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This Week’s City Meetings

March 3, 2024

City of Whitewater Election Inspector Training – Monday @ 2:30 & 4:30 p.m.
312 W Whitewater St -Common Council Chambers
This notice is given to inform the Public that the City of Whitewater is holding an Election Inspector
Training. There are several Common Council members signed up for the Training. A quorum of the Common Council may be present. This notice is given to inform the public that no formal action will be taken.

City of Whitewater Equal Opportunities Commission Meeting – Monday @ 5:00 p.m.
Agenda includes update on Walworth County transitional housing, discussion and possible actions regarding activities to promote a welcoming and educational environment for new immigrants, discussion and possible action regarding proactive approaches to address potential Neonazi activities in the city or on the campus.
Virtual
Citizens are welcome (and encouraged) to join our webinar via computer, smart phone, or telephone.
Citizen participation is welcome during topic discussion periods.
Please click the link below to join the webinar:
Please join the meeting from your computer, tablet or smartphone.
https://meet.goto.com/266997061
You can also dial in using your phone.
Access Code: 266-997-061
United States: +1 (872) 240-3412
Get the app now and be ready when your first meeting starts:
https://meet.goto.com/install

City of Whitewater Common Council – Tuesday @ 6:30 p.m.
Agenda includes closed session, to be followed by open session, regarding Negotiation of Aquatic and Fitness Center Agreement with School District, Presentation of staffing study proposals received by Police Dept for Request for Proposals, and first reading of Ordinance 2024-O01 an ordinance regarding Mobile Home Community Special Assessments.
Whitewater Municipal Building Community Room,
312 West Whitewater St.
*In Person and Virtual
Citizens are welcome (and encouraged) to join our webinar via computer, smart phone, or telephone.
Citizen participation is welcome during topic discussion periods.
Please click the link below to join
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/83198282604?pwd=cDdLWjUvTTRqRUQ4UVcwQWcrcW1BUT09
Telephone: +1 (312) 626-6799
Webinar ID:898 6591 0302
Passcode: 676404

Fort HealthCare Honored with the Inaugural 2024 WHA Hospital Mentorship and Quality Champion Award

March 3, 2024

The Wisconsin Hospital Association (WHA) awarded Fort HealthCare with the inaugural 2024 WHA Hospital Mentorship and Quality Champion Award.

The 2024 WHA Quality and Patient Safety Awards banquet recognizes hospitals that advance and improve patient outcomes in Wisconsin. The WHA has two award categories – Excellence in Health Care Quality and Patient Safety; and Hospital Mentorship and Quality Champion. The Hospital Mentorship and Quality Champion award recognizes a hospital for demonstrating mentoring relationships and engagement through active participation, collaboration and the sharing of tools and resources with other hospitals.

Recognition through this inaugural award underscores Fort HealthCare’s commitment to advancing healthcare quality and rural health equity. As an active participant in the WHA Hospital Quality Contract (HQIC), Fort HealthCare has demonstrated dedication to reducing all-cause harm in hospitals, including sepsis, adverse drug events, falls, readmissions, and C. difficile. Through quarterly meetings with WHA, we have spearheaded initiatives aimed at enhancing patient outcomes and safety measures.

“This award reflects our team’s commitment to high-quality care for our community. Fort HealthCare continuously advocates for rural health equity and quality. The WHA’s recognition acknowledges the challenges of rural medicine and our leadership among rural health systems. This award belongs to every member of Fort HealthCare. Your dedication to delivering exceptional care is deeply appreciated, and I extend my heartfelt gratitude to each of you,” states Michael Anderson, MD, Fort HealthCare President & CEO.

Central to Fort HealthCare’s success has been our collaborative spirit within the healthcare community. Serving as a voice for rural health equity, Fort HealthCare actively engages with WHA members and participates in various forums such as the Wisconsin Collaborative for Healthcare Quality and Rural Wisconsin Health Cooperative. Emphasizing the importance of shared learning and collective progress, Fort HealthCare continually shares its expertise, insights, tools, and programs to mentor other hospitals. Fort HealthCare develops strategies for advancing health equity, setting a benchmark for excellence in healthcare leadership.

