News

Editor’s note: The link to an article on Fox9.com, “Wisconsin sheriff’s deputy fatally shot in St. Croix County during DWI stop, and the following obituary, were provided to the Banner by Michael Leising, who is a clerk at the Whitewater Post Office. Michael is the father of Courtney Leising, Kaitie’s spouse.

Kaitlin “Kaitie” R. Leising, age 29, of New Richmond, WI, died unexpectedly and tragically on May 6, 2023 while in the line of duty.

Kaitie (lovingly nicknamed Bug) was born on January 10, 1994 in Scottsbluff, Nebraska to Roger and Kristine (Hansen) Stevens. She graduated in 2012 from Chadron High School, and then went on to Black Hills State University in Spearfish, SD, where she obtained her Bachelor of Science degree and played golf. From a young age, Kaitie knew she wanted to go into law enforcement. She had such a love for people, especially children, who always seemed to gravitate towards her. She was always willing and eager to help others around her, even taking a special interest as a teenager to her peers that were less fortunate than her. After graduating from the police academy, she immediately excelled at police work, first serving with the Pennington County Sheriff’s Office in Rapid City, SD, and then with the St. Croix County Sheriff’s Office in Hudson, WI. She was a doer – if anything needed to be done, she was there (with the exception of cooking or the dishes at home!) She will be remembered as small, but feisty.

On October 7, 2017, she was united in marriage to her best friend, Courtney Leising, and the two were blessed with their son, Syler in early 2023.

In her free time, she loved reading, puzzles, and spending time outdoors camping, hiking, kayaking, waterskiing, and playing basketball. She relished in time spent on all things Harry Potter, watching crime shows, and cheering on the Denver Broncos (despite it putting strain on her marriage with her Packer-loving wife!) Above everything, her greatest passion was her family – spending time with her wife, Courtney, and her son Syler, who was her everything. She had an amazing sparkle for life, always making others around her smile and laugh. Her humor was infectious, her laugh contagious, and her loyalty for those she loved most unwavering and steadfast. To those who knew her most, she was oh so much more.

She is survived by her wife, Courtney; son, Syler; parents, Kris & Roger Stevens; sister, Jordyn (Tom) Stevens; Julie Hawkinson (grandma); in-laws, Beth & Dave Brehm; sisters-in-law, Morgan (Bradley) and Brittany Leising; dogs, Miller and Ranger; many aunts, uncles, and cousins; and special friends, Jenifer and John Paul.

She was preceded in death by her grandmothers, Sandie and Dorothy; grandpa, Dan; and special friend, Zack.

Visitation will be held at 9 a.m.- 12 p.m. on Friday, May 12 at Hudson High School, 1501 Vine St, followed by a funeral service at 12 p.m. The service will be livestreamed: see funeral home website for details. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund (NLEOMF.org)

Services entrusted to the O’Connell Family Funeral Home of Baldwin, WI. (715) 386-3725. www.oconnellfuneralhomes.com

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Gov. Tony Evers signed Executive Order #199 ordering the flags of the United States and the state of Wisconsin to be flown at half-staff on Fri., May 12, 2023, in honor of St. Croix County Sheriff’s Deputy Kaitie Leising, who was killed in the line of duty on Sat., May 6, 2023, at the age of 29.

“Deputy Kaitie Leising was admired by her colleagues and community alike for the positivity, drive, and dedication to service she carried with her every day,” said Gov. Evers. “The weight of Deputy Leising’s death is a loss felt by folks across the state. We continue to keep Deputy Leising’s family and loved ones, the St. Croix County Sheriff’s Office, the St. Croix County community, and all those that knew and served alongside her in our hearts as they mourn her tragic passing.”

Deputy Leising joined the St. Croix County Sheriff’s Office in 2022 and had previously served the Pennington County, South Dakota Sheriff’s Office. 

Services for Deputy Leising will be held on Fri., May 12, 2023, in Hudson.

Carol McCormick writes, “Goose family off Trippe Lake. Table for 11…2 adults and 9 children, please. All vegan!”

Our thanks to Carol McCormick for sharing another great photo. 

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Update 5/11/23 @ 4:30 p.m. – Time added for the award winner announcements.

Starting from May 4 to May 28, the Whitewater Arts Alliance (WAA) will be hosting the Wisconsin Regional Art Program (WRAP) exhibition at the Cultural Arts Center, 402 W. Main Street. This show features non-professional Wisconsin artists who have a passion for a variety of mediums including sculpture, acrylic, oil, and collage. Artists and art-advocates are invited to view the exhibition free of charge during the Center’s open hours, Thursdays thru Sundays, noon to 4 p.m. The show can also be viewed virtually at the WAA’s website: https://www.whitewaterarts.org/wrap-2023.

