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Fort HealthCare Receives Milwaukee Journal Sentinel Top Workplace Award for 2022

May 17, 2022

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

Fort HealthCare has been honored as a Milwaukee Journal Sentinel Top Workplace Award recipient for 2022. This is the twelfth Top Workplace Award for Fort HealthCare and the second consecutive year of being recognized as a Top Workplace on a national level.

The Top Workplaces lists are based solely on the results of an employee feedback survey administered by a leading research firm that specializes in organizational health and workplace improvement. To be a Top Workplace, organizations must meet strict standards for organizational health. Each year, employee opinions are collected, ranking their company or organization on criteria including how valued they feel, the benefits and pay, management capabilities, career advancement opportunities, work-life balance, and much more.

Fort HealthCare has received this tremendous award for several years now since the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel began recognizing the Top Workplaces Award in 2010. This award continues to be a great celebration of the hard work and community efforts that Fort HealthCare employees provide through their continued commitment to excellence. Fort HealthCare values its employees, recognizing them as members of the Fort HealthCare family, and promoting a culture where employees can thrive and feel inspired.

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. For more information, visit FortHealthCare.com and FortHealthCare.com/Careers.

Track and Field Teams Compete in Conference Meet

May 16, 2022

The Whitewater Boys’ and Girls’ Track and Field Teams competed at the Rock Valley Conference Meet on Saturday, May 14th. There were some great performances on both sides; the boys took 4th place overall, and the girls were 3rd. Many athletes scored in individual and relay events to help propel the teams to their high finishes.

Jack Hefty and Maddie Buehler

The following athletes received All-Conference recognition by placing in the Top 3 in their respective events:

Boys: 

Ethan Dugan: 400m Dash, 2nd place

Jack Hefty: 1600m Run, 2nd place; 3200m Run, 1st place

CJ Tomomitsu: Pole Vault, 2nd place

Connor Raupp: Discus, 1st place

Jake Kuhlow: Discus, 2nd place 

Girls: 

Maddie Buehler: 100m Dash, 2nd place; 200m Dash, 1st place

Kindyl Kilar: 400m Dash, 2nd place

Evie Troxel: Pole Vault, 3rd place

4x100m Relay Team of Olive Coburn, Maddie Buehler, Emma Weigel, and A’lani Rogers: 1st place

4x200m Relay Team of Calli Grosinske, Olive Coburn, Emma Weigel, and Skyler Hibbs: 2nd place

The Whippets will head to Edgerton and Evansville this week for two Junior Varsity competitions before Regionals on Monday, May 23rd. 

Article Submitted by Matt Green
Whitewater High School Head Track and Field Coach
mgreen@wwusd.org
Photos Courtesy of Bob Mischka

Soccer Wraps Up Conference Season with Win

May 15, 2022

The Whitewater Whippets Girls’ Soccer Team had a challenging three game week, with games against Evansville, Elkhorn, and Clinton. In Monday’s game against Evansville, the team played a physical match that ended 9-1 in favor of Evansville. Mayte Navejas scored a penalty kick goal for Whitewater (36’), and Evansville had goals by Emma Stuart (1’, 38’, 53’, 59’), Casey Hill (10’), Melanie Wallisch (13’, 24’), Jaden LeRoy (45’), and Chinna Hermanson (75’). Marina Linos had nine saves in goal for the Whippets, and Katie Krueger had three for the Blue Devils.

Adriana Dixon

On Thursday, Elkhorn came to Whitewater for a non-conference match. Elkhorn won by a score of 10-0, with goals by Grace Woyak, Lauren Haeft, Katelyn Haeft (2), Shaelyn Boutelle (3), and Ella Wallace. Marina Linos had a strong game in the net for Whitewater, making 14 saves. Madison Osborn played in goal for Elkhorn.

The Whippets hosted Clinton on Friday for their final regular season conference game. Whitewater won 5-0, with goals by Adriana Dixon (4’, 20’, 66’), Vivi Hauck (6’), and Mayte Navejas. Clinton goalkeeper Bethany Johnson played a solid match and had many saves. Marina Linos played in goal for Whitewater. The Whippets will host Clinton again on Monday for the first round of the Rock Valley Conference tournament.  

Article Submitted by Maddy Blain
Whitewater High School Head Girls’ Soccer Coach
mblain@wwusd.org
Photo Courtesy of Bob Mischka

Robotics Team Welcomes New Members for Summer

May 14, 2022

Whitewater High School’s FIRST Robotics Competition Team #6574 Ferradermis invites any students interested in joining the team for the 2022-2023 school year to join us in the high school library at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, May 26, with a parent or guardian, to learn about opportunities to work with the team this summer. This invitation is open to current WHS students as well as incoming freshmen!

Ferradermis members will be traveling to 3 single-day off-season competitions this summer in Kettle Moraine, Manitowoc, and Mukwonago. Joining the team on one or more of these trips is a great way for new members to experience the excitement of FIRST Robotics and learn more about what an actual competition feels like. In addition, new members are welcome to join us for summer training meetings.

What skills do you need before joining the team? None! Current Ferradermis members and their mentors will help you learn everything you need to know.