Driven by our mission to improve community health and well-being, Fort HealthCare has championed statewide efforts to address health disparities in rural communities. Over the past 13 years, we have worked tirelessly to advance health equity by leading the initiative to consolidate safety net health and dental services into a sustainable entity. This has paved the way for the Rock River Community Clinic to become a Federally Qualified Health Center look alike.

Fort HealthCare is grateful to be recognized in the award’s inaugural year and looks forward to celebrating this accomplishment with other local organizations who are just as committed to excellence. Thank you to WHA for recognizing our dedication to both Hospital Mentorship and being Quality Champions, and for honoring us with this award.

Warhawk Women Advance to Sweet 16 for Third Straight Season

March 2, 2024

Aleah Grundahl and Kacie Carollo celebrate after the win (Olivia Zinanni)

By Angela Kelm
Asst. Athletic Director for Sports Information

 The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater women’s basketball team advanced to the round of 16 in the NCAA Division III Tournament with an 89-65 win over Millikin Saturday night in Kachel Gym. Junior guard Kacie Carollo led the way with the first triple-double in UWW history — 27 points, 13 rebounds, 10 assists. 

The Warhawks will make a third straight appearance in the round of 16 starting next week. UWW will face Hope on March 8 with both the time and location of the game to be announced by the NCAA in the coming days. Information on the next round of play will be released when available.

UW-Whitewater was dialed in for the second straight game shooting over 60-percent from the floor. The Warhawks set the tone early as Katie Hildebrandt tallied the first bucket of the game. Carollo made it 5-0 UWW after drilling a three-pointer. She added an old-fashioned three-point play 40 seconds later, powering in a layup and hitting the ensuing free throw to push the lead to 8-2. The Warhawks continued to build throughout the quarter with Carollo finding Aleah Grundahl under the basket for a last second layin to give UWW a 24-15 lead after the first. 

Grundahl and Carollo combined for 18 points on 7-10 from the floor in the first 10 minutes of action. The pair continued their phenomenal play with 11 points on 5-8 from the floor while Carollo posted six boards and four assists in the second quarter. Meanwhile, the whole offense was clicking in the quarter as UW-Whitewater hit 9-13 as a team. By the intermission, the Warhawk advantage grew to 21-points, 46-25. 

Defensively, Renee Rittmeyer drew the tough task of guarding the 2023 Division III Player of the Year in Elyce Knudsen for the majority of the half. Rittmeyer and the UWW defense allowed just 10 points from the second-best scorer in the nation in the first 20 minutes of action. 

Although the teams were even in the third period – each scoring 24 – Millikin made a run to narrow the gap to 15 at one point. The Big Blue’s potent offense seemed to be getting going, but the Warhawk offense could not be slowed. UWW shot 73-percent from the floor in the period hitting 8-11 to all but seal the game. 

In addition to Carollo’s team-leading triple-double, Grundahl dropped in 26 bolstered by 10-15 from the floor. She added five boards, four steals and a pair of assists. Hildebrandt posted double figures in the scoring column with 13 while Mallory Oloffson hit 4-5 from the field for 10 points. Hildebrandt led all players with three blocks in the game

Whitewater FFA- Donkey Basketball 2024

March 2, 2024

March Madness is right around the corner! To kick off this exciting month the Whitewater FFA is hosting a Donkey Basketball “tournament” at the Whitewater High School Main gym, on Thursday, March 7th, 2024, at 7 p.m. There will be four teams: Whitewater FFA, Whitewater School Staff, East Troy FFA, and Milton FFA. During intermission, kids will be able to interact and ride the donkeys with assistance from one or more FFA members. Community members of all ages will also get the chance to interact and see the donkeys in an exciting, safe environment.

Tickets are $10 at the door or $7 if bought in advance; kids preschool age and younger get in free. Tickets can be purchased from Banco Insurance Company [located in First Citizens State Bank] in Whitewater, and by local FFA members.

Please come out for some thrilling action and excitement for the whole family. Root for your favorite teams and donkeys. Bring your family and friends. BE LOUD!!

Submitted by Katie Gillette
Whitewater FFA Reporter

You Have Pictures in Your Phone: Now What?

March 2, 2024

Editor’s note: The following press release was received from the Irvin L. Young Memorial Library.

YOU HAVE PICTURES IN YOUR PHONE – NOW WHAT?

