Curbside Leaf Pickup is Concluded – Dumpsters Are Provided till Dec. 1

By Lynn Binnie
Whitewater Banner volunteer staff
whitewaterbanner@gmail.com

The city’s curbside leaf pickup ended on Friday, November 17. Some black bags have still been observed at the curbside; as has been previously announced, the city can only pick up biobags or clear bags.

Leaf bags that are left outside for the winter will not be picked up by the city crew in the spring. Residents who still have leaves which they still wish to be composted have the option of bringing their leaves to the city garage, 150 E. Starin Rd., where one or more dumpsters will be provided, Monday through Friday, between November 20 and December 1. The facility will be closed for the holiday on Thursday, November 23 and Friday, November 24.

The dumpsters are for leaves and other yard waste only. Yard waste is defined as leaves, weeds, grass clippings, and yard and garden debris. The only bags that may be placed in the dumpster are the biobags or transparent bags. Black bags must be emptied into the dumpster. Brush is not to be placed in the dumpster.

Residents requesting brush collection should call 473-0560 by 5 a.m. on Tuesday to make an appointment for pick up on Tuesdays.

UW-W’s Christian Patzka Registers Second Consecutive National Runner-Up Performance

Christian Patzka comes in to the finish line at the 2023 NCAA Championships (d3photo)

By Angela Kelm
Assistant Athletic Director for Sports Information

Newville, Penn. – The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater men’s cross country team finished tenth at the 2023 NCAA Division III Championships Saturday led by a national runner-up performance by Christian Patzka (Black Earth, Wis./Wisconsin Heights). The championships were held in Newville, Pennsylvania on the most difficult course the Warhawks have been on this season. 

The Warhawks have now finished among the top 10 as a team at the NCAA championship three consecutive seasons and six times overall in program history. A total of 32 team competed in the national championship meet. 

Patzka finished second for the second consecutive season crossing the line in 24:20.7 on the tough course. He is now a two-time All-American after finishing second a year ago and 23rd in 2021.

Gunner Schlender (Brillion, Wis./Brillion) picked up his third All-America honor with a time of 24:41.5 to finish 11th – his best finish in three career national meets.

The runner-up and eleventh-place finishes are the best for the Warhawks’ top two runners at the championship in program history. The previous best was Jeremy Burks (7th) and Pat Frascone (15th) in 2000. 

Dan Anderson (Eau Claire, Wis./McDonell) finished among the top half of the nearly-300 runner field in the men’s race. His time of 25:34.6 was 78th – his best career finish at nationals. Chris Allen (Downers Grove, Ill./North) posted a time of 25:54.2 for 131st followed by Craig Hundley’s (Grayslake, IL/North) 26:07.4 for 163rd.Justin Krause (Ixonia, Wis./Pewaukee) crossed the line in 26:54.4 with Nick Hardin (Greenfield, Wis./Whitnall) wrapping up the Warhawk contingent with a clocking of 26:42.2. Hardin had a valiant performance running over four miles with just one shoe after his was pulled off early in the race. 

This Week’s City Meetings

Irvin L. Young Library Board of Trustees Meeting – Monday @ 6:30 p.m.
Agenda includes Discussion and possible action regarding formation of a Library Expansion Building
Committee and Library Building Project update.
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://us02web.zoom.us/j/89517915506?pwd=YjljajBUM2dON0hscVVKWENqKzdQUT09
Telephone:
1 312 626 6799
Webinar ID: 895 1791 5506
Passcode: 43811038

City of Whitewater Common Council – Tuesday @ 6:30 p.m.
Agenda includes Public Hearing regarding 2024/2025 City of Whitewater Budget, lakes update, Aquatic Center update, immigration roundtable, police staffing 2024, Middle School Parking Update, andVon Briesen & Roper Resumes for three Labor and Employment Specialty attorneys.
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/86211599507?pwd=1BNBKU4Z8uPLnc0Wuwuhw4pLr1yNlQ.ecMzgb0Gl0kdc
EuN

Or Telephone: 1 312 626 6799
Webinar ID: 862 1159 9507
Passcode: 776051

WHS Players Mean Girls, High School Version Final Show Sunday

Photos taken at Friday, November 17 performance from the catwalk by Tom Ganser

Best way to jump start the Holiday Season??? Easy answer: Taking in a performance of the Whitewater High School’s red-hot production of “Mean Girls, High School Version.” 

