Lynn Binnie

We Energies confirmed to the Banner that some local natural gas customers may receive an automated call indicating that a contractor will service their gas meter in the near future. Caller ID may identify this as a spam call. The utility has contracted with Southern Cross to change out a module on certain gas meters in the area. This work will take only a few minutes and will not require entry into a residence unless the gas meter is inside. Gas service will not be interrupted. Personnel will be driving company identified vehicles.

Editor’s note: The following announcement was provided by Suzanne Popke.

Spring Baha’is and Friends Artist Gathering

Saturday, April 1, 1 p.m. thru 5 p.m.

Historic Landmark Nelson Salisbury House, 404 W. North St., Whitewater

Open to all Whitewater Artists and Musicians and Crafters and Writers. Everyone will be asked to share and discuss their art and talent. Invite your friends and family. Let the host, Suzanne Popke know what special set up or arrangements you may need. There is limited parking on the street next to the house, and in the public parking lot right across the street from the house next to the Whitewater Cultural Arts Center. Snacks and beverages will be available. Come join the fun and community-building.

Suzanne Popke: intsim@idcnet.com or 262-490-6067

Baha’i philosopher `Abdu’l-Bahá said…: “All Art is a gift… When this Light shines through the mind of a musician, it manifests Itself in beautiful harmonies. Again, shining through the mind of a poet, it is seen in fine poetry and poetic prose. When the Light of the Sun of Truth inspires the mind of a painter, they produce marvelous pictures. These gifts are fulfilling their highest purpose…”

Michael Garcia wins at Wisconsin Broadcasters Association Awards

Michael Garcia from Whitewater, WI, who is studying Journalism at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater, was among the honorees at the Wisconsin Broadcasters Association 2023 Student Awards for Excellence. The event was held Feb. 23 at the Madison Marriott West in Middleton.

Garcia won Third Place in TV Writing for the project “Rising Star,” and Third Place in TV Photojournalism for the project “Rising Star.”

The Wisconsin Broadcasters Association (WBA) is a state broadcasters membership group that was established in 1951. Its main purpose is to promote the development of the arts of aural and visual broadcasting in all its forms, working closely with statewide educators and broadcast managers/directors to encourage and promote customs and practices that will strengthen and maintain the broadcast industry to best serve the public.

The WBA also recognizes state broadcasters, professionals, and student/amateur broadcasters with annual seminars and recognitions. Students in the media studies program at UW-Whitewater have the opportunity each spring to attend a number of networking break-out sessions during the annual Student Seminar, typically held in late February/early March.

“Attending the annual Wisconsin Broadcasters Association Student Seminar provides the opportunity to learn from those currently in the field who attend and donate their time to educate our UW-Whitewater communication students about all forms of the media business,” said Jim Mead, director of UWW-TV and lecturer. “It’s great to see relationships form between professionals and our students. The seminar is a true networking experience.”

Editor’s note: The above press release was received from UW-Whitewater.

The IRS Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program at UW-Whitewater provides free tax preparation and free electronic filing of 2022 federal and state income tax returns for low and moderate-income taxpayers.

The VITA clinic is staffed by certified student preparers and supervised by faculty in the College of Business and Economics Department of Accounting. In addition to providing hands-on experience for graduate and undergraduate accounting students, the free VITA clinic helps residents of Whitewater and surrounding communities. “We have many long-time clients who return for assistance each spring,” said Robert Meyers, accounting department lecturer and VITA program co-director. “The opportunity to apply training while working with real people is an invaluable experience for our students.” The UW-Whitewater VITA program will be open the following remaining Wednesdays from 3:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.: March 22 and 29, April 5 and 12. Clients will be served on a first-come, first-served basis and should arrive at least one hour before closing. No appointments are needed. Tax preparation help will be located at the UW-Whitewater Community Engagement Center, 1260 W. Main Street, Whitewater, WI 53190 (next to Walmart). There is free parking in front of the UW-W Community Engagement Center for VITA participants. Important information, including a location map, program limitations and required supporting documentation, can be found at https://tinyurl.com/yn7rpjzp. For additional information, email the VITA Site Coordinator at vita@uww.edu.

