News

U.S. News & World Report has named Washington Elementary to its list of the 2024 Best Elementary Schools across the United States.

Washington earned a spot at number 290 out of the 951 elementary schools that U.S. News analyzed in Wisconsin.

The publication analyzed and ranked elementary schools’ proficiency in mathematics, reading, and language arts based on state assessment data. The rankings are not based on the test scores alone, as they also take into consideration local socioeconomic demographics. This two-part calculation ensures schools listed are serving all students. 

“This is a recognition to be celebrated for our staff, students, and families of Washington Elementary,” said Dr. Caroline Pate-Hefty, Superintendent. “These results show the success of our teaching models and initiatives to make our schools more inclusive and equitable for all students. We are proud of this recognition and will continue to best prepare our students for their continued educational journey.”

Washington Elementary scored 69.58 out of 100 overall. The school ranked 305 in reading proficiency and 456 in math proficiency, out of 951 Wisconsin schools. 

Additionally, about 88 percent of Washington Elementary teachers have three or more years of experience. About 42 percent of students scored at or above proficient in both math and reading, compared to the state average of 36 and 37 percent, respectively.

To learn more about Washington Elementary’s ranking, please visit https://www.usnews.com/education/k12/wisconsin/washington-elementary-225107. 

Editor’s note: This article is primarily based on a news release from Washington Elementary School.

Updated (twice) on 12/4/23 with agenda for Board of Zoning Appeals. The full packet has now been provided.

City of Whitewater Police & Fire Commission – Monday @ 6:00 p.m.
Agenda includes Recognition Of Police & Fire Commission Member Dr. Glenn Hayes For His Service To The
City of Whitewater and closed session (to be followed by open session) including interview of Detective Lieutenant candidate
Whitewater Municipal Building Community Room,
312 West Whitewater St., Whitewater, WI 53190
*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 the webinar:
Please join the meeting from your computer, tablet or smartphone.
https://meet.goto.com/430445381
You can also dial in using your phone.
Access Code: 430-445-381
United States: +1 (571) 317-3122

City of Whitewater Common Council Meeting – Tuesday @ 6:30 p.m.
Agenda includes closed session to Discuss Bargaining and Negotiation strategy related to the contract with the Police Union, 2024 salary resolution, first reading of an ordinance regarding revisions to Chapter 12.22 Construction Standards Adopted, and Discussion and possible action regarding the Proposed Nonconforming Use Agreement for Kienbaum Iron & Metal.
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 the webinar:
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/85173798964?pwd=MnEg8oCuovzvPXye11bTMqeJCT_gA.pBZXd8Utj5U9Bv22
Or Telephone: 312 626 6799
Webinar ID: 851 7379 8964
Passcode: 518542

The Landmarks Commission meeting that was scheduled for Thursday, December 7 has been canceled due to lack of a quorum.

City of Whitewater Board of Zoning Appeals – Thursday @ 6:00 p.m.
Agenda includes appeal by Jes Cisneros, 421 Indian Mound Parkway, to exceed the four foot height in street yard.
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 join my meeting from your computer, tablet or smartphone.
https://meet.goto.com/624685101
You can also dial in using your phone.
Access Code: 624-685-101
United States: +1 (408) 650-3123
Get the app now and be ready when your first meeting starts:
https://meet.goto.com/install

The City of Whitewater – Department of Public Works will deliver sand on Monday, December 4, 2023. Residents who wish to receive a quantity of sand for placement on public sidewalks, during the winter months, are asked to have a sturdy container at the curbside by 7:00 a.m. on Monday, December 4. City officials stress that a cardboard box is not considered a sturdy container.

If there is a snowstorm or some other unpredictable occurrence that prevents delivery that week, the sand will be delivered as soon as weather permits.

As a reminder, the owner, occupant, and person in charge of any building or lot fronting upon or adjoining any sidewalk shall remove all snow and ice from the sidewalk no later than twenty-four hours after a snow or ice event. When any ice is so formed on any sidewalk that it cannot be removed, then the responsible party shall keep the same sprinkled with salt or sand.

For additional questions or concerns contact the Streets Department at (262) 473-0560.

Filled with music of hope and promise, the Christmas Cantata, “A Journey to Joy,” by Joseph M. Martin, will be presented on Sunday, December 10^th at the 10:00 a.m. worship service and a 4:00 p.m. concert at First United Methodist Church. The 35-voice choir is comprised of singers from the Whitewater Area Regional Ministry and community.  This beautiful work will be accompanied by a full 17-piece professional orchestra.  

Soloists for the work are Jen Crone, Nathan Roley, Barb Taylor and Kay Ebert.  The choir is conducted by Christine Hayes and accompanied on piano by James Athas.  The work is a joyful blend of traditional carols and contemporary selections all telling the Christmas story.  Scripture and narration is interjected throughout the cantata, delivered by The Rev. Dan Fahs and The Rev. Beth Staniforth-Seamster. Prelude music for both presentations will be performed on harp by Lauren Hayes.

