News & Events

Those passing by the corner of Prairie Street and Starin Road in recent days likely couldn’t miss this AT&T tower in the UW-W parking lot, and probably wonder what its purpose is. Tom Ganser learned from Jeff Angileri, University Marketing & Communications Director, that it’s a temporary tower while maintenance is done to the existing communications equipment atop Winther Hall.

Editor’s Note: The following was provided by Whitewater Unites Lives (WUL.)

Lynn Binnie is a WUL Hometown Hero, and has been nominated by David Stoneman, “For his volunteer work as Editor of Whitewaterbanner.com and for the countless hours he donates in order to help Whitewater residents stay well-informed.”

WUL (Whitewater Unites Lives) is a locally-focused civil and human rights group that works to connect the people in our community and to create opportunities for all people to learn and support each other in our common humanity.   

Anyone who would like to nominate a local hero of any age should send their nomination, with a short description, to whitewaterunites@gmail.com 

Nate Parrish, President of First Citizens State Bank, is pleased to announce that Joshua (Josh) Patterson has joined the Bank as Vice President – Business Banker at the Main Office, located at 207 W. Main St., Whitewater, Wisconsin.

Josh has over 18 years of experience in the financial industry. He is a graduate of Wisconsin Lutheran College receiving his Bachelor of Arts Degree in Communication and has also completed the Wisconsin Bankers Association Real Estate Compliance School and The Center for Financial Training, North Central States Inc. Commercial Lending School.

In making the announcement, Nate Parrish said, “We are thrilled to welcome Josh to our team as our new Business Banker. With an extensive and diverse background in banking, he brings a wealth of experience in all loan types. This expertise will be invaluable in supporting our community’s financial needs.

“His deep community involvement aligns perfectly with our commitment to fostering local development and prosperity. We are confident that Josh’s leadership and dedication will significantly enhance our services and strengthen our community ties.”

Josh resides in Jefferson with his wife and four children. An avid Wisconsin sports fan and follower, he also enjoys being a volunteer youth coach, camping with family and getting out on the golf course. He serves on the Board for ThriveED of greater Jefferson County and is an Affiliate Board member of the Jefferson County Board of Realtors. He is also a member of the Realtors Association of South Central Wisconsin and the Watertown Rotary Club.

Josh commented, “I am thrilled and excited to be a part of such a historically committed local institution and fantastic pillar of the community as First Citizens State Bank. I look forward to meeting, forming, and growing many valued relationships with the great people and businesses throughout the southeastern part of the state.”

First Citizens State Bank, locally-owned and operated since 1863, is committed to serving the communities in which we live, work, and do business. We are proud of the partnerships we have established with organizations, businesses and individuals in South Eastern Wisconsin. First Citizens State Bank has full service offices in Whitewater, East Troy and Palmyra. Member FDIC. Equal Housing Lender.

Saint Mary’s celebrates May graduates 

WINONA, Minn. (June 20, 2024) — The following Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota student completed requirements for bachelor of arts degrees in May 2024.

About Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota

Grounded in Lasallian Catholic values, Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota awakens, nurtures, and empowers learners to ethical lives of service and leadership. Whether in person or online, adult or undergraduate, students are treated with respect, taught with humanity, and supported by faculty and staff committed to their success in programs designed to prepare graduates for today’s and tomorrow’s careers. Founded in 1912 and accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota enrolls nearly 4,100 students at its undergraduate and graduate programs on campuses in Minneapolis, Rochester, Winona, and online. Saint Mary’s offers a highly personal, real-world-ready educational experience that fully prepares students to work, lead, and serve with character and purpose. Learn more at smumn.edu.

HOMETOWN, STATE; NAME, PARENT(S) Whitewater, WI

 Ryann Aschenbrener, Crystal Aschenbrener

WALWORTH COUNTY’S HISTORICAL PLACES PRESENTATION
 
Join Michael Rehberg, lead interpreter at Black Point Estate and Gardens, for the presentation “Let’s Explore Walworth County’s Historical Places” on Wednesday, June 26 at 5:30 p.m. at the Irvin L. Young Memorial Library. Participants will learn about outstanding historical buildings in Walworth County and discover which ones you can visit and which ones are private.