Article and photos courtesy of Tom Ganser.

Looking for a no-fail way to escape the late winter blahs?  Just take in a performance of Whitewater Middle School’s production of “Seussical JR” Mar. 22, 23, and 24 at 7:00 p.m. in the Whitewater High School Auditorium. 

Admission for the Mar. 22 performance is “Pay what you can,” and tickets for the Mar. 23 and 24 performances are $5 for adults, $3 for students and senior adults, and free for children 5 years old and under.

Horton the Elephant, the Cat in the Hat, and all your favorite Dr. Seuss characters spring to life onstage in this, a fantastical musical extravaganza from Tony-winners Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty.

Transporting audiences from the Jungle of Nool to the Circus McGurkus, the Cat in the Hat narrates the story of Horton the Elephant, who discovers a speck of dust containing tiny people called the Whos. Horton must protect the Whos from a world of naysayers and dangers, and he must also guard an abandoned egg that’s been left in his care by the irresponsible Mayzie La Bird.  Although Horton faces ridicule, danger, and a trial, the intrepid Gertrude McFuzz never loses faith in him.  Ultimately, the powers of friendship, loyalty, family, and community are challenged and emerge triumphant.

“Seussical JR” teaches us the power of being unique, and the importance of fighting for your beliefs.

Under the direction of Liz Elliott, 46 students display their talents as actors or crew members, with the assistance of 4 adults and 8 Whitewater High School students.

Jim McCulloch and Alyssa Orlowski serve as Assistant Directors, with Jim also working Costume and Light Designer.   Kerry Ramsden is Scenic Designer and Head of Stage Crew, and Kat Dunham is Set Designer.

6th Graders include Cam Avila, Tybalt Barbosa, Storm DePorter, Tyrelle Griswold, Rayne Levasseur, Emma Maas, Yanet Palomec-Garcia, Cora Schimming, Emma Schultz-Majkrzak, Melody Smith, and Talon Wildermuth.

7th Graders include Ian Agen, Jocelyn Alcala, Caitlin Alford, Henry Brockwell, Anna Coleman, Peyton Comfort, Maya Davis, Kora Davis, Laken DePorter, Vivian Harris, Morgan LaHaie, Izzy Lawton, Ame Lin, Ruth Lopez, Jacob McLaughlin, Genevieve Miranda, Virginia Nelson, Sophia Noonan, Alistair Ophime, Teegan Patterson, Lia Ramirez, Kendra Serrano, Letty Trautman, Jaylynn Traxler, and Sophia Walenton.

8th Graders include Esteban Diaz-Gallegos, Jimmy Kinson, Maggie Maas, Josh Nygren, Payton Peacock, Kai Peterson, Hayleigh Pond, Josie Selby, Ava Van Daele, and Zoe Zei.

The Whitewater High School students serving in the production include Anderson Waelchli (High School Assistant Director); Matt Zingsheim (High School Assistant Director/Sound); Anders Clarksen and Ayden Clark (Choreographer); Alexa Cansina-Pena, Alejandra Diaz-Gallegos, Betzy Polomac, and Claire Tourdot (Costuming)

“What a spectacular cast and crew we are lucky to have for “Seussical JR,” reported Alyssa Orlowski.  “Our students are beyond talented. Many of them are new to the stage, and have worked so hard!”

Tyrelle Griswold is a 6th grader cast in three roles, including camera man and circus animal.  Griswold said, “My favorite part of the musical is being a fish for one of the songs.”

7th grader Ian Agen plays one of the leading roles as Horton The Elephant.  Agen shared enjoying “Working on the set with all of my friends and even with the people I wasn’t familiar with who have quickly become close friends. The musical has also quickly become my favorite part of the day. Playing the role of Horton has been extremely fun and fulfilling.  I love getting to sing solos in front of people and getting to increase my confidence as a person. I’ll see you from the stage!”

Kai Peterson, an 8th grader cast as a Wikersham in “Seussical JR,” said, “Working on the show has been really fun.  The work can be tiring, but the payout is worth it.  Personally, I like learning the dances the most, and singing – when you put a lot of emotion into it – can be really fun as well!”

