News

Wildlife, Whitewater version. 7-5-25

Steve Watson writes, “After witnessing this behavior, I had to look it up.

A doe licks her fawn’s rear end to stimulate defecation and urination, which she then consumes to keep the fawn’s scent down, minimizing the risk of attracting predators. This behavior is crucial for fawn survival as it helps keep the fawn clean and scent-free, allowing it to hide effectively.

Changing diapers don’t seem so bad, eh
all you moms.”

“That’s the spot!”

Our thanks to Steve Watson for figuring out the behavior in his photos – especially the first one!

— 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!

The second Concert in the Park of the season, Tuesday, July 22, at 6 p.m. features The Honey Pies. The event is free and open to all. We are super excited to be back on Tuesday nights for the Concerts in the Park Series. Our partnership with the City Market is truly unique and we are looking forward to Summer 2025!!

FREE Concerts will start at 6 pm! City Market 4-7 pm. ALL at Cravath Lakefront Park.

There is a limited amount of seating on benches next to the parking lot. Bring a chair or blanket, and, if you wish, bring supper or pick it up from the City Market vendors.

GOOD TASTE IN MUSIC [From the Honey Pies’ website]

In September 2017 three veteran Madison musicians, vocalist Jodi Jean Amble, singer and guitarist Tom Waselchuk, and multi-instrumentalist Doug Brown, put together a set of material for a one-and-done performance at the annual Spring Green BeatleFest. Their set was enthusiastically received. The players came away feeling the spark of a kindred musical spirit, and so began the Honey Pies. A year’s worth of performances confirmed each member’s initial feeling that they’d stumbled onto something special. To mark their one-year anniversary The Honey Pies introduced bassist and vocalist Matt Rodgers to the band.

Displaying a formidable range of musical backgrounds and notable depth of experience, The Honey Pies apply crystal vocal harmonies and virtuoso instrumental skills to the best of traditional, contemporary, and original Americana music.

“This is not your typical three-chord country-folk band! The four members of the Honey Pies are all terrific musicians in their own right but put together their musicality shoots to new heights.  The sound is free-spirited, but amazingly focused and precise. Jodi & Tom’s voices blend so well and both have extensive vocal ranges.  When Matt and Doug join in for four-part harmony, it’s just over the top. Tom & Doug’s fret work and Matt’s bass riffs are inspiring, and you just can’t help but love Jodi Jean any time she opens her mouth to sing.  And what a range of styles!” Nancy Cullen  •  Rural Musicians Forum

Grow Your Gardening Skills with UW-Madison Extension’s Online Course

Want to be a better gardener? Whether you’re new to gardening or looking to deepen your skill set, Growing and Caring for Plants in Wisconsin: Foundations in Gardening is the course for you. 

Offered online by the UW-Madison Division of Extension Horticulture Program, this self-paced course runs Sept. 7–Dec. 6, 2025. You’ll learn how to grow and care for everything from trees to vegetables to houseplants—and everything in between! Learn more at go.wisc.edu/ExtFoundationsInGardening.

By the end of the course, you’ll be able to:

• Connect plant biology with good gardening practices
• Explain how to select, grow, and maintain the health of different kinds of plants
• Manage common plant problems
• Use Integrated Pest Management strategies to protect plant health and the environment

The course includes 14 modules with videos, virtual activities, readings, and live webinars featuring Extension experts. You can also sign up for optional online lab sessions to apply what you’ve learned in real-life scenarios (additional fee applies).

If you are interested in becoming a Wisconsin Extension Master Gardener, this course is considered an “approved learning opportunity” to be eligible for the Master Gardener Program. For more information on how to become a Master Gardener, visit mastergardener.extension.wisc.edu/join.

Early Bird registration is open July 16–Aug. 11, 2025, for $299, including a digital course manual. You may purchase a physical copy of the course manual for an additional fee. Scholarships are available during Early Bird registration for those eligible for financial assistance. Registration closes Aug. 28. Learn more and register at go.wisc.edu/ExtFoundationsInGardening.

Questions? Email Amy Freidig at gardening.class@extension.wisc.edu

The Extension Horticulture Program provides research-based horticulture information to Wisconsin gardeners so they can make informed decisions that keep their plants healthy while protecting the environment. The University of Wisconsin–Madison Division of Extension provides equal opportunities in employment and programming in compliance with state and federal law.

Editor’s note: The Banner appreciates having permission to use the image on the homepage by  Richard Duijnstee from Pixabay.

UW-MADISON ANNOUNCES 2025 SPRING GRADUATES

A total of 9,424 students received degrees from the University of Wisconsin-Madison on May 9-10, including students from your area.

There were two live Spring 2025 Commencement ceremonies, one for undergraduates at Camp Randall and one for all graduate degree candidates at the Kohl Center. 

Keynote speaker and celebrated sports columnist Jason Gay encouraged the graduates to embrace joy in their lives.

“Spend your time with people who give you happiness. Stay as open to new experiences as you are today,” Gay said. “Find satisfaction in small routines – the place where you live, community service, time outside in the natural world.”  

