Editor’s Note: The following information was provided by Whitewater Unites Lives.
Jerry Grant is at WUL Hometown Hero. He was nominated “For serving more than 20 years on the Walworth County Board in many leadership positions, and for the countless hours he spends helping children by donating his time and talent to Kiwanis Whitewater Breakfast Club.”
Jerry Grant is a Hometown Hero.
Jerry was recently recognized for his years of service to Walworth County with a resolution that includes the following:
“…Supervisor Grant has held a variety of leadership positions, including four terms as County Board Vice Chair…as well as numerous chairmanships…Supervisor Grant has provided leadership on many important issues, including construction of the Judicial Center, and replacement of Lakeland Health Care Center and Lakeland School…spent countless hours researching important issues facing the county over the years…the Walworth county Board of Supervisors hereby recognizes and commends Jerry A. Grant for his years of dedicated service to the citizens of Walworth County.”
Jerry shared that he was raised on a farm in the Whitewater area until age 18. Then he became a resident of the City of Whitewater. He worked in a factory for a year, then at a service station for six years, then was a police officer for 33 years. In 1983 he was elected to the Whitewater Unified School District Board until 1998.”
Jerry has been a member of several organizations and held offices to help children. He was involved in the P.T.O., Music Parents, Whippet Boosters, and more. In 1996 Jerry became a member of the Whitewater Kiwanis Breakfast Club and has served there in an active leadership role ever since.
Jerry and his loving wife Shirley live in an apartment at Fairhaven.
WUL (Whitewater Unites Lives) is a locally-focused civil and human rights group that works to connect the people in our community and to create opportunities for all people to learn and support each other in our common humanity.
Anyone who would like to nominate a local hero of any age should send their nomination, with a short description, to whitewaterunites@gmail.com
Amelia Jane (Strand) Butler gained her wings on March 30th, 2022, while vacationing in Spearfish City, South Dakota. She was born into a blended family in January of 1997 to Robert A. Strand and Eydie A. Strand of Whitewater, Wisconsin. She was welcomed by three brothers and one sister. Throughout the years Amelia was always the sass and spunk of the household.
During Amelia’s short 25 years, she focused on many hobbies including 4-H, marching band, movies, video games, and spending time venturing outdoors with friends and family. In 2015 Amelia graduated from Whitewater High School and later that year met Mike Butler. The two grew close, fell in love and in July of 2018 they were married at Heart Prairie Church in Whitewater. In July of 2021 Mike and Amelia were blessed with a beautiful baby boy, Atlas Allen Butler. Atlas was her world. It was always Amelia’s dream to become a mother and it came naturally to her. From a young age, she spent much of her time with her nieces and nephews and loved watching them grow. Amelia was referred to by her friends as the light in the room, she had a contagious smile, laughter, and kindness that touched the hearts of everyone she met.
After her first job, Amelia was hired by CTPS in Fort Atkinson as a temp. She was taken on as a permanent administrative assistant employee shortly thereafter. Eventually, she was sent to multiple corporate locations to offer assistance and training, even during the pandemic. She enjoyed traveling for work and making new friends along the way. She continued to make a lasting impression on everyone she worked with. Walking into the journey of motherhood she found a work life balance at CTPS with the ability to work from home, while caring for Atlas. Her caring heart and strong work ethic will be greatly missed by the company.
She is survived by; her loving husband of three years Michael Butler, her 8 month old son Atlas, Parents: Robert Strand, Whitewater; Eydie Strand, Shell Lake; In Laws: Dave & Marci Butler, Lake Geneva; Sister April Kugath, Menomonee Falls; Brothers: Brett (Beth) Strand, Oregon; Kristofor (Robyn) Kugath, Watertown; Brandon (Erika) Strand, Mequon; Mike’s siblings Ayhla, Pandora, Uriel, Skyler, Addie, Logan and Morgan Butler, Lake Geneva; Nephews: Zachary & Callan, and Nieces: Brianna, Kate, Avery & Allie. In addition to family, Amelia leaves behind close friends: Ashley Mattert, Cheyenne Swanson, Lexie Nelson, Maddie Rasmussen, and so many more.
Amelia was preceded in death by grandparents George & Carol Strand, Gordon & Betty Cannon; her Great Aunt Ne-Ne whom she had a very special connection with; Aunt Erla Lynn Hill, and Uncle Douglas L. Cannon.
In light of the tragedy in their young lives, a GoFundMe page has been set up to offer financial help for Michael and Atlas. https://gofund.me/4bbb5c1e A benefit has also been set up at First Citizens State Bank, P. O. Box 177, Whitewater, WI 53190, where a check can be made to the Atlas Butler Benefit Fund.
