Lynn Binnie

Brian Schanen Announces Intent to Run for District 4 Council Position

Brian Schanen

My name is Brian Schanen, and I am announcing my intent to run for City of Whitewater Council District 4 in the Spring 2024 election.  The actions of certain members of the common council over the last few months have demonstrated that they are more interested in the interests of a few, over the interests of the hardworking taxpayers of Whitewater.  I have become alarmed by the actions of certain members of the council as they attempt to waste taxpayer dollars, and city employee time, to handle differences in personality versus the substantive issues facing our community.

Over the last year, because of the hard work of our city employees, Whitewater has seen more development than it had for many years prior including creation of the first strategic plan** in recent history and a 1.9 million dollar grant to increase affordable housing that is, by design, owner occupied. After the past week, it is clear that this progress has been in spite of council members, instead of in concert with. City employees should be commended for their hard work.

As I establish my campaign I will listen to the members of the community and what is important to you. It is long past due that the city council works for the community it serves.

The city sits on the brink of doing some incredible things. The attacks on the city manager, city employees, and city residents must stop, or we risk losing far more than just a city manager. Our reputation among neighboring communities will tumble, there will be more turnover, and City Council meetings will be far more divided. Additionally, the city’s budget still sits in a precarious position, and spending dollars we do not have, or have not budgeted, is a recipe for disaster.

I am running to celebrate the amazing things this city has, and its bright future. This means supporting our city employees, making sound, strategic and financial decisions, expanding our tax base to ease the burden on taxpayers, and being laser focused on implementing the city’s strategic plan.

When you see my name, Brian Schanen, on the ballot next spring, please vote for me.

**The Strategic Plan (Passed on June 6, 2023)

1.       Incentivize development of single-family homes
2.       Find ways to communicate without a newspaper (to a wide variety of constituents)
3.       Support a thriving business community.
4.       Improve and communicate recruitment and retention efforts.
5.       Prioritize expenditures with available resources.

Lakes Advisory Committee Forming – Applicants Welcome

Editor’s note: The following press release was received from the City of Whitewater.

The City of Whitewater is forming a Lakes Advisory Committee to help with the lakes management of Trippe and Cravath Lake.

Due to the community’s frustration towards Trippe and Cravath Lakefront, the city has decided to focus the surge of community buzz around this topic and create the Lakes Advisory Committee. This Committee will oversee the beautification of the City’s lakes.

The Committee will be made up of a minimum of three and a maximum of five people; additionally, there will be an alternate that
serves on this committee. To serve on this committee you must be a resident of the city of Whitewater or have expertise related to lake preservation and enhancement.

Expertise in this area is defined as knowledge, skills, and experience, including but not limited to environmental science, conservation, water management, hydrology, ecology, algology, marine biology, and other relevant professional experience. Please note that the committee can ask potential members to provide information about their background and experience.

By forming the Lakes Advisory Committee and actively seeking members with expertise in lake preservation and enhancement, the City of Whitewater is making a positive and hopeful step towards effectively managing Trippe and Cravath Lake. Through their knowledge, skills, and experience, these committee members will work towards addressing previous issues and creating a better future for these lakes and their community. With this dedicated effort, success in lakefront management is a promising possibility.

Interested persons can apply to be considered for the Lakes Advisory Committee here.

Creation of Lakes Advisory Committee

Obituary: Susan Jean Stanley, 78

Susan Jean Stanley, 78, died of cancer at home in Prairie Village, Whitewater, Wisconsin, October 23, 2023.

Sue was born July 20, 1945, in Gladwin, MI, the first child of Stuart R. “Bud” Kirvan and Annalee Partridge Kirvan. Bud Kirvan was a newspaper man and later a well-known public relations executive and newspaper columnist, and her mother a registered nurse.

In her early years she followed her dad to numerous local high school games which gave her a lifelong love of sports. She attended several schools as her family moved around the state and graduated from
the University of Michigan High School in Ann Arbor in 1963 and Michigan State University in 1967. Her major was math and her minor geography. She was a member of the Alpha Delta Phi Sorority.

After teaching mathematics in Flushing and Southfield, MI for several years and earning a master’s degree from MSU in 1971, she signed on to teach math with the Department of Defense Dependents Schools in Seoul, Korea. In her second year she transferred to Okinawa where she met and married Tom Stanley, a high school history teacher from Wisconsin, “a lucky break,” Tom said. Together they taught in the Philippines, Japan, Korea and Germany before returning to the United States in 1989. Their son, Howard, was born in 1978 in Japan. In their two decades overseas, they traveled widely in Asia and also in Europe when completing round the world flights back to the States for summer vacation. Sue always said that next to marrying Tom, the best thing she ever did was to work overseas. They had many authentic overseas adventures.

