Updated 8/24/25 @ 10:50 p.m. to add the photo of the plaque that was unveiled today.
American Family Field was sold out on Sunday, August 24 as the Milwaukee Brewers paid tribute to Bob Uecker. The full ceremony may be viewed here.
Uecker was a Brewers legend, broadcasting for the team for 54 seasons. Before that, he played as a backup catcher in MLB, including a stint with the Milwaukee Braves, making his major league debut in 1962 and winning a World Series with the St. Louis Cardinals in 1964.
Beyond baseball, Uecker was a regular guest on Johnny Carson, he starred in the sitcom “Mr. Belvedere,” where he played the character George Owens, and had a role in the movie “Major League,” where he played himself. He even hosted “Saturday Night Live” on Oct. 13, 1984.
Uecker died at his Menomonee Falls home on January 16, 2025, ten days shy of his 91st birthday.
Our thanks to Ron Binning for passing on the kind letter of gratitude from the Uecker family.
Hartland Shores is proud to announce the groundbreaking of their new residential development located on the city’s southeast side. The groundbreaking ceremony is scheduled for Tuesday, August 26, 2025, at 10:30 AM, marking the start of Phase I of the project.
The multi-family development will ultimately encompass eight buildings with a total of 128 units, and will begin the first phase which includes construction of two buildings comprising 32 apartments.
As part of Central and Southeastern Wisconsin, particularly Jefferson and Walworth counties, faces a significant housing crunch, new multi-family developments like this one are increasingly critical. According to data provided by Thrive Economic Development and the Wisconsin Housing and Economic Development Authority (WHEDA), in Jefferson County, vacancy rates are alarmingly low—sitting around 3% for rental housing and just 0.4% owner-occupied housing, both of which are well below a healthy 6% benchmark. Further, projections estimate that 3,500 to 5,250 new market-rate units would be entirely absorbed within three years.
Meanwhile, according to Walworth County Economic Development Alliance’s (WCEDA) housing study, Walworth County continues to suffer from a shortage of housing affordable to working families and essential community members. Construction costs are rising rapidly—single-family costs increased 37% and multi-family by 38% between 2020 and 2023. From 2006 to 2022, the county underproduced housing by approximately 4,179 units.
City Manager John Weidl emphasized the importance of projects like this one, “In an area that is increasingly drawing attention, continuing to expand housing options is critical. Where people live is powerful—new homes mean new opportunities, stronger neighborhoods, and meaningful community growth.”
Chris Slater, Developer with Hartland Shores, shared his enthusiasm, “I’m thrilled to break ground on this development right here in Whitewater. Our goal is simple: to contribute positively to the community by providing quality housing. This project will offer real solutions for the area’s workforce, families, and those looking to make Whitewater their home.”
The groundbreaking will bring together local officials, community members, and the Hartland Shores team at the project site on the southeast side of Whitewater on August 26 at 10:30 AM.
Editor’s note: The Banner appreciates having permission to use the image on the homepage by Manfred Richter from Pixabay. The above press release was provided by the City of Whitewater. Becky Magestro, chief of staff, confirmed that the groundbreaking is for the project that was previously described as for Slate Development and that the event will take place in the proximity of Moraine View Parkway & Jakes Way. The sources referenced were provided as shown below.
