The following area students completed degree requirements at the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse in May.
UW-La Crosse, founded in 1909, is one of 13 four-year institutions that comprise the Universities of Wisconsin. UWL has more than 10,400 full and part-time students enrolled in 101 undergraduate, 28 graduate and two doctoral academic programs.
UW-La Crosse, a top-ranked national university, is the No. 1 public university in Wisconsin with fewer than 25,000 students. See more at www.uwlax.edu
Students earning degrees in May include:
HOMETOWN, STATE; NAME, DEGREE, MAJOR(S), HONORS (if listed) Whitewater, WI
Bryce Hibbs, Bachelor of Science, Communication Studies Major: Organizational and Professional Communication Emphasis, Honors Josie Hintz, Bachelor of Science, Finance Major; Business Analytics Major, Highest Honors
Harry Oliver Dempsey passed away peacefully and among family in Elkhorn, WI on July 24, 2024 at the age of 80. Born on May 21, 1944 to William and Norma (Shober) Dempsey, Harry grew up on the family farm in Whitewater.
In his younger years, Harry enjoyed hunting and fishing, a passion that he later passed on to his own children. All his life he could often be found in his shop, building or fixing something – from a child’s toy to lawn mowers, cars, and tractors. His passion for self-sufficiency extended to his large garden whose abundance he happily shared with family and friends. He loved to sit and talk and always had a coffee mug nearby. Above all, he loved God and adored his nine grandchildren and the time he spent with them.
He is survived by his children and grandchildren: Roger Stearns; Bradley Stearns: Kristina and Katelyn; Timothy (Jennifer) Dempsey: Tucker, Alice, and Able; Michelle (Joshua) Bucholtz: Oliver, Theodore, Felicity, and Katarina. Also, his brother James (Eileen) Dempsey, brother-in-law Bill Bendig, and his nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Martha Bendig.
Friends and family are welcome to attend a celebration of life for Harry from 2:00- 6:00 p.m. on July 31, 2024 at Elegant Acres W5300 Territorial Rd, Elkhorn, WI 53121.
Dunlap Memorial Home in Fort Atkinson is assisting the family.
The editor was on vacation for over two weeks recently, and the Banner is most appreciative of longtime volunteer staffers Laura Masbruch and Dee Hoglund for keeping the “presses” running so capably during this time. Thank you, Laura and Dee, for your dedicated work throughout the years, and especially for taking on this additional responsibility.
High school seniors will begin receiving admissions offers from the Universities of Wisconsin the week of July 28 under the new Direct Admit Wisconsin program, UWs President Jay Rothman announced on July 24.
Wisconsin seniors who have met Direct Admit Wisconsin requirements will be notified of their Direct Admit offers beginning next week and continuing into September. Participating students should check their high school email accounts for these notices, Rothman said.
“Direct Admit Wisconsin makes it easy to enroll in and pursue a UW education,” Rothman said. “We want students and their families to know there is a place for them at the Universities of Wisconsin.”
Rothman said some students don’t see themselves as succeeding at the college level. Direct Admit Wisconsin tells them otherwise and makes enrollment as easy as possible.
Rothman is urging members of the Class of 2025 to be vigilant in checking their high school email accounts and to follow the instructions for next steps to learn more about the Universities of Wisconsin that have admitted them. Students will need to complete a Direct Admit form to connect with UWs they are interested in and accept their admission offers. There is no fee to complete the Direct Admit form.
Under Direct Admit Wisconsin, qualified high school students from participating schools are automatically admitted to up to 10 UWs without ever having to submit an application. Students must choose to participate in the program and are admitted based upon their grades and coursework after completion of their junior year. They must meet all admissions requirements, enroll for their senior year of high school, and stay on track to graduate.
Students must have been enrolled in one of the nearly 350 participating public and private high schools across Wisconsin. [Whitewater Unified School District Superintendent Caroline Pate-Hefty told the Banner that, “It is a parental choice for our families to opt in or not (of this program). We give them the option.”] All UWs are participating in Direct Admit Wisconsin except UW-Madison, UW-Eau Claire, and UW-La Crosse. Students, including those receiving Direct Admit offers, may still submit an application to those universities.
In addition to the notifications via high school email accounts, students will also receive Direct Admit offer letters through the U.S. mail in the coming weeks. Rothman urged parents and students to be on the lookout.
“It’s summer, and we know students are busy with work, vacation, sports, and other activities so we want to call attention to these important communications,” Rothman said. “It could be life changing.”
Students interested in any of the Universities of Wisconsin can also go to Wisconsin.edu any time to learn more about the constellation of 13 public universities.
The Universities of Wisconsin look forward to expanding the number of participating high schools and students in the coming year. Juniors at currently participating high schools will be asked to sign up for Direct Admit Wisconsin later this fall.
Rothman also thanked Infinite Campus, Skyward, and PowerSchool, which operate student information systems at the participating high schools, for their partnership with Direct Admit Wisconsin.
Editor’s note: The above press release was provided by the Universities of Wisconsin.
Whitewater Chamber of Commerce Presents One Sweet Summer Weekend: A Citywide Celebration of Local with Sales, Specials, and Fun!
The Whitewater Chamber of Commerce is thrilled to announce their Annual One Sweet Summer Weekend, a citywide celebration of local, featuring a variety of irresistible in-store and sidewalk sales. This event, set to take place from August 2-4, 2024, will bring together local businesses offering fantastic deals and special promotions for all to enjoy.
During the weekend, participating businesses will offer an array of discounts, buy-one-get-one (BOGO) deals, drink specials, and freebies, making it the perfect opportunity for residents and visitors alike to explore and support our vibrant local community. From fashion boutiques to specialty shops, cafes to restaurants, One Sweet Summer Weekend has something for everyone.
