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DHS launches new tool letting people report suspected illnesses from food or water
In time for the annual peak in norovirus cases and outbreaks, the Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) has launched a new online tool to encourage Wisconsinites to report food or water sickness when symptoms occur. The online questionnaire, which takes less than five minutes to complete, helps local health departments identify sources of contamination to prevent others from getting sick. This tool is especially important as cases of norovirus, the leading cause of vomiting and diarrhea, tends to spike in the winter.
“By using this tool, Wisconsinites can help other people in their community from getting sick and prevent outbreaks,” said DHS State Health Officer Paula Tran. “Ingesting contaminated food and water may cause just a little stomach upset for some, for others it can lead to hospitalization and be life threatening. We’re asking people – when you’re feeling sick, report it quick.”
Contaminated food or water can come from a variety of sources, including food from grocery stores or restaurants, or water from pools, lakes, or rivers. Certain bacteria, viruses, or parasites can cause vomiting and diarrhea. In Wisconsin and the United States, it is believed these illnesses are under-reported, since many people who are infected get better without seeing a doctor. This new online tool is just one way for public health professionals to learn about food and water related illnesses and outbreaks to help prevent others from getting sick too. This tool is not a substitute for health care, and people who are feeling sick should contact their health care provider.
The new tool is a simple questionnaire that asks for current symptoms, places recently visited, and food items recently eaten. The information is sent to local health departments that identify potential sources of illness. If additional information is needed, public health specialists may contact Wisconsinites who report their illness. All follow-up will remain confidential.
The launch of the new tool will be accompanied by a “Feeling Sick? Report it Quick!” message campaign which will share information and resources about prevention, symptoms of food or waterborne illness, and the reporting system through print materials and on social media.
To avoid food poisoning before it happens, here are a few tips:
- Wash hands and surfaces touched with food often.
- Keep raw meat, chicken, seafood, and eggs away from food that will not be cooked.
- Cook food to the right temperature to kill germs that can cause illness.
- Refrigerate food at 40 degrees Fahrenheit or colder within 1-2 hours of cooking.
Find more information on the Report an Illness Caused by Food or Water webpage.
William Hofmann of Whitewater has been named to the Deans’ List at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln for the fall semester of the 2023-24 academic year.
Hofmann, a sophomore majoring in advertising and public relations, was named to the Dean’s List for the College of Journalism and Mass Communications.
More than 6,800 students at Nebraska were named to the Deans’ List for the fall semester.
Qualification for the Deans’ List varies among the eight undergraduate colleges and the Explore Center. Listed below are the minimum requirements for each entity and the name of its respective dean or director. All qualifying grade-point averages are based on a four-point scale and a minimum number of graded semester hours. Students can be on the Deans’ List for more than one college.
- College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources, 3.75; Dean Tiffany Heng-Moss.
- College of Architecture, 3.75; Dean Kevin G. Van Den Wymelenberg.
- College of Arts and Sciences, 3.7; Dean Mark E. Button.
- College of Business, 3.6; Dean Kathy Farrell.
- College of Education and Human Sciences, 3.75; Acting Dean Nicholas J. Pace.
- College of Engineering, 3.5; Dean Lance C. Perez.
- College of Journalism and Mass Communications, 3.7; Dean Shari Veil.
- Hixson-Lied College of Fine and Performing Arts, 3.7; Dean Andy Belser.
- Explore Center for undeclared, pre-engineering, pre-health and pre-law students, 3.6; Senior Associate Vice Chancellor and Dean of Undergraduate Education Amy Goodburn.
Ashley K Wasser, 39, of 1226 W Florence St, #13,Whitewater, has been charged with burglary of a building or dwelling, a felony.
Harling Gamez Rodriguez, 24, of 424 W. Forest Avenue, Whitewater, has been charged with possession of narcotic drugs, a felony.
Gage D Fritz, 17, of W9245 Stader Road, Whitewater, has been charged with possession of narcotic drugs, with a modifier of possession of a controlled substance on or near certain places [a felony]; possession of tetrahydrocannabinols (THC), possession of a controlled substance on or near certain places; and possession of drug paraphernalia [misdemeanors.]