Based on the Paramount Pictures film “Mean Girls,” the last performance will be held on Sunday, November 19 at 2 p.m. in the newly named James Stewart Auditorium located in the Whitewater High School. 

General Admission seating is $10 for adults and $7 for students. Call the box office at 262-472-8178 for more information.

“Mean Girls, The High School Version” tells the story of Cady Heron, a teenage girl who finds herself in a public high school after years of being home-schooled on the African savanna. Confronted with the animalistic social order of American teenagers, Cady devises a plan to topple the school’s queen bee Regina George and her cohorts: The Plastics.

Under the artistic direction of Jim McCulloch and musical direction of Liz Elliott, the cast and crew have been working very hard preparing for opening night. 

Due to mature themes and language a rating of PG-13 is recommended for audiences.

Cast members include Brooke Mason, Alex Sullivan, Ayden Clark, Hayleigh Pond, Haley Keltesch, Lauren Rollette, Cosette Wildermuth-Breizman, Chacha Binag, Ava Van Daele, Alex Clarksen, David Enns, Jocelyn Alcala, Ian Agen, Hailee Ambrose, Deven Bawden,  Kaci Beaver, Belle Cohen, Peyton Comfort,  Esteban Diaz-Gallegos, Vivian Harris, Nina Heim, Jimmy Kinson, Ameera Lin, Ruth Lopez, Sam Nickelsburg, Sophia Noonan,  Kai Peterson, Lia Ramirez, A’lani Ross, Josie Selby, Taylor Speerbrecher, Willow Vogelzang, Sophia Walenton, and Elora Wildermuth-Breizman. 

Putting their talents to work as part of the Production Crew are Kara Long and Gabi Kirley (Stage Managers), Taytum Atkins (Choreography), Kat Dunham (Tech Director), Alexa Casino-Pena (Costumes),  Matt Zingheim (Sound), Kerry Ramsden (Scenic Painter), Payton Bunger, Natalia Gallegos, Laken DePorter, Emerson Dunham, Ava Nygren, Lucy Troxel, Joshua Nygren, Rae Breisath, Ace Hudec, Miles Nickelsburg, Taiya Kolb, Payton Peacock, and Cora Schimming. 

The Pit Band Members include Sam Averill (Conductor), Liz Elliott, Thayer Coburn, Isabelle Lavertu, Liz Ngabo, Jay Downs, Dante Baker, Justin Kamp, Maddie Blain, Samantha Van Daele, Kayla Mikos, and Adam Drefs.

Before each performance, Tom Ganser’s photos will be displayed from the Whitewater High School Players productions of “The Little Mermaid” (2019), “Footloose” (2021), and “Beauty and the Beast” (2022).

Put “See ‘Mean Girls, High School Version’ on your To Do List.

UW-W Football Advances to Second Round of NCAA Playoffs

Tommy Coates sprints away from defenders after hauling in a catch (d3photo)

By Angela Kelm
Assistant Athletic Director for Sports Information

The No. 5 University of Wisconsin-Whitewater football team advanced to the second round of the NCAA Division III Playoffs with a 42-14 win over Bethel University at Perkins Stadium Saturday. 

Box Score

The Warhawks advance to face Wheaton (IL) in the second round. That game is slated for Saturday, November 25 at noon. The location is set to be announced Sunday afternoon. The Thunder defeated Mount St. Joseph 41-34 in their first round matchup Saturday. 

UW-Whitewater scored early and never looked back. After the Warhawk defense forced a third-and-out, UWW had great field position with Tyler Vasey (Crystal Lake, Ill/Prairie Ridge) calling for a fair catch at the UWW 48 on the Royals’ punt. Facing a third and seven from the Bethel 49, Alec Ogden (Marshall, Wis./Monona Grove) dropped back, surveyed and found Steven Hein (St. Charles, Ill./North) in stride beating his defender down the right sideline for a 49-yard touchdown. Jeff Isotalo-McGuire sent the extra point through the uprights and the Warhawks held a 7-0 lead less than three minutes into the game. 

