Bradford L. “Brad” Tuttle, 75, passed away on Tuesday, January 7, 2025 at Fort Memorial Hospital.
Brad was born on November 4, 1949 in Ohio to Charles and Jean (Homstad) Tuttle. Brad graduated from Warren G. Harding High School. After high school he enlisted in the United States Air Force. On August 3rd, 1974 he married the love of his life, Beth. They were happily married for 50 years. Brad was also employed by the City of Whitewater for over 30 years.
He enjoyed rooting for his Ohio State Buckeyes and Cleveland Browns with his family. He was also an avid bowler, fisherman and golfer.
Brad is survived by his wife, Beth Tuttle; children, Natalie (Allan) of Fort Myers, Florida, Erin (Steve) of Whitewater, Wisconsin, Michael of Fort Myers, Florida; and brother Mark Tuttle of Arizona.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Charles and Jean Tuttle.
A memorial service will take place at 1 PM on Saturday, January 25, 2025 at Nitardy Funeral Home in Whitewater. A visitation will take place from 11 AM until the time of service.
The Whitewater Unified School District School Board has approved a $30 million capital referendum question that will appear on the ballot Tuesday, April 1, 2025.
If approved by voters, the referendum will fund a series of improvement projects across the district’s schools. This includes replacing outdated heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems; repairing roofs; upgrading electrical and plumbing systems; replacing windows; enhancing safety and security; updating the high school auditorium; updating the auditorium space; and expanding/improving the Career and Technical Education space.
“Whitewater schools are known for providing students with an exceptional learning environment that supports their growth and potential,” said Dr. Caroline Pate-Hefty, Superintendent. “While we address facility and maintenance needs where we can, some projects exceed what our operational budget can support. This is why we will be engaging with community members about the ways a capital referendum could position WUSD for continued success.”
WUSD partnered with Bray Architects to conduct a comprehensive assessment of its facilities, identifying priority areas for improvement. The full facility report is available at https://bit.ly/WUSDfacilities.
If the referendum is approved, the projected tax impact for the 2025-26 school year would be $.47 per $1,000 of estimated fair market value for a home within the district. For a home assessed at $300,000, this would result in an increase of $141 per year ($11.75 per month).
A fall survey, conducted by an independent firm and garnering 832 responses, found that 69% of WUSD parents residing in the district said they would definitely or probably support a $32 million capital referendum. Support for a referendum among respondents who are not parents or staff was at 43%. Voter approval of at least 50% is necessary for capital referendums to be approved.
The district will share more information about its facility needs and the proposed solution in the weeks ahead. This will include a webpage featuring answers to frequently asked questions.
The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater will host the first-ever Youth Safety Summit on February 20-21, 2025, at Wilderness Resort in Wisconsin Dells.
For more than 50 years, the UW-Whitewater’s Continuing Education Services (CES) department has offered athletic, arts, academic and enrichment programs for youth. In recent years, CES has prioritized protecting and empowering youth in their camps, clinics, and events, and now leads the way in sharing expertise.
“Protecting young people, in our community, and all educational and recreational settings – especially rural and under-resourced K-12 and nonprofit organizations – is of the utmost importance,” said Corey King, chancellor at UW-Whitewater. “We must continually review, assess, and adapt our practices to stay at the forefront of youth safety. Our local partnership with Tree House Child and Family Center makes important events like this summit possible.”
The Youth Safety Summit was developed to bring experts and innovative strategies to the people who work with kids in all different settings and situations. Critical topics such as mental health awareness, digital safety, and emergency preparedness are some of the topics that will be covered. Staff at school districts and youth-serving organizations are encouraged to attend this pioneering event to strengthen our shared commitment to the well-being of the youngest members of our communities.
Staff from the Badgerland Council of Girl Scouts will be attending the summit in February.
“I know the interactive sessions and case studies at the summit will help staff build practical skills, like conflict resolution, crisis intervention, and responding to safety concerns in a proactive and culturally competent manner,” said Nick Harnish, director of education at Badgerland Council. “The team will have the opportunity to connect with other organizations and broaden our network, potentially leading to collaborations, shared resources, and innovative ideas for promoting youth safety.”
