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Wisconsinites should get a flu shot, an updated COVID-19 booster, and take additional steps to protect themselves and others this season as cases of respiratory illness rise nationwide
With respiratory viruses such as COVID-19, influenza, and RSV circulating at high levels nationwide, the 2022-2023 respiratory season has the potential to be severe, especially for young children and older adults. The Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) has issued an alert to Wisconsin health care providers, and urges everyone to get all recommended vaccines, including the updated COVID-19 booster and the flu vaccine, to help prevent and slow the spread of respiratory illnesses.
“Wisconsin hospitals are already seeing an alarming number of hospitalizations due to respiratory illnesses,” said DHS Secretary-designee Karen Timberlake. “It is essential for Wisconsinites to get their updated COVID-19 booster and annual flu vaccine to protect their health, especially with the holiday season right around the corner.”
All Wisconsinites ages 6 months and older can get their COVID-19 and flu vaccines at the same time. Everyone 5 years and older should also get an updated COVID-19 booster when eligible. The updated COVID-19 booster provides increased protection against Omicron variants which cause most of the current COVID-19 cases. Data from the updated DHS COVID-19 Vaccine Dashboard show less than 15% of Wisconsinites have gotten their updated COVID-19 booster. It is especially important for older people, people with chronic health conditions, people who are pregnant, and young children to get vaccinated to prevent severe disease. For more information on current guidance on COVID-19 vaccination for children, visit the DHS website.
In addition to getting all recommended vaccines, Wisconsinites should take additional steps when planning their holiday celebrations because 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 COVID-19 rapid tests and access testing at many community locations across the state.
- If you’re 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. Consider connecting virtually or rescheduling activities so you can celebrate safely.
- Check your COVID-19 Community Level for information about the amount of severe illness in your community before any holiday celebration. If your COVID-19 Community Level is high, wear a well-fitting mask or respirator when you are inside public places around others.
- Frequently wash your hands with soap and water to help prevent the spread of all respiratory illnesses and cover coughs and sneezes to avoid spreading germs.
Find more information about COVID-19 testing on the DHS website. If you need assistance accessing other health care or finding a vaccine provider in your community, call 211 or 877-947-2211.
Visit the DHS website for up-to-date information about COVID-19, the flu, and RSV. Additional information about the 2022-2023 respiratory season can be found in the DHS Weekly Respiratory Report.
Editor’s note: This information was provided in a news release from the Wisconsin Department of Health Services. We appreciate having permission to use the image on the homepage by Mojca-Peter from Pixabay.
Type A Notice
NOTICE OF SPRING ELECTION
TOWN OF WHITEWATER, WALWORTH COUNTY, WI
APRIL 4, 2023 SPRING ELECTION
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, that at an election to be held in the Town of Whitewater, on Tuesday, April 4, 2023, the following offices are to be elected to succeed the present incumbents listed. The term for all offices is for two years beginning on Tuesday, April 18, 2023.
Office Incumbent
Town Board chairperson Lowell C. Hagen
Town Board Supervisor #1 Robert Strand
Town Board Supervisor #2 Norman Pruesner
NOTICE IS FURTHER GIVEN, that the first day to circulate nomination papers is Thursday, December 1, 2022 and the final day for filing nomination papers is 5:00 PM, on Tuesday, January 3, 2023 in the office of the Town Clerk.
NOTICE IS FURTHER GIVEN, that if a primary is necessary, the primary will be held on Tuesday, February 21, 2023.
Done in the Town of Whitewater, on the 17th day of November, 2022
Jorja Boiley, Town Clerk-Treasurer
Acceptable Photo ID will be required to vote at this election. If you do not have a photo ID you may obtain a free ID for voting from the Division of Motor Vehicles.
Friday, November 11, was an exciting day for Whitewater High School Tech Ed! The high school Tech Ed Department received a generous donation of a Milltronics CNC milling machine and a Bridgeport mill from Carol Baun and the family of James Baun who owned and operated Baun’s Tooling.
This donation will allow the Whitewater High School Tech Ed Program to continue to update the metal shop area. This equipment will also allow the tech ed program to train more students for youth apprenticeship opportunities where they will receive paid, hands-on training in local manufacturing facilities during the school day! Two students are already working in welding and machining youth apprenticeships at Provisur Technologies this school year.
Thank you to the Baun family for this opportunity and to Troy Clauer of Whitewater Manufacturing for helping us move and set up this new equipment!
Article and Photos Submitted by Mason Pautsch
Whitewater High School Technology and Engineering Teacher
mpautsch@wwusd.org
Editor’s note: The following announcement was posted to the Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Association website.
UW-Whitewater’s Patzka and Miller Receive USTFCCCA North Region Honors
NEW ORLEANS–University of Wisconsin-Whitewater’s Christian Patzka was named the 2022 NCAA Division III North Region Men’s Athlete of the Year, while the Warhawks’ Jeff Miller was selected the North Region Men’s Coach of the Year by the U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA).
