Police Chief Placed on Paid Administrative Leave

According to a press release dated December 3, “Whitewater Police Chief Aaron M. Raap has been placed on paid administrative leave. Deputy Chief Dan Meyer is serving as acting Police Chief until further notice. The Whitewater Police Department operations will continue without disruption and with full expectations of providing high quality services to our community.

An internal investigation will be conducted by an outside agency based on an incident that occurred outside the City of Whitewater. The leave is not considered punitive, rather part of the Whitewater Police Department policy.

Because this is an ongoing investigation, no additional information will be released at this time.”

Girls’ Basketball Scores Overtime Win at East Troy

The Whitewater Girls’ Basketball Team played their hearts out Thursday night, December 2, in an exciting game at East Troy. Every player that stepped on the floor contributed to the 42-41 overtime win.

Gwen Truesdale

We entered the second half down 16-21, but we tightened up our defense, took care of the ball, and played with composure in key moments. That gave us the edge, outscoring East Troy 20-16 in the second half.

We had players come through in the clutch, especially when Gwen Truesdale hit 2 free throws with 7.4 seconds left in the game. That clinched the win in overtime 42-41.

Gwen Truesdale led the Whippets with 15 points, 9 rebounds, and 3 blocks. Kindyl Kilar scored 14 and ripped down 7 rebounds, had 1 steal, and 2 assists. Danielle DePorter scored 5, pulled down 5 rebounds, and had 2 steals. Jenna Pope had 7 rebounds, 2 points, 2 blocks and 2 steals. Calli Grosinske led in assists with 3, scored 2, had 6 rebounds, and 1 block. Cali Kopecky added 2 points, 1 assist, 1 steal, and 2 rebounds. Josie Treder had 2 points and 2 rebounds. Aidyn Amundson had 1 block and 3 rebounds.

Article Submitted by Kristen Lippens
Whitewater High School Head Girls’ Basketball Coach
klippens@wwusd.org
Photo Courtesy of Bob Mischka

Computer Science Students Compete in Computational Thinking Challenge

On November 11, students currently enrolled in computer science courses participated in Bebra’s International Computational Thinking Challenge, and the results were just released. This online problem-solving competition challenged participants to break down puzzles into smaller steps to solve them, just as you would need to approach a problem when writing a computer program. Freshmen and sophomores competed in the junior division, while juniors and seniors were part of the senior division. The problem set consisted of 15 problems worth varying point values depending on difficulty, and the competition was timed at 45 minutes. Penalty points were charged for incorrect solutions, so students had to decide whether they were confident enough in a problem’s solution to submit it for scoring.

In the junior division, freshman Andrew O’Toole came out with the top score for all WHS participants, scoring a school-best 132 out of 180 points. Andrew is currently in enrolled in Computer Programming I, studying Python programming. Second place in the junior division went to Atreyu Blahnik, who is currently studying Digital Electronics, and third place went to Computer Concepts student Viktor Goldsmith.

In the senior division, Digital Electronics senior Jon Chan came out on top, earning 128 out of 180 possible points. Arno Crowley, currently working on an independent Senior Project, placed second. There was a three-way tie for third between Digital Electronics student Tyjai Geoghan, AP Computer Science student Andrew Swartz, and Cisco Networking Academy student Nicholas Weirich.

Bebra’s is an annual competition that all Whitewater High School students are invited to challenge themselves to complete.

Article and Photos Submitted by Laura Masbruch
Whitewater High School Computer Science Teacher and Banner Volunteer
lmasbruch@wwusd.org

Friday is Last Chance to Compost Leaves till Spring

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

For those who missed the final city leaf pickup, there is one final opportunity to send your leaves to the compost pile. Friday 12/3, is the last day that dumpsters for leaf disposal will be available at the City garage, 150 E. Starin Road, between 7 a.m. and 3 p.m. Bio bags do not need to be emptied, but others do. Spring collection will be dependent on weather conditions.

Whippet Boys Fall Short in Opener

The Whitewater High School Boys’ Basketball Team lost their season opener on Tuesday evening, November 30, by a score of 51-72. 

The team took a one-point lead into halftime in a scrappy 1st half effort. After half, the team got off to a slow start offensively. Wyatt Nickels led the team with 23 points. 

The team will take on East Troy on the road on Friday evening, December 3.

Article Submitted by Dan Gnatzig
Whitewater High School Head Boys’ Basketball Coach
dgnatzig@wwusd.org

Obituary: Penelope H. Shaw, 78

Penelope H. Shaw, 78, of Whitewater Wisconsin was called to rest on Sunday, November 28th 2021 due to covid-19 complications. She passed peacefully with her family by her side in Williams Bay, Wisconsin

She leaves behind two brothers, Wayne Shaw (Geneva-wife), Dennis Shaw, a sister, Sharon Dunning, a daughter, Sharyn Stark, and 3 grandchildren; Shawna Steinbrecher (Eric-Husband, and two great-grandchildren, Annabelle and Archer), Taryn Stark (Emily-Wife, and Great Grandchild Rory), Tanner Stark (Brittany- Fiancé) as well as a god daughter/niece, Jennifer Schneider, (Nic-husband, Katy and Brian Miller-daughter/Son in Law)

Penny had a huge heart; she cared for her mother, and brother for most of her living life. She loved Elvis, animals, the Packers, and traveling. Most importantly she loved her family and she will be missed tremendously.

