Lynn Binnie

According to an announcement from the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater:

Paul Ambrose has been named the dean of the College of Business and Economics. Since 2005, Ambrose has been part of the UW-Whitewater community, serving in multiple roles, from faculty member to department chair to associate dean, and most recently as interim dean.

“Dr. Ambrose brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the position with ideas about how to meet the needs of a broader group of students,” said Robin Fox, interim provost and vice chancellor for academic affairs. “He has already begun work on multiple articulation agreements with the technical colleges and has been a leader in discussions about retaining students from underrepresented groups. Under his leadership, I believe the college — Wisconsin’s largest accredited school of business — will not only continue its high-quality programs, but there will be an expansion in the students served in our region and online.”

Ambrose officially begins as dean on Jan. 20

Connie Putland has been named chief human resource officer in the Department of Human Resources and Diversity. Putland has been serving in the interim role since July 2022, and was previously deputy chief human resource officer. She has more than 20 years of HR experience in the UW System, including more than 10 years of service at UW-Whitewater.

“Connie’s in-depth knowledge of UW System and regulatory policies, and her demonstrated ability to manage the difficult challenges that the HR department faces on a daily basis will prove to be an invaluable asset to the Whitewater and Rock County campuses,” said Brenda Jones, vice chancellor for administrative affairs. “Connie stepped into the role of interim chief HR officer at a time of significant departmental transition. Since then, she has begun rebuilding partnerships and collaborative efforts within and between departments. I know that with her leadership and support, the HR department will continue to build upon those efforts, bringing back a customer service focus to our employees.”

Putland officially began as chief human resource officer on Jan. 1.

Editor’s note: The following press release was received from the office of Bryan Steil, who represents the Walworth County portion of the city of Whitewater.

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Congressman Bryan Steil (WI-01) announced he will be holding five listening sessions in Wisconsin on Friday, January 20, 2023.

The listening sessions are free and open to the people of Wisconsin’s First Congressional District. Residents are encouraged to attend to discuss issues pending in Congress or to request assistance dealing with federal agencies. Individuals needing additional assistance or special accommodations should contact the Office of Congressman Steil at 608-752-4050 in advance.

“My top priority is to be available and accessible to Wisconsin families. I’m looking forward to hearing directly from you about the issues facing our community, our state, and our country,” said Steil.

9:00 a.m. Rock County Listening Session:
               Beloit City Hall, 100 State Street, Beloit, WI 53511      

                *The meeting will be held in the Forum, the common council chambers on the 1^st floor

10:45 a.m. Walworth County Listening Session

                Delavan Municipal Building, 123 S. 2nd Street, Delavan, WI 53115               

                *The meeting will be held in the Council Chambers

“An experience I’ll remember the rest of my life!” That was a comment heard from several Lincoln Elementary 5th Grade Choir students who were chosen to perform in the Wisconsin Choral Directors Association All-State Children’s Choir. Eight Lincoln students performed in Appleton, WI at Lawrence University on Saturday, Jan. 15, as part of a select 50 voice choir of 5^th and 6^th grade singers from across the state. The students rehearsed their challenging music for six weeks prior to the concert, then joined with the other WI students for an all-day rehearsal prior to their concert with nationally renowned guest conductor, Diane Skrobis. The participating students were Nels Brown, Paige Callahan, Espen Heim, Amelia Lafaive, Karlee Luna, Saul Mendoza, Nixon Posada and Karis Schemenauer. Lincoln music teacher, Christine Hayes, was thrilled with the musicianship of the choir’s performance and the diligent work of each Lincoln participant. “They have grown tremendously in their musical skills and knowledge, and will bring it back to their choirmates in the Lincoln Choir. We are indebted to the Whitewater Music Parents for their generous scholarships towards each student’s registration fees.”

Submitted by Christine Hayes
Lincoln K-5 Music Teacher

UW-Whitewater’s Office of Continuing Education and Fairhaven Senior Services announce “New Voices, Fresh Perspectives” as the theme for their spring lecture series. Since 1983, UW-Whitewater faculty and staff and community and business leaders have offered free presentations on topics ranging from art and literature to history and politics.  

