Lynn Binnie

All Absentee Ballots Are Now Processed at the Municipal Building: If returning an absentee ballot, don’t go to the Armory

Editor’s note: This announcement was published by City Clerk Heather Boehm.

All Absentee Ballots will now be processed at a Central Count location. That means that Absentee Ballots will no longer be processed at the corresponding polling place on Election Day. All Absentee Ballots will now be processed at the Municipal Building, Community Room (Council Chambers), 312 W Whitewater St, Whitewater, 53190 between the same polling hours of 7:00 am to 8:00 pm.

If you are retuning your Absentee Ballot in person on Election Day, please return to the Municipal Building not the Armory. The same polling place rules and standards will apply to Central Count as they do for any other polling place. The difference is you can not vote at the Municipal Building, we will only be processing Absentee Ballots.

If you have any concerns or questions, please contact Heather Boehm, Whitewater City Clerk at 262-473-0102.

Partisan Primary Election on Tuesday: What’s on the ballot? (UPDATED)

By Lynn Binnie
Whitewater Banner volunteer staff
whitewaterbanner@gmail.com

The partisan primary election takes place this Tuesday. There will be only one polling place for the city in this election, the Downtown Armory at 146 W. North Street. As always, the polls are open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. If they didn’t vote in person for the spring election, voters will notice two significant changes from previous years. Instead of there being the usual four check-in tables, there will be only two divisions, one for Jefferson County residents and the other for Walworth County. Once a voter arrives at their county section, they may approach any poll worker (officially called an election inspector) who is sitting at a Badger Book. These electronic devices are replacing the paper poll books. The voter is still required by law to state their name and address and provide their driver license or other photo ID. Rather than signing in ink, the signature will be provided on the electronic screen. This may be done either by using the provided stylus or with a finger. The signature must be written entirely within a box on the screen. Never fear, the signature need not bear any resemblance to one’s usual signature. From there, the process will be essentially the same as before, except that the voter will be provided a receipt that indicates the style of paper ballot which they are to be issued at the next table. The ballots will be marked by the voter in the same fashion as previously.

UPDATE: One major change: All absentee ballots will be counted at the Municipal Building. Anyone wishing to deliver their absentee ballot on election day must come to the Community Room, first floor, by 8 p.m. Absentee ballots will not be accepted at the Armory.

Here is a link to a brief video from the City of De Pere which provides an excellent introduction to the Badger Books. As is shown in the video, the Badger Books will also be used to register new voters or to enter changes of address. Our voters will, however, be directed to a separate station for this purpose. After the voter is registered or their address is changed, the same poll worker will provide the receipt that they need in order to obtain their ballot.

By entering your address at this site you may see what will be on your ballot.

Walworth County

In the partisan primary for Walworth County are the following races: U.S. Senator, Representative in Congress, and Representative to State Assembly. Walworth County also has the following races: District Attorney, County Clerk, County Treasurer, and County Register of Deeds. There are no contested races on the Democratic, Constitution, Libertarian, or Wisconsin Green ballots, but there are several contested races on the Republican ballot: U.S. Senator, Representative to the Assembly, and County Register of Deeds. Voters may cast a ballot for any party, as long as they do not “cross over.”

Jefferson County

In the partisan primary for Jefferson County are the following races: U.S. Senator, Representative in Congress, and Representative to State Assembly. Jefferson County also has the following races: District Attorney, County Clerk, County Treasurer, and County Register of Deeds. There are no contested races on the Democratic, Constitution, Libertarian, or Wisconsin Green ballots, but there are two contested races on the Republican ballot: U.S. Senator and Representative in Congress. Voters may cast a ballot for any party, as long as they do not “cross over.”

Voter Guide

The League of Women Voters Area has published its online Voter Guide for federal and state offices on the VOTE411.org platform. The League’s Voter Guide on VOTE411.org is a source of nonpartisan candidate information where voters can go to read candidates’ responses to the League’s questionnaires. By visiting the site (click on “Find What’s On Your Ballot”), you will be able to compare their answers, which are posted verbatim. The League encourages voters to start their candidate research before they cast their ballot so they are informed voters on Election Day.

Constitutional Amendments

State of Wisconsin Delegation of Appropriation Power Referendum – QUESTION 1

QUESTION 1: “Delegation of appropriation power. Shall section 35 (1) of article IV of the constitution be created to provide that the legislature may not delegate its sole power to determine how moneys shall be appropriated?”

Yes

No

State of Wisconsin Allocation of Federal Moneys Referendum – QUESTION 2

QUESTION 2: “Allocation of federal moneys. Shall section 35 (2) of article IV of the constitution be created to prohibit the governor from allocating any federal moneys the governor accepts on behalf of the state without the approval of the legislature by joint resolution or as provided by legislative rule?”

