On March 9th, the Whitewater High School FFA brought back Donkey Basketball. The community came together to not only have a great time but for something even bigger. The event became a fundraiser for two students in the Whitewater School District. The communities from near and far came to support their families and rallied together to raise $1,000 for each family.
Left to right: FFA Officers: President Heidi Sherman, Treasurer Owen Heussner, Sentinel Sterling Truesdale, Reporter Katie Gillette, Secretary Emily Schmidt, Vice President Eloise Rohloff, and FFA Advisor Mr. Paul Majors. Accepting checks on behalf of the families are Whitewater High School staff members (L to R) Mrs. Chelsea Luebke and Mrs. Camden Harlan
Submitted by Whitewater FFA Reporter, Katie Gillette
Marcia Marie Kuper Yochum passed away April 8, 2023, after a year-long struggle with cancer. She was born Dec. 7, 1944, in Omaha, NE, daughter of Herbert Kuper and Marie (Bay) Kuper. After completing high school in Columbus, NE she obtained her nursing degree from Nebraska College of Nursing in Omaha. She held nursing positions and nursing related positions in Omaha and Ogallala, Nebraska, Clinton, Iowa and Fort Atkinson, WI. She married David Yochum on January 29, 1972. She considered her husband of 50+ years as a man of many hats literally and figuratively. She shared, he was often willing to engage in a variety of projects including, lightheartedly, “my quirky personality.”
She was a member of the United Church of Christ, having been past Moderator of the Nebraska Conference. She was a member of P.E.O. Sisterhood, AAUW (American Association of University Women) and the Fontana (Wisconsin) Garden Club. Marcia often said that in her associations, there were many remarkable role models in each group. While husband David was Executive Director of Fairhaven Retirement Community in Whitewater, the Yochum family presented over 15 Christmas programs on Christmas morning for any Fairhaven residents willing to view the serious and not so serious skits. Marcia enjoyed themes, (often whimsical), decorating for various occasions. Marcia said she would like to be remembered as an Appreciater of People and Life. “I am amazed at people’s stories, both sad and glad. Many people have used their happenings to become stronger people.” Over the years Marcia became increasingly more appreciative of God’s Nature and the magic of everyday objects and happenings. Marcia tried to follow her deceased nephew’s philosophy of being more fascinated than fearful of the world. Marcia enjoyed reading, trekking, “splashing at the aquatic center,” traveling and engaging in continuing education events.
Marcia is survived by her husband, David, children: Steven (Sarah) of Chanhassen, MN, their children Simone and Finn. Also, son Jeff (Angie) of Muskego, WI and their twins Winston and Zoey, and infant son Cooper. She is also survived by her sister, Karlyn Carson of Studio City, CA, sister-in-law Lea Kuper of Plattsmouth, NE, niece Leigh Anne (Dave) Koehler of Papillion, NE and their daughter Meredith, niece Michelle Kuper of Pasadena, CA, and brother-in-law Dan (Jan) Yochum of Congress, AZ. Preceded in death were her parents, her brother David Kuper of Council Bluffs, IA and nephew Ryan Kuper of Pasadena, CA.
A Memorial Service for Marcia will be held on Saturday, April 29, 2023, at 2:00 p.m. at the Congregational United Church of Christ, 133 S. Franklin St., Whitewater, WI 53190. Friends may call at the church from 12:00 p.m. until the time of the service. As an expression of sympathy, you may wish to consider a memorial to Fairhaven Retirement Community, the Congregational United Church of Christ Church, Whitewater, or to a public/private garden of your choice. If you are attending the service, please wear bright colors as a tribute to the brightness Marcia brought to our lives. Online condolences may be made at www.nitardyfuneralhome.com. Nitardy Funeral Home, Whitewater is assisting the family.
Editor’s note: The following press release was received from the City of Whitewater on April 11.
ALDI has submitted plans to the City of Whitewater for a 20,000 square foot grocery store on the west side.
Since 1976, ALDI’s number one priority has been to deliver great quality food at the lowest possible prices. ALDI is committed to making a difference in the communities they serve by offering market-leading wages and benefits for employees, using environmentally friendly building materials and stores to promote sustainability, and giving back to the community through product and financial donations.
The ALDI proposed location is the current site of Hawk Bowl and Hawk Apartments at 1380 and 1398 West Main Street. The property is zoned B-1 and does not need to be rezoned. The Pinnacle Engineering Group in Brookfield, which is working on behalf of ALDI, submitted plans for a grocery store on the site on April 10.
Chris Bennett, Neighborhood Services Director, shares, “Bringing a grocery store into town is long overdue. It is exciting to see it finally happening in Whitewater. A devoted standalone grocery store will be an asset to the community.”
