Lynn Binnie

Three UW-W Music Events Scheduled this Weekend through Monday

Khasma Piano duo have commissioned a new series of pieces for this tour, each of which will have original video created by visual artist Chris Craychee. A new work by UW-Whitewater Faculty member Jeff Herriott will be included in the program. Friday, March 3, 7:30, Light Recital Hall = Adults $10, Age 65+ $8, Under 18, $8. Additional $2 for tickets purchased at the door; order online to save this fee.

Hip Hop and SWE? [Symphonic Wind Ensemble]  ABSOLUTELY! This concert, which is our pre-tour performance, will feature the composition, “Big City Lights” by Marie Douglas. In the final stages of completing her DMA in composition, Ms. Douglas has an amazing gift for infusing the stylistic aspects of hip hop into a work for winds. She grew up in urban Atlanta, taught for a few years; then followed her heart into composition. The remainder of the program will be more traditional. Like our remarkable athletic program, we too are “Powered by Tradition,” but we are also “fueled by Innovation!” Symphonic Wind Ensemble – Sunday, March 5, 3:00 p.m., Young Auditorium – Adults $10, Age 65+ $8, Under 18, $8. Additional $2 for tickets purchased at the door; order online to save this fee.

University/Community Band

A delightful evening of music performed by an all-inclusive ensemble! Monday, March 6, 7:30 p.m., Young Auditorium.

Adults $10, Age 65+ $8, Under 18, $8. Additional $2 for tickets purchased at the door; order online to save this fee.

#FlashbackFriday with the Historical Society: Major March Snow in 1881

It’s time once again for #FlashbackFriday with the Whitewater Historical Society. Beginning on February 27 and ending on March 4, 1881, Whitewater, along with much of Wisconsin, endured several lengthy snow storms that left up to 4 feet of snow on the ground at a time when people probably were thinking winter was almost over! This stereoscope view from Center Street, looking toward Whitewater Street, shows the large amount of snow and snow drifts the downtown merchants had to contend with at this time. And, the snow did not go away until well into April of that year, when, of course, it caused major flooding.

The extended winter weather was so notable, local photographer J. P.Whipple made a number of stereoscopic images (to view in an early 3D viewing device known as a stereoscope, think “View-Master”) to commemorate the event.

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

(1572ST Whitewater Historical Society)

Local Student Graduates from UW-Madison

Editor’s note: The following announcement was received from UW-Madison.

Just over 1,750 students received degrees from the University of Wisconsin-Madison during a commencement ceremony at the Kohl Center on Dec. 18, 2022. 

About 1,200 of them took part in the ceremony at the Kohl Center. Total attendance, including graduates, was 6,609. The ceremony was livestreamed so that friends and family from around the world could join in.

“Student speaker Kirstan Gimse, of Republic, Michigan related to the graduates about how she earned a PhD in cellular and molecular pathology after dropping out of high school.

“We have all come from different places, taken different paths and have different perspectives,” Gimse said from the stage. “It is the culmination of our differences that makes UW-Madison so great.”

Chancellor Jennifer Mnookin, participating in her first UW-Madison commencement, encouraged graduates to give themselves and others a little grace in the years ahead. If they take the kinds of risks needed to do big things, she told them, there will be moments when they drop the ball.

To put those moments in perspective, Mnookin shared some advice that she said came from her younger sister.

“Many of the balls you’ll have to juggle are rubber, but some are crystal,” Mnookin said. “Those rubber balls, they bounce. If you drop one, you can pick it up on the next bounce and try again.”

But the crystal balls don’t bounce, Mnookin said. They break, and there’s just no way to put them back together.

“So in your work life and in the rest of your life, be sure you’re prioritizing what’s critically important – your family, your health, your closest friends, the things at work that really matter – so that when you drop a ball or two, the balls you drop are the rubber ones.”

Comedian Charlie Berens, the keynote speaker, told the graduates he worked many jobs – bike mechanic, salesman, model for ShopKo, news reporter – before eventually hitting it big with “Manitowoc Minute.”

“Time will move fast,” he told graduates. “Your job isn’t to slow it down. Your job is to fill your days with what lights your soul. And don’t worry if you can’t see the path. Once your soul is lit, the path will reveal itself. And on your path – and this is most important – make sure you watch out for deer.”

For more information about UW-Madison, visit http://www.wisc.edu. View the ceremony at https://www.wisc.edu/commencement/ and read about it at https://news.wisc.edu/winter-commencement-2022-pomp-poignancy-and-geez-louise-charlie-berens/.

