Lynn Binnie

On December 8, 2019, First United Methodist Church of Whitewater (FUMC) announced that it had become a “Reconciling Congregation.” A Reconciling Congregation is fully inclusive and welcoming, not judging persons based upon their sexual orientation, gender identity or any other personal or social characteristic.

In February of 2019 a special worldwide conference of The United Methodist Church was called to consider possible changes to the denomination’s position on human sexuality and to explore options to strengthen church unity on the issue. Delegates to that conference, many from non-US churches, voted by a narrow margin to not only retain denomination-wide prohibitions against same-sex marriages and practicing LGBTQ clergy, but to increase enforcement of those policies. In response, the “Prime Time” high school youth of FUMC almost immediately adopted a statement in opposition to the denomination’s decisions, affirming that “God made us who we are and ALL of us are children of God.”

In response to the bold statement by the youth and supportive comments from many adult members, FUMC formed a task force to consider becoming a Reconciling Congregation. That task force recommended adoption of the following welcome statement, and all members and friends of the congregation were encouraged to vote on its acceptance:

You are welcome to come just as you are and be met by God who knows you by name, who loves you and wants to have an ever-closer relationship with you. God made us who we are, and ALL of us are children of God.

To people of all…

• Sexual orientations and gender identities
• Racial and ethnic backgrounds
• Ages and physical/mental abilities
• Economic and family status

…we welcome and affirm you.

We are all on a spiritual journey and want all to feel included here.

Nearly two hundred children, youth and adults voted. Some people volunteered why they voted “yes.” “I am totally in favor,” said one. Another simply said, “It’s about time.” A third voted in favor but added, “I still have questions.” A young girl who has two mothers said, “Because I want to keep coming here.”

In announcing the overwhelmingly positive vote in December 8^th worship services, Lynn Binnie, chair of the task force, said, Being a Reconciling Congregation does not refer to a single issue but to our faithful commitment to be reconciled to one another in all matters, without demanding that there be unanimity. We’ve always known that we are a welcoming congregation, but there are people in the Whitewater area who have heard about the stance of our denomination and who, as a result, believe that they would not be truly welcome here. As a Reconciling Congregation, we are making a public statement that God welcomes all and so do we.

On Saturday, February 8 at approximately 7:40 a.m., Rock County deputies and Milton EMS responded to a crash in the 8000 block of North Cty Highway KK, north of Hwy 59, according to a news release from the sheriff’s office.

A 65-year-old male from Whitewater was driving a 2015 Chevrolet Equinox northbound on KK when it is believed “he suffered a medical event” before losing control, resulting in the car overturning. He and a 64-year-old Whitewater woman were trapped in the car. The woman did not suffer serious injuries. The man, who has not been identified pending notification of next of kin, died after being transported to a hospital.

Sterling H. M. Espinoza, 20, of Whitewater, died on Monday, February 3 after a rollover crash nearby on Hwy 59.

Whitewater resident Lola Myszewski donated her hair to an organization called Wigs 4 Kids. The non-profit helps outfit young people — cancer patients, burn victims, etc.,– with wigs made from donations like Lola’s.

For the story, including video, from WMTV, please click here.

The Wisconsin Board of Regents at its meeting on Friday, February 7 approved UW-Whitewater’s proposal to increase undergraduate tuition for nonresidents by .99% and for both resident and nonresident graduate students by 2%. The increases are effective for the 2020-21 academic year. Tuition for resident undergraduates remains unchanged as it has since 2013 due to a mandate from the legislature.

UW-W’s request of the Board of Regents is shown below.

UW-Whitewater UW-Whitewater proposes to increase tuition for resident graduate, audit, business, and computer science and nonresident undergraduate, graduate, audit, business, and computer science programs for the 2020-21 academic year. The increase is two percent for the graduate programs and one percent for nonresident undergraduate.

The proposed nonresident undergraduate rate increases would keep UW-Whitewater rates in line with the market rates charged by peer UW System comprehensives. UW-Whitewater rates would be within $30 of the average of nonresident undergraduate rates across all comprehensives. UW-Whitewater rates would also keep UW-Whitewater in the middle tier of the comprehensives undergraduate nonresident rates. This placement keeps UWWhitewater rates affordable and reflective of the value provided by the education amongst these institutions.

The proposed graduate rate increases would keep UW-Whitewater a great value compared to a comprehensive list of six regional competitors. The proposed rate increase would keep UW-Whitewater residents’ rates at less than 70 percent of the rates charged by these competitors. While most competitors do not charge a separate nonresident rate, the increase of nonresident graduate rates is consistent with UW-Whitewater’s service to the state of Wisconsin and still represents a competitive rate with regional competition.

The increases would generate an additional $533,518 in revenue and would be used to offset pay plan fringe costs and support overall increases in supplier charges and costs as detailed in the five-year financial model.

