Lynn Binnie

This Week’s City & School Board Meetings

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
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– 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

Obituary: Sherry L. Bigelow, 74, of Fort Atkinson

Sherry L. Bigelow, 74, of Fort Atkinson, WI passed away on Monday, March 13, 2023 at her home.

Sherry was born on April 11, 1948 in Fort Atkinson the daughter of Vern and Betty (Hertel) Reinke. She grew up in the Fort Atkinson area and was a 1966 graduate of Fort Atkinson High School. Sherry worked as an office manager for Whitewater Oil for 27 years and enjoyed her work very much. After her time with Whitewater Oil, she worked at Pick’n Save Grocery until her retirement. Sherry was the type of person who was happy to go to work and she loved her jobs. The first and most important thing in Sherry’s life was her family. She was a loving mother to her two children, Robert and Brenda and a wonderful, supportive grandma to her grandkids. The lights of Sherry’s life were her great-grandchildren. She spent most of her retirement years caring for and babysitting her great-grandchildren and she loved every minute of it. She was proud of her family and made sure they felt loved and cared for. One of Sherry’s favorite things was the Christmas Season. She loved to decorate her home, give gifts, and share the Christmas spirit with others. For many years, Sherry would make a Christmas card for each resident at all of the assisted living facilities in her area which she would deliver to them with the help of her family. Sherry had a fun and sarcastic personality and her wit and laughter will be dearly missed by her family and friends.

She is survived by: her children, Robert Bigelow of Whitewater, WI and Brenda Brown of Whitewater, WI; her grandchildren, Nicholas (Brittany) Osgood of Whitewater, WI, Danielle (Ryan) Larson of Menomonee Falls, WI, Nathan (Brittany) Lathrop of Cambridge, WI, Robert Lathrop of Whitewater, WI, and Andrew Lathrop of Whitewater, WI; her dear great-grandchildren, Duncan, Evan, Connor, Alexis, and a baby girl (Charlee) on the way. She is also survived by two siblings, Gale Kelly of Okauchee, WI, Douglas (Sue) Reinke of Janesville, WI, her dear friend, Betty Fehly of Fort Atkinson, WI, and many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

She is preceded in death by her parents, and her brother, Bradley.

Memorials in Sherry’s honor may be made to her family.

A Memorial Service will be held at 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, March 22, 2023 at the Gibson Family Funeral Home in Palmyra, WI (320 W. Main St. Palmyra, WI 53156). Visitation will take place from 5:00 p.m. until the time of service at the funeral home.

Gibson Family Funeral Homes of Palmyra and Eagle, WI is serving the family. To place an online condolence please visit gibsonfuneral.com

LWV Hosts Whitewater Municipal Judge Candidate Forum on Sunday

The League of Women Voters-Whitewater Area kindly invites community members to attend the Whitewater Municipal Judge Candidate Forum on Sunday, March 19, from 1-2 p.m. The forum is in person and will be held in the City of Whitewater Council Chambers, located on the first floor of City Hall, 312 W Whitewater Street, Whitewater. Candidates for Municipal Court Judge are Art Coleman and Patrick Taylor (incumbent). The majority of municipal court cases involve traffic, parking and ordinance matters.

The League will be assisted in running the forum by Whitewater High School students under the supervision of both the League and Whitewater High School social studies teacher Greg Stewart. The forum will be moderated by WHS Senior Alex Martin. Two other students will assist League members in sorting and selecting the candidate questions.

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.

Town of Whitewater: Early, in-person voting hours announced; absentee reminder

“Early, in-person voting: Town of Whitewater – Tuesday, March 21  10:00 AM – 1:00 PM; Thursday, March 23 4:00 – 7:00 PM; Saturday March 25 9:00 – Noon

Public testing for voting machine: Saturday, March 25 at Noon

Please remember if you are voting absentee, ballots must be either mailed to the Town Hall or dropped off during normal Town Hall hours: M, T, Th 8:30 AM – 1:30 PM. Use of the drop box is prohibited.

new email: clerk.treas@townofwhitewaterwi.gov

new website: townofwhitewaterwi.gov

UW-W Vice Chancellor Artanya M. Wesley is a Finalist for UW-Platteville Chancellor