It’s a camera, it’s a photo album, it’s a television – it’s your phone. Learn about apps, tips, tricks and limitations for pictures and video from iPhone and Android smartphones and tablets. This class will cover your device’s camera, home and Cloud storage options, printing and more. Join us at the Irvin L Young Memorial Library on Thursday, March 7 at 1:00 p.m. There is no cost or registration to attend.

The Irvin L Young Memorial Library is located at 431 W. Center Street in Whitewater. Contact Sarah French at sfrench@whitewater-wi.gov or 262-458-2782 with questions.

UW-W Women’s Basketball Wins NCAA Opener; 2nd Round Game at Home vs. Millikin Tonight (Sat.) (Updated)

March 2, 2024

By Angela Kelm
Asst. Athletic Director for Sports Information

Kacie Carollo hits a three-pointer in the first half against Minnesota Morris (Olivia Zinanni)

Updated 3/2/24 @ 4:30 p.m. to add ticket prices. (See end of article.)

The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater women’s basketball team opened the 2024 NCAA Division III Tournament with an 86-47 win over Minnesota Morris Friday night in Kachel Gym in the Williams Center.

The Warhawks came out on fire hitting 9-11 to open up a 19-8 advantage by the first media timeout. By the end of the quarter, UWW led 26-14 bolstered by 10 points from Aleah Grundahl. UWW continued to cruise through the first half building a 36-point lead by halftime, 58-22. UW-Whitewater shot well nearly 70-percent (13-19) in the first 20 minutes while forcing 16 turnovers on the defensive end. 

UWW played all 15 active players* with 10 entering the scoring column in the game. Grundahl led the way with 20 points on 9-16 from the floor. She added four assists, three rebounds and two steals. Kacie Carollo posted 11 points and led the Warhawks with six boards and six assists. Katie Hildebrandt hit 5-7 from the floor for 10 points in the game. 

The pace and ball movement favored the Warhawk offense as UWW held a 46-20 advantage in points in the paint. 


UW-Whitewater advances to face Millikin in the second round. The game against the Big Blue is slated for 7:30 p.m. Saturday in Kachel Gym in the Williams Center. Millikin topped Willamette 91-83 in their first round matchup Friday. 

The Warhawks are 4-2 against Millikin all-time and most recently defeated the Big Blue 79-69 in a game played in Kachel Gym last season. The winner punches their ticket to the Round of 16. 

Tickets – available at the door 60 minutes prior to tip-off:

  • $15 for adults
  • $10 for students with a valid college ID, seniors and youth
  • Free for children 3 years old and under

*NCAA rules only allow for 15 active players in postseason games

Multiple New Promotions Announced at First Citizens State Bank

March 2, 2024
Katie Lehman
Michelle “Shelly” Bucholtz
Kelsey Herold
Evan Calhoun

Editor’s note: The following press release was received from First Citizens State Bank.

Nate Parrish, President of First Citizens State Bank, is pleased to announce four promotions, including three newly named officers, at First Citizens State Bank’s Main Office, located at 207 W. Main St., Whitewater, Wisconsin. The promotions are as follows:

Katie Lehman has been promoted from Assistant Vice President and Loan Officer to Vice President and Loan Officer. She is responsible for working with customers on all loan types including mortgages, commercial, consumer and agricultural. Since joining First Citizens State Bank in 2001 filing in the Real Estate Department, Katie transitioned to Commercial and Consumer loan processing, then to Credit Analyst, and in 2015 moved to a Lender role becoming Assistant Vice President in 2021. She is a local graduate of Whitewater High School and UW-Whitewater.

Michelle “Shelly” Bucholtz has been promoted from Loan Operations Supervisor to Loan Operations Officer. She is responsible for overseeing all aspects of Loan Processing and Servicing. Since joining First Citizens State Bank in 1993 as a part-time filer in the Real Estate Department, Shelly moved to a Loan Processor in 1995 and Loan Operations Supervisor in 2021. She received her Bachelor’s in finance from UW-Whitewater and has completed numerous trainings through the WBA.

Kelsey Herold has been promoted from Internal Auditor to Compliance Operations Officer & Internal Auditor. She is responsible for ensuring the effectiveness of the bank’s internal controls and compliance with regulations and bank policies. Since joining First Citizens State Bank in 2018 as a part-time teller, Kelsey participated in an internship with multiple departments and became the Internal Auditor in 2021. She is also a local graduate from Whitewater High School and graduated from UW-Whitewater with a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration General Management. She is also a certified Community Bank Internal Auditor (CCBIA) by the ICBA.

