According to the Rock County Public Works website, the closure for paving and culvert replacement on County Highway N, which extends from the western end of Walworth Street, is now expected to continue through October 20. Originally this project was planned to be completed by August 31, with the completion date subsequently being delayed to September 29, and most recently, October 13.
Meanwhile, the state Department of Transportation website still projects that the Highway 12 reconstruction between Whitewater and Fort Atkinson is anticipated to be completed on November 3. Originally it was indicated that work might be continuing until sometime in December.
Editor’s note: The Banner appreciates having permission to use the image on the homepage by Esmoth from Pixabay.
By Angela Kelm Asst. Athletic Director for Sports Information
The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater football team heads to UW-River Falls to take on the league-leader this Saturday. Kickoff is slated for 1 p.m. | Game Notes PDF
IN THE POLLS UWW: #7 D3football.com (down four spots) / #11 American Football Coaches Association (down eight) UWRF: #4 D3football.com (up one) / #4 AFCA (up one)
LAST TIME OUT The Warhawks fell to UW-La Crosse 37-34 on a field goal as time ran out last week. UWW came back from a 14-point fourth quarter deficit to knot the game 34-34 with just under six minutes left, but a late drive for the Eagles set up the game-winning field goal.
Alec Ogden (Marshall, Wis./Monona Grove) was 10-16 for 154 yards and a pair of passing touchdowns. He added 72 yards and two more scores on the ground. Alijah Maher-Parr (Wauwatosa, Wis./Arrowhead) was responsible for 177 of the team’s 427 yards of offense. The running back went for 113 yards on seven carries with a rushing touchdown and added a single reception for a 64-yard score.
Defensively, Joey Antonietti (La Grange, Ill./Lyons Township) led the Warhawks for the second consecutive week with 14 tackles including seven solo. Hawk Heffner (Grafton, Wis./Grafton) and Kyle Koelblinger (Crystal Lake, Ill./Prairie Ridge) joined Antonietti in double digits with 12 and 11 tackles respectively.
Kamrin Hutt (Schaumburg, Ill./Maine West) had a career game in special teams play. In his first time punting for UWW, Hutt averaged 37.8 yards per punt with a long of 50 yards. He pinned the Eagles inside the 20 on one of his five boots. On the other side of special teams, Hutt got to the Eagles’ punter blocking a kick late in the game to set up UW-Whitewater with a short field.
UW-River Falls scored early and often in a 49-7 win at Eau Claire last week. The Falcons posted 14 points in each of the first three quarters, adding another touchdown in the fourth.
Kaleb Blaha is UWRF’s dominant offensive threat. He was 27-37 for 288 yards and four touchdown passes against the Blugolds. The quarterback added 99 yards on 24 rushing attempts with a TD.
Three Falcon defenders posted six tackles in the contest. Andrew Schumacher posted a solo sack for a loss of 16 yards. Cade Schmidt registered a 53-yard pick-six to lead River Falls.
ON THE AIR Saturday’s game will air live online on the WIAC Network on the UW-River Falls portal. The contest can be heard on 105.9 FM The Hog in the Whitewater area, or online at www.1059thehog.com.
SERIES This is the 65th meeting between the Warhawks and Falcons. UWW leads the all-time series by over 20 wins and currently holds a 20-game win streak over the Falcons.
WHITEWATER – Patti Rohrs (Moen), of Whitewater, passed away peacefully on Monday, Oct. 9, 2023, at the age of 68, with family by her side. Patti was born on Oct. 17, 1954, in Madison, to Arnie and Ginny Moen.
A devoted mother, Patti’s greatest pride in life was her children and grandson. She was a kind and compassionate person who always put others before herself. Patti graduated from La Follette High School with the class of 1972. Patti earned her bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from UW-Whitewater and cherished her time as a teacher and school librarian for the Whitewater School District.
Patti enjoyed spending time with her family, her dog Marley, music by Paul McCartney and listening to the Milwaukee Brewers on her porch. A good book or crossword puzzle could always be found near her side. Her favorite summer days were spent at the St. Dennis festival in Madison, the Syttende Mai festival in Stoughton, the Wisconsin State Fair, and her brother Tom’s annual boat ride. Patti was also a strong supporter of voting rights and worked nearly every election at her local polling station.
Patti is survived by her children, Bobbi Rohrs-MacMillan (Kenneth MacMillan) and Kevin Rohrs, and their father, Rex Rohrs; her grandson, Evan MacMillan; her siblings, Tom Moen and Terri Moen (Estrella Schnering); nephews, Eric (Audrey) Moen and Kyle Moen; and many other family members and friends. She was preceded in death by her father and mother, Arnie and Ginny Moen.