Joshua T Hacht, 20, of 1563 W Wildwood Rd, #3, Whitewater, has been charged with possession of narcotic drugs, with a modifier of possession of a controlled substance on or near certain places [a felony]; possession of tetrahydrocannabinols (THC), possession of a controlled substance on or near certain places; and possession of drug paraphernalia [misdemeanors].
Editor’s note: These cases have not been concluded. Unless a judgment of conviction is entered, the defendants are presumed innocent of all charges.
The Whitewater Girls’ Basketball Team beat Delavan-Darien 57-52 Thursday night, February 1, in overtime. The game was the start of the second round of conference action for the Whippets.
Building off some cold shooting for Delavan-Darien to start the game, Whitewater used great defense and a few outside shots to jump to a 21-4 lead to begin the game. As the game went along, Delavan-Darien slowly started to come back into the game, until they finally took a lead with a few minutes to play. Whitewater was able to get a few key stops down the stretch and make a few free throws but missed a chance to win the game at the buzzer. In overtime, the Whippets outscored the Comets 7-2 to win the game.
Stallings led the Comets with 31, and Logterman finished the night with 12. The Whippets had balanced scoring with Navejas (16), Grosinske (14), DePorter (11), and Gillette (9) leading the way.
Starting with a make-up game on Saturday, February 3 (home against Edgerton at 5:00 p.m.), Whitewater plays six games in the next 12 days to end the regular season.
Article Submitted by Mike Dowden
Whitewater High School Head Girls’ Basketball Coach
dowmi01@wwusd.org
Photo Courtesy of Bob Mischka
By Angela Kelm
Asst. Athletic Director for Sports Information
The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater wrestling team shutout UW-Platteville 45-0 Thursday evening. The Warhawks are ranked eleventh in the latest National Wrestling Coaches Association Division III dual meet poll.
Jalen Dunson set the bar high with a fall in the opening bout of the dual. Dunson, ranked eighth nationally at 125 pounds, pinned Jack Sullivan in just 30 seconds to give UWW a quick 6-0 lead.
John Fortugno took to the mat at 133 pounds. He registered a quick takedown and rode out his opponent, Chris Karbash, through the first. The bout was close heading into the third with Fortugno leading 3-1. The Warhawk opted for bottom position and quickly got to his feet breaking the hold for escape points to take a 4-1 lead. Karbash was able to tally a takedown and quickly let Fortugno up for the escape as the Warhawks had sealed the riding time point. Fortungo sealed the bout with a takedown in the final 15 seconds of the bout for a 9-5 decision.
Ethan Pogorzelski added a second tally to the fall column for UW-Whitewater on the evening. The 141-pounder had built a 7-1 advantage when he fended off a shot by Trent Dumont and turned it into three. He improved position to get back points before Dumont was able to turn back to his stomach. Pogorzelski changed his tactic, getting Dumont back to his back and scooping his head for the fall in 4:40. After three weight classes, UWW held a 15-0 lead.
UW-Whitewater tallied a pair of consecutive major decisions at 149 and 157 pounds to increase the gap to 23-0 in the dual. Lucio Morgan pushed the pace in the second and third periods to top Carter Kruckeberg 16-5. Leading 6-2 after two, Morgan opted for the bottom position and was up and out in 15 seconds. He turned defense into offense countering a shot with a takedown. Going for the extra point win, Morgan let Kruckeberg up and went right back for a double leg and three more. After the escape, Morgan overpowered his opponent for another takedown and quickly let Kruckeberg up. He nearly registered a final takedown that would have given Morgan technical fall points, but his shot had both wrestlers landing out of bounds and stopped the action with just one second left in the bout.
Jermaine Butler opened the scoring at 157 pounds. After a restart in the first, Butler improved his position to grab back points with a four-point nearfall. With Butler in the top position to start the second period, UW-Platteville’s David Cushman had a nifty reversal to grab two points, but Butler quickly escaped to push the lead to 8-3. Cushman went with an optional start to open the third handing Butler an escape point. Late in the period, Butler grabbed a single leg and turned it into a takedown adding riding time for a 13-3 major decision.