Evan Calhoun has been promoted from IT Manager to IT Officer and Assistant Information Security Officer. He is responsible for the bank’s technological infrastructure and support as well as data security and strategic planning. Evan joined First Citizens State Bank in 2006 as the Network Administrator. He received a BBA in Information Technology Infrastructure from UW-Whitewater.

In making the announcement, Nate Parrish said, “I am excited to announce these well-deserved promotions of our dedicated staff, whose commitment and leadership has played a pivotal role in the success of First Citizens State Bank. I look forward to watching these employees thrive in their elevated roles. ”

First Citizens State Bank, locally-owned and operated since 1863, is committed to serving the communities in which we live, work and do business. We are proud of the partnerships we have established with organizations, businesses and individuals in South Eastern Wisconsin. First Citizens State Bank has full service offices in Whitewater, East Troy, and Palmyra. Member FDIC.


Local Student Graduates from UW-Madison

March 2, 2024

UW-MADISON ANNOUNCES 2023 WINTER GRADUATES

A total of 1,966 students received degrees from the University of Wisconsin-Madison on Dec. 17, 2023, including a student from the Whitewater area.

Just more than 1,300 of them took part in the ceremony at the Kohl Center. The ceremony was livestreamed so that friends and family from around the world could watch. UW issued 1,459 bachelor’s degrees, 387 master’s degrees, and 120 doctoral degrees.

The keynote speaker was Michael Finley, a Badger basketball legend, NBA All-Star and assistant general manager and vice president of basketball operations for the Dallas Mavericks.

“The fast track isn’t always the best track,” Finley told the graduates. “You can miss something valuable that way. I learned about patience and humility – that growth doesn’t come when everyone is watching but by how hard you work when nobody is.”

In her remarks, Chancellor Jennifer Mnookin said that while every graduating class is special, the Class of 2023 had the distinction of earning degrees on UW-Madison’s 175th anniversary.

“Some will tell you that the problems facing our world and our planet are impossible to solve,” Mnookin said. “So my message to you today is simple: Don’t believe it. Do not be deterred by what others have labeled impossible.”

For more information about UW-Madison, visit http://www.wisc.edu.

Here is the degree recipient from Whitewater:

 Jan Maroske, College of Engineering, Master of Science-Mechanical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering

Obituaries

Obituary: Shirley A. Knuteson, 85

SHIRLEY A. KNUTESON, age 85, of Whitewater, died Thursday, June 27, 2024 at Glenwood at Mulberry Campus in Whitewater. She was born to Hugo and Helen (Wilson) Ferge of Elkhorn, WI. She attended school in Walworth High School, graduating in 1956. Shirley worked at Sterlingworth in Elkhorn and then Fairhaven Nursing Home prior to retirement.  As a young woman, she loved roller skating, had a love for animals, especially her dogs and horses on the farm. She was a loyal Brewer and Packer fan. Her diverse family was her pride and joy.  Shirley is survived by her six children Jerry … Read more

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Celebration of Life: Dave Triebold

A celebration of life for Dave Triebold will be held July 27 at Triebold Farms, with festivities beginning around 11:30 am. A rememberance service will take place at 12:30 pm. A pig roast will follow, and the pool will be open. The family encourages you to stay through the evening for a bonfire as well. Contact Kris (262)949-5474 or Kath (414)412-4385 with questions.

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Celebration of Life: James Paul Fisher, 86

James Paul Fisher, 86, known by friends as JP or Jay, passed away on Sunday, June 9, 2024, at UW Hospital, Madison, with his immediate family by his side. His body finally surrendered to a heart attack after battling heart and kidney ailments for many years. Born in Fond du lac, Wisconsin, on October 25, 1937, to Lorraine and James Fisher, JP was a resident of Elkhorn and then Whitewater, Wisconsin. At age 2 JP was diagnosed with polio. Through daily therapy administered by his mother and grandmother, he overcame this life threatening virus, and with a prognosis of limited … Read more

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Obituary: Shirley M.  Messier, 86

