Editor’s note: The following press release was received from the League of Women Voters Whitewater Area.
The League of Women Voters Whitewater Area will hold a training session on voter registration education and assistance on Saturday, March 2, 1 p.m. – 2 p.m., in the Starin Park Senior Center in Whitewater, 504 West Starin Road. The training is open to League members and anyone in the general public interested in helping staff League voter registration assistance and information tables during the 2024 election cycle. You do not have to be a League member to help us with this important civic work!
The League’s former voter services chair, Julia Ross, who has years of voter registration experience, will provide the training and a brief introduction to Badger Books, which are electronic poll books to be used for the first time in Whitewater in the Spring Election on April 2nd.
If you have never assisted others with voter registration information or would just like to brush up on your skills, please attend! League voter service activities are fun and rewarding experiences. This year, the League will also have a presence in local high schools.
________________________________
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!
Editor’s note: The following press release was received from Roberta’s Art Gallery.
EXHIBIT BASED ON BLACK EXCELLENCE, CULTURE, AND NOSTALGIA TO BE DISPLAYED AT ROBERTA’S ART GALLERY
Celebrate Black History Month at Roberta’s Art Gallery with “Embodiment of Ebony: A Fusion of Art & Expression,” by UW-Whitewater’s Leaders Igniting Transformation (LIT) student organization. This exhibit, expressing Black nostalgia and important art influences in music, hair, art, and literature, opens Feb. 15 and will be on display until March 20.
LIT is a Black and Brown-led independent nonprofit organization that aims to strengthen young minds by developing independent leadership skills to address social, racial, and economic justice. LIT engages in values-based issues, leadership development, public policy advocacy, electoral organizing, and direct action. Their exhibit, “Embodiment of Ebony: A Fusion of Art & Expression,” is a comprehensive exploration of a curated selection of influential Black artists, musicians, poets, and writers whose profound contributions have significantly shaped Black and mainstream culture. “We hope that each visitor can fully immerse themselves in this enriching and thought-provoking experience and marvel at the diverse facets of Black culture presented before them,” says LIT President Honey Cawthorn. “We want viewers to understand the strength of the African American community.” Beyond art, “Embodiment of Ebony: A Fusion of Art & Expression” will also feature a special presentation on Black hair experiences, incorporating a dedicated Black hair salon.
The reception will take place on Tuesday, Feb. 27, from 6 to 8 p.m. where UW-Whitewater alumnus DeLon Blanks and current UW-Whitewater student and Barber Lee Barnes Jr. will join the audience in a panel discussion and Q&A surrounding Black culture and experience. The open house will begin at 7 p.m. and will include samples of Black inspired soul food.
Roberta’s Art Gallery is located on the first floor of the James R. Connor University Center at 190 Hamilton Green Way, Whitewater, Wis. The gallery collaborates with campus departments, student organizations, and community artists in coordinating and sponsoring exhibits. Roberta’s Art Gallery is open 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday to Thursday and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Friday. Roberta’s Art Gallery is closed on Saturday and Sunday.
At Roberta’s Art Gallery, we pride ourselves in providing free and open exhibits to the public, and attending certain events can earn students class credit. If you are interested in being featured in the gallery, please contact us for a proposal request. Reach us at ucart@uww.edu or 262-472-3193. Visit our website for any questions or inquiries, and follow our Instagram @uww_rag.
By Angela Kelm Asst. Athletic Director for Sports Information
The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater women’s basketball team fell to UW-Stout 69-59 in a Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference Tournament Semifinal Wednesday evening in Kachel Gym.
The Warhawks (22-4) will await a possible at-large bid into the NCAA Division III Tournament. The DIII selection show is slated for Monday at 1:30 p.m. on ncaa.com.
UW-Whitewater struggled offensively shooting under 30-percent while the Blue Devils made over 41-percent from the floor. Despite falling into an 18-9 deficit after the first quarter, the Warhawks battled their way back into the game in the third quarter.
