Traffic Pattern at Franklin and Janesville Changed

There has recently been a change of traffic pattern in Whitewater at the intersection of Franklin Street and Janesville Street. 

The orange barriers were installed so that it is no longer possible to drive south on Franklin at the intersection with Janesville Street. The city is trying this as result of an accident pattern.

Information and photos courtesy of Tom Ganser.

UW-Whitewater honored among national Colleges of Distinction

For the third consecutive year, the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater has been named among the Colleges of Distinction — a national honor that recognizes campuses for exceptional teaching and dedication to student success.

“At UW-Whitewater, the student experience is a rich and vibrant one, where Warhawks are encouraged to be inquisitive and actively learn inside and outside the classroom,” said Chancellor Dwight C. Watson. “Our caring and talented faculty go beyond the course material to engage students in research and connect them with invaluable internships and job opportunities.”

Colleges of Distinction’s selection process consists of a review of each institution’s freshman experience and retention efforts alongside its general education programs, alumni success, strategic plan, student satisfaction, and more. Schools are accepted on the basis that they adhere to the four distinctions:

  • Engaged students
  • Great teaching
  • Successful outcomes
  • Vibrant community

“Recognition as a College of Distinction highlights the many ways in which UW-Whitewater serves our students on both an academic and personal level,” said Lynsey Schwabrow, chief of institutional research and planning. “By focusing on the qualitative experiences that help students learn, grow, and succeed, Colleges of Distinction designation underlines how the university prepares our students to successfully engage within the global marketplace and to become responsible citizens and future leaders in our communities.”

In addition to receiving the campus-wide badge of distinction, UW-Whitewater earned additional badges to highlight the university’s excellence in business and education, career development and as a public institution in Wisconsin.

Colleges of Distinction website

UW-Whitewater recently received national recognition as the safest campus in Wisconsin, and is the best value to earn a degree in the University of Wisconsin System.

Banner City Bikers Summer Travels: Coming Home

Article and Photos by Blake Scharine

Previous installments: The Journey Begins | Part II | Tail of the Dragon | Rain!

Well our time in Georgia has come to an end. What an incredible week, crazy yet awesome roads, beautiful lush mountain views, relaxing evenings with friends, great BBQ, camaraderie, and fellowship with old friends and new ones. 

On our way home we planned a day at The Ark Encounter in Kentucky. What can i say, this is biblical history come alive. You can see all the pictures out there and until you stand next to this life-size replica of Noah’s Ark. You can’t realize the enormity of the ship and the amazing engineering utilized within. Make it a family trip. Patty & Steve decided to try their hand at zip-lining at the ark, a perfect activity for Crazy Patty!

Leaving the ark, we skipped the interstate and took a fun 2 hour back roads ride to Greensburg, IN for our last night together. I know i speak for all the group when i say these trips are definitely about the journey not the destination. All total we rode more than 3000 miles, equating to about 80 – 90 hours of riding. Lots of laughs, sore muscles, sharing meals, card playing & looking out for one another. I encourage you to find us on facebook for more pics…@bannercitybikers

Until next year thanks for being a part of our Georgia excursion for 2019! God has blessed us with the opportunity to experience His creation on the back of our motorcycles, what has He done for you that you can share with others and bless them?

Memory Café Meeting at Irvin L. Young Memorial Library on August 12

The Irvin L. Young Memorial Library, in partnership with the Alzheimer’s Association, is hosting a monthly Memory Café for individuals who are living with Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI), early-stage Alzheimer’s or other dementia, and their care partners. This free social event is held on the second Monday of every month in the Library Community Room at 431 W. Center St. in Whitewater, at 10:30 am. The next meeting will be August 12. The theme will be Neighbors Helping Neighbors. We will learn about the history of some community organizations that help our neighbors who are struggling.

The Memory Café offers participants a safe and fun way to share their stories and socialize with others who have similar experiences. Learn how staying physically, socially and mentally active is good for the brain.

If you are attending for the first time please call 800-272-3900.

Concrete Pavement Repairs to Main and Franklin Intersection Underway

On August 5, the City of Whitewater Streets Department began concrete pavement repair work at the intersection of W. Main Street and N. Franklin Street.

The project is anticipated to take 7-10 days for removal, replacement, and curing. During this time, eastbound and westbound traffic will be maintained on W. Main Street. However, during this time, turning movements at the intersection will be limited and therefore truck traffic will be detoured onto Whitewater Street.

Motorists are asked to use an alternative route and avoid the work area if possible.

Photos Courtesy of Tom Ganser

On Saturday, August 3, Aureljean “Jeani” Gustafson-Erdmann died peacefully of complications from 13 years of Alzheimer’s.

As Mrs. Rexroat, Ms. Gustafson, and Mrs. Erdmann, she taught in the Whitewater Junior High and Middle Schools from the 1960s to 1998. 

Among her mourners are her daughter, Dawn; her son, Christopher, and her sister, Cheryl.  Her husband Ed mourns gently and joyfully, for he knew Aureljean to have been of the highest motives and integrity in all she did.  This angel has gone to home.  

A private family memorial will be held at a later date.

Banner City Bikers Summer Travels: RAIN!

Article and Photos by Blake Scharine

Previous installments: The Journey Begins | Part II | Tail of the Dragon

The week of riding has been remarkable.. especially the rain! 

Well, the timing of it, that is. So we got some rain at least 6 different days & only one modest rain for 15 min just before our lunch stop. The rest were the very end of a full days ride.

