Gearbox Labs Presents Coding Workshops at the Library

GEARBOX LABS PRESENTS CODING WORKSHOPS AT THE LIBRARY

Gearbox Labs is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to “produce cutting-edge and rigorous STEAM education resources and programs for schools, homeschools, out-of-school programs, and self-motivated learners.” With over 45 years of education experience in the classroom, education publishing, and children and adult learning as well as numerous awards for their work, the founders created Gearbox Labs to address an international shortage of STEM professionals.

The public is invited to attend a free workshop at the Irvin L. Young Memorial Library located at 431 W. Center Street in Whitewater. The workshop will offer an introduction to engineering, electronics, and coding using Arduino, which is an open-source electronics platform based on easy-to-use hardware and software. Arduino boards are able to read inputs – light on a sensor or a finger on a button, for example – and turn it into an output – activating a motor, turning on an LED, publishing something online. You can tell your board what to do by sending a set of instructions to the microcontroller on the board.

There will be a workshop for youth in grades 5 through 12 as well as a separate workshop for educators. The youth workshop is on Friday, June 2 from 9:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. The educator workshop is for teachers, librarians, teacher aides, homeschool educators, instructors, informal educators, and group leaders, and will take place on Saturday, June 3 from 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. Lunch will be provided, and participants will go home with a free book and kit. There is no cost but registration is required as space is limited. Visit whitewaterlibrary.org and click on “Events—Registration Forms” to sign up, or contact Sarah French at sfrench@whitewater-wi.gov or 262-458-2782.

Flags to Half-Staff in Honor of Seaman Who Lost His Life in Attack on Pearl Harbor

Gov. Tony Evers signed Executive Order #202 ordering the flags of the United States and the state of Wisconsin to be flown at half-staff on Sat., May 27, 2023, in honor of Navy Seaman Second Class David Joseph Riley, who lost his life in the attack on Pearl Harbor and whose remains have been identified and returned to Wisconsin for burial.

“The attack on Pearl Harbor changed the trajectory of World War II and our state and country, taking the lives of more than 50 Wisconsinites, including Navy Seaman Second Class Riley,” said Gov. Evers. “We are grateful for the effort to ensure that Navy Seaman Second Class Riley’s remains were returned so he can be laid to rest in Wisconsin. On behalf of his home state, we honor him for his service and sacrifice to this nation and the values we hold dear.”

On Dec. 7, 1941, Navy Seaman Second Class David Joseph Riley of Juda, assigned to the battleship USS Oklahoma, was killed in the attack on Pearl Harbor. The remains of the deceased crew from the USS Oklahoma were first interred in the Halawa and Nu’uanu Cemeteries and, after attempts at identification in 1947, were reinterred at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific. In 2015, the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency began exhuming remains from the USS Oklahoma for analysis and identification, and in 2021, Seaman Second Class Riley’s remains were positively identified. Seaman Second Class Riley was posthumously awarded a Purple Heart, the American Campaign Medal, and the Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal. 

Navy Seaman Second Class David Joseph Riley will be buried with full military honors in Juda on Sat., May 27, 2023.

Executive Order #202 will be in effect from sunrise to sunset on Sat., May 27, 2023, and is available here.
 

#FlashbackFriday with the Historical Society: War Bond Drive Parade

It’s time once again for #FlashbackFriday with the Whitewater Historical Society. Here is a great patriotic photo for the Memorial Day weekend. It is from a war bond drive parade held in Whitewater for World War I in 1918. The Whitewater Historical Society wishes everyone a wonderful holiday.

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

(3445P Whitewater Historical Society)

UW-W Announces Dean’s List

The following students were named to the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater Dean’s List for the 2023 spring semester.