Shirley M. Messier, 86, of Whitewater, Wisconsin, passed away on July 8, 2024. Shirley was born to Erwin and Leona Reese on May 20, 1938, in Farmington, Wisconsin. Shirley (“Shirttail”) attended the local country school, then set out on her own, taking a job doing factory work. On August 24, 1957, she married Blaine Messier in Jefferson, Wisconsin. They had three daughters, Michele (Shelly), Terry, and Karen. Shirley spent many years being a working wife and mother, finally retiring from Polymer Technologies / MacLean Fogg in Whitewater. Shirley loved country music and spent her retirement years going to George Jones … Read more

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Celebration of Life: Patricia Parr

Patricia Ann ParrBorn 7/20/42Departed to Heaven 5/10/23 About herself, Patricia often said “I love life, I love God, He always has taken care of me, and He always will”. Patricia died peacefully at Angels Grace Hospice in Oconomowoc, after a long and courageously fought season of declining health. Patricia was born in Beaver Dam, to a lovely family, which included her older brother Dennis and not too long after, her lifetime best friend and little sister Mary. They grew up on an idyllic “Gentlemen’s Farm” outside of Jefferson, with horses and many animals. Her parents, Floyd and Kathryn owned the … Read more

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Obituary: Margorie Alice “GG” Roloff, 89

Marjorie Alice “GG” Roloff, 89, passed away Tuesday, July 2, 2024, at Golden Years in Lake Geneva, WI. She was born July 31, 1934, to Fred and Martha (Arndt) Papcke, in Whitewater, WI, the fifth of eleven children. GG attended South Heart Prairie School, across the road from the family’s home farm. She is a Whitewater High School graduate. On April 19, 1953, she married her high school sweetheart, Eric. She worked a variety of jobs over the years. Her most memorable of those being the local canning factory and as a crossing guard. After retiring, she and Eric would … Read more

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Obituary: Marilyn Mae Fuerstenberg, 81 (UPDATED)

Marilyn Mae Fuerstenberg, 81 of Whitewater, WI., passed away on June 27, 2024, at Agrace Hospice in Janesville, WI. Marilyn was born May 27, 1943, in Geneva Township, to Raymond and Doris Kilpin. Marilyn was preceded in death by her parents, her two younger brothers, Mike and Donny Kilpin. Marilyn married William (Bill) Fuerstenberg on September 21, 1963. Bill and Marilyn lived in Whitewater. Together they raised three children, taking the family on yearly vacations and camping trips throughout the years. Marilyn worked for Walworth County Health and Social Services as a Child Protection Social Worker. She dedicated 25 years … Read more

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Obituary: Jerome Francis Burke, 76

Jerome Francis Burke, age 76, of Whitewater, WI, passed away unexpectedly following a brief illness on June 27, 2024. Jerry was born in Evanston, IL on May 13, 1948 to Stephen and Catherine Burke. He grew up in Glenview, IL, where he graduated from Our Lady of Perpetual Help Grade School and then Loyola Academy (Wilmette). Those early days spawned treasured, lifelong friendships. He went on to graduate from St. Joseph’s College (IN) with a BA in Economics, and it was there thathe met his beloved wife, Eileen. They married shortly after graduation and were blessed to share their lives … Read more

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Obituary: Angelica E. Vicente Santa Cruz, 59, of Delaware / Obituario

Angelica E. Vicente Santa Cruz passed away Sunday, June 30th in home beside family and friends in Milford, Delaware from a long battle with cancer. Angelica E. Vicente Santa Cruz was born on February 24, 1965. She was the daughter of Doña Carmen Santa Cruz Valdez and Don Luis Vicente León, who allowed her to share a life of family union with her four brothers: Braulio, Carmen Rosa, Edgar and Juan. She was born in Lima-Peru and grew up in the Ventanilla district of the constitutional province of Callao of Peru. She completed her primary studies at the La Merced … Read more

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Obituary: Lowell V. Youngs, 87

Lowell V. Youngs, 87, of Whitewater passed away on Monday, June 24, 2024 in Madison. Lowell was born on September 4, 1936 in Wyoming to Isaac and Violet (Doble) Youngs.  He grew up in the very small town of Veteran, Wyoming, where he was one of nine students in his graduating class.  After graduating, Lowell attended the University of Colorado, where he received his Bachelor’s Degree in Music Education in 1958.  Lowell was drafted into the US Army in 1960 and selected to be in the Army Band, where he gladly carried a clarinet instead of a gun.  He was … Read more

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