Bruce & Ruby Schroeder Celebrating 60th Anniversary

Thursday, June 17, 2021, marks the 60th wedding anniversary for longtime Whitewater residents, Bruce & Ruby Schroeder.

Ruby Margaret Turner married Bruce Edward Schroeder on June 17, 1961, 7:30 p.m., at the First Baptist Church, in Dunkerton, IA. Over their five-plus decades living in Whitewater, they have been members of the First United Methodist Church.

Bruce met Ruby while both were teaching in Garwin, IA, in 1958. They have 2 children, Mark (Beth) & Lyn (Ken Koopman). They are grandparents of Ryan (Cathy) and Daniel and have three great-grandchildren, Emma, William, and Kyla. During their 60 years of marriage, they have taken many trips across the USA, visiting a high percentage of the National Parks, and beyond the borders to many tourist destinations around the globe. Today they are content to watch the sights and sounds of Whitewater from their front porch and take an occasional car tour of where they have worked at, i.e. Lakeview & Lincoln for Ruby and UW-W for Bruce, along with other familiar places in and around Whitewater that they have enjoyed together over the years.

Congratulations to Bruce & Ruby on their 60th wedding anniversary!!!

Gateway Virtual Workshops on Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

Gateway Technical College will hold a series of dynamic workshops, “Communicating Respectfully in a Diverse World,” providing attendees ways to have hard, meaningful and respectful dialogue about diversity, equity and inclusion.

  • Ouch, that Stereotype Hurts – Attendees will learn how to build confidence and skills to speak up and interrupt disrespectful comments. This workshop will be offered on the following three dates: Wed., June 16, from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., Mon., July 12, from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.; or Fri., Aug. 3, from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.
  • A Holistic Approach to Managing Self in the Midst of Societal Uncertainties – Wed., June 30, 3 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. This program will offer ways to discover the impact of societal uncertainties caused by incidents of racial tension and unrest.
  • Civil Dialogue: Facilitating Structured Conversations – Tues., July 27, 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. This workshop will focus on how to handle structured conversations about sensitive topics through models and skill building. This model will prepare facilitators for holding meaningful conversations betwen those with opposing viewpoints.

All workshops are free, open to community members and will be held virtually via Zoom. To register, visit gtc.edu/diversity-workshops.

Source: Offices of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion and Community and Government Relations at Gateway Technical College.

The image on the homepage, “Diversity quilt” by OregonDOT is licensed under CC BY 2.0

This Week’s City Meetings (Updated with WUSD Retirement Celebration)

City of Whitewater Common Council – Tuesday @ 6:30 p.m.
In-person and virtual meeting
Agenda includes waiving alcohol prohibition on certain dates in Cravath Lakefront Park and other areas; approval of contract for southwest elevated water tank; authorization to contract for development of Starin Road master residential development plan; retention of law firm to represent city in lawsuit filed by Allef Partners LLC (Walmart) claiming city excessively assessed its property; authorizing sale of city owned property to Midwest WI LLC.
Please click the link below to join the webinar:
https://zoom.us/j/95574203457?pwd=Q2NpYVVPVmprYXF6WDZOcFRpbTlLQT09
Passcode: 792094
Or Telephone:
Dial 1 312 626 6799 or 1 888 475 4499 (Toll Free)
Webinar ID: 955 7420 3457
Passcode: 79209

WHITEWATER UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT RETIREMENT CELEBRATIONWednesday @ 4:00 p.m.
Whitewater School Board members will be attending the Whitewater Unified School District Retirement Celebration at Whitewater High School on June 16, 2021 beginning at 4:00 p.m. A quorum of the School Board may be present;
however, the Board will not be conducting any business during the event.
If you require special accommodations to fully participate, please notify the School Board Secretary by phone (262) 472-8702 or in writing at least 24 hours prior to the meeting time.