The League of Women Voters – Whitewater Area (LWV-WW) reminds voters to get ready to vote in the upcoming April 4 Spring Election. Appearing on the ballot are candidates running for the Wisconsin Supreme Court, and regional judge races for the court of appeals and circuit courts. Other local races in Walworth and Jefferson counties include city councils, school boards, and boards that govern counties, villages, and towns. Some communities will also be casting their vote on referenda. The League encourages voters to start their research before casting their ballot, so they are informed whether they vote by absentee ballot or on Election Day.

One source of nonpartisan candidate information is the League’s voter guide on VOTE411.org LWV-WW asked candidates running in competitive races to participate in the Spring Election Voter Guide in which voters can read candidates’ responses to the League’s questionnaires. By visiting the site, voters can compare the answers posted verbatim of the candidates. Please note: Not all candidates chose to respond.

Questions in VOTE411 are presented in English and Spanish. Candidates were encouraged to provide answers in both languages.

The League of Women Voters is a nonpartisan political organization that encourages informed and active participation in government, works to increase understanding of major public policy issues and influences public policy through education and advocacy. Visit our website at https://my.lwv.org/wisconsin/whitewater-area, like us on Facebook and follow us on Instagram @lwvwhitewater.

City of Whitewater Alcohol Licensing Committee – Monday @ 4:45 p.m.
Agenda: class A liquor license applications for Whitewater Petroleum Co. (Five Points), Campus Quick Shop, Casey’s (east side), and SS Express (Main & Fraternity).
IN PERSON MEETING
Community Room – Whitewater Municipal Building

Whitewater Unified School District School Board – Monday (closed session) 6:00 p.m. (open session) 7:00 p.m.
Whitewater High School Library
534 South Elizabeth Street, Whitewater, Wisconsin
6:00 p.m.
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6:00 p.m. via Zoom Online
– URL: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86971863002?pwd=RGhpTnFPKzZnUWlYTDZyaDZTZWdEdz09
– Passcode: 939544
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– Dial-in: 1-312-626-6799
– Webinar ID: 869 7186 3002
– Passcode: 939544
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Closed Session
Agenda includes preparation for negotiations with Whitewater Education Association and consider participation in another class action lawsuit.
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7:00 p.m. via Zoom Online
– URL: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84712363168?pwd=WGZjc2t3dm44c2F3aklCKzFhbVZjUT09
– Passcode: 727354
———————————————-
– Dial-in: 1-312-626-6799
– Webinar ID: 847 1236 3168
– Passcode: 727354
Agenda (click on “meetings” in upper right corner) includes possible action on items discussed in closed session, recognition of service of retiring board members, staffing and program recommendations for 2023-24.

Irvin L. Young Memorial Library Board of Trustees – Monday @ 6:30 p.m.
Agenda
Community Room
431 W. Center Street
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86850014459?pwd=VmFUUU85aHJSTmZKSitKZlZlRWk0UT09
Meeting ID: 868 5001 4459
Passcode: T7jLnRcY
Or dial
1 312 626 6799
Meeting ID: 868 5001 4459
Passcode: 50621192

City of Whitewater Common Council – Tuesday @ 6:30 p.m.
Agenda includes Library Report regarding fundraising campaign; Neighborhood
Services Update on Code Enforcement; Consideration of granting the available “Class B” alcohol license to one of the below applicants: Whitewater Petroleum Co. Five Points Mobil, or Casual Joes BBQ LLC; Presentation by Clear Path Energy/Terra Focus on leasing the old Whitewater Landfill (north end of Jefferson Street) for solar energy generation. (DPW Director Request); Closed session, not to reconvene for performance evaluation of city manager.
City of Whitewater Municipal Building – Community Room
312 W. Whitewater St.
This will be an in person AND a virtual meeting.
Citizens are welcome (and encouraged) to join 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/89139306364?pwd=SlpyNDlQaWsvTXFoc1FDN2dNRUdHZz09
Passcode: 013032
Or Telephone:
Dial US: 1 309 205 3325
Webinar ID: 891 3930 6364
Passcode: 013032