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Recent Felony Charges in Walworth County Circuit Court

The following persons were either recently charged in Walworth County Circuit Court or recently made their initial court appearance.

Christopher P. Czerpak, 33, W8165 Nature Dr., Whitewater, has been charged with armed burglary, possession of a firearm by a felon, and criminal damage to property involving a residence in Whitewater. If convicted, he faces up to 25 years and nine months in prison and $85,000 in fines.

Jaslyn M. Kunkel, 33, 614 S. Franklin St., Whitewater, has been charged with failure to act to prevent bodily harm to a child allegedly involving a 14-year-old boy. If convicted, she faces up to six years in prison and a $10,000 fine.

Ryan P. McKevitt, 36, 542 S. Franklin St., Whitewater, has been charged with OWI (4th) and Operating with prohibited alcohol content (4th). McKevitt was apprehended for drunken driving after he parked with the vehicle’s right front tire on top of the curb in the 500 block of South Frankilin Street in Whitewater at about 9:10 p.m. July 10, according to the complaint. He had a blood alcohol content of .11, failed field sobriety tests, smelled like alcohol and had glassy eyes, according to the complaint. If convicted, he faces up to $10,000 in fines, up to six years in jail, lifetime drivers license revocation with no possibility of occupational license, 1-3 years required ignition interlock device in vehicle.

Applications Open for District 5 Councilmember; Residents of Jefferson County Portion of City Welcome to Apply (Updated with official notice)

McKinley Palmer, Aldermanic District 5 councilmember, announced on August 4 that as a result of an impending move outside the district, his last meeting will be on September 1. Applications to fill the seat, which represents all residents who live in the Jefferson County portion of the city, will be accepted until September 10. The successful applicant will serve from September 15 until April 20, 2021, at which time the councilmember elected at the April 6, 2021 election will take office. The person appointed to this interim position may choose to run for a two-year term in that election. Councilmembers are paid $300 per month. In addition to preparation for and participation in two regular monthly council meetings, members are also appointed to serve on other city committees. Residents of the district who may be interested are encouraged to contact City Clerk Michele Smith, msmith@whitewater-wi.gov or 262-473-0102.

NOTICE OF VACANT ALDERMANIC DISTRICT 5 COUNCIL SEAT

The Councilmember Seat for Aldermanic District 5 (Wards 10-12) is currently vacant, and the Common Council of the City of Whitewater is seeking Applications for Appointment from individuals who reside in Aldermanic District 5 (Wards 10-12), and who are willing to serve on the Common Council. Council meetings are held at 6:30 p.m. on the 1st and 3rd Tuesdays of each month. Occasionally there are additional meetings. Each Common Council member also serves as a representative to various Boards or Commissions. The Common Council will review Applications from applicants, and will consider appointment of an applicant to the position at their September 15, 2020 council meeting. The appointment will be until the third Tuesday, April, 2021 at which time the councilmember elected at the April, 2021 election will take office. For those unsure of their Aldermanic District, please contact the City Clerk at 473-0102.

An application must be submitted to City Clerk Michele Smith, P.O. Box 178, Whitewater, WI 53190 by 4:30 p.m. on September 10, 2020. The Clerk can be reached by e-mail at: msmith@whitewater-wi.gov or by telephone at 262-473-0102.

Michele Smith, City Clerk

262-473-0102

UW-W Represented by 373 on WIAC Scholastic Honor Roll, Including Six WHS Grads

WHITEWATER, WI (08/05/2020)– A total of 373 University of Wisconsin-Whitewater student-athletes representing all 22 of the institution’s varsity sport programs were named to the 2019-20 Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference Honor Roll.

The Warhawks’ 12 women’s teams had 200 honorees, while 173 student-athletes from the 10 men’s teams garnered Scholastic Honor Roll accolades. The Honor Roll is part of the “WIAC Scholar-Athlete Recognition Program”.

In addition to the 373 individual awards, UW-Whitewater was named an All-Academic institution as student-athletes earned a GPA equal to, or greater than, the collective GPA of the overall student body.

To be eligible for the list, student-athletes must have carried a 3.0 grade point average on a 4.0 scale. More than 50 percent of the WIAC’s student-athletes achieved Honor Roll status.

See below for a sport-by-sport breakdown of UW-Whitewater’s 2019-20 WIAC Scholastic Honor Roll student-athletes.

