Lynn Binnie

Whitewater, has partnered with CivicPlus to implement its Recreation Management software. The cloud-based solution allows residents greater visibility into offered parks and recreation department activities, classes, sports, youth leagues, and more convenient online registration and payment. It will also allow residents to search for and reserve community facilities, such as pavilions, and picnic shelters, all conveniently online.

“I am truly excited to partner with CivicPlus to make the registering for activities and facility rentals in Whitewater easier for patrons,” said Kevin Boehm, City of Whitewater, director of parks and recreation. “We value all of our patrons and are working hard to improve the services we offer. This new software will greatly improve the registration and rental experience. The new software launches on May 28, 2024.”

The CivicPlus Recreation Management software is intuitive to navigate and easy for residents to use. It is mobile-friendly, allowing community members to search for local activities and events, register, and remit payment from any smartphone or tablet.

The software is part of the CivicPlus integrated technology suite of software designed for local governments. “CivicPlus designs innovative solutions for local governments,” said Jennifer Elliott, CivicPlus Director of Product Marketing. “We continually invest in our products to strengthen and transform the way governments work and communicate with their residents. We are proud to partner with Whitewater Parks and Recreation Department to help accomplish their goals.”

Links to the new software will be available on the City of Whitewater Parks and Recreation website at www.wwparks.org

About Whitewater Parks and Recreation:
Whitewater Parks and Recreation is committed to providing diverse recreational opportunities for individuals of all ages and abilities in the Whitewater community. Through innovative programming and collaborative partnerships, we strive to promote physical activity, social interaction, and overall well-being.

On Sunday, May 26, 2024, at approximately 5:28 p.m., the Rock County Sheriff’s Office responded to the Milton area for a report of a possible tornado that went through the area. The City of Milton Police Department also responded. Law enforcement units located multiple downed trees and powerlines. Multiple residences were found to have sustained structural damage. There were not any injuries reported.

Alliant Energy and We Energies responded to repair the downed powerlines. The Rock County Highway Department, Milton Public Works, and Town of Koshkonong Public Works all responded to clear the roadways of the downed trees. The Lakeside Fire Department and Rock County Emergency Management responded as well.

The area will be surveyed in the next coming days by the National Weather Service. Any additional information will be released by Rock County Emergency Management.

Editor’s note: The above press release was received from the Rock County Sheriff’s Office. The image on the homepage does not depict this possible tornado.

The Whitewater Common Council on May 21 approved a development agreement for a multi-family housing development at Moraine View Parkway and Jakes Way. The agreement, proposed by Slate Development, Inc., includes 128 units spread across eight two-story buildings.

“This development is a critical investment in our community’s future,” said City Manager John Weidl. “By addressing our
pressing housing needs head-on, we are not only improving the quality of life for our current residents but also making
Whitewater an attractive place for new families and professionals. This project exemplifies our dedication to sustainable
growth and economic prosperity.” The development is receiving financial support from TID #11 [Tax Increment District], utilizing a pay-as-you-go structure to ensure positive cash flow from day one. This approach minimizes financial risk for the city and taxpayers by requiring the developer to meet specific financial benchmarks before receiving payments. Additionally, safeguards such as a minimum assessed value (MAV) guarantee and Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILOT) ensure that taxpayers are
protected. If the development falls short of the projected value, the developer will make up the difference, maintaining
the financial stability of the project.

Economic Development Director Taylor Zeinert emphasized the importance of this project: “The need for workforce
housing in Whitewater cannot be overstated. Our business community, recent graduates, and current students all
underscore this necessity.” Common Council President Patrick Singer highlighted the next steps: “With the development
agreement now approved by the Common Council, the project will return to the Plan and Architectural Review
Commission (PARC) for a Conditional Use Permit and Site Plan Review.” This development will be discussed at the July PARC
Meeting held on July 8th. Singer further stated, “An increase in the quantity and opportunities for housing is an
identified community need that the City of Whitewater is strongly committed to achieving. With single-family housing
units already in the pipeline, this development will give more residents in our community the opportunity to find
affordable housing.”

The conditional use consideration requires a class 2 notice, requiring two postings a week apart. For the July 8th meeting, public notices will be posted on June 20th and 27th, with the agenda posted in the newspaper on July 4th. Council President Singer concluded, “The Plan and Architectural Review Commission will review site plans and a conditional use permit at its July meeting. These two items will complete the approval of this development. I encourage all residents interested in the outcome to attend the upcoming meeting.”