Patzka claimed the individual title at the NCAA Division III North Regional in 24:08.4. Earlier this season, he took top individual honors at the Tom Hoffman Invitational and the Ken Weidt Classic, as well as placing second at the Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (WIAC) Championship and NCAA Division III Pre-National Invitational. Patzka is the second Warhawk to receive the regional distinction, joining David Fassbender, who won the USTFCCCA award a year ago.
Miller, in his 41st season as head coach at UW-Whitewater, collected the honor for the second straight season. He led the Warhawks to the team title at the NCAA Division III North Regional with 75 points. UW-Whitewater was the team runner-up at the WIAC Championship with 51 points.
The Whitewater Girls’ Basketball team played their season opener against the Cambridge Bluejays on Tuesday night, November 15, at home.
The Whippets got off to a slow start on offense, but got a spark on defense forcing some turnovers and closing the scoring gap to within 1 point with just over 5 minutes left in the first half, trailing by one, 13-14.
Cambridge then got their spark, outscoring the Whippets 0-7 in the last 2 and a half minutes of the first half, putting them in the lead, 13-21.
In the second half, the Whippets offense picked up, scoring nearly even with Cambridge with 23 to their 25 points. The final score was a loss for the Whippets, 36-48.
Defensively, the Whippets forced 29 turnovers overall, including 3 ten-second violations in the backcourt.
Statistical leaders included Kindyl Kilar with 15 points, 6 rebounds, and 2 steals. Cali Kopecky shot 50% from the field with 11 points, 5 rebounds, and 1 steal. Zoe Kohl added 5 points and 2 steals.
The Whippets will travel to McFarland Friday for their first conference matchup.
Article Submitted by Kristen Lippens
Whitewater High School Head Girls’ Basketball Coach
klippens@wwusd.org
Photo Courtesy of Bob Mischka
(ELKHORN, WI): The Walworth County Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC) will host a Community Conversation centered around dementia care needs in our communities on Friday, November 18, from 5 to 6:30 p.m. This listening session is an opportunity for the community to share their experiences with dementia care to influence the development of the 2024-2028 Wisconsin State Dementia Plan. Through these conversations, we hope to identify challenges and solutions that will help us improve our dementia care systems.
“Your opinion matters and is vital in helping develop the 2024 to 2028 State Dementia Plan,” says Dementia Care Specialist Jake Sawyers. “Your feedback is important in helping us assess community dementia care needs and build a dementia care system that works for everyone.”
In 2018, the Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) published the 2019-2023 State Dementia Plan. The plan focused on four key areas: care in the community, health care, crisis response, and facility-based care. Despite the significant challenges caused by the pandemic, many of the plan’s initiatives, projects, and programs stemming have been created, including guides for dementia-friendly communities and businesses, grant programs to fund caregiver support groups, expansion of research hubs in rural areas, memory screening programs, a brain health curriculum for K-12 schools, the statewide dementia care specialist program, new opportunities to train certified nurse aides, and increased funding for long-term care agencies. DHS is now working with the Steering Committee, leadership teams, and communities to build on these successes and identify remaining challenges as they develop the 2024-2028 State Dementia Plan.
The Community Conversation will be held at the Walworth County Health and Human Services building, 1910 County Road NN, Elkhorn. Please call (262) 741-3273 if you are unable to attend in person and would like to attend virtually via Zoom.
About the Walworth County Aging and Disability Resource Center: The ADRC provides information and assistance to older and disabled adults, their friends, family, caregivers, and the public. We can assist by evaluating your current needs and providing options available to meet the needs of your personal situation.
Editor’s note: The following press release was received from Fort HealthCare.
Fort HealthCare (FHC) Board of Directors announced today that Michael Anderson, MD, will transition to Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and President in January 2023. Mary Behling, chair of the Fort HealthCare Board of Directors, stated, “We’re excited about the talent and perspective that Dr. Anderson brings to Fort HealthCare in his new role as CEO. He has consistently demonstrated his dedication to the highest standards of care and improving the health of the community, and we’re confident that his leadership will position the organization well going forward.”
Anderson has held numerous positions within Fort HealthCare since 2003 in addition to his role as an Otolaryngologist at the FHC ENT clinic. Besides Chief of Surgery, Medical Director of Perioperative Services, and Chief of Staff, he has also served on the FHC Board of Directors for nine years and most recently held the position of Sr. VP, Medical Affairs and Chief Medical Officer.
Anderson stated, “Healthcare is evolving at a rapid pace. I’m honored to step into this role and navigate that future for the organization. As a physician, I understand the importance of quality and value-based healthcare, while sustaining medical excellence to the community. Fort HealthCare has a very bright future, and I feel extremely fortunate to be a part of it.”
The current CEO and President, Michael Wallace, will be retiring at the end of the year. He has been with FHC since 2006 and will continue in an advisory role for the next year. Under his leadership, Fort HealthCare has received several recognitions, such as Top Workplace from the Journal Sentinel, Top 100 Rural & Community Hospital by The Chartis Center, and a 5-Star rating from CMS. In addition, Wallace has worked closely with the Wisconsin Hospital Association for the past 10 years and served as Board Chair in 2016. He was honored with the prestigious “Distinguished Service Award” by WHA last year.
