Lynn Binnie

This Week’s City & School Board Meetings (Updated)

Editor’s note: Updated on 8/14/23 @ 1:40 p.m. to add Community Development Authority.

Whitewater Unified School District Policy Review Committee – Monday @ 9:00 a.m.
Agenda (Click on “meetings” in upper right corner)
Whitewater Unified School District Central Office
419 South Elizabeth Street

Whitewater Unified School District School Board – Monday @ 5:30 (Closed Session) Review the superintendent’s evaluation, discuss and consider a third party donation into an endowment fund to benefit the District; and to discuss and consider the deficit threshold for the Whitewater Fitness and Aquatic Center negotiations and discharge of the ad hoc committee.
Whitewater High School Library
534 South Elizabeth Street, Whitewater, Wisconsin
5:30 p.m.
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5:30 p.m. via Zoom Online (Closed session)
– URL: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87207144755?pwd=a1doZ21CVWFtWTJBTU4rMlMvbE1sUT09
– Passcode: 441869
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– Dial-in: 1-312-626-6799
– Webinar ID: 872 0714 4755
– Passcode: 441869
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Closed Session
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7:00 p.m. via Zoom Online (Open Session)
– URL: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84244209521?pwd=K20yT2hDK0M3WmVCaWZlZk1DaDBKdz09
– Passcode: 102952
———————————————-
– Dial-in: 1-312-626-6799
– Webinar ID: 842 4420 9521
– Passcode: 102952
Open Session – 7:00 p.m. Agenda (Click on “meetings” in upper right corner) includes Naming of WHS Auditorium for Jim Stewart, Middle School science curriculum adoption, and district math data.

City of Whitewater Plan and Architectural Review Commission – Monday @ 6:00 p.m.
Agenda
City of Whitewater Municipal Building
Community Room- First Floor
312 W. Whitewater St.
Please join the meeting from your computer, tablet or smartphone:
https://meet.goto.com/592244373
You can also dial in using your phone
United States: +1 (872) 240-3212
Access Code: 592-344-373
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 Presentation on a housing study by Tracy Cross & Associates, Business and marketing plan for Whitewater Aquatic and Fitness Center, Discussion and possible action regarding Twin Oaks mobile home permit, Discussion of the current goals, objectives and management plan for the City Manager, Discussion regarding retaining an attorney to represent Common Council on personnel matters, closed session followed by open session: Discussion regarding the performance evaluation of the City Manager.
City of Whitewater Municipal Building – Community Room
312 West Whitewater St.
This will be an IN PERSON and a VIRTUAL MEETING
Citizens are welcome (and encouraged) to join us 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/84931997366?pwd=MmtXcFQ4VHFmU3JJMit0cGo5SFFGUT09
Or dial by phone
1 312 626 6799
Webinar ID: 849 3199 7366
Passcode: 722290

City of Whitewater Community Development Authority Board of Directors – Thursday @ 5:30 p.m.
Agenda includes Status of current Vacant Land Listing Contract with Twelve2 Commercial Group for sale of City‐owned properties expiring 10/31/2023 and review and discussion of proposals received from
Anderson Commercial Group and Legacy Realty Group, Update regarding acquisition of properties from Rod and Mary Dalee located at 104 E. Main St. and 126 N. Jefferson Street and proposed re‐development of the site, and Status of Recruitment for Economic Development Director Position.
Location: Municipal Building – Community Room 1st Floor
312 W. Whitewater St.
This will be an IN‐PERSON and VIRTUAL MEETING
Citizens are welcome (and encouraged) to join us via computer, smart phone or telephone.
Citizen participation is welcome during topic discussion periods.
Join from a PC, Mac, iPad, iPhone or Android device:
Please click this URL to join.
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/89506632483?pwd=S1hVN0MvOFBXYnh4UUVuOG45eG5Qdz09
Passcode: 610764
Or join by phone: 312‐626‐6799
Webinar ID: 895 0663 2483
Passcode: 610764

Could Have Been a Lot Worse: WFD Extinguishes Downtown Fire With Lots of Mutual Aid on Hand (Updated)

137-139 W. Center Street fire – Photo credit Matthew Richardson


Update 8/14/23 at 12:10 a.m.: According to WKOW, “Whitewater police told 27 News one person was taken to the hospital….That person is expected to recover. The Whitewater Fire Chief told 27 News they lived in a top floor apartment next to the fire….The chief said one of the building’s owners was on the roof working on a small repair when they believe a piece of tar caught fire and spread to the rest of the building.”