Fall number three for the Warhawks came by way of Caden Kirchner at 165 pounds. The Warhawk got a quick takedown before the bout was stalled twice for medical reasons. Upon the restart, Kirchner got right back to work with a three-point nearfall before locking in the cradle and pinning Cole Smith in 2:30.
Ryan Riser, ranked sixth at 174 pounds, had the tightest bout on the evening but picked up a 7-6 decision over Ryan Pothoof. Riser picked up three points on a takedown in the first ten seconds of the bout. Less than a minute to go in the period, he added a second takedown with Pothoof tallying a last second escape to make it 6-2. Leading 7-3 after an early escape in the third, Riser shot for a single leg, but Pothoof battled to turn it into a takedown for the Pioneers. Riser fought off any extra points to hold on for the 7-6 decision.
The 184-pound bout was one of the most exciting on the night. From the opening whistle there was no shortage of action between UWW’s Gavin Kohel and UWP’s Marty Koenig. There was a flurry of action in the first, but no points awarded. Kohel took the down position, escaped quickly and immediately got on the defense as Koenig pushed the pace. Kohel countered and got the takedown for a quick four points. Holding a body lock, Kohel had multiple big throws that had the crowd erupting. In the third, Kohel connected on a double leg, but his throw attempt ended with Koenig on top with back points to boot to make it 7-4, UWW. Koenig opted for neutral on a restart after the wrestlers went out of bounds and Kohel added riding time to claim a 9-4 decision.
Jordan Lewis got on the board against Cal Ries. The 197-pounder showcased great mat awareness with an early shot near the edge of the mat. Lewis was patient pulling Ries back in and improving position until he was awarded takedown points. Ries eventually escaped to make it 3-1 after one period. Following an escape to open the second, Lewis registered a similar takedown to extend his advantage to 7-1 with one period to go. Ries opted for bottom position with Lewis holding on to seal riding time. Ries escaped and Lewis tallied one more takedown late to grab the extra point win with an 11-2 major decision.
Cadin Koeppel put the finishing touches on a phenomenal senior night in Kachel Gym. At 285 pounds, Koeppel had a great finish on a double leg for a takedown in the first. He got control of Dylan Warren’s wrist and pinned it to his back eventually turning the Pioneer for back points to take a 7-0 lead. Koeppel chose the bottom position and quickly registered a reversal for two more. He went back to wrist control, once against pinning it to Warren’s back and this time the turn ended in a fall as Koeppel picked up the pin in 3:46.
Editor’s note: The following press release was received from the Whitewater Unified School District.
Whitewater High School (WHS) Players will be presenting Thornton Wilder’s American Classic Our Town, February 29 – March 3, 2024 in the newly named James M. Stewart Auditorium. This timeless drama is about life in the small New Hampshire town of Grover’s Corners. This Pulitzer Prize-winning play is considered by many to be the greatest American play ever written. This show has something for all ages.
As a part of this event, the Whitewater Unified School District (WUSD) invites the community to the dedication of the high school’s auditorium to long-time WUSD school board member James (Jim) M. Stewart. The dedication will take place Saturday, March 2, at 5:30 p.m., before the performance.
Stewart was elected to the WUSD School Board in 1981 and served for [a total of] nearly 27 years. He continued to serve until his passing in November 2021. During his tenure on the board, he served as board president for six years, vice president for two years, and treasurer for six years. Jim’s legacy extends far beyond the boardroom, as he impacted the lives of countless students, parents, and educators alike through his service.
“Jim left an indelible mark on our community and his legacy will continue to inspire future generations of students and families,” said Dr. Caroline Pate-Hefty, Superintendent. “Having the community come together in Jim’s honor is a great way to memorialize his legacy and celebrate the time, energy, and passion that he gave to the betterment of our students. It will surely be a special day for our school district community.”
The production of Our Town is being sponsored by a generous contribution from the Coburn family and is under the direction of Jim McCulloch and technical direction of Kat Dunham. Cast members include: Marina Linos, A’lani Ross, Brooke Mason, Payton Bunger, David Enns, Alex Clarksen, Taylor Speerbrecher, Haley Keltesch, Sam Nickelsburg, Hayleigh Pond, Deven Bawden, Chacha Binagi, Ava Van Daele, Ayden Clark, Grace Coleman, Esteban Diaz-Gallegos, Willow Vogelzang and Alex Sullivan.
