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

Kyle Hunter, son of Lyle and Dawn Hunter, is a free lance book cover designer. He often creates covers for Gray Wolf Press authors.

Literary Hub recognized Kyle’s design of the cover for Let Me Think, by author J. Robert Lennon, in an article titled, “The 11 Best Book Covers of April.” Literary Hub describes itself as follows, “Literary Hub is an organizing principle in the service of literary culture, a single, trusted, daily source for all the news, ideas and richness of contemporary literary life.” The winning cover is reproduced below, together with the comments from Literary Hub about Kyle’s work.

Two books featuring Kyle’s covers were also featured in an April article titled, “Here is Fiction as an Escape Room, Packed with Mysteries,” in The New York Times. Once again, Let Me Think was one of the featured books, together with Subdivision, also written by J. Robert Lennon. Both books are published by Graywolf Press. Kyle wrote to his parents, “Two of my all-time favorite covers just showed up in The New York Times! I worked on these right at the beginning of the lockdown. Maybe it shows.” The cover of Subdivision is also shown below.

Comments on Lit Hub: “It’s pretty rare to see a book cover with this much text on it, never mind the titles of all the stories in the collection, so this is worth including for that reason alone. What I want to know but cannot figure: what shape emerges when you connect all the dots?” A reader named John answers the question this way, “The let me think cover makes a rotary telephone. Thank you microsoft paint.”

City of Whitewater Common Council – Tuesday @ 6:30 p.m.
This will be an IN-PERSON MEETING as well as a VIRTUAL MEETING
Agenda includes amendment to charter ordinances regarding CDA; approval of liquor license pursuant to Alcohol Licensing Regulation Committee recommended agreement with conditions for GAC Enterprises, d/b/a Pumper’s and Mitchells; agreement with Bird Rides, Inc. (e-scooter rental); discussion regarding open council position; Negotiation of sale of property near roundabout (Lot 2 of Certified Survey Map No. 4054) to Midwest WI, LLC – Dollar General
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.
Please click the link below to join the webinar:
https://zoom.us/j/92732435228?pwd=WnpCTE9NT0txVnFEU3VqZDhKMlJsZz09
Passcode: 342502
Or Telephone:
Dial
US: 1 312 626 6799 or 1 929 205 6099
Webinar ID: 927 3243 5228
Passcode: 342502

Irvin L. Young Memorial Library Board of Trustees Meeting Agenda Board of Trustees – Wednesday @ 6:30 p.m.
Agenda includes library building project
ONLINE
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87579824936?pwd=V04xZi9nSzVvSzB3TEtjV0dUSjFBUT09
Meeting ID: 875 7982 4936
Passcode: HrRi6z9W
Dial1 312 626 6799 US

City of Whitewater Landmarks Commission – Thursday @ 3:30 p.m.
Agenda includes Effigy Mounds Preserve – Report on application to WSHS Preservation Office to disturb a burial
mound site (clean-up of storm damage to Preserve); Availability of grant funding; Major concerns to be addressed regarding the Effigy Mounds Preserve and its maintenance and possible assistance from outside agencies; Meeting with Chris Bennett and Building Inspector regarding Local Landmark properties
Virtual Meeting Arranged and Hosted by Olivia Pratt
Please join the meeting from your computer, tablet or smartphone.
https://global.gotomeeting.com/join/229083613
You can also dial in using your phone.
United States: +1 (872) 240-3412
Access Code: 229-083-613
New to GoToMeeting? Get the app now and be ready when your first meeting
starts: https://global.gotomeeting.com/install/229083613

Article Submitted by Laura Masbruch
Banner Volunteer

Greg Stewart accepted a Best in Show award on behalf of Whitewater High School during the Best of the Midwest Media Fest Awards Show on Thursday, May 27, for the video production of the 2020 WHS Commencement Ceremony. The fest’s purpose is to recognize producers working in the field of community media.

This year, 56 judges evaluated 194 programs that were entered from five states including Wisconsin, Iowa, Minnesota, Illinois, and Kansas, awarding 16 of those programs Best in Show in various categories. Award levels included Best in Show, Award of Excellence, Award of Achievement, and Merit Award. The WHS graduation video was recognized as Best in Show for an amateur production by a school.

The video celebrated the WHS Class of 2020 who had a creative, non-traditional graduation celebration during the pandemic with their senior car parade through a staff-lined school parking lot, a horn-honking yard sign delivery, individual online tributes, an opportunity to walk across an outdoor stage to receive their diploma (and a free personal graduation cake courtesy of the Sweet Spot), and a virtual ceremony.

The graduation video was produced by teachers Kate McNulty and Laura Masbruch with extensive video editing done by McNulty, Masbruch, John Houwers, and Kloe Devitt. Stewart and retired band director Don Deal contributed to the audio editing. Video footage, drone footage, and still photography were provided by Andy Rowland, Tom Ganser, Masbruch, Houwers, and Stewart. Performances and speeches in the video were given by Class of 2020 members Lauren Harkness, Abby Grosinske, Josie Hintz, Cassidy Laue, Brianna Zimdars, Caroline Crowley, Hailey Murphy, Mina Truesdale, and Emma Van Daele, as well as Principal Mike Lovenberg.  Angela Hoag provided the sign language interpretation. Thank you to all of the members of the Class of 2020 who provided photos and videos for the diploma pass and the cap toss and the staff members who provided photos and videos of well-wishes for the graduates.

