THE CHAPEL WHITEWATER – 445 N. WARNER RD.
Good Friday Service | April 7
7:00 p.m. (Nursery will be available)
Easter Service | April 9
10:00 a.m. (Chapel Kids will be available for infants through 5th grade)
Girl Scouts of Wisconsin Badgerland Council has decided to extend this year’s cookie sale one more week due to so many troops still having inventory, including Whitewater.
Whitewater Troop 7639 still has all nine flavors available, including gluten free, and will be selling at Whitewater Walmart Friday 4/7 from 12-6 p.m.
Thanks to our generous community, our troop has sold over 12,000 boxes, a troop record! We have also collected over 400 boxes for our Cookie Share program, which will be distributed by individual Girl Scouts to many local organizations including The Community Space, Humane Society of Jefferson Co, Paddy’s Paws, Lincoln Elementary Staff as well as 12 other organizations.
If you would like to donate to our Cookie Share program, or would like to purchase some cookies for local delivery, please contact troop co-leader Sarah Hoots, hootyhoots@yahoo.com
Thank you for supporting Girl Scouts!
By Lynn Binnie
Whitewater Banner volunteer staff
whitewaterbanner@gmail.com
Editor’s note: Additions to this article at 12:25 a.m. on Wednesday include the names of the towns that are covered by the school district and the composition of the upcoming board. An update at 6:50 a.m. added the results of the unopposed Common Council elections.
Voting was fairly brisk in the City of Whitewater on Tuesday, with 2559 votes cast, representing an approximate 40% turnout. Most voters experienced very little delay in obtaining their ballot, although there were times when some experienced a wait of approximately fifteen minutes. 6042 citizens were registered prior to the election, and there were approximately 200 same-day registrations.
Based on the unofficial results, it appears that all three open seats on the Whitewater Unified School Board will be filled with newcomers. Incumbents Casey Judd and Steve Ryan chose not to run for reelection. Thayer Coburn, board president, was the top vote getter in the City of Whitewater, but the picture changed when the towns’ results were added, and he appears to have come in fourth by a very tight margin. The district covers the towns of Whitewater, LaGrange, Richmond and Sugar Creek in Walworth County, the towns of Cold Spring and Koshkonong in Jefferson County, and the towns of Johnstown and Lima in Rock County.
It is expected that five out of the seven board members will now be females. Members with continuing terms are Miguel Aranda, Larry Kachel, Jennifer Kienbaum, and Maryann Zimmerman.
Incumbent Municipal Judge Patrick Taylor coasted to a very comfortable margin over contender Art Coleman.
The three open Common Council seats all had unopposed races, with Lisa Dawsey Smith being reelected to an at-large position, David Stone being elected to represent District 1, and Neil Hicks being elected in District 5.
In the only statewide race, aside from referendums, Janet Protasiewicz was declared the winner of a Supreme Court seat with approximately 55% of the vote over Daniel Kelly. The margin was much more pronounced in Whitewater, particularly with student voters likely leaning towards Protasiewicz, who garnered 69% of the local vote. There were just over 1500 “undervotes” in the school board election, the equivalent of approximately 500 voters not casting votes in that race.
Locally, however, the favorable votes for the referendums were rather similar to the statewide vote, respectively: 62%, 60%, and 72%. Approximately 900 voters failed to cast a ballot on those issues.
Whitewater Unified School District board member
| Candidate | Jefferson County | Rock County | Walworth County | Total |
| Hicks* | 332 | 198 | 1845 | 2375 |
| Linse* | 325 | 192 | 1602 | 2119 |
| Huempfner* | 285 | 119 | 1548 | 1952 |
| Coburn | 257 | 137 | 1532 | 1926 |
| Kromholz | 241 | 98 | 1316 | 1655 |
| Mills | 216 | 127 | 1259 | 1602 |
City of Whitewater Municipal Judge
| Taylor* | 1494 |
| Cole | 789 |
The Whitewater Arts Alliance (WAA) invites amateur and professional photographers to submit their photography for consideration in the 14th Annual Fran Achen Juried Photography Exhibition.
The exhibition will be held during the month of July, 2023 at the WAA’s Cultural Arts Center Gallery. The Cultural Arts Center is located at 402 W. Main Street, next to the Birge Fountain, in downtown Whitewater, Wisconsin. The photographs in the show will be displayed on the walls of the gallery and, concurrently, in an online virtual exhibit that will appear at the WAA website.
