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The Human Development and Relationships Institute is hosting our 3rd annual Raising Wisconsin’s Children conference on Tuesday, January 9, 2024 from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Raising Wisconsin’s Children is a virtual, day-long event for dads, moms, grandparents, teachers, and other people caring for kids. This free, online conference provides supportive, practical parenting and child development information. This year’s session topics include choosing high-quality shows and apps for young children, creating gender affirming homes, nurturing positive body image in kids, developing healthy youth athletes, understanding social media’s impacts on teens, and practicing mindfulness as parents!
You can attend as many conference sessions as you want. All sessions will have closed captions. Participate in a Q&A session with speakers after each presentation. Register to attend and view conference recordings through February. Learn more and register here: https://go.wisc.edu/rwc2024 When you register, you will receive an email with a link that gives you access to all webinars using Zoom. Check your junk mail if you don’t receive this email.
SCHEDULE
9:00 a.m.
Boosting the Benefits of Screen Time: Choosing High-Quality Shows and Apps for Young Children
Those Media Moms, Roxy Etta, PhD & Liz Horgan, PhD
10:15 a.m.
Creating Gender Affirming Homes for ALL Children
Abra Vigna, PhD
11:30 a.m.
Mirror, Mirror on the Wall: Nurturing Positive Body Image in Kids
Mateja Savoie-Roskos, MPH, PhD
12:45 p.m.
Healthy Sports: Strategies to Encourage Participation and Avoid Specialization for Youth Athletes
Evan Nelson, DPT, PhD
2:00 p.m.
What We Know About Social Media Use and Adolescent Mental Health
Chelsea Olson, PhD
3:15 p.m.
Meditating Parents: How to Train Your Mind to be More Present, Resilient, and Appreciative
Chad McGehee, MA, MEd
Editor’s note: The above press release was provided by UW-Madison Division of Extension – Walworth County.
Empowering Tomorrow’s Innovators: UW-Whitewater OESH Students Embark on a Transformative Collaboration with Johnson Health Tech
UW-Whitewater Occupational Safety students enrolled in Safety 481 (Analysis and Design for Safety in Industrial Operations) had an exciting opportunity to work on a real-world safety project during this fall semester. UW-Whitewater alum and current Environment, Health, and Safety Director for Johnson Health Tech, Eric Olson, reached out to safety professor Dr. Todd Loushine with a safety issue that students could research and present recommendations to management. Johnson Health Tech, headquartered in Cottage Grove, Wisconsin, is a global leader in the manufacturing and sale of high-quality exercise equipment. The project focuses on the delivery and installation of heavy and awkward exercise equipment into the customers’ homes without causing a significant strain on the delivery workers or incidental damage to the site. Eric was excited to provide this project to the students at his alma mater. “It is important for me to give back to UW-Whitewater because I want to help influence the knowledge and skills that the students receive to ensure they are better prepared for their professional opportunities coming out of college.”
Johnson Health Tech provided the students with samples of their exercise equipment for testing, which made full use of the Safety Lab at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater Community Engagement Center. This lab includes all the necessary equipment for the safety students to perform tests in a safe and controlled environment.
Dr. Loushine is very grateful for all of the support on this project and is eager to see the impact his students have post-graduation. He said, “Having this lab, the support of Johnson Health Tech, Eric (Olson), and everybody else who contributes to our program, our students are prepared to make an immediate impact after graduation.”
This project with Johnson Health Tech allowed these students to explore their careers before working for a company full-time. Senior Chase LaFernier said, “This project serves as an opportunity to get real-world experience. Get our hands in the lab and on a project. Working towards something that could actually help is exciting and something we haven’t gotten to experience yet.”
Senior Chris Gomez added that working on this project helped teach him about his future career in safety. “In this project, we’ve had a lot of dead ends and roadblocks. So we’ve had to make an attempt, start over, make an attempt, start over, maybe a dozen times. But that’s the real world. Everything is not going to be so linear and straightforward. It takes patience and perseverance to find success.”
Further discussing UW-Whitewater’s safety program, Tommy Hoy, a Senior Safety major, is delighted with the ample student support opportunities provided by the Occupational Environmental Safety and Health Department. These resources are instrumental in paving the way for his success. “The career fair is awesome. They set up an excellent opportunity for you to talk to people hiring right out of college. After speaking with a rep at the career fair, a company reached out to me asking if I would like an internship. Once I completed the internship, I had an interview with them, and now I will be working for them full-time post-graduation!”
After a long semester of working towards a solution for Johnson Health Tech, the class has built a prototype. This device effectively allows the exercise equipment to be moved safely, providing reduced strain on the movers and allowing them to be hands-free to have better lift and moving control. The class presented their entire study and demonstrated the prototype to the Johnson Health Tech Corporate on December 13th.
