News

Annual State of the City and Schools Addresses

Hosted by the League of Women Voters Whitewater Area

The League of Women Voters Whitewater Area is excited to host its annual State of the City and State of the Schools Addresses on Thursday, September 21st, 6:30- 8 PM, at the Cravath Lakefront Community Center, 341 S Fremont St, Whitewater. 

Presenters include Whitewater City Manager John Weidl, WUSD Superintendent Dr. Caroline Pate-Hefty, and UW Whitewater Chancellor Dr. Corey A. King. Audience members will have an opportunity to ask the speakers questions following their presentations. 

The League of Women Voters is a nonpartisan political organization that encourages informed and active participation in government, works to increase understanding of major public policy issues and influences public policy through education and advocacy. Visit our website at https://my.lwv.org/wisconsin/whitewater-area and like us on Facebook!

WMS Teacher John Schimming Honored with Inspiring Educator of the Year Award 

At its August 29 All-Staff Kick Off Event, the Whitewater Unified School District recognized John Schimming as this year’s recipient of the WUSD Inspiring Educator of the Year Award.

Schimming is a seventh-grade math teacher at Whitewater Middle School. He is known for his mentorship to his students and the many colleagues, athletes, and community members with whom he interacts. He also has an active role in growing the Whitewater wrestling program, specifically the girls’ division. 

“On behalf of our entire school district community, I would like to congratulate John on earning this well-deserved award for the 2023-24 school year,” said Dr. Caroline Pate-Hefty, Superintendent. “During his time in our district, John has had an incredible impact on our students, families, and community. He is someone who is dedicated to his craft and who truly cares about ensuring students have the opportunities they need to thrive. A big thank you goes out to John for all he does, each and every day.”

The district considers nominations for the annual award from its teachers and staff. A WUSD Inspiring Educator of the Year is an individual whose work exemplifies the district’s core values and demonstrates best practices in the field of education. 

The recipient provides students with exceptional learning experiences and unique opportunities, demonstrating a commitment to helping them achieve their highest potential. 

The closure for paving and culvert replacement on County Highway N which extends from the western end of Walworth Street was originally projected to be completed by August 31. Now the Rock County Public Works Department indicates that they do not expect this work to be completed until September 29.

Meanwhile, according to reports on social media, some drivers have been ticketed for failing to observe the detour. One person stated that he got a $175 citation for simply driving the very short distance to County Line Road to make a delivery to the mobile home park.

September 19, 2023 is National Voter Registration Day

The League of Women Voters Whitewater Area is a proud supporter of the National Voter Registration Day and will provide Voter Registration education and assistance in Whitewater, Fort Atkinson, and Delavan, in celebration of this nonpartisan civic holiday.

Founded in 2012, National Voter Registration Day was designed to create a day each year when the entire nation focuses on registering Americans to exercise their most basic right – the right to vote.

According to U.S. Census data from 2020, as many as 1 in 4 eligible Americans are not registered to vote. Every year, millions of Americans find themselves unable to vote because they miss a registration deadline, don’t update their registration, or aren’t sure how to register. National Voter Registration Day wants to make sure everyone has the opportunity to vote. 

Please tap into the League’s collective expertise with all your voting concerns on this special day.  League members will be staffing tables at the following locations and times on Tuesday, September 19th:

10 AM – 2 PM  Aram Public Library, 404 E Walworth Ave, Delavan

11 AM – 1 PM  Irvin L Young Memorial Library, 431 W Center St, Whitewater

11 AM – 1 PM  UW Whitewater University Center, Table A, 190 Hamilton Green Way

3 PM – 5 PM  Dwight Foster Public Library, 209 Merchants Ave, Fort Atkinson

4 PM – 7 PM  Whitewater City Market, 301 W Whitewater St

The League of Women Voters is a nonpartisan political organization that encourages informed and active participation in government, works to increase understanding of major public policy issues and influences public policy through education and advocacy. Visit our website at https://my.lwv.org/wisconsin/whitewater-area and like us on Facebook!

Editor’s note: The above press release was received from the League of Women Voters – Whitewater area.

Did you know that more than half of women over age 50 experience issues with bladder or bowel control? These problems can be slightly bothersome or totally debilitating. For some women, the chance of embarrassment keeps them from enjoying many activities and can take control of their life.

A popular workshop in Rock County can help! “Mind Over Matter: Healthy Bowels, Healthy Bladder” is a workshop designed to give women, age 60 and older, the tools they need to take control of their bladder and bowel symptoms. The workshop provides information, group activities, and simple exercises and dietary changes to practice at home. The workshop consists of three, 2-hour sessions over the course of a month.
Dedication to the series of three classes is required. This is a workshop for females, taught by a female.

The Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC) of Rock County invite women to join them for a “Mind Over Matter” series at the Daniel Williams Resource Center (where the ADRC is located) at 1717 Center Avenue in Janesville, Wisconsin. The series will occur on three Monday mornings from 10:00 am -12 pm on: September 11, 25 & October 9, 2023. Suggested donation is $10 to cover cost of materials. Space is limited, so register early to reserve a spot! Registration deadline is September 6th !

