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Editor’s Note: The following was provided by Fort HealthCare.
Fort HealthCare is proud to announce they have once again received certification for their pulmonary rehabilitation program by the American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation (AACVPR). This certification is recognition of Fort HealthCare’s commitment to improving the quality of life of patients by enhancing standards of care.
Fort HealthCare’s pulmonary rehabilitation program is designed to help people with lung problems (e.g., COPD/Emphysema, Asthma, shortness of breath) improve their physical condition to make daily living easier. The program involves progressive individualized exercise designed by a clinical exercise physiologist who will monitor heart rate, oxygen saturation levels, blood pressure and exertion levels to ensure the safe progression of activity. One-on-one and group education sessions including breathing techniques and information on the nature and course of specific lung issues are also supported by members of the healthcare team.
To earn certification, Fort HealthCare’s pulmonary rehabilitation program participated in an application process that requires extensive documentation of the program’s practices. Each program’s application is reviewed by the AACVPR Program Certification Committee, and certification is awarded by the AACVPR Board of Directors. In 2018, AACVPR moved to an outcomes-based process with performance measurements that represent more meaningful outcomes. Therefore, AACVPR-certified programs are leaders in the pulmonary rehabilitation field because they offer the most advanced practices available and have proven track records of high-quality patient care. AACVPR Program Certification is valid for three years.
“This program goes beyond just exercise,” said Lisa Michaels-Bilgrien, Coordinator Cardiopulmonary Services – ACSM RCEP, CEP. “Continuing education and support for our patients and their families is also essential in building the specialized, comprehensive care program and we’re honored to have it recognized at a national level.”
For more information about Fort HealthCare’s pulmonary rehabilitation program, please visit www.forthealthcare.com/clinic/cardio-pulmonary-rehabilitation/
Colleen Voll, Clinical Exercise Physiologist, CEP; Leah Rebout, Clinical Exercise Physiologist, CCRP; Lisa Michaels-Bilgrien, Coordinator, CEP; Amanda Baneck, RN
About Fort HealthCare
Fort HealthCare is committed to improving the health and well-being of our communities, with a vision to be the healthiest community in Wisconsin. As the leading healthcare provider in the region, it is our goal to reach as many members of the community as possible with health and wellness messages, providing tools and resources to help individuals improve their health and quality of life while collaborating with several partners to positively improve the population’s health overall on a long-term basis. Please visit FortHealthCare.com for more information.
About AACVPR
Founded in 1985, the American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation (AACVPR) is a multidisciplinary organization dedicated to the mission of reducing morbidity, mortality and disability from cardiovascular and pulmonary disease through education, prevention, rehabilitation, research and disease management. Central to the core mission is improving the quality of life for patients and their families. Learn more about AACVPR at www.AACVPR.org.
In the photo, pictured (left to right): Colleen Voll, Clinical Exercise Physiologist, CEP; Leah Rebout, Clinical Exercise Physiologist, CCRP; Lisa Michaels-Bilgrien, Coordinator, CEP; Amanda Baneck, RN
WHITEWATER, WI (10/09/2023)– The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater football team enters the second half of the regular season with a 4-1 record. The defending Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference champions, the Warhawks are ranked among the top 10 in the nation by D3football.com and the American Football Coaches Association.
Established in 1889, the Warhawk football team has won six national championships and 39 WIAC titles. Last year, the team finished 8-3 overall and 6-1 in conference play and reached the first round of the NCAA Division III Playoffs.
After drawing an on-campus, NCAA Division III record 20,113 fans on Saturday against UW-La Crosse, the Warhawks begin the second half of the regular season on the road this Saturday, Oct. 14, at UW-River Falls. For the full schedule, visit https://uwwsports.com/sports/football/schedule.
The following student-athlete has been named to the roster of the Warhawk football team at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater for the 2023 season:
53190 Whitewater, WI: Brock Grosinske, who is majoring in Finance.
From Division III Warhawk Athletics, which boasts 20 team national championships and 68 individual national championships, to its club and intramural teams, Warhawks know how to win.
Our national championship athletic programs include football, women’s gymnastics, bowling and baseball. Club sports like bowling, rugby, volleyball, ultimate frisbee, paintball and men’s and women’s wheelchair basketball bring home the trophies – and the championships (27 total) – too. In fact, the men’s club bowling team brought home their second national championship in 2021.
