The National Weather Service Milwaukee/Sullivan Weather Forecast Office indicates that periods of heavy rainfall and thunderstorms are expected this afternoon/evening for our general area. They indicate that “There is the potential for strong to severe thunderstorms along and south of I-94 to the WI/IL border this afternoon and evening with damaging winds the main concern. Can’t rule out a tornado or two.”
Bill Chandler reports “There is an increased chance of rain/thunderstorms on Saturday morning during the Unity Walk. The Unity Walk will occur rain or shine. If it is raining, we just stay indoors at the Armory for the speeches and music. The Unity Walk will be positively unifying.”
Everyone from young to old and from all backgrounds is invited to join the second annual Unity Walk on Saturday, July 12. This nonpartisan event features four community leaders speaking about the importance of unity for our society. Live music will welcome everyone to the Armory at 10 am and lead walkers to the steps of Arts Alliance Building for speeches. Non-walkers are welcome to join at either end of the walk. But, in particular, they could bring lawn chairs and sit at the Arts Alliance Building to be comfortable as the walkers go to that center.
Bill Chandler informa “Hay una mayor posibilidad de lluvia/tormentas eléctricas el sábado por la mañana durante la Caminata de la Unidad. La Caminata de la Unidad se llevará a cabo llueva o truene. Si está lloviendo, simplemente nos quedaremos dentro en el Arsenal para los discursos y la música. La Caminata de la Unidad será positivamente unificadora.”
Se invita a todos, desde los jóvenes hasta los mayores y de todos los orígenes, a unirse a la segunda Caminata de la Unidad anual el sábado 12 de julio. Este evento no partidista contará con la participación de cuatro líderes comunitarios que hablarán sobre la importancia de la unidad en nuestra sociedad. La música en vivo dará la bienvenida a todos al Arsenal a las 10 am y guiará a los caminantes hacia los escalones del Edificio de la Alianza de Artes para los discursos. Los que no caminen son bienvenidos a unirse en cualquiera de los extremos de la caminata. Pero, en particular, podrían traer sillas de jardín y sentarse en el Edificio de la Alianza de Artes para estar cómodos mientras los caminantes se dirigen a ese centro.
The following students earned degrees from the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater at spring commencement, held May 17, 2025.
Editor’s note: It is evident that a relatively small number of these graduates have been long-term residents of the Whitewater area. UW-Whitewater produces this list based on the home address that each student has provided.
Whitewater, WI 53190: Shawn Ager graduated Summa Cum Laude with the following degree: Geography – BS
Whitewater, WI 53190: Mariana Aranda graduated with the following degree: Liberal Arts – AA
Whitewater, WI 53190: Lilith Ashmore graduated with the following degree: Associate of Arts and Science – AAS
Whitewater, WI 53190: Austin Baker graduated with the following degree: Communication – BA
Whitewater, WI 53190: Emma Bergeson graduated Summa Cum Laude with the following degree: Elementary Middle Education – BSE
Whitewater, WI 53190: Nick Blomgren graduated with the following degree: Higher Education Leadership – MSE
Whitewater, WI 53190: Carter Capstran graduated Cum Laude with the following degree: Finance – BBA
Whitewater, WI 53190: Hope Carlson graduated Magna Cum Laude with the following degree: Finance – BBA
Whitewater, WI 53190: Kacie Carollo graduated Summa Cum Laude with the following degree: Integrated Science – Business – BS
Whitewater, WI 53190: Natalie Castellion graduated Cum Laude with the following degree: Marketing – BBA
Whitewater, WI 53190: Madeline Church graduated Summa Cum Laude with the following degree: Psychology – BA
Whitewater, WI 53190: James Donkle graduated Cum Laude with the following degree: Entrepreneurship and Innovation – BBA
Whitewater, WI 53190: Hannah Ekins graduated with the following degree: Psychology – BS
Whitewater, WI 53190: Logan Faust graduated with the following degree: Information Technology – BBA
Whitewater, WI 53190: Broderick Frye graduated with the following degree: Data Analytics – MS
Whitewater, WI 53190: Connor Galvin graduated with the following degree: Computer Science – MS
Whitewater, WI 53190: Christine Geiger graduated with the following degree: Elementary Middle Education – BSE
Whitewater, WI 53190: Jenna Greenheck graduated with the following degree: Finance – BBA
Whitewater, WI 53190: Sydney Groetzinger graduated Cum Laude with the following degree: Marketing – BBA
