News & Events

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

City of Whitewater Urban Forestry Commission – Monday @ 4:30 p.m.
Agenda includes Discussion and possible action on planning 2025 4th Annual Tree Sale
Cravath Lakefront room 2nd floor 312 West Whitewater St
*In Person and Virtual
Citizens are welcome (and encouraged) to join our webinar via computer, smart phone, or
telephone. Citizen participation is welcome during topic discussion periods.
Please join the meeting from your computer, tablet or smartphone.
https://meet.goto.com/424012725
You can also dial in using your phone.
Access Code: 424-012-725
United States: +1 (571) 317-3122
Get the app now and be ready when your first meeting starts:
https://meet.goto.com/install

Whitewater Unified School District School Board – Monday @ 5:15 (closed session) – 7:00 (open session)
Whitewater High School Library
534 South Elizabeth Street, Whitewater, Wisconsin
5:15 p.m.
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5:15 p.m. via Zoom Online
– URL: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87278796737?pwd=IvA44gayDFXVtdPEdkhjDlrtuOjWUQ.1
– Passcode:748046
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– Dial-in: 1-312-626-6799
– Webinar ID:872 7879 6737
– Passcode: 748046
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Closed Session
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7:00 p.m. via Zoom Online OPEN SESSION
Agenda (Click on “meetings/agenda” in upper right corner) includes WUSD Strategic Planning & Scorecard Review, Lakeview, Lincoln and Washington Elementary School, and staff survey

URL: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83481230854?pwd=dFJsVEg5SWpHTi8ycEtMTnVDbkRhdz09
– Passcode: 789182
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– Dial-in: 1-312-626-6799
– Webinar ID: 834 8123 0854
– Passcode: 789182

City of Whitewater Board of Review – Wednesday @ 4:00 p.m.
Agenda
Whitewater Municipal Building Community Room,
312 West Whitewater St.

UPDATE 6/23 @ 9 a.m. – Per WMTV15, the city says anyone who would like to volunteer with the cleanup can meet at the old Rock County Jobs Center at 1800 Center Ave. in Janesville at 10 a.m. on Sunday morning. Work will continue until 4 p.m.

JOINT STATEMENT FROM ROCK COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE AND ROCK COUNTY EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT REGARDING SEVERE WEATHER EVENT

At approximately 8:00 p.m., [June 22] Rock County Sheriff’s Office, Janesville Police Department, Janesville Fire Department, Beloit Police Department, Beloit Fire Department, Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, Rock County Communications Center, Rock County Emergency Management, and Rock County Department of Public Works responded to reports of severe weather damage on the southside of the City of Janesville and in the Town of Rock.

As units arrived in the area, they verified damage ranging from minor to significant and encountered debris closing roadways. Damage to power infrastructure caused outages on the southside of the City of Janesville and in the Town of Rock. No injuries have been reported. Further damage assessments will be completed after first light. We do not currently have an anticipated time when power will be restored in the area.

Any county residents in need of assistance, please review the following information released by the City of Janesville.

“Earlier this evening, on Saturday, June 22, a reported tornado touched down on the south side of the City of Janesville. This weather event caused considerable damage to structures and infrastructure. First responders are currently on the scene, and the City has activated its Emergency Operations Center to mobilize additional resources.

The City of Janesville, in collaboration with the Salvation Army of Rock County and Dr. Daniel Hale Williams County Resource Center, is offering transportation and additional services to those affected by the weather event.

Residents in need of assistance and resources can head to either facility. Transportation will be provided from the Dr. Daniel Hale Williams County Resource Center to the Salvation Army of Rock County. The Dr. Daniel Hale Williams County Resource Center is located at 1717 Center Avenue, with the Salvation Army of Rock County at 514 Sutherland Avenue.

The City’s Emergency Operations Center will provide additional information on its response and available resources when they become available.

For questions, contact the City of Janesville at (608) 373-6025.” Residents can also call the Rock County Communications Center’s non-emergency line at 608-757-2244.

CURTIS N. FELL
SHERIFF
By: Captain Matthew Jacobson