Lynn Binnie

Today is Last Chance to Get Books from the Library Till Mid-Oct.; Giant Oaks Fall

The giant burr oak tree at the corner of Center and Church Streets being taken down [Lynn Binnie photos]
The burr oak near the parking lot entrance had already fallen with a crash loud enough to bring a neighbor out of her home on Saturday afternoon

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

As was previously announced on the Banner, the Irvin L. Young Memorial Library’s major renovation and expansion project is underway. On Friday, September 13 two giant burr oak trees were taken down to make room for the construction. Observers opined that the trees were likely over 200 years old. It was the price of progress, they admitted, while also acknowledging that trees don’t last forever. The event brought back memories of the relatively recent loss of the failing “Territorial Oak” at Main and Franklin Streets, as well as the controversial destruction about a decade ago of the gorgeous huge oak behind the former Olsen Funeral Home at Main and Prince Streets.

The library will be closed for approximately one month beginning Saturday, September 14. It will be open today from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., and materials that are checked out will be given an October 21 due date, although it is hoped that the reopening will occur by October 12. Should patrons wish to return those materials sooner than that date, they could return them at any of the Bridges System libraries, which includes Fort Atkinson, Jefferson and Palmyra. Anyone wishing to obtain materials during the library’s closure may do so by visiting one of those libraries, or by placing a hold on their desired materials on the library’s website but designating the library where they wish to pick them up. A patron’s library card is accepted at any of the system libraries.

Groundbreaking will be held on Wednesday, October 2 at 5 p.m. with speeches at 5:15. Cake and beverages will be served.

#FlashbackFriday with the Historical Society: East Side School in early 20th century

It time once again for #FlashbackFriday with the Whitewater Historical Society.

Here is a post card image of the East Side School in the early 20th century after a large addition was made to the original building in 1906-1907. By the turn of the 20th century, the population of Whitewater had increased significantly and in 1884, a new west side “Union School” had been built; then that building became a high school building by 1893, when the Esterly School for elementary students was established, also on the west side. Finally, after 1900, the east side was addressed with an addition that doubled the size of the original building. In this configuration, the East Side school served this area of Whitewater for 50 years.

Join us next week for more from the Whitewater Historical Society.

(3100PC, Whitewater Historical Society)

League of Women Voters Presents “Courageous Conversation: Project 2025″

Dr. Eric Loepp, facilitator

Courageous Conversation: Project 2025

The League of Women Voters – Whitewater Area invites the public to participate in a Courageous Conversation on Project 2025, Wednesday, September 18, 6:30 PM – 8:00 PM, at the Cravath Lakefront Community Center, 341 S Fremont St, in Whitewater.

Project 2025 is a series of goals and objectives shaped by the Heritage Foundation as a strategy document for the Office of the President.

An objective of the League is to engage in dialogue, deliberations, and discernment about issues that are critically important to the community. The premise of a courageous conversation is to speak your truth, experience discomfort, accept and expect non-closure, but stay engaged. The topic of Project 2025 is one that the community should discuss openly to understand its intent and proposed actions. During a presidential election year, we must stay vigilantly informed and have opportunities to deliberate through a lens of open-mindedness and freedom of expression.

The purpose of this courageous conversation is for participants to receive an overview of Project 2025, to ask questions about its intent, and to dialogue with other community members in a round table arrangement to seek understanding and to be understood. To assist in this discernment process, we have asked Dr. Eric Loepp, Associate Professor in the Department of Politics, Government, and Law and Director of Learning Technology at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater, to facilitate the discussion.

Please direct any questions about this program to League board member Dwight Watson, dwight.watsondcw@gmail.com.

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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 and like us on Facebook!

Jefferson County Administrator Taking New Position

Ben Wehmeier

Jefferson County Administrator Ben Wehmeier Taking New Position
Wehmeier will join Watertown Community Health Foundation as President & CEO

Jefferson County Administrator Ben Wehmeier announced he will be taking a position with the Greater Watertown Community Health Foundation, where he will serve as President and CEO. Wehmeier started as Jefferson County Administrator July 1, 2013. His last day as county administrator is anticipated to be in mid-December.

