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Local student Allison Sedmak named to Dean’s List at Marquette University

January 29, 2020

MILWAUKEE, Wis. (January 28, 2020) – Allison Sedmak of Whitewater, WI, has been named to the Dean’s List for the fall 2019 semester at Marquette University in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Sedmak is pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Sciences.

Marquette University is a Catholic, Jesuit university that draws its more than 11,500 students from all 50 states and more than 75 different countries. In addition to its nationally recognized academic programs, Marquette is known for its service learning programs and internships as students are challenged to use what they learn to make a difference in the world. Find out more about Marquette at marquette.edu.

Contact Abby Cole in the Office of Marketing and Communication at (414) 288-6195 with questions.

Jefferson County Snowmobile Trails Open, Again

January 25, 2020

The Jefferson County Snowmobile Trails reopened at 5:00 p.m. on Saturday, January 25, 2020.

Some trails may be closed due to open water.
Plowed fields may be rough.
Please ride safely.

Landowners make the trail system possible, 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.


Common Council Authorizes Settlement of Walmart’s Property Assessment Claim

January 21, 2020

On July 15, 2019 Walmart sued the City of Whitewater, alleging that its property had been inappropriately assessed for 2019 at $5,970,000. Walmart claimed that the assessed value should have been $4,500,000. If it had been granted that reduction, Walmart would have been entitled to a refund of approximately $30,884, of which $9,830 would have been the city’s share after charging back the school district, the county, and the technical college for their share.

The city’s legal counsel engaged in negotiations with Walmart’s counsel in an effort to reach a settlement that would avoid the substantial appraisal and legal fees that would be required for a trial.

At the Common Council meeting on January 21, City Attorney Wallace McDonell recommended that the city settle for an assessed value of $5,657,300, which had been accepted by Walmart. This reduction in assessment would result in a refund of $6,576, with the city’s portion being $2,093.

The Council voted unanimously to accept this settlement.

No. 6 UW-Whitewater Women’s Basketball Earns 13th Straight Win – 1/18/20

January 18, 2020

By Chris Lindeke, Asst. Athletic Director, UW-W

The No. 6 ranked University of Wisconsin-Whitewater women’s basketball team broke open a close game through three quarters with a strong fourth Saturday afternoon in a 72-56 victory over UW-Stout in a Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference game at Kachel Gymnasium.

The Warhawks (15-1 overall, 5-0 WIAC), who extended their active win streak to 13 games, outscored the Blue Devils 23-14 in the fourth quarter and shot 56.0 percent in the second half overall.

Freshman forward Aleah Grundahl led UW-Whitewater with 17 points, while senior guard Becky Raeder tallied 16 points, five assists and two steals. Sophomore guard Veronica Kieres collected 12 points, nine rebounds and four assists, and junior center Johanna Taylor registered eight points, 10 rebounds, four assists and six blocks, which tied for the 11th-most in one game in program history.

The Warhawks scored the first seven points of the contest before the Blue Devils responded with their own 7-0 run to tie the game midway through the first quarter. UW-Whitewater found baskets on each of its last two possessions of the period on layups by Grundahl and sophomore guard Veronica Kieres to make it 18-10.

UW-Stout opened scoring in the second before the Warhawks ran off the next 12 points, including a Euro-step layup in transition by sophomore guard Yssa Sto. Domingo and a layup by Grundahl that capped the run for a 30-12 lead by the 4:19 mark.

UW-Whitewater led 32-15 with 3:08 left in the half before the Blue Devils ended the quarter with eight straight points to close within 32-23.

UW-Stout continued its momentum early in the third, drawing to within 39-37 near the midway point of the quarter. The Warhawks closed the frame on a 10-5 run, including four points by sophomore forward Courtney Oomens, to take a 49-42 advantage.

UW-Whitewater started the fourth quarter on a 9-0 run over the first two-plus minutes, capped by a layup by Grundahl, to take a 58-42 lead.

The Warhawks matched their largest lead of the game at 18 points with 3:41 to play following a 3-pointer by Kieres, and made 5-of-6 free throws in the period to maintain the advantage.

The Warhawks host UW-Platteville for Staff Appreciation Night Wednesday at 7 p.m. at Kachel Gymnasium.


Fort HealthCare Accepting 2020 Scholarship Applications

January 15, 2020

FORT ATKINSONFort HealthCare is offering scholarships totaling over $25,000 for the 2019-20 academic year 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 are due by March 2, 2020. 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.

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.

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. The financial need of each applicant will be taken into consideration.

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.

Dr. Tom and Mary Nordland Scholarship

Established by Dr. Tom and Mary Nordland established this scholarship to recognize Fort HealthCare employees who are advancing their careers through education.  Applicants must be an employee in good standing at Fort HealthCare and pursuing education in preparation for advancing their careers in the healthcare industry.

For more information about Foundation scholarships call (920) 568-5404 or email foundaiton@forthc.com.

UW-La Crosse Announces Fall 2019 Dean’s List

January 14, 2020

LA CROSSE, Wis. (January 14, 2020) – The following area students have been named to the Dean’s List at the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse for the fall semester of the 2019-20 academic year, ending December 2019.
      