Dr. Loushine is proud of how the project has turned out and looks forward to continuing this work next semester. He said, “This has been an extremely valuable learning experience for the students, and I think we have a great idea. The next step is to fabricate it and take it into the field for testing. I’m teaching this class next semester, and I want those students to be working with people out in the field, testing this equipment, documenting findings, and making adjustments and instructions/training for movers. There is plenty of room to grow this project to make things more effective and safer for Johnson Health Tech.”
Congratulations to Dr. Todd Loushine and his safety students on all of the work they have done so far! We are excited to see where this project goes next!
Learn more about the UW-Whitewater College of Business and Economics Occupational Safety department here!
Editor’s note: The above press release was received from the UW-Whitewater College of Business and Economics.
By Lynn Binnie
Whitewater Banner volunteer staff
whitewaterbanner@gmail.com
On December 13, Governor Tony Evers, together with the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, announced that over $414 million has been allocated through the Clean Water Fund Program to 84 municipalities to improve their wastewater and stormwater infrastructure. Evers stated, “The funding will help municipalities across the state construct needed water infrastructure, including projects that reduce phosphorus discharges and address aging equipment, with a focus on small and disadvantaged communities.”
The City of Whitewater was approved for the $4,361,500 allocation that it had requested from the fund, to be used for replacing the existing Vanderlip Wastewater Pumping Station located west of Carriage Drive and removing the Fraternity Pumping Station located at Fraternity Lane and Florence Street. Pumping stations may also be called lift stations. According to Public Works Director Brad Marquardt, “The project will also include sanitary sewer replacement, spot curb and gutter replacement, updated ADA compliant curb ramps, and new asphalt pavement on Carriage Drive from Tratt Street west, Tratt Street from Carriage Drive to Starin Road, Fraternity Lane from Florence Street north and Florence Street from Fraternity Lane (to the south) to Fraternity Lane (to the north). Work is expected to begin in January 2024 and be completed in December 2024.”
The city is eligible for $2,100,000 of the principal to be forgiven, so the loan will actually be $2,261,500 with interest at 55% of the market rate. The principal forgiveness will help to offset the need for future higher wastewater rate hikes.
Marquardt concluded, “The Wastewater Utility is committed to efficiently operate and maintain all aspects of the Wastewater Utility to ensure all water returned back into the environment meets or exceeds State and Federal regulations. The Vanderlip Project achieves this commitment by removing a pumping station and its associated daily and long term maintenance costs, and replacing deteriorating wastewater piping that has begun to show signs of leaking.”
The link for signing up is here.
It’s time once again for #FlashbackFriday with the Whitewater Historical Society.
This week’s image is a post card from 1907 showing the Christmas decorations in the “German Lutheran Church” in Whitewater. The German Lutheran Church was founded in 1865 and was located in the very old (1852) former Methodist Church on Church Street (after the Methodists moved to their new building on Center Street) in 1872-73. The German Lutheran Church eventually became St. John’s Ev. Lutheran Church and the congregation demolished the old building in favor of a new church building in 1925, which still stands today. This image would have been taken in the old 1852 building.
Join us next week for more from the Whitewater Historical Society.
(5519PC, Whitewater Historical Society)
By Lynn Binnie
Whitewater Banner volunteer staff
whitewaterbanner@gmail.com
According to an article on channel3000.com, “The Universities of Wisconsin Board of Regents on Wednesday [December 13] voted to approve a deal with the Republican-led state Legislature to provide funds for the school system in exchange for a freeze on diversity, equity and inclusion positions, among other conditions.
The regents voted 11-6 to approve the deal, which unlocks raises for UW employees and funding for capital projects including a proposed engineering building at UW-Madison.
Three chancellors, including UW-Whitewater Chancellor Dr. Corey A. King, spoke in support of the deal. UW-Milwaukee Chancellor Mark A. Mone cited a need to approve raises in order to retain staff.
The regents voted 9-8 on Saturday to reject the deal; however, on Tuesday a second vote was scheduled.“
Universities of Wisconsin President Jay Rothman had recommended approval of the agreement, the development of which was spearheaded significantly by Assembly Speaker Robin Vos. Total funding that will be freed up by the agreement is over $800 million. Rothman indicated that the UWs rank 42nd out of 50 states nationally in public funding, stating, “We will continue to advocate that our state must do better.”
Governor Tony Evers did not support the agreement. After the affirmative vote he issued a statement that included the following comments, “This vote today represents a vast overreach by a group of Republicans who’ve grown exceedingly comfortable overextending, manipulating, and abusing their power to control, subvert, and obstruct basic functions of government. Republicans are unconstitutionally obstructing UW pay raises and investments that were already discussed, negotiated, and approved in the biennial budget the Legislature passed and I signed in July—these never should’ve been part of this conversation, period, because Republicans need only choose to release today what we all approved of months ago. Wisconsin also has readily available state resources we could invest right now, today, in our UW System to prevent further closures and layoffs—a fact of which legislative Republicans are more than well aware but refuse to do anything about, having rejected, for example, my proposed investments for the UW-Madison engineering building on two separate occasions already.”
