Lynn Binnie

The City of Whitewater will ask voters to weigh in on the future of the Starin Park Water Tower through a non-binding referendum during the November 5th, 2024 election. The Whitewater Common Council approved the following question for the ballot:
“The City of Whitewater Water Utility has decommissioned the Starin Park Water Tower,
meaning it is no longer part of the water system. The Water Utility can spend up to $600,000 (the cost of demolition) to maintain it as a City-owned Historical Landmark. The remaining costs, approximately $1,000,000 for repairs and $250,000 every 10 years for maintenance would need to come from City tax dollars or donations. Should the City of Whitewater use tax dollars to repair and maintain the Starin Park Water Tower?”

The referendum is non-binding, meaning it serves as an advisory vote to gauge public opinion. While it does not carry legal force, the results will provide important insights to guide the Common Council in making the final decision on whether to preserve or demolish the historic water tower.

Historical Significance and Structural Assessment
The Starin Park Water Tower was built in 1889 and served the community until the new
Southwest Water Tower became operational in 2022. The structure stands approximately 100 feet tall, with a 70-foot masonry base and a 30-foot steel tank. On December 14, 2022, the water was removed from the tower, and it was officially decommissioned.

A structural analysis, conducted by McEnroe Consulting Engineers in January 2023, found the water tower to be in “good condition with some elements in fair condition,” though maintenance and repairs are needed to ensure its long-term stability. Key structural concerns include:

• Stone cracking and deterioration
• Cracked stone at the entry arch
• Deteriorated mortar joints at the exterior and interior
• Corroding steel at the base of the tank

The report estimates repair costs between $950,000 and $1,100,000, with additional ongoing maintenance costs of $250,000 every 10 years.

Cost of Preservation vs. Demolition
In addition to repair costs, McEnroe Consulting provided an estimate of $600,000 for
demolishing the water tower. The phased approach to repair includes an initial repair budget of $600,000, with future phases costing $420,000 and $320,000, respectively. The total project cost by 2026 is projected to reach $1.6 million, which includes repairs, engineering, and project
management.

As part of the report, McEnroe Consulting provided an estimate of $600,000 for demolishing the water tower. This cost would be the responsibility of the Whitewater Water Utility. If the water tower is not demolished, the Whitewater Water Utility can put the $600,000 toward the repairs of the water tower. The remaining costs to repair, including engineering and project management costs, are estimated at $1 million for the year 2026. The remaining $1 million would need to come from City tax dollars or donations.

Referendum Impact
The outcome of the November referendum will help inform the Common Council as they
consider the community’s input and determine the future of the Starin Park Water Tower. The question of whether to preserve this historic landmark as a City-owned asset or demolish it due to its financial burden is a critical issue for the city.

Voters are encouraged to participate in the referendum on November 5th, 2024, to have their voices heard on the future of this important local landmark.

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

The following was posted in a previous article in the Banner regarding the tower:

“According to the Architectural & Historical Survey of Whitewater (Cartwright, 2008; pg. 50), ‘The best example of stone construction in the city is the water tower in Starin Park, built in 1889. The regularly coursed rusticated limestone walls are laid up in stepped sections that expand from larger to smaller as the structure rises. The walls are accented with belt courses and round arches. Also historically significant, the water tower is distinctive for its stone construction and potentially eligible for the National Register.’ “

The image on the homepage was posted in a previous Banner article, with this information from the Whitewater Historical Society: “This view from 1889 shows the building crew completing the metal tank on the old water tower in Starin Park. The water tower was part of the new water system installed in that year that included a pump house, a water reservoir, and several miles of pipe. Because of the new water tower, the old water tower will be decommissioned after over 130 years of service.”

Irvin L. Young Library Board of Trustees – Monday @ 6:30 p.m. – NOTE CHANGE OF VENUE
Agenda includes building project, Mid-Year Review of the 2024 Strategic Plan Activities, Review and possible action of Library Card Project Proposal with the WWUSD.
Cravath Lakefront Conference Room
312 W 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/81646531133?pwd=nbtwdgXN28yy7oDscs52jaJkIZPu7J.1
Telephone: +1 (312) 626-6799
Webinar ID: 816 4653 1133
Passcode: K4DBZvcn

City of Whitewater Common Council Meeting – Tuesday @ 6:30 p.m. – NOTE CHANGE OF VENUE
Agenda includes guest speakers Chancellor Corey A. King and Whitewater Student Govt. President Bradley Douglas, first reading of Ordinance 2024-O-14 an ordinance revising the Junk Ordinance-Municipal Code Enforcement, Discussion and Possible Action regarding forming a Spring Splash Task Force-Economic Development Director, and Discussion and Possible Action regarding Starin Road Pedestrian Safety.
UW Whitewater, University Center, 190 Hamilton Green Way, 2nd Floor, RM 259
*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/87863215809?pwd=aDK7ke2IcuNlxdu1dcZILGTtXGWamj.1
Telephone: +1 (312) 626-6799 US
Webinar ID: 878 6321 5809
Passcode: 319491

