Lynn Binnie
Bahá’ís and Friends Artist Gathering in Whitewater
Nelson Salisbury House at 404 W. North St
Saturday, Dec. 9, 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. with pizza supper if you want to stay.
Remember, you are still an artist if you pursued another career for financial stability.
You are still an artist if you have a survival job and make art when you can.
You are still an artist if you haven’t created in a while.
You are still an artist if you only make art as a hobby.
* Contact hosts, Suzanne Popke and Zachary Popke if you need directions, or need special acoustical/physical set up at:
intsim@idcnet.com or zacharyekpop@gmail.com
You might also like to read the following article on called “Being an Artist and a Baha’i.”
Washington Elementary Named to Best Elementary Schools List
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.
This Week’s City Meetings (Updated)
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
Sand Delivery Today for Use on Public Sidewalks – Sturdy Containers Needed
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.
Obituary: Joseph Jess Campbell, 95 (Updated)
Updated 12/15/23 to correct the link for memorial contributions.
Joseph Jess Campbell, of Whitewater, WI, passed away on November 27, 2023, at the age of 95. Joe was born to J. Jess and Laura E. (Hitch) Campbell on April 11, 1928, in Harvey, Illinois.
Joe graduated from Whitewater High School in 1946. He was drafted into the U.S. Army in 1952 during the Korean War and was stationed at bases in CA, where he had the opportunity to work with Bob Newhart. He would later advance to Sergeant and was honorably discharged on August 8, 1954. It was just prior to this time of service, on June 18, 1952, that Joe and Karin’s little brothers, Bill and Ole, introduced them to each other and it was love at first sight. On their 3rd date in late June, they got engaged. While on holiday leave, Joe and Karin were married at the Congregational Church in Williams Bay, WI on December 31, 1952. After his time in the Army, Joe primarily worked in sales, marketing, and management at companies such as Campbell’s Clothing Store, Montgomery Ward, Top Value and K-Promotions. After numerous transfers, Joe and his family would eventually settle in Pewaukee Lake, WI in 1966. On his 50th birthday in 1978, he established his own business, Campbell Incentive Company, in partnership with Karin. On Labor Day weekend, 1989, Joe and Karin moved to Stoughton, WI. Joe then retired in 1991. In 2018, Joe and Karin moved to Fairhaven Senior Services in Whitewater, WI.
Family meant everything to Joe. He loved telling stories about genealogy and family history, particularly that of the Hitch family. His work ethic, honesty, and integrity were stellar. He loved the work he did, meeting the needs of his customers and working to solve their problems. He passed on his work ethic to his children and grandchildren. Joe was very active in the Lutheran Church, especially in Stoughton. He also loved to play cards and was an avid reader, enjoying books on history and historical novels. As a boy, he loved being in the water, particularly with his cousins at Lauderdale Lake, WI. Later, he became a swimming champion in Columbus, OH in 1943. He taught numerous children to swim, even swimming across Pewaukee Lake with his sons, and teaching his daughter how to paddle a canoe. He loved to swim in refreshing cold water including swimming in the Baltic Sea in March with his mother-in-law! He loved to canoe, sail, swim, and even go tubing with his grandchildren. Joe loved to watch both his children and grandchildren in a wide variety of activities, such as football games, track & field, sailboat races, band concerts, piano recitals, and swimming at the beach. Often these excursions kept him driving great distances, which they enjoyed together. Joe also enjoyed winter sports, such as cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. These activities kept him in great physical condition, as did his long walks with Karin and various dogs including two wiener dogs named Tina! Joe was a 33rd degree Mason.
Joe is survived by his loving wife of nearly 71 years, Karin E. (Stromgren) Campbell, his children and their spouses, Ingrid (Dan) Cassidy, Jim (Karly) Campbell, John (Nancy) Campbell, and Dave (Kathy) Campbell. He was the proud grandfather to Sarah Gervasini, Danielle Cassidy, Erin Campbell-Wagner, Katie Campbell, Laura Campbell, Peter Campbell, and 5 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his brother, Bill (Helen) Campbell and sister-in-law, Jan Campbell.