Whitewater, WI 53190: Rebecca Groves graduated with the following degree: Social Work – MSW
Whitewater, WI 53190: Abby Guthrie graduated Magna Cum Laude with the following degree: Human Resource Management – BBA
Whitewater, WI 53190: Keaton Hillman graduated Magna Cum Laude with the following degree: Human Resource Management – BBA
Whitewater, WI 53190: Gavin Huml graduated with the following degree: Entrepreneurship and Innovation – BBA
Whitewater, WI 53190: Zach Jaworski graduated Magna Cum Laude with the following degree: Social Work – BS
Whitewater, WI 53190: Aidan Johnson graduated with the following degree: Finance – BBA
Whitewater, WI 53190: Talba Kabore graduated with the following degree: Computer Science – MS
Whitewater, WI 53190: Sam Kiernan graduated with the following degree: Liberal Arts – AA
Whitewater, WI 53190: Justin Krause graduated with the following degree: Business Administration – MBA
Whitewater, WI 53190: Riley Lang graduated Summa Cum Laude with the following degree: Elementary Education – BSE
Whitewater, WI 53190: Savannah Maczuzak graduated with the following degree: Communication – BA
Whitewater, WI 53190: Jasmin Mata Amparo graduated with the following degree: Elementary Education – BSE
Whitewater, WI 53190: Cole McIlroy graduated with the following degree: Finance – BBA
Whitewater, WI 53190: Miles McIntosh graduated Cum Laude with the following degree: Geography – BS
Whitewater, WI 53190: Mannie Mungon graduated with the following degree: Associate of Arts and Science – AAS
Whitewater, WI 53190: Peyton Nichols graduated with the following degree: Finance – BBA
Whitewater, WI 53190: Michaela Nitka graduated Cum Laude with the following degree: Geography – BS
Whitewater, WI 53190: Mike O’Malley graduated with the following degree: Marketing – BBA
Whitewater, WI 53190: Maci Parrish graduated Cum Laude with the following degree: Biology – BS
Whitewater, WI 53190: Jenna Pergande graduated with the following degree: General Business – BBA
Whitewater, WI 53190: Isabelle Quintero graduated with the following degree: Marketing – BBA
Whitewater, WI 53190: Tyler Rouse graduated with the following degree: Supply Chain Management – BBA
Whitewater, WI 53190: Olivia Sacchitello graduated Magna Cum Laude with the following degree: Social Work – BS
Whitewater, WI 53190: Emmanuel Sama graduated with the following degree: Computer Science – BS
Whitewater, WI 53190: Evan Schepp graduated Summa Cum Laude with the following degree: Environmental Science – BS
Whitewater, WI 53190: Gunner Schlender graduated Summa Cum Laude with the following degree: Physical Education – BSE
Whitewater, WI 53190: Colin Schultz graduated with the following degree: Finance – BBA
Whitewater, WI 53190: Hannah Sims graduated with the following degree: Communication – BA
Whitewater, WI 53190: Ross Skeen graduated with the following degree: Finance – BBA
Whitewater, WI 53190: Ben Skowronek graduated with the following degree: Business Administration – MBA
Whitewater, WI 53190: Orin Smith graduated with the following degree: Women’s and Gender Studies – BS
Whitewater, WI 53190: Reana Smith graduated with the following degree: Art – BA
Whitewater, WI 53190: Trevor Smith graduated Cum Laude with the following degree: Social Studies – BSE
Whitewater, WI 53190: Kierstyn Torres graduated with the following degree: Music – BA
Whitewater, WI 53190: Alexander Vail graduated with the following degree: Marketing – BBA
Whitewater, WI 53190: Jackson Veeder graduated with the following degree: Cybersecurity – BS
Whitewater, WI 53190: Carter Waelchli graduated Cum Laude with the following degree: Communication – BA
Whitewater, WI 53190: Cody Weber graduated with the following degree: Marketing – BBA
Whitewater, WI 53190: Abigail Weeden graduated with the following degree: Finance – BBA
Whitewater, WI 53190: Nyjeria West graduated with the following degree: Higher Education Leadership – MSE
Whitewater, WI 53190: Kelly Whipple graduated with the following degree: General Business – BBA
Whitewater, WI 53190: Amber Wiest graduated with the following degree: Counseling – MS
Whitewater, WI 53190: Chase Zimmerman graduated Magna Cum Laude with the following degree: Management – BBA
Whitewater, WI 53190: Olivia Zuege graduated Summa Cum Laude with the following degree: Human Performance – BS
Whitewater, WI 53190: Lucas te Plate graduated Magna Cum Laude with the following degree: Accounting – BBA
Approximately 1,500 students crossed the stage to receive their degrees at the ceremony, held at Kachel Fieldhouse in the Williams Center.