This presentation is for adults, although interested teens are welcome. There is no cost or registration to attend. The library is located at 431 W. Center Street in Whitewater. Contact the library at 262-473-0530 with questions.

The community is invited to a family-friendly magic show with professional entertainer Zach Percell of TnZ Magic at the Irvin L. Young Memorial Library on Monday, June 24 at 4:30 p.m. Zach uses comedy, visual magic, mentalism, escape artistry, and sleight-of-hand.

All ages are welcome to attend this free event. No registration is required. The Irvin L Young Memorial Library is located at 431 W. Center Street in Whitewater. Contact the library with questions at 262-473-0530.

Carol McCormick writes, “Looking North after the storm went through Saturday evening. Fortunately we dodged the bullet.

Our thanks to Carol McCormick for sharing this striking photo.

— Our Readers Share: We hope that you might have something that you’d be willing to share.  Anything that’s been created by someone else should, of course, be credited, and you should ask their permission if you’re able. We cannot post copyrighted material without permission. We can’t guarantee that we’ll have space for all submissions, and contributions will be subject to editorial board approval. The one definite exclusion is anything politically oriented. We will assume that you’re willing for us to include your name as the submitter unless you indicate that you prefer to remain anonymous. Send to whitewaterbanner@gmail.com. Thanks for thinking about this!

Whitewater Arts Alliance Awards Diane Flood Public Arts Enrichment Scholarship

The Whitewater Arts Alliance (WAA) proudly announces the recipient of the Diane Flood Public Arts Enrichment Scholarship. This scholarship, established in honor of the late Diane Flood, aims to support aspiring artists in their pursuit of higher education.

During a ceremony held at the senior awards night at the Whitewater High School, Kim Adams, Whitewater Arts Alliance Gallery Director, presented the $500 scholarship to Brooke Mason. Mason, a talented young artist, will be attending Illinois Wesleyan University in the fall of 2024. Brooke’s academic focus will be music and theater.

In her remarks, Adams emphasized the WAA’s commitment to fostering artistic talent within the community and beyond. “The Whitewater Arts Alliance is dedicated to nurturing creativity and ensuring that the arts continue to flourish,” said Adams. “Through the Diane Flood Public Arts Enrichment Scholarship, we aim to empower promising artists like Brooke Mason to pursue their passions and contribute to the cultural landscape.”

The scholarship, named after Diane Flood, a cherished member of the Whitewater arts community and long time Whitewater Arts Alliance board member, reflects her enduring legacy and commitment to the arts. Flood’s passion for artistic expression continues to inspire future generations of artists and art enthusiasts.

The Whitewater Arts Alliance extends its congratulations to Brooke Mason and wishes her success in her academic and artistic endeavors.

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FCCU awards $10,000 to local graduates
FORT ATKINSON, WI — Fort Community Credit Union (FCCU) announced the names of five scholarship recipients who were selected to receive $2,000 each. The FCCU scholarship was developed in 2019 as a reflection of FCCU’s mission statement; “To help our members be in a better financial position than when we met them.” The program aims to empower and support the next generation by easing the financial burden while helping members achieve their educational dreams.

This year’s scholarship committee reviewed the applications submitted by our member graduates. “By providing scholarships, we hope to enable talented individuals to pursue their dreams and make a positive impact in their communities,” said Whitney Townsend, Director of Business and Community Development.

The local FCCU scholarship recipient for the 2023-2024 school year is Michelle Abarca-Graduate of Whitewater High School. Attending Gateway Technical College, majoring in social work.

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WAUKESHA, Wis. — Omunazia Hicks, a Whitewater resident and UW-Whitewater student, has received a LeRoy C. Schmidt 150-Hour Scholarship for $2,500 from the Wisconsin Institute of Certified Public Accountants (WICPA) Educational Foundation.