Men’s Sports (173):

Baseball – 23 student-athletes

Basketball – 8

Cross Country/Track and Field – 43 (9 for both)

Football – 55

Soccer – 15

Swimming and Diving – 8

Tennis – 9

Wrestling – 12

Women’s Sports (200):

Basketball – 15

Bowling – 15

Cross Country/Track and Field – 47 (15 for both)

Golf – 13

Gymnastics – 15

Soccer – 26

Softball – 24

Swimming and Diving – 17

Tennis – 14

Volleyball – 14

The following UW-Whitewater student-athletes from your coverage area were named to the 2019-20 WIAC Scholastic Honor Roll:

Rebekah Schumacher of Whitewater (Whitewater High School), a junior on the women’s basketball team majoring in elementary education.

Billie Jo Parker of Whitewater (Whitewater High School), a sophomore on the golf team majoring in art (graphic design).

Anna Yeazel of Whitewater (Whitewater High School), a junior on the women’s swimming & diving team majoring in physical education.

Miranda Reynolds of Whitewater (Whitewater High School), a freshman on the women’s track and field team majoring in undeclared.

Kailey Reynolds of Whitewater (Whitewater High School), a sophomore on the women’s track and field team majoring in physical education.

Catherine Yang of Whitewater (Whitewater High School), a freshman on the volleyball team majoring in undeclared.

For more than 150 years, UW-Whitewater has provided students with the education and training to begin their careers with a solid foundation behind them. The UW-Whitewater is committed to the development of the individual, the growth of personal and professional integrity and respect for diversity and global perspectives. These are met by providing academic and co-curricular programs that emphasize the pursuit of knowledge and understanding and a commitment to service within a safe and secure environment.

UW-Madison Announces Spring Graduates

MADISON, Wis. (August 6, 2020) – Nearly 8,500 students received degrees from the University of Wisconsin-Madison during a unique online commencement ceremony on May 9, 2020, including students from your area.

The ceremony, forced online because of the Coronavirus pandemic, was for doctoral, bachelor’s, master’s and law graduates.

Best-selling author James Patterson, the commencement speaker, counseled graduates on persistence and resilience, telling them, “Hey, it’s hard now, but it’s been hard before. When I graduated from college, the war in Vietnam was raging, there was a draft . . . When my dad graduated, he got shipped off to Europe and WW II.”

Chancellor Rebecca Blank praised graduates for the way they handled their unprecedented final semester – in-person instruction ended in March — and she thanked their family and friends for helping them through it all.

Some graduates will face a longer job search than expected, Blank said. Others will face personal pain from unexpected family loss or will end up doing very different things next year than they might have expected.

“But when we are past this crisis, you will also see many new opportunities – opportunities to re-engage the economy, to re-build personal connections, and to figure out how to live together in ways that reduce the threat of future pandemics,” Blank said. “Our world will change permanently because of this global shared experience. Your diploma from this great public university is your ticket to be part of that change.”

In addition to Saturday’s virtual ceremony, numerous famous Badger alumni posted shout-outs on social media, including soccer star Rose Lavelle, Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson, U.S. Sen. Tammy Baldwin, and Tony Award-winning actor Andre De Shields, who sang a bit for graduates. On May 8, the UW Athletic Department lit Camp Randall and the Kohl Center in red to honor the Class of 2020.

To ease the sting of the last few months, the Wisconsin Union announced it would provide all graduates with lifetime memberships – a first in the association’s more than 110-year history. Additionally, the Wisconsin Alumni Association is giving graduates two free years of membership.

For more information about UW-Madison, visit http://www.wisc.edu.

Here are the degree recipients from your area:

HOMETOWN, STATE; NAME, COLLEGE, DEGREE, MAJOR(S), DISTINCTION (if listed), COLLEGE (if listed), DEGREE (if listed)

Whitewater, WI

 Mia Bentel, College of Letters and Science, Bachelor of Arts, Computer Sciences
 Shelley Gard, School of Education, Master of Science-Educational Leadership & Policy Analysis, Educational Leadership and Policy Analysis
 Alan Jaime, School of Education, Bachelor of Science-Education, Elementary Education
 Owen Zinkgraf, College of Letters and Science, Bachelor of Science, Computer Sciences, Graduated with Distinction

Sally Link Christopher entered eternal life on August 5, 2020

Sally Link Christopher entered eternal life on August 5, 2020. Mourned by children Mark (Sue) Spring Valley, WI; David (Kim) Maiden Rock, WI; Ann (Andrew) Chattanooga TN; Eric (Maggie) St. Paul, MN; and grandchildren Paul, Ben (LaChelle) Minneapolis, MN; Rachel, Daniel, Chattanooga, TN. Preceded in death by husband Dale, who served First United Methodist Church of Whitewater as pastor from 1978 until 1992. 