It’s Flag Day, Celebrating Adoption of Our Flag on June 14, 1777

In the United StatesFlag Day is celebrated on June 14. It commemorates the adoption of the flag of the United States on June 14, 1777, by resolution of the Second Continental Congress.[1] The Flag Resolution, passed on June 14, 1777, stated: “Resolved, That the flag of the thirteen United States be thirteen stripes, alternate red and white; that the union be thirteen stars, white in a blue field, representing a new constellation.”[2][3]

The United States Army also celebrates the U.S. Army birthday on this date; Congress adopted “the American continental army” after reaching a consensus position in the Committee of the Whole on June 14, 1775.[4][5]

In 1916, President Woodrow Wilson issued a proclamation that officially established June 14 as Flag Day; on August 3, 1949, National Flag Day was established by an Act of Congress. Flag Day is not an official federal holidayTitle 36 of the United States Code, Subtitle I, Part A, CHAPTER 1, § 110[6] is the official statute on Flag Day; however, it is at the president’s discretion to officially proclaim the observance. On June 14, 1937, Pennsylvania became the first U.S. state to celebrate Flag Day as a state holiday, beginning in the town of Rennerdale.[1] New York Statutes designate the second Sunday in June as Flag Day, a state holiday.[7]

Perhaps the oldest continuing Flag Day parade is in FairfieldWashington.[8] Beginning in 1909 or 1910, Fairfield has held a parade every year since, with the possible exception of 1918, and celebrated the “Centennial” parade in 2010, along with some other commemorative events. Appleton, Wisconsin, claims to be the oldest National Flag Day parade in the nation, held annually since 1950.[9]

Quincy, Massachusetts, has had an annual Flag Day parade since 1952 and claims it “is the longest-running parade of its kind” in the U.S.[10] The largest Flag Day parade had been held annually in Troy, New York until 2017, which based its parade on the Quincy parade and typically draws 50,000 spectators.[1][11][12] In addition, the Three Oaks, Michigan, Flag Day Parade is held annually on the weekend of Flag Day and is a three-day event and they claim to have the largest flag day parade in the nation as well as the oldest.[13] In Washington, D.C., Flag Day is celebrated heavily through the 7th and 8th Wards of the city. It is said that Clyde Thompson is the “Godfather of Flag Day”. It is tradition in these wards to slow-smoke various meats and vegetables.

Source: Wikipedia

The image on the home page, “Flag Day” by arbyreed, is licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 2.0

“Virtual Mummies” offered by the Milwaukee Public Museum and the library on June 21

(Whitewater Public Library submission) “Virtual Mummies” will be presented by the Milwaukee Public Museum and the Irvin L. Young Memorial Library on Monday, June 21st at 3:30 p.m. Community members can register at whitewaterlibrary.org.

Guests are invited to explore the mysteries of mummies and learn how and why Ancient Egyptians mummified their dead. Participants will get a chance to help in the mummification process of a life-size model. This program is recommended for children 3rd grade and older.

Discover Whitewater Series: Great News – We’re Running Again!

WHITEWATER– June 10, 2021 – The Discover Whitewater Series (DWS): Half Marathon & 5K is excited to once again host 600 participants in the Half Marathon and 5K. This is a 50% increase from last year’s modest event.

In coordination with the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater, the Whitewater Unified School District, and the City of Whitewater, the DWS has created a safe and fun event for this upcoming September that closely resembles past DWS race days. There will once again be an awards ceremony commemorating the overall winners of the Half Marathon and 5K. Winners of the Half Marathon will also receive a purse prize, a trophy and a gift card to Performance Running Outfitters. 

“It has always been our goal to bring this race back to the full, fun event it was two year ago,” said Race Director Dawson Miller. “We’re grateful to be able to bring back so many of our family events that come along with race weekend. We’re also bringing back a competitive, herded race start that allows for our runners to truly race against one another.” 

This year, the W3 Fit Kid Shuffle will be back, which is a great way to get kids involved and active. This year’s W3 Fit Kid Shuffle will take place on Saturday, September 18—the day before the race. Parents and those with young children in their lives can come pick up their registration packets that Saturday and watch their little ones participate in this fun, athletic event. 

Race day is set for Sunday, September 19, 2021 and registration is picking up fast. 

“Increasing our number of participants allows us to involve so much more of the Whitewater community, which has always been one of our top priorities,” said Executive Director Jeff Knight. ”This event allows us to give back to Whitewater, get active, and raise money for our local charity partners, Bethel House, Whitewater LEADS, Working for Whitewater’s Wellness (W3), Whitewater Unified School District and the J-Hawk Aquatic Club. That’s what this event has been about these past nine years. We can’t wait to make this year even bigger and better than ever.”

The DWS will continue to allow more events back into race day weekend as it is deemed safe to do so. 