A reception will be held at the CAC on Friday, May 12 from 1 – 4 p.m. The State Award winners as well as Honorable Mentions will be announced by Larry Schultz beginning at 2 p.m., together with a critique session of some of the pieces in the gallery. Light food and drink will be provided.

There will be a workshop available for WRAP artists and the general public on Sunday, May 7 starting at 2 p.m. The workshop will be lead by Larry Schultz who will demonstrate his unique painting style in an open and inviting atmosphere. Questions are welcome, no supplies needed. WRAP artists and WAA members get in for free while all others pay $5 at the door.

There are 13 artists in this program with roughly 33 pieces on display. Artists involved in this year’s WRAP show are:

• Mary Bughman – Whitewater, WI
• Judith Buzzell – Delavan, WI
• Silvia Cavagnero – Madison, WI
• Megan Forsythe – Stoughton, WI
• Sue Herring – Milton, WI
• Sylvia Linton – Whitewater, WI
• Jeff Mann – Wales, WI
• Suzanne Popke – Whitewater, WI
• Rick Santovec – Lake Mills, WI
• Roy Schmidt – Waterford, WI
• William Schuele – Muskego, WI
• Laura Strehlow – Cambridge, WI
• John Yost – Waukesha, WI

Editor’s note: The above press release was received from the Whitewater Arts Alliance.

The WHS Choirs, A Cappella Ensembles, and Bell Choir will present their Spring Concert on Wednesday, May 10th at 7:00 pm. “Eye of the Beholder” is the theme of the concert which will feature songs inspired by art, color, and visual beauty. Music awards will also be presented at this concert.  This free event  is open to the public and will be held in the WHS High School Auditorium, We hope you can join us for an evening of inspiration and celebration! 

Editor’s note: The above announcement was provided by Karen Tordera. We appreciate having permission to use the image by Pete Linforth from Pixabay.

NOTICE BOARD OF REVIEW – 2023
CITY OF WHITEWATER
WALWORTH AND JEFFERSON COUNTIES, WISCONSIN

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT the Board of Review for the City of Whitewater shall meet on Wednesday, May 24, 2023, from 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m., in the Municipal Building 2^nd floor Cravath Lakefront Meeting Room.

NOTICE IS FURTHER GIVEN that the Wisconsin Statute 70.47(2) requires as follows:

1. After the first meeting of the Board of Review and before the Board’s final adjournment, no person who is scheduled to appear before the Board of Review may contact, or provide information to a member of the Board about the person’s objection except at a session of the Board.
2. No person may appear before the Board of Review, testify to the Board by telephone or contest the amount of any assessment unless, at least 48 hours before the first meeting of the Board, or at least 48 hours before the objection is heard if the objection is allowed because the person has been granted a waiver of the 48 hour notice of an intent to file a written objection by appearing before the Board during the first two hours of the meeting and showing good cause for failure to meet the 48 hour notice requirement and files a written objection, that person provides to the Clerk of Board of Review notice as to whether the person will ask for removal of any Board member and, if so, which member will be removed and the person’s reasonable estimate of the length of time that the hearing will take.
3. When appearing before the Board, the person shall specify, in writing, the person’s objection and specify the information that the person used to arrive at the estimate.
4. No person may appear before the Board of Review, testify to the Board by telephone or object to a valuation; if that valuation was made by the Assessor or the Objector using the income method; unless that person supplies to the Assessor all the information about income and expenses, as specified in the manual under Sec. 73.03(2a), that the Assessor requests.   The City of Whitewater has an ordinance for the confidentiality of information about income and expenses that is provided to the Assessor under this paragraph which provides exemptions for persons using information in the discharge of duties imposed by law or of the duties of their office or by order of a court.  The information that is provided under this paragraph, unless a court determines that it is inaccurate, is not subject to the right of inspection copying under Section 19.35(1) of Wis. Statutes.  
5. The Board shall hear upon oath, by telephone, all ill or disabled persons who present to the Board a letter from a physician, surgeon or osteopath that confirms their illness or disability. No other person may testify by telephone.

Respectfully submitted,
Jeremiah Thomas, Interim Clerk, City of Whitewater
(262) 473-1381

Editor’s note: A property owner has the burden of proof that the assessment of their property is incorrect. Recent comparable sales are the most relevant evidence.

The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater Collegiate DECA chapter attended its annual International Career Development Conference in Orlando, Florida, from April 14-19.  The conference featured over 1,200 student participants from nearly 200 colleges and universities who participated in case study competitions, prepared business presentations, and numerous networking events.