All are welcome to enter. Submissions must be received no later than Wednesday, May 31 and must include 1) a completed entry form, 2) entry fee of $35 ($30 for current WAA members), and 3) emailed digital copies of entered photos. The entry includes submission of up to four photographs. Complete information, along with the online entry form, key dates, and rules is located at www.whitewaterarts.org/fran-achen-2023
An opening reception featuring the presentation of awards will be held Sunday, July 2 at 1:00 p.m. at the Cultural Arts Center where refreshments will be served. Voting for Viewer Choice will continue throughout the run of the exhibit and its winner will be announced Sunday, July 30.
Jeff McDonald, the exhibition’s chair and a longtime WAA board member, said, “The Fran Achen exhibition is an annual highlight. Fran Achen was a revered member of the community and an exceptional photographer. His collection of images continues to inspire. This exhibit, named in his honor, is an excellent opportunity to showcase the outstanding work created by both established and aspiring area artists. The participation and support of many skilled photographers from all over southern Wisconsin and northern Illinois is greatly appreciated and is the reason for this program’s continued success. Each year brings a new crop of inspired work.”
Admission to the exhibition and its reception are free of charge, open to the public, and all are invited. The gallery is open Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays from 12:00 p.m. (Noon) to 4:00 p.m. and the website is open 24/7. The show runs from Saturday, July 1 through Sunday, July 30.
The Whitewater Arts Alliance believes art plays a significant role in transforming the cultural fabric. It brings people together, fosters dialogue and reflection, and creates a sense of pride and ownership.
St. John’s Lutheran Church, 116 South Church Street in Whitewater, welcomes the community to join in upcoming worship services. On Good Friday, April 7 there is a service at 1:00 p.m. “Voices of Good Friday” views the crucifixion of Jesus from the viewpoint of several people involved in the day’s events, from the Simon of Cyrene who carried the cross to Joseph and Nicodemus, who performed the burial. Easter Sunday, April 9 celebrates the resurrection of Jesus with festival worship at 9:00 a.m. Come to sing the praises of the risen Savior!
Steve Watson writes,
“This came to me while at Gulf Shores.
Spring Break Gulf Shores bound
Escape Wisconsin winter
Beach sand burn and peel
It started in the early 60’s with a few families from Whitewater going to Gulf Shores during Spring Break. The migration hasn’t stopped for the last 60 plus years. Whitewater families continue the Spring migration south for the white sand beaches and to get away from Wisconsin winter. I know many of you have fond memories of your time spent in Gulf Shores, Alabama. I know my family does.
Here’s photos from 2023.”
Our thanks to Rachel Watson and Steve Watson for sharing these beautiful photos.
— Our Readers Share: We hope that you might have something that you’d be willing to share. Anything that’s been created by someone else should, of course, be credited, and you should ask their permission if you’re able. We cannot post copyrighted material without permission. We can’t guarantee that we’ll have space for all submissions, and contributions will be subject to editorial board approval. The one definite exclusion is anything politically oriented. We will assume that you’re willing for us to include your name as the submitter unless you indicate that you prefer to remain anonymous. Send to whitewaterbanner@gmail.com or click on “submit a story” near the top right of our homepage. Thanks for thinking about this!
Editor’s note: The following additions were made on 4/5/23 at 5:10 p.m.: 1) Special WUSD School Board meeting added for Thursday, and 2) Additions made to City of Whitewater Common Council agenda: includes reconvening to open session after closed session.
City of Whitewater Equal Opportunities Commission – Monday @ 5:00 p.m.
Agenda includes Memo Concerning the Hate – Bias Reporting Form and Procedures
Please join the meeting from your computer, tablet or smartphone.
https://meet.goto.com/174192213
You can also dial in using your phone.
Access Code: 174-192-213
United States: 1 (224) 501-3412
Get the app now and be ready when your first meeting starts:
https://meet.goto.com/install
City of Whitewater Landmarks Commission – Thursday @ 6:00 p.m.
Agenda includes City-owned Local Landmarks: ongoing assessment of condition, maintenance/repair needs, plans, etc.
Cravath Lakefront Room
312 Whitewater Street
Please join my meeting from your computer, tablet or smartphone.
https://meet.goto.com/925662597
You can also dial in using your phone.
Access Code: 925-662-597
United States: 1 (872) 240-3212
Whitewater Unified School District School Board – Special Meeting – Thursday @ 6:00 p.m. (Closed Session); 7:00 p.m. (Open Session)
Whitewater High School Library
534 South Elizabeth Street6:00 p.m.
6:00 p.m. via Zoom Online
7:00 p.m. via Zoom Online – Open Session
Agenda (click on “meetings” in upper right corner) includes Whitewater Aquatic & Fitness Center Negotiations Ad Hoc Committee: Affirmative Statements
City of Whitewater Common Council – Thursday @ 6:30 p.m.
