News

One Safe Place – The Hope Shelter Publishes its Last Episode from Poland


For four weeks, Whitewater resident James Olm has been covering different aspects of the Hope Shelter for Ukrainian Refugees in Przemysl, Poland. The last episode, fittingly titled “Distributing Hope” outlines the details of managing supplies in and out of the Shelter to Ukraine, as well as finishing up an interview with one of the Ukrainian refugees.

Please scroll down for the video.

UW-W Adds Lettermark Logo to Warhawk Athletics Brand


UW-Whitewater adds lettermark logo to Warhawk athletics brand

Written by Chris Lindeke | Graphic by Chris Hilbelink

The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater has unveiled a lettermark logo to enhance and expand the visual identity of Warhawk Athletics while honoring its longstanding tradition of athletics excellence.

The “W”-shaped lettermark was designed to be a complement to the Warhawk head logo that has been a prevalent part of the university brand for the last 25 years, as intercollegiate teams built UW-Whitewater into a consistent, national powerhouse.

“When I talk to recruits and their families, or connect with alumni, I’m reminded that our brand is about more than a logo — it’s about what it stands for,” said Ryan Callahan, assistant chancellor and director of intercollegiate athletics. “This new mark captures that intensity. It feels competitive, confident, and authentically Warhawk.”

The lettermark embodies the spirit of Warhawk Athletics — the stories that lead up to championship moments and the pride felt across campus and the broader community.

The new mark is not a replacement or rebrand. It is an intentional addition to an already strong identity.

“This is not a departure from who we are — it’s an evolution,” said Ann Stadler, assistant chancellor for marketing and communications. “We wanted to create something that feels uniquely ours — something that honors where we’ve been and represents where we’re going.”

The new logo was designed by Chris Hilbelink, art director of University Marketing and Communications, in partnership with Warhawk Athletics. A focus group that included UW-Whitewater students, faculty, staff, alumni, and stakeholders engaged with university leaders to share feedback throughout the creative process.

The lettermark will begin appearing later this year across select athletics applications, including warm-up gear, uniforms, digital platforms, and merchandise available through the UW-Whitewater Bookstore.

UW-Whitewater brand identity and guidelines »

UW-Whitewater Athletics has claimed 21 team national championships, including 18 in the last 25 years, and is an established, perennial national power as a member of NCAA Division III. Warhawks champion a cultural tradition of student-athletes prepared to succeed far beyond sports. In 2024-25, each of the Warhawks’ 20 programs achieved a team grade point average above 3.0, and Warhawk teams engage in thousands of hours of community service annually.

Editor’s note: This press release was provided by UW-Whitewater.

Stonehaven Housing Development Financing Approved by Council on Second Try

By Al Stanek
Whitewater Banner volunteer staff

On April 20 a group of people who feel strongly about Whitewater’s future had a minor success when the Common Council voted to lend wastewater utility reserve funds to a private developer for a housing development along the railroad tracks east of what used to be “Strands on the Floor at Bluff Road Marketplace.”

Common Council members had turned down a 0% loan of public funds to the developer on April 9 but at the April 20 special meeting gave the project the go ahead with the revolving loan to be at 3.5%. The vote was 5-2, with councilmembers Hicks, Majkrzak, Orin Smith, Singer and Sahyun voting in favor. Brian Schanen and Michael Smith voted no. The meeting was held on Greg Majkrzak’s last day on the council, with Gavin Kelleher to be sworn in as the District 2 member the next day.

A majority of council members appeared to be swayed by Comptroller Jeremiah Thomas’s argument that the money currently earns “roughly” 3.5% interest and this would at least be a break-even situation. There was an assertion by city staff that it could be a “money-maker.”

The city manager argued that the city Plan Commission and Community Development Authority had both reviewed the project and endorsed it. One council member pointed out that the Plan Commission does not routinely review financing details.