Following three consecutive punts – two for Bethel and one for the Warhawks – UWW took over at their own 32 with just under five to go in the first quarter. Ogden opened the drive with a 34-yard scamper off the right side of the line. Two plays later, he extended the play and dodging defenders before hitting Nick Wind (Downers Grove, Ill./Montini Catholic) wide open in the end zone from 32 yards out. Another extra point had UW-Whitewater leading 14-0. 

The Warhawk defense turned Bethel over on downs at the UWW 34 to bring the offense back on to the field. Ogden took off finding space down the right side once again, this time registering a 47-yard run to open the drive. On the next play, Tommy Coates (Chicago, Ill./De La Salle Institute) hauled in a great catch in the end zone from 19-yards out for the score and a 21-0 UWW lead. 

Bethel capitalized on a Warhawk miscue for their first score of the game. A bad snap on a punt gave the Royals the ball at the UWW four-yard line. Bethel punched it in utilizing the wildcat formation to make it 21-7. 

The Warhawks responded with Vasey weaving through traffic on the kickoff for a 39-yard return to set up the UWW offense at their own 42. After a few short gains, Ogden hit Coates on the tunnel screen, and he bolted up the near sideline for a 54-yard touchdown to extend the lead to 28-7. 

UW-Whitewater scored on their first possession out of the intermission on Tamir Thomas’ (Menomonee Falls, Wis./Menomonee Falls) two-yard run. The Royals added to their total with their own two-yard punch in to make it 35-14 in the third. UWW wrapped up the scoring with a single touchdown in the fourth – a 32-yard Thomas run up the middle. 

Ogden was 11-15 for 218 yards and four touchdowns. He added 71 yards on the six carries. Hein and Drake Martin (Rhinelander, Wis./Rhinelander) were the top targets with three catches each and a combined 109 yards receiving. Thomas led UWW in the rushing game with 156 yards on 13 carries and a pair of touchdowns. 

Defensively, Hawk Heffner (Grafton, Wis./Grafton) paced the Warhawks with nine tackles. Matt Burba (Lake in the Hills, Ill./Huntley) added eight including a tackle for a loss of three yards. In the secondary, Egon Hein (St. Charles, Ill./North) was one of the most active breaking up three passes that would have gone for big gains. 

Shop Small, AND Shop Micro Local: Whitewater City Market’s Festive Season

As the holiday cheer ramps up, Whitewater City Market invites all to join the festive spirit by shopping our small and micro local businesses this season. Boasting an impressive lineup of 22 farmers market vendors, the indoor season promises a delightful array of locally-sourced treasures, from tantalizing treats to unique giftables that cater to every taste.

Located in the warm and cozy community room just inside Irvin L. Young Memorial Library at 431 W Center Street, the Whitewater City Market invites patrons to dive into a cornucopia of offerings. From the finest local produce to golden honey, rich maple syrup, artisanal soaps, flavorful jams, and so much more, the market caters to the discerning shopper’s every desire.

“We’ve curated an indoor season that encapsulates the spirit of the holidays,” shares Lisa Dawsey Smith, Volunteer and Market Co-Manager. “It’s not just about shopping; it’s about supporting our local farmers, artisans, and small businesses that bring vibrancy to our community.”

Mark your calendars for the lively Saturday mornings from November to April, between 10 a.m. to noon. But that’s not all – two special holiday markets await eager shoppers. The Shop Small market kicks off the festivities on November 25 at Cravath Lakefront Park, followed by the December 23 market at the community building at Cravath Lakefront Park.

The significance of supporting local markets extends far beyond the delightful products. National data underscores the profound impact of farmers markets:

  • Preserving Rural Livelihoods: These markets provide a stepping stone for budding farmers, empowering them to start small and flourish.
  • Economic Stimulus: Local growers generate job opportunities, creating a substantial impact on the economy compared to non-local sales.
  • Enhanced Access to Fresh Produce: Studies reveal lower prices for quality produce at farmers markets, driving increased accessibility, particularly for SNAP households.
  • Fostering Healthy Communities: Farmers actively engage with patrons, sharing insights on farming practices and nutritional information, contributing to healthier lifestyles.
  • Championing Sustainability: The commitment of farmers to organic standards ensures a sustainable approach to agriculture, benefiting both consumers and the environment.
  • Information sourced from: farmersmarketcoalition.org

“We’re not just a market; we’re a community hub fostering connections between producers and consumers,” adds Kristie Rose, vendor and volunteer.