Students working behind the scenes as stage managers, customers and set builders include: Kara Long, Gabi Kirley, Alexsa Cansino-Pena, Matt Zingsheim, Ace Hudec, Ava Nygren, Lucy Troxel, Miles Nickelsburg, Taiya Kolb, Rae Breisath, Kayla Mikos, Josh Nygren, Payton Peacock and Sami Van Daele.
In the true spirit of Our Town, WHS Players has partnered with the Whitewater Historical Society to present Streets of Whitewater. A detailed collection of historic photographs, rarely-seen artifacts, and stories of the early days of our own town will be on display before each performance. So, come early and experience a bit of our heritage.
Performances of Our Town will be held at Whitewater High School, in the James M. Stewart Auditorium, located at 534 S. Elizabeth Street, on February 29 – March 2 at 7:00 p.m. and March 3 at 2:00 p.m. General admission tickets are $10 for adults and $7 for students and can be purchased at the door or by calling the box office at 262-472-8178. The house will open one hour prior before performance.
It’s time once again for #FlashbackFriday with the Whitewater Historical Society. In past years, February posts have often centered around the fire that destroyed Old Main in February of 1970. In thinking about the loss of Old Main, the loss of other historic buildings in Whitewater come to mind. So, this month, we will present “Gone, but not forgotten.”
Our first images are from Old City Hall, built in 1899 on the corner of Center and Whitewater Streets and demolished in August of 1971. The images were taken just before demolition of the building and show the main staircase. The demolition of old city hall was controversial, but many felt the building could not be economically renovated. A new police and fire station was built in the late 1960s and the basement was used for city offices until 1997, when the administrative addition was built.
Join us again next week for more “gone but not forgotten” photos.
(2426P and 2427P, Whitewater Historical Society)
NEWARK, DE — Sophie Olson of Whitewater has been named to the University of Delaware Dean’s List for the Fall 2023 semester.
To meet eligibility requirements for the Dean’s List, a student must be enrolled full-time and earn a GPA of 3.5 or above (on a 4.0 scale) for the semester.
Obituaries
Lawrence “Larry” C. Hartung, a proud Marine Veteran of the Vietnam War, and longtime resident of Fort Atkinson, WI, passed away peacefully at his home on May 1, 2026. Larry was born June 7th, 1949, to Levon and Charles Hartung in Chicago, IL. Larry enlisted in the US Marine Corps in 1968 and served 3 consecutive tours in the Vietnam War. During this time, he became pen pals with his future wife, Candy, via a connection through his father. In 1970, he came home on leave to marry Candy. They celebrated 55 years of marriage on October 31st, 2025. During … Read more
Leo E. Wurzer, 65, of Eagle, Wisconsin passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, May 9, 2026 at his home. Leo was born on April 15, 1961 in Kenosha, Wisconsin to Cyril and Shirley (McNeil) Wurzer. He grew up between Pleasant Prairie and Antigo, spending his childhood summers on his uncle’s farm where he discovered his love for all things tractors. Although he never had a farm of his own, he was able to partially fulfill his dream by working as a driver for Robin’s Trucking in Whitewater, WI in his last days and collecting miniature Tonka toys. He began his career … Read more
Lois Cummings, 99, of Fond du Lac, WI (formerly of Janesville, WI, Fort Atkinson, WI, Fountain Hills, AZ, and Green Valley, AZ) passed away peacefully on May 5, 2026 at the Meadows Senior Residence in Fond du Lac surrounded by family. Lois was born on February 17, 1927 in Fort Atkinson to Edward and Clarice (Roseth) Stevens. The middle child of 9 children, she attended Fort Atkinson schools and graduated in 1944. On September 11, 1948 Lois married Grant Cummings at Saint Andrew Catholic Church in Delavan, WI. Together they had 3 children, Gary, Colleen (Tom) Sabel, and Patty (Paul) … Read more
Come celebrate William Kincaid’s Celebration of Life on Saturday, May 30th at 1 pm at Trippe Lake Park Pavillion in Whitewater. He truly enjoyed gatherings where his favorite foods and music could be enjoyed with some of his closest friends and family. We will honor him by carrying on one of his favorite traditions. Please bring your own beverages and chairs. There is limited seating. See you all there!