The developer is proposing to demolish the existing structures, clean up the site, install stormwater and other utilities, and create two developable pads. The eastern pad will result in a 20,000 square foot ALDI store and, as proposed, the other developed pad on the west side will be retained by the original property owners for future development opportunities.
The City of Whitewater’s Plan & Architectural Review Commission (PARC) will conduct site plan review at their next meeting on May 8, 2023, and render its verdict. The site plan review is the only procedural matter ALDI must go through to receive clearance to build. Chris Bennett, Neighborhood Services Director, further explains, “During site plan review members of the Plan Commission will examine the proposed building for architectural integrity – it looks good and as it should – and ensure that landscaping, traffic, lighting, parking, street access and other factors are in line with city ordinance.”
Once PARC renders its verdict and accepts the ALDI design, then ALDI representatives will apply for building permits. Also, the City of Whitewater staff will begin working with the developer to outline an agreement to resolve the environmental contamination (asbestos) and redevelopment of the site. This agreement would then need to be vetted and approved by the Common Council, most likely in May or June.
The internal review by city staff will continue throughout the building process, with engineers and public works personnel ensuring the building and site are constructed in compliance with the city code. The ALDI plans are available for review on the second floor of the municipal building at the Public Works/Neighborhood Services counter.
John Weidl, Whitewater City Manager, shares, “Staff is unanimously supportive of this project for its immediate impact providing vital access to affordable food and long-term investment in the new tax base and jobs for the community.”
In collaboration with the Tommy Thompson Center on Public Leadership, UW-Whitewater is honored to welcome Dr. Freeman A. Hrabowski III, former President of the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC), to campus for a conversation about higher education and how university communities support academic success by cultivating an empowering institutional culture. Dr. Hrabowski is considered one of the nation’s most distinguished leaders in higher education. In 2012 he was selected by President Obama to chair the President’s Advisory Commission on Educational Excellence for African Americans. He has been named one of Time’s “100 Most Influential People in the World.”
In 2022, Dr. Hrabowski was elected to the National Academy of Engineering and he was also named the inaugural ACE Centennial Fellow, to be served upon his retirement from UMBC. In addition, the Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI) launched the Freeman Hrabowski Scholars Program ($1.5 billion) to help build a scientific workforce that more fully reflects our increasingly diverse country. In October 2022, he was named the inaugural Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Commemorative Lecture Speaker by Harvard University. The National Academy of Sciences Public Welfare Medal, the Academy’s most prestigious award, will be presented to him on April 30 for his extraordinary use of science for the public good.
Wednesday, April 12, 2023 | 3:00 – 4:00 p.m. | Young Auditorium – UW-Whitewater
Further information about the event is found here. https://www.uww.edu/ce/academiccommunityhrabowski Live streaming will be available shortly before 3:00 p.m. Use the above link for information. This event will not be recorded.
Registration is not required for in-person attendance, but encouraged, Registrations accepted online until Wednesday, April 12, 2023. See the link above. Your registration ticket placed in your car front window will serve as a free parking pass in lots 1 or 2.
Parking may also be purchased through the Passport Pay by Space app – information is available here. Visitor parking may also be purchased online or at the kiosk behind the Visitor Information Center. See this link for information.
Brian Hayes, Clerk for the Town of Richmond, confirmed to the Banner that following a recount on April 7 of all ballots for the position of Town Board Supervisor 2, the Board of Canvass approved the recount totals confirming the machine results from the April 4 spring election.
The incumbent Susan Miller was re-elected with a vote count of 288 votes to 287 votes for the challenger Michael Bergman.
Thelma Mae Robbins, (Seagren), 83, Whitewater, WI, formerly of Elgin, IL, passed away Thursday, April 6, 2023.
Thelma was born on May 19, 1939, in Louisville, KY to John William and Edna Lee (Pendleton) Robbins. Family was very important to Thelma. She raised her four children, and she was like a mother to her nieces and nephews.
She is survived by her children: Jeff, Darby, JoDee and Doug; many grandchildren; nieces and nephews: Steve Lose, Cindy Lose, and Becky Wafford.
She was preceded in death by her parents; sister, Patricia Robbins Lose; nephew Rick Lose.
A private burial will be in the Bluff City Cemetery in Elgin, IL. Nitardy Funeral Home, Whitewater is assisting the family.