Is it all about the robot? Nope! There are roles on the team for people with all sorts of interests including business, graphics, community service, public speaking, writing, electronics, programming, CAD, and manufacturing.

Come join us on May 26 to learn more!

Any questions? Please contact Laura Masbruch at lmasbruch@wwusd.org.

Article and Photo Submitted by Laura Masbruch
Whitewater High School Robotics Advisor
lmasbruch@wwusd.org

Walworth County ADRC to Host Open House on May 20th

May 10, 2022

Editor’s Note: The following information was provided by Walworth County Administration Department.

The Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC) of Walworth County will
host an Open House on Friday, May 20, from 10 a.m. until 12 p.m. at the Walworth County Health and Human Services building located at 1910 County Road NN, Elkhorn.

The Open House will feature musical entertainment, snacks, information, and free bingo provided by the Walworth County Council of the American Legion. The event is a celebration of Older Americans Month, a national observance that pays tribute to the contributions of older persons in our communities. The 2022 Older Americans theme is Age My Way; an opportunity for all of us to explore the many ways older adults can remain in and be involved with their communities.

“We are very excited to offer an in-person social opportunity for older adults in Walworth County, celebrating life, longevity, and the many contributions they have made to society while they aged their way,” says Randy Kohl, manager of the ADRC.

The Open House is free and RSVPs are not required. Check out the new Health and Human
Services building and have fun socializing with other older adults.

International Exchange Students Celebrated

May 8, 2022

The National Honor Society hosted an event called, “International Student Exchange Celebration Day” at Whitewater High School on Saturday, May 7. The international students, Jihwan Beck from South Korea and Miyu Takeda from Japan, reflected on their year in America, how much they loved their host families, friends, and teachers at WHS, and how the experience has changed their lives.

The students had fun playing an international Kahoot game, took pictures with flags and the world map, and then went bowling and ate pizza at UW-Whitewater Warhawk Alley. Thank you, NHS, for sponsoring and hosting this fun day.

Participating NHS members were: Savannah Hill, Shane Kinson, Audrey Mayer, Haley Street, Sophia Walton, Tyler Arnett, Jake Kuhlow, Alexandra Martin, Courtney Meyer, Aileen Perez-Aguilar, Skylar Staebler, Maria Verduzco, and Caleigh Yang.

Article and Photos Submitted by Pamela Sonmor-Wintz
Whitewater High School National Honor Society Advisor
psonmorwintz@wwusd.org 

This Week’s City Meetings

May 7, 2022

City of Whitewater Plan and Architectural Review CommissionMonday @ 6:00 p.m.
Agenda
This meeting is IN-PERSON and VIRTUAL
City of Whitewater Municipal Building – Community Room
312 W. Whitewater St.
Please join the meeting from your computer, tablet or smartphone.
httDS://meet.aoto.com/807624629
You can also dial in using your phone.
United States: +1 (571) 317-3122
Access Code: 807-624-629

Whitewater Unified School District Employee Handbook Committee – Tuesday @ 3:45 p.m.
Agenda (Click on “meetings” in upper right corner.)

William D. Kyle Board Room
419 South Elizabeth Street

City of Whitewater Public Works CommitteeTuesday @ 6:00 p.m.
Agenda
Municipal Building – 1 Floor
Community Room
312 W. Whitewater St.

Seniors in the Park Presents West Side Story

May 7, 2022

“West Side Story”
Tuesday, May 10, 1 p.m.
(Musical/Drama/Romance) Rated PG-13; 2 hours, 36 minutes (2021)
This reimagining of the 1961 classic musical was nominated for Best Picture, and garnered a Best Supporting Actress Oscar for Ariana DeBose. Directed by Steven Spielberg, it stars Ansel Elgort, Rachel Zegler, and Rita Moreno.

Obituaries

Obituary: Kandi Lynn Kincaid (Cardinal)

In Loving Memory of Kandi Lynn Kincaid (Cardinal)Beloved Daughter, Sister, Mother, Grandmother, and Friend It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Kandi Lynn Kincaid, daughter of Eunice and Richard Kincaid, on December 28th at 7 PM. Kandi passed away peacefully in bed, enjoying one of her favorite pastimes—watching crime shows. Kandi was a woman of many passions. She was a devoted fan of the Chicago Bears, found joy in listening to 2Pac, and had an unwavering love for animals, always standing against cruelty of any kind. Her smile could light up a room, and her warmth … Read more

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Obituary: Dr. George Harold Seeburger, 89, of Lake Mills

Dr. George Harold Seeburger, 89, of Lake Mills passed away on Friday, January 3, 2025 at Lilac Springs Assisted Living in Lake Mills. George was born on July 20, 1935 in Phillips, Wisconsin to George and Nellie (Knight) Seeburger.  He graduated from Phillips High School and received an undergraduate degree from UW Stevens Point and went on to earn his PhD from the University of Georgia Athens. He was a biology professor at UW Whitewater up until his retirement. George married Nancy Carole Skalitzky on November 6, 1959 in Waukegan, Illinois. Nancy passed on November 13, 2021.  They enjoyed traveling … Read more