At approximately 2:12 p.m. on Saturday afternoon, August 12, Whitewater Fire and EMS was dispatched to a report of multiple Center St. buildings on fire, in the City of Whitewater. Fire crews quickly responded, finding two downtown buildings involved, with flames visible from the roof.

First arriving crews were able to extinguish a large body of fire from the ground, prior to gaining roof access with aerial apparatus. Once on the roof, crews found the roof involved, as well as the front wall and minor extension to the 2nd floor of the structure.

The incident was escalated to a three alarm fire due to the number of buildings involved and the outside temperatures. Box 12-2 was pulled bringing numerous units from Walworth, Jefferson, Rock and Waukesha counties to the scene.

Damage is estimated to be approximately $175,000 for building and contents. The cause of the fire is believed to be construction related. Crews were on scene approximately three hours.

Whitewater Fire and EMS was assisted by the following agencies. A huge thank you to them for their assistance.

City of Delavan Fire Dept
Darien Fire Dept
East Troy Fire Dept
Elkhorn Area Fire Dept
Evansville Fire Dept
Fort Atkinson Fire Department
Janesville Fire Department
Jefferson Fire Department
Johnson Creek Fire Department
Kettle Moraine Fire Dept
Lake Country Fire and Rescue
Lake Geneva Fire Dept
Lake Mills Fire Dept
Lakeside Fire-Rescue
Lauderdale-LaGrange Fire Department
Mukwonago Fire Department
Sullivan Fire Dept
Town of Delavan Fire Dept
Walworth Fire Dept
Watertown Fire Dept
Western Lakes Fire District
Williams Bay Fire Dept.

Closeup of fire by Matthew Richardson, who says that it “shows beasts fighting in the smoke if you look.”
After fire was doused the damage looks deceptively minor.
Lisa Dawsey Smith sweeping up ashes; she always seems to show up when something needs doing downtown! Lynn Binnie photos

Editor’s note: Fire and water damage appears to be limited to 137-139 W. Center St., which is currently vacant on the first floor. It is not known whether there are tenants on the second floor. Reportedly the cats next door at BaristaCats Cafe were all safely evacuated. 139 W. Center St. was formerly Gus’ Pizza Palace.

Seniors in the Park Presents The Quiet Girl

“The Quiet Girl”
Wednesday, August 16, 1 p.m.
(Drama/Foreign Film)
Rated PG-13;  1 hour, 35 minutes. (2022)

Our monthly art film is the Winner of AARP Best Foreign Film; and Academy Award nominee Best International Film. Rural Ireland, 1981. A shy, neglected daughter is sent away to Dublin, where she blossoms with her foster parents. This is the first-ever film in the Irish language to be nominated for an Oscar. 

Obituary: Lucille M. Tueller, 70, of Milwaukee

Lucille M. Tueller, 70, of Milwaukee, WI passed away on Friday, August 4, 2023 at Vitas Hospice in West Allis.

Luci was born on March 16, 1953 in Fort Atkinson, WI the daughter of Lou Pitt and Iona (Barton) Papcke. She grew up in the Whitewater area and graduated from Whitewater High School. She was united in marriage to Michael Tueller on May 20, 1972 in Whitewater and the Lord blessed their union with 2 loving daughters, Sarah and Kristin. Luci worked as an accountant for the majority of her working career and enjoyed her work very much. She loved to work with numbers and enjoyed interacting with her clients and co-workers. Luci had a very kind and outgoing personality and had no problem striking up a conversation with just about anyone. She liked to keep busy with crafts such as cross-stitching and also enjoyed sewing. Luci was a talented seamstress; she could make and repair all kinds of clothing for her friends and family. Cooking and baking was also a joy for Luci and she kept her friends and family well fed with her delicious meals and desserts. Above all else in Luci’s life was her love for her family. She was a wonderful wife, mother and grandmother and she will be dearly missed.