Back on U.S. soil, Sue and Tom taught at Canterbury School, a small private institution in Fort Wayne, IN for the last decade of their teaching careers where Howard graduated in 1996.

In 1981 and every year afterwards, they summered in or around Bay View, MI near Petoskey where they moved full time in their first phase of retirement and where she embarked on a short but fruitful career as a teller and bookkeeper at First Community Bank in Harbor Springs. They moved to Whitewater in 2009.

Sue was extremely well organized and had an iron-clad sense of what should be done and how to do it. Tom once caught her signing a hotel register as “Mr. and Mrs. Susan Stanley,” a joke but illustrative of their relationship. In more recent years she has used her executive powers to keep her two much-loved grandchildren shaped up. All said, she was tolerant and reasonable and a valued friend to many. Never a jokester, in her final days she surprised everyone with a sardonic wit that she kept hidden for years.

In her teaching days she often had taken the lead in organizing school projects such as graduation ceremonies and educators’ days, all very well done as you can imagine. Always a popular and effective teacher, in retirement in Whitewater she found new ways to shine, active in local women’s clubs, taking her turn in leading the never-ending effort to preserve one of Whitewater’s distinguished old homes and in keeping track of and delivering “Meals on Wheels,” and served as an enthusiastic volunteer at the Fort Atkinson Hospital. In addition, she was a veritable “Queen of the Bridge Table” and was a sympathetic and caring neighbor in Prairie Village and the Whitewater community. She was once named Fairhaven’s “Resident of the Month” and was called the “Energizer Bunny.” As a sports fan, she converted to the Packers long ago and the Brewers more recently from her Michigan teams. But she always held on to the MSU Spartans through thick and thin.

Sue was preceded in death by her parents, Stuart and Annalee Kirvan and is survived by her husband, Tom of Whitewater, son Howard, daughter-in-law Karrie and grandchildren Ryan and Kate of Chicago, siblings Anya (David) Jones of Boulder, CO, Nancy Kirvan of Petoskey, MI and Tom Kirvan of Birmingham, MI, nephews Andrew Harris and wife, Amy, of Longmont, CO, Jesse Kirvan of Park City, UT and Aaron (Mary) Peters and their daughters Leanna and Kennedy of Pinehurst, NC.

The family thanks the people of Whitewater and Prairie Village and other places they lived for being wonderful neighbors through her illness, and Rainbow Hospice, especially Nurse Kendra, and Nitardy Funeral Services, Whitewater. Special heartfelt thanks to Sue’s sister, Nan Kirvan, who stayed with us during the three weeks of hospice care.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in her honor can be made to Rainbow Hospice Care. (https://rainbowhospicecare.org) or Project Mercy, a Christian, non- profit school located in Yetebon, Ethiopia. (https://www.projectmercy.org/)

Respecting her wishes, there will be no public services. There will be a family scattering of the ashes at the Greenwood Cemetery in Petoskey in the summer of 2024. Online condolences may be made at
www.nitardyfuneralhome.com

Thank You Whitewater from the Food Pantry

Editor’s note: The following word of thanks was received from Patricia Chaput.

The Whitewater Community Food Pantry wishes to thank everyone for their support of “Stuff the Bus” which was held in September. The event was conducted by the Whitewater High School Student Council during Homecoming Week. All Whitewater schools participated in this event and together they collected 2,640 pounds of food. The high school students were responsible for loading the food on the bus and delivering it to the food pantry. We thank all students from all the schools for their hard work in support of this event. Beth Arnett, the Event Coordinator, and Lead teachers Amy Houwers and Anne Cresswell helped Beth, and Dave Nelson provided the bus. We thank all of them for their time and dedication to this yearly event. Needless to say, we are extremely grateful.

We also wish to thank the Whitewater University students involved with the Community Garden for their hard work. They have been bringing in fresh produce every week throughout the summer. Thank you to our local farmers and gardeners who also bring in produce from their crops.

Whitewater churches and friends of the food pantry are also very generous in support of the Whitewater Community Food Pantry. With the end of September, the pantry has three hundred and fifteen families who are in need of help.

