UW-Whitewater Athletic Director Finalists Named

(UW-W press release) Chancellor Dwight C. Watson today announced four finalists for the position of director of intercollegiate athletics at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater.

A 10-member search and screen committee, co-chaired by Greg Cook, interim provost and executive vice chancellor for academic affairs, and Brenda Volk, softball coach in intercollegiate athletics, recommended the slate of finalists to Watson after a national search.

The four candidates will visit the university and participate in public forums, offering opportunities for faculty, staff, students and community members to learn about and interact with the finalists. More information on the format of the forums — as well as the mechanism for providing feedback on the candidates — will be shared soon. Visit the Director of Intercollegiate Athletics search page for more information on the position and search process.

FINALISTS (listed in the order they will visit campus)

Amy Foster

Amy Foster.

Associate Athletic Director and Senior Woman Administrator, Seattle Pacific University

Resume: https://www.uww.edu/assets/documents/mmr/news/Foster-Resume.pdf

Open Forum– 2 p.m. Tuesday, April 27

Ryan Callahan

Ryan Callahan.

Interim Director of Intercollegiate Athletics, University of Wisconsin-Whitewater

Resume: https://www.uww.edu/assets/documents/mmr/news/Callahan-Resume.pdf

Open Forum– 2 p.m. Thursday, April 29

Larry Cox

Larry Cox.

Previously Executive Director of Athletics, Urbana University

Resume: https://www.uww.edu/assets/documents/mmr/news/Cox-Resume.pdf

Open Forum– 2 p.m. Monday, May 3

Brock Wissmiller

Brock Wissmiller.

Senior Associate Athletic Director and Director of Athletic Development, Upper Iowa University

Resume: https://www.uww.edu/assets/documents/mmr/news/Wissmiller-Resume.pdf

Open Forum– 2 p.m. Thursday, May 6

WUSD Election Results Certified; Common Council & School Board Candidates Offer Post-Election Comments

(Press release) Whitewater Unified School District
Two Newly Elected School Board Members
WHITEWATER, WI – The Board of Canvassers certified the votes cast from the April 6,
2021, School Board Election at 9:00 a.m. on April 13, for the two open School Board
seats.
The results of the canvass: Andrea M. Svec – 299 votes; Maryann Zimmerman – 1354
votes; Larry Kachel – 1322 votes; Tom Ganser – 1075 votes.
Maryann Zimmerman and Larry Kachel will hold office from April 26, 2021 until April 22,
2024.

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Separately, the Banner reached out to all of the Common Council and School Board candidates, with the exception of Aldermanic District 5, to offer them the opportunity to provide post-election comments. The candidates for District 5 will be offered this opportunity after the anticipated recount is completed. Printed below are the responses which were received.

City of Whitewater Common Council

Daniel J. Machalik – At large

I want to congratulate Lisa on a great win for our community. She will be an excellent leader and someone who really does care about the Whitewater community. That being said I want to thank everyone that went out and voted. Democracy is a sacred right that we should hold on to. Even though I lost I learned a lot about this great city and look forward to helping out in other ways.

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Carol McCormick District 1

Even though I ran unopposed, I would like to thank all the voters of District 1 that turned out to show their support for not only me, but also the other candidates as well. I am looking forward to representing our district for the next two years!  Submitted by Carol McCormick, District 1

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Lisa Dawsey SmithAt large

Thank you to everyone who participated in this past week’s election. Voting in local elections is as important if not more so than national ones. Local policies impact our day to day life on a daily basis. I would ask that your involvement in these local policy decisions not stop at election day. Stay connected, be engaged. If you’re not certain how or why, let’s talk about that too. Time is valuable, so is our community and I thank you in advance for sharing your time with me for the sake of our community. Find my contact information (when sworn in) as well as other council members here: https://whitewater-wi.gov/308/Common-Council

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Whitewater Unified School District School Board

Tom Ganser

I will always be grateful for the opportunity I have had to serve on the Whitewater Unified School District school board for a little more than three years. 