Here is the degree recipient from your area:

Whitewater, WI

 Yuan Chen, College of Letters and Science, Master of Science-Computer Sciences

Hunter Safety Education Courses Offered by Rock Co. Sheriff’s Office

Sheriff Fell is pleased to announce that the Rock County Sheriff’s Office will offer two Hunter
Safety Education Courses this spring at the Edgerton Conservation Club, 900 Stoughton Road,
Edgerton, WI 53534. Anyone born on or after January 1, 1973, is required to complete a Hunter
Safety Education Course to legally hunt in Wisconsin. It is recommended that participants be at
least 12 years of age or turn 12 shortly following completion of the class.

Hunter Safety Education Courses:

Class #1
Mandatory Registration: March 14, at 6 p.m. @ Edgerton Conservation Club
Class: April 1, from 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. & April 2, from 8 a.m. – 1 p.m.
@ Edgerton Conservation Club

Class #2
Mandatory Registration: April 4, at 6 p.m. @ Edgerton Conservation Club
Class: April 22, from 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. & April 23, from 8 a.m. – 1 p.m.
@ Edgerton Conservation Club

Online enrollment is now open for Class #1. Complete the online enrollment form to reserve a
seat. Class size is limited to thirty (30) students. Upon submission of the online enrollment form,
the submitter will see an onscreen confirmation message with information on the mandatory in-person registration meeting.

Online enrollment for Class #2 will open on March 20, 2023.

Enroll At:
https://www.co.rock.wi.us/departments/sheriff-s-office/recreational-patrol/hunter-education

A class fee of $10.00 per student will be collected at the in-person registration meeting. The
student, and a parent or legal guardian if the student is underage, must attend the mandatory
registration meeting for the student to take the course. Students will receive course materials at
the in-person registration meeting.

Please direct any questions to Deputy Terry Borgwardt at terry.borgwardt@co.rock.wi.us

Editor’s note: The sheriff’s office has told the Banner that Rock County residency is not required in order to enroll in any of their classes.

WUSD Welcomed Legislators to a Discussion Over Breakfast

The annual WUSD Legislative Breakfast was held on February 15 in the Whitewater High School Library Media Center. Legislators in attendance were Sen. Steve Nass, Rep. Ellen Schutt, and Rep. Scott Johnson. In addition there were a number of guests, including city and UW-W representatives.

Dr. Caroline Pate-Hefty, WUSD superintendent, provided the following opening remarks, “Thank you all for coming. I appreciate the time you have decided to hear the needs of public schools. 

With respect, we want you to know that students and staff in Wisconsin and specifically Whitewater Unified School District, deserve more than zero. Zero budget increase. The current budget simply does not meet the needs required in public schools to educate students and show growth and improvement. 

Per-pupil spending on public education nationwide grew by 23% from 2008 to 2018, but only 15% in Wisconsin, an increase that places Wisconsin 38th in the nation in public education spending. That speaks poorly about the value we place on education for our children in our state. 38th? 

I was shocked coming from Illinois to see the low rates of categorical aid that are provided to schools in Wisconsin. You should know as you listen today that Whitewater Unified School District is disproportionately impacted by that lack of funding. Here is why- We are classified as a rural district that covers over 200 square miles with 2000 students. About 50% of our enrolled students’ families are at the poverty level. Meaning our students need a higher level of intervention and support. 

21.1% of our students are identified as ELL (that has grown significantly in recent years, ending last year with approximately 125 students who were newcomers from Nicaragua), requiring additional staffing and support. That is the highest in the region. 

19.4% of our students are identified as having IEP’s, (also significantly over the regional and national average), requiring special education supports and services that are extremely costly. 

Sustaining fiscal strength is necessary for the vitality of our schools and community. We ask you to consider funding and policy decisions that will support WUSD schools.

Increase the categorical aid reimbursement rates to 45% in FY24 and 60% in FY25, 75% in FY26 and 90% by FY27. Prior to the 19-21 increase, this appropriation had been frozen for 11 years. Providing categorical aid (spendable dollars) vs. state aid (tax relief) ensures that every district in the state receives the same increase based on the number of students enrolled in their schools.

Please help Whitewater Unified to continue to support the needs of ALL students.”

The district had solicited topics of discussion from staff and board members, and a variety of them addressed the following topics:

Mental health supports & funding – Dr. Lanora Heim, director of pupil services

The Forward Assessment – Caroline Pate-Hefty urged the legislators to look into the costs and benefits of the Forward exam. Although federal accountability requires the adoption of an assessment to evaluate school/district outcomes, Pate-Hefty enumerated some of the implications of the assessment that Wisconsin has chosen. For e.g., although the exam is given in March, results are not available until late July or even in August, which is too late to use the data to support instructional planning/practice. Fourth graders take 11 tests, which span 10 days! Accommodations required for special education and English learners are intensive and consume weeks. There are other assessments that meet the federal standards.

