Lynn Binnie

Rain Was No Match for Creek Cleanup Volunteers

Editor’s note: The following was submitted by Jeff Weigel.

The rain last week was no match for the hearty group of volunteers who began clearing brush and invasives along Whitewater Creek at Brewery Hill Park! Thanks to all who were able to make it and lend a hand, and to the City of Whitewater staff for their extra chipping efforts. Join us again this Wednesday, July 19 at 5:00 p.m. to see progress and keep the momentum going!

Click the link, or send an email to friendsofwhitewatercreek@gmail.com to learn more and get involved:
https://forms.gle/4bkrv64EcbjnG8ZA7

Local Student Named to Dean’s List at Colorado School of Mines

Cooper Hammond of Whitewater was placed on the spring semester Dean’s List at Colorado School of Mines in Golden, Colorado.

Colorado School of Mines is a public R1 research university focused on science and engineering, producing the talent, knowledge and innovations to serve industry and benefit society – all to create a more prosperous future.

Editor’s note: “R1 research university” is a designation made by the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Higher Education (Carnegie), signifying very high research activity. R1 universities are at the forefront of research and innovation, and they receive federal and/or private funding specifically for their academic research. Carnegie has classified approximately 146 U.S. institutions as having R1 status.

UW-W Professor Selected for WI Teaching Fellows & Scholars Program

The University of Wisconsin System announced on July 14 the selection of the 2023–2024 Wisconsin Teaching Fellows & Scholars.

This year’s program participants come from the System’s 11 comprehensive universities and UW-Milwaukee. Wisconsin Teaching Fellows and Scholars must demonstrate excellent teaching skills and have a curiosity about student learning to be nominated by Provosts. The yearlong program begins in mid-June and will culminate with a research presentation at the annual Spring Conference on Teaching and Learning in Madison.

The program provides UW faculty and teaching academic staff a unique opportunity to collaborate with other exceptional teachers from across the UW System and from various disciplines. In addition to discussing influential literature, participants are guided through systematic research focused on improving student learning through a Scholarship of Teaching and Learning (SoTL) project, the 23rd year of using this format.

The Wisconsin Teaching Fellows & Scholars is one of three signature programs offered by the UW System’s Office of Professional and Instructional Development (OPID). OPID supports UW System’s 13 Centers for Teaching and Learning in fostering a culture of teaching and learning excellence in Wisconsin. Together they offer professional development programs that ensure student learning in face-to-face, online, and blended learning environments. Fay Akindes is OPID Director.

The Wisconsin Teaching Fellows & Scholars program is directed by two faculty leaders, Valerie Barske, a history professor at UW-Stevens Point, and Heather Pelzel, a biology professor at UW-Whitewater.

The 2023–2024 Wisconsin Teaching Fellows & Scholars are:

  • Anna Cook, UW-Eau Claire, Chemistry and Biochemistry
  • Damar Kovačević, UW-Eau Claire, Political Science
  • Kimberley Reilly, UW-Green Bay, History
  • Cord Brundage, UW-La Crosse, Comparative Animal Physiology
  • Kate Evans, UW-La Crosse, Recreation Management
  • Eugenia Turov, UW-La Crosse, Chemistry and Biochemistry
  • Megan Orcholski, UW-Milwaukee, Communication
  • Hilary Snow, UW-Milwaukee, Honors College (Art History and Asian Studies)
  • Lisa Shreibersdorf, UW Oshkosh, Literature
  • Maria Franshaw, UW-Parkside, Teacher Education – Mathematics
  • Hilary Rasmussen, UW-Parkside, Communication
  • Ganapathy Natarajan, UW-Platteville, Industrial Engineering
  • Sarah Strange, UW-Platteville, Theatre
  • Chris Holtkamp, UW-River Falls, Plant and Earth Sciences 
  • Erik Kline, UW-River Falls, English
  • Lauren Gantz, UW-Stevens Point, Multiethnic Literature, Postcolonial Literature, and Women’s and Gender Studies
  • Sarah Ross, UW-Stevens Point, Theatre Design and Technology
  • Erica Ringelspaugh, UW-Stevens Point, English
  • Kenneth Mullins, UW-Stout, Business
  • Vivek Singhal, UW-Stout, Engineering
  • Joshua Stangle, UW-Superior, Mathematics
  • Jennifer Vogler, UW-Superior, Educational Administration
  • Rashiqa Kamal, UW-Whitewater, Finance
  • Courtney Wilt, UW-Whitewater, Special Education