The cantata is presented with memorial money in honor of Joe Mansfield and in memory of Sandy Mansfield, (grandparents of Kay Ebert), in memory of Kay Pincikowski (Kay’s Aunt), and in honor of Barb and Chuck Taylor (dear supportive friends of Kay).

Admission is free.  First United Methodist Church is located at 145 S. Prairie Street in Whitewater. 

Fort HealthCare is pleased to announce the opening of a new Pulmonary and Sleep Medicine department, which will bring specialty lung care under the direction of pulmonologists to Fort HealthCare. With the opening of Fort HealthCare Pulmonary and Sleep Medicine, patients will receive lung care from specialists in our network.

Fort HealthCare Pulmonary and Sleep Medicine will offer diagnosis, treatment, and preventive care for lung conditions, including asthma, COPD, interstitial lung disease, lung cancer, pulmonary hypertension, and more. In addition, as prevalence and awareness of sleep disorders have grown, expanding FHC’s Sleep Medicine services is very timely. The new department will address such issues as snoring, insomnia, restless legs, unrefreshed sleep, grogginess, and narcolepsy.

Raed Hamed, MD, and Mouhammed Rihawi, MD, will be leading our Pulmonary and Sleep Medicine medical practice. Dr. Hamed completed his residency in Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine at the Albert Einstein Medical Center in Philadelphia and Dr. Rihawi completed his residency in Pulmonary Medicine at Southern Illinois University School of Medicine. Two additional team members are Tom Freichels, APNP and Angela Monzon, APNP. They both they have many years of experience as advanced practice providers and are looking forward to joining the FHC community.

“We are very pleased to welcome Dr. Hamed and Dr. Rihawi to Fort HealthCare. Our community has a great need for Pulmonary and Sleep Medicine services as access into this specialty has been difficult. They will bring a high level of expertise to our community eliminating the need for our patients to travel to receive this critical medical care,” shared Michael Anderson, MD, President and CEO of Fort HealthCare.

To learn more about Fort HealthCare Pulmonary and Sleep Medicine or to schedule an appointment with immediate availability, please visit FortHealthCare.com/Service/Pulmonary and Sleep Medicine/.

OPEN HOUSE TO CELEBRATE CAPITAL CAMPAIGN SUCCESS 

Community members are invited to an open house at the Irvin L. Young Memorial Library (431 W. Center St.) on Friday, December 8 from 3:00 – 5:00 p.m. to celebrate the success of the library’s capital campaign, “Engaging the Community; Promoting Learning.” The library successfully reached its fundraising goal and raised more than $2,300,000 for the upcoming library expansion and renovation. 

By Angela Kelm
Asst. Athletic Director for Sports Information

Waverly, Iowa — The No. 5 University of Wisconsin-Whitewater football team fell to undefeated No. 3 Wartburg College 31-28 in a NCAA Quarterfinal matchup Saturday in Waverly, Iowa.

The Warhawks started off fast. After taking the opening kick, it took just three plays for UWW to get on the board as Tamir Thomas hauled in a pass for a 69-yard score. The Jeff Isotalo-McGuire kick made it 7-0 less than two minutes into the game.

UW-Whitewater’s defense held the driving Knights to a field goal on Wartburg’s first drive of the game before the teams traded punts.

The Warhawks went 84-yards on nine plays bolstered by a 60-yard Alec Ogden to Tommy Coates connection. Thomas punched it in from a yard out and the extra point made it 14-3. With the offense surging, head coach Jace Rindahl opted for a little trickery on special teams and UWW perfectly executed the onside kick to bring the offense back out near midfield.

The Wartburg defense held and Ogden dropped back for a short punt to pin the Knights inside their own 10. On the second play of the WC drive, Ethan Gallagher jumped a passing lane for the interception and the Warhawk offense took over at the Knights’ 39-yard line.

Thomas took the handoff up the middle for 26-yards to open the drive. After a pair of short gains on the ground, Ogden found Coates in the end zone for a five-yard touchdown. Isotalo-McGuire split the uprights on the point after for a 21-3 UWW lead less three minutes into the second quarter.

Wartburg responded in their next drive marching 71-yards on eight plays to narrow the gap to 21-10. The momentum continued to shift as the Knights capitalized on a sack-fumble and recovery on the next drive. Wartburg went 42 yards in nine plays to pull within four, 21-17, with just under two minutes to go until the intermission.

A quick three-and-out for the Warhawks gave Wartburg the ball with over a minute left and 75-yards to go. UW-Whitewater’s defense stiffened and forced a punt but were pinned inside their own 20 with 48 seconds left in the half.

After a quick first down, an incomplete deep ball and a short run, the Warhawks were content to run the clock out and head into the locker room with a 21-17 advantage.