Artanya M. Wesley

Editor’s note: Per the press release below, Artanya M. Wesley, UW-Whitewater Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs, has been named one of three candidates for Chancellor of UW-Platteville (UW-P). According to her resume, Dr. Wesley is a two-time graduate of UW-P, having earned a BS in Psychology and an MS in Counselor Education there. She was also employed by UW-P from 2006-12 in positions ranging from residence hall director to dean of students. She joined UW-Whitewater in 2016 as dean of students and Title IX coordinator and assumed the vice chancellor role in 2019.

Editor’s note: In separate news, the following announcement was posted to the UW-W announcements page. “Dr. Matt Aschenbrener has announced that he has accepted a position at University of Houston – Clear Lake and his last day at UW-Whitewater will be April 20.  I’d like to take this opportunity to thank Matt for his years of service and leadership.  We wish him well as he takes on this new opportunity. 

With this departure, the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater invites applicants for‎ the position of Assistant Vice Chancellor for Enrollment and Retention. This position will provide strategic leadership for university enrollment and retention efforts under the direction of the Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs. The search is internal to UW-Whitewater. See posting for further details. 
John Chenoweth, Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs”

MADISON, Wis.—University of Wisconsin System President Jay Rothman today announced three finalists for the position of chancellor at the University of Wisconsin–Platteville, a 6,500-student university in the southwest corner of the state that offers more than 50 undergraduate majors, 10 graduate programs, 60 minors, 15 pre-professional programs, and 30 certificates.

A Special Regent Committee selected the finalists from a list of candidates identified by a Search and Screen Committee led by Regent Cris Peterson, chair, and Christina Curras, Professor and Department Chair, Civil and Environmental Engineering, vice chair.

The finalists, listed in alphabetical order, are:

Philip A. Cavalier
Interim Chancellor, University of Tennessee at Martin
Martin, TN

Tammy K. Evetovich
Interim Chancellor, University of Wisconsin–Platteville
Platteville, WI

Artanya M. Wesley
Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs, University of Wisconsin–Whitewater
Whitewater, WI

In the coming weeks, the candidates will participate in separate campus public forums, offering opportunities for students, faculty, staff, and community members to interact directly with them.

After reviewing campus feedback, Rothman and the Special Regent Committee, comprised of Regents Peterson, Scott Beightol, Mike Jones, Edmund Manydeeds III, and Rodney Pasch and chaired by Regent Peterson, will interview the finalists and recommend a single successful candidate to the Board of Regents, which must approve the appointment.

The person selected through this process will be UW-Platteville’s 15th chancellor.

For more information about the candidates, the public conversations, and the search process, see the UW-Platteville chancellor search page: https://www.uwplatt.edu/chancellor-search. For more information about UW-Platteville, go to its homepage: https://www.uwplatt.edu/.

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UW-Platteville was founded in 1866 as the State Normal School in Platteville—the first teacher training institution in the state. In 1907, the Wisconsin Mining Trade School in Platteville was founded. The two institutions would eventually merge in 1959, forming the present-day UW-Platteville and beginning its rich tradition of academic excellence and unparalleled student experience. UW-Platteville has one of the premier engineering programs in the Midwest and strong programs in agriculture, education, criminal justice, forensic investigation, and the STEM disciplines. The university offers top-level, hands-on education with a strong liberal arts foundation. UW-Platteville is also known for the exceptional, personal support it provides students—in particular, first-generation college students, who make up 35% of the undergraduate student body. 

Warhawks’ Phenomenal Run Ends in NCAA Semifinal

By Angela Kelm
Assistant Athletic Director for Sports Information

Fort Wayne, Ind. — Warhawks’ Phenomenal Run Ends in NCAA Semifinal

The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater men’s basketball team’s phenomenal postseason run came to a close in the NCAA Division III semifinals Thursday night. The Warhawks fell to No. 3 Mount Union 83-79 in the Final Four at the Allen County War Memorial Coliseum in Fort Wayne, Indiana.  