Born March 16, 1933, in rural Menomonie, WI, graduated Menomonie High School in 1950 and St. Olaf College in 1954. Married Pastor Dale Christopher June 1955. Worked as a high school teacher in IL and WI, and for 11 years as an Admission Counselor for St. Olaf College, retiring in 1994. Enjoyed 10 years living in Charlottesville, VA before returning to Midwest to reside in Boutwells Landing in Oak Park Heights, MN.

Memorials preferred for Parkinson’s research at Michael J Fox Foundation or Church World Service c/o First United Methodist Church of Stillwater, MN. The family appreciates the loving care she received from Boutwells Landing/The Gables and HealthEast Hospice.

Wallace “Wally” Edward Green, 90, of Whitewater (formerly of Fort Atkinson) entered eternal life on Monday, August 3, 2020 at Fairhaven just one day shy of his 91st birthday

Wallace “Wally” Edward Green, 90, of Whitewater (formerly of Fort Atkinson) entered eternal life on Monday, August 3, 2020 at Fairhaven Retirement Center just one day shy of his 91st birthday. Wally was born in Carroll, Iowa on August 4, 1929, son of James and Henrietta (Krause) Green.

Wally grew up in Whitewater, Wisconsin and often claimed he “ruled the streets.” Truth be told, he readily admitted he wasn’t the best student so it’s possible he did rule the streets in the rough and tumble days of the post-depression years. He had quite a sense of humor and didn’t take himself too seriously, joking the only good thing coming out of Whitewater was Highway 12.

Wally’s lifelong passion for ice fishing was matched only by his flair for telling fish(y) tales. One tale that was actually verified by eye witnesses involved falling through the ice which, according to him, was the mark of a true ice fisherman.

Before ice fishing there was baseball. Wally turned down a professional tryout with the Chicago Cubs minor league team to stay home with his ailing father. Or possibly the Cubs thing didn’t work out because he was a lifelong St. Louis Cardinals fan. No one really knows for sure except maybe his wife, Ethel, who spent her honeymoon in St. Louis watching the Cardinals play ball.

Wally proudly served in Korea as a member of the US Coast Guard during the Korean War and returned to Whitewater and his job at General Motors in Janesville. During his career at General Motors, he was ultimately promoted to safety inspector and, apparently, could “shut the plant down if something didn’t pass [his] inspection.”

On May 3, 1958, Wally married Ethel Britzman at St. Peter’s Evangelical Lutheran Church in Helenville. That was a pivotal moment in his life and actually quite a stroke of luck for Wally since initially Ethel hid in the bathroom at the Edgewater Supper Club just to avoid him. They were married nearly 56 years until Ethel passed away on March 17, 2015.

Wally had many jobs in his life from pin setting in a bowling alley, to a job at a dry cleaning business, to cleaning at the Dwight Foster Public Library, to servicing funerals for Kutz Livery Service. He often referred to himself as “Wally Work,” although Ethel was known to question that nickname. His longest working stint was at General Motors from which he retired in 1979 at the age of 49. He collected a pension longer than he collected a paycheck and was well aware of his good fortune, fondly referring to his past employer as “Generous Motors.”

After giving up his baseball aspirations, Wally played softball for many years, managing a team in the “over 30 league” in Fort Atkinson. He loved all sports, including bowling, boxing, and…gambling. He twice won an appearance on TV for his lottery efforts. His quip of “I’d rather be lucky than good” will forever be remembered.

Wally was a member of Bethany Ev. Lutheran Church for many years. He served for a time on the church council and was a faithful attendee and usher until he moved to Fairhaven Retirement Center.

Wally spent his last five years checking out every aspect of the services at Fairhaven. He moved into an apartment, transitioned to assisted living, was cared for at Hearthstone beginning in January, and spent his final days on the skilled nursing floor. He was grateful for the kindness of staff and the family wishes to thank Fairhaven for the special care they gave him every step of the way throughout his final chapter.