Conditions of the agreement include:
1. Capping overall administrative positions at the UWs for three years.
2. Capping and restructuring positions dealing with diversity, equity and inclusion. Also, addressing specific issues connected to diversity and inclusion issues at the UWs, including:
a. UW-Madison to seek philanthropic support to create an endowed chair on conservative political thought or a similar field.
b. The UWs will eliminate any diversity statements in its admission applications.
c. The UWs will develop a module on freedom of expression for entering undergraduate students.
3. Guaranteeing admissions for the top 5% of in-state high school graduates at UW-Madison and the top 10% at all other UWs.
As part of the agreement, the Legislature would act on the following:
1. Approval of the pay plan for all UWs employees – 4% in ’23 and 2% in ’24.
2. Approval of the UWs $32 million workforce proposal to add capacity and develop talent in four key, high-demand fields of engineering, nursing/health care, business/finance, and computer/data science.
3. Approval of the new engineering hall at UW-Madison.
4. Approve the renovation of Winther/Heide Hall at UW-Whitewater.
The Whitewater High School Pom Team hit the court at halftime of a basketball game December 2, just two months after the creation of the team.
Back in October, a few interested students approached WUSD Athletic Director Justin Crandall with questions about what it would take to start a pom team at WHS. Crandall sensed the enthusiasm and spirit in the group, telling them that it would be possible—as long as they had a coach.
Pam O’Neal, a parent of one of the team’s student-athletes, stepped up to the challenge and got the team started on the logistics of beginning the season on a tight timeline. Tasks such as forming the team, acquiring uniforms and poms, and creating and teaching the routines needed to be tackled right away.
“The way this team came together and organized their first performance in just two months is an example of what makes the Whitewater Unified School District such a special place,” said Dr. Caroline Pate-Hefty, Superintendent. “We are so proud of these students, Coach O’Neal, and everyone who has made it happen. The team’s first performance was outstanding, and we look forward to them performing at many more events throughout the school year.”
The team already has 20 athletes and has raised over $4,000 in just a few weeks to purchase uniforms and poms. Looking ahead, the team aims to build on its foundation, expanding its repertoire of routines, and continuing to inspire and entertain.
The team’s journey serves as a testament to the transformative power and spirit of a dedicated group of students ready to make their mark on the high school experience.
To watch the WHS Pom Team’s inaugural performance, please visit https://www.youtube.com/live/e1T_8OYHgFs?si=7b4ijbDnkKW_ySUm&t=3842.
Editor’s note: The above press release was received from the Whitewater Unified School District.
By Angela Kelm
Asst. Athletic Director for Sports Information
Waco, Texas — University of Wisconsin-Whitewater senior defensive back Egon Hein has earned First Team All-America honors from the American Football Coaches Association for his performance on the gridiron this season.
Attached Photos: Egon Hein defending against Wheaton in the second round of the NCAA Playoffs; Egon Hein returns an interception against Wheaton in the second round of NCAA Playoffs (Courtesy of Larry Radloff, d3photo)
Hein returned from injury to play in seven contests this season. A 2023 First Team All-Region and First Team All-Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference honoree, Hein is a lockdown defender frequently tasked with shutting down top receivers. During the 2023 campaign, Hein registered 36 tackles, tallied three interceptions and broke up nine passes.
The senior is a semifinalist for the 2023 Gagliardi Trophy given to the top football player in Division III. Hein was also a semifinalist for the William V. Campbell Trophy awarded to the football player with the best combination of academics, community service and on-field performance.
The AFCA All-America Teams are determined by a selection committee made up of head coaches representing each conference in the AFCA’s seven districts.