What wasn’t considered thoroughly by council members was the city’s financial advisor’s caution that the agreement would have city staff reviewing and paying the project costs with reimbursement by revolving loan funds contributed by wastewater utility reserves which would “take considerable staff time.” There was also mention by the consultant of the potential to use a state funded revolving loan program which would require payment of a higher interest rate by the developer.

Another of the city’s financial advising firm suggestions is that they consider a commonly used standard “PAYGO” agreement or ‘pay-as-you go” revolving loan program where the developer pays as the project progresses rather than have funding in place, got little or no discussion at last night’s meeting although it may have been discussed in closed session in an earlier meeting. The consultant’s report suggested that under PAYGO “the developer takes the majority of the risk.”

Other concerns were raised by citizens over the lack of experience on the part of the developer, the appropriateness of public funding favoring one developer over another and the lack of the agreed upon loan interest not capturing any compensation for the risk of failure of the project.

The development calls for 14 modular homes to be built on relatively small lots adjacent to an active railroad line. Four units would be built at a time. The developer is projecting that the homes will be selling in the low to mid $300’s, which would be lower than most other current developments. A city authored financial analysis of the developer’s ability to have adequate financial backing to complete the project at each phase indicated only 15% of the cost of constructing each phase of four homes would be covered by the developer.

Concerns voiced over the acknowledged inexperience of the developer did not sway the council members who voted in favor of the agreement rather than slowing down the process or to consider putting out a similarly financed project out to bid by other developers. It was noted that while much of the property that is involved is owned by the city, other parcels are privately owned.

City Press Release

The following press release regarding the project was provided by the city on April 22.



Additional document provided by the city

The following memo, written by Rachelle Blitch, city director of financial and administrative services, was sent to the city manager and Common Council on April 22. A copy was distributed to the press.

Flags to Half-Staff in Honor of Firefighters Who’ve Given Their Lives in the Line of Duty

Gov. Evers Orders Flags to be Flown at Half-Staff in Honor of Wisconsin Firefighters Who Have Given Their Lives in the Line of Duty
 
Gov. Tony Evers signed Executive Order #290 ordering the flags of the United States and the state of Wisconsin to be flown at half-staff on Sun., May 3, 2026, as a mark of respect for the state’s firefighters who have given their lives in the line of duty in honor of the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Service. Gov. Evers also proclaimed May 2-3, 2026, as National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Weekend.

“Our firefighters run toward danger, putting their health, safety, and life at risk to serve our neighbors during what is often their darkest hour of need. For that, we owe them an incredible debt of gratitude,” said Gov. Evers. “On behalf of the grateful people of Wisconsin, we acknowledge and thank our firefighters and their families for their service and sacrifices, and we pay tribute to all those who have lost their lives in the line of duty in service and the loved ones who miss and mourn them every day. Their sacrifices will never be forgotten.”

Additionally, on Sat., Sept. 26, 2026, the Wisconsin Fire & EMS Memorial in Wisconsin Rapids will hold the Final Alarm Ceremony honoring the memory of members of Wisconsin’s fire services who have given their lives in the line of duty. Executive Order #290 also orders the flags to be flown at half-staff on Sat., Sept. 26, 2026, in honor of that occasion.

Finally, Wisconsin state law, Wis. Stat. 995.225(1), designates the week of October 9th as Fire Prevention Week and the Saturday at the end of Fire Prevention Week as Wisconsin Firefighters Memorial Day annually. To that end, Executive Order #290 also orders the flags be lowered on Sat., Oct. 10, 2026, in honor of Wisconsin Firefighters Memorial Day during Fire Prevention Week.

