News

Our in-office pantry has received tons of toiletry donations over the past month!

For those who aren’t aware, we have a pantry in our office’s back room (at 133 S. Franklin Street – Whitewater), where any community member can pick up toiletry/household items. We do not require an application or any documentation for a person to utilize this service. It is here, free of charge, for anyone needing extra support. The Bethel House client pantry is available during open office hours: Mon-Thurs 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Please note if staff is out or meeting with clients, the pantry may not be accessible, so it is best to schedule an appointment by calling 262.473.2715 or emailing casemanager.bethelhouse@gmail.com.

A special thank you to the following individuals/groups for their recent donations (including a handful of anonymous donations dropped off/sent to us):

Stephanie McDonald & her network of friends/colleagues
UW-Whitewater Circle K (@uwwcirclek)
St. Patrick Catholic Church
First United Methodist Church of Whitewater
First English Lutheran Church – Whitewater

Donations are always welcome! Our most needed items right now are: toilet paper, paper towels, laundry detergent, dryer sheets, hand soap, cleaning wipes/sprays, bandaids/first aid items, and body wash. We are NOT in need of toothbrushes, toothpaste or bar soap. We keep updated details on our website (along with “kit” donation ideas) here: http://www.bethelhouseinc.org/donate.html

International performer, and Whitewater local, Andreas Transø will share stories, songs, and more at The Wright House in Whitewater on Friday, January 19 at 7 p.m.

In a performance with Andreas, you can expect everything from poetry to spoons playing, ancient ballads to original songs…all woven with bits of history and good humored jokes. Prepare for an embracing and jolly performance, with tears from laughter or inspired by swelling powerful performances of beautiful stories gathered and well-toned by an experienced and ever-ripening young seanchaí.

Link for registration: jollyseanchai.eventbrite.com

The National Weather Service Milwaukee/Sullivan Weather Forecast Office has issued yet one more Wind Chill Advisory, continuing until 9 a.m. on Wednesday. They indicate that the coldest chills will be from late Monday night until Tuesday morning.

Joel Houkom writes, “The sunrise on Trippe Lake on Sunday, January 14, 2024 was gorgeous. Note the steam rising from the water flowing from Whitewater Creek into the lake.”

Our thanks to Joel Houkom for sharing this beautiful photo.

— Our Readers Share: We hope that you might have something that you’d be willing to share.  Anything that’s been created by someone else should, of course, be credited, and you should ask their permission if you’re able. We cannot post copyrighted material without permission. We can’t guarantee that we’ll have space for all submissions, and contributions will be subject to editorial board approval. The one definite exclusion is anything politically oriented. We will assume that you’re willing for us to include your name as the submitter unless you indicate that you prefer to remain anonymous. Send to whitewaterbanner@gmail.com. Thanks for thinking about this!

City of Whitewater Common Council – Tuesday @ 6:30 p.m.
Agenda includes Moment of silence, Proclamation recognizing the Contributions of James “Jim” Allen to the City, and public comments; Closed session regarding Negotiation of Aquatic and Fitness Center Agreement with School District, followed by Open session to discuss same; Resolution requesting approval of Final Plat for Meadow View Subdivision; Appointment of Common Council president; Discussion regarding filling the council openings for at-large and District 1; Discussion regarding proposed consequences for council member violations of decorum standards.
Whitewater Municipal Building Community Room,
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:
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/83698371976?pwd=DqGdfH5_oCwf2Jk9cHo9kGdyNSEvuA.42gU4QzY3bRjU8M2
Or Telephone: +1 312 626 6799
Webinar ID: 836 9837 1976
Passcode: 745504
Please note that although every effort will be made to provide for virtual participation, unforeseen technical difficulties may prevent this, in which case the meeting may still proceed as long as there is a quorum. Should you wish to make a comment in this situation, you are welcome to call this number: (262) 473-0108.

City of Whitewater Parks & Recreation Board – Wednesday 5:30 p.m.
Agenda includes Discussion and possible action regarding renaming East Gate Park and Discussion and possible action regarding facility rental and reservation policy update.
Cravath Lakefront room 2nd floor 312 West Whitewater Str
*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
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89039304942?pwd=enpNM2tUL1ZDcnIxWWVGRWtUK2p0UT09Meeting ID: 890 3930 4942
Passcode: 933271
Or dial
• +1 312 626 6799
Meeting ID: 890 3930 4942
Passcode: 933271

Irvin L. Young Library Board of Trustees Wednesday 6:30 p.m.
Agenda includes Action regarding formation of a Library Expansion Building Committee, Library Building Project update and closed session, to reconvene: Library Director Contract and Offer.
Library Community Room 431 West Center
*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:  https://us06web.zoom.us/j/83198282604?pwd=cDdLWjUvTTRqRUQ4UVcwQWcrcW1BUT09    
Telephone: 1 (312) 626-6799
     Webinar ID: 831 9828 2604
     Passcode: 137945

Community Development Authority Board of Directors – Thursday @ 5:30 p.m.
Agenda includes Presentation by Pam Carper, Program Manager-Housing for the Walworth County Economic Development Association (WCEDA), Presentation by Dan Berg of the Whitewater-Rice Lakes Management District, Discussion and consideration of engaging legal counsel to represent the interests of the CDA, Closed session to be followed by open session: Consideration and possible action regarding Offer to Purchase Vacant Parcel of Land located on Starin Road (Tax Parcel /WUP 00018D) at a purchase price of $403,390.
(In-Person & Virtual)
Whitewater Municipal Building Community Room, 312 West Whitewater St.
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: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/82414637306?pwd=epyIv5RSBD2–mXbBSfCVwk1wRxKYw.ifo_B17IfD-T2da8
Passcode: 799533
Or Telephone:   1 312 626 6799 US
Webinar ID: 824 1463 7306
Passcode: 799533

Whitewater Unified School District School Board – Tuesday through Friday
Whitewater School Board members and other Whitewater Unified School District officials will be attending the Wisconsin State Education Convention in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, January 16-19, 2024. A quorum of the School Board may be present; however, the Board will not be conducting any business during the trip or at the convention.