Special Education Funding – Ben Prather, director of business services, indicated that the current state reimbursement rate only covers about 32% of aidable costs. Wisconsin school districts collectively transfer more than $1 billion annually from district general funds to cover the funding gap between required special education costs and current state special education funding, he stated.

Thayer Coburn, president, spoke to the fact that the Legislative Fiscal Bureau recently projected that the state’s budget surplus will hit $7.1 billion by July 2023. He asked, “Will the legislature commit to dipping into that to address educational needs in the state?”

Larry Kachel, treasurer, addressed state funding specifically toward immigration growth and needs. He also encouraged the development of grant programs for industrial arts/technology education courses and equipment.

Brent Mansky, high school principal, addressed the need for state funding for post-secondary options for students.

As the meeting moved towards concluding, the legislators responded to the questions that had been posed, without making any specific commitments.



UW-W to Host National Wheelchair Basketball Championships

By Jeff Angileri
Executive Director, University Marketing & Communications
UW-Whitewater

The finest wheelchair basketball athletes from around the nation will travel to the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater on March 16-18 for the National Wheelchair Basketball Association men’s intercollegiate championships. [The image above indicates the championship begins on March 15; however, the schedule indicates that date is only for shootarounds.]

Eleven universities will participate: UW-Whitewater: University of Alabama, University of Arizona, Auburn University, City University of New York, Eastern Washington University, Edinboro University of Pennsylvania, University of Illinois, University of Missouri, Southwest Minnesota State University, and University of Texas-Arlington.

“UW-Whitewater is proud to partner with the National Wheelchair Basketball Association to host the men’s collegiate championships,” said Corey King, chancellor. “Hosting such a prestigious event builds upon our legacy as an institution of excellence in adaptive learning, engagement and athletics. On behalf of everyone at the university and in the Whitewater community, the Warhawk family sincerely welcomes you and we hope you enjoy the games!”

All games will take place in Kachel Gym in the Williams Center. Seeding and matchups are expected to be determined the week of March 6 and will be posted on the tournament website.

Admission is free and complimentary parking is available in lots 11 and 24. Donations to support UW-Whitewater’s wheelchair athletics program are greatly appreciated.

For those unable to cheer on the teams in person, games will be livestreamed by UWW-TV.

“There is a tremendous amount of pride in hosting the national tournament on our home court,” said Jake Williams, men’s head coach and two-time Parlympic gold medalist. “Our athletes work extremely hard to be at the top of their game and this competition is sure to be exciting. We’ve always had incredible fan support from Warhawks across the region and we look forward to having a good crowd to cheer on the teams as they compete for the national title.”

The UW-Whitewater men’s and women’s wheelchair basketball teams have won 13 national championships and 3 national championships, respectively, and produced numerous Paralympic athletes and medalists.

Aquatic Center Operating & Lease Agreement Negotiations Between WUSD & City Continue

Editor’s note: The following press release was received from the City of Whitewater.

WAFC Operating & Lease Agreement Negotiations Continue

The City of Whitewater and the Whitewater Unified School District (WUSD) will begin negotiations regarding the Whitewater Aquatic and Fitness Center (WAFC).

For individuals, families, students, seniors, and commuters in Whitewater and beyond, the WAFC provides an affordable, convenient recreational fitness environment with a variety of amenities including: fitness center, aquatic center, group classes, locker rooms, and concessions. The WAFC is located adjacent to the Whitewater High School.

Eric Boettcher, the parks and recreation director, shares, “Thank you for your continued support. Since COVID-19 we have focused on rebuilding membership and creating new ways to access our facility. We are currently in the process of implementing 24/7 access for the fitness center.”

Comparing January 2022 to January 2023, the WAFC increased total membership revenue from $16,789 to $24,719, day pass revenue from $5,887 to $8,963, and total active memberships from 1,488 to 2,176. In 2023, the WAFC aims to add another 300 new members and increase revenue by $20,000.

In 2016, the City of Whitewater Parks & Recreation Board took over the operation of the WAFC with the school district. The 2016 agreement has expired. To determine the direction and future operation of the facility, a new agreement will be discussed.

John Weidl, the city manager, shares, “To continue the operation of the WAFC, the City of Whitewater will be working with the WUSD School Board to outline an operating and lease agreement. Our goal is to keep the public and membership informed of this process and negotiations. If you would like to get involved or provide a comment, we encourage you to attend the WAFC Subcommittee meeting on Thursday.”