“It’s been a great honor to serve the people of Jefferson County for the last 11 years,” Wehmeier said. “I’m looking forward to continuing to serve Jefferson County in this new role, which has many alignments with the Jefferson County strategic plan.”

In collaboration with the county board of supervisors, county department leaders and staff, and with the many public-private partnerships developed over the years, Wehmeier enacted numerous processes that have enhanced communications, budgeting and management of the county.

During his tenure, Wehmeier worked to advance the strategic priorities of the county. There’s been $1.3 billion worth of business investment in the county in the last year alone. Additional examples of county accomplishments under his leadership include:

  • Updating the county’s strategic and comprehensive plans
  • Developing the Bridges Federated Library System, a consolidated system between Waukesha and Jefferson County that has been recognized by the Public Policy Forum for intergovernmental cooperation
  • Founding a 501(c)(3) entity focused on public/private partnerships for Economic Development, now known as ThriveED
  • Developing a treatment court system
  • Integrating mental health teams with law enforcement
  • Developing a Youth Crisis Stabilization Facility
  • Positioning the county to address housing shortages, including the development of the Live Local Development Fund with ThriveED and fundraising of nearly $10 million
  • Partnering with broadband providers to expand access in the county
  • Developing the Food and Beverage Innovation Park that led to Kikkoman choosing to locate its facility in the county
  • Executing numerous building and infrastructure projects, including the construction of highway facilities, communication infrastructure, interurban trails, and courthouse/sheriff/jail facilities
  • Receiving recognition for financial reporting and budgeting excellence 10 years running
  • Developing shared local government positions

“We’ve valued Ben’s leadership, collaboration, and achievements over the years on behalf of the people of Jefferson County,” County Board Chair Steve Nass said. “We wish him well in the future and look forward to continuing to collaborate with him in his new role.”

“We have a plan in place to transition seamlessly into recruiting and onboarding our next county administrator,” Nass added. “We believe having Michael Luckey serve as interim county administrator, while we transition, will ensure the county continues to move forward on its strategic priorities.”

Luckey, in his role as assistant to the county administrator, has made significant contributions to advancing the county’s longer-term strategic initiatives. He has a decade of experience in local and state government, including a number of leadership positions.

The County Board Executive Committee will oversee the recruitment of the new county administrator, and the transition period working with Luckey as well as county department heads.

Brock Grosinske earns spot on ’24 UW-W Football Roster

Brock Grosinske, an accounting and finance major from Whitewater, WI, and graduate of Whitewater High School, is a member of the 2024 University of Wisconsin-Whitewater football team, which started its 2024 season last Saturday with a 34-7 victory against John Carroll (Ohio).

The Warhawks are ranked third in the nation by D3football.com and the American Football Coaches Association.

UW-Whitewater will be led by three Preseason All-Americans on offense including center John Pekar (Franklin, Wis./Franklin), lineman Alex Pethan (Oak Creek, Wis./Oak Creek) and running back Tamir Thomas (Menomonee Falls, Wis./Menomonee Falls). The Warhawks return breakout returner and wide receiver Tyler Vasey (Crystal Lake, Ill/Prairie Ridge) – the 2023 WIAC Newcomer of the Year – to the team this season. Kyle Koelblinger (Crystal Lake, Ill./Prairie Ridge) returns to help lead the defense after claiming Newcomer of the Year honors in 2021 as a defensive back.

UWW returns a number of all-league players to the squad this season. Running back Drake Martin (Rhinelander, Wis./Rhinelander) and wide receiver Steven Hein (St. Charles, Ill./North) join Pekar, Pethan and Thomas offensively. Defensive lineman Matt Burba (Lake in the Hills, Ill./Huntley) and Nehemiah Lomax (Park Forest, Ill./Crete-Monee) are joined by linebacker Ethan Gallagher (Homer Glen, Ill./Lockport Township) in addition to Koelblinger on the defense. Mason Stepanski (Appleton, Wis./Kimberly) and Vasey head the all-conference earners returning on special teams.