On Thursday, Feb. 20, youth leaders are invited to a pre-conference on youth mental health first aid during the morning session. The program is designed for adults who regularly interact with young people, giving them a 5-step action plan for how to help youth in crisis and non-crisis situations. Participants who successfully complete the pre-work and conference session will be certified in youth mental health first aid through the National Council for Mental Wellbeing.
The main conference begins Thursday afternoon and continues through Friday, Feb. 21. The summit will feature a keynote address on peer-to-peer abuse by Glen Pounder, the Chief Safeguarding Officer for Scouting America (formerly Boy Scouts). Additional session topics include navigating legal landscapes, responding to child abuse disclosures, and signs of child maltreatment.
Further information about the Youth Safety Summit may be found here. Registration is open at that site until February 13.
About Warhawk Camps
Since 1973, Continuing Education Services has hosted summer camps and clinics on the Whitewater and Rock County campuses. In 2023, more than 6,700 people experienced summer programming, breaking past participation records. Athletic, academic, arts, and enrichment programs are offered every summer for lifelong learners of all ages, in state-of-the-art facilities, with inclusivity, belonging, and safety as core priorities.
Registration for UW-Whitewater’s youth summer camps — where youth protection is a priority — is now open for more than 70 #WarhawkCamps. Children of all ages and abilities are welcome for summer programs ranging from game development to gymnastics, from band to basketball. For more information, visit www.uww.edu/ce/camps/.
About UW-Whitewater
At the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater we inspire, engage and transform lives. Our higher education mission began more than 150 years ago — and we now serve more than 11,000 students at our Whitewater and Rock County campuses, 90% of whom stay in the region after earning their degree. More than 170 undergraduate and graduate majors and minors are offered as well as an education specialist and a doctoral degree. The Warhawk family — led by caring faculty and staff — is devoted to student success within a broad range of academic programs. One of only four Public Colleges of Distinction in the state, the university boasts small class sizes (20:1 ratio), is ranked one of the top public universities in the Midwest by the U.S. News & World Report and is the top-ranked college in the state for serving students with disabilities.
Editor’s note: The Banner appreciates having permission to use the image on the home page by Ortrun Lenz from Pixabay.
NEW WILMINGTON, PA – Amber Krebs of Whitewater (53190), Wis., was among 345 students named to the Westminster College’s Dean’s List for the fall 2024 semester.
Krebs, majoring in Psychology, is a Whitewater High School graduate.
To qualify for the dean’s list, students must earn a GPA of 3.6 or higher.
About Westminster College: Westminster College is nationally known for its collaborative environment, outstanding experiential learning programs, focus on student success, and the effort invested in making higher education affordable and attainable to all students. Established in 1852, Westminster is proud to be the first college in the country open to all people, regardless of race, ethnicity, sex or religion from its founding charter by the Presbyterian Church (USA).
The annual lot owners and directors meeting of the Cemetery Association of Whitewater will be held in the rec. room of Blackhawk Manor, 1155 Blackhawk Ln., Whitewater on Thursday, Jan. 23, 2025 at 7:00 p.m.
Editor’s note: The above press release was provided by Lee Hollingshead.
Shown above are examples of dishes and jewelry attendees will be able to create at the Jan. 27th “Copper Enameling” class at Wisconsin Makers.
“Copper Enameling” will kick off 2025’s “Mondays@Makers” art workshops at Wisconsin Makers in Whitewater. It will take place at the community makerspace, 200 E. Clay St., from 4 to 7 p.m. on Monday, Jan. 27.
The fee is $20 plus the price of copper used, likely $1-$10 depending on the size of the piece.
Students may register by calling Chris Spangler at (920) 728- 2960 or emailing her at editorspangler@gmail.com. Payment may be made at the workshop, which is geared toward ages 10 and up.
Leading “Copper Enameling for Beginners and Beyond” is Leani Schoor of Madison.
Copper enameling is a traditional technique that involves fusing powdered glass to a copper surface at high heat to create a permanent, colorful coating. Students will be able to decorate a small dish and/or jewelry to take home that night.