Sources for Housing Data in Jefferson & Walworth Counties:
Jefferson County Housing Report
Source: Thrive Economic Development & Wisconsin Housing and Economic Development Authority (WHEDA)
Details: o Jefferson County’s rental vacancy rate: ~3.2% o Owner-occupied vacancy rate: ~0.4% o Needed housing units: 3,500 to 5,250 o Household growth (2012–2022): 9.5%
Link: ruralwi.com – Solving Jefferson County’s Housing Gap
Jefferson County Strategic Housing Plan
Source: Jefferson County Housing Task Force / ThriveED
Details: o Vacancy rates far below the healthy threshold (6%) o Emphasizes underproduction of housing
Link: Canva site summary of housing report
Walworth County Housing Study
Source: Walworth County Economic Development Alliance (WCEDA)
Details: o Undersupply of 4,179 units (2006–2022) o Construction cost increases (2020–2023): Single-family homes: +37% Multi-family units: +38%
City of Whitewater Urban Forestry Commission – Monday @ 5:30 p.m. Agenda includes Discussion and possible action on a education piece for the Whitewater Banner why the Bradford pear should not be used in plantings and the environmental impact of planting them. Discussion and possible action on the use of Tree Sale funds to pay to remove Bradford Pear trees from the city landscape & replace with alternatives. Discussion and possible action on what to do with wood from Territorial Oak. Discussion regarding having controlled burns in city parks. Cravath Lakefront room 2nd floor 312 West Whitewater St *In Person and Virtual Citizens are welcome (and encouraged) to join our webinar via computer, smart phone, or telephone. Citizen participation is welcome during topic discussion periods. Please click the link below to join the webinar: Join Zoom Meeting https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88529480331?pwd=O8ujJsf9tOZN1D7fN1iypKnAZjOmXS.1 Meeting ID: 885 2948 0331 Passcode: 648772 — One tap mobile +13126266799,,88529480331#,,,,*648772# US (Chicago)
Whitewater Unified School District School Board – Monday @ 6:30 p.m. – CLOSED SESSION Whitewater High School Library 534 South Elizabeth Street, Whitewater, Wisconsin 6:30 p.m. ———————————————– 6:30 p.m. via Zoom Online – URL: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89239395241?pwd=b77pMwExa5beQEErRpDWYD4BB6dfNc.1 – Passcode: 307067 ———————————————– – Dial-in: 1-312-626-6799 – Webinar ID: 892 3939 5241 – Passcode: 307067 ———————————————– Closed Session ———————————————– 7:00 p.m. via Zoom Online – OPEN SESSION
City of Whitewater Finance Committee – Tuesday @ 5:00 p.m. Agenda includes Review of Sample Tax Increment Financing (TIF) Analyses Presentation from Ehler’s Inc. on sample Tax Increment Financing analyses conducted in other Wisconsin communities. Whitewater Municipal Building City Manager’s Conference Room, 312 West Whitewater St. *In Person and Virtual Tuesday, August 26, 2025 – 5:00 PM Citizens are welcome (and encouraged) to join our webinar via computer, smart phone, or telephone. Citizen participation is welcome during topic discussion periods. Please click the link below to join the webinar: You are invited to a Zoom webinar! Join from PC, Mac, iPad, or Android: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/87134989060 Phone one-tap: +13126266799, 87134989060# US Join via audio: +1 312 626 6799 US Webinar ID: 871 3498 9060
Community Meeting for a Discussion of Common Code Enforcement Violations – Thursday @ 5:00 p.m. Where: City of Whitewater Municipal Building, Community Room 1st Floor Conference Room, 312 W. Whitewater St., and virtually Please join my meeting from your computer, tablet or smartphone. https://meet.goto.com/488521845 You can also dial in using your phone. Access Code: 488-521-845 United States: +1 (646) 749-3122 Get the app now and be ready when your first meeting starts: https://meet.goto.com/install
Copper bracelet and copper enameling workshops are being offered at Wisconsin Makers in September. Leani Schoor will lead “Make Your Own Copper Bracelet” on Monday, Sept. 8, at the nonprofit makerspace in Whitewater. The cost is $20 and includes a bracelet to take home. In addition, she will teach “Copper Enameling for Beginners and Beyond” on Monday, Sept. 15. The fee is $25 and includes a copper dish. Copper enameling is a traditional technique that involves fusing powdered glass to a copper surface at high heat to create a permanent, colorful coating.
Both workshops will take place from 5 to 8 p.m. at Wisconsin Makers, 200 E. Clay St., Whitewater. Payment may be made at the workshops, which are geared toward ages 10 and up. Register by calling Schoor at (608) 421-4078 or emailing her at leanischoor@gmail.com.
Schorr earned her Bachelor of Science degree in art education and master’s degree in curriculum and instruction from the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater. She taught art at Jefferson High School for 38 years. The owner of Studio 2154 in Madison, Schorr teaches wet and needle felting, beadwork, glass fusing, cement yard art, ceramics, copper enameling, metal work and quilting.