Yes

No

The State Democracy Research Initiative at the University of Wisconsin Law School has provided an analysis of the impacts of the two amendments, together with arguments for and against the amendments. This analysis may be seen here.

This Week’s City Meetings (Updated to add CDA agenda)

City of Whitewater Plan & Architectural Review Commission – Monday @ 6:00 p.m.
Agenda includes Discussion and possible approval of a Conditional Use Permit and Site Plan Review for a multifamily development located on vacant land at the corner of Moraine View Parkway and Jakes Way Tax Parcel # /WPB 00044, Discussion and possible approval of a Conditional Use Permit for a New Wireless Telecommunication Facility and 195 foot Free Standing Tower to be located at 1002 S Janesville Street Tax Parcel # /WUP 00341 for LCC Telecom Services, Consideration to Approve and Recommend to Common Council a change to the City of Whitewater Municipal Code Chapter 19, Specifically Repeal Section 19.51.180 Truck, Trailer, Mobile Home and Equipment Parking Restrictions.
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/358427877
You can also dial in using your phone.
Access Code: 358-427-877
United States: +1 (224) 501-3412
Get the app now and be ready when your first meeting starts:
https://meet.goto.com/install

Board of Absentee Canvassers – Tuesday 7 a.m. to at least 8 p.m.
This notice is given to inform the Public that the City of Whitewater is hosting Board of Absentee Canvassers for the August 13, 2024 Partisan Primary. The information follows:
When: Tuesday, August 13, 2024 from 7:00AM to at least 8:00 PM
Where: City of Whitewater Municipal Building, Community Room, 312 W. Whitewater St.,
Whitewater, WI 53190.
All Absentee Ballots will be processed at this Central Location. If you are returning your Absentee Ballot on Election Day, the ballot must be returned to the Municipal Building, Community Room, 312 W Whitewater St, Whitewater, WI 53190 by 8:00 pm on August 13, 2024, Election Day. Absentee Ballots will no longer be processed at any other Polling location in the City of Whitewater. The event is open to the public.

City of Whitewater Public Works Committee – Tuesday @ 5:00 p.m.
Agenda includes Discussion and Possible Action regarding the turning movement at the southeast corner
of Franklin Street and W. Main Street, Discussion and Possible Action regarding mandatory lead service line replacement
ordinance, Discussion and Possible Action regarding changing downtown parking from 2-hour
parking to 4-hour parking after 4:00 pm.
Cravath Lakefront room 2nd floor
312 W. 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/83743613748?pwd=UA8KHaO0l5KLOkDqWEqEx5lTusKp6H.1
Telephone: +1 312 626 6799
Webinar ID: 837 4361 3748
Passcode: 204975

City of Whitewater Community Development Authority Board of Directors – Thursday @ 5:30 p.m.
Agenda includes Discussion and possible action regarding the 108 West Main Street Property (EDD Zeinert),Discussion and possible action with regard to status of CDA Loan to Recruitchute, Inc. in the amount of $50,000.00. (Finance Director Blitch), Discussion and Possible Action Regarding Potential WindUp 2025 (EDD Zeinert), Consideration and possible action with regard to Affordable Housing Fund Down Payment Assistance Loan Application No. 2024-002 for the purchase of 371 S. Janesville
Street. (EDD Zeinert), Consideration and possible action with regard to Affordable Housing Fund Down Payment
Assistance Loan Application No. 2024-003 for the purchase of 303 South Whiton Street. (EDD Zeinert)
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/85405680665?pwd=u4lflrOVZyE6w0cHHUDLyN4UjJGJwg.qoJNuDF_vWGO_e2b
Or Telephone: 1 312 626 6799
Webinar ID: 854 0568 0665
Passcode: 711528

Mulberry Campus Carnival: Day of Family Fun

Join us Saturday, August 17 – 12-4 p.m. Day of Family Fun
All proceeds will benefit Alzheimer’s Association

Pony rides/Carnival games/Face painting
Sampa Tacos Truck
Raffles-Games-Prizes

Questions?
Contact Gina at 262-473-9876 or email gcrown@capricommunities.com.

Our Readers Share: Richard Ehrenberg – Backyard Prairie Garden

Richard Ehrenberg writes, “Native, Summer, prairie flowers are in bloom and they put on a good show this time of year in my back yard. The flowers include Brown-Eyed Susan, Purple Cone flowers, Woodland Sunflowers, Cut-Leaved Coneflowers, Daisy Fleabane, Ox-Eyed False Sunflowers, Beebalm, and Summer Garden Phlox. In addition, Fireflies are still lighting up the backyard evenings, although in reduced numbers as they come to the end of this stage of life. They will now begin laying their eggs on the undisturbed soil of the prairie, under leaf and plant mulch in order to begin the next stage of their life cycle.