Also that day, Schoor will offer “Beginning Felting.” The cost is $15, with materials included.
Schoor earned her Bachelor of Science degree in art education and master’s degree in curriculum and instruction from the University of Wisconsin- Whitewater. She taught art at Jefferson High School for 38 years.
The owner of Studio 2154 in Madison, Schoor teaches wet and needle felting, beadwork, glass fusing, cement yard art, ceramics, copper enameling, metal work and quilting. “I find inspiration for my work through nature,” Schoor said. “I transform the shapes and ideas into works of art using a variety of media.”
Mondays@Makers
Suggestions for “Mondays@Makers” classes are welcomed. “If there is a skill in the arts you are interested in learning, please let us know and we will see what we can do to help you on your journey,” Schoor said.
Located at the corner of East Clay and Wisconsin streets in Whitewater, Wisconsin Makers is a makerspace that creates an affordable, collaborative and educational environment that inspires people of all ages to becoming innovators by unlocking their skills through continual training. It has members from Jefferson, Walworth, Rock, Dane and Waukesha counties and beyond, and all have access to the workshops around the clock. The facility houses machine, welding/fabrication, electronics, automotive, 3-D printing, laser engraving and woodworking shops. It also offers pottery, ceramics, metal art, quilting, fabric arts, matting/framing and more.
The building is accessible and has off-street parking, WiFi, and many other amenities. For more information about the makerspace or workshops, contact Chris Spangler at (920)728-2960.
Editor’s note: The above press release was provided by Chris Spangler.
The following, and the image on the homepage, is from an article that was published on January 3 on Pittsburghsportsnow.com
“Jake Frantl spent four seasons at Pitt, and while he never saw the field with the Panthers, he’ll have a chance to see the field a whole lot more back home.
Frantl — 6-foot, 205-pound redshirt junior walk-on quarterback from Erin, Wisc. — transferred to Wisconsin-Whitewater (D-III) for his final season of college eligibility, he announced on social media. He entered the transfer portal last month.
It’s a big opportunity for Frantl to finish his college career on a high note after serving as a key practice quarterback for the Panthers over the last few seasons.
Wisconsin-Whitewater is coming off a 6-4 (4-3 WIAC) season, failing to qualify for the Division III playoffs. But there’s a history of major success, and the Warhawks are looking for a quarterback.
Frantl initially committed to Pitt as a preferred walk-on in 2021, arriving for the ACC title-winning season as the newest quarterback.
He didn’t see the field during his four seasons in Pittsburgh, but Frantl played an important and often unrecognized role with the team. He often served as the quarterback, spending time during practice with the position players and throwing up balls to the wide receivers and tight ends.
It can be hard for a walk-on to make an impact at his school, but Frantl is someone who made an impact with the program — and will have a chance to make an impact on the field elsewhere…..”
A woman known for recognizing others has received recognition herself.
The Fort Atkinson-Eli Pierce Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution presented Dr. Mabel G. Schumacher with its national Medal of Honor during a reception Sunday, Dec. 29, at the American Legion Dugout.
“It has come to our attention that an individual has gone above and beyond the definition of volunteer. We are here to honor her,” chapter Regent Nancy Olson said in welcoming guests. She noted that the Medal of Honor is the most prestigious recognition given by the DAR. It is presented to a United States citizen by birth who has shown extraordinary qualities of leadership, trustworthiness, service and patriotism, and only nine were given in 2023. “Congratulations Mabel. You have earned this,” Olson said in presenting a framed certificate as Chapter Treasurer Mary Narkis pinned the Medal of Honor on Schumacher’s lapel. Chapter Registrar Jessica Punzel outlined Schumacher’s many community contributions leading up to this day.
She noted that Schumacher was born in Milwaukee but moved to Whitewater with her family when she was 10 years old in 1954. The following year, in May of 1955, she was awarded as the American History Fifth-Grade Essay winner from the Eli Pierce Chapter of the DAR.
“Who would’ve thought that 70 years later, the DAR would come full circle in Mabel’s life?” Punzel said.