Over the past few years, new experts have joined the faculty and staff at UW-Whitewater, in all of its colleges and departments. Historians, sociologists, writers, and more, UW-Whitewater is comprised of dedicated educators who are as eager to share their research interests to the community as they are to teaching our next generation of teachers, accountants, entrepreneurs, coaches and citizens. Join us this spring to hear from some of the new voices at the University and share with them what they have to look forward to as new members of the greater Whitewater community.

The titles and presenters of the lectures for the spring series are:

January 23
Too Much of a Good Thing is Wonderful: Liberace’s Wisconsin Roots and Flamboyant Visibility from Milwaukee to Las Vegas
Presented by Anna Hajdik, Lecturer, Languages and Literatures

January 30
Feminism, Race, and White Privilege
Presented by Olivia McLaughlin, Assistant Professor, Sociology, Criminology, and Anthropology

February 6
Exploring Special Education and Adult Outcomes of Students with Disabilities through an Intersectional Lens
Presented by Courtney Wilt, Assistant Professor, Special Education

February 13
Bilingual Education and School Privatization in Milwaukee
Presented by Andrew Hurie, Assistant Professor, Curriculum & Instruction

February 20
Trophies of War: Ottoman Tents Won in the Siege of Vienna in 1683
Presented by Ashley Dimmig, Director, Crossman Gallery

February 27
Talking to Doctors: Health Communication Tips to Improve Your Healthcare Experience
Presented by Jonathan Dellinger, Assistant Professor, Communication

March 6
The Challenge of Ethical Technical Communication: Revisiting the Organizational and Communication Failures of the Challenger Explosion
Presented by Jessica Lauer, Assistant Professor, Languages & Literatures

March 13
History Underwater: An Introduction to Maritime Archaeology
Presented by Michelle Damian, Assistant Professor, History

March 20
Disability Representation in Children’s and Young Adult Literature
Presented by Lauren Zepp, Assistant Professor, Special Education

Lectures in the Spring Fairhaven Lecture Series, “New Voices, Fresh Perspectives” are free and open to the public. They are held on Mondays at 3:00 p.m. in Fellowship Hall at Fairhaven Senior Services, 435 West Starin Road, Whitewater. Some lectures may be live-streamed via Facebook at www.facebook.com/UWWFairhavenLecture/  and all will be recorded and posted to our website and YouTube channel. Videos of lectures from this and previous series can be accessed for free any time after they are posted.

Please visit www.uww.edu/ce/fairhaven and www.facebook.com/UWWFairhavenLecture/ for videos, descriptions of each lecture, and updates on the status of each lecture.  Contact Kari Borne at bornek@uww.edu or 262-472-1003 for further information or to request accommodations.   

About UW-Whitewater

At the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater we inspire, engage and transform lives. Our higher education mission began more than 150 years ago — and we now serve more than 11,000 students at our Whitewater and Rock County campuses, 90% of whom stay in the region after earning their degree.  Offering more than 170 undergraduate and graduate majors and minors as well as an education specialist and a doctoral degree. The Warhawk family — led by caring faculty and staff — is devoted to student success within a broad range of academic programs. One of only four Public Colleges of Distinction in the state, the university boasts small class sizes (20:1 ratio), is ranked one of the top 10 public colleges by the U.S. New & World Report, and is the top-ranked college in the state for serving students with disabilities.

MANCHESTER, NH (01/13/2023)– Holly Schwaller of Whitewater has been named to Southern New Hampshire University‘s Fall 2022 President’s List. The fall terms run from September to December.

Full-time undergraduate students who have earned a minimum grade-point average of 3.700 and above for the reporting term are named to the President’s List. Full-time status is achieved by earning 12 credits over each 16-week term or paired 8-week terms grouped in fall, winter/spring, and summer.

Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) is a private, nonprofit institution with a 90-year history of educating traditional-aged students and working adults. Now serving more than 170,000 learners worldwide, SNHU offers approximately 200 accredited undergraduate, graduate and certificate programs, available online and on its 300-acre campus in Manchester, NH. Recognized as one of the “Most Innovative” regional universities by U.S. News & World Report and one of the fastest-growing universities in the country, SNHU is committed to expanding access to high quality, affordable pathways that meet the needs of each learner. Learn more at www.snhu.edu.