In addition to his parents, Joe was predeceased by his stillborn daughter, Nina, and brother Richard Campbell.
A memorial service and celebration of Joe’s life will be held on Friday, December 22, 2023, at 1:30 p.m. at Fairhaven, 435 West Starin Road, Whitewater, WI. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Fairhaven Senior Services or Shriner’s Children’s Hospital at donate.lovetotherescue.org. The Campbell Family would like to extend our heartfelt thanks and gratitude to the staff at Fairhaven for the friendship, kindness and compassion given to Joe and Karin over the past 5 years.
Online condolences may be made at www.nitardyfuneralhome.com
Christmas Cantata Dec. 10 – Take the Journey to Christmas this Season
Filled with music of hope and promise, the Christmas Cantata, “A Journey to Joy,” by Joseph M. Martin, will be presented on Sunday, December 10th 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.
Police Chief & City Manager Grateful for Increased ’24 Funding for Police Dept.
To the Members of the Whitewater Community,
We, Chief of Police Dan Meyer and City Manager John Weidl, are jointly writing to express our deep gratitude to the elected officials of the Whitewater Common Council and the larger Whitewater community for the recent decision to invest an additional $120,000 in the Whitewater Police Department for the year 2024. This specific investment is earmarked to fully fund our staffing study strategy and make immediate technological improvements that seek to alleviate pressure on our existing workforce until we can thoroughly assess the staffing needs of the entire police department next year.
This investment comes at a critical juncture, as we are witnessing significant demographic changes within our city, alongside escalating pressures on our existing law enforcement resources. We want to assure you that this augmentation of resources is not something we take lightly. Together, we are committed to ensuring that these resources are utilized strategically and effectively to address these emerging challenges.
One of our primary objectives is to enhance our department’s ability to proactively police and adapt to changes in our community. We are dedicated to achieving this in a manner that is objective, measurable, and sustainable over the long term. Nothing is more important to us than the safety and welfare of the residents, students, businesses, employees, and visitors in our community. In line with this, we are introducing new levels of accountability, objectivity, and follow-through in our operational planning.
Part of our strategy includes improving our technological capabilities. We have already invested in three Flock automated license plate reader (ALPR) cameras, which are proving to be invaluable investigative tools. With the additional funding, we plan to add nine more cameras, ensuring comprehensive coverage throughout the city. Additionally, future investments will include advancements in language translation, mental health, and new arrival-related services, enhancing our ability to communicate and effectively serve all community members. This is a critical step in ensuring inclusivity and accessibility in our law enforcement efforts, matching the diversity in needs of the community.
Furthermore, we are taking steps to bridge the gap created by reduced revenues coming from the State of Wisconsin and University in relation to the police and dispatch services we provide (reductions totaling over $400,000 in 2024). This is an essential part of our strategy to maintain high-quality services without compromising our commitment to community safety or reducing our ability to serve and protect State owned property and the University population.
Understanding the necessity of proper staffing, we have initiated the Request for Proposals (RFP) process for a law enforcement staffing study with an outside firm, funded in advance by the Common Council. The findings of this study, expected by the first quarter of 2024, will guide our future steps, including the possibility of a referendum for law enforcement services. We are also financially prepared to go through the referendum process if the recommended staffing measures exceed the governing body’s ability to implement solutions. This demonstrates our strategic foresight and readiness to follow through with the likely outcomes as well as our commitment to engage the taxpayers of the community in the process.
Bottom line: our staff remains dedicated to providing proactive and efficient law enforcement services based on objectively assessed needs and embracing the diversity of services required across the City of Whitewater. We are thankful for the Common Council’s support in this endeavor and deeply appreciate the ongoing support from our residents as we strive to meet the evolving needs of our community. We ask for your patience and understanding as we work to build a Whitewater that everyone is proud to call home.
Most importantly, together, we pledge to bring about a safer, more secure Whitewater.
Respectfully,
Dan Meyer, Chief of Police
John S. Weidl, City Manager
Fort HealthCare Announces New Pulmonary and Sleep Medicine Department
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/.
Library Open House to Celebrate Fundraising Achievement
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.