News & Events

UPDATE 6/23 @ 9 a.m. – Per WMTV15, the city says anyone who would like to volunteer with the cleanup can meet at the old Rock County Jobs Center at 1800 Center Ave. in Janesville at 10 a.m. on Sunday morning. Work will continue until 4 p.m.

JOINT STATEMENT FROM ROCK COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE AND ROCK COUNTY EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT REGARDING SEVERE WEATHER EVENT

At approximately 8:00 p.m., [June 22] Rock County Sheriff’s Office, Janesville Police Department, Janesville Fire Department, Beloit Police Department, Beloit Fire Department, Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, Rock County Communications Center, Rock County Emergency Management, and Rock County Department of Public Works responded to reports of severe weather damage on the southside of the City of Janesville and in the Town of Rock.

As units arrived in the area, they verified damage ranging from minor to significant and encountered debris closing roadways. Damage to power infrastructure caused outages on the southside of the City of Janesville and in the Town of Rock. No injuries have been reported. Further damage assessments will be completed after first light. We do not currently have an anticipated time when power will be restored in the area.

Any county residents in need of assistance, please review the following information released by the City of Janesville.

“Earlier this evening, on Saturday, June 22, a reported tornado touched down on the south side of the City of Janesville. This weather event caused considerable damage to structures and infrastructure. First responders are currently on the scene, and the City has activated its Emergency Operations Center to mobilize additional resources.

The City of Janesville, in collaboration with the Salvation Army of Rock County and Dr. Daniel Hale Williams County Resource Center, is offering transportation and additional services to those affected by the weather event.

Residents in need of assistance and resources can head to either facility. Transportation will be provided from the Dr. Daniel Hale Williams County Resource Center to the Salvation Army of Rock County. The Dr. Daniel Hale Williams County Resource Center is located at 1717 Center Avenue, with the Salvation Army of Rock County at 514 Sutherland Avenue.

The City’s Emergency Operations Center will provide additional information on its response and available resources when they become available.

For questions, contact the City of Janesville at (608) 373-6025.” Residents can also call the Rock County Communications Center’s non-emergency line at 608-757-2244.

CURTIS N. FELL
SHERIFF
By: Captain Matthew Jacobson

“Mudbound”

Tuesday, June 25

(Drama/War/Historical)

Rated R (violence, language); 2 hours, 14 minutes (2017)

Two men, black and white, return from World War II, to work on a farm in rural Mississippi , where they struggle to deal with racism and adjusting to life after war. A highly regarded film depicting the times. Nominated for 4 Oscars;  an AARP Best Movies for Grownups. 

Seniors in the Park is located in Starin Park, 504 W. Starin Road. Although there is no charge to attend, regular participants are encouraged to join Seniors in the Park. The annual fee for residents of the Whitewater Unified School District is $10 and non-residents is $15. The funds support about half of the cost of our front desk staff person for 15 hours per week. The rest comes our of our fundraising monies. If you cannot afford the fee, we have a fund that will cover it for you. Fees are accepted at the Starin Park Community Building or online at https://schedulesplus.com/wwtr/kiosk/

Editor’s Note: The following was provided by First English Lutheran Church.

Safe Families Wisconsin will be offering a training opportunity in Whitewater to support local families. This program pairs well with existing work in our area as it seeks to help families before they reach a stage of needing support like Bethel House. We are hopeful that this not only helps families in our community, but also reduces strain on resources for other support programs. The program is Saturday, August 10th, from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at First English Lutheran Church on 401 W. Main Street.

Those who would like to learn more prior to the event are welcome to hear a brief presentation at the end of Worship Services at First English Lutheran Church on Sunday, July 14th (9:30-10:30 a.m.) or hang around after the service and speak with presenters. (401 W. Main St. Whitewater)

You can register for this event at: https://forms.gle/6Wz2DxATGJpEkTyw5

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

A new state law passed in 2023 requires an orange and black “EV Hybrid” sticker to be attached to the license plates on electric (EV) and hybrid vehicles. There were nearly 146,000 such vehicles on the road in 2023.

The law was enacted in order to to quickly alert first responders that a vehicle has electric components. Per wearegreenbay.com, “Chief Alan Matzke of the De Pere Fire Department says determining the type of vehicle involved in a crash is one of the first things responders do when arriving on the scene. “With regular vehicles, we can tell when they’re running or not because we can hear the engine running. One of the things that we do is stabilize the vehicle and make sure that the engine is shut off so we don’t have any surprises of that vehicle moving in case of an accident. Electric Vehicles make no noise, so we have no idea if that vehicle’s going to lunge forward or backward,” Matzke says. With the style of EVs evolving, Matzke says it is now more important than ever to start using the stickers. He says, “Certain EVs have a distinctive look, but as they progress and new models come out, they look more and more like an everyday combustion automobile. The stickers are going to be really fundamental in identifying that for us.”