The Knights claimed the lead in their first drive of the second half. A long, 13-play, 82-yard drive was capped on a one-yard run. The extra point gave Wartburg the 24-21 lead. The momentum stayed with Wartburg as a miscue on special teams gave the Knights the ball back at the UWW 37.

The Warhawks needed a stop and the defense provided one. After a 21-yard gain on the first play, UW-Whitewater held the Knights on the next three downs. On fourth and three from UWW’s 14, Matt Burba got into the backfield and took down the WC quarterback for a sack and a loss of five yards. 

Despite a couple of big plays including a 37-yard Ogden-Coates connection, the offense stalled and the 22-yard field goal was no good. Wartburg took over at their own 20 with just over 13 minutes left in the game.

The defense got it done again with a three-and-out to force a Wartburg punt. UWW took over at their own 39 and had seven consecutive plays with gains of five or more yards including a 20-yard reception by Zach Sherman. Ogden found Tommy Coates from seven yards out to reclaim the lead for the Warhawks, 28-24, with eight minutes to go.

UW-Whitewater’s defense continued to surge. On second down, Joey Antonietti perfectly read a quarterback draw and hit the Knight QB in the backfield for a loss of yards. Kyle Koelblinger broke up a possible first down catch on the next play to force a punt. UWW’s offense jogged back on to the field with just over six minutes to go, starting the drive at their own 38.

Wartburg countered with a three-and-out of their own. Kamrin Hutt’s punt was fair caught at the Knights’ 23 with 3:56 remaining.

After a pair of incompletions, Egon Hein tallied a fantastic open-field tackle on a short pass to force fourth down. The Knights called timeout facing fourth-and-four at their own 44. Nile McLaughlin found his receiver on a slant route for a 28-yard gain to extend the drive. Following an incompletion on first down, Wartburg back Hunter Clasen picked up nine yards on a pair of carries and the Warhawk defense had forced another fourth down.

The Knights brought out a unit of defensive players typically used in short gain situations, but Wartburg opted for the pass and McLaughlin hit Thomas Butters for 13-yards and a first down. Koelblinger took down Clasen in the backfield for the loss of a yard but the shifty back hauled in a reception on the next play and got a timely block to scamper into the end zone. The extra point gave the Knights a 31-28 lead with 51.4 seconds remaining.

UW-Whitewater’s final drive started at their own 31. Ogden found his top target, Coates, for a 16-yard gain up the middle. The Warhawks called timeout at their out 47 with 46 seconds left. Ogden was pressured but escaped and was able to throw the ball away – second-and-ten with 40.1 ticks left. Pressured once again, Ogden nearly found Thomas at midfield, but the incompletion likely helped UWW as the clock would have continued to run – third-and-ten with 33.1 remaining. On the next play, Ogden was hit as he threw, and Wartburg came up with the interception. The Knights took the knee to run out the clock.

Ogden was 26-39 for 366 yards and three touchdowns. Coates was the top target with nine catches for 88 yards and a pair of scores. Thomas added 74 yards on the ground.

Defensively, Burba registered two sacks in the game while Antonietti led the way with 10 tackles. Gallagher added nine with an interception.

Rindahl led the Warhawks to an 11-2 mark this season in his first year at the helm. Wartburg advances to face North Central in a semifinal next Saturday.

Editor’s note: The following press release was received from the Whitewater Unified School District.

In a display of community support and generosity, the Whitewater Unified School District Athletic Department has made a donation to the Wisconsin Make-A-Wish Foundation.

The donation will help allow a young girl’s dream of having a playhouse in her backyard to become a reality. 

Ten-year-old Sophia Skrede, who is living with a liver transplant, and her family have endured lengthy hospital stays, appointments, and procedures needed for her healthcare. She made a request through the Make-a-Wish Foundation and was granted her wish for a playhouse. The donation facilitated the construction and installation of a custom-designed playhouse in Sophia’s backyard. The playhouse was unveiled to Sophia and her family in a memorable reveal at their home.

“Sophia is an incredible young person living with unimaginable stress and challenges,” said Justin Crandall, WUSD Athletic Director. “We are honored to play a part in bringing a little more joy and magic into her world. This donation is a testament to our community’s caring and compassionate nature and our district’s commitment to giving back to the community we serve.”

Through a collaborative effort, the WUSD Athletic Department donated $600 to fulfill the wish of Sophia. The donation was generated through a Wish Week fundraiser at Whitewater High School as part of a greater Wisconsin Athletic Directors Association (WADA) initiative. 

On Saturday, November 25th, students from WHS Choirs and their friends sang Christmas carols at the first-ever Whitewater Holiday Market. The event was held at Cravath Lakefront Park. WHS students who sang were Meridyth Cashion,  Lucinda DiFiore, Molly Donner, Ian Ngabo, Cruz Aranda, Alex Sullivan, and Georgia Esch. Thank you to our fantastic students who helped make the event a success!