Obituaries
Sally A. Schutte, age 73, of Whitewater, went home to be with her Lord and Savior on September 21, 2026, while at Hearthstone Memory Care in Whitewater. Sally was born on November 6, 1952, to Roy and Elsie (Rohloff) Haas. Sally married William Schutte in the spring of 2003. Sally grew up on the family farm in the Town of Hebron and graduated from Jefferson High School. She dedicated nearly her entire career to Fort HealthCare, where her hard work and versatility shone through various roles. Over the years, she served in housekeeping and medical records, Center for Dermatology. Sally … Read more
Zachariah “Zach” Schoenke, 41, of Whitewater passed away peacefully on Tuesday, September 22, 2026. He was born April 4, 1985, to Keith W. Schoenke and Kathleen Schoenke in Fort Atkinson, WI. He grew up and graduated from Whitewater High School in 2003. Zach worked various jobs over the years but was currently working at Cracker Barrel in Janesville. He was a big Packers Fan and liked to play fantasy football. He enjoyed reading, cooking, and watching horror shows. Zach fiercely loved his son, Lincoln, his sisters, Cami and Cary, his mom and stepdad, and his aunt Robin. He will be dearly … Read more
Carla Winn, 82, died September 5, 2026. Funeral Service will be at 12:00 PM, Saturday, September 12, 2026, at East Heights United Methodist Church, 4407 E Douglas Ave, Wichita, KS 67218, followed by a burial at 2:00 PM at White Chapel Memorial Garden 1806 N Oliver Ave. Carla is preceded in death by her parents, Vivian Dwight and Wilma Lois Krehbiel; and sister, Jennifer Krehbiel. She is survived by husband, Stephen; daughter, Ashley (Clint) Gagel, of Overland Park; siblings, Paul (Kay) Krehbiel, of Socorro, NM, Lynn (Bill) Oetting, of Wichita, Ellen (John) Querner, of Wichita, Teresa Woodson, of Lawrence, KS, … Read more
Susan Miller Celebration of Life There will be a gathering of friends and acquaintances at Susan’s Farm Store to celebrate Susan’s life on Saturday, September 19th from 2-5 p.m. at N6623 Lake Lorraine Rd., Delavan, Wisconsin
Our loving mother, JoAnn E Harrop, age 95, passed away on September 11, 2026. Our sorrow is deep, but we are filled with gratitude for the many years we had with her. Even as her mind was failing, she remained strong and appreciative of all who cared for her. JoAnn was born on January 13, 1931, daughter to Fred Braun and Evelyn Braun {Storck). She was raised in Whitewater, Wisconsin by her grandparents, Otto and Edith Storck. She attended Whitewater High School and helped at the Storck tavern where she met her husband Earl C. Harrop. They married on November … Read more
Russell O. Johnson “Russ,” 88, passed away on September 4, 2026 in Whitewater, Wisconsin. Russell was born on July 12, 1938, in Janesville, Wisconsin. Russ grew up in Janesville, and after high school he joined the Air Force on May 1, 1958, serving as an aircraft mechanic until June 12, 1962. He then worked at Parker Pen in Janesville for a time, where he met his future wife, Avis. After marrying Avis Mason in April 1964, Russ worked for Gillman Manufacturing for a time, then began a career at Dana until its closing in 1980. In 1981, Russ started working … Read more
Marcia Zingg, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, businesswoman, and friend, passed away peacefully on September 1, 2026, at the age of 75. Marcia will be remembered for her unwavering love, remarkable strength, generous spirit, and lifelong devotion to her family. She shared 40 wonderful years of marriage with her husband, Jeffrey Zingg, who considered her not only his wife but also his best friend, business partner, and the love of his life. Together, Marcia and Jeffrey built a successful life rooted in perseverance, hard work, laughter, and love. As entrepreneurs in Whitewater, Wisconsin, they owned and managed new car franchises and … Read more
Amanda Jean Hunter was born to Ralph and Malinda (Thomas) Hunter of Whitewater, Wisconsin, on October 6, 1976. She passed away on August 4, in Fort Worth, Texas, where she lived with her family. Amanda passed peacefully in the hospital, surrounded by her loved ones. Amanda was a kind-hearted free spirit with an unmistakable hippie warmth. Generosity, spontaneity, a quick wit, a macabre sense of humor, and an open heart were traits that she embraced. She was a tireless champion of those in need, an innate characteristic that became among the best of her qualities. She proved to be a … Read more
Ellen Eichmiller, 82, of Whitewater, Wisconsin, passed away on Saturday, August 22, 2026. Ellen was born on September 10, 1943, in Monroe, Wisconsin, to Chester “Guy” and Irene (née Holmen) Steig. She married the love of her life, Paul Eichmiller, on December 7, 1963, and together they made their home in Whitewater, Wisconsin. Ellen spent much of her working life as a secretary at the University of Wisconsin–Whitewater, where she formed many lasting friendships and memories. Ellen cherished her family and friends and treasured the time she spent with those closest to her. She was known for her love of … Read more
Janet Quinn, age 71, of Jefferson passed away on Thursday, August 20th. Janet was born on December 22nd, 1954 in St. Joseph, MI to Robert Mounsey and Edith Christison Mounsey. She was a granddaughter to Herbert Bragg Mounsey, Charlotte Mounsey, and Ester Christison West. She married Michael Durden in 1979 and later married Eury Quinn Jr. (J.R.) in 1988. Janet grew up in Benton Harbor, MI, and subsequently lived in New York and Arkansas before moving to Wisconsin in 2016. She was a dedicated caregiver to her disabled Mother, and worked as a custodian for various employers over the years. … Read more
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