“We are excited to host this citywide event, again, to showcase Whitewater’s wonderful local businesses,” said Katy Daixon Wimer, Director of Content and Communications at the Whitewater Chamber of Commerce. “One Sweet Summer Weekend is a perfect opportunity for our community to come together, enjoy great deals, and celebrate the summer season. It’s also a wonderful way for our local businesses to connect with new and returning customers.”
Participants can look forward to:
Exclusive Discounts: Enjoy special savings on a wide range of products and services from participating retailers.
BOGO Deals: Take advantage of buy-one-get-one offers on select items.
Drink/Food Specials: Refresh yourself with unique drink specials available at various cafes and restaurants.
Freebies: Don’t miss out on complimentary goodies and surprises from some of your favorite local shops.
Special Events: Be sure to pop by The Vinery’s Glass Vendor Fair 9-4 p.m. Friday-Sunday and Cars & Coffee featuring Sweet Spot Bakehouse, BicycleWise, Nordskov Coffee, and Whitewater Grocery Co. at Lake Home Info/NextHome Success 9-12 p.m. Sunday!
The event will run during regular business hours throughout the weekend, with some businesses offering extended hours to accommodate shoppers. Whether you’re looking for a unique gift, a delicious meal, or just a fun day out, One Sweet Summer Weekend promises to be an enjoyable experience for all ages.
The Whitewater Chamber of Commerce invites everyone to join in the fun and support our local economy by shopping small and local. For more information on participating businesses and their special offers, please visit the Chamber’s One Sweet Summer Weekend event on Facebook.
Come get your shopping fix at One Sweet Summer Weekend—where great deals and community spirit meet!
The Whitewater Chamber of Commerce serves the area’s local businesses through business education, referrals, advocacy, and networking opportunities. The Chamber also strives to bring business owners and the community together through events and promotions. Our membership of businesses and individuals is dedicated to showcasing Whitewater as the perfect place to live, learn, work, play, and dream.
Whitewater Area Chamber of Commerce 150 W Main St. Whitewater, WI 262-473-4005 info@whitewaterchamber.com
Editor’s note: The above press release was provided by the Whitewater Chamber of Commerce.
GRINNELL, Iowa — The Midwest Conference (MWC) recognized 1,570 student-athletes as Academic All-Conference honorees for the 2023-24 academic year, announced Monday, July 15.
The list of honorees represents nine core member institutions and two affiliates across eighteen league-sponsored sports, including 881 student-athletes participating in men’s sports and 689 student-athletes participating in women’s sports.
To be recognized as a MWC Academic All-Conference honoree, a student-athlete must have satisfied a minimum grade-point average (GPA) of 3.33 for the awarded academic year, letter in any of the league’s fall, winter, or spring sports as a freshman, sophomore, junior, or senior, and compete on a team that completed a minimum 50% of its scheduled contests.
Grinnell College led all institutions with 286 student-athletes receiving Academic All-conference honors, followed by Lawrence University with 177 and Lake Forest College with 166, highlighting the top three.
More than 200 Lawrence University student-athletes have earned Academic All-Midwest Conference honors. Lawrence had a total of 242 student-athletes encompassing 18 teams, nine women’s squads and nine men’s teams. Lawrence football led the way with 23 honorees, and women’s indoor track and field and outdoor track and field had 21 selections apiece to pace the women. Lawrence had 15 female athletes to be honored on three teams, and 11 men picked up the honor for three different teams. Lawrence had a total of 39 multi-sport athletes included in its group.
To be eligible for the academic all-conference team, a student-athlete must have a minimum 3.33 cumulative grade point average and letter in their sport.
Volleyball Cora Linos, Jr., Janesville, Wis., Government
The City of Whitewater is pleased to announce the development of 19 new single-family homes in collaboration with Neumann Developments, Inc. This significant project marks an essential step toward achieving the city’s strategic goal of building 100 new homes within the next five years, enhancing the local community’s growth and vitality.
The development will be located in on Tower Hill Pass and Stonefield Lane. The original development project began in 1999, aiming to create a vibrant residential community in Whitewater. Although progress was made, 19 homes remained unfinished due to unforeseen challenges faced by the original developer. The City of Whitewater’s collaboration with Neumann Developments, Inc. signifies a commitment to completing this vision and fulfilling the promise of a thriving neighborhood.
“The partnership with Neumann Developments, Inc. represents our commitment to expanding our housing options and fostering community growth,” said Taylor Zeinert, the Economic Development Director for the City of Whitewater. “This project not only addresses the increasing demand for housing but also aligns with our strategic plan to develop affordable housing options for all, from young professionals to families and retirees. We are dedicated to ensuring that our community can provide high-quality, affordable living spaces for every stage of life.”
Editor’s note: The above press release was received from the City of Whitewater. This project is being facilitated through the use of Tax Increment Financing on a “pay go structure.” Further information about the agreement, which the Common Council approved at its July 16, 2024 meeting, may be found here (see “closed session.”)
Natureland Park will be closed to the public beginning Monday, July 29, 2024. The park will reopen on Friday, September 6, 2024. Natureland Park is located at W8338 Territorial Road in Whitewater.
During this time, Walworth County Public Works will replace the two parking lots, add concrete walkways at the log cabin, and install a concrete patio for a new ADA-accessible picnic table on the north side of the cabin.
Throughout the project, the park and parking lots will be closed to ensure public safety. The public is asked to drive with caution and be mindful of contractor vehicles and equipment staging by the park entrance on Territorial Road.
During the closure of Natureland Park, the County’s two remaining parks, Price Park Conservancy and White River County Park, will be open for use and scheduling of events. Learn more about our parks at https://www.co.walworth.wi.us/306/Parks
Editor’s note: The above press release was provided by Walworth County.