– Whitewater, WI 53190: Lucas Ackman

– Whitewater, WI 53190: Asobo Afah

– Whitewater, WI 53190: Salaar Akbar

– Whitewater, WI 53190: Jake Antonneau

– Whitewater, WI 53190: Mariana Aranda

– Whitewater, WI 53190: Marijke Arreola

– Whitewater, WI 53190: Elbee-Fae Ascherl

– Whitewater, WI 53190: Jocelin Beecroft

– Whitewater, WI 53190: Joshua Bezzo

– Whitewater, WI 53190: Gracia Boley

– Whitewater, WI 53190: Damien Brandt

– Whitewater, WI 53190: Kenna Breckon

– Whitewater, WI 53190: Alondra Buboltz

– Whitewater, WI 53190: Kacie Carollo

– Whitewater, WI 53190: Teaghan Carter

– Whitewater, WI 53190: Ariana Christianson

– Whitewater, WI 53190: Ivan Cortez

– Whitewater, WI 53190: Kianna Doerr

– Whitewater, WI 53190: Gia Donofrio

– Whitewater, WI 53190: Holland Engele

– Whitewater, WI 53190: Devin Fitzer

– Whitewater, WI 53190: Jaciel Flores

– Whitewater, WI 53190: Griffin Gerber

– Whitewater, WI 53190: Seth Gildemeister

– Whitewater, WI 53190: Reagan Godek

– Whitewater, WI 53190: Christopher Gomez

– Whitewater, WI 53190: Brock Grosinske

– Whitewater, WI 53190: Margaret Helbig

– Whitewater, WI 53190: Jake Hintz

– Whitewater, WI 53190: Cameron Huntley

– Whitewater, WI 53190: Marc Jones

– Whitewater, WI 53190: Emma Jordan

– Whitewater, WI 53190: Cally Julson

– Whitewater, WI 53190: Sarah Keller

– Whitewater, WI 53190: Ben Kloskey

– Whitewater, WI 53190: Felicity Knabenbauer

– Whitewater, WI 53190: Callie Knoll

– Whitewater, WI 53190: Jackie Lin

– Whitewater, WI 53190: Joey Maffiola

– Whitewater, WI 53190: Meg McGinley

– Whitewater, WI 53190: Brent Meier

– Whitewater, WI 53190: Rachel Mickelson

– Whitewater, WI 53190: Katlyn Miller

– Whitewater, WI 53190: Morgan Miller

– Whitewater, WI 53190: Isabella Miscevich

– Whitewater, WI 53190: Aiden Murray

– Whitewater, WI 53190: Mary Myers

– Whitewater, WI 53190: Miriam Navejas

– Whitewater, WI 53190: Ben Nelson

– Whitewater, WI 53190: Raquel Ortiz

– Whitewater, WI 53190: Yasmin Palomec-Garcia

– Whitewater, WI 53190: Maci Parrish

– Whitewater, WI 53190: Miguel Penaloza

– Whitewater, WI 53190: Montana Petersen

– Whitewater, WI 53190: Jordan Peterson

– Whitewater, WI 53190: Kyle Puchalski

– Whitewater, WI 53190: Hayden Radloff

– Whitewater, WI 53190: Charlie Reddemann

– Whitewater, WI 53190: Kaylie Rickgauer

– Whitewater, WI 53190: Alyssa Riley

– Whitewater, WI 53190: Connor Rohde

– Whitewater, WI 53190: Miranda Rubenzer

– Whitewater, WI 53190: Jacob Sadler

– Whitewater, WI 53190: Evan Schepp

– Whitewater, WI 53190: Savannah Schmieder

– Whitewater, WI 53190: Evan Shaw

– Whitewater, WI 53190: Zelin Shen

– Whitewater, WI 53190: Caleb Slater

– Whitewater, WI 53190: Shelby Starrett

– Whitewater, WI 53190: Lili Templeman

– Whitewater, WI 53190: Brooks Tiedeman

– Whitewater, WI 53190: Ryan Vedner

– Whitewater, WI 53190: Jon Villarreal

– Whitewater, WI 53190: Ashley Vorndran

– Whitewater, WI 53190: Carter Waelchli

– Whitewater, WI 53190: Zach Wagner

– Whitewater, WI 53190: LuAnnabelle Wieseman

– Whitewater, WI 53190: Catherine Yang

– Whitewater, WI 53190: Conner Young

– Whitewater, WI 53190: Marissa Zaehringer

– Whitewater, WI 53190: Jon Zheng

– Whitewater, WI 53190: Mark Zimmermann

– Whitewater, WI 53190: Elizabeth Zinda

These students have demonstrated their academic abilities by receiving a grade point average of 3.4 or above in a single semester.