This Week’s City Meetings

Irvin L. Young Memorial Library Board of Trustees – Monday @ 6:30 p.m.
Agenda includes update on capital campaign.
Community Room
431 W. Center Street
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89929656951?pwd=dmd4QkppL2FDMXA5WURjcy8rZ0dHdz09
Meeting ID: 899 2965 6951
Passcode: EzXQ7vJz
Dial by your location or 312-626-6799
Find your local number: https://us02web.zoom.us/u/kdOOtERhEl
Meeting ID: 899 2965 6951
Passcode: 50657151

City of Whitewater Common Council – Tuesday @ 6:30 p.m.
Agenda includes Spectrum TV station update, action plan Aquatic Center, ordinance amending Chapter 5.36 mobile homes and mobile home parks, discussion regarding Twin Oaks annual mobile home permit, discussion regarding Affordable Housing Incentive Policy, and purchase of Badger Books for voting. Also, closed session: Items to be
discussed: 1) Negotiation of Aquatic and Fitness Center Agreement with School District 2) Aldi Development Agreement and 3) Bargaining Negotiation with Police Union.
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/87364601150?pwd=cG1SV3JxeHh1UjN1c080Vy9DVldzQT09
Passcode: 716379
Or dial 1 312 626 6799 US
Webinar ID: 873 6460 1150
Passcode: 716379

City of Whitewater Community Development Authority Board of Directors – Thursday @ 5:30 p.m.
Agenda includes Updates to Commercial Façade Loan Program Manual, Status of Vacant Land listing Contract for sale of City‐owned properties, Status of Recruitment for Economic Development Director Position. Also closed session, followed by open session: ALDI’s development agreement.
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.
Join from a PC, Mac, iPad, iPhone or Android device:
Please click this URL to join.
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/84275444343?pwd=aTZGSnpuZmhpNCtzQ1FrNUZuWVh4Zz09
Passcode: 947960
Or join by phone: 312‐626‐6799
Webinar ID: 842 7544 4343
Passcode: 947960

Local Students Graduate from UW-W

The following students earned degrees from the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater at spring commencement, held May 13, 2023.

-53190, Whitewater, WI : Asobo Afah graduated Magna Cum Laude with the following degree: Computer Science – Bachelor of Science

-53190, Whitewater, WI : Kaylie Ault graduated with the following degree: Accounting – Bachelor of Business Administration

-53190, Whitewater, WI : Eric Barber graduated with the following degree: Business Administration – Doctor of Business Administration

-53190, Whitewater, WI : Joshua Bezzo graduated with the following degree: Marketing – Bachelor of Business Administration

-53190, Whitewater, WI : Madeline Born graduated with the following degree: Psychology – Bachelor of Arts

-53190, Whitewater, WI : Alex Bretl graduated with the following degree: Computer Science – Bachelor of Science

-53190, Whitewater, WI : David Brodel graduated with the following degree: Computer Science – Master of Science

-53190, Whitewater, WI : Jake Burford graduated Magna Cum Laude with the following degree: Occupational Safety – Bachelor of Science

-53190, Whitewater, WI : Molly Burger graduated with the following degree: Social Work – Master of Social Work

-53190, Whitewater, WI : Ariana Christianson graduated with the following degree: Marketing – Bachelor of Business Administration

-53190, Whitewater, WI : Michael Coates graduated with the following degree: Elementary Education – Bachelor of Science in Education

-53190, Whitewater, WI : Ivan Cortez graduated Summa Cum Laude with the following degree: Marketing – Bachelor of Business Administration