A visitation will be held on April 15th at the Nitardy Funeral Home in Whitewater from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., followed by a private service for close friends and family.
Nitardy Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences can be made at www.nitardyfuneralhome.com
Editor’s Note: The following information was provided by Whitewater Unites Lives.
Whitewater is hosting its first, free International Children’s Day event on Saturday, April 30 from noon to 4 p.m., and all children are welcome at the Starin Park Community Building and grounds. Events will include face-painting, arts and crafts, healthy snack activities, balloon art, chalk art and more. St. Patrick Church will offer food for purchase, and there will be music from 1 p.m., featuring Lincoln School’s 5th Grade World Drumming Ensemble, 12-year-old Alondra Valadez, and Marco Wence. Sponsors of the Children’s International Day include the City of Whitewater, The Health Promoters, Kiwanis Whitewater Breakfast Club, Rock River Community Clinic, The Tree House Child and Family Center, UW-Whitewater Spanish Club, Walworth County Department of Health and Human Services, Whitewater Unified School District, Whitewater Unites Lives, and Working for Whitewater’s Wellness – W3.
Miguel Aranda, Chair of the Children’s International Day, said, “We are so pleased to work together in our community to encourage children of all backgrounds to engage and play together.”
Free Parking is available on University Parking Lots 4 and 14, which are located near the intersection of West Starin Road and North Prairie Street. University Parking Lot 20 is also available, which is located near the intersection of North Fremont Street and East Lauderdale Drive; enter East Lauderdale Drive to enter Lot 20. Near the same intersection, entering from North Fremont Street, there are a few parking stalls.
In 1925, International Children’s Day was first proclaimed in Geneva during the World Conference on Child Welfare. The represented countries recognized that “mankind owes to the Child the best that it has to give.” Specific goals focused on increasing childhood access to quality education, decreasing unethical child labor practices, and lifting children out of poverty. International Children’s Day is celebrated on different days depending on the country – some dates include June 1st or November 20th. In many Latin American countries, the special day is celebrated on April 30th.
Children’s Day is celebrated similar to Mother’s or Father’s Day. In some countries, teachers suspend lessons and it becomes a day for children to have fun with activities during school and afterwards with their parents. A day the community, from businesses to governments, comes together to advocate for and champion the rights of children and to celebrate the joy they bring to the world.
James Allen Jacobson, 80, of Whitewater, WI passed away on Saturday, March 12th, 2022 at Fairhaven Nursing and Rehab in Whitewater, WI.
Jim was born on February 20th, 1942 in Marquette, MI to Albert and Madeline Jacobson. He is survived by his wife Patricia Bureau Jacobson of Whitewater, WI, two sisters Judy Cook of Big Rapids, MI and Nancy Nelson of Golden Valley, MN, three daughters Colleen (Steve) Hebert of Whitewater, WI, Tammy (Steve) Fisher of Elkhorn, WI, and Wendy (Rich) Schneller of Oconomowoc, WI, eight grandchildren, one great granddaughter, and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents Albert and Madeline and his brother Ron Jacobson.
Jim lived his young years in Marquette, Michigan, where he played football, baseball, and senior hockey. He did not have any high school hockey background, but he received a Warrior Hockey scholarship to Michigan State University in East Lansing. After graduation, he went on to play in the US hockey league for the Green Bay Bobcats and the Marquette Rangers.
He later taught high school and coached the track and basketball teams at Eben High School. He eventually received the Mott Foundation fellowship to get his masters in Flint, Michigan. Jim then went on to work in community education, becoming a principal in Hilbert, Wisconsin, and coaching the football team there. From there he became the junior high principal for 25 years in Whitewater, Wisconsin. His final education years were spent in Adams Friendship, Wisconsin, as a high school principal.
After retirement, Jim enjoyed going hunting with friends, working at the Whitewater food pantry and serving on its board. He also served on the church council at First English Lutheran Church and headed the Meals on Wheels program for several years. Helping out with ushering was a big part of his life. He loved to travel, play tennis, and play hockey until he was 70. He was instrumental in setting up senior pickleball for the Whitewater senior center.
The family would like to express their gratitude to all the doctors and nurses who worked with him as he battled MDS. In lieu of flowers, donations in Jim name may be made to the Whitewater Food Pantry, First English Lutheran Church, or Agrace Hospice. No funeral will be held in honor of Jim’s wishes. A celebration of life is planned for June 4, 2022 from 12 to 3 p.m. at Prairie Village community center, 925 Burr Oak Trail, Whitewater, WI. Please join us in celebrating Jake.
