News & Events

By Lynn Binnie
Whitewater Banner volunteer staff
whitewaterbanner@gmail.com

It was standing room only at the Common Council meeting on November 7, and it seemed evident that most of the crowd was there to show support for the inclusion in the ’24-25 budget of the proposed $3,000,000 borrowing for the Irvin L. Young Library renovation and expansion. The council had presented the library with a challenge in 2021 to raise half of the estimated cost, with the city borrowing the other half in January, 2024 if the library completed the fundraising in time. The library raised more than $2,300,000 to be added to the library reserves of $840,000.

As was known when the challenge was made, a council cannot guarantee that a future council will support a promise of this nature. Three current councilmembers were newly elected since 2021. Recently there had been some concerns expressed about the pledge. Jill Gerber had raised the question as to whether two council members who had supported the fundraising campaign would have a conflict of interest and consequently might need to recuse themselves from voting on the library funding. Additionally, one council person is a member of the Capital Campaign Leadership Committee. Jonathan McDonell, city attorney, provided an opinion that the contributions and committee membership would not represent a conflict of interest.

At the November 7 meeting, Gerber expressed concern that the public be aware that in addition to the proposed library project, the city has “a full agenda of costly projects to prioritize,” including: $1.7 million for reconstruction of Ann, Fremont and Forest Streets and resurfacing of Walworth Avenue, demolition ($300,000) or rehabilitation ($1.5 million) of the Starin Park water tower, a $10 million streets garage, the Police Department needing three new additional officers, increased expenses for the Aquatic and Fitness Center, and possible increased costs under a new agreement with UW-W for the Innovation Center. In addition, last year the citizens approved a $1.2 million referendum for fire and EMS services. Nonetheless, Gerber appreciated the many messages of support she had received for the library, and she indicated that she would continue to support the borrowing. Positive comments were also made by James Allen, David Stone and Brienne Brown.

Lukas Schreiber obviously anticipated that there would be a large number of public comments, as he offered to use a timer to keep track of the three minute limit. The first three speakers were all leaders in the fundraising efforts: Jim Winship, Jon Kachel, and Gayle Stettler. All reflected on the rewarding experience they had in garnering support for the project. Kachel stated that when asking for money, sometimes you get the door slammed, but “the door never shut.” Kristine Zaballos reminisced that her late grandmother served on the library board, whom she knew would say “thank you” to all who have contributed to the project. Zaballos called the facility a “gem.” Allen seemed surprised when no other citizens approached the podium. City Manager John Weidl opined, “I think they heard what they wanted.”

The proposed $3,000,000 borrowing in January, 2024 for the library project will be included in the budget that is presented to the council for consideration on Tuesday, November 21.

At the

On Saturday, November 18, WHS students participated in the Madison Model United Nations conference at Middleton High School. The Madison Area Model United Nations (MADMUN) Conference is a high school Model UN conference organized and run by students from multiple high schools throughout Wisconsin. The conference is geared towards students of all ability levels (beginner through advanced) and is a great way to kick off the Model UN conference season. Students learn the structure of parliamentary procedure, how to debate and communicate ideas, and how to problem-solve international issues. 

MADMUN allows its participants to step outside their comfort zones, outside the echo chambers that many of our media algorithms, friend groups, peers, and families often become. By acquiring knowledge about diverse international cultures, policies, and approaches to some of the most pressing topics of our world today, delegates learn valuable lessons in communication, compromise, and empathy. 

Students wrote position papers and participated in various issues at MADMUN, ranging from AI in the workplace to Ukrainian Refugees in Italy. Emilia Houwers served as a Co-Chair of the Human Rights Council at MADMUN along with Sam Witt of Lake Mills High School. This leadership role was the first time a WHS student had ever participated in a MADMUN conference as a Co-Chair.

