News & Events

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

According to a press release from the Whitewater Fire & EMS Department, the department and the city on March 27 signed a contract for acquiring a Safe Haven Baby Box which will be installed on the west side of the municipal building, 312 W. Whitewater Street. The box allows for the safe, anonymous surrender of a newborn infant. After an infant is placed in the box, the box is automatically locked on the exterior and an alarm immediately notifies the EMS personnel, who will evaluate the baby within minutes before transferring it to a hospital.

A law that was enacted in 2001 allows for the anonymous surrender of an infant less than 72 hours old to a police officer, emergency medical staff person, or hospital staff member. According to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, between 2012 and December, 2023, at least 209 infants were surrendered in that manner. It is felt, however, that especially in smaller communities a mother may be apprehensive that they will be recognized by someone to whom they are surrendering an infant. The finding of a deceased infant in a field in the city on March 4, 2023 prompted Representative Ellen Schutt to author legislation that would allow for the use of baby boxes. That law was signed into law in December, 2023.

The nonprofit organization that markets the Safe Haven Baby Boxes indicates that 43 babies have been surrendered to one of their boxes. The organization also provides a national 24-hour hotline to provide counseling and assistance to mothers in crisis. They indicate that they have received over 9000 calls and have referred over 500 women to crisis pregnancy centers.

Supporters of the baby boxes say they save lives. They are not, however, without criticism. According to NPR, in 2012 the United Nations Committee on the Rights of the Child began advocating for a ban on the approach, believing that baby boxes only encourage parents to give away babies. Maria Herczog, a child welfare advocate and member of the committee, argued that the boxes are a bad message for society, and that children may be abandoned by male relatives or pimps, against a mother’s wishes. “These boxes violate children’s rights and also the rights of parents to get help from the state to raise their families,” she says. Also, in the view of the U.N. Convention on the Rights of the Child, “all children have the right to know who their parents are, and their own identity.” Additionally, it is felt that the contactless surrender might contribute to a parent evading investigation for possibly having abused an infant.

What happens if a parent changes their mind? Can they request custody of their child after they surrendered them? Per the state law, such a parent must contact the County Human or Social Services Department in the county where they left the baby with a professional. Before the county can consider returning the baby, the mother must first prove that they are the baby’s parent, which can be proved by a genetic test. After that is established, steps must be taken by the county to ensure that the baby will be well cared for, and the county and the court must approve the return.

A national newscast on PBS News Weekend on March 23 reported on steps that are being taken in Whitewater to welcome and meet the needs of the recent immigrants to the community from Central and South America. Interviewees included Community Space Co-founders Kay Robers and Kristine Zaballos, School Board Member Miguel Aranda, immigrant advocate Jorge Islas-Martinez, Police Chief Dan Meyer, and Common Council Member Brienne Brown. The approximate six minute video may be viewed here.

It’s time once again for #FlashbackFriday with the Whitewater Historical Society. Today the society wishes everyone a solemn Good Friday and a happy Easter Sunday. This image is another from our turn of the twentieth century penny postcard collection. And, it is a bit unusual, featuring a pair of what looks like Christmas reindeer pulling an egg with Easter bunnies and a lamb. I wonder if this is an early “joke” greeting card or the lithographer just reused a leftover Christmas image to make an easy Easter card.

Join us next week for more from the Whitewater Historical Society.

For the past twelve years the Discover Whitewater Series (DWS) has been in collaboration with the University, the city, the Whitewater Unified School District, and the Greater Whitewater Committee. Through this the DWS is able to host the twelfth annual Half Marathon, Half Marathon Team Event, 5k, and Kids Korral. The DWS team is excited to announce that the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater has committed to another year of being a title sponsor! 

The 12th annual DWS will be held on Sunday, September 22, 2024. The University has supported the DWS greatly through its title sponsorship by providing volunteers from the faculty, students, alums, and student organizations. The DWS race course highlights some of the UW-W campus’s unique features, which include landmarks and their finest buildings.

Thanks to the University’s continuous support, the DWS can provide runners with course marshals and water stations throughout the race course and provide extra safety with campus police services. University faculty is also heavily involved with race planning as part of the Executive Committee. The campus facilities development is instrumental in setting up and laying out the course before race participants even arrive. This is critical in ensuring race participants are safe and satisfied with the quality and experience of the race.  