Nitardy Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences can be made at www.nitardyfuneralhome.com
By Lynn Binnie Whitewater Banner volunteer staff whitewaterbanner@gmail.com
Turnout in the City of Whitewater for the Spring general election on April 5 was steady but not overwhelming, with 1376 votes cast. Per the unofficial results shown below, Jim Allen defeated Chuck Mills by a very comfortable margin to retain his seat as Council Member at Large. Al Stanek also beat Curt Knull by a large margin to succeed longtime supervisor Jerry Grant on the Walworth County Board of Supervisors, District 4. Lukas Schreiber was elected to his first full term representing Aldermanic District 2 with nine votes, and Jill Gerber, running unopposed to represent District 4, received 331 votes. According to City Clerk Michele Smith, this will be the first time in history that the Council has had a majority of female members, by a margin of 4 to 3.
The race for Whitewater School District Board Member, on the other hand, was very competitive. Unofficial results have Jennifer Kienbaum retaining her seat by a slim margin, being joined by Miguel Aranda, who previously served an unfulfilled term. Incumbent Joseph Kromholz appears to have lost by a slim margin, with challenger Andrea Svec a fair distance behind.
Results will not be final until the Board of Canvas meetings, the dates of which are not known.
Whitewater Common Council At Large (AD = Aldermanic District)
AD 1
AD 2-3
AD 4
AD 5
Total
Jim Allen
231
180
299
97
807
Chuck Mills
193
78
150
51
472
Whitewater Aldermanic District 2 Lukas Schreiber – 9
Whitewater Aldermanic District 4 Jill Gerber – 331
The Knudsen family would like to thank everyone for their support, beautiful words and cards, and memories shared these past few months after the loss of our beloved Bob and Nikki Knudsen. We ask that you please join us in celebrating their extraordinary lives during an open house at Willow Brook Golf Course, N9035 Hwy 89 S., in Whitewater, Wisconsin, on May 21, 2022, at 2:00 p.m. Please feel free to share any words, stories, or photos.
The City of Whitewater Parks & Recreation Department indicates that although registration for summer youth baseball and softball (2nd-8th grade) was scheduled to end on March 31, they are still accepting signups for a limited time.
Editor’s Note: The following information was received from UW-Whitewater, Roberta’s Art Gallery.
[Whitewater, Wis., March 31, 2022] – Consisting of breathtaking scenes crafted mainly from watercolor paint and ink pen, “Letting Go,” by artist Ann Thomas will be at Roberta’s Art Gallery from April 4-29. Thomas creates illustrations through attention to detail in the layering of pen and ink, colored pencil, watercolor, and pastels to create art tiles, children’s books illustrations, Christmas cards, home/architectural work, and prints. Her pieces in “Letting Go” feature calm scenes and landscapes from the outside, often featuring buildings and architectural scenes.
“Sausalito Street” by Ann Thomas
Thomas has had a passion for art since she was young, and attended Milwaukee Area Technical College for her associates degree in graphic arts. Since, Thomas has completed freelance graphic design work for clients, taught college courses, and facilitated multiple art workshops. Thomas expresses admiration in getting to see her student’s faces “light up as they explore the medium and are surprised at their own undiscovered abilities.” To read more about Thomas’ artistic journey, check out her website.
“Letting Go” consists mainly of paintings of different locations and renderings of buildings and architectural structures due to Thomas’ love for them. She explains that in the same way that each piece of the exhibit tends to consist of their own unique location, each image takes her back in time to the moments and feelings she experienced there. Some locations of pieces in “Letting Go” consist of architectural structures from Italy, Hungary, Illinois, and Wisconsin.
“Ponte Vecchio Florence” by Ann Thomas
Roberta’s Art Gallery will be holding an exhibit reception featuring Thomas speaking on her work and her unique experiences as an artist on Wednesday, April 13, at 6 p.m. in person at the gallery. Any guests are strongly encouraged, and have the opportunity to meet the artist, chat, and enjoy light refreshments.
Roberta’s Art Gallery is located on the first floor of the James R. Connor University Center (UC) at UW- Whitewater. The gallery hosts multiple exhibits each semester by collaborating with the artists–both locally and regionally. Many of our events will be held in person this semester, with the option of a virtual exhibit. Our hours are Monday – Thursday 10 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. and Friday 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Roberta’s Art Gallery prides itself on all their exhibits being free and open to the public. This means anyone: whether you’re a student, a Whitewater community member, or someone wanting to support the artist, please stop by. For questions or further information, contact Roberta’s Art Gallery at (262) 472-3193 or ucart@uww.edu or visit our website.