Chancellor Jennifer L. Mnookin reminded graduates that an essential part of their UW-Madison education has been learning to find ways to connect, not disconnect, and to engage, not disengage. And to do that even when they disagreed – to move beyond bubbles and echo chambers.

“And that’s important,” Mnookin said. “You are stepping into a world that is both deeply complex and distressingly polarized, and you have the power to do something good in that world, especially if you can find ways to work with people you might not always agree with.”

Senior class president Sam Mahlum, who served as Saturday’s student speaker, said one of the things she and her fellow graduates learned at UW was the value of time, including the time it takes to climb Bascom Hill.

“We wish for more time to get assignments completed, to study for the next exam, to hang out with friends or to just stay here, in this special place in our lives, before we have to go out there and be whatever it is we have been working so hard to become,” she said.

For more information about UW-Madison, visit http://www.wisc.edu.

Here are the degree recipients from your area:

NAME, COLLEGE, DEGREE, MAJOR(S), DISTINCTION (if listed)
Whitewater, WI

 Yogesh Ahlawat, College of Engineering, Master of Science-Industrial Engineering, Industrial Engineering
 Jenna Caldwell, School of Business, Bachelor of Business Administration, Business: Finance, Investment and Banking and Business: Real Estate and Urban Land Economics
 Elijah Grall, College of Letters and Science, Bachelor of Science, Computer Sciences and Data Science
 Reid Gunnink, School of Business, Bachelor of Business Administration, Business: Finance, Investment and Banking and Business: Information Systems, Graduated with Distinction
 Cc Liang, College of Letters and Science, Bachelor of Science, Psychology, Graduated with Distinction
 Mohamed Mohamed, School of Pharmacy, Doctor of Pharmacy, Pharmacy
 Kaden Tourdot, College of Letters and Science, Bachelor of Science, Computer Sciences and Data Science

Starting July 21, Starin Road between Warhawk Drive and Prairie Street will be closed to all traffic. The University is in the process of installing new steam and condensate piping. The project is anticipated to be completed by August 8. This work is weather dependent. Traffic will be detoured using Warhawk Drive, Schwager Drive and Prairie Street.

_________________________________________________________________

A partir del 21 de Julio, Starin Road entre Warhawk Drive y Prairie Street estará cerrada a todo el tráfico. La Universidad está en el proceso de instalar nuevas tuberías de vapor y condensado. Se prevé que el proyecto esté terminado para el 8 de Agosto. Este trabajo depende del clima. El tráfico se desviará usando Warhawk Drive, Schwager Drive y Prairie Street.

Editor’s note: The above press release was received from the Department of Public Works.

Special Common Council Meeting for City of Whitewater & Whitewater
Unified School District School Board – Monday @ 6:00 p.m.
Agenda Discussion regarding School Resource Officer agreement- Whitewater Unified School District; Discussion and Possible Action regarding School Resource Officer agreement with Whitewater Unified School District- City of Whitewater
Whitewater High School LMC, 2nd Floor, 534 S. Elizabeth Street
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: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/88295102614?pwd=nWlHbClD6GkRKOeovPasL3a1w4bBh4.1
Telephone: +1 (312) 626-6799 US
Webinar ID: 882 9510 2614
Passcode: 058570

Starin Park Water Tower Community Committee – Monday @ 6:00 p.m.
Agenda
Whitewater Municipal Building Community Room, 312 West Whitewater St
*In Person and Virtual
Please join the meeting from your computer, tablet or smartphone.
https://meet.goto.com/167994549
You can also dial in using your phone.
Access Code: 167-994-549
United States: +1 (872) 240-3212
Get the app now and be ready when your first meeting starts:
https://meet.goto.com/install

Irvin L. Young Memorial Library Board of Trustees – Monday @ 6:30 p.m.
Agenda includes naming of the library.
Cravath Lakefront Conference Room, 312 W 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/89777146348?pwd=zpOmV3adZ7k3qhC3tHIGJe1GxYEyg1.1
Meeting ID: 897 7714 6348
Passcode: P2NQ6svp
Telephone: +1 (312) 626-6799 US (Chicago)

City of Whitewater Finance Committee – Tuesday @ 5:00 p.m.
Agenda
Cravath Lakefront room 2nd floor 312 West Whitewater Str
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/84316558364
Phone one-tap:
+13126266799,,84316558364# US
Join via audio:
+1 312 626 6799 US
Webinar ID: 843 1655 8364

Sing, Dance, Thrive! Music & Movement Fun for Children

Do you and your young kids love to sing, dance, and play musical instruments? Do you wish you had new parenting strategies to handle stress, meltdowns, and challenging behaviors? Children ages zero to six and their caregivers are invited to “Sing, Dance, Thrive,” a free class at Cravath Lakefront Park (341 S. Fremont St.) on Monday, July 21 at 4:30-5:30 p.m. Participants will engage in imaginative music and movement adventures, playfully dance with colorful ribbons and parachutes, and nurture relationships by deepening emotional awareness and learning coping strategies for home and school.