“Dean’s List honorees have shown an outstanding dedication to their academic pursuits – from their work in the classroom to notable projects in our research laboratories and out in the field,” said John Chenoweth, provost and vice chancellor for academic affairs. “These hardworking students can take pride in the fact that they are living the Warhawk values of learning and academic excellence. They are deserving of our congratulations.”

The Registrar’s Office reports 3,148 students were selected for the Dean’s List for the spring semester. About 11,000 students are currently enrolled at the university’s Whitewater and Rock County campuses.

Editor’s note: The above list was provided by UW-Whitewater.

Police Seeking Identification of Suspects in Felony Retail Theft

The Whitewater Police Department is investigating a felony retail theft incident that occurred on Friday, May 12, 2023 at approximately 10:30 p.m. We are seeking the public’s assistance in identifying the male and female individuals in the above photos. If you recognize either of these individuals, please contact the Whitewater Police Department at (262)473-0555 #4 or share an anonymous tip at www.P3Tips.com and reference case no. 23-004725. Thank you in advance!

Editor’s note: The above announcement appears on the Whitewater Police Department Facebook page.

Schwager Drive on Campus Partially Closed for Construction (Updated)


Starting Monday, May 22, Schwager Road will be closed from Warhawk Drive to Koshkonong Drive.  The closure will last from May 22 through Sept. 1. Please note:

  • There will be no access to Lot 22 during the closure. [See map below for numbered parking lots.] Access to Lot 24 will be allowed at the Warhawk Drive/Schwager Intersection only. This intersection will be under construction, so proceed slowly.  
  • No pedestrian traffic will be allowed in the work zone, and pedestrians should not try to cross Schwager Drive to access the athletic fields at any location other than the Warhawk/Schwager intersection. This may greatly limit access to disc golf.  
  • Access to lot 11 will be off Warhawk Drive.  

Signs and barricades for the detour route have been posted. 

Update 5/26 @ 9:15 p.m.: A reader provided this additional information: Drivers should be alerted that although there is no signage at Tratt Street, Schwager Drive is closed from the point of the left turn the other side of the hill.  Also, walkers and bicyclists also might like to know before heading there, that the pass-through gate to the trail next to Miller Stadium is locked.

Editor’s note: The above information was posted on the UW-W announcements page.

Pint Size Polkas Promises Family Fun at the Library


 Are you ready to polka? The public is invited to a “Music & Magic Friendzy” with Pint Size Polkas, who will be sharing the happiest music on Earth plus magic and comedy fun for all ages to enjoy. 

Mike Schneider just five years old when he heard polka music for the first time. The performer was America’s Polka King, Frankie Yankovic, and needless to say it was love at first sound. Mike and his traditional polka band have been entertaining audiences throughout Wisconsin, Illinois, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, and Ohio since 1996. Since that time, they have been nominated for 21 polka awards from five separate organizations.

The event will be held at the Irvin L Young Memorial Library’s Community Room located at 431 W. Center Street in Whitewater on Tuesday, May 30 at 6:30-7:30 p.m. There is no cost or registration to attend.

You may contact Sarah French with questions at sfrench@whitewater-wi.gov or 262-
458-2782.

This Week’s Garage Sale

3 Day Sale this Friday, Saturday, and Sunday!

Garage Sale on May 26, 27, and 28, 8:00 to 4:00, at 345 S. Summit St. in Whitewater.  Lots of books, cookbooks, puzzles, DVDs, CDs, and over 300 vinyl records!  Most of these items are 50 cents or $1.  Other items:  Canon & Ricoh cameras, Malibu Pilates bench with DVDs, BOSU trainer with DVD, platform step with risers, grill, craft supplies, piano music, household, and miscellaneous.  Come & check out this clean, organized sale!