Patti’s kind spirit will be deeply missed by all who knew her. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to your favorite library in Patti’s memory.
This is a huge estate sale! It will be two weekends, with the first half this Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. It is the entire main floor of the home! We may even have the garage ready by then!! (We don’t have the garage pictured yet, so it would be a SURPRISE! It is FULL!!!!)
N7545 Esker Ct Whitewater, WI 53190
Thurs., Oct. 12 10-4. Fri. & Sat., Oct. 13 & 14 9-4 both days
And Thurs., Oct. 19 10-4, Fri. & Sat., Oct. 20 and 21 9-4 both days
Versiti is the primary blood supplier for Southeastern Wisconsin, as well as Lakeland and Fort Hospitals. Donations have been down and there is definitely a need for more volunteers. Please consider making an appointment by clicking here today. Save time by answering the questionnaire at home; this cannot be done before Friday.
Mrs. Patricia Ann Mikkelsen, age 91, passed away peacefully on October 8, 2023, in Dyer, TN. She was born on February 17, 1932, to Melvin & Fern Pieper in Freeport, Illinois. Her family moved to Wisconsin where she involved herself in many activities and graduated from Whitewater High School.
Patricia was married to Lawrence Mikkelsen for 73 years. They moved their family to Dyer, TN in 1971, where she led a full, productive, selfless life, nurturing and loving on so many in her family. She was a member of First United Methodist Church in Dyer and worked at Poly-M Contractors.
Patricia is survived by her husband, Lawrence ‘Larry’ Mikkelsen; her children, Mike Mikkelsen (Nancy Newman), Debby O’Brien (Tim), Tom Mikkelsen (Cindy), Kathy Spero, Chris Parker (Randy), Julie Boyd (Johnny); thirteen grandchildren; thirty great-grandchildren; siblings, Dale Pieper (Dorothy), Delmar Pieper (Mary), Ronette Steinke (Dave), Daryl Pieper (Darlene); Jim Pieper (Kathy); several nieces & nephews; and other extended family members.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Melvin & Fern Pieper; brother, John Pieper; daughter, Shari Mikkelsen; son-in-law, Paul Spero; and sister-in-law, Judi Pieper.
Graveside services will be held at 2 PM, Wednesday, October 11, 2023, at Oakwood Cemetery with Rev. Brent Porterfield officiating. Pallbearers are Brandon Reese, Bradley Reese, James Wheeler, Cam Clark, Gage Mikkelsen, and Jeremy Mikkelsen.
The family would like to extend their gratitude to the Dyer Nursing and Rehabilitation Center nursing staff for their compassionate care. She was loved by many and will be missed tremendously by everyone.
Karnes & Son Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Mrs. Patricia Ann Mikkelsen.
Editor’s note: The following announcement was provided by John Weidl on October 11.
Dear Whitewater Community,
I trust this message finds you in good health and spirits.
Recently, I explored a professional opportunity in Salem Lakes, WI, making it to the final rounds of consideration. However, the overwhelming support I received from you – including residents, elected officials, staff, committee members, business owners, and other developers still looking to start projects in Whitewater – has profoundly influenced my decision to withdraw my candidacy and continue serving as your City Manager in Whitewater.
Your encouragement and the collective achievements we’ve celebrated in affordable housing policy, Fire and EMS response times, staff recruitment and retention, and strategic planning have not only positively impacted our community but have also deeply affected me as a public servant.
I am invigorated by the recent renewed public participation in local government and the support for our staff and Strategic Plan. Rest assured, my dedication to advancing single family-style housing, commercial development, enhancing communication, supporting our local businesses, refining recruitment and retention strategies, and prudent management of our resources remains steadfast.
Whitewater’s encouragement, support, and vibrant, community-focused spirit are truly inspiring. Together, let’s continue to forge a path of growth and success for our beloved City of Whitewater.
With heartfelt gratitude, I am eager to get back to work.
Editor’s note: Updated on 10/12 at 1:40 p.m. to add Finance Committee information.