The class is taught by Noelle Larson, a Board-Certified Music Therapist, graduate of Whitewater High School and Berklee College of Music, and the owner of Circle of Song Music Therapy, LLC. Noelle has a passion for helping clients and participants to “Connect, Thrive, and Come Alive Through Music,” strengthen family relationships, learn adaptive coping strategies, and experience wonder and joy through the delight of participating in live music making.

There is no cost or registration required to attend. While the class is best for ages 6 and under, all ages are welcome to attend. Contact Sarah French with any questions at sfrench@whitewater-wi.gov or 262-473-0530.

The city’s ongoing major project to replace all the lead water pipes, which was described in a previous Banner article, will necessitate major changes in downtown parking and traffic flow beginning on Monday, July 21. The work is anticipated to be completed by Friday, August 1.

• Parking will be prohibited on both sides of Main Street between Whitewater Street and 2nd Street. Alternative parking options are the side streets and the nearby public parking lots.
• Westbound traffic will be detoured via Whitewater Street and Franklin Street. Eastbound traffic will be shifted into the parking lane where possible to give more room for the workers. 
• Pedestrian access to downtown buildings will be maintained but may shift daily based on construction progress.

The contractor is hoping to have all water service lines replaced during the week of July 21.  Restoration of sidewalks, curb and gutter, and asphalt pavement is scheduled for the week of July 28.  All work is anticipated to be complete and the street and parking back open by August 1^st. 

Editor’s note: The above information was provided by Brad Marquardt, public works director.

The Edgerton Tobacco Heritage Days Parade will step off on Sunday, July 20 at 11:30 a.m., beginning on Stoughton Road.

This year’s parade is proudly coordinated by Edgerton Tobacco Heritage Days Committee Member Anna Jensen, with support from the Edgerton Police Department and the City of Edgerton’s Department of Public Works.

“We’re excited to welcome back many local favorites in this year’s parade, along with some exciting new entries,” said Anna Jensen, Parade Coordinator. “Find your favorite spot along the route and make some unforgettable memories!”

The parade will start Stoughton Road, turns into W Rollin St, turns right on Albion St, turns left on W Fulton St, turns left on N Henry St and will end at Central Lutheran Church.

The parade will feature over 50 entries from local organizations, businesses, and community groups, including: 1953 Chevy Belair,   Brown Paws Rescue Transport Van,  Chris Squire Classic Cars,  Cottage Grove Lions Happy Whistlers, Cripple Creek Cloggers,   Edgerton High School Band,  Edgerton Care Center,  Edgerton Fast Pitch Softball,  Edgerton FFA,   Edgerton High School Dance Team,   Edgerton Hospital & Health Services,   Edgerton Lions, Edgerton VFW, Forsaken Souls Haunted Attraction,  Friday Night Skate, Fulton Church Celebrate 175,  Gemuetlichkeit Days, Jefferson, WI,  Girl Scouts of Wisconsin – Badgerland,   Gifts For Kids,  Green Beret Marching Band,  H&P Rentals of Edgerton, LLC, Humane Society of Southern Wisconsin and Job’s Daughters International Bethel #21 Edgerton.

In additional to:   Kim Colby Homes,   Lakeside Fire and Rescue/Edgerton Fire,   Lake House Inn,  Last Nite Bar and Grill,  Lifes a Batch – Cookies by Laura, Model A Restorers Club of America, Perry’s Piggly Wiggly, Premier Outdoors,  Renegades 4-H Club,  Red Hot TradJazz Band,  Rocket Cycle,  Sam the Wheeler,  State Assembly,  Starlight Dance Edgerton,  Sterling North Society,  Sundowners Snowmobile Club, Sun & Stars Birth Services,  Tebala Air Squadron,  TRICOR,  Vintage Acres Welding and Yettis Bar and Grill,  Wisco Aerial & Ground Services LLC,  Yankee Dutchmen Marching Band,  Yackety, the Clown,  Zor Shine Clowns and  Zor Shrine Mincars.

For parade updates and the full Edgerton Tobacco Heritage Days schedule, visit www.edgertontobaccodays.com or follow Edgerton Tobacco Heritage Days on Facebook.

Editor’s note: The above press release was provided by Anna Jensen.

“Last Breath”

Tuesday, July 22, 1 pm

(Adventure/Thriller/True Story)

Rated PG-13. 1 hour, 33 minutes (2025). 

A true story: North Sea deep-sea communication divers battle the raging sea to rescue their crew mate, trapped on the ocean ‘bottom, with oxygen and time running out. Gripping. Breathtaking. Edge of your seat! Filmed on location. Stars Woody Harrelson. 

Seniors in the Park is located in Starin Park, 504 W. Starin Road. Although there is no charge to attend, regular participants are encouraged to join Seniors in the Park. The annual fee for residents of the Whitewater Unified School District is $10 and non-residents is $15. The funds support about half of the cost of our front desk staff person for 15 hours per week. The rest comes out of our fundraising monies. If you cannot afford the fee, we have a fund that will cover it for you. Fees are accepted at the Starin Park Community Building or online at https://schedulesplus.com/wwtr/kiosk/