The UW-Whitewater chapter brought 33 students to the conference, where they achieved 74 individual and chapter honors – the most of any school that attended the event.  These honors included 17 students placing in the top 10 in the world in their competitive event categories, highlighted by a chapter record 7 students placing in the top 3.  This was capped off by a UW-Whitewater “sweep” of 1st, 2^nd, and 3rd place in the Entrepreneurship Operations case study event.

“The International Career Development Conference in Orlando was an amazing opportunity for students to network with other chapters, participate in leadership workshops, and compete with the best in the world,” stated the University of Wisconsin- Whitewater Collegiate DECA Chapter President, Brendan Clementi, “Our students performed exceptionally well with 17 finishing within the top ten of their respective competitions and seven reaching the top three. I’ve always enjoyed the opportunity to compete with the best of the best, and I’m so proud of everyone in this chapter for their hard work that led to this unprecedented competitive success at the highest level of DECA competition.”

The UW-Whitewater chapter was recognized as the 5th largest Collegiate DECA chapter in the world. They were also a recipient of the Collegiate DECA Chapter Leadership Passport Award. This award recognized chapters that participate in year-long activities that enhance the experience of members through building personal and professional skills focused on innovation, integrity, and teamwork. UW-Whitewater was one of only 22 schools across the organization to receive this award.

About the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater

The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater College of Business and Economics (CoBE) is Wisconsin’s largest business college. It is home to the #1 ranked online Masters of Business Administration (MBA) program in the State, of single schools, and is the only college in Wisconsin that offers an AACSB-accredited Doctorate of Business Administration (DBA) degree program. CoBE is in the top 2% of the world’s business schools, having earned both AACSB and AACSB Accounting Accreditation. For more information on the College of Business and Economics, visit uww.edu/cobe or email cobe@uww.edu.

About the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater Collegiate DECA

Collegiate DECA prepares emerging leaders and entrepreneurs for careers in marketing, finance, hospitality and management in colleges around the globe.  The UW-Whitewater Collegiate DECA chapter can be contacted at DECA@uww.edu or on our website https://www.uwwdeca.com/.

Editor’s note: The above press release was provided by the UW-W College of Business and Economics.

City of Whitewater Plan and Architectural Review Commission – Monday @ 6:00 p.m.
Agenda includes public hearing regarding review and possible approval of a Conditional Use Permit for a Drive-Through Service Lane Attached to a proposed restaurant/coffee shop (Starbucks) at 1280 W. Main Street.
City of Whitewater Municipal Building
Community Room- First Floor
312 W. Whitewater St.
Whitewater, WI 53190
Please join the meeting from your computer, tablet or smartphone:
https://meet.goto.com/176613237
You can also dial in using your phone
United States: +1 (571) 317-3122
Access Code: 176-613-237
Get the app now and be ready when your first meeting starts:
https://meet.goto.com/install

City of Whitewater Alcohol Licensing Committee – Monday @ 7:30 p.m.
Cravath Lakefront Room – Whitewater Municipal Building
312 W. Whitewater St.
Agenda includes consideration of application for “Class A” liquor license for The Station and consideration of request to make a preliminary decision to recommend to the city council to deny the applications for the renewal of the following “Class B” licenses: Mad Boar Pub, LLC, Hawk Bowling Lanes, and Split Decision.

City of Whitewater Common Councilmember & Department Director Training – Wednesday @ 4:30 – 6:30 p.m.
Agenda – “The Role of Government”

Whitewater Unified School District School Board – Wednesday @ 6:00 (closed session); 7:00 (open session)
Whitewater High School Library
534 South Elizabeth Street, Whitewater, Wisconsin

6:00 p.m. via Zoom Online (Closed session)
Agenda includes to discuss the Whitewater Education Association negotiations and discuss and prepare for negotiations of Whitewater Aquatic & Fitness Center agreements

• URL: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85356044389?pwd=TkZTWkY5dXgvb0xvcHprYVNONDFwUT09
  Passcode: 713334

• Dial-in: 1-312-626-6799
• Webinar ID: 853 5604 4389
  Passcode: 713334

7:00 p.m. via Zoom Online (Open session)
Agenda (Click on “meetings” in upper right corner, then select meeting in upper left corner.)

• URL: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82656867609?pwd=RXZZL0pxUEczME9qN0Z1dE1KS2Z3QT09
  Passcode: 432293

Dial-in: 1-312-626-6799

Webinar ID: 826 5686 7609
Passcode: 432293

City of Whitewater Public Works Committee – Wednesday @ 6:00 p.m.
Agenda
Municipal Building
1 Floor – Community Room
312 W. Whitewater St.