To learn more, or to register for the series, contact Health Promotion
Coordinator, Lisa Messer, of the ADRC of Rock County at: 608-757-5309 or email: lisa.messer@co.rock.wi.us.

Editor’s note: Although first priority is given to Rock County residents, the ADRC staff has indicated to the Banner that residents of other counties are welcome to participate when space is available. Interested women living in Jefferson or Walworth county should contact Lisa to confirm whether space is available.

Get ready to embark on a captivating journey of words, wonder, and tales at the much-anticipated Whitewater Storytelling Festival. This enchanting event is set to take place on Saturday, September 23, from 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM at Cravath Lakefront Park, where stories come alive and imaginations run wild.

The Whitewater Storytelling Festival promises an entertaining day for attendees of all ages, with fourteen talented storytellers and musicians for the young and young-at-heart. From children’s stories and interactive activities that will spark the creativity of the little ones, to all-ages storytelling sessions that will captivate audiences of every generation, this festival truly has something for everyone.

But that’s not all! Visitors will have the opportunity to explore a diverse vendor market showcasing unique products that carry their very own stories, adding a touch of narrative charm to your shopping experience. The festival grounds will come alive with the melodies of live music from renaissance musician, Nazario Chickpeazio, with belly dancer, Èowyn, and the traditional Irish tunes of Cead Mile Failte.

Indulge in delicious eats and treats from a variety of food trucks serving both lunch and dinner. Then, as the sun sets, gather around the inviting glow of the campfire for tales sure to give you a spook and also warm your heart.

Above all, the Whitewater Storytelling Festival is a celebration of the magic of storytellers. This event celebrates their craft, their dedication, and their ability to transport us to worlds beyond our own.

Mark your calendars for the Whitewater Storytelling Festival on Saturday, September 23, from 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM, at Cravath Lakefront Park. This is a FREE family-friendly event offering an opportunity to be immersed in stories.

For updates and sneak peeks:
Facebook: www.facebook.com/whitewaterchamber | www.facebook.com/discoverwhitewatertourism 
Instagram: @discoverwhitewater
Website: www.whitewaterchamber.com/whitewater-storytelling-festival

About the Whitewater Storytelling Festival

The Whitewater Storytelling Festival is an annual event dedicated to celebrating the art of storytelling in all its forms. From children’s stories to campfire tales, the festival aims to honor the tradition of storytelling while embracing new narratives and voices. With a vibrant vendor market, live music, and engaging activities, the festival is a testament to the enduring power of stories to inspire, entertain, and connect.

Labor Day is a federal holiday in the United States celebrated on the first Monday in September to honor and recognize the American labor movement and the works and contributions of laborers to the development and achievements of the United States. The three-day weekend it falls on is called Labor Day Weekend.

Beginning in the late 19th century, as the trade union and labor movements grew, trade unionists proposed that a day be set aside to celebrate labor. “Labor Day” was promoted by the Central Labor Union and the Knights of Labor, which organized the first parade in New York City. In 1887, Oregon was the first state of the United States to make it an official public holiday. By the time it became an official federal holiday in 1894, thirty states in the U.S. officially celebrated Labor Day.

Canada’s Labour Day is also celebrated on the first Monday of September. More than 80 countries celebrate International Workers’ Day on May 1, the ancient European holiday of May Day. May Day was chosen by the Second International of socialist and communist parties to commemorate the Haymarket affair, which occurred in Chicago on May 4, 1886.

Source: Wikipedia

The Banner appreciates the use on the homepage of the image by ilham arief from Pixabay.

The Irvin L. Young Memorial Library is starting a new program, Baby Play Date, for children ages 0 to 24 months and their caregivers. Read books, sing songs and rhymes, and participate in playtime perfect for baby’s development! Babies will build social and literacy skills, vocabulary, and more. The group will meet every other Thursday at 9:30 a.m. starting on September 7. There is no cost or registration and older siblings are welcome to attend.  

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. For a full listing of the library’s events, visit whitewaterlibrary.org.  

City of Whitewater Common Council – Tuesday @ 6:30
Municipal building, 312 W. Whitewater St.
Agenda includes first reading of ordinance concerning short-term rentals, convenient cash businesses, right of entry for inspection, building & maintenance code and dwelling standards; second reading of revision to portions of the zoning code dealing with code enforcement, building standards and penalties.
Please click the link below to join the webinar: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/84471937728?pwd=YlFVWFRCdnZEcnplSlRDZ0xHUmRWZz09

Or dial
+1 312 626 6799
Webinar ID: 844 7193 7728 Passcode: 529326

City of Whitewater Landmarks Commission – Thursday @ 6:00 p.m.
Municipal Building, Cravath Lakefront Room
Agenda
Please click on this link to join the webinar.