Editor’s note: The above press release was received from the city manager’s office.

Limited appointments are available. Reserve your spot at this link or by calling 262-473-2997. Please note that several appointments are still open for double red cells.

Be sure to take note of the new location at the Cravath Lakefront Community Center.

City of Whitewater Finance Committee – Tuesday @ 5:00 p.m.
Agenda
Cravath Lakefront room 2nd floor 312 West Whitewater St
*In Person and Virtual
Citizens are welcome (and encouraged) to join our webinar 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/83973747733
Or Telephone:
Dial 1 312 626 6799
Webinar ID: 839 7374 7733
International numbers available: https://us06web.zoom.us/u/kN3n60TXX

City of Whitewater Special Common Council Meeting – Tuesday @ 6:30 p.m.
Agenda includes Discussion regarding Council Goals and Priorities, Discussion and Possible Action regarding the Strategic Plan, Discussion and Possible Action regarding Changes to the Good Governance Manual, and Discussion regarding Non-Financial Strategies for Enhancing Recruitment and Retention.
Whitewater Municipal Building Community Room, 312 West Whitewater St.
*In Person and Virtual
Citizens are welcome (and encouraged) to join our webinar via computer, smart phone, or telephone.
Citizen participation is welcome during topic discussion periods.
Please click the link below to join:
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/86078303578?pwd=0Ju4UUwE_xOcfmZDNeudgd-gcwaZDg.x1Wx2m779eQfZ0MU
Telephone: 1 (312) 626-6799
Webinar ID: 860 7830 3578
Passcode: 117530

Whitewater Unified School District School Board – Tuesday @ 5:00 p.m. – CLOSED SESSION

Adjourn into closed session, pursuant to §19.85(1)(c), Wis. Stats., considering employment, promotion, compensation or performance evaluation data of any public employee over which the governmental body has jurisdiction or exercises responsibility, specifically, to discuss and consider individual 2024-2025 salary contract adjustments; to discuss a specific employee’s resignation and review the School Board evaluation. Pursuant to the provisions of §19.85(1)(e), Wis. Stats., deliberating or negotiating the purchasing of public properties, the investing of public funds, or conducting other specified public business, whenever competitive or bargaining reasons require a closed session; specifically, to discuss and consider a facility planning architect and future capital maintenance planning. Pursuant to Wis. Stat. § 19.85(1)(f), considering financial, medical, social or personal histories or disciplinary data of specific persons, preliminary consideration of specific personnel problems or the investigation of charges against specific persons except where par. (b) applies which, if discussed in public, would be likely to have a substantial adverse effect upon the reputation of any person referred to in such histories or data, or involved in such problems or investigations, specifically, to discuss Board member’s allegations that district employees failed to adhere to District policies. Pursuant to the provisions of §19.85(1)(d), Wis. Stats., to consider strategy for crime detection or prevention; specifically, to discuss E-rate firewall protection.

Whitewater High School Library
534 South Elizabeth Street, Whitewater, Wisconsin
5:00 p.m.
———————————————–
5:00 p.m. via Zoom Online
– URL: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83722491972?pwd=c2h0VFlMUXNxQXR4V0ZiL2xwYUFVdz09
– Passcode: 736965
———————————————–
– Dial-in: 1-312-626-6799
– Webinar ID: 837 2249 1972
– Passcode: 736965
———————————————–
Closed Session
———————————————–
7:00 p.m. via Zoom Online — OPEN SESSION
Agenda (click on “meetings” in upper right corner) includes RECOGNITION 2024 FIRST Championship Worlds Qualifier – Team #6574 Ferradermis, RECOGNITION – 2024 WSMA State Solo & Ensemble Festival, RECOGNITION – 2024 Wisconsin Interscholastic Speech & Dramatic Arts Association State Festival, RECOGNITION – 2024 Best Communities for Music Education, WAFC contract, Summer School teacher pay.
– URL: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87906854174?pwd=a1hTMG9DNUc1MlVZZ2NULzhNb0JEZz09
– Passcode: 781760
———————————————-
– Dial-in: 1-312-626-6799
– Webinar ID: 879 0685 4174
– Passcode: 781760