City of Whitewater Police and Fire Commission – Wednesday @ 7:00 p.m.
Agenda
City of Whitewater Municipal Building
Community Room- First Floor
312 W. Whitewater St.
Please join my meeting from your computer, tablet or smartphone.
https://meet.goto.com/821365237
You can also dial in using your phone.
Access Code: 821-365-237
United States: +1 (669) 224-3412

Whitewater Aquatic & Fitness Center Subcommittee – Thursday @ 6:00 p.m.
Agenda
City of Whitewater Municipal Building
Community Room – 1st floor
312 W. Whitewater Street
In person and Virtual
Please click the link below to join the webinar:

https://us06web.zoom.us/j/82938272755?pwd=cjE1Z3h5ZHBiL0Fya1VkK2d5NlZ3dz09
Passcode: 260499
Or telephone:
1 312 626 6799
Webinar ID: 829 3827 2755
Passcode: 260499

Editor’s note: The following press release was received from UW-Whitewater.

The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater will celebrate the achievements of its graduates on Saturday, May 13, and Tuesday, May 16, as proud families and friends gather for the 2023 spring commencement ceremonies on the Whitewater and Rock County campuses.

On the university’s Whitewater campus, a total of 1,404 May and August graduates will cross the stage on May 13 to receive their degrees. The morning ceremony, which begins at 10 a.m., recognizes 613 undergraduate and 136 graduate students from the College of Arts and Communication, the College of Business and Economics and the School of Graduate Studies. 

The afternoon ceremony begins at 3 p.m. and recognizes 504 undergraduate students and 144 graduate students from the College of Education and Professional Studies, the College of Integrated Studies, the College of Letters and Sciences, and the School of Graduate Studies. An additional seven degrees are not specific to any college. The ceremonies, which last approximately two hours each, will be held in the Kachel Fieldhouse at the Williams Center. 

Included in the graduates crossing the stage on May 13 will be 98 students who are veterans, 9 international students and 180 nontraditional undergraduate students, defined as undergraduate students who are 25 years of age or older. In addition, 167 self-identified students with disabilities will receive degrees. Eight graduates of the university’s LIFE Program, which provides a complete college experience for young adults between the ages of 18-25 who have an intellectual disability, will cross the stage during the afternoon program — including four who are earning an advanced certificate. 

The commencement speaker for both ceremonies on the Whitewater campus is Mike Domitrz. Domitrz, who earned a BBA in business in 1993, is a world-renowned speaker and the founder of Center for Respect, an organization with a mission to prevent sexual assaults and encourage safe dating.

The student speaker for the morning ceremony is Hollyn Peterson. Peterson, who is earning a Bachelor of Fine Arts with a painting emphasis, is a three-time cancer survivor who has overcome life-threatening obstacles in her formative years and is now flourishing as a young adult with big dreams. 

The student speaker for the afternoon ceremony is Davin Stravroplos. Stavroplos, who is earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in political science and served as student body president, will share his inspiring story of how taking steps outside of his comfort zone have led to his personal and professional pursuits.

The commencement ceremonies on the Whitewater campus will be broadcast live online by UWW-TV, the university television station.

Rock County campus

The graduation ceremony for more than 95 College of Integrated Studies students at UW-Whitewater at Rock County will be held on Tuesday, May 16, at 6:30 p.m. in the gymnasium of the Wells Cultural Center. The commencement speaker is Robin Fox, an experienced administrator and respected scholar who is associate provost for academic affairs at UW-Whitewater. The student speaker is Natalie Shortreed, a liberal arts major from Janesville who is continuing her studies in environmental sciences on the Whitewater campus. During the ceremony, the Outstanding Alumni Award will be presented to John Ramsdell, who used the closure of Lear Seating in Janesville to pursue his twin passions of science and education. After earning an associate degree at the Rock County campus in 2010,  he graduated summa cum laude from the Whitewater campus in 2012 with a Bachelor of Science in Education in general education and a general science minor. Today, he is a science and English teacher at Marshall Middle School. The Excellence in Teaching Awards and the faculty and staff who are retiring will also be announced at the ceremony. 

For more information about UW-Whitewater’s commencement ceremonies: uww.edu/commencement

It’s that time of year again, when Seniors in the Park becomes Whitewater’s “art house.” What is an art house? A cinema that shows films that are high quality, but may not be popular or successful, such as foreign films or ones made by small film companies. In addition to our regular films on the second, fourth, and fifth Tuesdays during May through September, we will be screening an art film on the middle Wednesday of those months at 1 p.m.

“80 for Brady”

Tuesday, May 9, 1 p.m.

(Comedy/Drama/Sports) Rated PG-13; 1 hour, 38 minutes (2023)

A group of friends make it their life long mission to go to the Super Bowl and meet NFL quarterback Tom Brady. Fun and adventures ensue! Starring Lily Tomlin, Jane Fonda, Sally Field, Rita Moreno, Guy Fieri, and Tom Brady!