I invite Whitewater residents to stop by and take a self-guided tour of our back yard so you too can enjoy these wildflowers of Southeastern Wisconsin. The address is 505 East Clay St. on the East side of town. A sign to that affect will be posted by the city sidewalk.

Jefferson County Seeking Fair Advisory Board Members for New Term

The Jefferson County Fair Park Committee is asking interested community members to apply for a position on the Fair Advisory Board. This body, created last year, serves in a purely advisory capacity. Its purpose is to preserve and improve the annual Jefferson County Fair by reviewing related policies and making recommendations to the Jefferson County Fair Park Committee to enhance the planning, development, and execution of the County Fair.

In its first year, the Fair Advisory Board was invaluable in gathering community feedback to put on a successful 2024 County Fair. The Board meets between 10 and 15 times per year, with two-year terms that expire on August 31st. The Board can have a maximum of 20 members, with its membership currently sitting at 13. The Fair Park Committee will make the final selection at its September 12th meeting based on relevant experience, with every effort made to find individuals who represent a cross-
section of local stakeholders.

Applications can be found on www.jcfairpark.com in the “About Us” section of the Fair Park. https://cdn.saffire.com/files.ashx?t=fg&rid=JeffersonCountyWI&f=Fair_Advisory_Board_Application_-_Printable.pdf

Completed applications are due to RRoberts@jeffersoncountywi.gov by September 6th.

Walworth County Criminal Complaints Filed

Editor’s note: The following individuals have been charged with one or more felonies in Walworth County Court. Please note that these charges, which are still open, have been filed between February and July, 2024. Typically the Banner has posted such charges on a more timely basis. These cases have not been concluded. Unless a judgment of conviction is entered, the defendants are presumed innocent of all charges.

Brian L Jaskolski, 58, W6628 Hwy 12, Whitewater, has been charged with misappropriate ID Info – Obtain Money.

Amanda T McCracken, 36, N7554 Ridge Rd, Whitewater, has been charged with Bribery of Public Official.

Gage D. Fritz, 18, of W9245 Stader Road, has been charged with two counts of felony bail jumping.

Abraham Cervantes Vasquez, 38, of 1227 E Bluff Rd, #102, Whitewater, has been charged with six counts of manufacturing/delivering cocaine; one count of possession with intent to deliver cocaine; and one count possession with intent to deliver Tetrahydrocannabinols (THC).

Rafael R Mendoza-Ramirez, 39, of 903 E. Clay St., Whitewater, has been charged with two counts of felony bail jumping.

Alan H Bauer, 47, of 170 N. Esterly Ave., Whitewater, has been charged with possession of narcotic drugs, second and subsequent offense.

Robert L. Duclos, 48, of 400 S Rice St, #28, Whitewater, has been charged with retail theft – alter price, repeater; felony bail jumping, repeater.

Rosa H Agurcia Calderon, 39, of 127 S. Cottage St., #B, Whitewater, has been charged with Misappropriate ID Info – Obtain Money.

Marco A Avila, 19, of 755 N. Tratt Street #124, Whitewater, has been charged with Vehicle Operator Flee/Elude Officer.

Matthew Robert Escamilla, 25, of 557 W Whitewater St., Whitewater, has been charged with three counts of felony bail jumping, repeater.

Herti Nadir Martinez Quintanilla, 20, of 291 N Fraternity Ln #219, Whitewater, has been charged with possession of child pornography and three counts of bail jumping – felony.

Melvin B Brown, 31, of 147 N Fraternity La, #1,  Whitewater, has been charged with Substantial Battery-Intend Bodily Harm.

Maycoll J Molina Fernandez, 29, of 734 E. Main St., Whitewater, has been charged with Misappropriate ID Info – Obtain Money and bail jumping – felony.

Hwy 12 “Bypass” Work Completed: One less detour

By Lynn Binnie
Whitewater Banner volunteer staff
whitewaterbanner@gmail.com

The construction project that commenced on July 8 on the U.S. Highway 12 “bypass” between the Walworth/Rock County line and Cox Road has been completed, and the detour signage was removed by early afternoon on Saturday, August 10. The work consisted of repaving the shoulders and adding rumble strips both in the center and sides of the highway.

Only one major detour remains in the city, that being Fremont Road from Starin Road to Whitewater Creek. The original anticipated completion date for that project was September 1.