City of Whitewater Plan & Architectural Review Commission – Monday @ 6:00 p.m. Agendaincludes proposed Dollar Tree store at Main Street & Indian Mound Parkway Whitewater Municipal Building Community Room, 312 West Whitewater St. *In Person and Virtual Please join the meeting from your computer, tablet or smartphone. https://meet.goto.com/457869101 You can also dial in using your phone. Access Code: 457-869-101 United States: +1 (646) 749-3122
Irvin L. Young Library Board of Trustees Special Meeting – Monday @ 6:30 p.m. *Virtual Only Agenda includes appointment of a search committee for recruitment of a new director Citizens are welcome (and encouraged) to join our webinar via computer, smart phone, or telephone. Citizen participation is welcome during topic discussion periods. Join Zoom Meeting https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89836098082?pwd=eFdsbUN0OFpKVGZEd3hVWmxTVDRZQT09 Meeting ID: 898 3609 8082 Passcode: Fy3mzVUA Dial 1 312 626 6799 Meeting ID: 898 3609 8082 Passcode: 43662177
City of Whitewater Finance Committee – Tuesday @ 6:00 p.m. Whitewater Municipal Building Community Room, 312 West Whitewater St. *In Person and Virtual Agenda includes 2024-25 budget review (1 of 3) Please join the meeting from your computer, tablet or smartphone. https://meet.goto.com/363127693 You can also dial in using your phone. Access Code: 363-127-693 United States: +1 (408) 650-3123 Get the app now and be ready when your first meeting starts: https://meet.goto.com/install
Special Common Council Meeting for City of Whitewater and Whitewater Unified School District School Board – Wednesday @ 6:00 p.m. Whitewater Municipal Building Community Room, 312 West Whitewater St., Whitewater, WI 53190 *In Person and Virtual Agenda is discussion of proposals regarding Whitewater Aquatic & Fitness Center Editor’s note: The School Board agenda does not allow for any action to be taken. Please click the link below to join the webinar: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/89566428404?pwd=7jg9bYeGD4yQEPlBT44HEf36bzMZYg.bnxxm1v6SEt2ZN WX Telephone: +1 312 626 6799 Webinar ID: 895 6642 8404 Passcode: 834563
City of Whitewater Finance Committee – Thursday @ 6:00 p.m. Agenda = ’24-25 budget draft review Please join the meeting from your computer, tablet or smartphone. https://meet.goto.com/403877333 You can also dial in using your phone. Access Code: 403-877-333 United States: +1 (571) 317-3122 Get the app now and be ready when your first meeting starts: https://meet.goto.com/install
UW System President Jay Rothman on October 10 unveiled the Universities of Wisconsin, a new name and identity that emphasizes the constellation of Wisconsin’s 13 public universities.
The Universities of Wisconsin will replace the University of Wisconsin System as the preferred way to describe the universities. The new name will be accompanied by new brand graphics, including a logo, mark, and map.
“The Universities of Wisconsin is the best way to describe our thirteen excellent universities,” Rothman said. “This new name rightfully shifts the focus from the System to the Universities that are providing opportunities to the students and families we serve.”
“We have thirteen universities with one mission – to make Wisconsin Future Ready. For All,” added Karen Walsh, Board of Regents President. “I am proud to represent the Universities of Wisconsin, and everyone in our state can take pride in all the universities do to improve lives and communities.”
Gov. Tony Evers issued a proclamation to mark the occasion as “Universities of Wisconsin Week.”
Rothman announced the new name and identity at UW-Eau Claire, accompanied by Chancellor Jim Schmidt.
The announcement included a new video featuring the voice of Rothman’s predecessor, former Gov. Tommy Thompson.
“I have often said the Universities of Wisconsin are one of the state’s greatest assets, aside from its people,” Thompson said. “I have always been – and always will be – a champion of our universities.”
Citing Gov. Evers’ ongoing support for Wisconsin public higher education, Rothman welcomed the bipartisan support for the Universities of Wisconsin and said he would continue advocating with lawmakers of both parties to advance the 13 universities.
Rothman said that while he and others will begin referring to the Universities of Wisconsin immediately, the University of Wisconsin System will remain the official legal name of the state’s public universities.
Over the next several months, officials with the Universities of Wisconsin will transition written materials, web pages, letterhead, and other elements to reflect the new identity. The transition is expected to be finalized in early 2024.
“In 2024 we will have a fresh look, with a focus on our students and the 13 universities that provide the foundation for developing talent in Wisconsin,” Rothman said.
“Our new identity aims to broaden awareness of our universities across the state,” Rothman said. “We believe the Universities of Wisconsin identity is more relatable for students, families, and employers.”
The public will hear more about the Universities of Wisconsin in the weeks and months ahead, Rothman said, including during additional stops on the OpportUWnity Tour he launched in late September.