Whitewater Unified School DistrictCalendar Committee – Monday @ 3:30 p.m.
Agenda: Review 2022-23 Student/Staff School Calendar William D. Kyle Board Room 419 South Elizabeth Street, Whitewater, Wisconsin Google Meet: https://meet.google.com/sjp-xeri-uyz
City of Whitewater Equal Opportunities Commission – Monday @ 5:00 p.m. This meeting was canceled on 4/4/22.
Whitewater Unified School District Policy Review Committee – Tuesday @ 9:00 a.m. School District Central Office William D. Kyle Board Room 419 South Elizabeth Street, Whitewater, Wisconsin
City of Whitewater Landmarks Commission – Thursday @ 6:00 p.m. Agenda Cravath Lake Front Room 312 Whitewater Street Please join the meeting from your computer, tablet or smartphone. https://meet.goto.com/415825453 You can also dial in using your phone. United States: 1 (312) 757-3121 Access Code: 415-825-453
City of Whitewater Common Council – THURSDAY @ 6:30 p.m. Agenda includes Update on property assessments and explanation of the same, Update on an increase in the arrival of new community members, Request for approval of agreement with consultant to assist with integration of Fire Department / EMS into a City Department, Update on Code Enforcement in the City, Consideration of a stipulation and order settling the lawsuit filed against the City concerning Public Construction bidding requirements for the Cravath and Trippe Lake dredging project and possible action authorizing the City Attorney and City staff to enter into a settlement agreement, and Request for approval of Memorandum of Understanding with Whitewater Fire Department. This will be an IN PERSON MEETING as well as a VIRTUAL MEETING Citizens are welcome (and encouraged) to join us in person, or via computer, smart phone, or telephone. Citizen participation is welcome during topic discussion periods. You are invited to a Zoom webinar. Please click the link below to join the webinar: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/83182359189?pwd=aldSU2JxOVZmYzBkbThWUWN3R2VkQT09 Passcode: 273108 Or Telephone: US: 1 301 715 8592 Webinar ID: 831 8235 9189 Passcode: 273108 Please note that due to technical difficulties the meeting is not currently able to be broadcast live on Cable Channel 990. It will be shown there later.
Whitewater Fire Department, Inc. Business Meeting Agenda Date/Time Thursday April 7, 2022 @ 6:30 p.m. Location: WFD Meeting Room 312 Whitewater Street
By Sherrie Benes Whitewater Banner volunteer staff whitewaterbanner@gmail.com
Acknowledgement: To my loving wife LaVerne and my parents, who taught me the value of hard work.
Introduction: As you read this story, told by Vinton Anderson, my wish is for you to feel the same compassion and humbleness I felt that day sitting around his kitchen table, listening to his story….enjoy!
“Well, I don’t know why you would want to interview me. I’m just a farmer.”
As Vinton spoke these words, you could feel how humble this man genuinely is, which made me want to learn more….
Vinton was born on January 3, 1926 and was the third of four children born to Harriett and Randolph Anderson of rural Whitewater, WI. The eldest being a sister Gwen (Vandiver), a brother Berwin, and a younger sister Lois (Benes).
The two brothers worked side by side on the farm starting off at an early age. Vinton told how they would have to get up at 4:00 in the morning to milk the cows by hand. Many times, this would make them late for school! “Ma would roll up some pancakes and we’d eat them while running to school,” he said.
While even eating their breakfast on the run, this still didn’t always get them to school on time! “When we got to school, the teacher would say, ‘you’re late!’ Well heck, we knew we were late. We had to milk the cows!” he exclaimed.
I think what might have also scared these boys, was the club Vinton described his teacher had, leaning against the wall in the front corner. Although he called it a club, we found out later that it was most likely a yardstick, but was probably referenced by the students as a club! “Boy, if you didn’t know your history, she would use it on your butt!” he exclaimed. Of course, I had to ask, “so did you get the club on your butt often?”
With a chuckle he replied, “oh no. But my brother Berwin did a lot!”
Another reason they may have been late for school was perhaps because of the gypsies, who would regularly camp along Island Road. I suppose if a child told their teacher this story today, the teacher would probably laugh! But for the Anderson children, who had to walk to this one room schoolhouse located on Hwy 89 and Island Road, from Anderson Road, it was a frightening experience! “If they were there, we would go on this side of the road or the other side around. Then we wouldn’t have to go through that way!” As he sat there reminiscing about the gypsies, he added “They’d have a fire, and they would be dancing…. they must’ve had a good life. But they didn’t have any money and they stole stuff. That wasn’t good.”