Located at the corner of East Clay and Wisconsin streets in Whitewater, Wisconsin Makers is a makerspace that creates an affordable, collaborative and educational environment. The facility houses machine, welding/fabrication, electronics, automotive, 3-D printing, laser engraving and woodworking shops. It also offers pottery, ceramics, metal art, quilting, fabric arts, matting/framing and more.
For more information about the makerspace or workshops, contact Chris Spangler at (920) 728-2960.
Editor’s note: Apologies for the late posting of this program. Unfortunately, the deadline for registration is shown as Sunday, August 24. Hopefully they might accept a Monday registration. (If one is not sure, perhaps it’s worth risking $20 to get the registration in on time.)
UW-Madison Extension Dairy Program – Calving management practices and Neonate care in dairy cattle., Workshop – August 28-29, 2025 By, Alison Pfau and Manuel Pena, UW-Madison Division of Extension – Bilingual Dairy Program
The training of the farm personnel has positive impacts on animal welfare and performance and increases the overall farm profitability. To support dairy farms and their employees, the UW-Extension Dairy program has developed the “Calving management practices and Neonate care in dairy cattle” bilingual workshop. This program will help farm personnel to recognize (1) the imminent signs of birth and calving process, (2) provide guidelines for calving management practices to reduce the prevalence of stillbirth and health issues in cows, (3) be able to determine when first calf heifers or cows need assistance at calving, (4) the importance of calf management and neonate care after calving, and (5) the importance of the transition cow nutrition as a method of disease prevention and welfare. Also, the participants will have a Hands-On demonstration, where they will have the opportunity to practice calving events on a cow model along with learning guidelines for calving management practices. We want to thank Zoetis for sponsoring this workshop and supporting our programs.
The workshop training features Dr. Lautaro Rostoll Cangiano, Assistant Professor in the Department of Animal and Dairy Sciences, Dr. JP Martins, Assistant professor Department of Medical Sciences School of Veterinary – UW Madison, M.Sc. Manuel Pena, bilingual regional dairy educator from Sheboygan, Dodge, Fond du Lac, and Ozaukee counties, and M.Sc. Alison Pfau, bilingual regional dairy educator from Dane, Jefferson, Rock and Walworth counties.
Join this event in August and take the opportunity to learn from, and discuss with experts during the dates below:
Location: UW Madison extension office Jefferson County- 864 Collins Rd. Jefferson WI. 53549
August 28th, 2025 – 9:00am-4:00pm – English Session
August 29th, 2025 – 9:00am-4:00pm – Spanish Session
All attendees are in-person at the location of the event. There will not be a Zoom option available.
Pre-registration by August 24th, 2025, is required! Cost: $20 – Includes lunch and materials For more information and to register for the training, visit: https://go.wisc.edu/jeffersoncalving2025
For more information, please contact: Alison Pfau → Bilingual Regional Dairy Educator Dane, Jefferson, Rock and Walworth counties alison.pfau@wisc.edu Phone number: 608-220-4779 Manuel Pena → Bilingual Regional Dairy Educator Sheboygan, Dodge, Fond du Lac, and Ozaukee counties. manuel.pena@wisc.edu Phone number: 920-449-0725
Updated 8/23/25 8:40 p.m. – Roy Nosek suggested that it should be noted that “those are the original BARR pavers that covered Whitewater Street when I first served on the Common Council and I tried to preserve but were unfortunately removed and replaced with the current concrete street and later squandered at a city summer auction. A picture of a parade down Main Street by Fran Achen used to hang in Jessica’s restaurant and may still.”
Roy Nosek happened to be downtown when Main Street was torn up for the recent replacement of the lead water lines. He was curious as to what materials might be found in previous layers of the street, so he asked a worker if he could get closer to the hole in order to take a photo. Though the employee didn’t want to take the risk of a resident falling into the hole, he did offer to take a few photos himself, which Dr. Nosek forwarded to The Whitewater Banner.
Director of Public Works Brad Marquardt kindly responded with the following analysis of the layers. “It appears from plans from 1963, the section between Whitewater Street and 2nd Street was raised. My guess is that Main Street in these two blocks had an existing section of concrete with the bricks laid on top. Then in 1963, when the curb and gutter was raised, they decided to just pave over the bricks. I do not have any plans indicating when the concrete/bricks were installed.”