Wally is survived by daughters, Julie (Dale) Schmeling, Connie Meyer (Jim Jorgenson), and Shari (Pete) DeWind; grandchildren, Taylor (Bobby) Siebert and Jennifer Schmeling (fiancé William Meerbott), David (Lauren) Meyer and Meredith Meyer, and Claire and Alyssa DeWind. He was blessed with three great-grandchildren, Finn Siebert, Zion and Ruby Meyer. Also surviving are nephews, Keith (Sandy) Hoffman and Brian (Angela) Hoffman of Jefferson; niece-in-law, Christine (Ron) Wahlquist of Connecticut; brother-in-law, Bill Fuchs of Jefferson; cousin Donna (Jack) Taylor of Idaho; and longtime friend Karen Mepham of Fort Atkinson. Wally was preceded in death by his wife; his parents; his step-brother, John Perry; a grandson, Zachary Jensen; a nephew, Alan Hoffman; sister-in-law, Loretta Fuchs; and Don Mepham, best friend and partner in crime.

Those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider a memorial gift to Fairhaven Retirement Community (Whitewater), Rainbow Hospice Care (Jefferson), or Bethany Evangelical Lutheran Church (Fort Atkinson).

The Dunlap Memorial Home is assisting the family. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, private graveside services at Evergreen Cemetery will be held for immediate family only.

Never will I leave you, never will I forsake you. (Hebrews 13:5)

www.DunlapMemorialHome.com

Common Council Extends Lakes Drawdown to Winter ’22; Other Highlights Noted

By Lisa Dawsey Smith
Whitewater Banner staff
whitewaterbanner@gmail.com

The Common Council met virtually on August 4 in an approximate 2.5 hour meeting, with about thirty citizens participating online or on the phone. Highlights include:

Lakes Drawdown Extended One Year
Eric Boettcher, Parks & Recreation Director, reported on the status of the lakes drawdown, including the installation of three siphons on Trippe Lake in an effort to reduce the depth to the 5-6 foot goal. Although dredging had been scheduled for this coming winter, Mr. Boettcher indicated that the State Department of Natural Resources personnel confirmed that there would be advantages to delaying that work for a year. Ecological benefits would include allowing both lakes more time to eliminate invasive vegetation, providing more head cutting of the channel, and possible increased depth from decomposition. Additionally, this would allow more time for shoreline restoration for land owners. Those attending a recent meeting of those residents were all in favor of the extension, and 76% of those responding to a city POLCO poll answered likewise. Council members voted unanimously to affirm the one year extension in the timeline.

City Manager’s Report
– Cameron Clapper provided a tutorial on how to utilize the state COVID-19 site to find the daily number of positive and negative cases in the Walworth County portion of the city. Positive results have been rapidly rising in recent weeks in Whitewater.
– The reconstruction of Milwaukee Street and of Elkhorn Road is essentially completed. The roundabout has been reconfigured with only one lane.
– Paving has been completed at the Dog Park and Moraine View Park.
– The Amphitheater at Cravath Lake Park is nearing completion, with a grand opening scheduled for September 17.
– Three siphons have been installed at Trippe Lake in an effort to reduce the depth to the 5-6 foot goal.
– The library building is closed; however, outside pickup is available, and residents are welcome to use the WIFI in the parking lot.
– The State Department of Transportation is currently completing the improvements at the Highway 12 and Walworth Avenue intersection.
– The city, the school district, and the university will be participating in an online community forum on Thursday, August 6 at 6 p.m.

Facial Covering Mandate Update
– The Police Chief indicated that after almost four days of the Governor’s emergency order requiring the wearing of facial coverings, although the dispatch center has answered a number of questions, there has not been a single complaint filed. Residents with a concern may call the non-emergency number, 262-473-0555 option 4, and non-urgent questions may be left as a message on the info line at 262-473-1398.
– The Council unanimously passed an amendment to the local ordinance which adopted the following state exemption: “While a single individual is giving a religious, political, media, educational, artistic, cultural, musical or theatrical presentation for an audience, the single speaker may remove the face covering when actively speaking. While the face covering is removed, the speaker must remain at least 6 feet away from all other individuals at all times.

Virtual Meetings
In view of the surge in positive COVID-19 cases in the community, consensus was that it was advisable to continue to hold all City meetings virtually. The subject will be revisited at alternate Council meetings.

Racial Justice and Equality Initiatives
A draft ordinance that would establish a new Equal Opportunities Commission was reviewed, with a finalized proposal to be brought to the August 18 meeting.

Upcoming Vacancy in Aldermanic District 5
McKinley Palmer, AD5 councilmember, announced that as a result of an impending move outside the district, his last meeting will be on September 1. Applications to fill the seat, which represents all residents who live in the Jefferson County portion of the city, will be accepted until September 10. Residents of the district who may be interested are encouraged to contact City Clerk Michele Smith, msmith@whitewater-wi.gov or 262-473-0102.