“I am thrilled to have the continuous support of the University of Whitewater; they do so much for this community. I couldn’t be more thankful for their continued collaboration”, stated Greater Whitewater Committee Chairman Crystal Singer. 

Additionally, UW-W College of Education and Professional Studies continues their support by providing free childcare with Kids Korral. Through the student organization: Creative and Resourceful Educators (CARE), student volunteers can create and oversee a safe and fun morning for the children of DWS participants. The DWS offers this as a unique selling point for parents and guardians who want to participate in the race while their children are well cared for. The Kids Korral allows participants to enjoy a stress-free running experience. 

“UW-Whitewater is proud to support the Discover Whitewater Series,” said UW-W Chancellor Corey King, “We are grateful to have such a wonderful event in the community that showcases the city of Whitewater while keeping us active. This is a huge event that brings the town and the University together. We applaud the organizers and volunteers, and cheer on all the participants.”

By sponsoring the DWS, the University can maintain their values of diversity, opportunity, service, and social responsibility. By helping the town’s initiative, it brings the city and the University together. Both UW-W and the DWS the team shares the goal of marketing UW-Whitewater and the city as a great place to go to school, live, and play. The University represents some of Whitewater’s finest attributes, and the DWS team could not be more grateful for their continuous support. 

To register for the 12th annual DWS and to learn more about its sponsors, charity partners, and the University’s involvement, visit www.RunWhitewater.com/Register.

For further details, please contact Jeffery Knight, Executive Director, at 920.728.0662 or jpk@knightpublicaffairs.com.

About the DWS

The main goal for the DWS is to promote the City of Whitewater and highlight its great features while keeping everyone in the community active. All the proceeds from the race are donated to four local non-profit partners: Bethel House (which provides interim housing for homeless families), Whitewater LEADS, the J-Hawk Aquatic Club, and a new charity partnering with UW-W Athletics. The DWS partners with the city, business community, University, and school district to make this a tremendous event that benefits all participating. For more information about the race, visit www.runwhitewater.com. 

Sheriff Fell is pleased to announce that the Rock County Sheriff’s Office will offer our first 2024 Hunter Safety Education Course on April 9, 2024, from 6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m., April 27, 2024, from 8:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m., and April 28, 2024, from 8:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m., at the Edgerton Conservation Club, 900 Stoughton Road, Edgerton, WI 53534. Students will need to attend all sessions to graduate.

Anyone born on or after January 1, 1973, is required to complete a Hunter Safety Education Course to legally hunt in Wisconsin. Students must be at least 12 years of age or turn 12 shortly after the class.

Hunter Safety Education Course – Class #1
Session 1: April 9, from 6 p.m. – 7 p.m. @ Edgerton Conservation Club
Session 2: April 27, from 8:30 a.m. – 3 p.m. @ Edgerton Conservation Club
Session 3: April 28, from 8:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. @ Edgerton Conservation Club

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/hunter-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.

Editor’s note: The following press release was received from The UW-Madison Division of Extension Horticulture Program.

The UW-Madison Division of Extension Horticulture Program has partnered with the UW Insect Diagnostic Lab to provide a free, online program for the public focused on Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) in Wisconsin. The program airs Monday, April 1, 1–2 p.m. on Zoom. 

There is no cost to attend, though registration is required. Register at go.wisc.edu/ExtEAB.

Learn how to identify ash trees, recognize the signs and symptoms of EAB, and understand the biology of this invasive insect. The program will also cover what to do when EAB affects trees on private property and the strengths and weaknesses of different management options.

Understanding the Emerald Ash Borer: From Identification to Action
Monday, April 1, 1–2 p.m. | Zoom Webinar
Register Now

Led by PJ Liesch, Extension Entomologist and director of the UW Insect Diagnostic Lab, this program will consist of an informative presentation followed by live Q&A to answer participants’ questions.

This program will also be recorded and sent to anyone who registers.

Visit go.wisc.edu/ExtEAB to learn more and register!

These webinars are hosted by the UW-Madison Extension Horticulture Program. For upcoming events and learning opportunities, visit hort.extension.wisc.edu/events. Contact horticulture.webinar@extension.wisc.edu if you have questions about the program.