Trailing by nine entering the third quarter, Lunden Alexander drew a foul and knocked down a pair of free throws to cut the margin to seven, 34-27. After a free throw for UWS, Renee Rittmeyer hit one of her four three-pointers on the night to pull UWW to within five. Aleah Grundahl jumped a passing lane for a steal a minute later and cruised in for a layup to cut the lead to three, 35-32, with just over seven to go in the quarter.
Rittmeyer responded to another Blue Devil jumper by drilling a three off a Kacie Carollo pass to narrow the gap to two, 37-35 with 6:12 on the clock. From that point, UW-Stout went on a 7-0 run to push the lead back to nine. Carollo and Rittmeyer drained back-to-back three’s a minute later and the lead was back down to three, 44-41, with 1:27 remaining. The teams traded buckets to round out the quarter with UWS taking a 46-43 advantage into the fourth.
The Warhawks weren’t able to pull any closer than three the rest of the way as the Blue Devils sealed the game from the free throw line.
Katie Hildebrandt led UWW with 17 points, adding a pair of blocks and a steal in the game. Rittmeyer ended with 15 bolstered by 4-8 from downtown adding six rebounds in the contest. Carollo tallied another double-double, her third straight, with 10 points and 12 boards. She dished out a team-high four assists in the game.
Everyone is welcome to celebrate at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater as Corey A. King is sworn in as the institution’s 18th chancellor.
The inauguration, which is free to attend and open to the public, is Friday, Feb. 23. The festivities begin with a ceremony at 2 p.m. in Young Auditorium, followed by a reception at 3 p.m. in the University Center. A livestream will also be provided; the link may be found here on Friday.
The ceremony will feature music performances from three of the university’s ensembles, and guest speakers from the Universities of Wisconsin, the city of Whitewater, and more.
“The inauguration is meant to be a celebration of the entire Warhawk family. Everyone — students, faculty, staff, alumni, community members and friends of the university — is invited to share in this historic event,” King said. “To say I’m honored to lead UW-Whitewater is an understatement. We transform lives here. And we are boldly moving forward in that mission. We’re committed to student success, academic excellence and access to higher education, as well as our role as an economic engine for the region.”
A celebrated leader with three decades of higher education experience, King has held leadership roles in student affairs, student services, and enrollment management.
Before joining UW-Whitewater, he served as vice chancellor for inclusivity and student affairs at the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay. Prior, he was vice president for student affairs and enrollment management at Florida Atlantic University and led the Council for Student Affairs of the State University System of Florida. King also held leadership positions at East Carolina University, Wheeling Jesuit University, and the University of Florida.
King earned a bachelor’s degree in curriculum and instruction and a master’s degree in higher education administration/student affairs from Florida State University. He earned a doctorate in educational administration and leadership from Indiana University of Pennsylvania.
Landmark Trek has started the new year with a new episode covering the White Memorial Library. This also coincides with the new interior face-lift that the Arts Alliance has done inside the Gallery. Delve into the history, and then discover the present interior improvements to one of Whitewater’s treasured landmarks. Watch the new segment at this link.
Editor’s note: The following press release was received from University of Wisconsin-Whitewater Continuing Education.
For the first time in program history, the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater football team will host Mega Camp, designed for high school athletes seeking elite-level coaching and certified testing results. Athletes will have the unique opportunity to showcase their talent in front of college coaches from the University of Wisconsin, University of Minnesota, University of North Dakota, South Dakota State University, and many others.
“My staff and I are excited to combine our rich football tradition and great facilities to offer a tremendous opportunity for student-athletes,” Warhawk football coach Jace Rindahl said. “Athletes will be able to gain exposure to some of the best scholarship football programs in the country.”
Warhawk Football Mega Camp is scheduled for Thursday, June 13, from 8 a.m. to noon, and will be held at the Berezowitz Student Athletic Complex. The emphasis for the camp will be on improving each athlete’s football skill set. This padded event is limited to the first 400 registrants. [Clinic Fee: $85 -The event fee includes instruction, a t-shirt, and insurance. Additionally, if a participant registers for the camp by Thursday, May 23, 2024, they are guaranteed a t-shirt in their preferred size.]
Warhawk football is “Powered by Tradition” with six national championships and 39 conference titles. Student athletes are an important part of this winning tradition. Additional Warhawk Football summer programs include Youth Camp on June 16, Perimeter Camp on June 19, Lineman Camp on June 23, and Passing Jamborees throughout July.