In fact, one day we saw a strong storm right in front of us, obvious heavy downpours, dark clouds and red on the radar and decided to gather under an entrance to a dialysis center. Fortunately, they were closed… we waited out the storm for almost an hour and stayed dry on the 30 minute ride back to the lodge. 

On Wednesday, a bunch of us went on the “Dealer Loop” heading south into the northern burbs of Atlanta. We visited 2 Harley and 2 Indian dealers and picked up some tees. Our ride back to the lodge took us on the southern portion of Highway 129. This section of highway was “nameless” not like the dragon, gauntlet or moonshiner etc. but is worthy of a name like “twisted twenty” as it was an equally fun piece of pavement as the others.

About 20 minutes from the resort the rain cut loose but we found shelter on a big porch of a BBQ joint that was closed on Wednesdays. Hmm, you think this stuff is coincidence? I don’t think so. His provision time and again.

Our last day of riding before heading back north was the Hiawassee Lake loop. Tremendous ride with lake views and challenging rolling hills with twisties we wont forget. All this topped off with an impressive Hiawassee Dam park and viewing area. We enjoyed a dinner together at the flying trout restaurant at the copperhead lodge.

The days are flying by!!

Whitewater Proclaims August as Children’s Vision and Learning Month

The City of Whitewater proclaims the month of August as Children’s Vision and Learning Month.

Vision disorders are the number one handicapping condition of children. Research from the College of Optometrists in Vision Development has shown that one in four children have vision problems.

Common signs of vision related problems can be headaches, short attention span, excessive blinking, holding reading materials close to the face and covering or rubbing of eyes.

The Whitewater community wants to bring awareness to learning related vision problems in youth to ensure all children have the ability to receive the treatment they need to enhance their lives. All children deserve the opportunity to reach their full potential.

City Manager, Cameron Clapper and Whitewater staff encourage parents, educators, school nurses and all concerned adults to recognize the critical role good vision plays in the learning process. With the correct education, everyone can work together to help prevent or reduce the impact of untreated vision problems.

The City of Whitewater provides efficient and high quality services which support living, learning, playing and working in an exceptional community. Visit www.whitewater-wi.gov for community information and updates.

Gary Keith Stone, 83, Whitewater, WI passed away on Sunday, August 4, 2019 at Fairhaven Senior Living in Whitewater.

Gary was born on January 21, 1936 in Waupaca, WI to Benjamin and Zelma (Barton) Stone. He graduated from Whitewater City High School in 1955. On July 28, 1956 Gary married Janet Stelter at First English Lutheran Church in Whitewater. He served his country in the National Guard for 6 years. Gary was employed at General Motors for 36 years. He and Janet loved to golf and spending part of their retirement in Florida. Gary enjoyed ice fishing and playing cards.

He is survived by his wife of 63 years Janet, Whitewater; children Jodeen (James) Kienbaum, Whitewater, Linda Jacobs, Janesville, Brett Stone, Madison; grandchildren Brittany (Blake Zimmerman)Kienbaum, Eric (Chaya) Jacobs, Valerie (Nemesio) Alvarez; great-grandchildren Andre, Willian and Roman Alvarez, Dash and Capri Jacobs. He is preceded in death by his parents and grandson Michael Kienbaum.

Funeral Services will be held on Monday, August 12, 2019 at 11:00am at First English Lutheran Church 401 W. Main St. Whitewater WI 53190. Friends may call at the church on Monday from 9:30am until the time of the service. As an expression of sympathy you may wish to consider memorials to First English Lutheran Church. Gary will be deeply missed by all who knew him. We all love you!

Nitardy Funeral Home, Whitewater is assisting the family.

Nitardyfuneralhome.com

Janesville Performing Arts Center production of “Alice in Wonderland, Jr.” features local talent

Article and Photos by Tom Ganser

The theatrical talents of Whitewater residents will be showcased, both onstage and behind the scenes, in the Janesville Performing Arts Center production of “Alice in Wonderland, Jr.” on Aug 8-10 at 7:00 p.m., and Aug. 11 at 2:00 p.m.

Taking to the stage from Whitewater is actress Althea Reichwald.  Whitewater residents adding their talents behind the scenes – and all familiar to the community thanks to their contributions to Whitewater Unified School District plays and musicals – are Jim McCulloch as director, Lori Heidenreich as musical director, Lynn Lema as choreographer and costume organizer, and Whitewater High School students Josie Hintz and Emma VanDaele as stage technicians.

As an added treat, a Tea Party with Alice will be held at 5:30 p.m. before the 7:00 p.m. performance on Saturday, Aug. 10.  Admission to the Tea Party is $5 and includes Tea, Cookies, and Photos with Alice.  Guests will get to pick out their own porcelain tea cup to enjoy at the event and then take it home as a souvenir.

There also will be a silent auction to bid on tea cups beautifully decorated by members of the community. All proceeds from this event will benefit JPAC’s Education and Outreach Department.

This is a face-paced stage adaptation of the Disney classic animated film that has been a favorite of generations, younger and older, since its premier in 1951.

It features updated dialogue and new arrangements of such classic Disney songs as “I’m Late,” “The Un-birthday Song,” and “Zip-A-Dee-Doo-Dah.”

The ever-curious Alice’s journey begins innocently enough as she chases the White Rabbit. Her adventures become increasingly more strange as she races the Dodo Bird, gets tied up with Tweedle Dee and Tweedle Dum, raps with a bubble-blowing Caterpillar and beats the Queen of Hearts at her own game.

For more information on the Janesville Performing Arts Center located at 400 South Main Street in Janesville and tickets for “Alice in Wonderland, Jr.” visit janesvillepac.org or call 608-758-0297.