The College of Arts and Communication at UW-Whitewater announces events for the remainder of the Spring semester. These include Jazz II Spring Concert on April 11, Jazz Combos and Improvisers Orchestra Spring Concert on April 13, Music Mosaics: Whitewater Brass Quintet on April 18, Jazz I Spring Concert on April 21, Opera Workshop on April 22, UW-Whitewater Choirs – Hawk-kor, Harmonia, and Concert Choir on April 23, University / Community Band in Young Auditorium on April 24, Whitewater Symphony Orchestra in Young Auditorium on April 30, and Chamber Singers and Vocal Jazz in Light Recital Hall on April 30. To finish off the Spring Semester, Sonic Ensemble: Student Composers plays on May 2 and Symphonic Wind Ensemble takes the stage on May 7. All music events are in the Light Recital Hall in the Greenhill Center of the Arts located at 950 West Main Street, Whitewater, unless specified otherwise. Tickets are available in advance and can be purchased in person, online at tickets.uww.edu or by calling 262-472-2222. There is a $2.00 surcharge if purchased at the door at the time of the event.
Members of the UW-W Vocal Jazz and Jazz Band Ensembles perform in a joint piece at Gala Holiday Concert hosted inside Young Auditorium on Dec. 3, 2022. (UW-Whitewater photo/Finn Hartnett)
Presenting music old and new from the jazz greats to student compositions, the Jazz II Spring Concert on Tuesday, April 11 at 7:30 p.m., the Jazz Combos and Improvisers Orchestra Spring Concert on Thursday, April 13 at 7:30 p.m., and the Jazz I Spring Concert on Friday, April 21 at 7:30 p.m. have something for every jazz enthusiast. The UW-Whitewater jazz ensembles perform in both large and small groups in a wide variety of musical styles ranging from swing to funk, to freely improvised music. Admission for these events is $10 for adults and $8 for those age 65+ or under age 18.
The final concert in the Music Mosaics series takes place on Tuesday, April 18 at 7:30 p.m. and features the Whitewater Brass Quintet. Faculty performers Matthew Onstad & Chris Ramaekers, trumpet, Dafydd Bevil, horn, Mike Dugan, trombone, and John Tuinstra, tuba present Dr. Cole Bartels on trombone and euphonium and guest tubist Josh Biere of the Madison Symphony Orchestra. The evening includes a mixture of quintet and sextet pieces. Music Mosaics concerts raise funds for music scholarships. Admission for this event is $14 for adults and $12 for those age 65+ and $8 for those under age 18.
Saturday, April 22 brings excerpts from Opera works performed by Opera Workshop at 7:30 p.m. followed by a variety of classical, Broadway, and world music selections performed by Harmonia, Hawk-kor, and Concert Choir on Sunday, April 23 at 3 p.m. Admission for these events is $10 for adults and $8 for those age 65+ or under age 18.
The University Community Band rehearses on September 25, 2017, conducted by Professor Glenn Hayes. (UW-Whitewater photo/Craig Schreiner)
Performing in Young Auditorium, the all-inclusive University/Community Band takes the stage on Monday, April 24 at 7:30 p.m. Admission for this event is $10 for adults and $8 for those age 65+ or under age 18.
Whitewater Symphony Orchestra under the direction of Christopher Ramaekers
Also in Young Auditorium, the Whitewater Symphony Orchestra performs on Sunday, April 30 at 3 p.m. Later that evening in Light Recital Hall, the Chamber Singers and Vocal Jazz ensembles conducted by Robert Gehrenbeck, Sharri VanAlstine, and student conductors begin their performance at 7:30 p.m. Admission for these events is $10 for adults and $8 for those age 65+ or under age 18.
UW-Whitewater alumni join current student composers for the Sonict Ensemble event at 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, May 2 and finally, at 3 p.m. on Sunday, May 7, Symphonic Wind Ensemble closes out the semester with a performance in Light Recital Hall. Admission for these events is $10 for adults and $8 for those age 65+ or under age 18.
Don’t miss the many featured music concerts happening throughout April and May in the Greenhill Center of the Arts and Young Auditorium.
Tuesday, April 11 at 7:30 p.m. Jazz II Spring Concert
Thursday, April 13 at 7:30 p.m. Jazz Combos and Improvisers Orchestra Spring Concert
Tuesday, April 18 at 7:30 p.m. Music Mosaics: Whitewater Brass Quintet
Friday, April 21 at 7:30 p.m. Jazz I Spring Concert
Saturday, April 22 at 7:30 p.m. Opera Workshop
Sunday, April 23 at 3 p.m. UW-Whitewater Choirs – Hawk-kor, Harmonia, Concert Choir
Monday, April 24 at 7:30 p.m. University / Community Band in Young Auditorium
Sunday, April 30 at 3 p.m. Whitewater Symphony Orchestra in Young Auditorium
Sunday, April 30 at 7:30 p.m. Chamber Singers & Vocal Jazz
Tuesday, May 2 at 7:30 p.m. Sonict Ensemble: Student Composers
Sunday, May 7 at 3 p.m. Symphonic Wind Ensemble
Beyond the many featured and ticketed events in the Department of Music, there are a multitude of free events including student recitals, ensembles, and studios. For a full lineup of events, please visit uww.edu/coac/events.