-53190, Whitewater, WI : Justin Cox graduated with the following degree: Finance – Bachelor of Business Administration

-53190, Whitewater, WI : Dylan DuClos graduated with the following degree: Liberal Arts – Associate of Arts

-53190, Whitewater, WI : Joshua Esparza graduated Magna Cum Laude with the following degree: Psychology – Bachelor of Science

-53190, Whitewater, WI : Sophia Fenger graduated Magna Cum Laude with the following degree: English – Bachelor of Science in Education

-53190, Whitewater, WI : Elizabeth Gomez graduated with the following degree: Liberal Arts – Associate of Arts and Sciences

-53190, Whitewater, WI : Ralph Hahn graduated with the following degree: Supply Chain Management – Bachelor of Business Administration

-53190, Whitewater, WI : Madison Hawkins graduated Cum Laude with the following degree: Elementary Education – Bachelor of Science in Education

-53190, Whitewater, WI : Margaret Helbig graduated Summa Cum Laude with the following degree: Public Policy and Administration – Bachelor of Science

-53190, Whitewater, WI : Tyler Hentrich graduated with the following degree: Marketing – Bachelor of Business Administration

-53190, Whitewater, WI : Elbee-Fae Ascherl graduated Magna Cum Laude with the following degree: Women’s and Gender Studies – Bachelor of Arts

-53190, Whitewater, WI : Danielle Klais graduated with the following degree: Environmental Science – Bachelor of Arts

-53190, Whitewater, WI : Felicity Knabenbauer graduated Summa Cum Laude with the following degree: English – Bachelor of Arts

-53190, Whitewater, WI : Abigail Much graduated with the following degree: Counseling – Master of Science

-53190, Whitewater, WI : Jackie Lin graduated Summa Cum Laude with the following degree: Computer Science – Bachelor of Science

-53190, Whitewater, WI : Amy Moore graduated Summa Cum Laude with the following degree: Applied Arts and Sciences – Bachelor of Applied Arts and Sciences

-53190, Whitewater, WI : Miriam Navejas graduated with the following degree: Human Resource Management – Bachelor of Business Administration

-53190, Whitewater, WI : Hunter Nobles graduated with the following degree: Human Resource Management – Bachelor of Business Administration

-53190, Whitewater, WI : Ryan Norton graduated with the following degree: Supply Chain Management – Bachelor of Business Administration

-53190, Whitewater, WI : Meaghan O’Hara graduated with the following degree: Communication – Bachelor of Arts

-53190, Whitewater, WI : Malayna Oswald graduated with the following degree: Social Work – Master of Social Work

-53190, Whitewater, WI : Zachary Paneitz graduated Cum Laude with the following degree: Supply Chain Management – Bachelor of Business Administration

-53190, Whitewater, WI : Bryce Parrish graduated with the following degree: Finance – Bachelor of Business Administration

-53190, Whitewater, WI : Montana Petersen graduated with the following degree: Liberal Arts – Associate of Arts and Sciences

-53190, Whitewater, WI : Corey Puttkamer graduated with the following degree: Information Technology – Bachelor of Business Administration

-53190, Whitewater, WI : Zach Reimann graduated with the following degree: General Business – Bachelor of Business Administration

-53190, Whitewater, WI : Kaylie Rickgauer graduated with the following degree: Sociology – Bachelor of Science

-53190, Whitewater, WI : Alyssa Riley graduated with the following degree: Human Resource Management – Bachelor of Business Administration

-53190, Whitewater, WI : Connor Rohde graduated Summa Cum Laude with the following degree: Chemistry – Bachelor of Science

-53190, Whitewater, WI : David Sackett graduated with the following degree: Business Administration – Master of Business Administration

-53190, Whitewater, WI : Jacob Sadler graduated Summa Cum Laude with the following degree: Supply Chain Management – Bachelor of Business Administration

-53190, Whitewater, WI : Alexsia Saldaris graduated with the following degree: Business Education – Bachelor of Science in Education