The co-valedictorian of Whitewater High School in 1962, Schumacher graduated from what was then the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater State Teachers College in 1968 with a bachelor’s degree in special education.
However, Punzel said, “As a freshman, Mabel was assigned to an office as a student assistant, and would meet her future husband, Vernon. They would later marry in 1984 and celebrate a wonderful 29 years together before his passing in 2013.” Schumacher earned her master’s degree in special education from UW-Whitewater in 1971 and then her doctorate with a major in reading and minor in school administration from UW-Madison in 1978.
“While furthering her own knowledge, Mabel moved to improve the education for children throughout the state. She first taught special education at Waller School in Burlington from 1968-74. When she enrolled at the University of Wisconsin-Madison to pursue her PhD, Mabel became the program assistant in the Education Department for a year. In the summer of 1975, Mabel was hired as assistant director for the Racine County Handicapped Children’s Education Board, a position that she would hold for nine years before becoming the director in 1984,” Punzel said.
After four years, Schumacher was hired as Supervisor of Student Services in the Wauwatosa School District, where she remained for two years, followed by a year at Sheboygan Area School District as the Coordinator of Special Education.
“In the summer of 1991, she was appointed to the Fort Atkinson School District as the director of instruction. And here she would stay,” Punzel said. “Mabel continued to improve students’ education in Fort Atkinson for the next 10 years before her retirement in the summer of 2001.”
Retirement brought new opportunities, she said, noting that the Schumachers moved to the Fort Atkinson area in 1993 and fell in love with the community.
“They enjoyed filling a couple of shopping carts full of food and delivering it to the Food Pantry once a month. Mabel also served as a board member and campaign co-chairperson for the United Way, and for 11 years has served as the secretary of the Tuesday Club,” Punzel shared. “She has been honored to serve as past-president and executive director of the Wisconsin Schools Public Relations Association.
“However, it was the love of our furry friends and through the Kennel Club of Fort Atkinson, where she would become a board member, treasurer and instigator,” Punzel added.
She said Schumacher’s love of animals and pride in her late husband’s service in the Air Force during World War II became the driving force for many projects she has undertaken in the community. It started in 2011, when she successfully established a human-pet drinking fountain on the Glacial River Trail in Fort Atkinson.
“But one of her greatest achievements came in 2015, when Mabel went before state Legislature to help Wisconsin acknowledge K-9 Veterans Day,” Punzel said. “Her dedication to veterans and their animal companions pushed her to succeed in the campaign, and on March 17, 2015, Wisconsin granted her proposal to recognize March 13 as K-9 Veterans Day in Wisconsin.
“Since that year, Mabel has coordinated and hosted the Fort Atkinson K-9 Veterans Day ceremony. Each year, she recognizes local K-9 handlers and their canine partners from law enforcement to the military.”
Punzel noted that Schumacher next created the War Dogs Memorial in McCoy Park, which was established through fundraising efforts by Schumacher and the Kennel Club.
“Mabel’s image for the memorial honors the 335 Wisconsin military and working dogs that have died in service or lost their lives in the line of duty, one of them being a local young man and his canine companion during the Vietnam War,” Punzel said, referring to Marine Corps Lance Corporal Terry Beck of Fort Atkinson and his German Shepherd scout dog, “Seato,” both of whom were killed in action in 1967.
And at age 80 and in only six months this year, Schumacher spearheaded, planned, fundraised and ultimately completed another McCoy Park memorial, Punzel said. “Titled ‘Worth Fighting For,’ the World War II memorial salutes both veterans and those who contributed on the home front during the war.
“The moving ceremony honored local World War II veterans who had lost their lives in the conflict and hosted five veterans and ‘Rosies’ who are still with us today. There was not a dry eye in the crowd,” Punzel recalled. She emphasized that Schumacher does not create these projects for personal recognition or glory. Rather, she does it to leave a lasting reminder for her community.
