News & Events

This technology help is for adults age 50 and older and individuals aged 18 and over with a disability. Services are provided by University of Wisconsin-Whitewater students and delivered in increments of 30-minutes. The program is designed to help participants build confidence using their technology, develop digital skills, and stay connected in an increasingly digital world.

Editor’s note: The hours of this service have been reduced compared with an earlier post on The Banner. This announcement was submitted by Jennifer Jackson, the city Parks & Recreation Department Adult Program Coordinator. She indicated that this service is scheduled to continue throughout the summer, with hours likely to be expanded in the fall.

The National Weather Service Milwaukee/Sullivan Weather Forecast Office has issued the following guidance on Tuesday afternoon. In addition to the threat of severe thunderstorms, a heat index of nearly 100 degrees is anticipated on Wednesday.

• Multiple rounds of severe storms expected from early Wednesday morning to Thursday evening.
• Each round’s intensity will depend on the previous time period.
• Exact timing and location will likely shift – Keep an eye on the forecast.
• Wednesday morning, scattered storms moving northeastward may produce gusty winds and large hail.
• Wednesday midday to Wednesday afternoon, a line of severe storms is expected to move eastward. All hazards are possible.
• Wednesday evening, storms continue and begin to produce flood risk. Severe storms are possible, but confidence is lower.
• Thursday, an additional round or two of storms is expected, but timing and placement remains in question. Flooding would become more likely through Thursday.

The Whippet City Mile will again be run 10 minutes prior to the start of the 4th of July parade. The race is free and open to everyone. Racers and walkers are welcome. Come run in front of thousands of people lining the parade route and enjoy a course that is 7/10 downhill. Entrants are encouraged to pre-register by printing and mailing this form. As always, on-site registration will be available.

Goal is to reduce emergency department visits and hospital stays

Spring has sprung, and many Wisconsinites are starting to feel it in their airways. In Wisconsin, approximately 550 children are hospitalized each year for asthma-related health issues, and 4,800 children end up in Wisconsin emergency departments. May is Asthma Awareness Month, and the Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) wants to remind Wisconsinites that help and resources are available.

“Asthma symptoms increase in the spring due to increased allergens like pollen and other environmental triggers that irritate sensitive airways,” said Paula Tran, state health officer and administrator of the Division of Public Health. “While there is no cure for asthma, it can be managed with proper treatment and an asthma action plan.”

In Wisconsin, 1 in 15 children has asthma, and 41% of children have an uncontrollable form of it, causing 1 in 3 to miss school as a result. Programs like the Asthma-Safe Homes Program (ASHP) can be a lifeline to families who need support managing asthma symptoms.

ASHP is available to all Medicaid-eligible children and pregnant people with uncontrolled asthma in Milwaukee, Racine, Kenosha, and Rock counties. Services offered include home visits for self-management education, home assessments to identify triggers, supplies to reduce triggers, and, if eligible, asthma-related home repairs addressing mold, air quality, and allergens. More than 700 Wisconsinites in over 100 homes have received repair and remediation services to address sources of asthma triggers in the past three years.

All families managing asthma can use these tips to help keep their child’s asthma under control:

• Make sure children take their medicine as prescribed every day.
• Create an asthma action plan and share it with any adult in a child’s life who may need to know the steps, such as teachers, babysitters, and coaches, etc. Ensure children recognize their asthma symptoms and know what action to take.
• Recognize common springtime asthma triggers like pollens, temperature changes, and physical activity.
• Check local air quality and pollen levels (visit the DHS Climate and Health webpage).
• Have children stay indoors when air quality levels or pollen counts are high.
• Use air conditioning instead of opening windows when air quality levels or pollen counts are high.
• If a child has played outside, have them shower off before getting into bed.
• Vacuum kids’ rooms and wash bedding, clothes, and stuffed animals weekly.

Learn how to reduce asthma triggers, create an asthma action plan, and apply to ASHP on the DHS Asthma webpage.

Editor’s note: The Banner appreciates having permission to use the image on the homepage by Vanja Milicevic from Pixabay.

On June 1, Emergency Communications staff at the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office launched their new Emergency Medical Dispatch (EMD) system, which utilizes a standardized protocol and advanced technology to ensure that EMTs and paramedics have the critical information they need when responding to each call for medical assistance.