Per ems.gov, in a crash, a high-voltage (HV) lithium-ion battery in a damaged EV or HEV can off-gas or ignite (what’s known as thermal runaway) rapidly with little or no warning. The gas and smoke emitted when the battery is off-gassing or burning is not just flammable but highly toxic. Battery fires also burn much hotter (3000+ degrees) than those in an ICE vehicle, which burn at about 800 to 1000 degrees.

Several other states are either mandating a special EV plate or sticker, while others are making this optional, which sometimes allows a vehicle to use HOV (high occupancy vehicle) lanes. Illinois is among the states with a special plate. The Wisconsin legislature considered issuing a plate but opted instead for a sticker, which initially was proposed to cost drivers $1.

All current owners of electric or hybrid vehicles with valid registration will automatically be sent their EV Hybrid sticker(s) and should receive their sticker(s) by June. Starting this summer, those who apply for title and registration for a new electric or hybrid vehicle (including those purchased at a dealership) will be provided a sticker(s) with their new plate(s). Anyone who purchases an electric or hybrid vehicle ahead of that time will receive their sticker by mail. There is no need to contact the DMV for EV Hybrid stickers.  

By the way, there is a $75 annual surcharge for the registration of a hybrid car, and effective July 6, 2023 the surcharge for registering an EV increased from $100 to $175. The intent of these surcharges is to compensate for not collecting the 30.9 cents per gallon state gas excise tax that helps to pay for road improvements.

The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater has announced Rebecca Hagerman as the next head coach of the Warhawk women’s bowling program. 

Hagerman comes to UW-Whitewater from Jacksonville State University where she recently capped a successful collegiate career. “I am extremely excited for Becca to begin her coaching career with us,” said Athletic Director Ryan Callahan. “She is one of the best bowlers in the country and has won on the biggest stages.” 

Hagerman is coming off of a phenomenal final year at Jacksonville State. She led the Gamecocks to a NCAA title, the second of her career, en route to earning NCAA Division I Player of the Year accolades. The Conference USA Bowler of the Year, Hagerman was a First Team All-Conference and First Team All-American selection in 2024. In 2023, Hagerman was selected to the Team USA roster before wrapping up her collegiate career at Jacksonville State. 

Hagerman began her collegiate journey at McKendree University. A two-time All-American with the Bearcats, Hagerman helped lead the squad to a NCAA title in 2022 and an Intercollegiate Team Championship in 2023. Successful on the lanes and in classroom, Hagerman is a two-time recipient of the NCAA Elite 90 honor – awarded to the student-athlete with the highest cumulative grade point average competing at the finals of each sport. 

“I am very excited for this opportunity,” said Hagerman. I can’t wait to give back all of the knowledge I’ve learned from the O’Keefe’s.” Shannon and Bryan O’Keefe coached at McKendree University before starting the program at Jacksonville State in the fall of 2023. 

“Leann Sullivan left the program in great shape and I’m confident Becca will continue to move the program forward,” added Callahan. 

A native of Loves Park, Illinois, Hagerman received a bachelor’s degree in biopsychology from McKendree in 2023. She is currently working toward a master’s degree in integrated studies from Jacksonville State. 

Sullivan Named NTCA DIII Coach of the Year in Final Season

University of Wisconsin-Whitewater head bowling coach, Leann Sullivan, has been named the National Tenpin Coaches Association Division III Coach of the Year in her final season at the helm for the Warhawks.
 
This season, Sullivan’s squad led Division III in nearly every statistical category including traditional frame average, Baker frame average, Baker double percentage, strike percentage, single pin spare conversion percentage and overall spare conversion percentage. Additionally, bowlers Rachel Nelson (Poplar Grove, Ill./Belvidere North) and Kelly Whipple (Sheboygan, Wis./South) led Division III in Baker frame average and Baker double percentage respectively.
 
The 2024 Warhawks are ranked 22^nd in the NTCA’s power index rating with a season record of 58-46. The power index rating includes programs from each division taking into consideration team record and strength of schedule. UWW’s 190.3 average in Baker games this season is ranked 16^th in the field of 91 teams across all divisions.
 
Sullivan announced her retirement from leading the program following her 14^th year as the head coach. She retires as arguably the most successful Division III bowling coach in NTCA history. A three-time NTCA Division III Coach of the Year (2013, 2015, 2024), Sullivan has amassed a record of 744-536 competing against teams from all divisions.
 
Sullivan led the Warhawks to their first-ever berth into the NCAA Championships in 2013. The team finished seventh that season, but returned the next two years to finish third in both 2014 and 2015. In 2021, UW-Whitewater finished third in the United States Bowling Congress Intercollegiate Team Championships.
 
Over the course of her tenure, Sullivan has coached eight NTCA Division III Bowlers and Rookies of the Year including Nelson (Bowler-2024), Whipple (Bowler-2023, Rookie-2022), Skye Farr (Sun Prairie, Wis./) (Rookie-2023), Caitlin Mertins (Bowler-2022), Amanda Van Duyn (Bowler-2016, Rookie-2013) and Katie Zwiefelhofer (Bowler-2014). In fact, every NTCA Bowler of the Year and Rookie of the Year in UW-Whitewater women’s bowling history has been coached by Sullivan. She has coached five bowlers to seven NTCA All-America honors and two that earned NCAA All-Tournament Team recognition.
 