And our world-class Warhawk Marching Band helps all Warhawks celebrate their teams on the court and on the field with the “Warhawk Strut” and other traditions.
By Angela Kelm
Assistant Athletic Director for Sports Information
Reedsburg, Wis. — The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater women’s golf team claimed the Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference title for the seventh consecutive season Sunday. The Warhawks overcame a ten-stroke first round deficit to win the title by 18-strokes. Four UWW golfers claimed All-WIAC honors with their performance over the weekend. Head Coach Andrea Wieland was named the Kwik Trip Coach of the Year – her third time earning the honor in the last four seasons.
UW-Whitewater registered the top team total the final two rounds of the WIAC Championship held at the Reedsburg Country Club. The Warhawks posted a 334 Friday followed by a tournament-best 310 in round two and capped by a 315 Sunday.
Kallie Lux (Janesville, Wis./Craig) led the Warhawks with a total of 229 (83-72-74) to finish as the conference runner-up. Lily Sheppard (Sherwood, Wis./Kaukauna) was third on the individual leaderboard with a total of 239 (81-79-79) and Ellie Johnson (Johnsburg, Ill./Johnsburg) finished sixth with a card of 242 (85-77-80). Lux and Sheppard claimed First Team All-WIAC honors while Johnson secured Second Team recognition.
Kellie Shanahan’s (Wauconda, Ill./Mundelein) 253 (89-82-82) and Abbie Reiser’s (Washington, Ill./Washington Community) 259 (85-88-86) were top 25 individual scores on the weekend and wrapped up the Warhawks’ scoring fivesome.
Haley Myers (Somerset, Wis./Somerset) represented UW-Whitewater as an individual at the tournament and used a phenomenal final round to jump into the top 10. Myers carded rounds of 85-87-73 for a total of 245 to tie for eighth and claim Second Team All-WIAC honors.
Also competing as individuals were Emma Norton (Lanark, Ill./Eastland) (84-86-82-252), Jessica Velent (Buffalo Grove, Ill./Adlai E. Stevenson) (92-82-86-260), Megan Honn (LaFayette, Ind./Jefferson) (89-87-84-260), Emily Akers (Schaumburg, Ill./Schaumburg) (86-87-88-261) and Sammy Galian (New Berlin, Wis./Eisenhower) (91-93-95-279).
Norton was also UW-Whitewater’s representative on the All-Sportsmanship Team.
The league title punches UW-Whitewater’s ticket into the NCAA Division III Championship slated for May 21-24, 2024, at the Keene Trace Golf Club in Nicholasville, Kentucky.
The Whippet Swim Team traveled to Germantown High School on Saturday, October 7th to compete in the 2nd Annual Sprint Invite. This invite was fun and fast; the girls were able to compete in events that you don’t normally see in a regular high school meet. Events including 50 Fly, 50 Backstroke, 50 Breaststroke, 100 IM, and the relays which had an interesting twist with the Medley relay and the 400 Freestyle relay swimming with 8 girls in each relay.
Placing in the Top 16 (Top 6 medal) & Best Times include:
200 FR:
Makayla Bazeley – winning the event and dropping 3 seconds going a new season best time of 1:59.22
Zoe Zei – dropped nearly 16 seconds off her time going a 3:06.00
200 IM:
Emerson Dunham – 6th place finish going a time 2:40.57.
50 FR:
Lucy Davis – New Best Time (33.11)
Payton Peacock – New Best Time (35.42) 3 second drop!
Marijose Verduzco – New Best Time (36.91)
50 Fly:
Makayla Bazeley – 3rd place finish with a time of 27.86
Charlotte Hajewski – 14th place finish with a time of 34.21
Georgia Esch – 16th place finish with a time of 44.51
100 FR:
Payton Peacock – New Best Time (1:21.20) 4 second drop!
Adalynn Frye – New Best Time (1:22.37) 8 second drop!
100 IM:
Maggie Maas – 12th place finish with a time of 1:17.00
Charlotte Hajewski – 14th place finish with a time of 1:20.61
50 Breaststroke:
Emerson Dunham – 11th place finish with a time of 39.41
Atreya Wilson – 14th place finish with a time of 45.03
Adalynn Frye – 15th place finish with a time of 54.36
The Whippets are back in action on Tuesday, October 10th against Delavan-Darien starting at 5:30 p.m. for their last home meet of the season! Let’s pack the pool! We hope to see you there!
