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It’s time once again for #FlashbackFriday with the Whitewater Historical Society.

Continuing last week’s theme of historic houses (but with ones still standing) in Whitewater, this week’s view is a c.1870 stereoscope image of the Smith-Allen house at 445 W. Center St. Built in 1856, this house was one of the first stylish “mansions” built in Whitewater. Its style is Italianate (Italian Villa type), the most popular architectural style in the United States at the time. It is one of the finest historic houses in the area thanks to Dan Richardson and Pat Blackmer, who have restored and maintained it for a number of years.

Join us next week for another historic houses photo from the Whitewater Historical Society.

(1659ST, Whitewater Historical Society)

According to the Rock County Public Works website, the closure for paving and culvert replacement on County Highway N, which extends from the western end of Walworth Street, is now expected to continue through October 20. Originally this project was planned to be completed by August 31, with the completion date subsequently being delayed to September 29, and most recently, October 13.

Meanwhile, the state Department of Transportation website still projects that the Highway 12 reconstruction between Whitewater and Fort Atkinson is anticipated to be completed on November 3. Originally it was indicated that work might be continuing until sometime in December.

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

During the first portion of the school year, the WHS Choirs have been singing about and thinking about the idea of community. We are thinking about the community that is our choir, our school, our city, our state, our nation, and our world. The songs featured at our Fall Concert are songs we sing as a community or are about the communities in which we live.

A part of living in a community is helping others. In order to do that, the WHS Choirs will be holding a Community Baby Shower. Donations of diapers and wipes will be accepted between now and next Wednesday, October 18th. All donations will be given to The Community Space in Whitewater.

Students, WUSD staff, and community members can drop off donations at the WHS Choir room or the WHS main office.

We will continue the collection at our Fall Concert on Wednesday, October 18th when we will have boxes ready for donations at the concert. The concert will be held at Whitewater High School in the auditorium at 7:00 pm.

Thank you in advance for any support you can give to this project. We truly live in a special place!

Article Submitted by Karen Tordera
Whitewater High School Vocal Music Instructor
ktordera@wwusd.org

This is a huge estate sale! It will be two weekends, with the first half this Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. It is the entire main floor of the home! We may even have the garage ready by then!!  (We don’t have the garage pictured yet, so it would be a SURPRISE! It is FULL!!!!)

N7545 Esker Ct 
Whitewater, WI 53190

Thurs., Oct. 12 10-4. 
Fri. & Sat., Oct. 13 & 14 9-4 both days

And  Thurs., Oct. 19 10-4, 
Fri. & Sat., Oct. 20 and 21  9-4 both days

Same address both weekends.

See pictures at http://shestatesales.com/sales.  There really is too much to list.

Versiti is the primary blood supplier for Southeastern Wisconsin, as well as Lakeland and Fort Hospitals. Donations have been down and there is definitely a need for more volunteers. Please consider making an appointment by clicking here today. Save time by answering the questionnaire at home; this cannot be done before Friday.

Editor’s note: The following announcement was provided by John Weidl on October 11.

Dear Whitewater Community,

I trust this message finds you in good health and spirits.

Recently, I explored a professional opportunity in Salem Lakes, WI, making it to the final rounds of consideration. However, the overwhelming support I received from you – including residents, elected officials, staff, committee members, business owners, and other developers still looking to start projects in Whitewater – has profoundly influenced my decision to withdraw my candidacy and continue serving as your City Manager in Whitewater.

Your encouragement and the collective achievements we’ve celebrated in affordable housing policy, Fire and EMS response times, staff recruitment and retention, and strategic planning have not only positively impacted our community but have also deeply affected me as a public servant.

I am invigorated by the recent renewed public participation in local government and the support for our staff and Strategic Plan. Rest assured, my dedication to advancing single family-style housing, commercial development, enhancing communication, supporting our local businesses, refining recruitment and retention strategies, and prudent management of our resources remains steadfast.

Whitewater’s encouragement, support, and vibrant, community-focused spirit are truly inspiring. Together, let’s continue to forge a path of growth and success for our beloved City of Whitewater.

With heartfelt gratitude, I am eager to get back to work.

Warmly,

John S. Weidl

City Manager, City of Whitewater

Editor’s note: Updated on 10/12 at 1:40 p.m. to add Finance Committee information.

City of Whitewater Plan & Architectural Review Commission – Monday @ 6:00 p.m.
Agenda includes proposed Dollar Tree store at Main Street & Indian Mound Parkway
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/457869101
You can also dial in using your phone.
Access Code: 457-869-101
United States: +1 (646) 749-3122

Irvin L. Young Library Board of Trustees Special Meeting – Monday @ 6:30 p.m.
*Virtual Only
Agenda includes appointment of a search committee for recruitment of a new director
Citizens are welcome (and encouraged) to join our webinar via computer, smart phone, or telephone.
Citizen participation is welcome during topic discussion periods.
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89836098082?pwd=eFdsbUN0OFpKVGZEd3hVWmxTVDRZQT09
Meeting ID: 898 3609 8082
Passcode: Fy3mzVUA
Dial
1 312 626 6799
Meeting ID: 898 3609 8082
Passcode: 43662177

City of Whitewater Finance Committee – Tuesday @ 6:00 p.m.
Whitewater Municipal Building Community Room,
312 West Whitewater St.
*In Person and Virtual
Agenda includes 2024-25 budget review (1 of 3)
Please join the meeting from your computer, tablet or smartphone.
https://meet.goto.com/363127693
You can also dial in using your phone.
Access Code:
363-127-693
United States:
+1 (408) 650-3123
Get the app now and be ready when your first meeting starts:
https://meet.goto.com/install

