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Road construction to close Whitewater Street from Janesville Street to Fourth Street for two weeks
***Updated with new dates and information***
The closure of the Whitewater Street and Franklin Street intersection will start Thursday morning August 16, 2018.
Whitewater Street will be closed from Janesville Street to Fourth Street with local access only.
The contractor will be completing the water main, storm sewer, and sanitary sewer lateral work during the closure.
It is estimated the intersection will remain closed for two weeks and will reopen with a gravel surface. Motorists will be required to use alternative routes during this closure.
Home Sweet Home! – Banner City Bikers return from Utah
From Blake Scharine:
The last installment of BCBikers trip to Utah has arrived.
In the past 4 articles, I’ve shared incredible sights to see, exceptional roads to ride and great places to visit. The one thing that all these things have in common is that we were able to share the experiences with great friends.
Many times we take friendship and comradery for granted, but it’s very obvious God has blessed me with an awesome group of friends that share the love of biking & travel.
Included in this last article are some of my favorite pics, the ones with my friends…
Well, Utah 2018 has come to a close…
- logging in over 4200 miles
- temperatures from 48°-108°
- hundreds of twisties & switchbacks
- Vistas unmatched anywhere on earth
- … and time with friends that I wouldn’t trade for anything.
Until next year,
God’s Strength & Grace!
Blake
This is the final part of the Banner City Bikers’ trip to Torrey, Utah. For part 1, 
; part 2, ; part 3, ; part 4,
Whitewater School Board Approves Referendum Question for November 6 Ballot
At its August 13 meeting, the Whitewater Unified School District board approved a resolution to place a referendum question on the ballot for November 6, 2018.
If approved, the referendum would provide expanded revenue limit authority over the next four years and generate funds that would go toward maintaining targeted class sizes, student support and mental health services, comprehensive instructional and co-curricular programs, technology, safety, and facilities infrastructure. It would replace a 2014 referendum, which is set to expire in June 2019.
“In placing the question on the November ballot, the district and board look to maintain what has made Whitewater schools so great,” said Casey Judd, board president. “We believe we must keep the programs and services currently available to our students now and in the years to come. We also must make the most efficient use possible of the money taxpayers have invested in our local schools. The solution that will be presented to voters achieves both of these ends.”
In Wisconsin, the amount of money a school district receives is restricted by a revenue limit, also known as a revenue cap. Every district has its own revenue limit, which is impacted every two years by the state budget and is highly dependent on changes in annual enrollment. WUSD’s revenue limits dictate the majority of its operational spending.
In recent years, state budgets have not increased revenue limits to keep up with inflation. Moreover, a decline in student enrollment means WUSD’s revenue limit is being reduced at a rate much faster than the district’s ability to realize the costs savings that can come from serving fewer students. In fact, the district’s current revenue limit is at the same level as in the 2010-11 fiscal year.
“While our state-imposed revenue limit has not increased for the past eight years, we’ve also seen rising costs related to inflation and investments in technology,” said Dr. Mark Elworthy, WUSD district administrator. “Our top priority is to continue our legacy of delivering a top-quality educational experience to each and every student.”
In addressing its needs, the district and board used an inclusive process, engaging community members to develop potential solutions that balance the district’s needs with those of the Whitewater community. This included the Citizen Finance Advisory Committee, a group of local business and community leaders.
If passed, the November referendum would result in a $0 tax rate increase in the first year, in keeping with past district referenda. It would then increase the levy rate $30 per every $100,000 of assessed property value in subsequent years.
To learn more about WUSD’s needs, the process the district has used to address them and the solution that will appear on the November 6 ballot, visit www.wwusd.org/referendum. The District will be scheduling information sessions for the community in September and October.
2018 Partisan Primary from 7 am to 8 PM TODAY!
For more information:
Poll Location and Ballot information: myvote.wi.gov
More info from the State of Wisconsin
Invading Cripple Creek, Pikes Peak & Garden of the Gods… – Part 4 of the Banner City Bikers in Utah
From Blake Scharine:
Followers of the BCBikers!
A half day at Cripple Creek and overnight. We kept ourselves pretty busy! I encourage you to read up a bit on Cripple Creek, CO. It was and still is a big player in gold mining. (Crazy how commercial mining is done nowadays.)
Our ride into Gunnison, CO is one to remember. Coming in on 92 on the scenic north rim of the Black Canyon. As has been nearly everywhere, the pavement was great and the canyon view was dark, massive with a big river meandering its way to the dam.
The Ol Miner restaurant in “Gunny” did not disappoint and the next day Russ & Mary Rogers along w/John Sanderson headed out early to shave a day off the return trip for a wedding and family commitment.
Leaving Gunnison through Monarch pass was great. We took advantage of a slow day at the trading post and took the cable cars up to 12,000 ft… very cool and also VERY COOL.
On to Cripple Creek, a gambling town, with lots of restaurants and numerous other activities
- gambling
- narrow gauge train ride
- a little riding
- gambling
- feeding the loose donkeys
- walks around town
- oh, and did I mention gambling?