Penny had always had a soft spot for animals, and children. Seeing her daughter, grandchildren, and great grandchildren prosper were what she lived so long for.

Penny was preceded in death by her mother and father, Ann and Milford Shaw. Sisters Sandra Shaw, Annette Shaw, and Carolyn Conklin.

Nitardy Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences can be made at www.nitardyfuneralhome.com

Whitewater Community Foundation Recognizes the Life & Loss of Jim Stewart, Founder of the Whitewater Banner

Whitewater Community Foundation Recognizes the Life and Loss of Jim Stewart,
Founder of the Whitewater Banner

Among the many positive things Jim Stewart did in the Whitewater
Community was his creation of a site for local news because he knew the
great value of an informed community. He had the vision, set up the
mechanism for such a site, ran it for many years, and set the
expectations for it to continue. And when it became difficult to keep it
going, the Whitewater Community Foundation took over the financial
sponsorship and stewardship so that this valuable community asset
could be maintained.

Thank you, Jim, for the Whitewater Banner and for all you have done for
our community.

The Whitewater Community Foundation Board of Directors

About WCF: The Whitewater Community Foundation’s mission is to “Enhance quality of
life in the Whitewater area via educational, cultural, charitable or benevolent
expenditures” through scholarships and community action grants. To donate and support
the continuation of the Whitewater Banner, simply send a check made out to Whitewater
Community Foundation to P.O. Box 428, Whitewater, WI, 53190, or donate online
at whitewatercommunityfoundation.org by hitting the “Donate” button on top of the contact page.

Boys’ Swim Opens at Conference Relays

The Whippets Boys’ Swim Team traveled to Badger High School to compete in the Conference Relays on Tuesday, November 30. 

We started the night with the 200 Medley Relay with the squad of Zach Tomomitsu, Jack Hefty, Tyler Arnett, and Miles Nickelsburg. The boys took a 5th place finish. Most impressive was newcomer Miles Nickelsburg with only having a total of 3 practices, putting together a nice split in the 50 Freestyle, with a time of 33.65!

The 200 Freestyle Relay consisted of Tyler, Zach, Casey Schilling, and Jack. Casey Shilling competed in his first swim meet ever and had a nice first swim going 38.00 in the 50 Freestyle. 

The 1000 Freestyle Crescendo crew of Miles, Zach, Jack, and Tyler were able to take home some hardware with a 3rd place finish! Miles started off with swimming the 100 Freestyle going a 1:21.02. Next, Zach swam the 200 Freestyle, going an impressive 3:38.56. Jack then swam the 300 Freestyle going 3:51.47, and Tyler ended the relay with the 400 Freestyle, going 4:27.89!

The night ended with Casey, Miles, Jack, and Tyler swimming the 500 Freestyle Crescendo, where they finished 3rd in their heat and 5th overall.

What a fun night of swimming, and we can’t wait to see what they can do with the rest of the season!

The Whippet swimmers are back in action on Saturday, at Milton High School, starting at 10 a.m.! 

Article and Photo Submitted by Sarah Reynolds
Whitewater High School Co-Head Boys’ Swim Coach
sreynolds@wwusd.org

Recently Deceased 1960-Era College Athlete Remembered

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

At the Warhawks’ second round NCAA Division III playoff game on November 27, there was a round of applause in memory of Roger Johnson, a recently deceased standout athlete. Per Chris Lindeke UW-W Assistant Athletic Director, Strategic Communications and Branding, “Roger Johnson was a quarterback and the first All-American in UW-Whitewater football history (1960) and a three-time first team all-conference selection. He was also a shortstop for three Warhawk baseball seasons. Roger continued to follow UW-W football until his death as he was always proud of the winning tradition established by Coach Forrest Perkins and continued through the current playoff team.”

Roger Johnson’s obituary may be viewed here. It references Wisconsin State College. Our school was named Wisconsin State College-Whitewater from 1951 to 1964.

This Week’s City Meetings (Update: Whitewater Fire Dept. Business Mtg. and Landmarks Commission)

City of Whitewater Urban Forestry CommissionMonday @ 4:30 p.m.
Agenda
Cravath Lakefront Room-2nd Floor
312 W Whitewater St.
(This will be a hybrid meeting.)
Please join the meeting from your computer, tablet or smartphone.
https://global.gotomeeting.com/join/890013397
You can also dial in using your phone.
United States: +1 (408) 650-3123
Access Code: 890-013-397

City of Whitewater Fire & EMS Service Discussion – Monday @ 6:00 p.m.
Agenda
Municipal Building Community Room

Whitewater Fire Department, Inc Business MeetingThursday @ 5:30 p.m.
Agenda includes possible merger of WFD, Inc. with City of Whitewater, Board of Directors vacancy/EMS with no candidates, and proposed constitution change.
Location: WFD, Inc Training Room – This meeting will have a virtual option. Please join the meeting from your computer, tablet or smartphone :
meet.google.com/zgg-nmue-ehy
You can also dial in using your phone
Meeting ID: 1 352-462-5078
Passcode: 643 534 517#

City of Whitewater Landmarks CommissionThursday @ 6:00 p.m.
Community Room
312 Whitewater Street
Agenda includes Effigy Mounds Preserve – Report: City Manager’s Plan, Update on Dylan Ledwith Request (UWW Anthropology Dept. Request); Consideration of ordinance change regarding Birge Fountain Committee