The graduating class included seven international students, 111 military veterans and 204 nontraditional students, defined as undergraduate students who are 25 years of age or older. In addition, 171 self-identified students with disabilities received degrees.
A total of 222 students participated in the university’s Hired Before Graduation campaign, which celebrates students who landed a job, were promoted in their current job, earned acceptance to graduate school or started their own business before commencement.
Editor’s note: We appreciate that Randy Cruse forwarded this article regarding the special recognition received by his daughter Stacey S. (Cruse) Barrins, WHS ’97.
Stacey S. Barrins Named to Forbes Magazine’s “Top Women Wealth Advisors” List
Morgan Stanley announced today that Stacey S. Barrins, a Managing Director, Financial Advisor in the Firm’s Chicago Merc Wealth Management office, has been named to Forbes Magazine’s list of Top Women Wealth Advisors for 2025, listed on forbes.com.
Forbes’ “Top Women Wealth Advisors” is a select group of individuals who have a minimum of seven years of industry experience. The ranking, developed by Forbes’ partner SHOOK Research, is based on an algorithm of qualitative and quantitative data, rating thousands of wealth advisors and weighing factors like revenue trends, AUM, compliance records, industry experience and best practices learned through telephone and in-person interviews.
“I am pleased that Stacey is representing Morgan Stanley,” commented Blake Mackenzie, Market Manager of Morgan Stanley’s Chicago Merc office. “To be named to this list recognizes Stacey’s experience, professionalism and dedication to the needs of her valued clients.”
Morgan Stanley Wealth Management, a global leader, provides access to a wide range of products and services to individuals, businesses and institutions, including brokerage and investment advisory services, financial and wealth planning, cash management and lending products and services, annuities and insurance, retirement and trust services.
Morgan Stanley (NYSE: MS) is a leading global financial services firm providing investment banking, securities, investment management and wealth management services. With offices in more than 42 countries, the Firm’s employees serve clients worldwide including corporations, governments, institutions and individuals. For more information about Morgan Stanley, please
visit www.morganstanley.com.
2025 Forbes America’s Top Women Wealth Advisors & Forbes Top Women Wealth Advisors Best-In- State Source: Forbes.com
(Awarded February 2025). This ranking was determined based on an evaluation process conducted by SHOOK Research LLC (the
research company) in partnership with Forbes (the publisher) for the period 9/30/23-9/30/24. Neither Morgan Stanley Smith
Barney LLC nor its Financial Advisors or Private Wealth Advisors paid a fee to SHOOK Research LLC for placement on its rankings.
This ranking is based on in-person, virtual and telephone due diligence meetings to evaluate each Financial Advisor qualitatively,
a major component of a ranking algorithm that includes client impact, industry experience, review of best practices and
compliance records, firm nominations, and quantitative criteria, including assets under management and revenue generated for
their firms. Investment performance is not a criterion. Rankings are based on the opinions of SHOOK Research LLC and may not
be representative of any one client’s experience; investors must carefully choose the right Financial Advisor or team for their
own situation and perform their own due diligence. This ranking is not indicative of the Financial Advisor’s future performance.
Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC is not affiliated with SHOOK Research LLC or Forbes. For more information, see
www.SHOOKresearch.com. © 2025 Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC. Member SIPC. CRC# 4204594
Get ready for an unforgettable summer of FREE movies under the stars at Cravath Lakefront Park! 
Join us for family-friendly fun, concessions, food trucks, and blockbuster hits on the big screen.
