W. E. Govier sold his photography studio and returned to Fennimore, leaving Kitty in Hillside Cemetery.

Update on 8/16 @ 11:15 a.m.: Patty Beran sent the following additionally sad information to the Banner: “Kitty Govier died 3 days after giving birth. The infant also died (or was born dead). The infant is buried with the mother. Her widow Ed remarried and they had a daughter in 1907.” Historian Carol Cartwright, who kindly provides the #FlashbackFridays for the Whitewater Historical Society, responded that although these details were not included in her source material, “I would not doubt that it is the case.  Mother and infant mortality was high then.”

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

(3604GP, Whitewater Historical Society)

Whitewater High School has been named one of 27 recipients of the Wisconsin Interscholastic Athletic Association (WIAA) Award of Excellence for the 2023-24 school year.

The WIAA Award of Excellence recognizes high schools for outstanding achievements in sportsmanship, ethics, integrity, leadership, and overall accomplishment. Whitewater High School’s selection highlights its commitment to creating a positive and supportive environment for student-athletes, meeting the rigorous standards set by the WIAA.

To qualify for the award, schools must fulfill specific criteria, including maintaining up-to-date records in the WIAA School Directory, conducting regular meetings on sportsmanship and ethics, participating in leadership conferences, complying with WIAA coaching requirements, engaging in community volunteerism, attending key WIAA meetings, and promoting sportsmanship initiatives among students.

“This award is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our athletic director, coaches, student-athletes, and the entire Whitewater community,” said Dr. Caroline Pate-Hefty, Superintendent of Whitewater Unified School District. “We are committed to excellence both on and off the field, and this recognition from the WIAA underscores our ongoing efforts to lead with integrity and character.”

Whitewater High School will be officially recognized at the WIAA Area Meeting in September. All 27 recipients are highlighted on the WIAA website and in the WIAA Bulletin, with additional recognition planned for the 2025 WIAA Annual Meeting.

To view a complete list of 2023-24 Award of Excellence recipients, please visit https://www.wiaawi.org/Schools/Awards-Recognition/Award-Of-Excellence.

Editor’s note: The above press release was received from the Whitewater Unified School District.

The registration form may be found here.

Also! Mark your calendar for the final Mom Walk of the summer! Saturday, September 14, 10-11amSunset Park, Elkhorn

Questions about Mom Walks? Please contact 262-374-2242 or info@treehouseforkids.net. Funding for Mom Walks is provided by a grant from the Wisconsin Child Abuse and Neglect Prevention Board (CANPB).

Our Mission: To Promote safe, strong, and healthy environments for children and families through equitable access to child abuse prevention, education, and resource support.