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

Serving on the Common Council or the School Board is a great way to learn about the community, to express one’s views, and to make a significant contribution to the greater Whitewater community. While the financial compensation is moderate, the intrinsic benefits can be many.

The following seats on the Common Council will be up for election on April 2, 2024:
Aldermanic District 2 (Wards 9 & 10) – Currently held by Lukas Schreiber
Aldermanic District 4 (Wards 6, 7 & 8) – Currently held by Jill Gerber
Council Member at Large – Currently held by James D. Allen

This map shows the voting wards.

Persons who may be interested in being a candidate may wish to review the publication, How to Run for Local Elected Office in Wisconsin, published by UW Extension and the League of Women Voters of Wisconsin. Councilmembers are expected to prepare for and regularly attend council meetings, which are held on the first and third Tuesday of each month at 6:30 p.m. In addition they serve on a variety of committees, many of which meet on a monthly basis. Members have a two-year term. There is a salary of $300 per month.

Nomination papers may be obtained beginning on December 1 from the City Clerk, Karri Anderberg, whose office is on the second floor of the Municipal Building at 312 W. Whitewater Street. Her phone number is 262-473-0102; email is cityclerk@whitewater-wi.gov. Her office hours are Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Candidates for a district position must obtain at least 20 signatures; for the at large position, at least 50 signatures are submitted. Papers must be submitted no later than January 2, 2024 at 5 p.m. If more than two candidates file for a seat, there will be a primary on February 20.

Two seats on the Whitewater Unified School District School Board will be up for election on April 2, 2024. If there are more than four candidates, a primary will be held on February 20. The seats are currently held by the following:
Larry Kachel
Maryann Zimmerman

Persons who may be interested in being a candidate may wish to review the publication, How to Run for Local Elected Office in Wisconsin, published by UW Extension and the League of Women Voters of Wisconsin. Board members are expected to prepare for and regularly attend monthly board meetings, which are normally scheduled on the fourth Monday of each month with the following exceptions: December and March (third Monday) and August (second and fourth Monday). In the event that Memorial Day falls on the fourth Monday of May, the regular meeting in May will be held on the Tuesday following Memorial Day.” In addition members serve on a variety of committees. The meetings convene at 7:00 p.m., although sometimes earlier for a closed session. Members are paid $15 per meeting unless they file an annual refusal of salary. Members serve a three year term.

Nomination papers are not required for the board, but some forms must be completed by the candidate.. Interested persons should contact the School Board Secretary, Jaclyn Tueting, who works in the District Office, 419 S. Elizabeth Street. Her phone number is 262-472-8702, and her email, jtueting@wwusd.org. Office hours are 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Monday through Thursday, and 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on Fridays. Candidates must file by January 2, 2024 at 5:00 p.m.

Per the district, for up-to-date information, please check out the School Board Election website: https://whitewaterusdwi.sites.thrillshare.com/page/school-board-election

The following press release was issued by the district:

WHITEWATER, WI – Residents of the Whitewater Unified School District are encouraged to consider seeking a position on the School Board.  The final day for filing is Tuesday, January 2, 2024, by 5:00 p.m. 

Two seats will be on the spring ballot.  The incumbents are Larry Kachel and Maryann Zimmerman.  Incumbents have until Friday, December 22, by 5:00 p.m. to file their Notification of Noncandidacy. Under section 120.06(6)(b)3m of state statutes, the District Clerk will give the public prompt notice if any incumbent files their Notification of Noncandidacy on the School Board Election page of the District website.

Any person who is a United States citizen and a qualified elector of the Whitewater Unified School District is legally qualified to become a member of the School Board.  In addition, Board candidates should have a genuine interest in and devotion to public education, a willingness to give time and effort to the position, a capacity to understand people, and the ability to work cooperatively with others.  The School Board is the District policy-making authority and is responsible to the public for the success of all education services offered by the District.  This success is dependent on many individuals, but also upon each Board member’s understanding of the workings of the District-wide operations and each member’s ability to participate meaningfully in the decision-making process that governs the District. 

The candidate filing documents may be obtained and filed at the office of the School Board Secretary at the Whitewater Unified School District Central Office, 419 South Elizabeth Street, Whitewater.  School Board candidates do not circulate nomination papers, but the School Board Secretary, Jaclyn Tueting, will assist to complete necessary filing documents. 

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CENTRAL OFFICE HOURS

Through Wednesday, December 20
M-Th, 7:30 a.m.-4:00 p.m./ F, 7:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m.

Thursday, December 21 through Monday, January 1 – The Central Office is Closed

Tuesday, January 2
7:30 a.m.-5:00 p.m. (5:00 p.m. is the deadline for filing candidacy paperwork)