Article and Photos Submitted by Greg Stewart
Whitewater High School Model United Nations Advisor
gstewart@wwusd.org

Gov. Tony Evers on November 17 ordered the flags of the United States and the state of Wisconsin to be flown at half-staff on Tues., Nov. 21, 2023, in recognition of the anniversary of the 2021 Waukesha Christmas Parade tragedy and to honor the six individuals who were senselessly and tragically killed in the attack: Tamara Durand, 52; Wilhelm Hospel, 81; Jane Kulich, 52; Leanna Owen, 71; Virginia Sorenson, 79; and Jackson Sparks, 8.    “Today marks the two-year anniversary of the senseless act of violence at the Waukesha Christmas Parade that took the lives of six cherished members of the community and injured many others. In the wake of this devastation, we saw an entire community come together to mourn the lives lost and to begin the long road towards recovery, and have seen the kindness, strength, and resilience of Waukesha as the community united behind the message ‘Waukesha Strong,’” said Gov. Evers. “As we observe this anniversary, Kathy and I are thinking of all those who were affected by this horrible tragedy, including the victims and survivors and the first responders and community members who ran toward danger to help their neighbors in their time of need. We are also keeping the families of Tamara, Wilhelm, Jane, Leanna, Virginia, and Jackson in our hearts. Their memories will live on through the unity, strength, and light felt throughout this community, and they will not be forgotten.”   Executive Order #216 will be in effect from sunrise to sunset on Tues., Nov. 21, 2023, and is available here.

Editor’s note: The following press release was received from the Rock County Sheriff’s Office. The Banner has previously been assured that participants in the classes need not be residents of Rock County.

Sheriff Fell is pleased to announce that the Rock County Sheriff’s Office will offer our second and final Snowmobile Safety Education Course of the season on December 5, 2023, from 6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m., and December 16, 2023, from 8:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m., at the Rock County Fairgrounds – Craig Center, 1301 Craig Ave, Janesville, WI 53545. Students will need to attend both sessions to graduate.

Anyone born on or after January 1, 1985, is required to complete a Snowmobile Safety Education Course in order to legally operate a snowmobile in places open to the public within the State of Wisconsin. It is recommended that participants are at least 12 years of age or turn 12 shortly following completion of the class.

Snowmobile Safety Education Course – Class #2

Session 1: December 5, from 6 p.m. – 7 p.m. @ Rock Co. Fairgrounds – Craig Center
Session 2: December 16, from 8 a.m. – 3 p.m. @ Rock Co. Fairgrounds – Craig Center
Registration is now open. Complete the online enrollment form to reserve a seat.

https://www.co.rock.wi.us/departments/sheriff-s-office/recreational-patrol/snowmobile-education

Class size is limited to thirty (30) students. Upon submission of the registration form, the submitter will see an onscreen confirmation message with course information.

The course fee of $10 per student will be collected at the first session. If the student is under 18 years old, a parent/guardian will need to attend the first session with the student. Students will receive course materials at the first session. Please direct any questions to Deputy Trevor Lund at trevor.lund@co.rock.wi.us.

Mark Dorn writes, “A morning coffee time visitor to the Village at Trippe Lake: a Great Blue Heron on Thursday!”

(I identified the bird utilizing the Cornell Labs Merlin app). 

Our thanks to Mark Dorn for another beautiful nature 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!

By Lynn Binnie
Whitewater Banner volunteer staff
whitewaterbanner@gmail.com

Edgerton Hospital and Health Services opened their first Whitewater clinic on November 13 at 757 E. Milwaukee Street, Suite C. The clinic is located on the side of the building in which a Subway restaurant operated for many years.

Services at the clinic will be provided by Dr. Rene Buenzow, DNP, PMHNP-BC, APNP, APRN-BC. Although Buenzow has been a family nurse practitioner for over 18 years, she also recently completed her psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner certification through University of Iowa. Half of the week she will be doing family practice, from birth to older adults, including urgent care. Buenzow also offers obstetric care, which generally transitions at about 32 weeks to the physician or midwife who will be delivering the baby. The other half of the week she will be doing psychiatry: assessing, diagnosing, and prescribing medications for all psychiatric diagnoses. If “talk therapy” (counseling) is needed, that would be provided by another professional.

Dr. Buenzow told the Banner that she wanted to be able to provide mental health care because in family practice she would see so many patients who had untreated concerns in that area. Recently she had been practicing in a clinic in Madison, but previously she had worked primarily in rural Iowa, and she missed the opportunities that being in those settings provided for knowing a whole family. She describes herself as an ally of the LGBTQ+ community. Buenzow was attracted to signing on with Edgerton Hospital because she felt that the CEO is a visionary and also for the chance to return to a small town practice. Edgerton participates in a large number of insurance plans, including Medicare and Medicaid. Although it is affiliated with SSM Health, Buenzow advocates for her patients to direct their own health care, and if someone needs a referral she is happy to make one to any provider.