Agenda includes action on requests for Class “A” Beer & Liquor Licenses to sell beer & liquor for off-premises consumption, update on Cable TV PEG channel / Spectrum and closed session, negotiation of Aquatic & Fitness Center agreement with school district and Contract negotiation with Whitewater Professional Police Association. Revised agenda indicates that the meeting will reconvene for possible action related to the Aquatic & Fitness Center agreement with the school district.
This will be an in person AND a virtual meeting.
Citizens are welcome (and encouraged) to join 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/82803356629?pwd=U3A3VWxNNmFDMlRGeVk3bnpZZUl4QT
09
Passcode: 771691
Or Telephone:
US: 1 929 205 6099
Webinar ID: 828 0335 6629
Passcode: 771691
From the website:
We’ve been working since 2009 to grow local and healthy produce in an open space that enables residents to plant, grow and maintain their own garden plots.
30 plots are available to the public with the idea of bringing together community members of all ages and cultures in the Whitewater area.
Water is provided by the City of Whitewater and is available for registered members.
The main water source is located on the property with additional hoses throughout the plots.
There is also a locked shed filled with everything you need to tend to your plot.
The Plots at WWCG are reserved for residents of Whitewater, WI.
Beginning March 15th 2023, returning gardeners in good standing may submit their application for the 2023 season with a Deadline of April 1st.
Payment will be taken after April 1st and after application is accepted.
Beginning April 10th, 2023, new gardeners may submit their application for a garden plot on a first-come, first-served basis.
The spring general election will be held on Tuesday, April 4 from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. The City of Whitewater has only one polling place for this election, the Downtown Armory, 146 W. North Street. Sample ballots for city residents may be viewed here https://whitewater-wi.gov/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=503. Wards 1-10 are in Walworth County; Wards 11-13 are in Jefferson County.
The races and candidates for the City of Whitewater and the Whitewater Unified School District are shown below.
State Supreme Court – Vote for One
Candidates in Ballot Order
– Janet C. Protasiewicz
– Daniel Kelly
Responses of the candidates to a League of Women Voters questionnaire may be viewed here after entering your address.
A nonpartisan guide to the Supreme Court races may be viewed here: https://guides.vote/guide/nonpartisan-voters-guide-to-the-2023-wisconsin-supreme-court-race.
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Whitewater Unified School District School Board – Vote for up to three; the three candidates with the highest votes will be elected.
Candidates in Ballot Order
Chuck Mills
Thayer A. Coburn (Incumbent)
Stephanie Hicks
Lisa Huempfner
Christy Linse
Joseph A. Kromholz
Information about and perspectives of the school board candidates may be viewed here.
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City of Whitewater Municipal Judge – Vote for one
Candidates in Ballot Order
Patrick E. Taylor (Incumbent)
Art Coleman
Information about and perspectives of the judge candidates may be viewed here.
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City of Whitewater Common Council Member – District 1 – Vote for one
David Stone
City of Whitewater Common Council Member – District 5 – Vote for one
Neil Hicks
City of Whitewater Common Council Member – At large – Vote for one
Lisa Dawsey Smith (Incumbent)
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There are also three referendums. Information on them is here.
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Residents of Jefferson County also have two unopposed judicial races:
Court of Appeals Judge – District 4 – Vote for one
Chris Taylor
Circuit Court Judge – Branch 4 – Vote for one
Bennett J. Brantmeier
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What is required in order to vote and/or to register to vote?
Specific types of photo identification are required in order to vote. This website shows the acceptable forms of ID.
Citizens may register to vote at the polls. Proof of residence is required. This website shows the acceptable forms. A qualified elector is any U.S. citizen who:
The WUSD Lincoln 5th Grade Choir is thrilled to be performing the National Anthem at the Milwaukee Brewers game against the Astros on Wednesday, May 24th at 11:50 a.m. Please come support us and watch a great game at our reduced group price! Tickets will be only $17 (half price) on the Loge level, section 206, which is in the shade on the second level. Advance purchase of general parking at $13 saves $2 over gameday, with advance purchase of preferred parking being $18 versus $25 on gameday. We would love to see you there!
Tickets may be purchased by scanning the above QR code or with the following link: https://offer.fevo.com/lincoln-elementary-school-anthem-performance-cfce0f2?fevoUri=lincoln-elementary-school-anthem-performance-cfce0f2%2Fhouston-astros-may-24-uafbheh-d85bca1
Please contact Teddy Sibilsky with the Brewers at 414-902-4657 if you have additional questions about the event. To secure your tickets and parking, please follow these steps: 1. Select your seats and parking pass. 2. Proceed to checkout. 3. Access your digital tickets via the MLB Ballpark App. For more information on using the app, visit brewers.com/ballparkapp.