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Obituary: William J. “Bill” West, 75

William J. “Bill” West, 75, of Whitewater passed away on Tuesday, December 24, 2024 at Fort Memorial Hospital in Fort Atkinson. Bill was born on September 8, 1949 to John and Bessie (Sutherland) West in Fort Atkinson. He worked at the University of Wisconsin at Whitewater for twelve years. Bill enjoyed watching the Packers and NASCAR. He is survived by his girlfriend, Sandy Hahn; and many friends and family. A memorial visitation will take place on Thursday, January 16, 2025 from 11 AM until 1 PM at Nitardy Funeral Home, 550 N. Newcomb St., Whitewater, WI 53190. Inurnment will take … Read more

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Obituary: David Harold Baker Jr., 61, of Portland, OR

David Harold Baker Jr., beloved husband, father, stepfather, son, and brother, passed away on December 16, 2024, in Portland, Oregon, at the age of 61. Born on August 10, 1963, in Beaufort, South Carolina, David was the firstborn child of David Baker Sr. and the late Betty Jean Baker (née Wickham) while his father served in the United States Marine Corps. David spent his early years in Wyoming, where the family lived until his parents divorced. In 1976, David moved to Oregon with his father, and he graduated from high school in 1982. Shortly after, he moved to Wisconsin to … Read more

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Obituary: Allen C. Hicks, 85

Allen C. Hicks, 85 of Whitewater passed away on Saturday, January 4th, 2025 at Huntington Memory Care in Janesville. Al, the oldest of seven boys, was born on July 5th, 1939, in Belvidere, Illinois to Walt and Laura (Keller) Hicks. A few years later, the family bought a dairy farm in Whitewater and became very active in the Whitewater community. There was always work to be done or something to be repaired on the farm which led to Al’s lifelong love of tinkering. He was very active in high school sports which continued on into his adult years playing in … Read more

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Obituary: Jeanette Ila Hansen, 91

Jeanette Ila Hansen, 91, Whitewater passed away on December 24, 2024 at Rainbow Hospice Inpatient Center in Johnson Creek, WI, having lived independently almost all her later life. Jeanette was born on May 12, 1933 in Whitewater, WI to Alvin and Maybell (Maasz) Cox.  She married Norman Hansen on November 2, 1950 and they were married for 59 years.  Jeanette enjoyed fishing, reading, indoor gardening, collecting dolls, and cooking; and she made many beautiful items with crocheting, knitting, and sewing.  She was generous and seemed to have a good word to say about almost everyone she met. She especially loved … Read more

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Obituary: Isaac Richard Unger, 31

Isaac Richard Unger left the field on Christmas Day, and is now at peace. He was born in Whitewater, WI on April 1st, 1993 to Paul and Mary Jo (née Peiffer) Unger. Isaac was born ten days late on a silly holiday, and lived his life as such–never rushed, and with a lighthearted sense of humor. Isaac graduated from Madison East High School in 2011, and then attended UW-River Falls from 2011-2016, where he studied English and philosophy. Isaac was a sports lover, not only as a spectator, but as a participant. Isaac grew up playing soccer, basketball (Badger Sporting … Read more

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Obituary: John George Mack, 61

John George Mack passed away into eternal glory on December 24th, 2024. John was born December 1, 1963, in Fort Atkinson, WI to Ronald and Mary Alice (Hanson) Mack of Whitewater.   John was a 1982 Whitewater High School graduate. In 1983 just out of high school John started his first wood company selling wholesale through all the major gift markets including Atlanta, Chicago, Dallas, Los Angeles and New York. At the time his clients included 8 out of the 10 retail chains and several thousand independent stores nationwide. John had so many wonderful customers and associates.   As the wholesale gift market shifted to cheaper overseas … Read more

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Obituary: Clifford Maynard Witte, 103

Clifford Maynard Witte, age 103, of Whitewater, WI completed his earthly journey on December 24, 2024 in his home surrounded by his loving family.  Clifford was born on September 13, 1921 on a farm in Mount Horeb, WI, and was the third child of Ella and Eli Witte.  Clifford served his country by joining the Navy in 1942 during WWII, and served alongside his two brothers. Later he used the GI bill to attend Palmer Chiropractic College in Davenport, IA. There he met the love of his life, Beulah (Billie) Ohrberg, and they married on Nov 7, 1946. Shortly after … Read more

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Obituary: Mary Ann Burkhardt, 79

Mary Ann Burkhardt, 79, passed away December 24, 2024, at Edgerton Hospital, surrounded by loved ones following a brief illness. Mary was born on September 14, 1945, in Chicago, IL, to Raymond and Helen (Pasternak) Burkhardt. She attended elementary school in Chicago and Good Counsel Catholic Girls High School, before her family moved to Whitewater where she graduated from WHS in 1963.  She worked at Gus’s Pizza Palace, Whitewater Products, and finally, Jones Dairy Farm until her retirement 33 years later.  She enjoyed bowling, snowmobiling, boating, golf, riding her motorcycle, and playing softball for the Long Branch Saloon.  She was … Read more

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