In addition, Schumacher helped establish the endowed Terry Beck Protective Services Scholarship Fund at the Fort Atkinson Community Foundation and in 2021 unveiled the Kennel Club’s “Puppy Serenade” sculpture in Rock River Park. A generous supporter of the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office and Fort Atkinson Police Department’s K-9 Units, she was presented the Fort Atkinson Community Foundation’s Making Fort Special award in 2023.
“During the time that our chapter members have come to know her, Mabel is, in one word, ‘humble.’ Her love of community and country shines through in her everyday life, and it would be hard to imagine a world without people like her,” Punzel concluded.
Also offering remarks was Master Sgt. (Retired) Dan Juday, a member of the local Disabled American Veterans, American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars organizations. “I have known Mabel for about 10 years now; we first met during one of her many civic-minded art projects,” he said. “Her drive to improve the community through recognition and visual artistry is commendable. Spearheading the K-9 Veterans Day, K-9 Veterans Memorial and World War II memorial were monumental tasks which she handled with ease.”
He noted that, thanks to Schumacher’s efforts, Wisconsin became the 13th state to recognize War Dogs Day, also known as K-9 Veterans Day.
“This was in conjunction with her devout leadership in designing, coordinating and presenting a one-of-a-kind K-9 memorial which not only honors working dogs, but also a local military working dog team,” Juday said, referring to Beck and Seato.
He said that Schumacher organizes an annual ceremony on March 13 to honor working dogs and their handlers across the state, as well as those K-9s that died during the past year. In addition, Juday said, Schumacher also has remembered those who have served in other wars, including World War II, during which her late husband, Vernon, served in Air Force. “Being a philanthropist at heart, Mabel was solely responsible in providing the City of Fort Atkinson with a truly unique World War II monument,” Juday said. “The memorial honors all who contributed in the success of the war. From veterans to Rosie the Riveters, the all- encompassing stainless-steel, hand-crafted globe stands as a point of reflection and remembrance to everyone who sees it. Her steadfast determination to bring a multitude of different perspectives and craftsmen together in a staggeringly short period of time (six months) led to a magnificent result garnering numerous accolades.”
Juday said that, throughout the years, he has witnessed Schumacher’s advocacy of all things that make a community thrive and embrace patriotism.
“Her support of our veteran community, as well as recognition of their sacrifices, has brought people from all over the country to bear witness to her truly unique vision! I am honored to have worked with Mabel on so many worthwhile projects and am blessed to have her as such a good friend. This honor bestowed upon her is undeniably fitting,” he concluded.
Schumacher said that it was with “profound humility and appreciation that I accept this wonderful honor.” She thanked all who played a role in the many projects undertaken, adding, “This day could never have happened without you.” At the very foundation of it all is the wonderful City of Fort Atkinson, Schumacher noted.
“Believe me when I tell you that Fort Atkinson is unique. I have worked places where my co-workers told me that they had lived in that community for 30 years and was still considered an outsider. I have worked in other places where it would have been considered “overstepping” if an ordinary citizen had advanced an idea for a project. If it were not scoffed at, it would have eventually been ignored.
“Fort Atkinson is a place that accepts and fosters creativity and giving,” she continued. “It is a community that allows individuals to be who they are and provides a climate that helps them thrive. I say thank you to all who made this day possible.”
At the program’s conclusion, she was delightedly surprised by a visit from two special guests: K-9s Butch and Balko and their handlers, Jefferson County Sheriff’s Deputies Dylan Agnew and Scott Gukich, respectively.
Also participating in the ceremony were DAR Vice Regent Janet Stehling, who led the Pledge of Allegiance, and DAR Chaplain Valerie Cole, who offered the invocation and benediction. Cookies and other sweet treats baked by Punzel, co-owner of the BonTon Bakery in Jefferson, were served following the ceremony.
Organized in 1899, the Fort Atkinson Chapter of DAR was one of the earliest and largest chapters in Wisconsin for many years. In 1992, it merged with the Eli Pierce Chapter, which was founded in Whitewater in 1941.
Today, chapter members reside in Fort Atkinson, Watertown, Lake Mills, Jefferson, Whitewater, Milton, Janesville and surrounding communities, as well as in several other states.
