News

Editor’s note: The following announcement was made by Chancellor Corey A. King on the UW-Whitewater announcements page on August 13.

We are thrilled to announce that Michael (Mike) Stefiuk will be joining UW-Whitewater as the new Director of The Young Performing Arts Center. With over 20 years of transformative leadership in arts administration, Mike has held prominent roles in top symphony orchestras, music festivals, and higher education institutions. Most recently, he served as Director of Concert Operations at the Eastman School of Music [Rochester, NY], overseeing three prestigious venues and nearly 1,000 events annually.

Mike’s recent accomplishments include:

• Leading teams of 20+ staff and managing multimillion-dollar budgets
• Increasing ticket revenue by 48% while cutting expenses by 50%
• Launching award-winning community initiatives and partnerships
• Programming major festivals and commissioning new works
• Producing events for audiences of up to 72,000

Mike’s vision aligns perfectly with The Young’s mission to enrich the cultural life of Whitewater and the surrounding region, and we look forward to his collaborative spirit and passion for creating spaces where the arts can thrive.

A special thank you to Dean Michael Dugan for his exceptional leadership in serving as Interim Director in addition to his responsibilities as Dean. We also extend our sincere appreciation to the search committee, chaired by Dr. Katy Casey, and to our HR partners for their dedication and hard work throughout the summer. Their collective efforts were instrumental in making this appointment a reality.

We also want to extend heartfelt gratitude to the current staff of The Young for their unwavering dedication and hard work throughout this time of transition. Their commitment has been vital in keeping the center vibrant and moving forward.

Mike will officially begin on Monday, September 15, and will represent The Young at the Midwest Arts Expo in Milwaukee. Please join us in welcoming him to the Warhawk family!

Editor’s note: According to the Eastman School of Music website, Stefiuk received a bachelor’s degree in music from Northern Illinois University and a Master of Music from New England Conservatory, 

The following Walworth County court felony charges and convictions are from the Wisconsin Circuit Court Access site.

Tracy Smiter, 39, of 340 N Newcomb St., A6, Whitewater, has been charged with strangulation and suffocation, domestic abuse assessments; false imprisonment, domestic abuse assessments; felony bail jumping, domestic abuse assessments.

Nathan S McAllister, 40, of 135 W Main St, 2, Whitewater, has been found guilty of strangulation and suffocation, domestic abuse assessments; Intimidate Victim/Domestic Abuse Crime, Domestic Abuse Assessments.

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:

1. 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

1. 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

1. 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%
• Link: WCEDA Housing Resource Page

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

Agenda (Click on “meetings” in upper right corner)
– URL: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88976820391?pwd=wFHrfZ1QIAYMfXKahhMmIBa140ZZpI.1
– Passcode: 171688
———————————————-
– Dial-in: 1-312-626-6799
– Webinar ID: 889 7682 0391
– Passcode: 171688
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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.

Ten new faces are joining the Whitewater High School Staff for the 2025-2026 school year, and they are excited to be part of the Whippet Family!

New Whitewater High School Staff Members:

• Mrs. Valerie Alvarez, School Social Worker
• Mr. Kevin Ditter, Math Teacher
• Mr. Aaron Gibbs, Science Teacher
• Ms. Megan Gleisner, School Psychologist
• Mr. Ben Hertel, Counselor
• Mr. Kurt Nickelsburg, Business and Information Technology Teacher
• Mr. Nolan Otremba, Technology and Engineering Teacher
• Mr. Mike Rick, Career and Technical Education Coordinator
• Miss Abigail Sokoloskis, English Intern
• Mr. Gavin Van Epps, Math Teacher

Video and Information Submitted by Laura Masbruch
Whitewater High School Teacher and Banner Volunteer
lmasbruch@wwusd.org

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 2^nd 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.

2948GP Whitewater Historical Society