At the Common Council meeting on February 4, Rick Lien was congratulated on his retirement after 35 years of service to the City of Whitewater. He served as Water Superintendent since 2001. The following proclamation was read by City Manager Cameron Clapper.

Gradreports.com’s college rankings are based on data published by the U.S. Department of Education in November 2019. Schools are ranked in descending order of their graduates’ median salary. Salaries are specific to the degree level and the program of each list.

Median annual salaries for Bachelor’s graduates in music ranged from $33,400 to $49,200. UW-W, at $36,700, was #15 on the list.

Median debt of music graduates ranged from $21,213 to $31,000. UW-W’s median debt was tied for highest at $31,000.

Annual tuition ranged from $9,117 to $41,020. UW-W’s annual tuition was reported as $16,235, the second lowest of the group. It is unknown why the average UW-W student graduates with the most debt when their tuition is one of the lowest.

Gradreports received ratings and comments from 16 graduates of various majors between 2015-2018. 100% said that their degree improved their career prospects. 94% said they would recommend the school to others. The most recent comments are shown below.

A.E Jackson – 9/26/2018 Degree: Physical Education Graduation Year: 2008 “Whitewater is a backpack school surrounded by a great community. The sports programs and facilities are impeccable the business and education programs are the crowned jewels however you can obtain a quality education from whitewater in any field that they offer. I thoroughly enjoyed my time at the university. the food the atmosphere, playing football, the bars and restaurants (pumpers and Mitchell’s & Gus Pizza and Chicken) many memories and overall a good place worth checking out on your journey to find the undergraduate institution that fits you best.“

Joanna Beukema – 3/4/2018 Degree: Health SciencesGraduation Year: 2018 “UW-Whitewater has been a great college for me the last four years. The campus is smaller, with all buildings less than 15 minutes away. Class size is relatively small (depending on major) so the one-to-one feeling with professors is great. Whitewater is the perfect little town for those that don’t want a huge city feel!“

Summer Pehl – 3/1/2018 Degree: Health Sciences Graduation Year: 2018 “I loved my experience at UW-Whitewater. While I learned so much in the classroom, Whitewater benefited me most outside of the classroom. UWW is the perfect size; it is large enough that there are ample opportunities, but small enough so that each person can thrive in these opportunities. Each student at UWW has a face and a name; your professors will know and care about you. Whitewater is also the perfect location – located in the middle of Chicago, Milwaukee, and Madison. Access to these three major cities allows for excellent career opportunities. I loved my experience at UW-Whitewater and I know you will too. Go Warhawks!“

Morgan Parker – 2/19/2018 Degree: Health Sciences Graduation Year: 2017“I received my Bachelor’s of Science degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders with a minor in Spanish from the University of Wisconsin – Whitewater and I loved every minute of my time there. As a small program, all my professors went out of their way to help me succeed in the classroom and achieve my career goals. All my professors knew who I was and genuinely got to know me on a personal level. As a four year student athlete my professors, coaches, and advisors communicated seamlessly in order to provide me with positive outcomes in the classroom and on the court. Being a student athlete provided me with opportunities that I never dreamed of including competing and traveling to Costa Rica, 4 trips to the NCAA tournament, regularly volunteering at a local nursing home, and friendships that will last a lifetime.“

Meghan Pollex – 12/22/2017 Degree: Art & Design Graduation Year: 2017 “UW-Whitewater provided high quality resources for students with special needs. With the accommodations they have provided, they assisted students in job opportunities, exam spaces, and individualized education plans. The cultural atmosphere in the Art Department is authentic, sincere, and compassionate. The technical aspects taught in each of my courses provided a high amount of versatility, strength, and personal growth.“

Jenae Stolarzyzk – 3/23/2017 Degree: Political Science Graduation Year: 2012 “I was a transfer student to the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater in the Spring of 2008. The transfer process between a private school to a public school was extremely easy. I had a student advisor who met with me for freshman orientation, showed me around campus, and even introduced me to my Resident Advisor. I was able to integrate very fast since the campus is on the smaller side. My professors were all very knowledgeable and willing to help in all areas of course work. I would recommend joining a group or program on campus as it makes your college time much more enjoyable. I was a member of the University Cheerleading All Girls team and a member of the ROTC program. I would recommend the University of Wisconsin- Whitewater to anyone who wants a small town feel for college with ample amounts of opportunities.“

Chelsea Indra – 3/2/2017 Degree: Accounting Graduation Year: 2012 “The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater is an accredited, wonderful school to attend if you are interested in pursuing an accounting degree. A majority of the Accounting department at Whitewater has worked in public accounting, and provide students with a wealth of real-life experiences and hands on training. The school offers an amazing internship program to Juniors, where you earn credits AND get paid during a twelve week experience. I was able to secure a job a year ahead of graduating through this program. I’d recommend this school time and time again to anyone serious about a career in accounting.“