The Whitewater Aquatic and Fitness Center Subcommittee meeting will serve as the initial meeting for WAFC negotiations. The meeting is scheduled for Thursday, March 2, 2023 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. in the Community Room at the Whitewater Municipal Building, located at 312 W. Whitewater St.

This is an open public meeting that you may attend in person or virtually. For agenda and meeting information, visit
https://www.whitewater-wi.gov/AgendaCenter/Parks-Recreation-Board-30/?#_03022023-1660

Obituary: Marianne M. Madson (nee McDaniel), 94

Marianne M. Madson (nee McDaniel), loving wife of the late Arthur L. Madson, passed away peacefully on February 25, 2023 at the age of 94.

She was born in Sioux City, Iowa on March 13, 1928, the daughter of Leonard and Susie McDaniel.

Marianne was a talented and passionate musician with perfect pitch.  At age five she started violin lessons and the teacher said she was a natural.  She moved on to cello lessons and performed the cello, the second love of her life, for more than 70 years.

She married Arthur on September 2, 1950 in Sioux City, Iowa and they enjoyed 57 years together.  Marianne earned her Master’s Degree in cello performance from UW-Madison in 1968.  For many years she taught privately, performed in orchestras, and taught in public schools.

Marianne is survived by her children, Katherine Litteral, Lucy (Robert) Brusky, Kevin Madson (Janet Badura), Marilyn (Tim) Justus, and Amy Madson; grandchildren, Jennifer Litteral (Aramis Grey), William Justus, and Joseph Justus; and great-granddaughter, Saoirse Grey.  She is further survived by brother-in-law, Dennis (Janet) Madson; sister-in-law, Geri (James) Beshey; and many nieces, nephews, and friends. 

She was preceded in death by her parents, Leonard and Susie McDaniel; and her sister, Teresa McDaniel.

A private graveside service will take place at Hillside Cemetery in Whitewater.

Nitardy Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.  Online condolences can be made at www.nitardyfuneralhome.com

Obituary/Obituario: Ricardo “Ricky” Lopez Navejas Jr., 16

Ricardo “Ricky” Lopez Navejas Jr., 16, of Whitewater passed away on Monday, February 20, 2023. Ricky was born on December 29, 2006 to Ricardo and Luz (Navejas) Lopez in Fort Atkinson, Wisconsin. He attended Washington Elementary School and Whitewater Middle School, and was currently enrolled at Whitewater High School completing tenth grade.

Ricky loved basketball, video games, spending time with friends, listening to music, and joking around. His laugh was known to be contagious.

Ricky is survived by his parents, Ricardo and Luz Lopez; sister, Melissa Lopez; niece, Julie Delgado; nephew, Isaiah Delgado; many aunts, uncles, and cousins.

He is preceded in death by his maternal grandparents Aurelia Avalos and Jose Carmen Navejas and paternal grandfather Jose Elias Lopez.

A mass of Christian burial will take place at 1 PM on Friday, March 3, 2023 at St. Patrick Catholic Church in Whitewater.  Visitation will take place from 10 AM until the time of mass.  Burial will take place following mass at Calvary Cemetery in Whitewater.

Nitardy Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.  Online condolences can be made at www.nitardyfuneralhome.com

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Ricardo “Ricky” López Navejas Jr. falleció el lunes 20 de Febrero 2023 a la edad de 16 años en Whitewater. Ricky nació el 29 de Diciembre del 2006 de sus padres Ricardo y Luz (Navejas) López en Fort Atkinson, Wisconsin. Terminó la escuela primaria Washington y la escuela secundaria Whitewater Middle School y actualmente estaba estudiando en Whitewater High School terminando el décimo grado.

A Ricky le encantaba el baloncesto, los videojuegos, pasar tiempo con sus amigos, y bromear. Una de sus características era que su risa era muy contagiosa.

A Ricky le sobreviven sus padres, Ricardo y Luz López; hermana, Melissa López; sobrina, Julie Delgado; sobrino, Isaías Delgado; muchas tías, tíos, y primos. Le sobrevive su abuelita paterna Irene López.

Ricky ya descansa en paz en compañía de sus abuelitos maternos Aurelia Ávalos y José Carmen Navejas y abuelito paterno José Elías López.

Los servicios de Ricky serán el viernes 3 de Marzo 2023 en la Iglesia Católica San Patricio en Whitewater. El velorio será de las 10 de la mañana hasta la 1 de la tarde la misa tomara parte en seguida. El sepulcro sera después de misa en el cementerio Calvary en Whitewater.