Fort Atkinson-Eli Pierce Daughters of the American Revolution Chapter members on Sunday presented Dr. Mabel Schumacher of Fort Atkinson with the national Medal of Honor. Pictured from left are: chapter member Chris Spangler, chapter member Jane Fary, chapter Regent Nancy Olson, Schumacher, chapter Treasurer Mary Narkis, Honorary State Regent Brenda Majewski of the Milwaukee chapter, chapter Registrar Jessica Punzel and chapter Vice Regent Janet Stehling. [Photos by Chris Spangler]
DAR Medal of Honor recipient Mabel Schumacher gleefully greets K-9s Butch and Balko and their handlers, Jefferson County Sheriff’s Deputies Dylan Agnew and Scott Gukich, respectively. Schumacher has spearheaded efforts to salute veterans and war dogs with monuments in Fort Atkinson’s McCoy Park.
Honoree Mabel Schumacher thanks the DAR for the Medal of Honor recognition. Seated behind her from left are Registrar Jessica Punzel, Treasurer Mary Narkis, Chaplain Valerie Cole and Vice Regent Janet Stehling.
Updated 1/13/25 @ 5:15 p.m. to add Landmarks Commission & Community Development Authority agendas.
City of Whitewater – Name draw for order in which names for the District 1 Candidates for Councilmember will appear on the April 1, 2025 election – Monday @ 5:30 p.m. City of Whitewater Municipal Building Community Room, 312 W. Whitewater St.
City of Whitewater Plan & Architectural Review Meeting – Monday @ 6:00 p.m. Agenda includes public hearing for rezoning of the properties of the Irvin L. Young Memorial Library and the City of Whitewater Municipal Building. Whitewater Municipal Building Community Room, 312 West Whitewater St. *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 join the meeting from your computer, tablet or smartphone. https://meet.goto.com/801964373 You can also dial in using your phone. Access Code: 801-964-373 United States: +1 (872) 240-3412 Get the app now and be ready when your first meeting starts: https://meet.goto.com/install
Tech Park Innovation Center Advisory Board – Tuesday @ 8:30 a.m. Agenda Whitewater Innovation Center, Innovation Drive Citizens are welcome (and encouraged) to join our webinar via computer, smart phone, or telephone. Citizen participation is welcome during topic discussion periods. Please join my meeting from your computer, tablet or smartphone. https://meet.goto.com/933404485 You can also dial in using your phone. Access Code: 933-404-485 United States: +1 (312) 757-3121 Get the app now and be ready when your first meeting starts: https://meet.goto.com/install
City of Whitewater Public Works Committee – Tuesday @ 5:00 p.m. AGENDA includes Discussion and Possible Action regarding the award of Contract 7-2024, 2025 Lead Service Line Replacement. 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://us06web.zoom.us/j/81132741505?pwd=sxJiHEeO6cs9taov1TdjHPHBAY1lyZ.1 Webinar ID: 811 3274 1505 Telephone: 1 312 626 6799 Passcode: 881506
City of Whitewater Landmarks Commission – Tuesday @ 6:00 p.m. Whitewater Municipal Building Council Chambers, 312 West Whitewater St. *In Person and Virtual Please join the meeting from your computer, tablet or smartphone. https://meet.goto.com/333590117 You can also dial in using your phone. Access Code: 333-590-117 United States: +1 (872) 240-3212 Get the app now and be ready when your first meeting starts: https://meet.goto.com/install
City of Whitewater Community Development Commission Board of Directors – Thursday @ 5:30 p.m. Agenda includes Presentation by Natalie Serna of Barista Cats Cafe post Wind Up Whitewater Municipal Building Community Room,312 West Whitewater St. You are invited to a Zoom webinar! Join from PC, Mac, iPad, or Android: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/84094887539?pwd=Ob lnNw9HjEtUTx7421cbauKmNs_zg.i3mqhkWHzCFHbB8k Passcode:647974 Phone one-tap: +13052241968,,84094887539#,,,,647974# US +13092053325,,84094887539#,,,,*647974# US Join via audio: +1 312 626 6799 Passcode:647974