As a citizen, being on the school board proved to be a perfect way to become engaged with one of the most cherished institutions in our country, symbolized by the little red schoolhouse on the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater campus.

I wish the best for Larry Kachel and Maryann Zimmerman as they join the WUSD school board team, and for success in drawing on their talents as board members, especially during challenging times.

In many ways, in Whitewater as elsewhere, the local school district is the heart of a community.

Larry and Maryann now will have new and countless opportunities to be part of that heart.

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Larry Kachel

I would like to thank all of the people who took the time to vote in last week’s school board election.  It is truly an honor getting elected to the Whitewater School Board. 

I wish to thank Tom Ganser for his years of service on the school board.  Tom got caught up in the southeast Wisconsin “anti-incumbent wave”, which saw many area community voters elect new candidates over existing incumbents.  Tom is a good man who I have known for many years, and I know he will remain active in the community.  

I would like to congratulate Maryann Zimmerman for also winning a seat on the school board.  No one worked harder than Maryann, and nobody deserved to get elected to the board more than she did.  I will enjoy watching the level of passion she will bring to board meetings.  I look forward to working with Maryann and all of the other  members who serve on the WWUSD.Board.

I will attempt to serve the district to the best of my abilities.  I will act in the best interests of the students and believe that all district stakeholder voices need to be heard.  I am a strong believer in open government and will push for board meetings to again be held face-to-face as soon as possible. The emotional and educational losses caused by the pandemic can be overcome, although it will continue to take some time.  Success is the Whippet Way!.  

Anyone wishing to contact me with school district issues, concerns, and comments can do so via email at larrykachelww@gmail.com.  If you would rather talk personally, just include your phone number in the email and I will contact you as soon as possible.  I look forward to serving the WWUSD.
Sincerely,
Larry Kachel

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Maryann Zimmerman

Thank you to this community for allowing me to represent your interests to the district. This school year has been tumultuous to say the least. I’m hoping new board members and fresh perspectives will help heal our community. I’m ready to get to work Whitewater!

Whitewater Kiwanis Breakfast Club to hold drive-by Pancake Breakfast on May 8; FREEWILL donations welcome

(Whitewater Kiwanis Breakfast Club submission) The Whitewater Kiwanis Breakfast Club will be holding a drive-by Pancake Breakfast on Saturday, May 8 from 6:30 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. (or until the pancakes run out).  All are invited to bring their appetites and drive by the Old Armory, 146 W. North Street, in downtown Whitewater.  No tickets will be sold, and people are invited to make contributions (previous tickets were $6) to help the children in our community by donating to Kiwanis.

Whitewater Kiwanis Breakfast Club President Jean Bromley said, “We are inviting the community to a drive-by breakfast featuring delicious pancakes and Jones sausages.  We ask people to donate what they are able to.  All donations will stay in the community to help the children of Whitewater.” 

The Pancake Breakfast is the major fundraiser for the Kiwanis Whitewater Breakfast Club, which is made up of dedicated volunteers who help children in the Whitewater community and the world, all with 100 percent of funds raised going directly to projects helping improve the lives of children in the community.  Each year, the club distributes approximately $20,000, with over half going to the Whitewater Unified School District, including scholarships.  Kiwanis helped to build and maintain the Flowing Well Shelter, the shelter and accessible playground at Starin Park and Treyton’s Field of Dreams, the WHS football field lights and press box, as well as adopting a highway to clean up.  In addition, the group donates to the Whitewater Youth Soccer Club, the Friends of the Whitewater Aquatic and Fitness Center Family Partnership Fund, the Whitewater Food Pantry, Bethel House and more. More information can be found on the Whitewater Kiwanis Breakfast Club Facebook page.

 “We very much welcome and appreciate donations to help us with our mission of changing the world, one child at a time,” said Bromley.

Kiwanis is a global organization of volunteers dedicated to changing the world one child and one community at a time.

Arnold (Arnie) Jacobs, 88, passed away peacefully on April 9, 2021

Arnold (Arnie) Jacobs, 88, passed away peacefully on April 9, 2021. He was born on February 9, 1933 to Marion and Minerva Jacobs. He was Father to three boys, Grandpa to six grandchildren and Great Grandpa to four great grandchildren.