This Weekend’s Garage Sales

Moving  Sale
625 Waters Edge Drive, Whitewater
Aug 7 and 8, 8:00-5:00

A whole condo full of household items must go! Kitchen, decor, books, tools, and more
Everything priced to sell.

160 S. Locust Ln, Whitewater
8am-3pm Fri 8/7 and Sat 8/8

Household items, coolers, furniture, Bowflex, DJ Lighting and accessories, 10×20 Moto Shade Canopies, Lawn mower

233 N Queen St., Whitewater
Thursday Aug 6: 11-5, Friday Aug 7: 9-5, Saturday Aug 8: 9-1
Flatware, glassware, set of Sheffield Elegance #502 dishes, Tupperware, Home Interiors sconces and mirrors, vintage doll cradle and high chairs, vintage Royal Haeger, vintage Domino travel sets, vintage sewing books, propane tank, Darton Hunting bow and case, older microwave, LP hose with connectors, misc household stuff.  Will have Marsh’s Sweetcorn for sale too.

A New Banner Service – Garage Sale Ads

As a result of a reader’s comment that it’s hard to find garage sales in Whitewater now that we no longer have a weekly shopper, the Banner staff has agreed to begin a “consolidated” garage sale posting that will be published each Thursday morning for the upcoming weekend’s sales. This announcement will only be for garage sales (a sale of miscellaneous household goods, often held in the garage or front yard of someone’s house) in the city and school district boundaries. We will not be accepting, for example, ads for cars or other items that are not part of a scheduled garage sale. There will be a limit of three times per year for a particular property. Although we may eventually make a small charge for this service, initially it will be complimentary.

Those wishing to place a notice must send the information to whitewaterbanner@gmail.com by Wednesday at 6 p.m. You may include a brief description of the items that are for sale, the hours and days of the sale, and of course your address.

McCullough’s Announces Donation Results of Maxwell Street Liquidation Sale

McCullough’s is pleased to announce that as a result of its Maxwell Street Liquidation Sale on Friday 7/31/20, donations were made to the Whitewater Food Pantry in the amount of $2,505.00 and to The Community Space in the amount of $1,383.00. Bob McCullough reported the proceeds were generated by a liquidation sale that invited shoppers to donate $20.00 to either of the above two charitable organizations and, in turn, have an opportunity to select up to $100.00 of merchandise. Additional savings were enjoyed by donating $20.00 for each subsequent $100.00 increment of merchandise. Shoppers were numerous and generous and by the end of the day on Friday, merchandise had been depleted to the extent that the plan for a second day on Saturday had to be cancelled.

McCullough’s is grateful to the community for making this liquidation sale a successful fundraiser. Further, Bob McCullough would like to thank the many customers who have been so supportive during McCullough’s Prescriptions and Gifts’ years in Whitewater from 1981-2020. While the retail pharmacy closed in March following the transfer of prescription records to Walgreens in Whitewater, McCullough’s Long Term Care Pharmacy continues to operate and serves residents in skilled and assisted living.

Benjamin Haoxiang Liang, always called Benny, beloved son, brother, and grandson unexpectedly passed away on July 20

Benjamin Haoxiang Liang, always called Benny, beloved son, brother, and grandson unexpectedly passed away on July 20.

Benny, a member of Delta Tau Delta, graduated from Wabash College with a Biology major and Philosophy minor in May of 2020. Benny was set to pursue a master’s degree in Human Performance at the University of Indiana. During his High School years, Benny won a Wisconsin State title twice. However, he had to give up swimming at Wabash because of a developing heart condition. Benny never stopped his love for swimming; he moved on to coach swimmers and inspired people around him. He had been a head coach at the Woodland Country Club, and an assistant coach at Carmel Swim Club. He had previously coached at the Sugar Creek Swim Club, Indiana University, and Wabash College.

Benny loved his family and enjoyed reading, writing, singing, playing guitar, and hanging out with friends. He liked sports, running, cross-country, soccer, and snowboarding. He enjoyed nature, and loved animals and plants. He never stopped enjoying life, smiling, laughing, listening, talking, and always kept on thinking. He had been a college writer for Swimming World Magazine.

He was always thinking forward, set high standards for himself, and never stopped pursuing his dreams.

Benny will be missed by his family, friends, swimmers, classmates, teammates, and more.

A gofundme page has been established. All proceeds will be donated to the American Heart Association in his name.