UW-Whitewater’s growth this season culminated in a fantastic run through the postseason. Heading into the Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference Tournament as the number three seed, the Warhawks hosted UW-River Falls in their opening game picking up a win in Kachel Gymnasium. UWW has been on the road ever since. From February 24 at La Crosse to March 16 in Fort Wayne, the Warhawks traversed over 1,800 miles defeating four ranked teams along the way to set up the semifinal game against the Purple Raiders.  

The Warhawks won the first half in the battle of the purple powers. UW-Whitewater was shooting lights out building a lead that eventually hit 15 by the 10:48 mark after a turnaround jumper by Trevon Chislom made it 23-8. Just over two minutes later, Jameer Barker hit from deep to extend the lead to 18, 32-12, as UWW had the Purple Raider faithful in a stunned silence.  

As it rained from downtown, Carter Capstran added to the three-point tally with a triple at the 3:41 mark to give the Warhawks their largest lead of the game, 37-17. From that point Mount Union closed the half on an 11-4 run to cut the margin to 13, 41-28 at the break.  

The Warhawks shot over 57-percent from the floor in the first half hitting 46-percent from downtown. Atypical of UWW’s play all season, the Warhawks struggled from the free throw line making just 4-12. Meanwhile, Mount Union shot just 29-percent from the floor and, contrary to their resume this season, were 0-11 from deep.  

Three Warhawks had already hit double figures in the scoring column as Miles Barnstable led all players with 12, Capstran had 11 and Chislom dropped in 10.  

On the other side of the break, the Purple Raiders continued to build their momentum opening the half on an 11-3 spurt to cut the gap to five, 44-39 at the 15:56 mark.  

A three-pointer from Delvin Barnstable followed by a jumper from Barker quickly pushed the lead back into double figures with 14:43 on the clock. The gap hovered between 8 and 11 for three minutes.  

Mount Union continued to chip away claiming their first lead of the game with less than eight minutes left. Capstran knocked down his signature hook shot to give UWW the lead once again but the Purple Raiders hit in their next possession and would never trail the rest of the way.  

The Warhawks stayed within striking distance, never allowing the gap to grow to more than five points, but free throws and second chance points late kept UWW from coming back.  

With less than 10 seconds remaining, in a three-point game, a controversial call had the officials meeting at the scorer’s table to review. The Warhawk faithful were hopeful they were reviewing possession as the ball was tipped out of bounds. However, they were only reviewing for time purposes putting mere tenths-of-a-second back on the clock. Mount Union was able to seal the game at the line.  

The Warhawks shot 45-percent from the floor (27-60) and from beyond the three-point arc (9-20) but hit just 57-percent from the charity stripe (16-28). Mount Union shot 36-percent from the floor (29-81), made just one triple in 18 tries and knocked down 77-percent (24-31) from the line.  

Capstran, Chislom and Barnstable all had 17 points and six rebounds to lead UWW. Barker added 15 and four assists. Chislom posted a game-high four blocks in the contest.  

The Warhawks 2022-23 campaign ends with a 25-8 mark with the program’s 22nd appearance in the national tournament and sixth trip to the Final Four.  

#FlashbackFriday with the Historical Society: St. Patrick Catholic Church

It’s time once again for #FlashbackFriday with the Whitewater Historical Society. Happy St. Patrick’s Day!

Once again we are featuring St. Patrick Catholic Church; this time the original church that stood on Cottage Street until being demolished in 1960 in favor of the new church that stands on West Main and Elizabeth Streets.

Next to the church, largely in shadow, is the still standing St. Patrick’s Rectory, a large brick house constructed in 1926. The large brick rectory was built as a residence for the parish priest, but also probably with the church offices since the old church building was small. The brick building is distinctive and makes an elegant residence today.

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

(5140PC, Whitewater Historical Society)

UW-W Women’s Basketball: Two Warhawks Earn All-America Honors

By Angela Kelm
Assistant Athletic Director for Sports Information

University of Wisconsin-Whitewater senior forward Aleah Grundahl (DeForest, Wis./DeForest) and sophomore guard Kacie Carollo (Whitewater, Wis./Whitewater) have earned All-America honors from the Women’s Basketball Coaches Association. 