All music events are in the Light Recital Hall in the Greenhill Center of the Arts, located at 950 West Main Street, Whitewater, WI 53190, unless specified otherwise. Tickets are available in advance and can be purchased in person, online at tickets.uww.edu or by calling 262-472-2222. There is a $2.00 surcharge if purchased at the door at the time of the event.
Ticket Services is open Monday-Friday from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. They are located in the atrium of the Greenhill Center of the Arts, 950 West Main Street, Whitewater, WI 53190. The Young Auditorium is located at 930 West Main Street, Whitewater, WI 53190. To see other upcoming events in Young Auditorium, visit youngauditorium.com.
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The College of Arts and Communication at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater offers rigorous programs in music, theatre, dance, and the visual arts, internships, pre-professional opportunities in journalism, advertising, and applied communication, and innovative interdisciplinary studies. For more information visit uww.edu/coac.
The Greater Whitewater Committee (GWC) is set to host Chancellor Corey King as guest speaker at its upcoming monthly meeting in April. Chancellor King will be introducing himself in his new position as chancellor of the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater (UW-W). Most recently Dr. King had served as Vice Chancellor for Inclusivity and Student Affairs at UW-Green Bay.
The GWC’s upcoming monthly meeting is scheduled to take place on Thursday, April 13th at 7 a.m. at 841 Brewhouse: 841 E Milwaukee St, Whitewater. The public is welcome to attend this meeting, so that they may get a chance to hear from Whitewater’s new chancellor and learn more about the future of the University. If interested in attending, RSVP is required. To reserve your spot, contact Jeff Knight at jpk@knightpublicaffairs.com or 920.728.0662 by Monday, April 10th.
“We are excited to hear from Chancellor King at our upcoming meeting,” said GWC president Jeff Knight. “He will be sharing his thoughts on the direction that the University is heading.”
Chancellor King has previously served as Vice President for Enrollment Management & Student Financial Services at Bethune-Cookman University prior to his role at UW-Green Bay. King has also held leadership positions at East Carolina University, Wheeling Jesuit University, and the University of Florida. He hopes to offer a bright future for UW-Whitewater by guiding academic success and maintaining a commitment to students.
Chancellor King earned his Bachelor’s degree in curriculum and instruction and Master’s degree in higher education and administration & student affairs from Florida State University. He also earned a doctorate in educational administration and leadership from Indiana University of Pennsylvania.
About the GWC The GWC is an action-oriented group committed to working with citizens, elected officials, and policy makers to identify, craft, and implement a pro-business agenda. Its goals are to advance the economic, educational, and social policies required to energize and secure the Whitewater area’s economic future, as well as protect Whitewater’s quality of life.
Editor’s note: The above news release was received from the Greater Whitewater Committee.
Gov. Tony Evers on April 7 announced his appointment of former State Rep. Don Vruwink to Commissioner of Railroads. The appointment fills a vacancy created by Commissioner of Railroads Yash Wadhwa’s resignation, effective March 1, 2023.
“From his more than three decades as an educator to his time serving the people of Wisconsin at both the local and state level on his community’s city council and school board and in the Wisconsin State Assembly, Don has for years been a consistent and dedicated public servant in our state,” said Gov. Evers. “His professional experience will serve him well in this new role, and we are glad to have him join our administration.”
Vruwink has a long history of public service. He served as a Wisconsin educator and mentor for 37 years before his retirement. He served on both the Milton City Council and School Board before being elected to the State Assembly in 2016, where he served the 43rd Assembly District for six years. While in the Wisconsin State Assembly, Vruwink served on the Assembly’s Education, Agriculture, Tourism, and Rural Development Committees, respectively, and was appointed by the Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection to the Wisconsin Dairy Task Force 2.0.
“I am honored that Gov. Evers has called on me to lead the Office of the Commissioner of Railroads,” said Vruwink, “I look forward to using my experience to increase the safety of Wisconsin railroads.”
Vruwink has a master’s degree in history from the University of Wisconsin (UW)-Whitewater and a bachelor’s in social studies from UW-Stevens Point. He has received awards for teaching, athletics, coaching, and community service.
This appointment was effective March 20, 2023, for a six-year term expiring in 2029.
