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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.
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.
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 ATKINSON – Fort 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.
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
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
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.
Congratulations to the cast and crew of the WHS Players Production of “The Little Mermaid” on their 14 Jerry Award nominations! The show was performed November 21-24, 2019, involving more than 60 cast, technical crew, and pit band members. The plot involved Ariel, King Triton’s youngest daughter, who wished to pursue the human Prince Eric in the world above, bargaining with the evil sea witch, Ursula, to trade her tail for legs. But the bargain was not what it seemed, and Ariel needed the help of her colorful friends to restore order under the sea.
“The Jerry Awards encourages, recognizes, and honors excellence in high school musical theater. Educators and industry professionals review productions at more than 85 high schools in 30 counties around the state providing valuable feedback. School and student achievements are honored and featured in an awards show held at the Overture Center in June, and two outstanding performers are selected to represent the program at The National High School Musical Theater Awards (The Jimmys) competition in New York City.” Last year, Whitewater High School’s production of “The 25th Annual Putnam Spelling Bee” won Outstanding Musical, and Lauren Harkness was selected to represent the state in New York City.
Jerry Award nominations are based on three adjudicators’ reviews and recommendations. Winners will be announced in May after all competing high school productions have been evaluated. Winners will be honored at the Overture Center in early June.
Please congratulate the nominees below as well as the rest of the cast and crew for their outstanding contributions to the production.
2019-2020 Jerry Award Nominations from Whitewater High School
Outstanding Lead Performance:
Lauren Harkness, Ariel
Carter Waelchli, Ursula
Henry Bresser, Sebastian
Ella Willman, Scuttle
Chris Porcaro, King Triton
Outstanding Supporting Performance:
Anderson Waelchli, Flounder
Sophie Mayer, Chef Louis
Outstanding Direction- Jim McCulloch
Outstanding Stage Management- Josie Hintz, Hailey Long, Emma Van Daele
Outstanding Overall Design
Outstanding Set Design- Jim McCulloch, Kat Dunham
Outstanding Costume Design- Karen McCulloch, Deborah Blackwell
Outstanding Lighting Design- Jim McCulloch
Outstanding Sound Design- Tony Hansen
For more information on the Jerry Awards, visit https://www.overture.org/programs/jerry-awards
Photo Credit: Tom Ganser
Obituaries
Jack G. Trojan, 88, of Whitewater, passed away March 21, 2025, at his home. Born May 6, 1936, he lived in Milwaukee, WI until moving to Richland Center, WI in 1944. Beloved husband of Diane, he was preceded in death by his parents Joseph (Jack) Trojan and Francis (Fanny) Trojan. He is survived by a sister, Shirley Trojan (Curnow), of Richland Center, WI and brother-in-law, David Kaltenback, of Lynnwood, WA, as well as many nieces and nephews. Jack enriched the lives of many during his thirty-three-year career in Education, both as a classroom teacher teaching Industrial Arts education and as … Read more
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Amal Habibi Vitale (1940–2025) Amal Habibi Vitale, a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, educator, and lifelong learner, passed away peacefully on March 17, 2025, at the age of 84, following a severe stroke. Born on November 30, 1940, in Haifa, Palestine, Amal’s early years were shaped by resilience and change. In 1948, her family left Haifa “for the weekend,” expecting to return—only to find themselves forging a new path in Syria and eventually settling inBeirut, Lebanon. Determined and ambitious, Amal graduated from the American University of Beirut with a degree in business at just 20 years old—one of the … Read more
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Marie Mehring, age 93, of Whitewater passed away peacefully at Rainbow Hospice in Johnson Creek on March 16, 2025. Marie was born November 1, 1931. She was the daughter of Evelyn and Joseph Swatek. She graduated from Elkhorn High School. While in high school, she met the love of her life, Chuck Mehring, at the roller rink; they were married June 3, 1950. Soon, they added to their family Deb, Ron, Jane and Pat. In 1962, Marie and Chuck moved their family to a farm in the Hebron area. In addition to homemaking, Marie was employed at the Whitewater Commercial … Read more