-53190, Whitewater, WI : Lukas Schreiber graduated Summa Cum Laude with the following degree: Finance – Bachelor of Business Administration

-53190, Whitewater, WI : Juan Schultz graduated with the following degree: Finance – Bachelor of Business Administration

-53190, Whitewater, WI : Molly Schwieger graduated with the following degree: Counseling – Master of Science

-53190, Whitewater, WI : Bridget Thompson graduated with the following degree: Communication – Bachelor of Arts

-53190, Whitewater, Wis. : Salmai Valadez graduated with the following degree: Business Administration – Master of Business Administration

-53190, Whitewater, WI : Ryan Vedner graduated Cum Laude with the following degree: History – Bachelor of Science in Education

-53190, Whitewater, WI : Ashley Vorndran graduated Magna Cum Laude with the following degree: Management – Bachelor of Business Administration

-53190, Whitewater, WI : Hunter Wade graduated with the following degree: History – Bachelor of Arts

-53190, Whitewater, WI : Tayler Walter graduated with the following degree: Liberal Studies Without a Minor – Bachelor of Science

-53190, Whitewater, WI : LuAnnabelle Wieseman graduated Magna Cum Laude with the following degree: Marketing – Bachelor of Business Administration

-53190, Whitewater, WI : Catherine Yang graduated Cum Laude with the following degree: Journalism – Bachelor of Science

-53190, Whitewater, WI : Jon Zheng graduated Magna Cum Laude with the following degree: Biology – Bachelor of Science

More than 1,500 students crossed the stage to receive their degrees at the ceremony, held at Kachel Fieldhouse in the Williams Center.

Included in the graduates are 98 students who are veterans, 9 international students and 180 nontraditional undergraduate students, defined as undergraduate students who are 25 years of age or older. In addition, 167 self-identified students with disabilities received degrees. Eight graduates of the university’s LIFE Program, which provides a complete college experience for young adults between the ages of 18-25 who have an intellectual disability, earned an advanced certificate.

Obituary: Steven Alan Meisner, 62 (Updated with arrangements)

Steven Alan Meisner, 62, of Whitewater, WI passed away surrounded by his loving family on Thursday, June 1, 2023, at Meriter Hospital in Madison, WI following a brief illness.

Steve was born on April 17, 1961, in Beloit, WI to LaVerne and Judith (Kutz) Meisner. He married Barbara Lindl on May 19, 1985, at First English Lutheran Church in Whitewater.

Steve was a multi-talented musician, entertainer, composer, and arranger who traveled the country and world with his band. He first picked up a squeezebox at age five. After mastering the accordion, he took on the trumpet, tuba, bass guitar, button box, and occasionally drums and banjo. During his over 50-year career he performed with the nation’s top accordionists, polka icons and musicians, sometimes averaging over 250 performances annually. He has either produced, performed on or created nearly 50 projects, including LPs, CDs, singles, jingles, commercials, movies, and videos – including appearing as a guest on other artists’ recordings. He appeared in two movies, countless times on radio and on national, regional and local television. His tireless effort resulted in numerous awards from nearly every polka and ethnic organization including the International Polka Association (IPA), National Cleveland-Style Polka Hall of Fame, Wisconsin Polka Hall of Fame, Wisconsin Area Music Industry (WAMI), Iron World Polka Hall of Fame, Maryland Accordion Club, and many others.  

If he wasn’t entertaining audiences with his music, he was spending time with his wife, three children and six grandchildren, working on his many classic cars, enjoying life on Whitewater Lake, by the pool or on his boat, bird and squirrel watching from his favorite couch in his sunroom, or having a Korbel at his tiki bar with family and friends. His immense love for his family and friends was unmatched. He was always willing to help anyone out in time of need, give sound advice, answer any question or just listen and talk. Everyone knew that Steve was a true friend and would always be there for them. He was a surrogate father and brother to so many as well as a true one-of-a-kind friend to all. As such his care for all had lovingly been dubbed “MeisnerCare” by those close to him.