Irvin L. Young Library Board Development Committee – Wednesday @ 4:30 p.m.
Agenda includes Discuss upcoming vacancy of library board of trustee position
Cravath Lakefront Room 2nd floor
312 West Whitewater Street
*In Person

City of Whitewater Parks & Recreation Board – Wednesday @ 5:30 p.m.
Agenda includes Discussion and possible action on request to provide funding for an additional Blue Martin house at Trippe Lake, Discussion and possible action on Park Tour and budget planning.
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. Join Zoom Meeting https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88075861911?pwd=xvzDGnIiR0pUWrEaIgFrWQ3apfGbUf.1
Meeting ID: 880 7586 1911
Passcode: 569595 One tap mobile +13126266799,,88075861911#,,,,569595# US (Chicago)
Dial 1 312 626 6799 US

City of Whitewater Community Development Authority Board of Directors Meeting – Thursday @ 5:30 p.m.
The agenda has not yet been published as of September 15.
(In-Person & Virtual)

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
Meeting Cancellation
TO ALL INTERESTED PARTIES:
The Board of Zoning and Appeals meeting scheduled for September 19th, 2024 at 6:00 pm in the Community Room of the Municipal Building located at 312 W Whitewater St, has been CANCELED due to the lack of quorum.

The League of Women Voters Whitewater Area’s September 18th public program, Courageous Conversation: Project 2025, has been cancelled due to unexpected circumstances. Cancellation signage will be posted on the doors of the program venue, Cravath Lakefront Community Center, for those who may not see this cancellation notice in advance. 

We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience this cancellation may have caused and are looking forward to publishing our next event, an October 5th forum for Assembly District 43 candidates.  Information on the candidate forum will be available soon. 

Whitewater Arts Alliance Teams Up with Culver’s for Fundraising Night The Whitewater Arts Alliance (WAA) is excited to announce a special fundraising event in partnership with Culver’s on Tuesday, September 17, 2024. From 4 – 7 pm at the Whitewater Culver’s, 1414 W. Main Street, Whitewater, WI. In addition to the fundraiser, the WAA will also hold a 50/50 drawing during the event. For over 30 years, Culver’s franchisees have demonstrated a strong commitment to their local communities through various initiatives including sponsorships, donations, and support for schools and community organizations. This ongoing dedication reflects Culver’s core values and their focus on making a positive impact where they operate. The upcoming Culver’s Night is a great chance for community members to enjoy a meal and support a good cause. During this event, 10% of all sales will go directly to the Whitewater Arts Alliance. Community members are encouraged to join in the fun and support the Whitewater Arts Alliance by dining at Culver’s on September 17. Not only will patrons enjoy a great meal, but they will also play a part in supporting the cultural vitality of the Whitewater Arts Alliance.

Fort HealthCare Featured for Work in Advancing Health Equity in Rural Communities

Fort HealthCare is featured in a new report released last week by the Wisconsin Hospital Association (WHA) demonstrating Fort HealthCare’s work, along with hospitals around the state, to provide quality care. Fort HealthCare’s initiative, “Advancing Health Equity in Rural Communities,” is one of many case studies featured in the 2024 Wisconsin Health Care Quality Report published by the statewide association.

Released annually, the Wisconsin Health Care Quality Report features some of the numerous initiatives and outcomes associated with quality improvement and patient safety efforts taken by hospitals and health systems across Wisconsin. Included in those successes was Fort HealthCare’s project, “Advancing Health Equity in Rural Communities,” which describes how a shared vision among rural community partners has built a foundation for identifying and reducing health disparities. This shared vision brought together eight partners to form the Rock River Health Care Network (RRHCN). The network focused on advancing access to primary care for lower-income individuals and achieving the Federally Qualified Health Center Look-A-Like designation for the Rock River Community Clinic in December 2022.

“We are honored to be recognized in the 2024 WHA Quality Report for our dedication to advancing health equity,” said Michael Anderson, MD, President & CEO of Fort HealthCare. “Our collaboration with community partners reflects our shared vision of creating a healthier community. We are grateful for their support and look forward to continuing our work to address health disparities.”

Beyond the Fort HealthCare case study featured in the Wisconsin Health Care Quality Report, WHA provides a wide variety of health care metrics through its online CheckPoint website. Launched in 2004, CheckPoint was the first-ever statewide health care quality reporting initiative in the nation – establishing Wisconsin hospitals as a leader in monitoring, tracking, and improving care outcomes. Since its launch, this publicly available tool has grown to measure performance metrics on over forty-five key metrics on topics running from births, infections, patient experience and more.

“When compared to other states, Wisconsin ranks among the top states for hospital ratings,” said Nadine Allen, Wisconsin Hospital Association (WHA) Chief Quality Officer. “We would like to thank all health care professionals and staff at Fort HealthCare who work tirelessly towards achieving this goal. Together, we can overcome any challenges and continue to provide exceptional health care for our patients.”