About Warhawk Camps
Since 1973, Continuing Education Services has hosted summer camps and clinics on the Whitewater and Rock County campuses. In 2023, more than 6,700 people experienced summer programming, breaking past participation records. Athletic, academic, arts, and enrichment programs are offered every summer for lifelong learners of all ages, in state-of-the-art facilities, with inclusivity, belonging, and safety as core priorities.
Editor’s note: The following press release was received from the Whitewater Police Department on February 21.
On Tuesday, February 20, 2024, at 9:06 p.m., Whitewater Police received a report of an armed robbery at the BP Gas Station at 1138 W. Main St. in the City of Whitewater. The suspect, a 19 year old male, entered the gas station and displayed a facsimile (replica) firearm. The male demanded a pack of cigars, left the gas station, and fled in a vehicle. Officers located the suspect at Knilans Hall on the UW-Whitewater campus, and he was taken into custody without incident at 10:13 p.m.
The suspect was subsequently confined at the Walworth County Jail. Charges for Armed Robbery (Wis. Stat. 943.32(2)), Disorderly Conduct (Wis. Stat. 947.01(1)), and additional related charges will be forwarded to the Walworth County District Attorney’s Office.
The Whitewater Police Department would like to thank the UW-Whitewater Police Department and the Walworth County Sheriff’s Office for their assistance in this incident. It is noted that this case has not been concluded. Unless a judgment of conviction is entered, the defendant is presumed innocent of all charges.
Nota del editor: el siguiente comunicado de prensa se recibió del Departamento de Policía de Whitewater el 21 de febrero.
La policía de Whitewater realiza un arresto en el robo de la gasolinera BP
Whitewater, WI – 21 de febrero de 2024 – El martes, 20 del febrero de 2024, a las 21:06 horas, la Policía de Whitewater recibió un informe de un robo a mano armada en la gasolinera BP en 1138 W. Main St. en la ciudad de Whitewater. El sospechoso, un hombre de 19 años, entró en la gasolinera y exhibió una réplica de arma de fuego. El hombre exigió un paquete de cigarros, salió de la gasolinera y huyó en un vehículo. Los agentes localizaron al sospechoso en Knilans Hall, en el campus de UW-Whitewater, y fue detenido sin incidentes a las 22:13 horas.
Posteriormente, el sospechoso fue recluido en la cárcel del condado de Walworth. Los cargos por robo a mano armada (Wis. Stat. 943.32(2)), conducta desordenada (Wis. Stat. 947.01(1)) y otros cargos relacionados se remitirán a la Fiscalía del Condado de Walworth.
El Departamento de la Policía de Whitewater desea agradecer al Departamento de la Policía de UW-Whitewater y a la Oficina del Sheriff del Condado de Walworth por su ayuda en este incidente. Cabe señalar que este caso no ha concluido. A menos que se dicte una sentencia condenatoria, se presume que el acusado es inocente de todos los cargos.
Nancy with children, Tim, Bill, Amy, and daughter-in-law, Lisa
Gus Schumacher, grandson of Nancy Cooper (longtime resident of Whitewater, currently resident at Fairhaven), won the gold medal in World Cup cross country ski race in Minneapolis.
From the Minneapolis Star Tribune – February 18, 2024 – Click here to see the entire article
“American Gus Schumacher claims shocking win in World Cup distance race in Minneapolis The first World Cup cross-country ski race held in the U.S. since 2001 gets an American winner not named Jessie Diggins.
Gus Schumacher, a 23-year-old from Alaska, won the men’s 10-kilometer freestyle race at Theodore Wirth Park on Sunday, becoming the first American man to win a World Cup cross-country skiing distance event since 1983.
The race used a staggered start, with skiers going off every 30 seconds. Schumacher started 35th out of 76 skiers and finished in 20 minutes, 52.7 seconds. Then he waited.
The leaders in the World Cup standings, all Norwegians, were all still on the course. One by one, they finished, and Schumacher remained atop the leaderboard.