Currently, during the month of October, we are signing patrons up for the Thanksgiving meal which will include the meat of choice: turkey, ham, chicken or ground beef and the fixings for the Thanksgiving dinner. The Thanksgiving meal will be given out November 15 and 16 during regular hours. The pantry is open every Wednesday and Thursday, 8:30 to 11:30 a.m.

The Whitewater Community Food Pantry will be closed Thanksgiving Day November 23, 2023.

League Book Study on Equity, Diversity, Inclusion & Social Justice Continues

The League of Women Voters Whitewater Area’s Book Club’s second discussion of Sissy: A Coming-of-Gender Story by Jacob Tobia, will be held on Thursday, October 26, 6-8 p.m., in the Irvin L Young Memorial Library in Whitewater. Part II (pgs 98-174) of the book will be discussed. Sissy is a complex, moving and enlightening memoir written by a gender non-conforming writer. Tobia inspires readers to open their minds and experience his fascinating journey of gender positivity.

Books are reserved at the Whitewater Public Library. League members and the general public are invited to fully participate in discussions of this engaging memoir. Refreshments will be served!  If you have any questions, please contact Dwight C. Watson at dwight.watsondcw@gmail.com or call 920-542-8601.

The League of Women Voters is a nonpartisan political organization that encourages informed and active participation in government, works to increase understanding of major public policy issues and influences public policy through education and advocacy. Visit our website at https://my.lwv.org/wisconsin/whitewater-area and like us on Facebook!

Territorial Oak Tree is Being Removed on Tuesday – Franklin St. Will Be Closed

According to the City of Whitewater Public Works Department, on Tuesday morning October 24th the street department will be closing N. Franklin St. for the removal of the Territorial Oak Tree. There will be a hard closure at W Main St. Homes and Fairhaven will be accessible from W Starin Rd. The closure will be removed as soon as work is complete.

The Territorial Oak tree and site are Local Landmarks. The site includes a Bur Oak tree dating to 1800 or before that was used as the fixed point from which U.S. federal land surveyors platted the village of Whitewater in 1836.

Unfortunately the tree has been in decline for a number of years and recently has been deemed to be dying.

The following Banner articles provide further information about the tree.

“Landmark Trek: The territorial burr oak tree and its impending end,” posted September 17, 2023 – This article includes a link to the Landmark Trek video about the tree.
  https://whitewaterbanner.com/landmark-trek-the-territorial-burr-oak-tree-and-its-impending-end/

“#FlashbackFriday with the Historical Society: The Territorial Oak,” January 20, 2021
https://whitewaterbanner.com/flashback-friday-with-the-historical-society-the-territorial-oak/

“Territorial Oak Site Designated as Local Landmark,” March 26, 2019
https://whitewaterbanner.com/territorial-oak-site-designated-as-local-landmark/

Ghoul’s Night Out – Tonight 4-7 at Many Businesses

Editor’s note: In previous years, Ghoul’s Night Out has still been held in spite of inclement weather, so it’s probably safe to assume that it will not be canceled by rain tonight.

Start your Halloween celebrations right! Join the Whitewater Area Chamber of Commerce and local businesses on Main Street and beyond for a ghoulish good time of scavenger hunts, trick or treating, costume contest, fright or delight, and more!

Participating Businesses doing Trick-or-Treat Inside or Outside:
The Sweet Spot Bakehouse and Cafe
Whitewater Cinemas
Fairfield Inn & Suites Whitewater
BaristaCats Cafe
advance auto parts
Culver’s
Revamp Nutrition
Associated Bank
Burtness Chevrolet
HSI RENTALS
Fort Community Credit Union
Whitewater Arts Alliance
Underground Cutz
Whitewater Family Dentistry
Arby’s
Whitewater Fire/EMS
The Vinery Stained Glass Studio
Rocky Rococo
SteveO’s Flip Flops & Tank Tops
Mercyhealth Whitewater
QDOBA
Botanica Beauty Parlour
The Book Teller
Mainstreet Laundromat (Officer Stuppy and K9 Tilla will be there handing out candy!)
SSM Health
FCCU
Rosas Pizza
Whitewater Walmart (with Whitewater Police Department!)
First Citizens State Bank
McCullough’s LTC Pharmacy
M.E. & My Pets
Cozumel
Subway