Location: Cravath Lakefront Park
Time: Saturdays at Dusk – 9 p.m.
Admission: FREE!
Movie Lineup:
July 12 – Moana 2
August 16 – Mufasa
September 6 – Wicked
Bring your blankets, lawn chairs, and your favorite movie buddies — we’ll bring the magic. 
What a fantastic first Community Drumming Circle we had in June! Join us at Fairhaven at 1:15 pm tomorrow, July 10 for another great time. No experience needed, just come relax and join in the fun! Christine Hayes leads the sessions.
The University of Wisconsin-Green Bay is a school of resilient problem solvers who dare to reach higher with the power of education that ignites growth and answers the biggest challenges. Serving 11,188 undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral students as well as 85,883 continuing education learners annually, UW-Green Bay offers 200 academic degrees, programs, and certificates. With four campus locations in Northeast Wisconsin, the University’s access mission welcomes all students who want to learn, from every corner of the world. Championing bold thinking since opening its doors in 1965, it is a university on the rise – Wisconsin’s fastest-growing UW.
Students who earn a 4.0 grade point average, which represents all A grades, receive highest honors. High honors go to students earning 3.99 to 3.75 grade point averages. Honors are given to students earning 3.74 to 3.50 grade point averages. All were full-time students in the fall/winter term, earning 12 or more credits of graded coursework. This list includes students attending all four UW-Green Bay campuses (Green Bay, Marinette, Manitowoc, Sheboygan). An online list can be found at https://www.uwgb.edu/CMSAssets/provost/AcademicHonors.asp
Whitewater, WI
Ella Liberto, Semester High Honors
Savory Sounds Concert Featuring Idledaze Trio
Acoustic Rock featuring classic alt-rock & blues, blending harmonies and synth sounds.
Thursday, July 10, 11:30 am-12:45 pm Flat Iron Park, 402 W. Main Street (by the Birge Fountain)
Food Vendor: Rocky Rococo Pizza
Sponsor: TDS
Updated 7/8/25 @ 1:30 p.m. to add a reader’s comments in opposition to the project.
By Lynn Binnie
Whitewater Banner volunteer staff
whitewaterbanner@gmail.com
The Wisconsin Public Service Commission [PSC] will hold two public hearings in Whitewater this Wednesday, July 9 regarding the proposal by Whitewater Solar, LLC to construct a massive “solar farm” in the Town of Cold Spring in Jefferson County and the Towns of Whitewater and LaGrange in Walworth County. The project would transfer the generated electricity into the City of Whitewater to the cogeneration plant on County U that is owned by WE Energies and a sister corporation. The PSC, which appears to have the sole authority to determine the fate of the project, other than possible legal challenges, refers to it by Docket 9828-CE-100.
The hearings, to be conducted by PSC Administrative Law hJudge Michael Newmark, will be held at the Community Engagement Center [CEC], 1260 W. Main Street, Rooms 108-109, on July 9, 2025 at 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. The CEC is the building immediately to the east of Walmart that formerly housed Sentry Foods. Citizens may participate in or observe the hearing in person, Join by video, or Join By Phone (if no internet): +1 312 626 6799, and enter 809 513 2930# (Meeting ID). Alternatively, by the deadline of Friday, July 11, the public may submit a comment online using File a Comment
Extensive information related to the project may be found at this link. For example, clicking on “documents” and “comments” provides all of the written comments that have been submitted, both for and against the project. There are a large number of comments from a wide variety of perspectives, reflecting considerable thought and passion on both sides.
The Whitewater Banner does not have a position on the Whitewater Solar project. However, we believe that it is important for the public to have an opportunity to know why some people strongly support the project, while others vehemently oppose it. To summarize some of the arguments that we have heard:
In support of the project
– Landowners who have agreed to lease their land to the project would receive a significant payment for decades. Some of the farmers have indicated that they have no family members who are interested in continuing to farm the land. Others state that the lease payments will be more than they’ve been able to net from their farming business.
– Some commenters are in support of adding more “green energy” to the grid. It’s indicated that in order to achieve the State’s clean energy goal of 100% carbon-free electricity by 2050, it may be necessary to utilize as much as 5% of current agricultural land for solar energy production. Efforts to reduce electric consumption in recent years are being reversed by the increasing use of high energy consuming innovations such as Artificial Intelligence.