He is survived by his wife Barb Meisner, Whitewater; children Whitney Meisner, Whitewater, Lindsey Meisner (Nik Martin), Whitewater, Austin Meisner (Madison Holverson), Whitewater; siblings Daniel Meisner, Vashon, WA and Michelle (John) Bush, Milton. He is also survived by his grandchildren Evan, Jacob & Rosalia Copeland (Whitney Meisner) along with Sam, Eli & Jack Martin (Lindsey Meisner & Nik Martin). He was preceded in death by his parents.

The dates have been set and plans are underway for two special events following the passing of Steve Meisner on June 1, 2023. The first will take place on Thursday, August 17, at 3:00 p.m. at First English Lutheran Church, 401 W Main St, in Whitewater, Wisconsin. This will be a church service that will include special music in honor of Steve. There will be no visitation preceding the service. Then, on August 19, a celebration of epic proportions will happen at The Schwabenhof, 14750 Silver Spring Dr, in Menomonee Falls. The pavilion will open at 12:00 noon with music, dancing, food, beverages, and fun lasting until the evening. A short presentation will be made during the day. Photos and other memorabilia will be displayed. Most of all, this will be an epic party that Steve would truly be proud of. Already scheduled to perform is the Eddie Rodick Band, Klancnik & Friends, LynnMarie along with Kathy from Canada, the Mike Schneider Band, Jeff Winard, the Jimmy Monsen Band, Brian McCarty, Garrett Tatano, the Steve Meisner Legacy Band, plus others (performers are subject to change). This memorable event will give Steve’s family, friends, and fans, a chance to be together, share stories, and enjoy the day – all in honor of Steve Meisner. More details will be provided as both of these events draw closer. Although no formal hotel blocks have been established, here are a few area hotels near the Schwabenhof you may consider: 

Hyatt Place, 11777 W. Silver Spring Dr., 414-462-3500
Holiday Inn Express, 10831 W. Park Pl., 414-979-0250
Hampton by Hilton, 5601 N. Lovers Ln., 414-466-8881
Hilton Garden Inn, 11600 W. Park Place, 414-359-9823

Online condolences may be made at www.nitardyfuneralhome.com

#FlashbackFriday with the Historical Society: Summer Scene on Fremont Street

It’s time once again for #flashbackfriday with the Whitewater Historical Society. Here is the second in our series of summer photos of Whitewater streets. This view is another rare postcard showing Fremont Street. By the vintage of the car in the image, it must have been taken around 1900. Or, the car was put into the photo by the postcard company to give the scene more ambience. In any event, its a great view!

Join us next week for another historic street scene from the Whitewater Historical Society.

#2333PC, Whitewater Historical Society

Reminder: City Brush Collection Policy


COLLECTION SCHEDULE
The City will collect brush every Tuesday unless otherwise announced. Residents are asked to call the Department of Public Works at (262)473-0560 to make an appointment. Appointments must be made by 5 a.m. of the Tuesday collection so route scheduling can be completed.

COLLECTION FEES
Brush located at the curbside will be collected and chipped. The first 10 minutes of chipping will be free of charge if an appointment has been received by the DPW. Any chipping after the first ten minutes will be charged to the property owner at a rate of $30 per ten-minute increments.

ALL BRUSH PLACED AT THE CURB WILL BE COLLECTED ON THE DAY OF APPOINTMENT. NO EXCEPTIONS!

COLLECTION PROCEDURE
Brush must be brought to the curbside and placed with the cut ends facing the street. Brush cannot be brought to the curbside before 4 p.m. on the Sunday prior to the scheduled Tuesday for collection. Brush must be at the curb by 7 a.m. on Tuesday.

*In addition, the Compost Site is open for residents on Saturdays from 8:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. and Wednesdays from 3:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m.