All dispatchers on the Emergency Communications team will use APCO IntelliComm software. It enables them to gather real-time information in order of importance while using natural conversation to aid the caller in providing key facts. This aids staff members in providing vital details to responders as they are traveling to the scene.

“Although dispatchers have always asked clarifying questions, EMD standardizes that process and ensures we follow a proven protocol for every call,” said Robert Krueger, Communications Supervisor at the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office. “This means the questions are structured, consistent, and designed to quickly pinpoint the patient’s condition. It allows dispatchers to provide pre‑arrival instructions that weren’t always part of the previous workflow.”

Callers may notice that they are being asked additional questions, but that will not delay the arrival of assistance. Help is sent immediately during the call – and responders will be able to work more quickly and effectively, armed with the additional details they received on the way. “The new system improves the accuracy of the information our crews receive and helps us deliver better, more efficient service to the public,” said Krueger.

For more about the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office: https://www.jeffersoncountywi.gov/sheriff_br_law_enforcement___public_safety/index.php

Editor’s note: This press release was provided by Jefferson County.

MANCHESTER, NH – It is with great pleasure that Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) congratulates the following students on being named to the Spring 2026 President’s List. The spring terms run from January to May.

Full-time undergraduate students who have earned a minimum grade-point average of 3.700 and above for the reporting term are named to the President’s List. Full-time status is achieved by earning 12 credits over each 16-week term or paired 8-week terms grouped in fall, winter/spring, and summer.

Kaatje Gunnink of Whitewater (53190)

Travis Buley of Whitewater (53190)

Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) is a private, nonprofit, accredited institution with a 93-year history of educating traditional-aged students and working adults. Now serving more than 200,000 learners worldwide, SNHU offers approximately 200 undergraduate, graduate, and certificate programs, available online and on its 300-acre campus in Manchester, NH. Recognized as one of the “Most Innovative” regional universities by U.S. News & World Report and one of the fastest-growing universities in the country, SNHU is committed to expanding access to high quality, affordable pathways that meet the needs of each learner.

Universities of Wisconsin Board of Regents approves modest, below-inflation tuition increase 

MILWAUKEE, Wis.—The Universities of Wisconsin Board of Regents approved a proposal to increase resident undergraduate tuition by 2 percent for the 2026–27 academic year. 

The increase is below the current inflation rate and is designed to help universities address rising operating costs while continuing to maintain affordability for Wisconsin students and families. 

“This 2 percent tuition increase represents a balanced and measured approach to addressing the rising costs our UW universities face,” said Regent President Amy B. Bogost. “It helps preserve affordability for students while ensuring the UWs have the resources needed to maintain the high-quality education they provide. We do not make this decision lightly, and it follows careful consideration and extensive deliberation.”

“Our universities are facing inflationary increases, an obligation to help fund state-mandated pay increases for our hard-working employees, and other cost pressures,” said Regent Vice President Kyle M. Weatherly. “Our universities have done a great job in recent years managing expenses, but the financial environment remains challenging. We have a fiduciary duty as regents to ensure quality and the long-term success of our universities.”

The decision, by a vote of 15-1, comes after several years of significant financial restructuring across UW universities, including reductions in structural deficits, operational changes, and campus-level cost containment efforts designed to strengthen long-term financial stability. 

Over the past decade, resident undergraduate tuition at Wisconsin comprehensive universities has increased at a substantially lower rate than public universities in neighboring Midwestern states. 

Even with the proposed increase, the Universities of Wisconsin would continue to rank among the most affordable public university systems in the region. 

The proposal would also include an average 3.5 percent increase in segregated fees, or approximately $56 annually. When tuition, segregated fees, and room-and-board costs are combined, the total estimated cost of attendance for resident undergraduates would increase by an average of 2.5 percent. 

Revenue generated through the proposal would support essential university operations, including utilities, facility maintenance, employee salaries and benefits, and student services. 