Businesses Offering a Game/Activity:
The Sweet Spot Bakehouse and Cafe
Whitewater Cinemas
BaristaCats Cafe
Revamp Nutrition
Whitewater Nutrition
Associated Bank
Burtness Chevrolet
Whitewater Arts Alliance
Whitewater Family Dentistry
The Vinery Stained Glass Studio
Mercyhealth Whitewater
Walworth-Jefferson County Chapter of the Ice Age Trail
Productive Living Systems
Whitewater 4-H Club – (Will be set up at Saint Patrick Church’s corner)
Rosas Pizza

Businesses Participating in the Scavenger Hunt (grab forms at the Chamber office or at the business!):
The Sweet Spot Bakehouse
The Sweet Spot Cafe
Whitewater Cinemas
Fairfield Inn & Suites Whitewater
BaristaCats Cafe
Advance Auto Parts
Culver’s
Revamp Nutrition
Associated Bank
Burtness Chevrolet
Whitewater Arts Alliance
Underground Cutz
Whitewater Family Dentistry
Whitewater Fire/EMS
The Vinery Stained Glass Studio
Rocky Rococo
Mercyhealth Whitewater
QDOBA
Botanica Beauty Parlour
Center Street Cafe
The Book Teller

Businesses that will be set up along the sidewalk outside the Chamber’s office!
BaristaCats Cafe
Whitewater Nutrition
Walworth-Jefferson County Chapter of the Ice Age Trail
Productive Living Systems
Ferradermis Robotics
City of Whitewater Parks & Recreation
Whitewater Grocery Co. 

Lions Annual Halloween Pancake Breakfast – Next Sunday

Whitewater Lions Club Annual Dine-in and/or Take-out Pancake Breakfast

Welcome back to the Whitewater Lions Club annual Pancake Breakfast, Sunday, October 29th , from 8:00 to 11:00 a.m. Although there is a chill in the air, there is warmth and hospitality being dished out along with the eggs, sausage, and pancakes at the Whitewater Lions Club, located at N7462 Kettle Moraine Drive. Freshly brewed
steaming hot coffee, cold milk and juice are included.

Dine-in or Take-out, there will be treats for the kids and a 50/50 cash raffle with bonus prizes for the adults.

Profits from the breakfast and your donations of non-perishable food items will be donated to the Whitewater Food Pantry. Thank you for your generous freewill donations.

Editor’s note: The above announcement was provided by the Whitewater Lions Club.

Local Resident Represents UW-W at WI Nonprofit Summit

UW-W scholarship recipients Madison Adams, Heather Ackerly, Hayley Pfaff, Bradley J. Burt, and Sydney Johnson, joined by Jessie Dugan of Whitewater, third from right. (Photo courtesy of Ruth Hansen.)

Editor’s note: The following announcement was received from UW-Whitewater.

Sydney Johnson from Whitewater, who is studying [towards her Master’s degree in] Social Work at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater, represented the university at the Wisconsin Nonprofit Summit on July 27-28 in Milwaukee.

The summit featured national-level speakers and three learning tracks: Leadership, Financial Sustainability and Marketing and Communications.

UW-Whitewater’s Institute for Nonprofit Management Studies sponsored five scholarships for students, alumni, staff and community members involved in nonprofit services. Participants had the opportunity to network with professionals in the nonprofit field

Located within the College of Business and Economics’ Department of Management, the Institute for Nonprofit Management Studies promotes the study and practice of nonprofit management at UW-Whitewater and within the larger community. The Institute focuses on relevant research, energized education and community co-production to strengthen Wisconsin communities.

Editor’s note: Johnson is the Director of Case Management Services at Bethel House.

To learn more about the Institute, visit https://www.uww.edu/cobe/non-profit.

Winter Parking Hours Go into Effect on November 1

Editor’s note: The following press release was provided by the City of Whitewater Department of Public Works.

The City of Whitewater would like to remind everyone that winter parking hours go into effect [beginning at 12:01 a.m.] on November 1, 2023.

It is unlawful for the operator or owner of any vehicle to park the vehicle on any street in the City between the hours of 2 a.m. and 6 a.m. on any day from November 1, 2023, through March 31, 2024, except as hereinafter provided:

  • Physicians and surgeons shall be permitted to park vehicles at any time when the physician is on emergency call.
  • Parking shall be permitted in the downtown parking area after 5 a.m. of such period.
  • By special advance arrangement with the Public Works Director.

    Any person who violates the provisions of this ordinance shall be subject to the penalties and provisions set forth in Sections 11.56.010(4) and 11.56.010(5) of the Municipal Code.