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Kathleen Barbara Beerman, 73, Whitewater, passed away at her home in Whitewater on Saturday, March 22, 2025. Kathleen was born on December 4, 1951 in Milwaukee, WI to Raymond and Ruth (Laff) Griffin. She graduated from Milwaukee Custer High School in 1971 and from MATC in 1973 where she received her degree in nursing. Kathleen worked as a nurse at Marion Franciscan Center in Milwaukee for 20 years. She married John Beerman on November 6, 1971. Kathleen started a Christian bookstore in Whitewater, volunteered at Fairhaven Senior Living, and traveled to Israel. She enjoyed quilting and sewing. She is survived … Read more
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James M. Leaver, 85, of Whitewater passed away on March 19, 2025. A memorial service will be held at a later date. Memorials in his honor may be made to the Irvin L. Young Memorial Library, 431 W. Center St., Whitewater, WI 53190 or to the Whitewater Community Food Pantry, 146 W. North St., Whitewater, WI 53190. Nitardy Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences can be made at www.nitardyfuneralhome.com
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Wayne Dean Boos, 83, of Sullivan (Rome), WI passed away on March 18, 2025, surrounded by his family at the Oconomowoc Memorial Hospital. Wayne was born on June 21, 1941, in Rome, WI, the son of Dewey and Augusta (Boerst) Boos. Wayne married Shirley M. Baumann on June 8, 1974, in Lake Mills. He graduated from Jefferson High School in 1959. Wayne worked for Art Thomas Construction, Braun’s Construction Inc., and the School District of Jefferson. During retirement, he enjoyed tending to his red geraniums, feeding and watching the birds, and traveling with family. Wayne played softball for many years … Read more
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Charles O. Brizius, 95, of Whitewater, WI, passed away on Thursday, March 6, 2025. Charles was born on March 23, 1929 in Evansville, Indiana to Oscar and Laurena (Inderrieden) Brizius of Newburgh, IN. His sister, Mary, married Edmund Weingart and settled in Oakland, CA. Charlie met his sweetheart, Ruth E. Blum, at McCormick’s Creek State Park in Indiana. Soon after they married, Charlie enlisted in the U.S. Air Force and was deployed to Korea during the Korean War. Their first child, Chuck, was born during that time. After the war he attended Cumberland Law School in Lebanon, Tennessee and then … Read more
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Britt Minton passed away on Tuesday, March 11, 2025 at Mercy Hospital in Janesville. He was born on February 9, 1961, in Waukesha to Wayne and Joyce (Majeskie) Minton. Growing up, he spent much of his life on various farms due to his father’s work. He lived in Hales Corners before moving briefly to Chandler, AZ, in 1963. In 1969, after spending several years in Prescott, MI, he and his family settled in Palmyra, where he lived until he married and moved to Whitewater, WI. As a child, Britt was an active member of 4-H and had an interest in … Read more
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George V. Clokey, age 72, passed away on March 6, 2025 at Oak Park Place. He was born on November 28, 1952 in Pittsburgh, the son of Mildred (Fitzurka) and George V. Clokey, Sr. He grew up on a small farm in Dorseyville, PA with his sister Susan. His mother died unexpectedly when he was in his teens and the family then moved to Baltimore. He attended high school at St Paul’s where he excelled in lacrosse and football. He spent his undergraduate years at theUniversity of Wisconsin – Madison, studying zoology, limnology and geology, obtaining his BS in 1981. … Read more
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Stephen William Bowen “Bo, Grandpa B.” joined our ancestors on February 25, 2025, at age 73. Stephen was born on September 16, 1951, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and from the very start, he brought warmth and resilience into every space he occupied. He was gifted to this world through a love shared between his mother, Ida, and his father, Richard. He was the second of three children: his older brother Robert Anthony and his younger sister JeraiLyn. Stephen attended Pius XI Catholic High School, where he began cultivating the deep sense of faith and compassion that would guide him throughout his … Read more
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