– Construction of the project will generate jobs, and, ultimately, revenue for the towns.
– The Whitewater Solar website provides additional supporting positions.
– Third Act, a nonprofit organization that describes its mission as being to “empower elders to protect the environment and strengthen our democracy, has come out in support of the project.
Against the project
– Many property owners who are not participating in the project state that they will lose the enjoyment of their natural surroundings, will experience unnatural sounds (which may be particularly disturbing to their animals), and in some cases will experience some glare on their property. They are also concerned that their property values will decline.
– Concerns are expressed about the impact that the project will have on wildlife.
– Farmers have indicated that the effectiveness of their drain tiles may be affected by digging on nearby properties.
– Much of the land in our area is rated as being excellent for farming. It seems doubtful that land that is converted to the project will ever return to agricultural use.
– The project will negatively impact views from the Kettle Moraine State Forest as well as from the Ice Age Trail.
– Yvette Loiselle, a non-participating property owner in the affected area, and middle school teacher and former high school teacher of both Natural Resources and AP Environmental Science, is an “intervenor” on the case. Her comments that were submitted for the intervenors’ meeting on July 2 may be read here: LOISELLE Supplemental EA SCOPING COMMENT – Google Docs
– A Banner reader added some additional views in opposition to the project: Significantly inefficient compared to natural gas/nuclear…; without huge government subsidies solar would not even be possible; horrible with regard to sustainability (significantly worse than fossil fuels); These solar panels have a very short life, and the recycling of solar panels is complex.
– The project is not in line with the Jefferson County Land Use Plans, which call for preserving as much farmland as possible. [State law does not give the counties any authority over whether to allow a solar project.]
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Previous articles on The Whitewater Banner:
Published 4/5/25 – Public Service Commission: “No significant environmental impact” expected from proposed solar farm – Comments due 4/11 –
Published 12/21/24 – Public Service Commission Considering Approval of Massive Solar Farm East of the City
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Finally, Rebecca Fredericks, another non-participating property owner, submitted the following perspective. She makes reference to the intervenor’s hearing on July 2. Rebecca concludes with encouragement to everyone to come to the hearing, even if they are FOR the project.
“If you’ve seen the Broadway play “Hamilton” before, you might know that it’s an attempt to tell the compelling story of a less-celebrated Founding Father, Alexander Hamilton. Lin Manual Miranda was inspired to share about his life nearly 200 years later because he read the story. He knew the story needed to come to light and he did it justice for sure. (If you haven’t seen Hamilton, please do. It’s amazing, I’ve seen the years of this country’s founding in a new light.) One of the most important things I heard was something that has compelled me my entire life: every aspect of the story matters and deserves to be told. And, to tell that story, you need to be in the room where it happened.
I spent nearly all my time in the past two days watching the Public Service Commission Party hearing for those who chose to engage in the legal battle against Whitewater Solar and their proposed project in Walworth and Jefferson counties. I drove to Madison to be present when I could, and when I could not, I was on my computer. This battle is not between the compensated/participating landowners, but between the non-participating/affected landowners in close proximity to the project and the project developer, Whitewater Solar. I want to be clear that I know the participating landowners have a story, too. I don’t offer criticism to their choices, and I acknowledge their freedom to choose to do as they feel with their property. And, to acknowledge my similar freedoms, this is the side of the story I choose to tell.
The burden to stick through this process and defend their interests and way of life is unspeakably massive for the intervenors. Navigating this battle as a lay-person against what is essentially the state of Wisconsin and it’s policies, and solar developers with immeasurable resources, is a true David and Goliath story. The non-participating landowners, as Intervenors to the case, have prepared legal documents, reviewed state statutes and codes, learned about easements, lead and steel and medium-voltage cables, glare, sound studies, and waterways. They did their very best to interpret and translate all the complex laws that manage these things. They confronted the DNR, scientists, and researchers, and questioned everything as they sought to better understand the impact and protect themselves. Are these neighbors solar experts? No. Are they the experts on their lives and homes, their animals and spaces, and on their bodies and personal health? Yes.