 

This Week’s City & School District Meetings

Whitewater Unified School District Policy Review Committee – Monday @ 4:30 p.m.
Agenda [Click on “meetings” in upper right corner.]
Whitewater Unified School District Central Office
419 South Elizabeth Street, Whitewater, Wisconsin

City of Whitewater Alcohol Licensing Committee Meeting – Tuesday @ 5:00 p.m.
Agenda
Whitewater Municipal Building Community Room,
312 West Whitewater St., Whitewater, WI 53190
*In Person and Virtual
Citizens are welcome (and encouraged) to join our webinar via computer, smart phone, or telephone.
Citizen participation is welcome during topic discussion periods.
Please click the link below to join the webinar:
Join: https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/247967639113712?p=jjTWYQMJZqe8Cs4Hu4
Meeting ID: 247 967 639 113 712
Passcode: CZ3Qe939
Dial in by phone
+1 929-229-5663,,698140296# United States, New York City
Phone conference ID: 698 140 296#

City of Whitewater Common Council Meeting – Tuesday @ 6:00 p.m.
Agenda includes Update on proposed financing for Lifetime Manufacturing LLC project in Technology
Park;-Community Development Interfund Loan between the Sewer Utility and TID 11.
Whitewater Municipal Building Community Room,
312 West Whitewater St., Whitewater, WI 53190
*In Person and Virtual
Citizens are welcome (and encouraged) to join our webinar via computer, smart phone, or telephone.
Citizen participation is welcome during topic discussion periods.
Please click the link below to join the
webinar: https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/247002117658863?p=Vwf7YRvvdWm1FPqIXy
Meeting ID: 247 002 117 658 863
Passcode: Hw9vS3GS
Dial in by phone
+1 929-229-5663,,357003961# United States
Phone conference ID: 357 003 961#

City of Whitewater Landmarks Commission – Wednesday @ 6:00 p.m.
Agenda
Cravath Lakefront room 2nd floor 312 West
Whitewater Str, Whitewater, WI, 53190 *In Person
and Virtual
Citizens are welcome (and encouraged) to join our webinar via computer, smart phone, or telephone.
Citizen participation is welcome during topic discussion periods.
https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/23202586736975?p=eHVV0XTtBLw8JotBs1
Dial in by phone+1 929-229-5663,,560275429# United States, New York City
Find a local number
Phone conference ID: 560 275 429#

City of Whitewater Ethics Committee – Thursday @ 5:00 p.m.
Agenda includes CLOSED SESSION, possibly followed by an open session.
Cravath Lakefront room 2nd floor 312 West
Whitewater Str, Whitewater, WI, 53190 *In Person
and Virtual
Thursday, May 07, 2026 – 5:00 PM
Citizens are welcome (and encouraged) to join our webinar via computer, smart phone, or telephone.
Citizen participation is welcome during topic discussion periods.
Join: https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/299243497556602?p=d66JqK1KgXB9zHca9Q
Meeting ID: 299 243 497 556 602
Passcode: Zm6iM7bV
Dial in by phone
+1 929-229-5663,,371327872# United States,
Phone conference ID: 371 327 872#

WHS Juniors Experience Reality Fair

This week, Whitewater High School hosted its first annual Reality Check Day for all junior level students.

This event provided an outstanding opportunity for Whitewater Unified School District students to engage in meaningful financial literacy learning through a powerful, real-world simulation. During Reality Check Day, students selected a career pathway and were assigned personal life circumstances such as marital status and family responsibilities. They then navigated a series of life stations, making financial decisions and managing a budget just as they would as adults.

This immersive experience gave students a firsthand look at the true cost of living and reinforced the importance of financial responsibility. Students quickly saw how decisions related to housing, transportation, food, and lifestyle directly impact their ability to maintain a balanced budget. The goal is for every student to walk away with a clearer understanding of how their career and life choices influence their financial future.

Reality Check Day was made possible through the support of incredible community partners who worked alongside students at each station, guiding their thinking, asking critical questions, and encouraging smart financial habits in a supportive, low risk environment.

A special thank you to Educators Credit Union for leading the event, as well as the many community volunteers who supported each station alongside our Future Business Leaders of America, Inc. (FBLA) students.