When asked if Edgerton might consider also bringing some specialists to Whitewater, CEO Marc Augsburger indicated it could be a possibility, although that might need to take place in a different building, as the clinic is relatively small, with only two exam rooms.

Buenzow indicated she looks forward to serving the Whitewater community, saying, “I truly enjoy building relationships with patients and families and being part of the community. It is a privilege to be part of patients’ lives, in both family practice and as a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner.  Edgerton Hospital and Health Services is committed to improving access to healthcare and we are happy to serve the Whitewater community.”

Appointments may be made by calling 608-561-6740. For more information visit edgertonhospital.com.

Edgerton Hospital is a Critical Access Hospital. The hospital serves the communities of Edgerton, Milton and surrounding communities.  Founded in 1923, the facility offers inpatient, outpatient, surgical, diagnostic, emergency, urgent care and rehabilitation services.  It is an affiliate of SSM Health.

The Irvin L. Young Memorial Library is offering a series of free classes for adults and teens focused on creating handmade items for the holidays. All classes begin at 6:30 p.m.

Tuesday, November 21: Confetti Candles and DIY Vanilla 

Tuesday, November 28: Pinecone Flowers 

Tuesday, December 12: Pomander Balls 

Tuesday, December 19: Festive Garland 

The events will be held in the Irvin L Young Memorial Library’s Community Room located at 431 W. Center Street in Whitewater. There is no cost or registration to attend.  

Contact Sarah French with questions at sfrench@whitewater-wi.gov or 262-458-2782. 

Now is the time to get influenza, COVID-19, and RSV vaccines for best protection ahead of holidays

Editor’s note: The following press release was received from the Wisconsin Department of Health Services.

The Wisconsin Department of Health Services’ (DHS) most recent weekly Respiratory Virus Surveillance Report shows that flu, COVID-19, and RSV cases are increasing, with the state especially seeing an increase in hospitalizations of young children infected with RSV.

“Respiratory illnesses increase during the colder months as we spend more time indoors,” said Respiratory Disease Epidemiologist Tom Haupt. “Our current data show that we are starting to see a rapid increase of RSV, alongside increases in both influenza and COVID-19. This is a sign to all of us that now is the time to get vaccinated to get the best protection ahead of holiday activities and gatherings, and to take additional steps to prevent the spread of illness including staying home from work, school, and other gatherings if you are sick.”

Seasonal flu and COVID-19 vaccines are recommended for everyone 6 months and older. Pregnant people, parents of children under 19 months, and adults over 60 should talk to their doctor about RSV vaccines and preventive treatments.

“Getting vaccinated now will help your body build protection against these viruses and can prevent you from getting sick or spreading the virus to others, or can keep your symptoms mild if you do get sick,” said Wisconsin Immunization Program Manager Stephanie Schauer. “This is especially important for older people, those with chronic health conditions, those who are pregnant, and young children.”

Data from the DHS Influenza Vaccine Dashboard shows 24.4% of Wisconsinites have received a flu shot this season. Data from the DHS COVID-19 Vaccine Dashboard show only 9% of Wisconsinites have received an updated COVID-19 vaccine.

Influenza and COVID-19 vaccines are reported to be in good supply statewide and supplies of pediatric COVID-19 vaccine continue to arrive at health centers and clinics. National shortages of RSV preventive treatment for infants (nirsevimab) continue to impact Wisconsin. Health care providers are asked to prioritize infants at highest risk of severe illness, and pregnant people are reminded that getting the RSV vaccine can protect infants once they are born.

In addition to getting recommended vaccines, other things you can do to prevent respiratory illnesses include washing your hands regularly, cleaning surfaces, and taking good care of your body. This also includes getting good sleep, drinking plenty of water, managing stress, and exercising regularly.

When planning holiday celebrations, remember that respiratory viruses spread more easily when people are gathered indoors. If you are feeling sick, get tested. Talk to a doctor about getting tested for COVID-19, influenza, RSV, or other respiratory viruses. Wisconsinites can still order free at-home COVID-19 tests from the federal government. If you are sick, stay home, especially if you test positive or have symptoms of COVID-19, flu, or other illnesses. This helps protect others, especially those who are most vulnerable.

Visit the DHS website for up-to-date information about COVID-19, the flu, and RSV. Additional information about the 2023-2024 respiratory season can be found in the DHS Weekly Respiratory Report.