Pikes was great, part of the group opted out of riding up to 14,000′ but they did go part way up to visitor center and explored as they watched us through a telescope.
Lastly, before a Dairy Queen stop, we visited Garden of the Gods. This a great drive or hike through park and FREE!
We’re making our way east of Colorado Springs for 6 hours in Kansas then another 8 hours. That’s 14 hours on the bikes!
It shouldn’t be so amazing to me anymore, how God puts all these things in front of us to enjoy. Just a little heaven on earth.
Til next time!
Blake
The next installment of the Banner City Bikers’ trip to Torrey, Utah will be posted as sent in by members of the group. For part 1, ; part 2, ; part 3,
Multiple upcoming events at Wisconsin Makers
Flash Mini Workshop in Animation
On Tuesday, August 14, 2 pm – 5 pm, Wisconsin Makers (200 E Clay Street, Whitewater) is holding a Flash Mini Workshop in Animation, Stop Motion, and Related Technology.
This is an introductory workshop for students in 8th to 12th grades and beyond. We will discover all flavors and variations of animated graphics. A blend of both computer-generated and old school methods will be covered. Thus we will cover what could be possible given current and emerging technologies and their limitations.
Flash Blacksmith Mini Workshop, step 3 of 10
Wisconsin Makers (200 E Clay Street, Whitewater) is having a Flash Blacksmith Mini Workshop, on Thursday, August 16, 3 pm – 5 pm. We will be doing step 3 in a series of 10 steps in building a modern anvil. This is an ongoing process from our last workshop in building the anvil. Sign up on Eventbrite, Meetup, and Facebook for this workshop.
Home School Open House
Wisconsin Makers (200 E Clay Street, Whitewater) is having Home School Open House, Thursday, August 16, 1 pm – 3 pm and 6 pm – 8 pm.
We invite all Home School parents and students to our Home School Open House. We are focused on both STEM and STEAM activities and are very excited about our expanded Fall semester. We have a grant from the Whitewater Community Foundation for supplies for our workshops.
Our members, your instructors, freely share knowledge with Home School parents and students. After all, we are a MakerSpace with an Educational Mission.
For more information on Wisconsin Makers like our Facebook page, https://www.facebook.com/wisconsinmakers/ and
join our Meetup, https://www.meetup.com/WisconsinMakers/.
Lorraine Marlyn Krieser, 92, of Fort Atkinson, died August 12, 2018, at Reena Assisted Living Facility.
Lorraine was born on July 27, 1926, in Fort Atkinson to Loyal and Malinda (Buchholtz) Kump. She attended St. Paul’s Lutheran School and graduated from the Fort Atkinson High School in 1944.
On August 18, 1945, she married the love of her life Louis Krieser in Fort Atkinson. Louis passed away August 28, 2011.
She was a dedicated member of the American Legion Auxiliary. In August of 2017, she was awarded a distinguished award of 65 years of membership.
Lorraine was a stay at home mother to raise five daughters. She spent many hours crocheting making things for her family and friends. The crocheted hangers she made were a big hit with everyone. She was on a Lutheran bowling league for many years. She enjoyed camping, fishing, and hunting with Louie and her family.
Lorraine was strong in her faith and was a member of Bethany Lutheran Church. She was baptized and confirmed at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Fort Atkinson.
Surviving are her five daughters, Connie (Doug) Zimmerman of Whitewater, Sherry (James) Rodgers of Mukwonago, Colleen Brahmstadt of Fort Atkinson, Debra (Gary) Zebell of Fort Atkinson, and Wendy (Michael) Taylor of Fort Atkinson; 12 grandchildren, Deanna (Dennis) Karbowski, Leslie (Bev) Zimmerman, David (Jamie) Rodgers, Rebecca (Noel) Schrotenboer, Steven (Jackie) Brahmstadt, Mark (Kalli) Brahmstadt, Kevin Brahmstadt, Vicki (Brian) Aarstad, Pamela Hansen, Timothy (Jodi) Zebell, Jamie (Jacob) Stedman, and Chad Belzer; 29 great-grandchildren; 2 great-great-grandchildren; a sister Verna (Arnold) Schlegel of Waukegan, Illinois and a sister Carrie (William) Viola of Mukwonago.
Lorraine was preceded in death by her husband Louis; her brother Mervin Kump; a grandson Brad Zimmerman; and a son-in-law George Brahmstadt.
The funeral service will be held at 11 am on Thursday, August 16, at Bethany Lutheran Church in Fort Atkinson, with burial to follow in the Evergreen Cemetery in Fort Atkinson.
Visitation will be at the church on Thursday from 9 a.m. until the time of the service.
The Nitardy Funeral Home in Fort Atkinson is assisting the family.
She will be greatly missed by her family who loved her dearly. The family would like to extend a special thank you to Rainbow Hospice and Reena Assisted Living for all the care they provided to Lorraine and her family.
If desired memorials may be given to Rainbow Hospice Center, 1225 Remmel Drive, Johnson Creek, Wisconsin 53038 or to Bethany Lutheran Church, 404 Roosevelt Street, Fort Atkinson, Wisconsin 53538.