Special Common Council Meeting for
City of Whitewater and Whitewater
Unified School District School Board – Wednesday @ 6:00 p.m.
Whitewater Municipal Building Community Room,
312 West Whitewater St., Whitewater, WI 53190
*In Person and Virtual
Agenda is discussion of proposals regarding Whitewater Aquatic & Fitness Center
Editor’s note: The School Board agenda does not allow for any action to be taken.
Please click the link below to join the webinar:
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/89566428404?pwd=7jg9bYeGD4yQEPlBT44HEf36bzMZYg.bnxxm1v6SEt2ZN
WX
Telephone: +1 312 626 6799
Webinar ID: 895 6642 8404
Passcode: 834563

City of Whitewater Finance Committee – Thursday @ 6:00 p.m.
Agenda = ’24-25 budget draft review
Please join the meeting from your computer, tablet or smartphone.
https://meet.goto.com/403877333
You can also dial in using your phone.
Access Code:
403-877-333
United States:
+1 (571) 317-3122
Get the app now and be ready when your first meeting starts:
https://meet.goto.com/install

UW System President Jay Rothman on October 10 unveiled the Universities of Wisconsin, a new name and identity that emphasizes the constellation of Wisconsin’s 13 public universities.

The Universities of Wisconsin will replace the University of Wisconsin System as the preferred way to describe the universities. The new name will be accompanied by new brand graphics, including a logo, mark, and map.

“The Universities of Wisconsin is the best way to describe our thirteen excellent universities,” Rothman said. “This new name rightfully shifts the focus from the System to the Universities that are providing opportunities to the students and families we serve.”

“We have thirteen universities with one mission – to make Wisconsin Future Ready. For All,” added Karen Walsh, Board of Regents President. “I am proud to represent the Universities of Wisconsin, and everyone in our state can take pride in all the universities do to improve lives and communities.”

Gov. Tony Evers issued a proclamation to mark the occasion as “Universities of Wisconsin Week.”

Rothman announced the new name and identity at UW-Eau Claire, accompanied by Chancellor Jim Schmidt.

The announcement included a new video featuring the voice of Rothman’s predecessor, former Gov. Tommy Thompson.

“I have often said the Universities of Wisconsin are one of the state’s greatest assets, aside from its people,” Thompson said. “I have always been – and always will be – a champion of our universities.”

Citing Gov. Evers’ ongoing support for Wisconsin public higher education, Rothman welcomed the bipartisan support for the Universities of Wisconsin and said he would continue advocating with lawmakers of both parties to advance the 13 universities.

Rothman said that while he and others will begin referring to the Universities of Wisconsin immediately, the University of Wisconsin System will remain the official legal name of the state’s public universities.

Over the next several months, officials with the Universities of Wisconsin will transition written materials, web pages, letterhead, and other elements to reflect the new identity. The transition is expected to be finalized in early 2024.

“In 2024 we will have a fresh look, with a focus on our students and the 13 universities that provide the foundation for developing talent in Wisconsin,” Rothman said.

The change includes development of a new logo, mark, and constellation map, found here: https://www.wisconsin.edu/brand-style-guide/visual-identity-of-the-uw-system-core-brand/logo-mark-seal/

“Our new identity aims to broaden awareness of our universities across the state,” Rothman said. “We believe the Universities of Wisconsin identity is more relatable for students, families, and employers.”

The public will hear more about the Universities of Wisconsin in the weeks and months ahead, Rothman said, including during additional stops on the OpportUWnity Tour he launched in late September.

To download audio of Jay Rothman: Audio Message

To view the new video featuring former Gov. Thompson: https://youtu.be/yP45sAKN71k?si=torjTQhsI81HMMt8

For more information and media coverage of the OpportUWnity Tour: https://www.wisconsin.edu/opportuwnity-tour/

The Universities of Wisconsin serve approximately 161,000 students. Awarding nearly 37,000 degrees annually, the universities are Wisconsin’s talent pipeline, putting graduates in position to increase their earning power, contribute to their communities, and make Wisconsin a better place to live. Nearly 90 percent of in-state Universities of Wisconsin graduates stay in the state five years after earning a degree. The universities provide a 23:1 return on state investment. The Universities of Wisconsin also contribute to the richness of Wisconsin’s culture and economy with groundbreaking research, new companies and patents, and boundless creative intellectual energy.

Editor’s note: The above press release was received from University Relations.

Editor’s Note: The following was provided by the Whitewater Public Library. 

The community is invited to an all-ages Family Science Expo as part of the Wisconsin Science Festival on Tuesday, October 17 at 5:30 p.m. in the public library’s community room. Children will participate in several fun, hands-on science exploration and experimentation stations.  

First launched in 2011, the Wisconsin Science Festival is a statewide celebration of curiosity and creativity that brings people across the state in contact with scientists, educators, artists, manufacturers and more. Held throughout the state on October 16-22, the festival welcomes people of all ages for hands-on science, performances, demonstrations and conversations with leading researchers and creative thinkers. Unleash your curiosity! More information and additional events can be found at WiSciFest.org. 

This is a free event and no registration is required. The Irvin L. Young Memorial Library is located at 431 W. Center Street in Whitewater. Contact Sarah French with questions at sfrench@whitewater-wi.gov or 262-458-2782.