Overall points leader Harald Oestberg Amundsen, who is also on top of the distance standings, arrived first, in 20:57.1, good for only second place. Then came Johannes Hoesflot Klaebo, Saturday’s sprint champion, in 20:59.02. The last skier to worry about was Paal Golberg, who started 70th. He crossed the finish line in 20:58.5, in third place.
Chants of “Gus! Gus! Gus!” and “U-S-A! U-S-A!” filled the stadium. Schumacher was mobbed by his U.S. teammates, and skiers from other countries joined in the celebration. He was in tears in a postrace interview.
“This has been the best day ever … Thank you, Minneapolis!” he said.”
Magic in Minneapolis: Schumacher Wins, Diggins Third
With tears streaming down their faces, Gus Schumacher won his first career World Cup and Jessie Diggins stepped on the podium in third place at the Stifel Loppet Cup in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
The weather warmed up for Sunday’s race with a deep crew of Americans ready to attack the 10k skate course. The crowd showed up in droves, with another 20,000 people arriving to see their favorite ski racers race the local track at Wirth Park.
The men went first, with Stifel U.S. Ski Team’s Schumacher skiing a strong race to take the lead, but he would have to sit for more than 40 athletes to see if the result would hold. Racer after racer came through the finish line as Schumacher’s eyes grew wider, continuing to beat Olympic medalists and world champions. His teammates gathered around him in the leader’s box with tears beginning to flow as the last racer crossed the finish line, confirming Schumacher’s win with yells and hugs.
“It’s hard to believe,” said a teary-eyed Schumacher. “I’m just so grateful for this whole team and everyone being here. It represents something big for our team and I really love doing it with these guys… This has been the best day ever.”
Schumacher was the first American man to win a distance World Cup in 41 years, since Olympic silver medalist Bill Koch won in a 30k in Sarajevo in 1983. The last American man to win a non-distance race was Simi Hamilton, who took a sprint in Lenzerheide in 2013, 11 years ago. Schumacher had also never podiumed; his previous best result was fourth.
It was also another feather in the cap for the successful Stifel U.S. Ski Team men, who have now accrued three podiums this season from three men: Schumacher, JC Schoonmaker and Ben Ogden. Prior to the 2023-24 season, the men had not had a podium since 2017.
Supporters continued to pack the course as the women took to the track. Diggins ran near the end of the start list, with every fan’s eyes on the local girl as she pushed for a top result. She left everything on the course, gasping for air and collapsing at the finish, but skied into third place to secure the podium. Surrounded by her family, friends and teammates, Diggins cried happy tears through the awards ceremony.
“It wasn’t even about the podium,” she said. “I just had the best day ever out there. No one had more fun than me, except maybe Gus because it’s his day! I’m so proud of him. It was so emotional. The whole team was over the moon for him. That was an incredible day.”
More than that, the Stifel Loppet Cup in Minneapolis was about bringing World Cup cross country ski racing back to the United States for the first time in more than 23 years. 40,000 fans showed up over the two days with signs, banners and cowbells. Tears were shed by athletes, staff, and fans throughout the weekend: the first time the skiers skied the buffed-out track, when crowds walked miles to pack the stands and sides of the course, when the U.S. national anthem was sung over the loudspeaker, when thousands of young girls and boys lined up for autographs from their heroes and get glitter put on their cheeks.
“I feel like this whole weekend was huge for the growth of skiing in this country,” said Diggins, who had been a massive part of bringing this World Cup to her hometown. “Everyone got to see how much people love this sport. People are psyched. We wanted this for a long time. It’s incredible that we got to experience it together and share it.”
Rounding out the Americans, Stifel U.S. Ski Team’s Sophia Laukli snagged a top 15 result in 15th place. Julia Kern was 19th and Rosie Brennan 22nd and Haley Brewster 25th. Brewster had her first two World Cup starts in Minneapolis and secured impressive results. Sydney Palmer-Leger was 32nd, Kendall Kramer 36th, Movie McCabe 37th, Margie Freed 41st, Sammy Smith 42nd, Alexandra Lawson 50th and Alayna Sonnesyn 51st.