Grundahl, the 2023 Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference Player of the Year and D3hoops.com Region 9 Player of the Year, was named First Team WBCA All-America Thursday. Grundahl is now a three-time All-America honoree after being selected to the D3hoops.com Second Team and WBCA Honorable Mention squads a season ago. The senior forward ranked among the top ten in the league in seven categories including points per game, field goal percentage, steals and blocks. The four-time all-league player was injured in the semifinal of the WIAC Tournament but supported her team throughout the squad’s run to the Sweet 16 this season. 

Carollo becomes a first-time All-American as an Honorable Mention pick in 2023. The First Team All-Region 9 selection from D3hoops.com was also a First Team All-WIAC pick and received recognition on the All-Defensive Team this season. The sophomore guard wrapped up the season with four consecutive 20-plus point games including a career-high 29-point performance in the second round of the NCAA Tournament. In the Sweet 16, she dropped in 28 to close the season averaging 17.0 points per outing. 

The pair led the Warhawks to the program’s 11th regular season WIAC title this season. UWW also claimed the league tournament title to secure the WIAC’s automatic bid into the NCAA Tournament. Making their 21st appearance in the postseason, the Warhawks rolled through first and second round games on their home court before falling in the Sweet 16 to Trinity College (CT). 

Obituary: Miguel Aranda Loza, 78

Miguel Aranda Loza of Whitewater, born May 6th, 1944, passed away at the age of 78 on March 7th, 2023 in San Jose de Otates, Mexico. Burial services took place in his hometown of San Jose de Otates, Mexico. He is survived by his wife, Raquel Aranda, and their 11 children: Apolinar, Guadalupe, Eva, Ruben, Lourdes, Antonio, Juan, Marta, Irene, Marissa, and Tania, along with their respective families.

Before settling in Whitewater, Miguel worked in California, Texas, Arizona, Florida, Illinois, and Michigan. Miguel decided to establish his family in Whitewater, Wisconsin 30 years ago, making Whitewater his and his family’s home. Miguel has been a long member of St. Patrick’s Church. He had a larger than life sense of humor, always joyful and making others laugh (especially his grandkids), and brought sunshine to everyone’s morning with his passion for singing. He had a love for baseball and played throughout his childhood before moving to the States.

Miguel and his presence is greatly missed. His chair will always remain the first and last seat you will see as you enter and leave his home, remembering his greetings and goodbyes. 

Te Amo Viejito

Young Auditorium Presents The Prince Experience – a Loving Tribute to Prince – Saturday

The Young Auditorium proudly presents “The Prince Experience – a Loving Tribute to Prince” this Saturday 3/18/23 at 7:30 PM. Tickets are available now at the UW-Whitewater Ticket Box Office and online: https://tinyurl.com/4yjtbwuv

The Prince Experience (video here: https://vimeo.com/247038159) has thrilled crowds across the country with their amazing tribute to Prince and his music – this is a show you will not want to miss!  Since 2002 Gabriel Sanchez has been portraying Prince in his critically acclaimed show “The Prince Experience.”  What started off as a small local theatre production of Purple Rain has extended into what has been a night of unbelievable entertainment that keeps anyone who has seen it talking long after the last encore is played.

Young Auditorium is a premier 1340 seat Arts facility located at 930 W. Main Street (on the northeast corner of Prince and Main) in Whitewater, Wisconsin.  After several years of being closed due to Covid issues, and with a new staff hired at the start of January, Young Auditorium is in the process of rebooting the entire operation. 

Auditorium Director Jay Craggs said, “As a brand new team we have spent early 2023 getting our feet under us, and doing a small number of performances this spring to work out the kinks in our processes.”

Craggs added, “We have begun the process of reaching out to let people know that Young Auditorium is coming back!  Our staff is working very hard to recover from a long closure, and to prepare for the upcoming 2023-24 season.  I am very excited about meeting soon with our Advisory Board and talking with the many loyal supporters of Young Auditorium.”

Young Auditorium: https://www.uww.edu/youngauditorium

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Young.Aud

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/young.auditorium/