Both the 2024 Wisconsin Health Care Quality Report and CheckPoint quality reporting tool are available for review by visiting wha.org.

Editor’s note: The above press release was provided by Fort HealthCare.

The Walworth County Health Department urges residents to protect themselves from mosquito bites after a horse in Walworth County tested positive for West Nile Virus (WNV) on September 12, 2024. This indicates that WNV-carrying mosquitoes are active in the area, posing a risk to people and animals. Other cases of WNV infections have been reported in people, mosquitoes, and animals in other parts of Wisconsin this year.

WNV is spread by mosquitoes that have bitten infected birds. It cannot be transmitted from person to person, animal to animal, or between animals and people.

Most people infected with WNV (about 80%) don’t experience symptoms. When symptoms do occur, they are usually mild and may include fever, headache, muscle aches, rash, and fatigue. In rare cases (less than 1%), WNV can cause severe illness, especially in older adults and those with weakened immune systems. Serious symptoms include high fever, muscle weakness, stiff neck, confusion, paralysis, and coma. If you suspect WNV infection, contact your healthcare provider.

A vaccine is available for horses, and owners are advised to consult their veterinarian. To further protect horses, remove standing water and keep them indoors from dusk to dawn.

To avoid illnesses spread by mosquitoes, it’s important to reduce exposure and eliminate breeding sites. The Wisconsin Department of Health Services recommends the following steps:

Avoid Mosquito Bites

• Use insect repellent with DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus, or IR3535 on exposed skin and clothing.
• Treat clothing with permethrin (do not apply to skin).
• Limit outdoor activities during dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most active.
• Wear long sleeves, pants, and socks to protect your skin.

Mosquito-Proof Your Home

• Ensure window and door screens are in good condition.
• Remove standing water from items, like containers, flowerpots, tires, gutters, and downspouts.
• Turn over items like wheelbarrows, kiddie pools, and small boats such as canoes and kayaks when not in use.
• Change water in bird baths and pet dishes every three days.

Music Mosaics presents Schubertiade: Music by Franz Schubert – Sunday, September 15, 3 p.m., Light Recital Hall, 950 W. Main Street

Join us for an afternoon full of music composed by the late musical genius, Franz Schubert. The beautiful pieces will be brought to life by soloists and small ensembles featuring faculty members Brian Leeper, Diana Shapiro, Rachel Wood, Leanne Kelso, Benjamin Whitcomb, Jen Shanin, and Chris Ellenwood.

The Music Mosaics concert series began in 2002 with disparate pieces pulled together to create something meaningful and beautiful. The faculty, community and alumni who generously donate their time and talents to support scholarships are an inspiration. The series benefits the Music Department’s Scholarship Fund, allowing the department to recognize students for their musical talents and academic excellence. Join us as they create a music mosaic for you with students’ success as the ultimate outcome. Tickets are $10 for adults, $6 for age 65+ or under age 18. Tickets may be purchased in advance or at the door for an additional $2 service charge.

24/25 Music Mosaics Season Tickets
See the Subscriptions tab for information about season tickets.

Parking
Parking for this event is available at no additional charge in Lots 1 & 2.

_________________________________________________________________________

Guest Artist Pablo Mahave-Veglia – Tuesday, Sept. 24 @ 7:30 p.m.

Cellist Pablo Mahave-Veglia resides in Grand Rapids, Michigan, where he is a Professor at Grand Valley State University. Mr. Mahave-Veglia is a cellist and teacher of broad interests whose repertoire ranges from the early baroque, performed on period instruments, to his ongoing interest in researching, performing and recording the work of contemporary Latin-American composers. He counts among his musical influences his late mother, the noted piano pedagogue Mercedes Veglia, as well as such artists/teachers as Arnaldo Fuentes, Steven Doane, Tsuyoshi Tsutsumi, Janos Starker and Uri Vardi.

“An experience that nourished the mind, body and soul… [He has] the ability not just to play Bach, but to feel it within his soul… the crowd brought Mahave-Veglia back three times with applause and a standing ovation.” – The Leader, Fredonia, NY

Tickets are $7 for adults, $4 for age 65+ or under age 18. Tickets may be purchased in advance or at the door for an additional $2 service charge.
Parking
Parking for this event is available at no additional charge in Lots 1 & 2.

______________________________________________________________________________

Karen Boe, Piano – Sunday, 9/29 @ 3 p.m., Light Recital Hall, 950 W. Main Street

Join us for an unforgettable afternoon with “Karen Boe, Piano” featuring the extraordinary talent of faculty member Karen Boe. Experience the magic as this accomplished musician creates a captivating performance and beautiful melodies. Secure your tickets now for an enchanting afternoon of piano!

Tickets are $7 for adults, $4 for age 65+ or under age 18. Tickets may be purchased in advance or at the door for an additional $2 service charge. Parking for this event is available at no additional charge in Lots 1 & 2.