On the men’s side in the top 30, Scott Patterson was 22nd, Zanden McMullen 25th and John Steel Hagenbuch 30th. David Norris was 35th, Luke Jager 39th, Hunter Wonders 47th, Peter Wolter 52nd, Walker Hall 56th, Michael Earnhart 61st, Reid Goble 64th and Brian Bushey 67th.
By Lynn Binnie Whitewater Banner volunteer staff whitewaterbanner@gmail.com
New state district maps that were submitted to the state Supreme Court by Governor Evers, passed by the Republican majority Senate and Assembly on February 13, and signed by Governor Evers on February 19, are expected to result in new state representatives for the Whitewater area. Effective in January, 2025, our area, which is currently represented by one of two Republicans in the Assembly, will be located Assembly District 43, which is generally expected to lean Democratic. Our transition in the Senate will not occur until January, 2027. Our current senator is a Republican, but our new Senate District 15 is expected to lean Democratic.
The Walworth County portion of the City of Whitewater is currently represented by Ellen Schutt (R) in the Assembly. Schutt resides in Clinton, which is not located in the new Assembly District 43. The Jefferson County portion of the city is currently served by Rep. Scott Johnson (R), who lives outside of Jefferson, which is also not located in the new district. Neither Schutt or Johnson’s office indicated to the Banner that they intend to move. It appears that no current Assembly members reside in this new district. This seat will be up for election in November, 2024.
All of the city and most of the area towns are in Senator Steve Nass’s current district, number 11. Nass (R) resides in La Grange, which is just outside the new Senate District 15. He will continue to represent the Whitewater area until January, 2027, as he was most recently elected in 2022. LaGrange is the one nearby town that Nass will continue to serve if he is re-elected. Senator Mark Spreitzer (D) represents the current District 15, and since his residence in Beloit is also in the new District 15, he would represent our area if he runs successfully for re-election in 2026.
The state will soon be updating their website where a citizen may enter their street address in order to confirm their districts. According to the online maps, in addition to the city of Whitewater, Assembly District 43 will include the towns of Richmond, Cold Spring, Whitewater, Johnstown, Lima, Milton, and Fulton, as well as the city of Milton and a very small portion of Janesville. Based on the 2022 election, this district is estimated to be approximately 55% Democratic, 43% Republican, and 2% Independent. Most sources seem to expect the district to lean Democratic, though at least one source sees it as one of the relatively few “competitive” districts.
In addition to all of Assembly District 43, Senate District 15 will include most of the city of Janesville, all of Beloit, and various towns. Based on the 2022 election, this district is estimated to be approximately 57% Democratic, 41% Republican, and 2% Independent. Most sources anticipate that it will lean Democratic.
On December 22, 2023 the Wisconsin Supreme Court ruled that the current state districting maps were unconstitutional and had to be redrawn in time to be used in the fall 2024 elections. The maps had been said to be among the most gerrymandered in the country, and had contributed to Republican control of the legislature for over a decade. Although Wisconsin is considered to be a “purple” state, Republicans currently hold a 64-35 majority in the Assembly and a 22-10 majority in the Senate, with one Democratic-leaning Senate seat vacant. A number of new map proposals had been submitted to the Supreme Court, which had stated that if the legislature and governor could agree on a set of maps, the court would accept them.
According to an article on wpr.org, at least 32 counties and 21 municipalities have passed advisory referendums supporting the establishment of a nonpartisan commission to develop the map proposals for the redistricting that is required after each U.S. census. Iowa established such a commission in 2010.
The current redistricting will not affect the federal Congressional districts. A lawsuit filed in the state Supreme Court in January seeks to challenge those maps. The state is currently represented in the House by six Republicans and two Democrats.
There were two primary races for supervisor in the Town of Richmond on February 20. In each case there were three candidates, and the two top vote getters will be on the April 2 spring general election ballot.
Richmond Town Board Supervisor 3 Martin J. Brunner 19 Steven Wade 112 (Incumbent) David Alexander 164 Write-in 1 Total Votes 296
Richmond Town Board Supervisor 4 Mike Bergman 165 Martin J. Brunner 21 Tom Kraus 109(Incumbent) Write-in 1 Total Votes 296