I watched our neighbors humbly and bravely sit at this table and speak to their losses (and there ARE losses to them). Intervenors who are elderly and built their homes 40 years ago will now be living with industrial development all around them. They are not being compensated for that loss, and they have had to try to figure out Zoom, electronic document uploading, and many other complexities of the modern world while also managing the health concerns that already accompany later life. They wished to live out their remaining years in the home they built, in the spot they chose, for the lived experience they wanted. Intervenors who keep horses, goats, dogs, or simply love to drink their morning coffee and appreciate the natural environment they are surrounded by, will now see that backed up to 8 foot metal fencing, possibly with barbed wire around it. Having kept horses myself, and owned dogs and goats, it is a much different reality to have these risks nearby. The sound studies offered to address how much noise impact there will be only considers human impact, and only sought to address noise on one sunny August day. Have you ever stood on a cold, January day near a field or open area and been able to appreciate the difference in the way sound behaves? It’s stunning when that sound is nature, such as a bird call, or deer snort. The constant hum of inverters does not offer the same life-affirming experience. With broader and more sensitive hearing, cattle, horses and goats are also likely having a much different experience next to this as well.
For those who leased their land for the project, these losses are mitigated by financial gain. For the developers, they will now be selling a product, and they will gain. For those who chose to stay out of the project, there is no gain. For those who own residential homes near these fields, there was nothing they could even offer TO achieve a gain that would help balance their losses. There IS only loss. For the animals who inhabit this land now, there is only loss. For the people who enjoy these lands and waters, there is only added endangerment to these resources.
Whitewater Solar has an option to avoid impact to residential properties, though. They are required to have as part of their project applications “alternate sites”. These are meant to show that the developers considered contingencies, and that in the event their project cannot go on the planned leased land, it can move to the alternate sites. This was inquired about many times throughout the hearing process. The DNR water expert says this is more expensive to do, but possible. As you might know, water tables are strange around here. There are wetlands to be worked around. But using this space puts this project AWAY from people. As we look at these available acres, all of the intervenors and MORE residences could be backed away from, but Whitewater Solar seems unmotivated to do this. They offered as explanation only that these areas have challenges, but refused to say more. We know water and wetlands are one challenge but the DNR witness offered a few suggestions on how this might be overcome. As for the rest of the challenges, we can only speculate: Is it critical habitat? Is the lease unfavorable? Are these actually NOT viable sites for some reason? They aren’t saying, but it allows this dark truth to linger: Money might fix it, and the developers don’t want to spend the money. They’d rather impact these humans lives by laying down metal and glass and erecting fences near their homes than figure out how not to do that. The equation for this is: People are worth LESS than money, or developer interests. Listen, I’m better with words than numbers, but even I know that equation cannot be balanced. It was nauseating to watch this developer lay this equation on the table under the noses of these people who were in the room and those of us watching on screen. It was also enraging to watch the attorney’s and their unschooled facial expressions towards the intervenors and their statements. I can almost expect this from the developer’s side, but The Wisconsin Public Service Commission’s attorney is on video rolling her eyes at them, scoffing, and otherwise acting like a sixteen year old shunning a girl with cheap clothing. They whined about having to be there late on the holiday week, and it was the intervenor’s who needed to point out to her that at least she was getting paid. They were dismissive, rude, and need to learn to fix their faces in order for the public to feel they actually consider the public as their position suggests. Trust me when I tell you that your neighbors were by far the classiest people in the room. Actually, Judge Newmark was pretty decent too, and he’s coming to town next week to meet you at the Public Hearing.
I can’t speak as an intervenor. I’m not a party to this case. I’ve simply read and heard and seen the story, and I believe it deserves retelling. I’ve seen firsthand that Whitewater Solar has been sloppy, made mistakes, and created confusion presumably with the hopes of shaking off the intervenors to this case and clearing their path to breaking ground. If you saw the maps a year ago and decided you could live with it, please know this project has changed. Mr. Haus advised one Intervenor that he had to “rob Peter to pay Paul”. Trust me, if you live near this area, you may be Peter. And you likely do not even know that. The developers may have sent a postcard to your address asking you to come hang out with them for a “meet and greet” that occurred the day after postcards arrived, but they didn’t say why. They didn’t tell you things had changed, it doesn’t fit their equation to do so. They didn’t tell you that this new map INCREASES impact to wetlands and waterways. They’ll tell you that they made the PV array area smaller, but that the total fenced land included is now bigger. They moved away from some homes and even let two lessors back out of the project for unknown reasons, but they didn’t tell you that. We can tell you that story in words and pictures because you do deserve to know.