She is survived by: her husband of 51 years, Michael Tueller of Milwaukee; her two daughters, Sarah (Melvin) Smith of West Allis and Kristin Tueller of Milwaukee; her grandchildren, Viviette Smith, Michael Smith, Andrinay Smith, Timothy Smith, Lazandria Smith, Danayah Smith, and Emil Tueller; her great-grandchildren, Sarah Wilder, Desmond Wilder, Iris Wilder, and Iliana Wilder; and her brother, Lawrence (Mary) Palmer of Utah. She is also survived by a number of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

She is preceded in death by her parents, her stepfather, Russell Papcke, and her 4 siblings, Lou Pitt, Jr., Leona Renee (Pitt) Belt, Leonard “Rusty” Pitt and Krystal (Papcke) Sawyer. Luci will be laid to rest in Prairie Home Cemetery of Waukesha, WI during a private family service.

Gibson Family Funeral Homes of Eagle and Palmyra, WI is serving the family. To place an online condolence please visit gibsonfuneral.com.

Instead of contributing with flowers, please consider donating to the ASPCA charity Luci supported.

Flags to Half-Staff in Honor of Lance Corporal Tanner Kaltenberg

 
MADISON — Gov. Tony Evers today signed Executive Order #209 ordering the flags of the United States and the state of Wisconsin to be flown at half-staff on Sat., Aug. 12, 2023, in honor of Lance Corporal Tanner Kaltenberg, who passed away on July 23, 2023, at the age of 19.

“Our hearts are heavy for Lance Corporal Tanner Kaltenberg’s loved ones, fellow Marines, and the Verona community as they mourn this tragic loss,” said Gov. Evers. “On behalf of our state, we honor him for his service and selflessness as he is laid to rest in his home state. He will be missed by all those who knew him and will not be forgotten.”

Following his graduation from Verona Area High School in May 2021, Lance Corporal Kaltenberg enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps. He completed boot camp at the U.S. Marine Corps Recruit Depot in San Diego, California. He was also stationed at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri, and, most recently, Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. Lance Corporal Kaltenberg was a motor vehicle operator of Combat Logistics Battalion 2, Combat Logistics Regiment 2, 2nd Marine Logistics Group. During his service, Lance Corporal Kaltenberg received the National Defense Service Medal, Sea Service Deployment Ribbon, Navy Arctic Service Ribbon, and Global War on Terrorism Service Medal.

Services for Lance Corporal Kaltenberg will be held on Sat., Aug. 12, 2023, in Verona.

Editor’s note: This article provides details concerning the death of Lance Corporal Kaltenberg and two other U.S. Marines.

Obituary: James W. Benes III (Jimmie), 88

James W. Benes III (Jimmie), 88, of Whitewater (formerly of Middleton) passed peacefully from this life into the next on August 2, 2023, with his loving wife of 70 years by his side.

Jim was born on March 22, 1935, to James and Marion (Johnson) Benes in Chicago, IL. The family later moved to Whitewater, WI, where he met the love of his life, Lois Anderson.

After their marriage, he enlisted in the U.S. Army, proud to serve his country and with the full support of Lois and their families. Jim highly valued education, so upon completion of his service, he enrolled in the UW-Madison College of Agriculture and Life Science. He graduated (with honors) with a bachelor’s degree in Dairy Science. His career path led him to focus on the growing field of computer science.

Along the way, Jim and Lois, with three of their own, fostered over sixty children. They both felt it was important that all children have a good start to life. Jim also had a great sense of community, as shown in his many activities – Scouting with his children; poll worker for elections; Census worker; Meals On Wheels; avid recycler; member of the Waunakee VFW; Westport Squares Square Dancing Club; Harbor Athletic Club, family genealogy, etc.