The LeRoy C. Schmidt 150-Hour Scholarships are named after former WICPA Executive Director LeRoy C. Schmidt, CPA, who served from 1990 to 2006. He was passionate about promoting the accounting profession and actively involved in the 150-hour legislative process. Multiple recipients are selected for this scholarship.

Fourteen accounting students in total received scholarships from the WICPA Educational Foundation this year. Recipients were selected by the WICPA Educational Foundation’s Scholarship Selection Committee based on academic achievement, community service, personal statements and recommendation letters.

The WICPA Educational Foundation supports programs to improve awareness of the accounting profession and ensure the advancement and vitality of the profession. The WICPA is the premier professional association for Wisconsin accounting and business professionals, with more than 7,300 members working in public accounting, industry, government and education. Find the WICPA on Facebook, LinkedIn and X.

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Fort HealthCare Announces 2024 Scholarship Award Recipients

JEFFERSON COUNTY – Fort HealthCare is pleased to announce awarding $70,000 in scholarships for students pursuing academic degrees in career fields that support Fort HealthCare’s Mission. Each of the following scholarships is made possible by generous donations in recognition of the important roles in healthcare to maintain the quality of life we enjoy in the communities we serve. Thank you to each of our benefactors and the hundreds of people who donated honorary and memorial contributions to make these scholarships possible. Congratulations to each of Fort HealthCare’s 2024 scholarship award recipients!

Fort HealthCare Partners Scholarships Award Winners

• Health Career Advancing Scholarship – 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.
  Two $1500 awards went to:
  • Eli Koehler
  • Juanita Tarp
• High School Student Applications – Scholarships are awarded to graduating high school students pursuing a career in the healthcare field.
  Three $1500 awards went to:
  • Emily Boucher
  • Michaela Kennedy
  • Alison Werning

• Health Career Scholarship – Associate Degree Program – Scholarship awards are available to students who are currently enrolled in a two-year program in a healthcare field.
  Two $1000 awards went to:
  • Tiffany Pernat
  • Etheine Yang
• 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 healthcare who serves regularly in a volunteer role.
  A $1500 award went to:
  • Payton Schmidt

Fort Memorial Hospital Medical Staff Scholarships Award Winners

Fort HealthCare medical staff sponsors several scholarships in memory of Dr. Robert Handeyside. Graduating seniors, who reside or attend school in the Fort HealthCare service area and have chosen a career in the healthcare field are eligible for this scholarship.

Five $2,000 awards went to:

• Emily Boucher
• Langdon Eske
• Ava Kleinfeldt
• Alayna Riddell
• Payton Schmidt

Fort Memorial Hospital Foundation Scholarships Award Winners

• General Scholarship

A $1,000 general scholarship award went to:

• Lauren Dempsey

• Scott W. Hulstein Scholarship – The Scott W. Hulstein Scholarship was set up by his parents, Gerrit and Rebecca Hulstein, in his memory. Scholarships are awarded to a high school senior or an undergraduate currently enrolled at a college or technical school pursuing a degree in the healthcare field.
  Thirteen awards totaling $11,500 (ranging from $500-$1000) went to:
  • Andrea Alcala
  • Maritza Alvarado
  • Mara Brown
  • Rebecca Christ
  • Natalie Grulke
  • Joselyn Hack
  • Michaela Kennedy
  • Kassandra Kloss
  • Alayna Riddell
  • Rachel Simonson
  • Stella Van Zanten
  • Alison Werning
  • Morgan Zastrow
• 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.
  Fourteen $1000 awards went to:
• Zane Apkarian
• Katrina Breaker
• Makenna Croson
• Abigail Frame
• Amanda Godlewski
• Brooke Hartwig
• Eli Koehler
• Tiffany Pernat
• Danielle Spesard
• Jadyn Splittgerber
• Peighton Strasburg
• Juanita Tarp
• Yvette Torres
• Etheine Yang
• 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.
  Seven awards ranging from $1000-$1500 went to:
  • Maritza Alvarado
  • Abigail Frame
  • Eli Koehler
  • Tiffany Perant
  • Jadyn Splittgerber
  • Juanita Tarp
  • Carrigan Walter
• 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 healthcare field.
  Five $750 awards went to:
  • Brielle Johnson
• Natalie Krueger
• Allison Notbohm
• Emily Stedman
• Alexis Viola
• 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.
  Four $500 awards went to:
  • Kate Duddeck
  • Peighton Strasburg
  • Yvette Torres
  • Etheine Yang
• Arthur and Nancy Nesbitt Nursing Scholarship – This scholarship was established by Mr. and Mrs. Nesbitt in appreciation of 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 2023-2024 school year.
  Fourteen awards ranging from $1000-$1250 went to:
  • Maritza Alvarado
  • Zane Apkarian
  • Abigail Frame
  • Amanda Godlewski
  • Dawn Hove
  • Eli Koehler
  • Tiffany Pernat
  • Danielle Spesard
  • Jadyn Splittgerber
  • Peighton Strasburg
  • Juanita Tarp
  • Yvette Torres
  • Carrigan Walter
  • Etheine Yang
• Florence Falk Nursing Scholarship – This scholarship was established in memory of Florence Falk, LPN, who was an OB nurse at Fort HealthCare for 50 years. Applicants must be an employee in good standing at Fort HealthCare or a graduate of a high school in Fort HealthCare’s primary service area (Cambridge, Fort Atkinson, Helenville, Jefferson, Johnson Creek, Lake Mills, Palmyra, Sullivan, or Whitewater). Applicants must also be currently enrolled in an accredited nursing school and in their second year of nursing school or beyond.
  Four $250 awards went to:
  • Zane Apkarian
  • Abigail Frame
  • Peighton Strasburg
  • Etheine Yang
• -more-
• Students interested in applying for Fort HealthCare scholarships can complete an application online at FortHealthCare.com/Scholarships beginning in December each year. Applications are due by the following March 1st. Completing one application makes you eligible for each scholarship applicable to the degree you are pursuing. Applicants must be residents 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.

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FOREMOST FARMS ANNOUNCES 2024 SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENT
Middleton, Wisc. (May 30, 2024) – Foremost Farms awarded Eloise Rohloff of Whitewater $3,000 as part of its Agricultural Education Scholarship program. Eloise is committed to attending the University of Wisconsin-Platteville. “This scholarship will help me further my education. It will also help me pursue my future career in agriculture and be financially stable,” Rohloff noted. 

Karlee has garnered recognition from peers as an exemplary student; “I have known Eloise for at least four years and she consistently outworks and outsmarts most of her peers. Her work ethic and dedication to success is admirable,” said Paul Majors – agriculture teacher at Whitewater High. Every spring, scholarships are awarded to seven children of Foremost Farms employees and seven member farmers totaling $42,000. The scholarship program continues to invest in students’ educational futures as part of Foremost Farms’ commitment to be a Force for Good.

“We strive to be a “Force for Good” in the communities we serve, which is one of the four core values at Foremost Farms,” said Greg Schlafer, President and CEO. “We want to create opportunities for student achievement and contribute to the next generation of workforce success.”

Note: Scholarship America selects winners independently based on criteria including academic performance, leadership and participation in school and community activities, work experience, statement of career and educational aspirations, involvement in dairy farm operations, and unusual personal or family circumstances.

ABOUT FOREMOST FARMS USA
Foremost Farms USA® is a dairy cooperative representing hundreds of Midwest dairy farmer members located across seven Midwest states, including Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio and Wisconsin – America’s Dairyland. It is one of the largest, leading dairy cooperatives in the United States and a major food manufacturing business.

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Editor’s note: The Banner appreciates having permission to use the image on the homepage by Mohamed Hassan from Pixabay