Arnie farmed from the moment he could reach the pedals of a tractor and continued until he couldn’t anymore. His dad (Marion) was a John Deere dealer in Whitewater, but that didn’t stop his love of Allis Chalmers orange tractors. He used the Allis orange to successfully compete in local tractor pulls.

Even though Arnie and Kenlyn (Boltz) were both born and raised in Whitewater, they met on McCann Lake in northern Wisconsin while vacationing. Arnie married Kenlyn on June 18, 1955, and they celebrated 56 wedding anniversaries together. They farmed side by side in Whitewater later choosing to move their farm life to Bruce, Wisconsin where they first met.

He was known as a loyal sponsor and dedicated player in softball, volleyball and basketball. As years progressed, he became a power throwing bowler in local leagues.

He had a contagious gift to gab, and anyone who experienced his conversations knew there wasn’t a topic he didn’t have an opinion on. 

Arnie will be greatly missed in the fields of farm and softball.

Surviving family: Son; Bob (Tammie), Grandchild; Jeff (Nicole), Great Grandchildren; Lily and Bobby all of Weyerhaeuser, WI, Grandchild; Jenny (Ryan) Stebnitz, Great Grandchildren; Ella and Ava all of Sun Prairie, WI. Son; Ken, Grandchildren: Lacy and Johnny all of Bruce, WI. Son; Scott (Traci), Grandchildren; Paige and Brianna all of Bloomer, WI. Brother; Donald of Whitewater, WI.

Predeceased by his parents Marion and Minerva, wife Kenlyn, sister Norma and brother Lawrence.

Special thanks to Jim, Winnie, Clara and Dash for the special care and kindness you showed for Arnie and for keeping him laughing. 

Pall Bearers: Jeff Jacobs, Lacy Jacobs, Johnny Jacobs, Dave Jacobs, Gordy Jacobs and Jim Smith.

A graveside service will be held at Hillside Cemetery on Wednesday, April 14that 12 p.m. in Whitewater where he will be joining Kenlyn once again.

Packerswire: “Packers in contact with UW-Whitewater OL Quinn Meinerz”

From Packerswire:

“The Green Bay Packers have talked with one of the most intriguing interior offensive lineman prospects in the 2021 NFL draft class.

Wisconsin-Whitewater offensive lineman Quinn Meinerz, a likely Day 2 pick, has been in contact with all 32 NFL teams during the pre-draft process, according to Bob McGinn of The Athletic.

The majority of teams like Meinerz as a center prospect in the NFL, per McGinn.

The Packers have an obvious in-state connection, but the team also has a need at center and the interior of the offensive line after losing Corey Linsley in free agency. Meinerz, who opened eyes at the Senior Bowl, could be a starting-caliber player capable of either replacing Linsley or playing guard and allowing a player like Lucas Patrick or Elgton Jenkins to move to center.”

Click here to see the complete article.

This Week’s City & WUSD Meetings – UPDATE: WUSD Distinctions Committee & Whitewater Fire Dept.

City of Whitewater Plan & Architectural Review Commission – Monday @ 6:00 p.m.
Agenda includes wall signs proposal for Walmart
Virtual Plan and Architectural Review Commission Meeting Agenda
Monday, April 12, 2021 at 6:00 PM
Please join the meeting from your computer, tablet or smartphone.
https://global.gotomeeting.com/join/202305149
You can also dial in using your phone. United States: +1 (408) 650-3123
Access Code: 202-305-149
New to GoToMeeting? Get the app now and be ready when your first meeting starts:
https://global.gotomeeting.com/install/202305149

Whitewater Unified School District School Board Election Canvass – Tuesday @ 9:00 a.m.
Central Office Front Conference Room, 419 S. Elizabeth St., Whitewater
The canvass is open to the public.