During all these years, both agriculture and giving back to the land were always a priority. Jim leaves a legacy of love and respect for his country, the land (including their own native prairie) and, above all, love for his family.

He is survived by his wife, Lois; daughters Diane (Paul) Shiveler and Kay Benes; and son Gary (Sherrie); 5 grandchildren; 2 step-grandchildren; 3 great-granddaughters and 1 step-great-granddaughter. He is also survived by his two sisters, Marilynne (Jack) Albrecht and Sherri Benes (Kevin Coursey).

He was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers, Terry and Gary.

The family wishes to thank the staff of Fairhaven and Rainbow Hospice for their compassionate care. A very special thank you is extended to our dear Elder Care Advocate, June Partoll.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Kettle Moraine Land Trust, c/o Nitardy Funeral Home, 550 N. Newcomb Street, Whitewater, WI 53190

Our Readers Share: Carol McLernon – Young Heroes

Carol McLernon writes, “Last week, my neighbor, Darryl Pieper, suffered a cardiac event in the vicinity of McDonald’s while driving to the pharmacy to get his wife Darlene’s prescription. A nurse who happened to be nearby tended to Darryl and comforted Darlene. The paramedics arrived promptly and administered appropriate care. A kind university student offered assistance and went for the prescription using his own money although Darlene had given him money. The nurse took her to the hospital in Janesville. How blessed we are to have these and other wonderful young people here in Whitewater.”

Our thanks to Carol McLernon for sharing that beautiful account, which she titled “Young Heroes.”

Darlene’s son, Anthony Menneke, posted the following words of thanks on the Facebook page of the local Whitewater Anything Forum. Through the comments that were made on that post it was learned that the nurse is Ashley Voigt, and the young man is a student at UW-Whitewater.

Anthony Menneke writes, “Want to give a huge shout out and thank you to the nurse and young man that helped my stepdad and mom last Wednesday night. They were driving and turned by the McDonald’s when my stepdad who has been having heart issues blacked out and they went over the curb at McDonald’s and hit a bush which stopped the car. My mom called 911. Luckily they or no one was hurt. Luckily a woman in the parking lot is a nurse and immediately checked on my stepdad. Police arrived and they pulled him out of the car and immediately started CPR. A nice young man/student sat with my mom calming her down and helping her. Rescue squad arrived and took him to the Janesville hospital. He coded twice in the ambulance but they got him back. This amazing nurse that checked on my stepdad when they crashed was gracious enough to take my mom to the hospital. My stepdad is doing well and getting a pacemaker today. Want to give a huge thank you to this young woman/nurse, the young man who comforted my mom while they were working on my stepdad, Whitewater PD, and the EMTs that brought him back. We are blessed to still have him. Whitewater is an amazing community.”

City of Fort Atkinson Thanks Whitewater for Storm Cleanup Help

Editor’s comment: The following post was made on August 10 on the City of Fort Atkinson Facebook page. It elicited many posted grateful comments from Fort residents and their chamber of commerce. Many tree lawns in Fort have still been piled high with tree branches as a result of the storm that brought very strong straight line winds to the city on July 28.

#flashbackfriday with the Historical Society – Skindingsrude Furniture

It’s time once again for #flashbackfriday with the Whitewater Historical Society. Here is the 2nd of our series of change in Whitewater businesses taken by George Scharfenberg in the 1990s and early 2000s. This photo is from 1994, when the Skindingsrude Furniture Store went out of business.

The Skindingsrude furniture and funeral business began on Main Street in 1926 and eventually the funeral business was relocated to a home that once stood next to the First English Lutheran Church on West Main Street. Later, the furniture store moved to this location on Whitewater Street, now the location of Second Salem Brewing Company. It was very common in the 19th and early 20th centuries for furniture stores and funeral services to be part of the same business.

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

Photo from the George Scharfenberg photo collection, Whitewater Historical Society.