Obituary: William “Bill” Bush Fardy, 90, of Mequon

William Bush Fardy of Mequon, Wisconsin went to heaven on Sunday, May 21, 2023, at the age of 90. Bill died peacefully at home in the loving presence of his family. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 60 years, Mary Lou. He is survived by his children: Kari Dunham (Jeff), Jill Stock (Alex), Dan Fardy (Jeanine), and Mike Fardy (Rachael). Proud Papa of MacKenzie, William, Michael, Ava, Erin, Reilly, Gunnar, and Gretchen. Great Papa of Shea and Finn. Bill is further survived by his sister Pat Roberts, cherished nieces and nephews, and other relatives and friends. Bill was also preceded in death by his parents Mike and Helen, his sisters Jeanne Trewyn and Nancy Fardy.

Bill was born on February 13, 1933 in Coffeyville, Kansas. He was the second of four children. The Fardy family moved to Whitewater, Wisconsin in 1945. Bill was an Altar Boy at St. Patrick Catholic Church, and excelled in sports, particularly baseball and football. After graduating from high school, Bill attended Whitewater Teacher’s College- now University of Wisconsin Whitewater.   He then took a break from college to play professional baseball for the White Sox “Farm Team.” After an injury that hindered his baseball career, Bill was drafted in the Army. Bill completed his term in the Army, and then returned to college at Whitewater, where he met the love of his life, Mary Lou. Bill played football and baseball in college, and later got inducted into the Athletic Hall of Fame. Bill graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Education and soon got married to Mary Lou (August 1958). Bill and Mary Lou started their teaching careers and family soon after getting married. Mary Lou taught elementary school in Zion, IL and Bill taught high school close by (in Waukegan, IL). Teaching opportunities moved them to Whitewater (WI), Wrightstown (WI) and Horicon (WI) where Bill continued teaching, and Mary Lou cared for their kids Kari, Jill, and Dan which were born during this time. In 1964, Bill became an FBI Agent, which resulted in a move to Houston, TX (1964) then Los Angeles, CA (1965) where they had their 4th child, Mike. During Bill’s time with the FBI, he graduated with his Master’s Degree in Criminology. Bill was involved in many high-profile FBI cases, and was selected to the FBI Swat Team, to include active SWAT team duty for the 1980 Winter Olympics in Lake Placid, New York. Bill was active in the kids’ many sports and activities, including coaching and umpiring baseball. The Fardys spent 14 years living in Southern California before moving back to Mequon, WI in 1978. After Bill retired from the FBI, he became the Director of Security for First Financial Bank. Bill was all about family. He enjoyed golfing, Brewer games and tailgating, entertaining with family and friends. And of course, he was a devoted Packer fan. They could pull off so many fabulous family traditions: camping & beach trips with other FBI families, holidays, Thanksgiving in Big Bear, attending the kids’ and grandkids’ events. Most of all he just loved being with his family and friends, always taking care of others.

Bill’s retirement years included travel, annual trips to Gulf Shores, a passion for golf with Mary Lou and his many friends. Bill and Mary Lou attended the kids’ schools and sporting events, and regularly attended Sunday Mass. Mostly, he was happiest surrounded by family.

Visitation Tuesday, May 30 from 10:00 a.m. until 11:15 a.m. with a Memorial Mass to follow at 11:30 a.m. at Lumen Christi Catholic Church, 2750 W. Mequon Rd., Mequon.  In lieu of flowers, memorials to Milwaukee Fallen Heroes in Bill’s name appreciated. 

The Fardy family wishes to express their deep appreciation to Jean (a devoted caregiver and friend), Newcastle Place, Holding Hands, and Heartland/ProMedica Hospice for their dedication and compassionate care.