When asked about what he is most proud of, Wallace said, “The people. We have a strong culture at FHC that has allowed us to make a difference in the health of Jefferson County. Any recognition or successes we’ve had are a direct reflection of everyone who makes FHC what it is — the board, the providers, the staff, and the community. We have a strong management team and Dr. Anderson is uniquely positioned to lead FHC over the next decade.” He adds, “FHC has been the joy of my professional career. I’m fortunate that my family and I found our way to Fort Atkinson! I look forward to staying involved with the community.”
To learn more about Michael Anderson, MD, visit https://www.forthealthcare.com/physician/michael-anderson-otolaryngologist-ent/.
Editor’s Note: The following was provided by the Whitewater Kiwanis Breakfast Club.
Rollie Cooper was recognized for his tremendous achievements and work on behalf of the children of Whitewater. Whitewater Kiwanis Breakfast Club members Jean Bromley, Lorrie Koppein and Patrick Taylor presented Rollie Cooper with a Municipal Commendation and declared October 30, 2022 to be “Rollie Cooper Day.”
Following is the proclamation:
Obituaries
Gemelino Paris Esperante, 83, long time resident of Whitewater, passed away on Thursday, June 4th, 2026. He was born on January 10, 1943, to his late father and mother, Evaristo and Carmen in Spain. In 1973 he moved to the United States as a sheep herder. On August 21, 1981, he was united in marriage to Cyndie Esperante in Colorado. Gemelino also worked in Mining and construction for many years. He enjoyed the outdoors, fishing, raising sheep and growing things in his garden, and flowers. He will be missed by all who knew him. He is survived by his wife … Read more
Mary Ann Warner died peacefully on Wednesday, May 27, 2026 at Crestridge Assisted Living in Dodgeville. Her physical heart failed, but her actual, loving heart never did. Ann was born June 28, 1939 to Mary and Charles Kearns in Iowa. She moved to Whitewater, Wisconsin and graduated with many dear friends in the class of 1957. Ann married John Warner on September 19, 1959. They lived in Whitewater, Sturgis Michigan, and finally settled in Janesville where they built a beautiful life and raised their family. Together, they ran a business, traveled, played cards, and enjoyed their lives. When they became … Read more
Patricia Ann Jacobson (Bureau), age 81, of Whitewater, WI, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, May 26, 2026, at St. Mary’s Hospital in Madison, WI. Born on September 2, 1944, in Marquette, MI, to the late Donald and Margaret Bureau, Pat grew up in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. She graduated from Graveraet High School, attended Michigan State University, and later earned her bachelor’s degree from Northern Michigan University. Pat dedicated her professional life to shaping young minds, working as an elementary and junior high school teacher in both Flint, MI, and Whitewater, WI. At the heart of Pat’s life was a beautiful, … Read more
In loving memory of Lois Lauritzen, age 92, who passed away on June 1, 2026 at Lakewood Memory Care in Brookfield. Lois led an active life full of devotion to family and friends. Born July 14th, 1933 in Silvis, IL, daughter of Harry and Elsie Wilson, she grew up in the Quad Cities with older brother Harry Wilson Jr. Lois graduated from Augustana College in Rock Island, IL with a degree in physical education. She met her husband Paul Lauritzen on the college tennis team. Their marriage on June 12th, 1955 lasted 59 years until Paul’s death on September 26th, … Read more
Donald Walter Triebold passed on to his eternal home on May 21, 2026. Don was born on April 23, 1935, in Evanston, IL, to the late Frederick W. and Mildred (nee Stecher) Triebold. Through his teen years, Don lived and worked on the family’s dairy farm, where he developed a life-long work ethic. His first eight years of education were in a one-room country schoolhouse, in which all eight grades were taught by one teacher. He graduated from Whitewater City High School in 1953 and then graduated from UW Whitewater in 1958 with a degree in Business Education. He continued his education, and earned a Master’s … Read more
William Kincaid Davis, age 84, passed away on Tuesday, May 19 at Agrace Hospice Center in Fitchburg. He was born on November 1, 1941, in Madison, Indiana, the second son of Salvation Army Officers Agnes (Dixon) and William C. Davis. He attended several schools in Indiana and Illinois, including University of Illinois Experimental High School (Champaign), and graduated from Galesburg High School in 1958. He earned his bachelor’s degree from UW-Eau Claire in 1964 and his master’s degree from UW-Whitewater in 1972. He had an expansive career in education, beginning as an English teacher in Whitehall, Thornton Township (IL) and … Read more
Magdalene “Maggie” Stetter (nee Fritz), 79, of Whitewater, Wisconsin passed from this life onto the next on Monday, May 4, 2026. She was born on January 16, 1947, to the late John and Mary (Presser) Fritz in St. Stefan, Austria. Maggie immigrated from Austria with her parents and brother, became a US citizen, and grew up and attended school in West Allis, WI and then graduated with a teaching degree from University of Wisconsin – Whitewater. Maggie served as a substitute, English, and German language teacher in the Whitewater, Elkhorn, Delavan, and Palmyra schools and at Divine Word Seminary. Maggie … Read more
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
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