News & Events

The $21,169 grant will support the production of critical incident mapping data for first responders

The Whitewater Unified School District has been awarded a grant from the Wisconsin Department of Justice (DOJ) to fund the mapping of all district buildings, ensuring compliance with state mandates and bolstering the district’s security and emergency responsiveness.

Under the provisions of the 2017 Wisconsin Act 143 and 2021 Wisconsin Act 109, schools are eligible to apply for grant funding to cover the expenses associated with obtaining digital maps of buildings required by the Office of School Safety (OSS), a division of the DOJ. These maps must include site-specific data, such as building numbers, floor identifiers, room numbers, and other features, to serve as resources for first responders in case of critical incidents.

The district will receive the $21,169 grant to fund the production of the required critical incident mapping data for the OSS.

“We appreciate the Whitewater Police Department’s role in advocating for the critical incident map grant. Additionally, we want to thank John Houwers, Director of Technology, who contributed tremendously to the completion of this process,” said Dr. Caroline Pate-Hefty, Superintendent, “Access to digital maps will significantly improve our district’s security measures and aid first responders in emergencies. We are appreciative of this grant opportunity and the benefits it will offer to WUSD’s existing safety plan.”

Public, private, and tribal schools may apply for up to $5,000 in WI Act 109 grant funding per building, with a district limit of $200,000. These funds must be used for site-specific critical incident mapping data to improve security and increase situational awareness for first responders.

To learn more about Act 143, Act 109, and the DOJ School Safety Grants, visit www.doj.state.wi.us/office-school-safety/school-safety-grants.

Editor’s note: The above press release was provided by the Whitewater Unified School District.

By Angela Kelm
Asst. Athletic Director for Sports Information

The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater football program has a “Week of Giving” planned for April 29 through May 3. The week features community service and educational engagements. 

Monday, April 29 — Reading with the Warhawks at Washington and Lincoln Elementary Schools
Warhawk football players will partner with children at both Lincoln and Washington Elementary Schools in Whitewater to read books. 

Tuesday, April 30 — UWW Football Visits Fairhaven
The UW-Whitewater football team will make an appearance at Fairhaven Senior Services in Whitewater to visit and play games with residents. 

Wednesday, May 1 — Warhawks Cure Cancer, NMDP* Presentation
Representatives from the National Marrow Donor Program will be presenting to the Warhawk football team about the work they do every day to save lives through marrow transplants. 

Thursday, May 2 — Warhawks Cure Cancer, NMDP* Recruiting Event on Campus | Event Flyer
Warhawk football and representatives from the NMDP will hold a recruiting event for the donor registry from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on the south side of the University Center at UW-Whitewater. The Warhawks encourage anyone interested in learning more about becoming a marrow donor or joining the registry to visit the booth!

Friday, May 3 — UWW Football Outdoor Cleanup Project
The Warhawk football team will assist the UW-Whitewater facilities crew with various projects at the outdoor athletic complexes on campus. 

*NMDP is a global nonprofit leader in cell therapy. With their partners, NMDP drives groundbreaking research, treatment and support to cure blood cancer, blood disorders and beyond. NMDP has previously been known as Be The Match and the National Marrow Donor Program, but the mission has remained: Find cures. Save lives. 

With warmer weather upon us, Lincoln Family Teacher Partnership wanted to get ahead of bike safety month in May and purchased over 100 helmets for students at Lincoln Elementary School. Every single student had the opportunity to have a helmet ordered for them!

We want to impress upon all our readers within the community the importance of bike safety and remembering to watch out for bicyclists.

Stay safe and have a healthy summer!

Warmly,
Lincoln Family Teacher Partnership

Editor’s note: This announcement was submitted by Tamela Acker. The Banner appreciates having permission to use the image on the homepage by Jyotirmay Datta Chaudhuri from Pixabay.

Editor’s note: Although the following press release was issued on April 5, 2024, no progress has been reported in locating the subject children. Their photos may be found here.

In September 2023, Walworth County Child Protective Services contacted the Walworth County Sheriff’s Office for assistance in locating Ava (age 6), Ezekiel (age 13), Justice (age 12), and Perpetua (age 15) Bushey, of Whitewater, WI. The Walworth County Sheriff’s Office has conducted an extensive investigation into their whereabouts. Early in the investigation, it was found that the family had suddenly left the state of Wisconsin and was believed to be in the southern part of the United States. Walworth County Child Protective Services has issued a civil warrant to check on the welfare of the children.

The Walworth County Sheriff’s Office has consulted with the Walworth County District Attorney’s Office for review. The Walworth County District Attorney’s Office has determined there are no criminal violations of the law at this time.

Both our agency and the Walworth County Child Protective Services have followed up on numerous leads and are working with outside law enforcement agencies in an attempt to locate the children. We reached out to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) and are looking for the community’s help in locating these children and checking their welfare.

The primary concern for locating the children is to determine if they are receiving proper medical care related to their medical needs. Court orders are in place to allow Walworth County Child Protective Services to take custody of the children if located. There are no concerns for violence to the children and there are no concerns for harm to the public.

Anyone with information, please contact Walworth County Child Protective Services at 262-741-3200.

National Center for Missing and Exploited Children Reference #2001829

 
Young children and their caregivers are invited to “Music & Art Wonder Club,” a free class at the Irvin L. Young Memorial Library on Monday, April 29 at 5:45 – 7:00 p.m. Participants will explore a world instrument petting zoo, create an upcycled process art project, and engage in a whimsical music and movement program with instrument and movement props. Best for ages 3-8; all ages welcome.

The class is taught by Noelle Larson, a Board-Certified Music Therapist, graduate of Whitewater High School and Berklee College of Music, and the owner of Circle of Song Music Therapy, LLC. Noelle has a passion for helping clients and participants to “Connect, Thrive, and Come Alive Through Music,” strengthen family relationships, learn adaptive coping strategies, and experience wonder and joy through the delight of participating in live music making.

There is no cost or registration to attend. The library is located at 431 W. Center Street in Whitewater. Contact Sarah French with questions at sfrench@whitewater-wi.gov or 262-473-0530.