Qualification for the Dean’s List is limited to students who have attained outstanding academic achievement. To be eligible, students must have earned not less than a 3.5 semester grade point average and carried a minimum of 12 credits.
 
UW-La Crosse, founded in 1909, is one of the 13 four-year institutions in the University of Wisconsin System. UWL has more than 10,500 full and part-time students enrolled in 101 undergraduate, 28 graduate and two doctoral academic programs.
      
UW-La Crosse – www.uwlax.edu – is the state’s top-ranked public or private higher education institution by U.S. News & World Reports for master’s degree institutions and has been ranked among the top four Midwestern public institutions for more than a decade. UW-La Crosse remains one of only two Wisconsin colleges to make Kiplinger’s Personal Finance’s list of the top 100 best values nationwide in public colleges.
      
Students on the Dean’s List from this area include:

Whitewater, WI

Tom Duval, Public Health and Community Health Education Major
Andi Markham, Exercise and Sport Science Major: Exercise Science – Pre-professional Track
Devin McCord, Political Science Major
Peter McCrea, Psychology Major
Thomas McManaway, Recreation Management Major: Generalist Emphasis
Brady Meudt, Biology Major
Jacob Riemer, Public Health and Community Health Education Major

The University of Wisconsin-River Falls fall semester Dean’s List honoring 1,755 students has been released by Registrar Kelly Browning

January 14, 2020

RIVER FALLS, Wis. (January 13, 2020) – The University of Wisconsin-River Falls fall semester Dean’s List honoring 1,755 students has been released by Registrar Kelly Browning.

To be named to the Dean’s List, a full-time undergraduate must earn a grade point average of at least 3.5 on a scale of 4.0, or midway between an “A” and “B” average. Area students are listed below by hometown, name, and major.

Whitewater, WI:

Anna Lucht, Animal Science
Paige Prager, Animal Science

Weather Cancellations – WUSD, Whitewater Parks & Rec.; Also, UW-W Men’s Basketball Sat. Start Time Changed

January 10, 2020

Whitewater Unified School District: Due to expected weather conditions, all activities and events after 6pm Friday, January 10, are cancelled. Activities and events planned for Saturday, January 11, are also cancelled. At this time, activities for Sunday, January 12, will be held, and we will continue to monitor the weather.

All Saturday Parks & Rec. programs are canceled including gymnastics. All SWL basketball games for the weekend are postponed.

The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater men’s basketball team’s game scheduled for Saturday, Jan. 11, at Kachel Gymnasium has been moved up to a 1 p.m. start due to anticipated inclement weather in Southern Wisconsin later in the afternoon and early in the evening. The Warhawks (5-8 overall, 0-2 WIAC) will face UW-River Falls (7-6, 0-2) in their first home game since Nov. 22. The game was originally slated to tip off at 5 p.m.

Obituaries

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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Obituary: Jerome Francis Burke, 76

Jerome Francis Burke, age 76, of Whitewater, WI, passed away unexpectedly following a brief illness on June 27, 2024. Jerry was born in Evanston, IL on May 13, 1948 to Stephen and Catherine Burke. He grew up in Glenview, IL, where he graduated from Our Lady of Perpetual Help Grade School and then Loyola Academy (Wilmette). Those early days spawned treasured, lifelong friendships. He went on to graduate from St. Joseph’s College (IN) with a BA in Economics, and it was there thathe met his beloved wife, Eileen. They married shortly after graduation and were blessed to share their lives … Read more

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Obituary: Angelica E. Vicente Santa Cruz, 59, of Delaware / Obituario

Angelica E. Vicente Santa Cruz passed away Sunday, June 30th in home beside family and friends in Milford, Delaware from a long battle with cancer. Angelica E. Vicente Santa Cruz was born on February 24, 1965. She was the daughter of Doña Carmen Santa Cruz Valdez and Don Luis Vicente León, who allowed her to share a life of family union with her four brothers: Braulio, Carmen Rosa, Edgar and Juan. She was born in Lima-Peru and grew up in the Ventanilla district of the constitutional province of Callao of Peru. She completed her primary studies at the La Merced … Read more

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Obituary: Lowell V. Youngs, 87

Lowell V. Youngs, 87, of Whitewater passed away on Monday, June 24, 2024 in Madison. Lowell was born on September 4, 1936 in Wyoming to Isaac and Violet (Doble) Youngs.  He grew up in the very small town of Veteran, Wyoming, where he was one of nine students in his graduating class.  After graduating, Lowell attended the University of Colorado, where he received his Bachelor’s Degree in Music Education in 1958.  Lowell was drafted into the US Army in 1960 and selected to be in the Army Band, where he gladly carried a clarinet instead of a gun.  He was … Read more

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Obituary: Robert Karl Webb, 97

Robert Karl Webb passed away peacefully with his loving wife Adrienne by his side on June 14, 2024, at Hearthstone Memory Care in Whitewater, WI.  Dr. Webb was born in Trenton, Missouri on September 29, 1926, to parents Karl and Esther (Kull) Webb. During World War II, he served in the Navy aboard the USS Pennsylvania and was honorably discharged in 1946. He received his undergraduate and doctorate degrees in music from the University of Illinois in Urbana. Dr. Webb was a composer and taught in the public schools of Moberly, Missouri, and was the director of the Hobart, Indiana … Read more

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