The other story he shared about school, was how it was so quiet in that one room schoolhouse, you could hear a pin drop! (He referenced this as the days when kids were seen and not heard!) One day Vinton heard something fall on the ground, which must’ve been something he had dropped. “As I bent down to pick it up, the teacher happened to be walking by at the same time. As I went to sit back up in my chair, my head got caught under her skirt!”
He chuckled when recalling this, but I’m sure he wasn’t chuckling back then as a young boy, knowing about that “club” which sat in the corner!
He also recalled how there were some mornings when he and his brother were milking, people would come down from the haymow. As I sat there in shock I asked, “weren’t you scared of them?”
“Oh no. They were just people that were hungry. So, we would send them to the house and Ma would make them a sandwich or give them an apple. Then we would see them leaving, walking down the laneway.” When I asked more about this, like did they continue to come back to sleep in their haymow, he reminded me that this was during the Great Depression, and these were “just people” who were hungry and passing through….
Vinton graduated 8th grade and was in his 9th year, when the news broke that the United States had entered WWII. Shortly after this, he came to realize that it would be the last days of his education.
This family knew all too well about war, since their father Randolph Anderson had served in WWI. “My dad served under General Pershing as his bodyguard,” he said. “I remember my dad telling me something that General Pershing had told him. He had said, ‘if we don’t go into Germany, we will be back in 20 years.’ We all hoped that there would never be another war.”
Twenty-one years later, after General Pershing had spoken these words to Officer Anderson, WWII had begun. As the war progressed, farmers were being asked to produce much more food with fewer workers without those who were drafted or enlisted. Without extra hired hands, this put much of the load around the farm on Vinton and his brother Berwin. As the family either heard news about the war from the Janesville Gazette or the radio, the news often hit close to home. One sad story he told was about a friend whom they knew. “He flew a B17 bomber. If you flew 25 raids, you were done so you could go home. He was on his 23rd raid over Germany, when he was shot down. He became a German POW, which wasn’t good. They didn’t treat their POWs very good. If you didn’t eat the slop they fed you, you would be dead of starvation. It wasn’t good…” The friend did make it home, but what a trying time for all.
Shortly after the war, Vinton met his soon to be wife LaVerne Grandt. He said he had met her at a dance down at the armory and he would sometimes drive her home. But then he recalled that the first time he met this neighbor girl, he was picking up a wagon his dad had bought at an auction. “She was trying to get the radiator cap off the M tractor, so I went over and took it off for her.” If anyone knew Laverne, you would probably know that she really didn’t need his help! She was never the “damsel in distress” kind of lady!
When Vinton finally asked for her hand in marriage, it was not without a say from her mother. Her father said that she was 18, an adult, so he gave Vinton his blessings. But much to Vinton’s dismay, her mother said they would have to wait another year, because she was needed on the farm! Her family grew vegetables, which LaVerne’s brothers would then drive down to Chicago to sell. It was clear that in that fall of 1948 they would all be needed to pick the crops, before any wedding was going to take place!
When fall finally arrived, Vinton said he quickly finished his own crops and anxiously went to help LaVerne and her parents pick their crops! After the completion of the harvest and with her parents’ blessings, they celebrated their marriage on January 22, 1949 as husband and wife.
They remained a devoted team for the next 46 years while raising their family on the farm. But sadly, on December 9, 1995 his wife was called home. “My wife should’ve gotten old with me,” he said with a sadness in his voice. But if you ever want to witness the phrase, “Behind Every Great Man, is a Great Woman” then you will still see the presence of LaVerne, around her husband Vinton….
Vinton continues to farm to this day and is anxiously awaiting the 2022 spring planting season.
I gave him the choice of two pictures I took last year while he was in the field. For the first one I had climbed up into the tractor and took a close-up picture of him. The other photo was a more distant picture, showing the whole tractor and planter, with him in it. After looking at them both he said “I like that one of the John Deere with the International weights on the front. That’s the tractor I’m going to plant with again this year!
‘Just a Farmer’…..
Our thanks to Vinton Anderson for being the first to share his story for our new feature, Chapter Story. If you know of anyone that would like to share their story, or your own story, please contact me at: WhitewaterBanner@gmail.com – Subject line: Chapter Story I would love to meet you! Sherrie
Our thanks also to the following two sponsors of this Chapter Story:
Lowell C. Hagen Trucking Company
For all your liquid food grade hauling needs Whitewater, WI