2026–27 Resident Undergraduate Tuition and Segregated Fees 

The resident undergraduate tuition and segregated fees for each university in 2026-27 is as follows: 

UW-Eau Claire: $10,268 

UW-Green Bay: $9,133 

UW-La Crosse: $10,563 

UW-Madison: $12,416 

UW-Milwaukee: $11,153 

UW-Oshkosh: $9,180 

UW-Parkside: $8,851 

UW-Platteville: $9,007 

UW-River Falls: $9,448 

UW-Stevens Point: $9,692 

UW-Stout: $10,289 

UW-Superior: $9,477 

UW-Whitewater: $8,984 

In addition, selected programs would undergo program-specific tuition adjustments. 

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Universities of Wisconsin Board of Regents approves University of Wisconsin–Stout Polytechnic as new name for Menomonie campus

The university’s polytechnic identity positions graduates for success

MILWAUKEE, Wis.—The Universities of Wisconsin Board of Regents has approved a new name for the Menomonie campus – University of Wisconsin–Stout Polytechnic.

The unanimous vote Thursday occurred at the Board’s meeting in Milwaukee.

“Employers increasingly seek graduates who can contribute on day one, and UW-Stout Polytechnic stands apart by embracing the meaning of ‘polytechnic,’” said Universities of Wisconsin Regent President Amy B. Bogost. “This designation reflects the university’s fundamental commitment to applied learning.”

“The significance of the polytechnic name is that it clearly communicates the value proposition of a UW-Stout Polytechnic degree,” said Universities of Wisconsin Interim President Renée Wachter. “It represents an education intentionally designed to meet the needs of students, employers, and communities now and into the future.”

UW-Stout Polytechnic is among the 3 percent of universities nationally with a polytechnic designation.

“At a time when the relevance of higher education is being questioned by many, UW-Stout Polytechnic has proven its relevance and shown its impact on the state of Wisconsin and far beyond through a focus on our educational mission and the subsequent success of our graduates,” said Chancellor Katherine Frank. “Our distinctiveness as a university is now called out in our name, and we are proud to be UW-Stout Polytechnic.”

The “Polytechnic” in UW-Stout Polytechnic signifies a university model that blends rigorous academics with applied learning, industry collaboration, and career-focused experiences, which ensures students graduate not only with knowledge but also with the ability to apply it immediately in the workforce. These three pillars form what UW-Stout Polytechnic calls its “Polytechnic Advantage,” a comprehensive educational approach designed to connect theory with practice and prepare graduates to solve real-world challenges. The university emphasizes hands-on, experiential education.

Through partnerships with hundreds of businesses and organizations, UW-Stout Polytechnic integrates industry insight into its curriculum and provides students with opportunities to work on sponsored projects using professional-grade technology. Students routinely engage with industry leaders – including through internships, co-ops, and research opportunities – gaining valuable experience and feedback while building professional networks that begin long before graduation.

To learn more about UW-Stout Polytechnic and the Polytechnic Advantage, visit UWStout.edu.
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Universities of Wisconsin Board of Regents elects Regent Kyle M. Weatherly as President and Regent Ashok Rai as Vice President

MADISON, Wis.—The Universities of Wisconsin Board of Regents on Thursday elected Regent Kyle M. Weatherly to a one-year term as President. Weatherly, a graduate of UW-Madison and previously Regent Vice President, succeeds Amy B. Bogost, who has served as President since June 2024. Regents also elected Regent Ashok Rai as Vice President.

Each June, the Board elects a President and Vice President. Weatherly has served on the Board since May 2020. Rai has served since May 2021.

Among other duties, the Board President designates Board committee membership, signs all diplomas and contracts issued by the Board, and speaks on behalf of the Board with the Governor and legislative groups.

“I owe so much of what I have achieved to my family and to the Universities of Wisconsin,” Weatherly said. “As Regent President, my priority will be to help ensure that students in every corner of our state have access to the opportunity, excellence, and upward mobility that public higher education can provide.”

Weatherly is the President of Alta Medical. Prior to starting Alta Medical, he was the founding CEO at Frontdesk and the President of Solaris Medical. Weatherly earned an MPA in Public Management and BA in Political Science and History from UW-Madison. Between degrees, he worked for Habitat for Humanity, first in South Los Angeles and later in Madison.

“As I step into this role, let me be clear about where my focus will be: on the students, and on the people who teach them,” Rai said. “Everything else we do as a board is in service of those two.”