The entire DWS team looks forward to another great year packed with family friendly fun. To receive a t-shirt, be sure to register by September 5, 2021. Register at https://runwhitewater.com.

About the DWS

The goal of the DWS is to promote the City of Whitewater and highlight its greatest features, while keeping everyone in the community active. All the proceeds from the race are donated to five local non-profit partners: Bethel House (which provides interim housing for homeless families), Whitewater LEADS, Working for Whitewater’s Wellness (W3), Whitewater Unified School District and the J-Hawk Aquatic Club. The DWS partners with the city, business community, university and the school district to make this a tremendous event that benefits all who participate. For more information about the race visit www.runwhitewater.com.

#Flashback Friday with the Historical Society: The Partridge House

It’s time for #FlashbackFriday with the Whitewater Historical Society!

Today’s flashback features one of Whitewater’s historic homes, the Partridge house. Located at 745 W. Center Street, it was built in about 1855 by John S. and Henrietta Partridge. John had migrated to the area in 1846 and opened up a general store downtown. From 1857 until the company’s dissolution in 1892, he was a partner in the Winchester & Partridge Manufacturing Company which produced the famous “Whitewater Wagon.” The home is pictured here in more recent times with the Jim and Claire Stewart family, who have lived in and taken care of this historic landmark for many years.

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

(5145P, Whitewater Historical Society)

The Whitewater Historical Society collects, preserves, and interprets the history of Whitewater and the surrounding area. Be sure to join us next week for more from the Society’s collections. Please “like” us on Facebook, and check out our website at whitewaterhistoricalsociety.org!​ 

National Weather Service: SE Wisconsin is in a Severe Drought; Evidence Suggests Drought May Persist for Summer Season

DROUGHT INFORMATION STATEMENT
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE MILWAUKEE/SULLIVAN WI
125 PM CDT THU JUN 10 2021

...Severe Drought (D2) continues across southeastern Wisconsin...

.SYNOPSIS: The Severe Drought (D2) continues for Jefferson,
Waukesha, Milwaukee, Racine, Kenosha, Walworth, and eastern Rock
Counties. The biggest change this week has been with Moderate
drought (D1) being expanded to cover much of the rest of southern
Wisconsin including most or all of Marquette, Green Lake, Fond du
Lac, Columbia and Dodge counties. Moderate drought (D1) conditions
continue across Sauk, Iowa, Dane, Green, northern Lafayette, western
Rock, Washington, Ozaukee, and Sheboygan Counties. Abnormally dry
(D0) conditions continue across far northern Fond du Lac and Green
Lake, and southern Lafayette Counties.

.Precipitation: Many locations in the D1 and D2 drought areas
continued to experience below normal precipitation over the past
week with rainfall generally ranging from 0.00" to 0.20" with most
of the region seeing under 0.05. 30-90 day precipitation is mostly
50% to 75% of normal across the drought areas, but slightly below
50% over far southeast WI. There are 2 to 8 inch 90 day
precipitation deficits across much of D1 and D2 drought areas with
the greatest deficits over far southeast WI.

Hydrologic Conditions: Some streamflows in the D2 area in far
southeastern Wisconsin are below the 25th percentile. Mostly near
normal streamflows exist across the D1 area. Meanwhile soil
conditions remain dry to very dry and well below normal, especially
across southeast Wisconsin.


.SUMMARY OF IMPACTS:

.Agricultural and Fire Hazards: None reported.


.DROUGHT MITIGATION ACTIONS: None reported.


.LOCAL DROUGHT OUTLOOK: The CPC outlook for the middle to latter
half of June calls for slightly higher probabilities of warmer
conditions and much higher probabilities for drier conditions. The 3
to 4 week outlook calls for higher probabilities for warmer
temperatures, while indicating higher probabilities for wetter
conditions. Overall, the evidence suggests the drought may persist
for the summer season.


Banner note:  The Weather Service uses the following five levels to categorize a drought.  We are currently in D2 (Severe Drought). 

Intensity and Impacts
 None
 D0 (Abnormally Dry)
 D1 (Moderate Drought)
 D2 (Severe Drought)
 D3 (Extreme Drought)
 D4 (Exceptional Drought)

The image on the homepage, “Drought” by Mundoo is licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 2.0. It depicts a severe drought in Australia in 2006.