Sullivan’s bowlers have also excelled academically. Warhawk bowlers have earned more than 60 Academic All-NTCA honors under Sullivan’s tutelage. Mertins was named a CoSIDA First Team Academic All-American and was the UW-Whitewater Student-Athlete of the Year for her success in the classroom and on the lanes in 2022.
 
Prior to the 2019 campaign, Sullivan played an integral role in starting the Central Intercollegiate Bowling Conference. UW-Whitewater won the inaugural CIBC Championship in 2019-20 while Mary Conneely was named the CIBC Player of the Year.
 
Under Sullivan, the Warhawks have been ranked in the final NTCA Top 20 poll nearly every season and have appeared in the final DII/III rankings each of her 14 seasons.
 
Sullivan was a four-year letterwinner for the Warhawks from 2006-10. She was a captain of the 2010 squad that earned a berth in the USBC national tournament.
 
“What Leann was able to do at UW-Whitewater with the women’s bowling team was nothing short of amazing,” said Athletic Director Ryan Callahan. “Her passion, knowledge and overall love for Warhawk women’s bowling is going to be tough to replace. The Warhawk community is grateful for her hard work within athletics, and we’re all grateful that she is staying on campus to continue to impact the student experience at UWW.”

Steve Watson writes, “A new personal discovery. These photos were taken in a hurry. It’s a sora ( porzana Carolina) also called Carolina rail, soree, meadow chicken, sora crake, and orlotan. The sora is an elusive dweller of the cattail marsh that builds nests over the water.”

Our thanks to Steve Watson for sharing a new personal discovery. He’s captured and shared photos of so many species of birds that it must have been a delight to see something new!

— Our Readers Share: We hope that you might have something that you’d be willing to share.  Anything that’s been created by someone else should, of course, be credited, and you should ask their permission if you’re able. We cannot post copyrighted material without permission. We can’t guarantee that we’ll have space for all submissions, and contributions will be subject to editorial board approval. The one definite exclusion is anything politically oriented. We will assume that you’re willing for us to include your name as the submitter unless you indicate that you prefer to remain anonymous. Send to whitewaterbanner@gmail.com. Thanks for thinking about this!

Editor’s Note: The following was provided by Fort HealthCare.

Fort HealthCare is proud to announce the establishment of its Patient and Family Advisory Council (PFAC), an initiative that marks a significant stride towards fostering patient-centered healthcare services. The PFAC, comprised of dedicated individuals from diverse backgrounds, will play a pivotal role in collaborating with healthcare professionals to enhance the overall patient experience.

“In the pursuit of health equity, the Patient and Family Advisory Council serves as a beacon of hope, ensuring that the voices of all individuals, regardless of background, are heard and valued in decision-making processes of healthcare,” remarked Molly Prater, Chair of the Patient and Family Advisory Council.

In tandem with the launch, Fort HealthCare is actively recruiting high-energy individuals to join the ranks of Patient Advisors. This unique opportunity empowers patients and their families to actively contribute to the shaping of healthcare policies and practices at a high level within our organization.

Lisa Jensen, Chief Nursing Officer at Fort HealthCare, expressed her enthusiasm for the launch of the PFAC, stating, “At Fort HealthCare, we believe in the power of partnership between healthcare providers and the individuals we serve. The Patient and Family Advisory Council is a testament to our dedication to cultivating a healthcare experience that is not only medically excellent but also deeply compassionate. We are excited to welcome individuals who are passionate about making a difference in healthcare to join us in this transformative journey.”

Patient Advisors will actively participate in strategic discussions, provide valuable insights, and collaborate with healthcare professionals to drive positive changes in patient care. This is an exceptional opportunity for community members to contribute to the evolution of healthcare practices at Fort HealthCare and make a lasting impact on the well-being of our community.

Fort HealthCare invites community members who are passionate about patient advocacy and committed to improving healthcare to apply for the role of Patient Advisor. Applications and additional information about the recruitment process can be found on our website at https://www.forthealthcare.com/about/get-involved/patient-and-family-advisory-council/ .

About Fort HealthCare

Fort HealthCare is committed to improving the health and well-being of our communities, with a vision to be the healthiest community in Wisconsin. As the leading healthcare provider in the region, it is our goal to reach as many members of the community as possible with health and wellness messages, providing tools and resources to help individuals improve their health and quality of life while collaborating with several partners to positively improve the population’s health overall on a long-term basis. FortHealthCare.com.

It’s time once again for #FlashbackFriday with the Whitewater Historical Society.

Today we have a photo from the summer of 1999 taken by member George Scharfenberg, who left the society hundreds of photos of things happening in Whitewater in the decades of the 1990s and 2000’s. Here he documents the remodeling of the Starin Park Community Building. The building was damaged by a fire in March of 1998 and in the summer of 1999, the building underwent an enlargement and remodeling that gave us the great Senior Center building we have today.

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

(Photo from the George Scharfenberg collection, Whitewater Historical Society)