I mentioned Judge Newmark coming to town to meet you, and that’s true. You also now have a chance to be in the room where it happens. On Wednesday, July 9th at 2 pm and 6 pm, there is a public hearing IN Whitewater, as required by law in this project. This is your chance as a non-affected landowner, as a citizen, as an Ice Age Trail enthusiast, as a farmer who chose to farm rather than lease, as a neighbor or friend to speak life into this side of the argument. You are not without voice, and it is your time to give that voice power.
Please come. Please come even if you are FOR this project. Show that people do actually matter more than money. Show that we are not ignoring what is happening in this area. Be in the room when it happens because your story, this story, their story, the land’s story, it all matters and deserves to be told.”
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Previous articles on The Whitewater Banner:
Published 4/5/25 – Public Service Commission: “No significant environmental impact” expected from proposed solar farm – Comments due 4/11 –
Published 12/21/24 – Public Service Commission Considering Approval of Massive Solar Farm East of the City
Painting with the Whitewater Stars: Local Leaders Take on the Canvas in Support of the Arts Community Art Event Slated for Friday, July 11, 4:30–7:30 p.m. at the Cultural Arts Center The Whitewater Arts Alliance (WAA) is excited to host Painting with the Whitewater Stars, a one-night event where well-known local figures will swap their usual roles for paintbrushes and canvas—all in support of Whitewater’s vibrant arts community. This special gathering will take place on Friday, July 11, 2025, from 4:30 pm-7:30 pm at the Whitewater Cultural Arts Center, located at 402 W Main Street, Whitewater, WI 53190. The evening will feature community leaders and local personalities, each partnered with a WAA Artist Coach to create original works of art. Whitewater Stars include Angie Alesci (Aurora Hospice Chaplain, WAA Member) and Mary Anderson (Angie’s niece, high school freshman); Paul Ambrose (Dean, UW–Whitewater College of Business and Economics); Brienne Brown (State Assembly Representative, City Public Art Committee); Jim Caldwell (CEO, First Citizens State Bank) and Gary Kincaid (Board Member, First Citizens State Bank); Robin Fox (UW–Whitewater Interim Provost) and Kim Simes (Executive Vice President of External Affairs—Family Equality); Alister Huss (Financial Advisor, Edward Jones); Samuel Karns (WUSD Superintendent); Dr. Corey King (Chancellor of UW–Whitewater); Jerica Newby (Owner, ReVamp Nutrition); Joseph O’Donnell (Pastor, First English Lutheran Church); Marjorie Stoneman (WAA Member, Whitewater Unites Lives, Be Kind Whitewater); and John Weidl (City Manager of Whitewater). These paintings will be auctioned off during WAA’s 20th Anniversary Gala on August 8, 2025, with proceeds going directly to support the Alliance’s year-round programming, exhibitions, and creative outreach across the region. With a suggested donation of $10, guests can enjoy a relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere while watching the artists in action, mingling with community members, enjoying light refreshments, and getting a first look at the pieces before they go to auction. Doors open at 4 pm and painting begins at 4:30 pm sharp. According to a Gallery Director, Kim Adams, “This event is a fun and engaging way to bring the community together, showcase creativity from unexpected places, and raise important funds that support our mission. Everyone’s invited to come out, cheer on their local stars, and be part of something fun and memorable.” Come cheer on your favorite local stars, enjoy delicious bites, and be part of Whitewater’s most colorful night of the year! For more information, Contact: Kim Adams, Gallery Director, Whitewater Arts Alliance Phone: 608-201-2151 Email: wwartsalliance@gmail.com Website: whitewaterarts.org Gallery Hours: Thursdays-Sundays, 12pm-4pm “20 Years of Celebrating the Arts and Creating Community!” Editor’s note: The Banner appreciates having permission to use the image on the homepage by Pexels from Pixabay. |