The John and Isabelle Ames family announces a scholarship opportunity – a $750 award established in memory of John and Isabelle Ames of Ames-Way Holsteins of Darien, Wisconsin.  The scholarship is awarded annually to a college sophomore or junior with current or recent involvement in 4-H, FFA, or the Registered Holstein Industry who is seeking a four-year degree in any field. 

Mr. and Mrs. Ames were avid supporters of education.  All nine of their children received a college degree which was a source of pride for them.  Academic success, need, community and school involvement, and future plans and goals will all be considered when selecting a recipient. Evidence of a student’s personal contribution toward financing his/her education is also important. Preference will be given to applicants who demonstrate a commitment toward completion of a degree.

Application deadline – postmarked by March 1, 2023 or received by email by midnight on 3/1/2023

Application form is available by contacting Janice Berezowitz at j_berezowitz@yahoo.com.

Editor’s note: The Banner appreciates having permission to use the image on the homepage by Mohamed Hassan from Pixabay.

City of Whitewater Common Council – Tuesday @ 6:30 p.m.
Agenda includes Proclamation honoring retiring Fire Chief, Mike Higgins; Police Chief: Update on Immigration Advisory Attorney; Amendment to salary resolution to adjust for new Fire/EMS positions; Authorization to submit grant application to make improvements at the Whitewater Effigy Mounds; Resolution urging State to fix broken system of funding critical local services; Presentation regarding powers and duties of a community development authority; Request for direction related to strategic planning process; closed session re: negotiation of agreement with school district relating to Whitewater Aquatic & Fitness Center.
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/86784752416?pwd=NVlnNXE0SHZqUkptNmRaV0c2V3lVdz09
Passcode: 091570
Or Telephone:
1 309 205 3325
Webinar ID: 867 8475 2416
Passcode: 091570

WISCONSIN STATE EDUCATION CONVENTION
Whitewater School Board members and other Whitewater Unified School District officials will be attending the Wisconsin State Education Convention in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, January 18-20, 2023. A quorum of the School Board may be present; however, the Board will not be conducting any business during the trip or at the convention.

City of Whitewater Parks & Recreation Board Meeting – Wednesday – 5:30 p.m.
Agenda includes Discussion and possible recommendation relating to request from Jeff Schemm to
purchase city owned parkland at the south end of Coburn Lane.
City of Whitewater Municipal Building
Cravath Lakefront Room- 2nd Floor
312 W. Whitewater St.
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83520984000?pwd=TFpReW5hZUI2K09ZTU8vVjJQTVIrZz09
Meeting ID: 835 2098 4000
Passcode: 253252
Or telephone:
1 312 626 6799
Meeting ID: 835 2098 4000
Passcode: 253252

Irvin L. Young Memorial Library Board of Trustees – Wednesday @ 6:30 p.m.
Agenda includes negotiation of sale of properties
Community Room
431 W. Center Street
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86227509412?pwd=V3laWnJOM0h5WGg4Z1Jrc0ozWis3UT09
Meeting ID: 862 2750 9412
Passcode: Ey3fRCd1
Or telephone:
1 312 626 6799
Meeting ID: 862 2750 9412
Passcode: 54803410

City of Whitewater Community Development Authority Board of Directors – Thursday @ 5:30 p.m.
Agenda includes presentation of “What is a CDA?” (Editor’s note: this agenda was revised on 1/17.)
Location: Municipal Building – Community Room 1st Floor
312 W. Whitewater St.
This will be an IN‐PERSON and VIRTUAL MEETING
Citizens are welcome (and encouraged) to join us 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/82463833158?pwd=d09icmwwaTJSbStNdkhHWlVsNklUZz09
Passcode: 320728
Or Telephone:
Dial: 1‐312‐626‐6799
Webinar ID: 824 6383 3158
Passcode: 320728

Starting next school year, Whitewater High School students will be able to get a jump start on earning college credits thanks to a new series of transcripted courses available through Gateway Technical College.

The partnership will allow students to take college-level classes on early childhood education, introduction to business, software academy, advanced automotive care, and enterprise manufacturing. The WUSD School Board approved the courses at its December 19 meeting.

“We are thrilled to engage in this partnership with Gateway Technical College and give our students the opportunity to earn both high school and college credit without leaving Whitewater High School,” said Dr. Caroline Pate-Hefty, Superintendent. “These programs will help students reduce the cost of their college education and give them the skills necessary to enter high-demand jobs shortly after graduation.”