Gladys Jean (Riley) Hildebrandt, age 89, of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, passed away peacefully on Friday, January 23, 2026. Gladys was born on December 26, 1936, in Whitewater, Wisconsin, to Theresa Egnoski Riley. She was married to Walter Sobolik Sr., and later married James A. Hildebrandt in 1976. Gladys was a hardworking woman who spent her life caring for others. She worked in school kitchens, restaurants, factories, and cleaning services. She concluded her working career as a full-time nanny. In that role, she lovingly cared for Andrew, Daniel, and Kaitlyn Drzewiecki, who became part of her chosen family. Gladys is survived by her sons, Wally … Read more
WHITEWATER – Nan Rowley died on April 15, 2026, at the age of 90. She was born on September 4, 1935, in a little house on the prairie in the Town of Johnstown, Wisconsin, the daughter of Wayne L. Wilbur and Florence (McQuillen) Wilbur. Nan attended primary schools in the towns of Johnstown and Richmond and in the City of Whitewater. Nan graduated with honors from Whitewater City High School. On June 19, 1954, Nancy and Ken Rowley were united in marriage in Whitewater and went to live on the Rowley family farm in Richmond. Over the years, Nan served … Read more
Marion H. Gorniak (nee Pfeiffer), 74, of Whitewater passed away peacefully on Saturday, April 11, 2026. She was born on October 24, 1951, to the late Harvey and Loraine (nee Drifke) Pfeiffer in Fort Atkinson, WI. On June 2, 1969, she was united in marriage to Alan Gorniak. She enjoyed gardening, flowers, and cooking, especially her rhubarb pies. She especially enjoyed spending time with family and friends and will be missed by all who knew her. Those Marion leaves behind to cherish her memory include her husband, Alan Gorniak; stepson, Alan Bauer; sister, Sue Ann Schultz, other relatives and friends. … Read more
Ruth Irene (Phelps) Justis, 88, of Appleton City, Missouri, passed away Friday morning, April 10, 2026, at the Missouri Veterans Home in Warrensburg, MO, with her family by her side. Ruth was born June 3, 1937 in Janesville, Wisconsin, to Charles and Ada Mae (Maly) Phelps. She joined the Marine Corps in 1956. During her time there, she met and married her husband, Forest Wayne “Wayne” Justis in 1957. They shared 62 years of marriage and to this union, 2 children, Charles and Dorene, were born. Ruth grew up in Whitewater, WI., the oldest of three children. Ruth graduated from … Read more
Dorothy C. Kau, age 101, of Eagle, Wisconsin passed away peacefully on Thursday, April 9, 2026 at Fort Memorial Hospital. Dorothy was born on March 18, 1925 in Eagle on the family farm, the daughter of John and Katherine (Faestel) VonRueden. Dorothy was a 1942 graduate of Palmyra High School. On May 21, 1949, Dorothy was united in marriage to Alvin E. Kau at St. Theresa Catholic Church in Eagle and the Lord blessed their union with 8 children. Alvin and Dorothy enjoyed 50 years of marriage together until Alvin’s death in the year 2000. Dorothy enjoyed being a farm … Read more
Dorothy E. McCracken, 95, passed away peacefully on August 30, 2025, in Sarasota, Florida. Born on April 14, 1930, in Whitewater, Wisconsin, to Carl and Joyce Meyer, Dorothy grew up in Whitewater and graduated from Whitewater High School. She then worked for a photographer and hand painted his first colored portraits, until she got married. She and her first husband, Bernard Wafle, owned and operated a 179-acre dairy farm in Helenville, Wisconsin, for 25 years before relocating to Ocala, Florida, in 1979. Dorothy later married Earl McCracken, in Ocala, Fl. She also shared a special companionship later in life with … Read more
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