Our thanks to both Roy Nosek and Brad Maquardt for providing an interesting historic view of our downtown Main Street.
It’s time once again for #FlashbackFriday with the Whitewater Historical Society. This week’s image is of a fine limestone-constructed bridge, probably over Whitewater Creek somewhere. Several of these stone bridges were built in the area around the turn of the twentieth century. Very sturdy for the time, they show great craftsmanship. Unfortunately, these old bridges are long gone. Over time they deteriorated and were not suitable for modern car and truck traffic.
Join us next week for more from the Whitewater Historical Society.
Sheriff Fell is pleased to announce that the Rock County Sheriff’s Office will offer our third 2025 Hunter Safety Education Course on September 20, 2025, from 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m., and September 21, 2025, from 8:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m., at the Edgerton Conservation Club, 900 Stoughton Road, Edgerton, WI 53534. There will be an in-person introductory session on September 9, 2025, from 6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m., at the Rock County Sheriff’s Office. Students will need to attend all sessions to graduate.
Anyone born on or after January 1, 1973, is required to complete a Hunter Safety Education Course to legally hunt in Wisconsin. Students must be at least 12 years of age.
Hunter Safety Education Course
Session 1: September 9, from 6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. @ Rock County Sheriff’s Office Session 2: September 20, from 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. @ Edgerton Conservation Club Session 3: September 21, from 8:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. @ Edgerton Conservation Club
The course fee of $10 per student will be collected at the first session. If the student is under 18 years old, a parent/guardian will need to attend the first session with the student. Students will receive course materials at the first session. Please direct any questions to Deputy Michael Borgwardt at michael.borgwardt@co.rock.wi.us.
Editor’s note: This press release was provided by the Rock County Sheriff’s Department. The department has previously indicated to The Banner that participants are welcome from other counties.
Multi-agency Search and Rescue Exercise to Test Emergency Response in Rock and Green Counties
The Wisconsin Air Coordination Group, in partnership with Rock County Emergency Management, will conduct a comprehensive search and rescue exercise, ACG SARX 25, to test coordinated emergency response capabilities across Rock and Green Counties Aug. 22-23.
Exercise Scenario ACG SARX 25 simulates the impact of severe weather causing widespread damage across both counties. The exercise includes:
Disaster imagery flights in response to storm damage
Multi-person search and rescue operations using air and ground assets
Water rescue response to a boating accident on Lake Koshkonong with a capsized vessel and victims in the water
Technology-enhanced operations, including personal locator beacon activations and drone- based search capabilities
Complex terrain navigation to locate and extract survivors Participating Agencies Approximately 12 agencies will participate, including: Wisconsin Wing Civil Air Patrol, Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, Wisconsin State Patrol, Wisconsin Army National Guard, Wisconsin Emergency Management, Rock County Emergency Management, Green County Search and Rescue, Southwest Wisconsin Incident Management Team, Salvation Army, and additional public safety agencies.
Public Notice This is a training exercise only – no actual emergency is occurring. During the exercise, residents may observe increased emergency vehicle activity, aircraft operations, and personnel deployment. Boaters may see an increase in rescue agency watercraft and a helicopter on or near Lake Koshkonong – please give those training a safe distance. Real emergency services remain fully operational.
Citizens should:
Refrain from using drones in the exercise area to allow public safety agencies to train safely
Recognize increased emergency activity as training
Continue to call 911 for actual emergencies
Monitor local emergency management communications for updates
“This exercise ensures our multi-agency response capabilities are ready to protect our communities when real disasters strike,” said Rock County Emergency Management Director Kevin Wernet.
About the exercise: ACG SARX 25 is sponsored by the Wisconsin Air Coordination Group with no federal grant funding utilized. The exercise follows Wisconsin Emergency Management Homeland Security Exercise and Evaluation Program guidelines.
Editor’s note: This press release was provided by Rock County Emergency Management. The Banner appreciates having permission to use the image on the homepage byGerd Altmann from Pixabay.