The Whitewater City Market eagerly awaits the community’s presence at the upcoming markets. The vendors are primed to welcome shoppers with open arms and an abundance of local treasures. Come, be a part of this festive celebration, and make your holiday season truly special!

For more information, follow our Facebook Account @Whitewater City Market or contact whitewatercitymarket@gmail.com.

Obituary: Dr. John C. H. Oh, Ph.D., 89

Dr. John C.H. Oh, Ph.D., passed away peacefully at Oakwood Village, in Madison, Wisconsin on November 9, 2023. He was born in Korea as Chung-Hwan Oh in 1934. In the early 1950s, John came alone to the United States to pursue his dreams. In New York, he met the love of his life Joy (Kim Hie-Sook) whom he would marry in 1958, and together they built a life and family. John is survived by Joy, his wife of 65 years, who was at his side on his last day; daughters Ruth Oh (W. Fuji) and Elizabeth Oh Uglow (Jay); sons Dr. James Oh (Cheryl) and Dr. David Oh (Christina); and 8 grandchildren: Kathryn (Juan), Christopher, Jonathan, Justin, Timothy, Michael, Elizabeth and Allison.

He is also survived by brother Oh Chung-Sub (Baltimore); sister Oh Chung-Ae (Seoul); and sister Kim Chung-Bok (Rev. David Kim, Houston).

John valued the importance of education and was inspired by the American system of democracy. In 1955, he earned his B.A. from Florida Southern University and a Master of Arts from Southern Illinois University in 1956. In 1961, at the age of 27, John earned his Ph.D. from New York University. He was the original Dr. Oh of the family. John served, with distinction, as a Professor at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater in the Department of Political Science, where he helped to establish the Public Policy and Administration Major and served as its first coordinator. In 1997, before retiring as an Emeritus Professor, John received a Governor’s Special Award in appreciation for his 35 years of dedicated service to the State of Wisconsin from the Honorable Governor Tommy Thompson.

From 2005 to 2022, John and his wife Joy lived as retirees in Temecula, California. In 2022, John and Joy returned to Wisconsin, residing at Oakwood Village in Madison. A Memorial Service will be held at the Oakwood East Tree of Life Chapel on Tuesday, November 21 at 3:00 P.M.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in John’s honor to the Oakwood Foundation (www.oakwoodfoundationinc.org). All Faiths Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences can be made at www.866allfaiths.com.

No. 4 UW-W Volleyball Secures Spot in Regional Final

By Angela Kelm
Asst. Athletic Director for Sports Information

Mount Vernon, Iowa — The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater volleyball team swept Washington University-St. Louis 3-0 (25-20, 25-18, 25-18) in the second round of NCAA regional play Friday evening in Mount Vernon, Iowa. With the victory, the Warhawks earn a spot in the regional final for the second consecutive season. 

UWW will play the winner of Northwestern (MN) and host Cornell College in the regional championship at 5 p.m. Saturday. The UNW/CC match is scheduled for 7 p.m. Friday. Editor’s note: Northwestern (MN) beat Cornell 3-2, so UWW will face No. 1 seed and fifth-ranked Northwestern in the regional final.

The Warhawks were efficient hitting .237 in the match while the UWW defense held the Bears to just .080 attacking. 

WashU had a 7-6 lead in the first set when a 3-0 run for the Warhawks gave UWW a 9-7 lead. Although the Bears came back to tie the set 18-18, UW-Whitewater never trailed the rest of the set. From that even point, UWW scored seven of the next eight to pick up the first set win. 

An early 5-0 run in the second gave UWW an 8-3 advantage and the Warhawks never looked back. Jenna Weinfurt (Waukesha, Wis./Catholic Memorial) put the finishing touch on the set with a kill for the final point. 

In the third, UW-Whitewater strung together a run of six to jump out to a 10-3 lead. Another five-point run mid-set widened the gap to 17-9 and all but sealed the set and match. Ally Warburton (St. Charles, Ill./North) hammered down a kill for match point and a Bear miscue sealed the win for UWW. 

Kirsten Anderson (Sun Prairie, Wis./Sun Prairie) led the Warhawks with 13 kills in 26 attempts while committing just a single error. Warburton joined Anderson in double figures with 11 kills. 