Whippets Compete in RVC Track and Field Championships

Article Submitted by Mark Maas
Whitewater High School Head Track and Field Coach
mmaas@wwusd.org
Photos Courtesy of Bob Mischka

The Whippet Girls placed 3rd and Boys finished 7th at the Rock Valley Conference Championship Track and Field Meet on Wednesday, June 9, at Big Foot.

Kindyl Kilar

The girls were led by Kindyl Kilar, Kacie Carollo, and Crystal Chan, each competing in 4 events. Kilar, a sophomore, was 4th in the 100, sprinting a season best of 13.14, 3rd in the 200 with a season best 27.31, 5th in the high jump with a leap of 4′ 6″, and running the anchor of the 4X100 bringing home the baton in a first place time of 51.97. Rounding out the gold medal relay were Emma Weigel, Amanda Tovar, and Madelynn Buehler. Kacie Carollo had a busy day placing 6th in the 100, 5th in the 200, 4th in the long jump, and 3rd in the triple jump, with season best performances in each event. Crystal Chan was 2nd in the high hurdles, 2nd in the 300 hurdles, 4th in the high jump, and ran a leg on the 7th place 4X400 M Relay. The 4X200 M relay brought home gold running 1:53.04 with Amanda Tovar, Madelynn Buehler, Emma Weigel, and Izzy Dieter.  Olive Coburn sprinted her way to a 6th place finish in the 400 with her best time of the season. The 4X800 made up of Danielle DePorter, Sophie Walton, Catherine Skindingsrude, and Gwen Truesdale placed 5th, and Jenna Caldwell and Amanda Tovar pole vaulted to a tie for 3rd with vaults of 8′ 6″. Sophie Walton’s 7th place finish in the 3200 rounded out the Whippet scoring.


Jon Aron

For the boys, Trenten Zahn led the way with a 2nd place finish in the 800 running 2:00.01 and a 3rd place in the 400 with an outstanding 51:48. Also scoring in the 400 for the Whippets was Ignacio Cuevas with a 6th place finish in 55.24. Cuevas was also part of the gold medal 4X800 M Relay along with Nate Holden, Cooper Hammond, and Ethan Dugan. Aaron Porras had a season best 11.7 in the 100 M placing 7th and helped the 4X200M Relay to a 4th place finish along with teammates Mason Nobs, Carter Friend, and Connor Sharlow. Jon Aron’s leap of 5′ 8″ in the high jump earned him a 2nd place finish, Dylan DuClos was 3rd in the pole vault, and Connor Raupp rounded out the scoring with an 8th place finish in the shot put.

The Whippets will travel to Jefferson on Monday, June 14, for the WIAA Regional and then be back home on Thursday, June 17, hosting the WIAA Sectional.

Results: https://www.athletic.net/TrackAndField/meet/437818/results

Obituary: Lucille Waga, 97

Lucille Waga, 97, of Whitewater went home to the Lord on Wednesday, June 9, 2021 at Alden Estates of Jefferson.

She was born on July 18, 1923 in Whitewater, Wisconin to Paul and Bertha (Papcke) Schmidt. Lucille attended Whitewater High School class of 1941. She married Vernon Waga on May 29, 1947. Together they had two sons, Lawrence and Dennis, and enjoyed attending all their sporting events. Vernon and Lucille were married for 56 years, before Vern passed away in 2003. Lucille worked throughout WWII, eventually retiring from the Whitewater School District.  

She was very active in her church, St John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church, a devout Lutheran. 

Lucille is survived by her sons, Larry (Tammy Buchli) Waga of Fort Atkinson, Dennis Waga of Whitewater; grandchildren, Luke Waga of Fort Atkinson, Lacey Waga of Fort Atkinson; great-granddaughter, Jayden Olson of Fort Atkinson; and Great Grandson, Chase Waga of Fort Atkinson. 

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; and two-year-old Brother, Marvin.

Graveside services will take place at 11 a.m. on Saturday, June 19, 2021 at Hillside Cemetery in Whitewater.

The family would like to give special thanks to the staff at Rainbow Hospice and Alden Estates for their exceptional care for Lucille.

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

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Banner note: Previously we have generally used most or all of the first sentence of an obituary in the headline on the homepage. We have begun a trial of using an abbreviated headline in an effort to allow more visibility for the photo, particularly when viewed on a tablet or phone.