Through the one-semester Foundations of Early Childhood, students explore key concepts in child guidance, discipline, lesson planning, and fostering creativity. They also hear from guest speakers and observe children in a daycare setting. 

Intro to Business introduces students to various business topics and other high school business course offerings, such as Accounting, Business Law, Entrepreneurship, Personal Finance, and Sales & Marketing. In Software Academy students will have the opportunity to earn the Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS) certification, which is globally recognized for demonstrating Microsoft Office skills and meeting the workplace demand for qualified employees.

Also available is Health, Safety, and Nutrition, another early childhood-focused course that includes various training sessions that allow students to become state certified as assistant childcare teachers. 

Advanced Auto is a full-year course that familiarizes students with the various systems of motor vehicles and includes ASC certifications for students who want to pursue automotive-related careers. 

The one-semester Manufacturing Enterprise class enables students to research, design, build, market and sell products, with the ultimate goal of making a profit. This includes quoting jobs, ordering materials, building products, quality control, and marketing.

On January 25, Gateway will be holding a virtual informational night from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Click the following links to view more information and register for the event: English/Spanish.

The transcripted classes will be taught by certified high school teachers, with students earning high school and college credits concurrently. To learn more about the program, visit https://www.gtc.edu/admissions/audience/high-school-students/earn-college-credit-high-school.

Martin Luther King Jr. Day (officially Birthday of Martin Luther King, Jr.,^[1] and sometimes referred to as MLK Day) is a federal holiday in the United States marking the birthday of Martin Luther King Jr. It is observed on the third Monday of January each year. Born in 1929, King’s actual birthday is January 15 (which in 1929 fell on a Tuesday). The holiday is similar to holidays set under the Uniform Monday Holiday Act. The earliest Monday for this holiday is January 15 and the latest is January 21.

King was the chief spokesperson for nonviolent activism in the Civil Rights Movement, which protested racial discrimination in federal and state law. The campaign for a federal holiday in King’s honor began soon after his assassination in 1968. President Ronald Reagan signed the holiday into law in 1983, and it was first observed three years later. At first, some states resisted observing the holiday as such, giving it alternative names or combining it with other holidays. It was officially observed in all 50 states for the first time in 2000.

Text and homepage image from Wikipedia.

From the city website:
City Offices Closed Monday, January 16th for MLK Day

On December 20, 2022, the City of Whitewater Common Council approved Martin Luther King, Jr. Day as an additional holiday for city employees. All city offices will be closed on January 16th, but citizens who need police assistance may use the after hours call button in the Municipal Building Whitewater Street vestibule or may call the non-emergency phone number at 262-473-0555 option 4. For all emergencies, please call 9-1-1.

The League of Women Voters – Whitewater Area Book Club is beginning the new year with a new study emphasis. We will be delving into the history of Central America and how it relates to current immigration policies in the United States. Published in 2022, our study book will be Central America’s Forgotten History: Revolution, Violence, and the Roots of Migration by Aviva Chomsky, professor of history and coordinator of Latin American Studies at Salem State University. In the pursuit of answering the question, “How did we get here?,” Chomsky focuses on the struggles for social and economic justice in Guatemala, Nicaragua, El Salvador, and Honduras by tracing the roots of displacement and migration from the Spanish conquest to the present day influx of refugees seeking asylum today.

The League will launch the study with a February program, open to the public, to share information to enhance our community’s cultural competency and acceptance of Whitewater’s newest Nicaraguan immigrants.

The Book Club sessions will be held on Thursdays, February 23 (Part I – A Crisis with Deep Roots), March 30 (Part II – Revolution in the 1970’s and ’80’s) and April 27 (Part III – Killing Hope). The first session, led by Dr. Dwight Watson and Deb Gamble, will be held on Zoom. Books will be available at the Irvin L. Young Memorial Library, or can be ordered through The Book Teller, Amazon or on Kindle.

Please contact Deb Gamble (shebagam@gmail.com) with questions or to sign up for the Zoom meeting. Please join us; we have a lot to learn.

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.

Editor’s note: The above press release was received from the League of Women Voters – Whitewater Area.