The school would again like to thank Nelson Bus (Dave Nelson, Chris Arnett, Beth Babcock, Joe Melito, Stephen Kessler, Kelsee Tipton, Karl Ludeman, and Matt Hounsell) for their work positioning the school buses one afternoon in May, 2020, to form the large 2020 in the central office parking lot, which became a highlight of the video. 

The 2020 graduation video can be found at https://youtu.be/an2YCAyh6FU with the bus portion beginning at 52:50.

The Best of the Midwest Media Fest Awards Show was also a big night for Whitewater High School alumni, as Michael Hilliger won a Best in Show award at the professional level for his “Gems of Whitewater” series. Haley Dieter received an Award of Achievement at the professional level for the “Whitewater Strong PSA” produced for Whitewater Community TV, and Zach Popke and Andra Matthews received Merit Awards for their Whitewater Community TV productions of “Parades of the Past” and “Amphitheater Grand Opening” respectively. Congratulations to all!

Applications may be submitted online at https://www.whitewaterfire.org/apps/public/database/formAdd.cfm?Form_ID=4

(Extension submission) Walworth County 4-H is pleased to be offering a two-day 4-H Day Camp program for youth completing grades 3-8!  The camp will be held at the Walworth County Fairgrounds on June 15-16 from 8:30 a.m.-7 p.m. each day.  It will follow an “Animals around the World” theme and feature a variety of activities led by 2021 4-H Camp Counselor team members.  The event is designed as a fun, local, and inexpensive way of previewing many of the beloved 4-H resident camp experiences that Walworth County 4-Hers participate in during non-COVID-19 years.  During the experience, participants can expect to engage in arts and crafts activities, recreation, “water carnival,” air rifle target practice, nature science and exploration, and drama.  There will also be plenty of camp songs, a bit of dancing, a campfire program, a friendly “land games” competition, and more. Check-in will run from 8:00-8:30 a.m. daily and check-out will be held from 7-7:15 p.m. nightly.   4-H membership is not required for day camp participation.    

            Registration deadline for this event is Sunday, June 6 at 11:59 p.m.  A non-refundable participation fee of $15 per youth must be paid in advance (with a postmark date of no later than June 7); details are provided at the time of registration.  Event is limited to the first 80 campers who register and pay.  The event will be held rain or shine, but in the event of severe weather, one or both days of the event may be cancelled.  Registration fee includes an event t-shirt.   The event will follow current Wisconsin 4-H meeting guidance for COVID-19.  A big thank you goes to the Walworth County 4-H Senior Leaders’ Association for their financial support of this program. 

             Learn more at https://walworth.extension.wisc.edu/4-h-camp-2020/ Preregister at  https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeBMnOcR6YbRIhStkH_v_By6np-TO9R_Y7eBA-k7Nmcp1-UIw/viewform

            4-H is the statewide Positive Youth Development program of University of Wisconsin-Madison Division of Extension.  If you need reasonable accommodations to participate in this or any 4-H program, contact the Walworth County Extension Office at 262-741-4951. 

The Wartmann Scholars

UW-Whitewater at Rock County announces new, high-impact scholarship

May 24, 2021

The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater Foundation, Inc. is proud to announce the Wartmann Scholarship, which significantly reduces tuition costs for one Bachelor of Applied Arts and Sciences student.

William Wartmann was an Edgerton, Wisconsin, native who generously supported the local community, particularly the arts. As a part of his estate, Wartmann left a considerable legacy with the UW-Whitewater at Rock County’s College of Integrated Studies, formerly known as UW-Rock County. As a result of his altruism, this endowed scholarship is available every year. This year’s scholarship value is $2,000. 

“This generous gift from Mr. Wartmann will make such an impact by providing students with an opportunity not only to pursue a degree but to fulfill their dreams. We are so grateful for every investment in our students because we know it changes individual lives as well as the community as a whole,” said Tricia Clasen, interim dean of the College of Integrated Studies.

“We sincerely appreciate Mr. Wartman for providing such valuable support for Rock County’s College of Integrated Studies,” noted Greg Rutzen, president of the UW-Whitewater Foundation, Inc., and vice chancellor for University Advancement and Community Engagement. 

Interested applicants can find more information about the scholarship and application process here: https://www.uww.edu/rock/community-outreach#Foundation. The application deadline is Thursday, July 15.

The Bachelor of Applied Arts and Sciences, available fully online, is a flexible degree completion pathway for students who hold an applied associate degree from a technical college. In addition to emphasis areas in digital marketing, professional selling, leadership, and criminology, students can design their own emphasis. 

Internships and credit for prior learning can also help shorten time to degree completion. For more information, visit: https://www.uww.edu/online/bachelors/applied-arts-and-sciences 

Whitewater Grocery Co, the “future” locally owned grocery store, continues to thank the many volunteers of both the Whitewater Food Pantry and the Whitewater Community Space.  Along with the Whitewater Grocery Co’s FOOD WARRIOR certificates, Topper’s Pizza gives each person a free large Pizza or triple order of Toppers Stiks thanking them for their many hours of volunteering.

Russell Saunders volunteers at the Whitewater Food Pantry. Janie Anderson was also awarded the recognition but was not available for the picture.

Maria Perez and Marsha McKinnon are volunteers at the Community Space.