City of Whitewater Lakes Advisory Committee – Wednesday @ 4:00 p.m.
Agenda includes Discussion and possible action regarding presentation from Southeastern Wisconsin
Regional Planning Commission, Discussion and possible action regarding bids for mechanical dredging of Cravath & Trippe
Lake Cattail.
Whitewater Municipal Building Community Room, 312 West Whitewater St.
*In Person and Virtual
Citizens are welcome (and encouraged) to join our webinar via computer, smart phone, or telephone.
Citizen participation is welcome during topic discussion periods.
Please click the link below to join the webinar:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89704180987?pwd=OEVaZHQzUklhaHNUckdvRUVMRldlUT09
Meeting ID: 897 0418 0987
Passcode: 097434
Dial 1 312 626 6799
Meeting ID: 897 0418 0987
Passcode: 097434

Whitewater School Board -2024 Whitewater Unified School District Retirement Celebration – Thursday @ 4:00 p.m.
Whitewater School Board members will be attending the 2024 Whitewater Unified School District Retirement Celebration at Willow Brook Golf Course on Thursday, May 30, 2024 beginning at 4:00 pm. A quorum of the School Board may be present; however, the Board will not be conducting any business during the event.

Community members are invited to a free guided journaling workshop led by local writer Katy Daixon Wimer. Enjoy reflective journaling prompts and inspiring, lively conversation. Feel free to bring your own journal or a small journal will be provided.  

The event will be held at the Irvin L Young Memorial Library’s Community Room located at 431 W. Center Street in Whitewater on Wednesday, May 29 at 6:00 p.m.

This program is for adults. Teens are welcome with a participating adult. Registration is requested. Visit whitewaterlibrary.org and click on “Events – Registration Forms” to register in advance. You may also email sfrench@whitewater-wi.gov or call 262-458-2782 to register, or with any questions. 

More than 100 million adults in the U.S. are now living with diabetes or pre-diabetes, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). While that statistic is startling, there is good news. People with diabetes or pre-diabetes can improve their health by joining a Healthy Living with Diabetes workshop sponsored by the Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC) of Walworth County. The program has been researched and proven to improve the health of adults with diabetes or pre-diabetes.  

In just six weekly sessions, Healthy Living with Diabetes gives participants strategies for managing diabetes including techniques to deal with symptoms and information about healthy eating, appropriate use of medication, exercise, and working effectively with health care providers. Participants learn to make realistic, achievable action plans, share their experiences, and help each other solve problems.

Healthy Living with Diabetes will be held in the Kettle Moraine Trail Room on Tuesdays, June 4 to July 9, from 10 a.m. to noon, at Walworth County Health and Human Services, 1910 County Road NN Elkhorn. The workshop has a suggested contribution of $10. 

Registration for this program is required; contact Chetney Blaszczyk RDN, CD at (262) 741-3309.

The University of Dubuque congratulates the following students on being appointed to the Spring Semester 2024 Academic Dean’s List.

Full-time students in good academic standing (registered for and having earned 12 or more letter grade credits for the term) who earn a term grade point average of 3.5 or above and who do not have any grades of Incomplete for the term are named to the Dean’s List. Once grades have been submitted for any Incompletes, the Office of Academic Affairs will review eligibility again for possible placement on the Dean’s List for the given term. 

Dean’s List is awarded for the fall and spring semesters only and may be awarded retroactively.

About the University of Dubuque

The University of Dubuque (UD) is a private, coed university founded in 1852 that offers undergraduate, graduate, and theological seminary degrees as well as other educational opportunities with the intention of educating and forming the whole person. Here, the value of an education is measured in helping our students find their calling in life through academics, community, character, vocation, and stewardship. Our approach to learning is based on professional programs with a liberal arts core, and we prepare students to find their purpose and make meaningful contributions to the world. https://www.dbq.edu/

Whitewater, WI

 Halee Peters

A number of residents expressed frustration that the electronics recycling event on Saturday, May 18 was scheduled to run from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., but when they arrived as early as barely after noon the personnel and their truck had disappeared without explanation. The Banner reached out to Brad Marquardt, director of public works, who indicated, “The explanation we received from the recycling company was their truck was full and they were unable to accept any more items.  Next year’s event will be May 17 from 9:00 am to noon.  The posting will also include language that the event may end early if the truck is full, so people are encouraged to come early.”

This is obviously a popular and appreciated event, as in at least one previous year the same thing happened, with capacity being reached before the announced closing time.

By Lynn Binnie
Whitewater Banner volunteer staff
whitewaterbanner@gmail.com