 City of Whitewater Public Works CommitteeTuesday @ 6:00 p.m.
Agenda includes annual report for the storm sewer system
Please join my meeting from your computer, tablet or smartphone.
https://global.gotomeeting.com/join/644972877
You can also dial in using your phone.
United States: +1 (669) 224-3412
Access Code: 644-972-877
New to GoToMeeting? Get the app now and be ready when your first meeting starts:
https://global.gotomeeting.com/install/644972877

Whitewater Unified School District Policy Review Committee – Wednesday @ 1:00 p.m.
– URL: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89913127744?pwd=VDRMcFdoTTdiSVJydTNzRS9MelYzdz09
– Passcode: 481343
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– Dial-in: 1-312-626-6799
– Webinar ID: 899 1312 7744
– Passcode: 481343

Whitewater Unified School District Distinctions Committee – Thursday @ 3:45 p.m.

Distinctions Committee
(a component of staff compensation)
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3:45 p.m. via Zoom Online
URL: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81245162355?pwd=WWdhTlZFRUdUY2JSS0Z6d2dDL0xGdz09
– Passcode: 371525
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– Dial-in: 1-312-626-6799
– Webinar ID: 812 4516 2355
– Passcode: 371525
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Whitewater Fire Department, Inc. Business Meeting – Thursday @ 6:30 p.m.
Please join the meeting from your computer, tablet or smartphone.
meet.google.com/ahz-erdg-hkm
You can also dial in using your phone.
United States: 1 302-317-2029
Access Code:
631 155 857
New to Google Meets? Get the app now and be ready when your first meeting starts:
meet.google.com/ahz-erdg-hkm


Whitewater Public Library will offer a new monthly Fiber Therapy Craft Group the last Thursday of each Month at 6:00 p.m.

(Whitewater Public Library submission) The Irvin L. Young Memorial Library is starting a new monthly program! The Fiber Therapy Craft Group will take place on the last Thursday of the Month at 6:00 p.m. beginning April 29.

Who: Adult fiber crafters (knit, crochet, cross-stitch, sewing, macramé, and more!)
What: Fiber Therapy Craft Group
Where: Virtual Zoom meeting
When: Every last Thursday of the month at 6:00 p.m. beginning April 29
How: Register at whitewaterlibrary.org to receive meeting invitations

Do you dabble in the fiber arts? Join our virtual craft circle! Whether you knit, crochet, or stitch, you’re invited to unwind and unravel with fellow crafters. Share what you’re working on and learn from others. Beginners and experts are welcome. This is not a formal class; attendees must supply their own crafting materials.

Four Tennis Players Advance to Sectional Meet

Article by Baron West
Whitewater High School Head Girls’ Tennis Coach
bwest@wwusd.org

The Whitewater Girls’ Tennis Team has been battling the weather all season. On Thursday, part of the team was able to get a match in at the conference meet until the rain finally set in. The rest of the conference matches will be played on Friday, April 16.

On Monday, except for the wind, the weather cooperated enough for the sub-sectional meet to take place. 1 singles, Emilia Houwers, was the first Whippet to earn herself a place at the sectional meet since she had already earned herself a sub-sectional bye. 4 singles, Crystal Chan, also earned a trip to sectionals by winning her match 6-2, 6-0 against Janesville Craig. The 3 doubles team of Jeanette Falcon and Vanesa Wence were the final Whippets to reach sectionals by winning 6-4, 6-4 against Milton.

The sectional meet will take place at Palmer Park in Janesville beginning at 9:00 a.m. on Wednesday, April 14. Good luck, Whippets!

Whippets Fall to East Troy 28-6

The Whitewater Whippet Football Team traveled to East Troy to compete in a Rock Valley Conference game on Friday, April 9. The Whippets lost that game, 28-6.

Photos and captions from the first half courtesy of Bob Mischka:

Photo 1: Quarterback junior Brock Grosinske looks to throw a pass with junior Mason DePorter defending him.

Photo 2: Brock Grosinske drags a host of Trojan defenders with him as he crosses the goal line for the lone Whippet touchdown. Senior Chase Conn happily signals the touchdown in the background by raising his arms.

Photo 3: Senior Dylan DuClos starts out on a run with Grosinske in the background and Whippet senior Carter Friend rushing up to help with blocking.