Article and Photos Submitted by Sarah Reynolds
Whitewater High School Head Swim Coach
sreynolds@wwusd.org
October is Manufacturing Month in Wisconsin. WHS students and instructor Mike Fellin attended the Career Fair day at JP Cullen & Sons on Thursday, October 5th.
A variety of large hands-on demonstration areas such as concrete pouring, excavating, and carpentry skills activities were set up to allow students to put themselves into the shoes of the different trades. Active tradespeople shared their experiences, training, and advice to prospective students who wish to join the ranks and talk about career paths in the Skilled Trades.
Thank you to JP Cullen and Sons and sponsors for inviting WHS students to this event.
Whitewater High School would also like to thank the local companies who are sending representatives to our Technology and Engineering Advisory Board Meetings. Technology and Engineering Teachers Mike Fellin and Justin Buntrock, along with Computer Science Teacher and FIRST Robotics Advisor Laura Masbruch welcomed representatives from 10 local companies on September 25 to discuss Youth Apprenticeships as well as fieldtrip and guest speaker opportunities to introduce more students to the opportunities available in the trades.
Article and Photos Submitted by Whitewater High School Staff
lmasbruch@wwusd.org
Editor’s note: The following is from history.com. The Banner appreciates having permission to use the image on the homepage by Brigitte Werner from Pixabay.
Columbus Day is a U.S. holiday that commemorates the landing of Christopher Columbus in the Americas in 1492, and Columbus Day 2023 occurs on Monday, October 9. It was unofficially celebrated in a number of cities and states as early as the 18th century, but did not become a federal holiday until 1937. For many, the holiday is a way of both honoring Columbus’ achievements and celebrating Italian-American heritage. But throughout its history, Columbus Day and the man who inspired it have generated controversy, and many alternatives to the holiday have proposed since the 1970s including Indigenous People’s Day, now celebrated in many U.S. states and cities.
UW-La Crosse announces summer 2023 graduates
LA CROSSE, Wis. (October 5, 2023) – The following area students completed degree requirements at the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse this summer.
UW-La Crosse, founded in 1909, is one of 13 four-year institutions in the University of Wisconsin System. UWL has more than 10,400 full- and part-time students enrolled in 101 undergraduate, 28 graduate and two doctoral academic programs.
UW-La Crosse, a top-ranked national university, is the No. 1 public university in Wisconsin with fewer than 25,000 students. See more at www.uwlax.edu.
Students earning degrees this summer include:
Whitewater, WI
Katherine Staniszewski, Bachelor of Science, General Studies Major
By Angela Kelm
Assistant Athletic Director for Sports Information
Reedsburg, Wis. — The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater golf team catapulted into first place with a fantastic second round at the Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference Championships at the Reedsburg Country Club Saturday.
The Warhawks cut 24 strokes off their round one score for a total of 310 Saturday to jump from third to first. The team’s total was 19 strokes better than the second-place team, UW-La Crosse, for round two. UW-Whitewater holds a 16-stroke advantage over second place heading into the final round of the conference championship. Sunday’s round has been pushed to a 9 a.m. start due to expected frost.
Kallie Lux led the way carding a 72, the second-lowest 18-hole score in program history. Her two-round total of 155 is second on the individual leaderboard. Lily Sheppard is currently tied for third after posting a 79 Saturday for a total of 160. Ellie Johnson is also among the top five with a two-round total of 162 bolstered by a round two card of 77. Kellie Shanahan (89-82-171) and Abbie Reiser (85-88-173) round out UWW’s fivesome – both are in the top 25 individually.
UW-Whitewater is also represented by a number of Warhawks competing individually including Emma Norton (T13: 84-86-170), Haley Myers (T19: 85-87-172), Emily Akers (T22: 86-87-173), Jessica Velent (T26: 92-82-174), Megan Honn (T31: 89-87-176) and Sammy Galian (T47: 91-93-184).
The winner of the WIAC Championship will receive the league’s automatic bid into the NCAA Division III Championship scheduled for May 21-24, 2024, at the Keene Trace Golf Club in Nicholasville, Kentucky. The top 10 finishers at the conference championship will claim All-Conference honors. The Warhawks have hoisted the trophy the last six seasons.
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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