Rai is the President and CEO of Prevea Health, a role he began in 2009. He is a Venture Partner at Titletown Tech in Green Bay, and he has served in numerous community roles in Northeast Wisconsin. He earned an undergraduate degree from UW-Milwaukee and completed his medical degree at the Medical College of Wisconsin.

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Universities of Wisconsin to host public listening sessions for presidential search

MADISON, Wis.—The Universities of Wisconsin will host a series of public listening sessions across the state next week as part of the ongoing search for the next Universities of Wisconsin President. The sessions are designed to gather input from students, faculty, staff, and community members to help inform the qualities and priorities sought in the UWs’ next leader.

“The Universities of Wisconsin belong to the people of this state, and that is why these listening sessions matter,” said Regent Ashok Rai, who is chairing the Presidential Search Committee. “We are seeking a president who will lead with purpose, connect with communities across Wisconsin, and ensure our universities continue to deliver opportunity, innovation, and impact for generations to come.”

All sessions are open to the public and will provide an opportunity for attendees to share their perspectives directly with members of the Presidential Search Committee. Members of the public can also view the sessions virtually and submit comments and ideas online.

The listening session schedule is as follows:

Tuesday, June 9, 2026

• 9:00 – 9:45 a.m.
  UW-Green Bay, Weidner Center, Fort Howard Hall, 2420 Nicolet Drive, Green Bay
• 12:00 – 12:45 p.m.
  UW-Oshkosh, Culver Family Welcome Center, Ballroom C, 625 Pearl Avenue, Oshkosh
• 3:30 – 4:15 p.m.
  UW-Milwaukee, School of Continuing Education, 7^th floor (Suite 7000), 161 W. Wisconsin Avenue, Milwaukee

Wednesday, June 10, 2026

• 9:00 – 9:45 a.m.
  UW-Madison, Memorial Union, Old Madison Room, 800 Langdon Street, Madison

Thursday, June 11, 2026

• 10:00 – 10:45 a.m.
  UW-Eau Claire, Davies Center, Room 340 (Dakota Ballroom), 77 Roosevelt Avenue, Eau Claire

Feedback gathered during these sessions will help shape the presidential search process and ensure the next president reflects the values and priorities of Universities of Wisconsin stakeholders and communities statewide.

Members of the public, students, faculty, and staff will have additional opportunities to provide input on the search process, including at public forums featuring finalists.

More information about the search can be found on the Universities of Wisconsin presidential search website, where the public can find links to watch the listening sessions virtually and to submit feedback, found at wisconsin.edu/presidential-search-2026.

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About the Universities of Wisconsin

The Universities of Wisconsin serve more than 164,600 students. Awarding more than 37,000 degrees annually, these 13 public universities are Wisconsin’s talent pipeline, putting graduates in position to increase their earning power, contribute to their communities, and make Wisconsin a better place to live. Nearly 90 percent of in-state Universities of Wisconsin graduates stay in the state five years after earning a degree. The universities provide a 23:1 return on state investment. The Universities of Wisconsin also contribute to the richness of Wisconsin’s culture and economy with groundbreaking research, new companies and patents, and boundless creative intellectual energy. Learn more at wisconsin.edu.

Citizens Police Academy Set to Begin Soon

The Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office is pleased to announce that its upcoming Citizens Police Academy will begin soon, offering residents a unique opportunity to learn firsthand about local law enforcement operations.

The Citizens Police Academy is designed to educate community members about the role of the sheriff’s office promote transparency and strengthen relationships between officers and the public. Participants will gain insight into a wide range of topics, including patrol operations, investigations, traffic enforcement, use of force policies, communications, and more. 

The academy is open to residents who live in the Jefferson County area and meet basic eligibility requirements. [Editor’s note: The application form indicates that residents of “neighboring communities” may apply, so it appears, for example, that city of Whitewater residents in Walworth County would be eligible.] Classes will be held on Wednesdays from 6p-9p beginning August 26, 2026 and will run for approximately 12 weeks. Participants must complete an application and background screening prior to acceptance.

There is no cost to attend, and space is limited.

Those interested in participating are encouraged to apply soon. Apply with the link posted on the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office Facebook page or contact Deputy Bergholz at 920-675-6933.