Martin Luther King Jr. Day (officially Birthday of Martin Luther King, Jr.,^[1] and sometimes referred to as MLK Day) is a federal holiday in the United States marking the birthday of Martin Luther King Jr. It is observed on the third Monday of January each year. Born in 1929, King’s actual birthday is January 15 (which in 1929 fell on a Tuesday). The holiday is similar to holidays set under the Uniform Monday Holiday Act. The earliest Monday for this holiday is January 15 and the latest is January 21.

King was the chief spokesperson for nonviolent activism in the Civil Rights Movement, which protested racial discrimination in federal and state law. The campaign for a federal holiday in King’s honor began soon after his assassination in 1968. President Ronald Reagan signed the holiday into law in 1983, and it was first observed three years later. At first, some states resisted observing the holiday as such, giving it alternative names or combining it with other holidays. It was officially observed in all 50 states for the first time in 2000.

Text and homepage image from Wikipedia.

All city offices will be closed on January 16th, but citizens who need police assistance may use the after hours call button in the Municipal Building Whitewater Street vestibule or may call the non-emergency phone number at 262-473-0555 option 4. For all emergencies, please call 9-1-1.

Editor’s note: The following announcement was shared at UW-Whitewater on January 10.

Chancellor Corey A. King has announced the appointment of Kristin Fillhouer as the interim vice chancellor for student affairs at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater.

“Over her more than 20 years of higher education experience, Kristin Fillhouer has embodied a commitment to student success,” King said. “A deeply respected administrator and colleague on the Rock County campus, Kristin puts students first, every time. She understands the importance of the full student experience, whether it’s helping students achieve academically, connecting them with financial or mental health resources, or creating a sense of belonging. I appreciate her enthusiasm in taking on this role. She will be an exceptional leader for the Student Affairs unit at UW-Whitewater.”

Fillhouer began working at the Rock County campus in 2003 and has served in various roles including assistant dean, lecturer, and roles in student recruitment and retention. Since 2018, Fillhouer has served as associate dean for student affairs and enrollment management. In addition to developing and managing budgets, she oversees and leads staff in areas such as academic support, advising, registration, orientation, student mental health services, accessibility services, curriculum, enrollment management, financial aid, student conduct, registration, student life and support services. 

Fillhouer played a key role in the successful organizational restructuring that welcomed UW-Rock County as a branch campus of UW-Whitewater in 2017-18. Her steady leadership, collaborative style and caring spirit were invaluable as the campus navigated the COVID-19 pandemic. 

A Warhawk alum, Fillhouer earned a bachelor’s degree in history and a master’s degree in curriculum and instruction from our university. In 2023, she was named Forward Janesville Educator of the Year. 

Fillhouer will assume the new role on Jan. 16 and is expected to serve through the spring of 2025, when a national search will be conducted for the permanent position.

The National Weather Service Milwaukee/Sullivan Weather Forecast Office has extended the Wind Chill Advisory through at least noon on Monday, with the indication that, “additional extensions will be needed this week.” Bitterly cold temperatures and wind chills are expected into Wednesday morning. Wind chill temperatures in the Whitewater area will range from -20 to -30F.

What’s the difference between a Wind Chill Advisory vs. a Wind Chill Warning?

• Wind Chill Warning: Take Action! NWS issues a wind chill warning when dangerously cold wind chill values are expected or occurring. If you are in an area with a wind chill warning, avoid going outside during the coldest parts of the day. If you do go outside, dress in layers, cover exposed skin, and make sure at least one other person knows your whereabouts. Update them when you arrive safely at your destination. [The Milwaukee/Sullivan Weather Forecast Office uses a “rule of thumb” that a warning is issued if the wind chills are anticipated to be -35F or colder.]
• Wind Chill Advisory: Be Aware: NWS issues a wind chill advisory when seasonably cold wind chill values but not extremely cold values are expected or occurring. Be sure you and your loved ones dress appropriately and cover exposed skin when venturing outdoors.

The Green Bay Packers play their first postseason game with starting quarterback Jordan Love, vs. the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Field, Arlington, TX, on Sunday at 3:30 p.m. The game will be broadcast on Fox and WRNW-FM 97.3.

One might assume that “everyone” in Whitewater will be cheering for the Pack, but it seems there’s at least one brave soul who wasn’t afraid to be very public with his announcement that he’s cheering for the opposition. Tom Ganser shared these photos that he took at Walmart on Friday. He said that the Cowboys fan was walking around flapping his cape and saying, “We’re everywhere!”

Our thanks to Tom Ganser for having the courage to share these photos!

Go Pack!