BRUSH TO BE ACCEPTED OR NOT ACCEPTED
Brush must be a minimum of 3/4″ and a maximum 6” in diameter. The brush must be a minimum of 3 feet in length.
Vines, rakings, roots, and root balls will not be accepted. Property owners can dispose of vines, rakings, roots, and root balls at the compost site. The City reserves the right to not collect brush for just cause.

MAJOR STORM DAMAGE BRUSH COLLECTION
Major storm damage brush collection will be done at no charge. The City will determine and announce emergency storm related brush collections.

Brad Marquardt
Director of Public Works
bmarquardt@whitewater-wi.gov
For other requests, visit https://www.whitewater-wi.gov/RequestTracker.aspx.

This Week’s City & School District Meetings – Updated July 10

Following is the link to the amended agenda and supporting material for the Public Works Committee meeting on 7-11-2023.

https://www.whitewater-wi.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_07112023-1723?packet=true

WUSD 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, Wisconsin

Whitewater Unified School District School Board – Monday @ 5:00 (Closed session)
5:30 – 7:00 p.m. School Board workshop
7:00 – Regular meeting
Agenda (Click on “meetings” in upper right corner)
Whitewater High School Library
534 South Elizabeth Street, Whitewater, Wisconsin
5:00 p.m. – Call to Order & Closed Session
5:30 p.m. – 7:00pm School Board Workshop
7:00 p.m. – Regular Meeting
———————————————–
5:00 p.m. via Zoom Online
– URL: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83298812250?pwd=QXVWbXdFc3JZNk5GR1JWQUxCbHozUT09
– Passcode: 312481
———————————————-
– Dial-in: 1-312-626-6799
– Webinar ID: 832 9881 2250
– Passcode: 312481
———————————————–
Closed Session
———————————————-
7:00 p.m. via Zoom Online
– URL: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86903197488?pwd=a2E5UGF6K2x3ZmcrcUUyR3lBSVdPZz09
– Passcode: 611865
———————————————-
– Dial-in: 1-312-626-6799
– Webinar ID: 869 0319 7488
– Passcode: 611865

City of Whitewater Plan and Architectural Review Commission – Monday @ 6:00 p.m.
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/741496557
You can also dial in using your phone
United States: 1 (872) 240-3212
Access Code: 741-496-557
Agenda includes Public Hearing For Review And Possible Approval-Conditional Use Permit Application For A
Storage Building For The City Of Whitewater’s Water Utility. City Of Whitewater, Owner And Applicant, Public Hearing For Review And Possible Approval-Conditional Use Permit Application For Towing And Storage Of Semi-Trailers At 1002 S. Janesville St. Reid Breyer, Business Owner And Applicant, and Update-Traffic And Access At Starbucks, 1218 West Main Street.

City of Whitewater Public Works Committee – Tuesday @ 6:00 p.m.
Cravath Conference Room
Municipal Building – 2 Floor
312 W. Whitewater St
Agenda includes Discussion And Possible Action Regarding Sidewalk Replacement Program, Discussion And Possible Action Regarding The Installation Of A Four Way Stop At Walworth Ave And Prince Street, Discussion And Possible Action Regarding Special Assessments For The Northside Water Main Extension, Discussion And Possible Action Regarding Installing Speed Bumps On Ann Street, Discussion And Possible Action Regarding Forty-Eight Hour On-Street Parking Limit And The Motor Home/Trailer Parking Ordinances. Discussion And Possible Action Regarding Municipal Code, Chapter 14.05 – BuildingMaintenance And Repair Standards, and Discussion And Possible Action Regarding Repaving Fremont Street From Lauderdale Drive North To The City Limits.

Whitewater Aquatic & Fitness Center Negotiations Joint Meeting – City & School District – Thursday @ 6:00 p.m.– 6:00 p.m.
Agenda: Public comments, WAFC Proposal – City of Whitewater,  WAFC Proposal – Whitewater Unified School District
City of Whitewater Municipal Building
Community Room
312 W. Whitewater Street





City of Whitewater Municipal Building
Community Room- First Floor
312 W. Whitewater St.
Whitewater, WI 53190

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