UW-Whitewater finished second in the league a season ago after securing a 6-1 mark against Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference competition. The Warhawks made a run to the NCAA Division III Quarterfinals before capping the season with an 11-2 record. UWW has secured at least a share of the conference title in 14 of the last 18 seasons. The Warhawks have claimed more WIAC championships than any other team in the league — 39.

UW-La Crosse has been picked to win the title in 2024 followed in order by the Warhawks, UW-River Falls, UW-Platteville, UW-Oshkosh, UW-Stout, UW-Eau Claire and UW-Stevens Point.

The first road game of the season is set for September 14th at Roosevelt University in Arlington Heights, Illinois.

UW-Whitewater returns to The Perk for the final non-conference game of the season – a September 21 matchup against Mary Hardin-Baylor (Alumni Day presented by Mercyhealth). The Warhawks will host UW-Oshkosh in the WIAC opener on October 5 for UW-Whitewater’s annual Family Fest and Shriners Day presented by PremierBank.

Back on the road on October 12, the Warhawks will be in Menomonie for a meeting with UW-Stout. Kickoff against the Blue Devils is slated for 2 p.m. UWW will host UW-Stevens Point on Military Appreciation Day presented by the UW-Whitewater ROTC under the lights on Friday, October 18 at 7 p.m. Following an October 26 match-up at UW-Platteville, the Warhawks return to Perkins Stadium to take on UW-River Falls for Homecoming and the annual Hall of Fame Game presented by Educators Credit Union on November 2.

The final two games of the 2024 regular season are set for November 9 at UW-La Crosse and November 16 at UW-Eau Claire.

Whitewater Rotary Club Online Auction Closes Friday Evening

The Rotary Club of Whitewater is hosting an online auction that ends this Friday, September 13, 2024 at 8:00 p.m. Over 50 items from sport collectibles to chocolate chip cookies will be available to the highest bidder. Proceeds will help our club’s continuing support of community projects and Whitewater High School scholarships. The auction’s website is https://www.32auctions.com/Rotary2024. Be sure to click on “view all items” at the bottom of the page as there are dozens more items to choose from.

Here are some examples of the items that are featured on the auction:

Jordan Love, Autographed Certified Full Size Riddell Authentic Speed Helmet
9″ Deep Dish Door County cherry pie made by Diana Callope
Staller Estate Barrel Cellar Wine Tasting for Two
Friday Night Fish Fry at Willow Brook Golf Course
Filipino Egg Rolls by Aurelio Callope

This Week’s Garage Sale

GARAGE SALE, FRI & SAT, SEPT. 13-14, AT 336 S. SUMMIT ST, WHITEWATER
Make offer on household, yard deco., clothing, new towels, crocheted afghans, quilts, purses, keyboard & guitar, make-up mirror, hunting clothing & hunting stand, fitness clothing, new waterproof ‘muck’ boots, Honda CRV floor mats, Halloween & Christmas stuff, Puma backpack, LPs, and so much more you won’t want to miss!

Common Council Meeting at UW-W: Community is welcome

The City of Whitewater invites the community to the second scheduled session of the Common Council for September, set to occur on Tuesday, September 17, at 6:30 PM. This session will convene in a special setting at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater (UWW), specifically in room 259 of the University Center, located at 190 Hamilton Green Way. This meeting is an excellent opportunity for community members to participate in the governance process and witness the ongoing partnership between the City of Whitewater and its University community. All interested individuals are encouraged to attend.

Parking: Parking will be available in lots 12 and 12A without a permit during the event hours. (6:00p.m.-9:00p.m.) https://www.uww.edu/documents/campus/CampusMap.pdf

Speakers: The meeting will feature important remarks from Chancellor King and Whitewater Student Government President Douglas Bradley. The specific topics and titles of their speeches will be confirmed and announced closer to the meeting date.

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