The nation’s top blocking team posted 10 total blocks led by a solo and five assists from Abbie Dix (Brodhead, Wis./Brodhead)Aubrie Krzus (Wheaton, Ill./Warrenville South) added a solo and four assists while dishing out 30 assists in the match. 

In the backcourt, Morgan Jensen (Sun Prairie, Wis./Sun Prairie) registered 22 digs. Krzus posted 14 and Weinfurt added 13. 

WHS Players Mean Girls, High School Version – Performances Sat. & Sun.

Best way to jump start the Holiday Season??? Easy answer: Taking in a performance of the Whitewater High School’s red-hot production of “Mean Girls, High School Version.” 

Based on the Paramount Pictures film “Mean Girls,” performances will be held November 18 at 7 p.m. and November 19 at 2 p.m. in the newly named James Stewart Auditorium located in the Whitewater High School. 

General Admission seating is $10 for adults and $7 for students. Call the box office at 262-472-8178 for more information.

“Mean Girls, The High School Version” tells the story of Cady Heron, a teenage girl who finds herself in a public high school after years of being home-schooled on the African savanna. Confronted with the animalistic social order of American teenagers, Cady devises a plan to topple the school’s queen bee Regina George and her cohorts: The Plastics.

Under the artistic direction of Jim McCulloch and musical direction of Liz Elliott, the cast and crew have been working very hard preparing for opening night. 

Due to mature themes and language a rating of PG-13 is recommended for audiences.

Cast members include Brooke Mason, Alex Sullivan, Ayden Clark, Hayleigh Pond, Haley Keltesch, Lauren Rollette, Cosette Wildermuth-Breizman, Chacha Binag, Ava Van Daele, Alex Clarksen, David Enns, Jocelyn Alcala, Ian Agen, Hailee Ambrose, Deven Bawden,  Kaci Beaver, Belle Cohen, Peyton Comfort,  Esteban Diaz-Gallegos, Vivian Harris, Nina Heim, Jimmy Kinson, Ameera Lin, Ruth Lopez, Sam Nickelsburg, Sophia Noonan,  Kai Peterson, Lia Ramirez, A’lani Ross, Josie Selby, Taylor Speerbrecher, Willow Vogelzang, Sophia Walenton, and Elora Wildermuth-Breizman. 

Putting their talents to work as part of the Production Crew are Kara Long and Gabi Kirley (Stage Managers), Taytum Atkins (Choreography), Kat Dunham (Tech Director), Alexa Casino-Pena (Costumes),  Matt Zingheim (Sound), Kerry Ramsden (Scenic Painter), Payton Bunger, Natalia Gallegos, Laken DePorter, Emerson Dunham, Ava Nygren, Lucy Troxel, Joshua Nygren, Rae Breisath, Ace Hudec, Miles Nickelsburg, Taiya Kolb, Payton Peacock, and Cora Schimming. 

The Pit Band Members include Sam Averill (Conductor), Liz Elliott, Thayer Coburn, Isabelle Lavertu, Liz Ngabo, Jay Downs, Dante Baker, Justin Kamp, Maddie Blain, Samantha Van Daele, Kayla Mikos, and Adam Drefs.

Before each performance, Tom Ganser’s photos will be displayed from the Whitewater High School Players productions of “The Little Mermaid” (2019), “Footloose” (2021), and “Beauty and the Beast” (2022).

Put “See ‘Mean Girls, High School Version’ on your To Do List.

Dawson Miller Qualifies for 2024 Hyrox World Championship Race in France

Dawson Miller

Editor’s note: The following story was provided by Elizabeth Miller.

WHS and UW-W Grad Dawson Miller Places 2nd in Division at Hyrox Chicago, Qualifies for 2024 Hyrox World Championship in France

On Saturday, November 11th, Dawson Miller, a graduate of Whitewater High School (2011) and UW-Whitewater (BBA Finance ‘15, MBA Data Analytics ‘17) placed second overall in the Men’s Open Division at Hyrox Chicago. Hyrox is known as the “World Series of Fitness Racing,” with over 40 races around the world in 2023 alone. He and the first place finisher are the first two Americans to break the hour mark in the open division. Miller’s time of 59:53 qualified him to compete at the Hyrox World Championships in Nice, France next June.