For students, the impact is both immediate and lasting. They build practical financial literacy skills, develop awareness of real-world expenses, and gain a deeper appreciation for planning ahead.

We are excited to expand this opportunity by hosting Reality Check Day at the middle school later this school year.

Thank you to:
Educators Credit Union – Victor Frasher, CUDE and Marie Toscano
First Citizens State Bank – Mallory Elsbury and Katie Lehman
University of Wisconsin-Whitewater Business Ed Student – Quinn Williams
Whitewater Police Department – Richard Ellis
New York Life – Lesley Mollner
Whitewater Area Chamber of Commerce – Karin Silvius
Fort Community Credit Union – Kendra Lozano
Affordable Towing & Repair – Lee Loveall
WUSD Future Business Leaders of America, Inc. (FBLA) Students

Article Submitted by Mike Rick
Whitewater High School Career and Technical Education Coordinator
Photos Courtesy of Tom Ganser
ricmi01@wwusd.org

Post Office Food Drive Next Saturday

For more than 30 years the National Association of Letter Carriers has sponsored the largest volunteer one day food collection effort to “Stamp Out Hunger.” Residents will be receiving postcards and/or plastic bags in the mail as a reminder of the food drive. This food drive is to help relieve shortages that food pantries experience in the spring and summer after holiday donations have been depleted. Food pantries need our help. One in eight children in the United States-approximately 13 million- are, or may, experience food insecurity. When USPS employees join with people in their neighborhoods to support local pantries, it helps hard-hit families put food on the table. Just put your nonperishable contribution in or near your mailbox on Saturday, May 9th, and your mail carrier will take the food to the Whitewater Food Pantry.

The Whitewater Community Food Pantry serves over 200 families. The generous donations and support from everyone make it possible for the food pantry to take care and provide for these families. Last year, the USPS food drive helped collect over 3200# of food for the Whitewater Community Food Pantry.

Suggested donations include peanut butter, jelly, individual packets of oatmeal, canned tuna, dried cereal, pasta sauce, soups, hygiene products, canned fruits and canned vegetables.

Our local sponsors include: Whitewater 4-H, Whitewater FFA, Richmond 4-H, LaGrange 4-H, PremierBank, Kwik Trip, Casey’s General Store, Festival Foods, The Whitewater Community Food Pantry, and The Whitewater Post Office.

For more information about Whitewater Community Food Pantry, visit facebook.com/WhitewaterFoodPantry/

Questions? Laurie Giorno, lead volunteer in Whitewater, can be reached at 262-903-9416

Citywide Garage Sale May 15-17: Banner offers free ads through the season

For many years a Citywide Garage Sale has been held on the third weekend of May. The Daily Jefferson County Union has sold ads for the sale. This year the paper told a reader that although they will continue to run ads for sales in Fort Atkinson, Jefferson and Watertown, they will no longer be doing so in Whitewater.

The Whitewater Banner has offered free garage sale ads throughout the “season,” and will continue that tradition this year. This includes the Citywide Garage Sale, May 15-17. Details of our offer are shown below.

A Banner Service: Garage Sale Ads

As a result of a reader’s comment that it’s hard to find garage sales in Whitewater now that we no longer have a weekly shopper, the Banner staff agreed to begin a complimentary “consolidated” garage sale posting that will be published by Thursday morning for the upcoming weekend’s sales. This announcement will only be for garage sales (a sale of miscellaneous household goods, often held in the garage or front yard of someone’s house) in the city and school district boundaries. We will not be accepting, for example, ads for cars or other items that are not part of a scheduled garage sale. There will be a limit of three times per year for a particular property. 

Those wishing to place a notice must send the information to whitewaterbanner@gmail.com by Wednesday at 6 p.m. You may include a brief description of the items that are for sale, the hours and days of the sale, and of course your address. A few photos may also be included if desired; we prefer jpg format if possible.